The Estonian American National Council (EANC) is pleased to announce the winners of its 2014 awards to honor outstanding Estonian Americans and organizations.
The EANC awards tradition was established in 2012 in conjunction with the Council’s 60th anniversary. The awards recognize the exceptional work of individuals or entities in preserving and nurturing our Estonian heritage, culture and language in the United States, or for outstanding contributions in a field of endeavor.
There are four award categories. Three categories are for individuals: for “Outstanding Achievement,” for “Distinguished Service,” and for ”Outstanding Contributions to EANC.” The fourth category is for ”Outstanding Organization.” EANC does not necessarily give awards in all four categories in any given year.
The 2014 Award Winners are:
Jaak Juhansoo: “Distinguished Service.” Juhansoo is a long-time Estonian activist and former Estonian World Council president (2007-2014). In addition to being president and honorary member of the Boston Estonian Society, he has been president and a board member of the Baltic Society of New England, treasurer and board member of the Captive Nations Commitee, an elected EANC member. He received the White Star IV Order from the Estonian government in 2007, and the Canadian–Estonian award for freedom fighting in 2003.
The Nordic Press: “Outstanding Organization.” The Nordic Press, Inc. is publisher of Vaba Eesti Sõna, the USA’s only Estonian-language newspaper. The newspaper celebrated its 65th uninterrupted year of publication on June 11, 2014. Published in New York, it serves readers across all of North America, as well as Estonia and other parts of the world. Editor have included Evald Roosaare, Erich Ernits, Harald Raudsepp, Talvi Laev, Aire Salmre, Airi Vaga, and currently Kärt Ulman. Sirje Uriko is Board Chairman of The Nordic Press, Inc.
James and Maureen Tusty: “Outstanding Achievement.” The Tustys are producers of the widely-viewed films, “The Singing Revolution” and “To Breathe As One.” James Tusty is Executive Producer and Co-Filmmaker along with his wife, Maureen, in their company Sky Films, Inc. Their most noted collaboration is the film documentary “The Singing Revolution,” which tells the story of Estonia’s non-violent massive singing demonstrations and their role in the collapse of the Soviet Union and the regaining of Estonian independence. Released in 2008, “The Singing Revolution” generated over 300 million press impressions, reached 125 North American theatrical markets, and is used as course material in schools throughout the United States. The 2014 release “To Breathe As One” showcases Estonia’s “Laulupidu” Song Festival from the perspective of the participating Piedmont East Bay (CA) Children’s Choir.
The Estonian Boy Scouts: “Outstanding Organization,” For long-time work instilling the Estonian spirit in our youth.
The Estonian Girl Guides: “Outstanding Organization,” For long-time work instilling the Estonian spirit in our youth.
Scouting has had a long tradition in Estonia, beginning in 1911. Carrying on this tradition, the Estonian Girl Guides and Boy Scouts in the USA have played an important role in involving the next generations with their Estonian heritage and traditions. The annual scouting jamborees at the scout campgrounds in Lakewood, New Jersey, are considered the highlight of the scouting year. Gunnar Tamm is the current president of the Boy Scouts, and Leena Kangro is the president of the Girl Guides.
EANC’s 2014 award winners will be honored on September 27, 2014, at a festive dinner at the Sheraton Hotel in Stamford, Connecticut. Please join us in honoring these truly outstanding individuals and organizations! Reservations for the dinner and awards ceremony are required; tickets are $65 person. Student tickets are $35. Registration and payment must be received no later than Friday, September 12, 2014.
For details about the awards and Award Dinner, contact Linda Rink, EANC’s Executive Director, at (215) 546-5863, or by email at [email protected]. The registration form is on the EANC website, www.esto-site.org, with additional information.
EANC is a non-profit 501(c)3 corporation, and is funded solely by private donations. Your generous support enables us to continue preserving Estonia’s heritage, culture and future – here in the United States and abroad.
