Links: KLB Biļetens-Novembris2013
Translates/summarized Baiba Caunite
• Latvia’s Independence 95th
Year Celebration – This Nov 18th Independence Celebration is special because
considerable time that has passed since we have first gained our independence.
Those of us, who remember the Soviet occupation, either in its early years or
later, know what that meant. But our longing for freedom remained undimmed. It
really is up to every Latvian to keep the dream of Latvia alive, today and in
the future.
• Mara Zalite,
the famous poet and playwright, calls on Latvians to examine the principles
that underlie Latvia as a nation. Writing a Preamble to the Latvian
Constitution has created controversy among Latvian citizens and non-citizens.
Imagine controversy about the USA “We the People.” Zalite reminds us that a
country is not defined or built so much on economic principles as spiritual
principles. Zalite calls on Latvia’s citizens to examine the reality around
them, to make decisions as to what kind of country they want. She reminds us
that transcendent principles are primary. Because of the economic crisis, many
have fallen into extreme negativity. But Zalite wants to rally Latvia’s people
to again regain the confidence that the original founding fathers of Latvia had
as they realized their dream. It really is not a coincidence that her play
Lacplesis has been revived at this moment. There have to be people who fight
for higher principles as the poem’s hero Lacplesis fights darkness to bring
forth light, freedom.
• Valmiera’s
theater group visits Cleveland with Anslavs Eglitis’ play, a comedy centered on
Latvian refugee life in the USA. The play shows us refugees that have
established themselves, appear to be successful but yet carry within them old
problems, old wounds still unsolved. Well-acted, a comedy of nuances, the play
shows us ourselves as we were or what we have become.
• TRIO concert –
a small but powerful group of musicians who specialize in traditional folk
songs. This group reminded the audience what rich traditions we have and that
sometimes these need to be brought forth, for we the audience gains a sense of
history again, what Latvia is really about.
• KLB invites
all Latvians to our annual Nov 18th celebration.
Date: November
16 Time: 2:00 p.m. Location: Social hall, Latvian church.
Visiting
speaker: Juris Kenins, speaking on national songs, our national soul.
Concert:
chellist Juris Kenins, violinist Peter Briedis, pianist Liga Zemesaraja.
• If you live in
Brooklyn, support Andris Celcherts in the November election in the city
government.
• Join us on Jan
26, 2014 in support of our local school. Speaker: Dr. Zalitis from Boston
presenting an illustrative and informative talk about Latvian historical
buildings.
• Join our local
literary club and keep up with the latest books from Latvia. On Nov 22, at 7
p.m. in the Green Room, our club will discuss Eriks Hanberg’s latest book on
“kolhozs”, collectivization in Latvia. Contact Maija Grendze for information.
• Fantastic
website on LNT.lv (that’s Latvijas tv) has a show called “Lab of Lies.” This
show reveals, for example, all the lies told by the Nazi and Soviet
occupations. Old films, direct quotes, historical documents are discussed by
historians. An exceptional source for all. Website: www.ltv.lv/raksts.
• Our own
Victors Straube’s book available from Maija Grendze. Please call 440-895-0647.
• If you have
not already heard, Andris Nelsons has been named Music Director of Boston’s
famous symphonic orchestra.
• During October
our Latvian community lost an eminent dental surgeon, Latvian patriot and
generous member, Andrejs Kisis. Our whole community mourns & we all extend
our sympathy to his family. His passing has left us shocked, saddened.
