Lasva Community Center Celebrates 50 Years of Activity
On International Women's Day, March 8, Lasva Community Center celebrated its 50th anniversary. It was on this day in 1975 that the first party took place at Lasva Community Center.
160 people participated in the anniversary celebration at Lasva Community Center. The party began with a concert by the Lasva Men's Choir dedicated to women. Following this, the cultural organizer of Lasva Community Center, Sirje Kuuseorg, delivered a speech in which she recalled previous managers of the community center throughout her 43 years of experience and memories, as well as the fulfillment of her 23 years of work at the community center. "50 years is just the beginning for one house—we look towards the future with joy and optimism together. Our community center, with its daily activities and new initiatives, is always open to being the hub of cultural life," concluded Kuuseorg in her speech.
Kalmer Puusepp, the Mayor of Võru County, expressed his joy at seeing a sense of community and unity in Lasva, stating that such events are most heartfelt to him. The mayor highlighted the importance of individuals in the community center who bring performers and audience members to the stage. In his speech, he thanked those who have given life to Lasva Community Center—both past employees and managers, as well as those currently keeping the spirit alive—Sirje Kuuseorg and Maarika Helde. Puusepp also emphasized an important local event, Lasva Lake Music, organized by Lasva Community Center. The mayor also thanked those who create and attract the public to events and engage community members in organizing them. "Long live Lasva Community Center," he exclaimed in conclusion.
The celebration continued with congratulations from guests, recognition, and festive moments. Kristi Vals, a cultural specialist from the Võru County Development Center, congratulated Lasva Community Center and also presented the Estonian Community Centers Union certificate to Lasva Community Center for its 50th anniversary. "The contribution of Lasva Community Center to our county's cultural life, whether creative, organizational, or community-building, has been remarkable. Lasva Community Center has been home to many groups, some for more than a few decades. The current team has kept the center open and organized activities for over 22 years. Their smart and dedicated cultural organization has made Lasva Community Center a prominent place where a diverse program brings people together from across the county. You are a good example of open cooperation in organizing county-wide events and preserving our important traditions," said Vals.
Aigi Pall, a folk culture specialist from the Estonian Traditional Culture Center, presented Lasva Community Center with a certificate of thanks from Kalle Vister, the director of the Estonian Traditional Culture Center, for their long-standing contribution to preserving and promoting folk culture. Pall stated that Lasva Community Center is a great partner for collaboration, always open for hosting regional events. This year, on May 1, Võrumaa Theater Day will take place at Lasva Community Center.
Warm words were also expressed to the employees of Lasva Community Center and the active groups by Maarika Rosenberg, the director of the Võru County Culture and Youth Work Center, and Anneli Lõhmus, the cultural organizer at Vastseliina Community Center. Congratulations were also extended by Lasva Kindergarten Pargihaldjas and the groups of Lasva Community Center.
Recognized
ETCrS (Estonian Folk Dance and Folk Music Union) certificates of thanks and service insignia:
- Pille Täht, Margit Kelp, Tatjana Treier, and Katrin Piirisild—more than 30 years of folk dancing in the women's group Vurr
- Anu Org and Siret Väär—over 20 years of folk dancing in the women's group Vurr
Thanks from the Võru County Culture and Youth Work Center for contribution to enriching cultural life at Lasva Community Center:
- Lasva Men's Choir (conducted by Jane Reiljan-Prätz)
- Lasva Women's Group Vurr (conducted by Ulvi Toomik)
- Lasva Mixed Group (conducted by Ulvi Toomik)
- Lasva Senior Dance Group Tatsujad (conducted by Jelena Nurk)
- Lasva Community Center theater group Häänali (conducted by Pille Täht)
- Lasva Community Center theater group Näitelust (conducted by Pille Täht)
Thanks from the Võru County Culture and Youth Work Center for long-term work and contribution to the activities of Lasva Community Center:
- Maarika Helde, Üllar Ojaveer, Ülo Täht, Anti Kaaristo
Thanks from the Võru County Culture and Youth Work Center for long-term work and contribution to Lasva Community Center:
- Sirje Kuuseorg, who has completed 23 years of work at Lasva Community Center this year
Certificates of thanks from the Estonian Traditional Culture Center:
- Lasva Community Center for long-term contribution to preserving and promoting folk culture
- Women's folk dance group Vurr, Lasva Mixed folk dance group, and theater group Näitelust—active for over 20 years
- Women's folk dance group Vurr and Lasva Community Center Mixed folk dance group conductor Ulvi Toomik—30 years of guiding folk dancers at Lasva Community Center
- Lasva Community Center Senior Dance Group Tatsujad conductor Jelena Nurk—seven years as the conductor of Lasva Community Center Senior Dance Group Tatsujad, serving as an example and inspiration to the community
- Lasva Men's Choir conductor Jane Reiljan Prätz—13 years as the conductor of Lasva Men's Choir
- Lasva Community Center theater groups Häänali and Näitelust conductor Pille Täht—for dedication, time, and energy given to the community center and the community over 20 years
- Lasva Community Center Hostess Maarika Helde—over 18 years of dedicated work as the hostess of Lasva Community Center
- Lasva Community Center Cultural Organizer Sirje Kuuseorg—for long-term contribution to preserving and promoting folk culture
After the event, Lasva Community Center's cultural organizer, Sirje Kuuseorg, stated that congratulations and certificates give peace of mind and strength, reaffirming that the center's activities are valuable. "Let's keep creating even more memorable moments together in the future," said Kuuseorg.
The anniversary celebration featured live music by the Cantare band. Similar to the first parties at Lasva Community Center decades ago, a quiz was part of the anniversary event program, compiled by Sirje Kuuseorg based on questions from fifty years ago. The quiz was conducted by the host Kristi Vals. In fact, the questions were the same as back then. A popular attraction at the event was the Fotopeegel photo mirror. Attendees could immediately print out the photos as a memento in the anniversary celebration album. The entire event and festive atmosphere were captured by Tiina Männe.
Following the tradition, a celebratory cake was cut and served, brought as a gift from Võru County. The jubilant spirit of Lasva Community Center's anniversary will carry over to the upcoming events of this season at the community center, where attendees can enjoy the cake. Everyone is welcome to the events at Lasva Community Center!
May the next 50 years be full of radiance, warmth, and inspiration—because culture thrives where there are people who love it!
