Finnish Studies at the University of Toronto needs your help. To meet their obligations during 2015-2016, the Canadian Friends of Finland Education Foundation (CFFEF), founded in 1990 in support of Finnish Studies at UofT, now needs to raise a minimum of $25,000
You can help by (1) sending in a donation, (2) spreading the word and the link to your friends and acquaintances.
As a donor you can give any amount: $10, $25, $50, $100, $200, $500 or more!
Canadian donors of $25 or more will receive tax receipts, so please include your name and address with your donation.
Please visit the following website for more information:
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/preserve-finnish-studies-at-university-of-toronto#/
On Monday, Nov. 9, 2015, the CFCA hosted a talk about Amerindian loanwords that appear within the Finnish language. Dr. Harri Kettunen is a linguist from the University of Helsinki, and specializes in the native languages of the Americas, in particular those of Middle America. Over 25 CFCA members enjoyed a snack, including some delicious chocolate (a product of pre-Columbian Mesoamerica), while listening to Harri’s discussion of the origins of various words/products, and also engaged in some lively conversation following the presentation. Dr. Kettunen was in Calgary to attend the 48th Chacmool Archaeological Conference at the University of Calgary.
This weekend, the CFCA participated in the Scandinavian Centre’s annual Christmas Bazaar. Once again, the turn out was huge and the event a success. Attendees enjoyed the opportunity to purchase baked goods and crafts from across Scandinavia, as well as Finland. CFCA volunteers helped to sell out all of our delicious baked goods (pulla, piirakka, etc.) in support of the association. Attendees and volunteers also chit chatted while enjoying a lunch of delicious open-faced sandwiches, baked sweets, and coffee. We look forward to next year’s event!
Grrrrrr…. What was that?! A passing gravel truck?
Grrrrrrr…. No. That’s clearly the sound of a 747 landing at YYC.
Grrrrrrr…! Maybe a tiger, waiting in ambush, ready to pounce?
GRRRRRRRRR!!! Ah! That’s the sound of more than a dozen stomachs growling in unison at the smell of fresh-baked pulla (perhaps we would have been safer with the tiger). Who knew that one basic recipe could be so versatile? On Sunday, 25th October, at the experienced hands of the CFCA’s master bakers, the chewy, buttery, dough was coaxed into beautiful braided loaves (pulla), glistening blueberry-filled buns (mustikka pullat), and cinnamon rolls (korvapuusti). There was great attendance for this, the final baking workshop of the year. Can’t wait until the new year and new recipes!
This weekend, our members tried their hand at making Karjalan Piirakka: a specialty Finnish dish from the Karelian region. Was a great turn out of people, and the pies were delicious!
The day after a wonderful Midsummer celebration, many CFCA members once again came together over food! This time, it was to learn to bake delicious rye bread from scratch. Members worked long and hard in the hot kitchen of the Scan Centre, producing beautiful loaves of delicious bread. Additional baking workshops are planned throughout the year; so watch the “Upcoming Events” posts!
On Saturday, June 20th, 2015, the CFCA once again hosted another successful Midsummer Celebration. We booked a spot at Edworthy Park, where members young and old came together with their blankets, chairs, bbq sausages, berries, and pancakes to celebrate the summer solstice.
Despite a bit of rain late in the afternoon, the day was wonderful and even brightened by rainbows! When the clouds cleared, many of us partook in a game of Mölkky on the lawn. The competition was intense, but fun nonetheless.
On March 4, 2015, members of the CFCA met at The Block restaurant in Calgary (http://eatdrinkblock.com/) for a “Get Yourself There” event. The owners/operators of The Block are brothers Kai and Timo Salimäki, who have been very generous in their support of the CFCA. Our members had a wonderful time, enjoying many of the delicious menu offerings, including salmon gravlax, as well as indulging in some great beverages. We look forward to our next visit!
Calgary Finlandia Cultural Association 