It is essential to recognize the Latvian community’s involvement with the Cleveland Cultural Garden Federation since 1998 - not only during 2009, but also the commitment to the process of establishing the new Garden.This has included attending meetings as delegates for a potential Latvian Garden, participating in the land-parcel assignment process, and meeting with members of the Design Review Committee at least a dozen times to identify the key guidelines for establishing a new garden.Thus, before the first “official” activity of establishing the Latvian Garden on October 2006 (first phase), the preparatory tasks included

- announcing a closed competition for sculptors to participate in the proposal for the garden’s design and art

- selecting a sculptor from Latvia, and providing oversight in the creation of art

- making arrangements for site preparation and bringing containers with sculptures to US

- going to Latvia to collect soil from the four regions of the country for depositing in the Peace Garden Crypt, and obtaining a US government permit to bring soil in the US

- meeting with Cleveland City representatives to obtain permit for phase II:  dedication of  the Latvian Garden and hosting One World Day 2008

April, 2008, the Latvian garden is visited by the President of Latvia

September 14, 2008 Dedication of the second phase of the Latvian Garden

and placing of soil from Latvia in the American Legion Peace Garden Crypt

September 14, 2008 Hosting One World Day Celebration in conjunction with the Estonian and Lithuanian gardens

Fall 2008 planting of tulip bulbs provided by the Federation

November 18, 2008 laying of flowers at the Latvian flag commemorating the declaration of ndependence of Latvian state in 1918

December 2008 Holiday decorations in the garden, and 7 Latvian representatives attended the Federation’s sponsored Christmas party

2009

Made a presentation about the Cleveland Cultural Gardens at Judson Center and to a  group in Brecksville

April 2009 spring cleanup with Cleveland State University students, Earth Day

April 30, 2009 talk given about the Latvian Garden  for a Baldwin Wallace cont.ed. class

June, 2009, delivered documentation about the establishing of the Latvian Garden to the Western Reserve Historical Museum to have the material included in their archives

During summer at various times birch trees sprayed

September fall cleanup, garden decorated with plants for One World Day 2009, and had an architect evaluate the condition of deteriorating infrastructure of Doan Creek bordering the Latvian Garden

October, 2009 Provided items for the Maltz Museum exhibit and 5 members attended the opening ceremony

Secured a permit requesting to hold a brief ceremony in the Latvian Garden in commemoration of the 1918 Latvian Independence Day. The actual day is November 18th, 1918 but, after a short ceremony, the placing of a floral wreath at the base of the Latvian flag commemorated this 91st anniversary on Sunday, November 15th at 9:30 a.m.

The Latvian Garden was decorated for the year-end holidays, and 8 representatives attended the holiday dinner hosted by the Ukrainian community.

Participation with other gardens:

Members of the Latvian community have attended all One World Day celebrations since joining the Federation, including 2009, hosted by the Polish Garden

September fall cleanup, garden decorated with plants for One World Day 2009

During 2008 and 2009 members of the Latvian  community attended events sponsored/hosted by other gardens (German, Italian, Polish, Serb, Indian,Azerbaijani, Estonian,Hungarian)

Convened Cheering groups for Rite Aid Marathon races

While it has been a lengthy trip since 1998, we thank our travel companions for making it most enjoyable. And, as we welcome a New Year, we wish much success for all our Gardens, existing and planned.

Anda Cook, Primary Delegate, Latvian Cultural Garden

Join the Latvian community as they celebrate the 91st anniversary of Latvia’s Independence (November 18, 1918) at 9:30 AM on Sunday, November 15, 2009.

Latvian historian, Leide Nelmane, will offer observations on the occasion as well as giving voice to the local Latvian wishes of greetings and congratulations to Latvia on this signal occasion and accomplishment.  A wreath celebrating the occasion will be placed before the Latvian flag and pole at the Garden at 1030 MLK Jr. Drive.  On the west side of the street at the intersection with the Ansel Road exit.

Latvian President & Mrs. Valdis Zatlers with Clevelanders in Latvian dress