Monika Craig of Icard Merrill Elected to Estonian American National Council

SARASOTA, FL, November 18, 2010

Sarasota resident Monika Craig has been elected to a four year term as a council member serving on the strategic planning committee to the Estonian American National Council, Inc. (EANC). The EANC is an organization of Americans of Estonian descent who work together to preserve and perpetuate the ideals and heritage of Estonia, a former soviet republic and one of the Baltic nations in Northern Europe. Monika attended her first meeting as a council member in Baltimore, Maryland, where as one of 35 members, she participated in electing the governing board of the organization. During the election, she was selected as a board alternate.

First occupied by the Soviets in 1939, then by the Nazis, and then by the Soviets again, Estonia lived through decades of turmoil. By the end of World War II, more than one-quarter of the Estonian population had been deported to Siberia, had been executed, or had fled the country. Monika Craig, a first generation American and native Floridian, can directly attribute her American roots to the turbulent history of Estonia. Her father and stepfather fled in 1947, crossing the Atlantic in a 38-foot fishing boat with 17 adults and one child aboard. The journey took more than 80 days, with several stops along the way. The last leg tested the perseverance of the group, as they traveled from Madeira, Portugal, and crossed the Atlantic before finally reaching Miami. "I enjoy relating the story of this journey because I am in awe of what my family was able to accomplish and endure", said Monika.


Estonia Today
Since emerging from Soviet rule and declaring it's independence in 1991, Estonia has grown into a dynamic democracy and is considered one of the most economically vibrant countries in the world. With an English-fluent population, rich history, beautiful landscapes and restored capitol city of Tallinn, Estonia has become a popular tourist destination for both Americans and Europeans.

EANC Seeks to Strengthen American-Estonian Ties
Until 1991, the goal of the EANC was to serve as a voice for Estonia in America - spreading the history of the country, and helping to restore freedom to its people. In recent years, its activities have focused on strengthening the vitality of the Estonian language and culture in America. The organization also funds scholarships in Estonia and provides assistance to other social and educational programs, while it continues to help underwrite Estonian American cultural activities, schools, youth organizations and folk dance groups.

"I am proud of my Estonian heritage and my involvement with the EANC. By encouraging an on-going cultural exchange between the United States and Estonia, the organization strives to build a strong sense of community that benefits both Americans and Estonians", said Monika. "In addition to serving the EANC on a national level, I feel it's important to contribute as much as I am able at the local level". Monika is currently Vice President of the Estonian Society of Central Florida and takes an active role in promoting the Estonian culture and language locally. Her new connection with the EANC has presented her with many opportunities and challenges. Monika coordinated the efforts of an Estonian folk dancing troupe, when they performed at an Estonian event and at a local Sarasota school. She was also responsible for bringing an Estonian choir from Toronto to the area to perform for their 2010 Independence Day celebration.

Monika has also had the opportunity to meet notable Estonians who visit the United States. She met with the President, Toomas Hendrik Ilves, when he visited to lecture at USF's business school. Recently Paavo Jarvi , son of world renowned Estonian conductor, Neeme Jarvi, performed at the Van Wezel. Monika was privileged to go back stage and exchange remembrances with Paavo, a famed conductor in his own right. Perhaps surprising to some, Estonia has a military presence at Central Command at MacDill Airforce Base in Tampa. Monika and other local Estonians are invited to an annual event at MacDill hosted by military personnel from countries around the world.

Sarasota's Estonian/American Ambassador of Good Will
Monika lived in Toronto where there is a large Estonian community and still has strong ties there. She actively promotes Sarasota as an ideal destination for Estonian snowbirds. She has become the unofficial liaison for Estonians who visit from Canada, Europe and the east coast of the United States, providing information about events in the area, assisting with rental accommodations, and promoting the Sarasota lifestyle.
The involvement of Monika and her EANC colleagues goes beyond tourist-related activities. The local chapter on the west coast of Florida is currently assisting an Estonian doctor who has arrived in Gainesville where she will further her education in radiology at Shands Healthcare at the University of Florida. .

Bringing The Story of Estonia's "Singing Revolution" to Sarasota
Estonians have long been known for their love of song and dance, and song was their weapon of choice when, between 1987 and 1991, the Estonian people sought to free themselves from decades of Soviet occupation. During those years, hundreds of thousands gathered in public to sing forbidden patriotic songs and to rally for independence. This "Singing Revolution" was the catalyst that ultimately resulted in Estonia winning independence from Russia in 1991.

The movie, The Singing Revolution, chronicles this remarkable story and has had hundreds of successful screenings in theaters around the world. In 2009, Monika was instrumental in bringing the film to the Burns Court theaters - in Sarasota and the Lakewood Ranch Cinemas. The film, produced by Estonian Americans, will air on PBS stations across the U.S. beginning in January of 2011. "It's my hope that with PBS airing the film, many more Americans will understand the enormously positive impact the break-up of the Soviet Union had on Estonia and its people", said Monika.

A second film, Songs of Defiance, explores the historical impact of Estonia's Laulupidu (Song Festival), a celebration which continues to thrive, with nearly 30,000 singers on stage sharing both modern and traditional music with an audience of well over 100,000.
Estonian song and dance troupes not only perform in their native country, but also entertain audiences throughout the world. In 2009, Seattle, Washington was the site of an important Estonian American event - the U.S. West Coast Festival. Monika has approached the EANC board with the idea of an East Coast Festival, with Sarasota as the host city. Monika asks the question of the local community: "Sarasota, are you ready to play host to this group? A festival here would add to our rich culture and would have a positive economic impact."
While the EANC is an important avocation, Monika has achieved career success with the law firm of Icard Merrill, where she serves as the Assistant to William W. Merrill, III. She has been with the firm for more than 10 years.

For more information, call (941) 366-8100 or visit http://www.icardmerrill.com.