May 26–27, 2025 will go down in the history of Estonian Rotary as an exceptional event – for the first time in over 20 years, Rotary International President Stephanie Urchick visited Estonia. This official visit brought into focus the core values of Rotary and the dedicated efforts of Estonian Rotarians in advancing communities and promoting peace.
The Heart and Soul of the Visit – District Governor Aune Past
The organizational and symbolic center of the visit was District Governor Aune Past, whose warm leadership and thorough preparation enabled a two-day program that was intense, dignified, and full of substance.
Estonian Rotary on the International Stage
During the visit, President Urchick met with several key representatives of the Estonian state and society:
- The President of the Republic, Alar Karis, hosted the guest in Kadriorg.
- Minister of Social Affairs, Karmen Joller, met the delegation at the Ministry of Social Affairs (“Superministry”) to discuss mental health and the End Polio initiative.
- Director General of the Police and Border Guard Board (PPA), Egert Belitšev, received the delegation at PPA headquarters.
The meetings addressed global issues such as peace, health, security, and community service. In addition to the Director General, the PPA delegation included Head of the Canine Service Helen Kommussar, dog handler Risto Kotkas, and service dog Maik.
Symbolic Moments: Choir Singing, Old Town Tour, and Tree Planting
The visit began on a musical note – the Tallinn Rotary Club mixed choir welcomed the President with a song at the harbor. The delegation took a walking tour through Tallinn’s UNESCO-listed Old Town, dined at Restaurant Dominic, and planted a tree in Kanuti Garden near the Paul Harris oak.
RI President Stephanie Urchick and DG Aune Past plant the tree in Kanut Park near the Paul Harris Oak.
President Stephanie Urchick and Estonian Rotarians at the same site where Paul Harris planted the oak tree in 1932.
Rotarians from nearly all Rotary clubs in Estonia participated in the planting, bringing together a diverse and unified community. The chosen tree was a ‘Drummondii’ Norway Maple, symbolizing growth, diversity, and sustainability – values at the heart of Rotary’s mission.
‘Drummondii’ Norway Maple – A Symbol of Vibrancy and Strength
The ‘Drummondii’ Norway Maple belongs to the soapberry family and the maple genus. It grows 10–12 meters tall and 6–10 meters wide, forming a dense, broad crown. In spring, its leaves display pink, yellow, and cream tones, later turning green with creamy edges; flowers are golden yellow. The tree prefers sunny locations, tolerates various soils and drought, and is frost-resistant. It matures in about 20 years. To maintain its variegated appearance, all purely green branches must be pruned.
Recognition and a Heartfelt Dinner
The highlight of the first day was a joint meeting and dinner featuring distinguished speakers and recognitions:
Speeches and Topics:
- Opening and moderation – Gunnar Toomemets
- Welcome speech “The Magic of Rotary” – Aune Past
- President Urchick’s address – an overview of Rotary’s global vision and her impressions of Estonia
- Rotary for Peace and Women in Rotary – discussions on Rotary’s impact and inclusiveness
- Open microphone – participants shared words of gratitude and reflections
Recognitions:
- The highest Rotary Service Award of Finland and Estonia – Sirje Somelar, Tallinn Hansa RC
Paul Harris Fellow (PHF) awards:
- Jere Jantunen, Lohja RC
- Heldur Allese, Saaremaa RC
- Kaupo Nõlvak, Tallinn Vanalinn RC
- Neinar Seli, Tartu RC
- Ellen Tohvri, Tartu Hansa RC
- Marion Isabelle Varik, Tallinn Reval RC
- Silvi Grigorjeva, Tallinn Reval RC
Restaurant MEKK, with Head Chef Rene Uusmees, catered dinner. The evening unfolded in a festive and inspiring atmosphere.
Thank You to All Contributors!
Special thanks to the team and supporters who made the event a success: Lexus Estonia, Restaurant MEKK, photographer Tiit Mõtus, and the key members of the organizing team: Ain Käpp, Gunnar Toomemets, Heldur Allese, Irmeli Viherluoto-Lindström, Kaupo Nõlvak, Marit Mikson, Sirje Sirita Somelar, Urmas Kahar, Viktor Hütt, and Virpi Honkala.
Estonian Rotary – Strong, Growing, and Visible
This visit confirmed that Estonian Rotary is an inspiring part of the global Rotary family. The work done here does not go unnoticed – on the contrary, it sets an example.
Rotary IS magic. And Estonian Rotary is living proof of that.
