Kotka Finnish-American Society’s (Kotka SAY) mission is to maintain friendly relations between Finland and the United States and to promote our member’s interaction between the countries in various fields.
Geographically the society operates around the Kotka-Hamina region in Southern Kymenlaakso, Finland. The society has 150 members in different coutries.
Kotkan SAY members organize popular events around the year. All members and people interested to join are warmly wellcome. Most events link to American public holidays and include delicious meals prepared by volunteers.
- The board of Kotka SAY acts as the management board of the Kotka English Kindergarden.
- The society awards stipends to Kotka high school graduates who've excelled in English language.
- Kotka SAY is a member chapter of The League of Finnish-American Societies (LFAS). on Suomi-Amerikka Yhdistysten Liiton (SAYL) jäsenyhdistys.
History
Kotka SAY was established in Oct 20th 1948. The first chairman was Veikko Huttunen, engineer. In the early years there were film showings for members in order to get acquainted with the US.
In the 1970’s the society decided to establish Kotka Kotka English Kindergarden. Many traditions that still continue today, such as the Thanksgiving lunch and the moonlight cruise some traditions began during the same decade. Samalla vuosikymmenellä perinteikkäät Thanksgiving-lounas ja kuutamoristeily saivat alkunsa.
Kotka SAY has organized the national "America Days" event in 1952 and in 1981 and hosted several American diplomatic corps’ visits to Kotka.
The honorary chairpersons of Kotka SAY are Erkki Björnman and Kai Holmberg.
*The logo of the society was made by Erkki Sandberg in 1982.
THE Board FOR 2016
Chairperson
Ulla Hovi
Vice-chairperson
Anita Salomaa-Härkisaari
Secretary
Soili Kalliomaa
Financial Manager
Kirsi Hovikorpi
Other board members
Ville Länsimies
Olli Karttunen
Seija Ollila
Marianne Wainio
Danielle Forrester
Mira Mäenkaski
Heidi Noponen
Accounting Administrator (external)
Helena Parila