Florida Estos

More than 60 members of the Estonian Society of Central Florida (Kesk Florida Eesti Selts) gathered on Saturday, February 25, 2012, to celebrate the 94th anniversary of Estonian independence. Once again a program and luncheon were enjoyed at the Countryside Country Club in Clearwater, Florida. The program included an opening prayer by the Reverend Priit Rebane, welcome by KFES President Tõnu Toomepuu, poetry reading by KFES member-at-large Triin Karr, keynote speech by KFES and ERKÜ member Jüri Linask, remembrance of our fallen heroes by KFES member Jüri Toomepuu, and concluding remarks by KFES and ERKÜ member Kersti Linask. The loterii was facilated by KFES members Marju Cabrera and Ingrid Shipotofsky. Lovely table decorations were prepared by KFES members Tiiu Slankis and Geri Raja. During the program, musician Kaia Põhi Latterner led the audience in the singing of Mu Isamaa Armas, Puhage Paremad Pojad and the Estonian National Anthem. During the luncheon, Kaia led everyone in a group sing-along.

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On February 18, 2012, Kati Rausberg (Tallinast) was recognized for scoring more than 1,000 points in her Eckerd College women’s basketball career. During halftime of the men’s game, Kati was called out to center court. Kati’s Estonian fans were also called onto the court for a special photograph. Visiting from Estonia were Kati’s mother and brother, Reet and Mattias Rausberg, and Kati’s friends Mari and Kaia. Missing from the photo, also visiting from Estonia, were Virko and family friend Epp Jurme. Members of the local Estonian community – Lisa Mets and Erkki Taada and Maare and Jaan Kuuskvere – also attended. To read more about Kati’s fabulous basketball career at Eckerd College, visit Eckerd Tritons. Kati is a senior majoring in management and will be graduating in May 2012. These past two years Kati has been an active member of the Estonian Society of Central Florida. Kati will return to Estonia this summer to play in the European championships.

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More than a dozen members of the Estonian Society of Central Florida (Kesk Florida Eesti Selts) met Sunday, February 5, 2012, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm at The Hangar Restaurant and Flight Lounge, located at the Albert Whitted Airport in downtown St. Petersburg, 540 1st St SE, St Petersburg, FL 33701, telephone 727-823-7767. Members were encouraged to use this opportunity to pay their 2012 annual membership dues ($15 per person) and to make their reservations for the luncheon celebration of the 94th Anniversary of Estonian Independence. Lisa Mets, Chair of the KLENK 2011 Planning Committee, also presented a final report on KLENK 2011. In gratitude for the support the associations received from ERKÜ as they began to plan the program, both the Estonian Society of Central Florida (Kesk Florida Eesti Selts) at this meeting and the Estonian National Association of South Florida (Lõuna Florida Eestlaste Koondis) at its own meeting voted to send a donation to the Estonian American National Council (ERKÜ) from proceeds from KLENK registrations. KFES members were enthusiastic about the outcomes of KLENK 2011 and encourage the Estonian Society of Central Florida (Kesk Florida Eesti Selts) to continue participation in events of this nature in the future.

KFES members also voted to support Vaba Eesti Sõna by placing an ad in the paper’s upcoming special edition congratulating Estonia on its 94th anniversary of independence.

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