The last monthly luncheon and meeting of the Estonian Society of Central Florida (Kesk Florida Eesti Selts) before the summer break was held Sunday, May 6, 2012, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm at The Hangar Restaurant and Flight Lounge.
Our featured speaker was Ms. Kati Rausberg (Tallinnast), an international business and management major and member of the women’s basketball team at Eckerd College. Kati, who is graduating from Eckerd College on May 20, 2012, will be leaving us to return to Estonia. Kati, who has been participating in Estonian Society of Central Florida (KFES) activities these past two years, described how she made her way to Eckerd College and St. Petersburg. Playing basketball “her whole life,” Kati has always been interested in pursuing a professional basketball career. She knows too, though, the value of a college education. At Eckerd College, Kati found a way to play basketball — where she broke school 3-point shot percentage and scoring records — and earn her bachelor’s degree in international business and management. When Kati returns to Estonia this summer, she will be playing in the European championships. She also hopes to secure an agent and begin her professional basketball career. Asked about her long-term plans, Kati leaves the door open to return to the United States to earn a master’s degree. In closing, Kati thanked members for welcoming into our Estonian community her and her family members and friends who visited her here. We all made Kati feel like she was a member of our family. Members celebrated Kati with a graduation cupcake cake and delivered a personalized graduation card to her at the conclusion of the meeting. We will miss Kati and wish her well. Kati hopes members visiting Estonia will look her up so she may welcome us there in return for our kindnesses here.
Although the Estonian Society of Central Florida (Kesk Florida Eesti Selts) is not scheduled to meet again until October 7, 2012, stay tuned to informal activities that will be taking place in the summer season. Those of us weathering the summer in the Tampa Bay region will likely gather to celebrate Jaanipäev in mid-June. We will send notice by email when we pull together our plans. If you would like to participate in planning our Jaanipäev celebration, please “Leave a comment” on this blog.
Ms. Silva Jensen, who recently received a copy of the film The Great Waltz starring Miliza Korjus, one of Estonia’s most famous operatic singers, invites members to join her for a screening on Sunday, July 15, 2012. If you are interested in attending, please send Silva an email at sjensen5@verizon.net.
Florida Estos 
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