Florida Estos

PLEASE JOIN US FOR OUR NEXT LUNCHEON MEETING NOVEMBER 3, 2013

The Estonian Society of Central Florida (Kesk Florida Eesti Selts) kicks off its 2013-2014 year of activities with its annual business meeting at 2:00 pm, on Sunday, November 3, 2013. Please join us for lunch and our meeting at The Hangar Restaurant and Flight Lounge, 540 1st St SE, St. Petersburg, Florida 33701; telephone: (727) 823-7767. The restaurant, with a varied affordable menu, is conveniently located at The Albert Whitted Airport, and parking is free and accessible.

Members of the KFES Board and Audit Committee meet to plan the business meeting scheduled for November 3, 2013.

For information about the Kesk Florida Eesti Selts, please contact:
Mr. Rein Raja at (727) 866-2614, raja77@verizon.net
or
Ms. Maare Kuuskvere at (941) 795-6835, jaank@verizon.net

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The Estonian Society of Central Florida (Kesk Florida Eesti Selts) resumed its activities after its summer break on Sunday, October 6, 2013 at The Hangar Restaurant and Flight Lounge, 540 1st St SE, St. Petersburg, Florida 33701; telephone: (727) 823-7767. The restaurant, with a varied affordable menu, is conveniently located at The Albert Whitted Airport, and parking is free and accessible.

Nearly 24 members gathered together as they continue to await the return of their snowbird friends who are still scattered about across the United States, Canada and Estonia.

Pastor Priit Rebane began the meeting in remembrance and prayer for two recently departed and much beloved members: Mr. Evald Stein and Mr. Jack Shine. Our deepest sympathies are extended to their wives and families.

Lisa Mets, Honorary Consul of Estonia and KFES Vice President, shared celebratory information: (1) the appointment of Ms. Anu Tali as music director and conductor of the Sarasota Orchestra; (2) the announcement that The Honorable Marina Kaljurand, Ambassador of the Republic of Estonia to the United States, and Mr. Sten Schwede, Consul General of Estonia in New York City, will be participating in the celebration of the 96th Anniversary of Estonian Independence by the Estonian Society of Central Florida (Kesk Florida Eesti Selts) on Saturday, February 22, 2014, from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm at the Countryside Country Club in Clearwater, Florida; stay tuned to this website for information about luncheon reservations; (3) the opportunity for KFES members to purchase discounted tickets to join Ambassador Kaljurand and Mr. Schwede in reserved seating at the Friday, February 21, 2014, 8:00 pm performance of the Sarasota Orchestra conducted by Ms. Tali in the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall in Sarasota; and (4) the upcoming tour of the Eesti Riiklik Sümfooniaorkester, which includes performances in Florida between November 13 and 17, 2013. KFES especially thanks ERSO for the beautiful brochures and CDs promoting their orchestra.

KFES was delighted to welcome two special guests to their luncheon: Professor Lembit Nei and his wife Sandra. Professor Nei is a visiting professor at the University of South Florida St. Petersburg (USFSP). He is on leave from his position at Tartu College of Tallinn University of Technology. We look forward to getting well acquainted with the Nei family over the next six months.

KFES Board Member-at-Large Triin Karr and Treasurer Rein Raja

Geri Raja and Erkki Taada

KFES Secretary Maare Kuuskvere and EANC Member Monika Orumaa Craig

KFES President Tõnu Toomepuu and Pastor Priit Rebane

KFES Members

KFES Members

Pastor Priit Rebane

KFES Members

KFES Members

KFES Members

KFES Special Guests: Professor and Mrs. Lembit and Sandra Nei

Geri Raja, Triin Karr and Rein Raja

Ants Leinjärv, Erkki Taada and Lembit Nei

Ants Leinjärv, Erkki Taada, Lembit Nei and Sandra Nei

For information about the Kesk Florida Eesti Selts, please contact:
Mr. Rein Raja at (727) 866-2614, raja77@verizon.net
or
Ms. Maare Kuuskvere at (941) 795-6835, jaank@verizon.net

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Taps have sounded for a longtime member of the Estonian Society of Central Florida: our good friend Jack Shine.

Taps always sound sad, but they are especially sad when they sound for a wonderful man and a good friend.

I had the pleasure and privilege to know Jack and his wife Kaari for many years. Together we were members of the Chicago Estonian House mixed marriage group. Every month we met at each other`s house for a wonderful dinner party and together we put on many memorable events for the benefit of the members of the Estonian House.

Jack served his country with great distinction as a United States Marine. After he retired as a Colonel, he remained active in military affairs as a member of the Military Officers Association of America.

Jack and Kaari Shine at a KFES luncheon, January 6, 2013

As we mourn our friend we find consolation in the goodness that was created by everything his life touched and the wonderful memories that he left for us.

Jüri Toomepuu

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