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
Florida Estos 
Leave a Reply