Florida Estos

The Estonian Society of Central Florida (Kesk Florida Eesti Selts) kicked off its 2013-2014 year of activities with its annual business meeting at 2:00 pm, on Sunday, November 3, 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.

KFES President Tõnu Toomepuu welcomed members. The members confirmed the agenda and elected Jaan Kuuskvere by acclamation to preside over the members’ meeting. KFES Secretary Maare Kuuskvere agreed to serve as the meeting’s secretary. The meeting continued with a tribute to the life of KFES member Heino Luts, who passed away on Sunday, October 27, 2013; Mr. Jüri Toomepuu remembered his dear friend with special remarks that are posted on this web site.

The meeting then continued with its normal order of business. Members approved the minutes of its November 4, 2012 annual meeting. KFES President Toomepuu reviewed KFES’s activities for 2012-13; he noted especially Kaie Põhi Latterner’s moving remarks and musical contributions to the KFES celebration of the 95th Anniversary of Estonian Independence, which made it KFES’s best ever. Members received the Treasurer’s report for 2012-13, and members of the Audit Committee confirmed they had audited and approved the financial statements. On motion made and seconded, the members accepted the audited financial statements for 2012-13.

Planned activities and the budget for 2013-14 were presented. In addition to KFES’s monthly luncheon meetings, highlights of the upcoming 2013-14 year include a visit by Jõuluvana on December 8, 2013; the celebration of the 96th Anniversary of Estonian Independence on February 22, 2014, with participation by The Honorable Marina Kaljurand, Ambassador of the Republic of Estonia, and Mr. Sten Schwede, Consul General of the Republic of Estonia, and music by Kaie Põhi Latterner; and a spring festival/picnic on May 4, 2014. On motion made and seconded, the members approved the plan and budget for 2013-14.

The KFES President reported the 2012-13 members of the KFES Board were willing to stand for re-election. On motion made and seconded, the Board was re-elected unanimously. There was no old business. In new business, the members discussed The Hangar Restaurant’s request that menus with up to four luncheon options be planned prior to each meeting to help The Hangar’s kitchen efficiently prepare lunch for the members’ meetings, regularly attended by 25 to 30 members. The KFES members agreed to do so and offered selections for the January 2014 luncheon menu. The meeting then adjourned and members had wonderful conversation over lunch.

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