More than 60 members and friends of the Estonian Society of Central Florida/Kesk Florida Eesti Selts gathered to celebrate the 105th Anniversary of Estonian Independence/Eesti Vabariigi Aastapäev 105 on Sunday, February 26, 2023, in the ballroom at Feather Sound Country Club in Clearwater, Florida.
We were especially delighted to greet new friends who, coincidentally, are Estonian Canadian compatriots working in the Tampa area or visiting here as snowbirds or otherwise. A warm welcome to the Rukholm family: Matti and Vanessa and their two children Quinn and Mia, who now live in Tampa, together with Toivo and Ellen Rukholm visiting from Canada. We also extend a warm welcome to Maret and Rein Pajo and Uno and Luule Tiisler, also from Canada.
It was a treat to welcome back our returning KFES snowbirds: the Märtin Vaikmaa and Sunne Säre family with Etta and Otto from Eesti, Anu Nerska from Canada, and Märt and Ulve Nurmet from Texas. We also extend a warm welcome back to our members and friends who drive the extra mile to attend our celebrations: Virve-Kai Bulla from The Villages, Anu and Mario Christo and Helen Tammela from Orlando, and Rein and Goodie Männik and Aino and Ants Tomson from Naples (FL).
The afternoon’s celebratory and engaging program included participation from many KFES members: our vocalists Birgit and Vincent Delaidatti, KFES Vice President/Acting President Moonika Mägi, KFES Secretary Triin Karr, Urve Põhi, and Helen Tammela. The drawings for the loterii were graciously led by Chloe and Reet-Regina Cabrera and assisted by Moonika Mägi and Triin Karr. The highlight of the program was our guest speaker: Kaie Põhi Latterner, Estonian Honorary Consul in Florida, one of our most active KFES leaders, and our KFES musical director. Not only did Kaie move us with her remarks, she delighted us with her musical accompaniment throughout the afternoon. The afternoon came to a close with the now traditional KFES members’ dancing of the perekonna valss and group photo on the balcony. Please enjoy the photos below.
By the way, additional KFES EVA 105 photos may be found on our Facebook page. The Estonian Society of Central Florida/Kesk Florida Eesti Selts has a wonderful Facebook account. You may find the account by searching this name: Kesk Florida Eestlased. To enhance security features for our Facebook account members, Kesk Florida Eestlased is a private account that asks you to click on a link to join. The account is managed by KFES member Birgit Delaidatti, and she will respond to requests from prospective followers. Thank you, Birgit, for this wonderful service to Estonian Society of Central Florida/Kesk Florida Eesti Selts members!
Florida Estos 