ESTONIAN SOCIETY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA/KESK FLORIDA EESTI SELTS (KFES) CELEBRATED THE 106TH ANNIVERSARY OF ESTONIAN INDEPENDENCE ON FEBRUARY 18, 2024, IN CLEARWATER, FLORIDA
On Sunday, February 18, 2024, more than 90 members and friends of the Estonian Society of Central Florida/Kesk Florida Eesti Selts (KFES) gathered at Feather Sound Country Club in Clearwater, Florida, to celebrate the 106th Anniversary of Estonian Independence. Click on the individual photos in this website to enter a full size photo gallery in each section.
Members of the Kesk Florida Eesti Selts offered our program elements. We were honored to welcome Mr. Margus Särglepp, Deputy Chief of Mission, Estonian Embassy in Washington, DC, as our keynote speaker. You may read the text of Mr. Särglepp’s remarks in Sirje Kiin’s Estonian write-up of our program published in our US and Canadian Estonian newspapers, Vaba Eesti Sõna (New York) and Eesti Elu (Toronto), February 29, 2024, editions.
Kaie Põhi Latterner, Estonian Honorary Consul in Florida, leads us through the afternoon program. Kesk Florida Eesti Selts EVA 106. 18. veeb. 2024. Clearwater, FL. Foto: Lisa A. MetsMoonika Orumaa offers the invocation. Kesk Florida Eesti Selts EVA 106. 18. veeb. 2024. Clearwater, FL. Foto: Lisa A. MetsVincent and Birgit DeLaidatti lead us in singing Hoia Jumal Eestit. Kesk Florida Eesti Selts EVA 106. 18. veeb. 2024. Clearwater, FL. Foto: Lisa A. MetsSirje Kiin, representing the Estonian American National Council (ERKÜ), shares what the Estonian flag means to her. Kesk Florida Eesti Selts EVA 106. 18. veeb. 2024. Clearwater, FL. Foto: Lisa A. MetsVirve-Kai Bulla leads us in the commemoration of Estonian fallen heroes. Kesk Florida Eesti Selts EVA 106. 18. veeb. 2024. Clearwater, FL. Foto: Lisa A. MetsOur keynote speaker: Margus Särglepp, Deputy Chief of Mission, Estonian Embassy in Washington, DC. Kesk Florida Eesti Selts EVA 106. 18. veeb. 2024. Clearwater, FL. Foto: Erkki TaadaOur keynote speaker: Margus Särglepp, Deputy Chief of Mission, Estonian Embassy in Washington, DC. Kesk Florida Eesti Selts EVA 106. 18. veeb. 2024. Clearwater, FL. Foto: Erkki TaadaKaie Põhi Latterner, Estonian Honorary Consul in Florida, thanks our keynote speaker, Margus Särglepp, Deputy Chief of Mission, Estonian Embassy in Washington, DC. Kesk Florida Eesti Selts EVA 106. 18. veeb. 2024. Clearwater, FL. Foto: Erkki TaadaRein Männik and Anneliis Kuusik, accompanied by Kaie Põhi Latterner, lead us as we sing Peeter Kopvillem’s moving Läbi päeva ja öö. Kesk Florida Eesti Selts EVA 106. 18. veeb. 2024. Clearwater, FL. Foto: Lisa A. Mets
Though Feather Sound Country Club offered us several meal choices, it was no surprise that the salmon entree was the favorite among our members. Seawater flows in our veins, kas ei? The meal was punctuated by Estonian chocolate, homemade kringel and a rhubarb cake, and a celebratory cake. Thank you Moonika Mägi, Inne Joonsar, Sirje Kiin and Virve-Kai Bulla for our homemade kringel and rhubarb cake. Such choices we had to make!
Magustoiduks Eesti shokolaad ja kringel! Oi, kui maitsev! (For dessert, Estonian chocolate and kringel. Oh, how tasty!) Kesk Florida Eesti Selts EVA 106. 18. veeb. 2024. Clearwater, FL. Foto: Lisa A. MetsMagustoiduks ka kook! And a cake for dessert too! Kesk Florida Eesti Selts EVA 106. 18. veeb. 2024. Clearwater, FL. Foto: Lisa A. MetsNathan Pajusalu helps us contemplate just how good Estonian candy might be. Kesk Florida Eesti Selts EVA 106. 18. veeb. 2024. Clearwater, FL. Foto: Lisa A. Mets
And it wouldn’t have been a proper celebration without our celebratory toast to Estonian Independence! Thank you to Tõnu Toomepuu once again for generously sponsoring our bubbly!
Birgit and Vincent DeLaidatti and Urve Põhi share a toast to Eesti. Kesk Florida Eesti Selts EVA 106. 18. veeb. 2024. Clearwater, FL. Foto: Lisa A. MetsMärt and Elle Rosenberg toast Eesti! Kesk Florida Eesti Selts EVA 106. 18. veeb. 2024. Clearwater, FL. Foto: Erkki Taada
Donations from our KFES members filled the loterii table. In fact, there were so many contributions, nearly everyone made a trip to the table to choose a gift. KFES Secretary Triin Karr led the loterii, ably assisted by Helen Tammela and Marju Dishmey and her twin daughters Marmeelia and Karneelia. At our invitation, members brought copies of their favorite Estonian recipes to share and those filled a table too! We always seem to take home more than good memories following a KFES event.
Our well endowed loterii table. Thank you for your donations! Kesk Florida Eesti Selts EVA 106. 18. veeb. 2024. Clearwater, FL. Foto: Lisa A. MetsLeading the loterii–KFES Secretary Triin Karr, Helen Tammela and Marju Dishmey assisted by twins Karneelia and Marmeelia. Kesk Florida Eesti Selts EVA 106. 18. veeb. 2024. Clearwater, FL. Foto: Erkki TaadaOur table of yummy Estonian recipes. Kesk Florida Eesti Selts EVA 106. 18. veeb. 2024. Clearwater, FL. Foto: Lisa A. MetsMoonika Mägi, Helen Tammela and Kaie Põhi Latterner ask us: Does the t-shirt get it right? Kesk Florida Eesti Selts EVA 106. 18. veeb. 2024. Clearwater, FL. Foto: Erkki TaadaMia Rukholm models her loterii-winning shawl which Piret Komi knitted for this special occasion. Kesk Florida Eesti Selts EVA 106. 18. veeb. 2024. Clearwater, FL. Foto: Lisa A. Mets
It was an uncharacteristic rainy day for us in Florida as we celebrated Estonian independence. That makes the life of our photographer, Erkki Taada, just a little more fun! Though he was out in the rain, everyone posed under cover on the second floor balcony. None of Erkki’s photo-taking postures are easy!
Standing in the rain, our photographer Erkki Taada patiently waits for the goup to assemble under the covered balcony. Kesk Florida Eesti Selts EVA 106. 18. veeb. 2024. Clearwater, FL. Foto: Urve PõhiLisa Mets provides photographer Erkki Taada a little cover from the rain. Kesk Florida Eesti Selts EVA 106. 18. veeb. 2024. Clearwater, FL. Foto: Urve PõhiIt isn’t easy being our KFES photographer. Ludmila Stelmokene catches Erkki Taada in action! Kesk Florida Eesti Selts EVA 106. 18. veeb. 2024. Clearwater, FL. Foto: Ludmila Stelmokene
Celebrating Estonian independence is a solemn and celebratory occasion that calls for traditional dress and reminders of home. Thank you Jae Hee Toomepuu and Virve-Kai Bulla for adorning our day with your special traditional Estonian dresses.
Jae Hee Toomepuu and Virve Kai Bulla help make this a very special occasion with their traditional Estonian dresses. Kesk Florida Eesti Selts EVA 106. 18. veeb. 2024. Clearwater, FL. Foto: Lisa A. MetsOur lovely centerpiece, prepared by Anneliis Kuusik, Triin Karr, Helen Tammela, Moonika Mägi, and Birgit DeLaidatti. Kesk Florida Eesti Selts EVA 106. 18. veeb. 2024. Clearwater, FL. Foto: Lisa A. Mets
It takes a lot of work to organize a special event like today. We thank all those who participated in our program, contributed to our dessert- loterii- and recipe tables, made our beautiful table decorations, and managed the administration that makes an event like this possible. We pause a moment now to extend our profound gratitude to two KFES leaders who deserve special mention, KFES Treasurer and Acting President Heikki Joonsar and KFES Vice President Inne Joonsar. They greet us at the door and are the last ones to send us home.
Our extraordinary KFES leaders–Treasurer and Acting President Heikki Joonsar and Vice President Inne Joonsar. Kesk Florida Eesti Selts EVA 106. 18. veeb. 2024. Clearwater, FL. Foto: Erkki Taada
Please enjoy these photos from the day’s collection. We hope we captured you all in this blog!
Gudrun and Rein Männik and Aino and Ants Tomson. Kesk Florida Eesti Selts EVA 106. 18. veeb. 2024. Clearwater, FL. Foto: Lisa A. MetsTõnu Toomepuu and Liz Williams, Luule and Uno Tiisler, and Jüri and Jae Hee Toomepuu. Kesk Florida Eesti Selts EVA 106. 18. veeb. 2024. Clearwater, FL. Foto: Lisa A. MetsHelen Tammela and Moonika Mägi. Kesk Florida Eesti Selts EVA 106. 18. veeb. 2024. Clearwater, FL. Foto: Lisa A. Mets(back) Erkki Taada, Lisa A. Mets and Rein Männik. (seated) Gudrun Männik and Piret Komi. Kesk Florida Eesti Selts EVA 106. 18. veeb. 2024. Clearwater, FL. Foto: Einar MedriBrand new guests today are Melba and Matti Kert with their granddaughter seated in the middle with their daughter Rebecca Kert and son-in-law Rob Neumann. Kesk Florida Eesti Selts EVA 106. 18. veeb. 2024. Clearwater, FL. Foto: Lisa A. Mets Ilvi Jõe Cannon and Monika Orumaa. Kesk Florida Eesti Selts EVA 106. 18. veeb. 2024. Clearwater, FL. Foto: Lisa A. MetsWelcome back Anu Nerska Sheridan from Canada with our new KFES friend Melba Kert. Kesk Florida Eesti Selts EVA 106. 18. veeb. 2024. Clearwater, FL. Foto: Lisa A. MetsNew guests Einar and Silvia Medri, familiar friends Rein and Gudrun Männik and Piret Komi, with additional new guests Märt and Elle Rosenberg. Welcome all! Kesk Florida Eesti Selts EVA 106. 18. veeb. 2024. Clearwater, FL. Foto: Lisa A. MetsThomas Soracco, Ludmila Stelmokene, Anneliis Kuusik and Rein Allikberg, and Ronit Soracco. Kesk Florida Eesti Selts EVA 106. 18. veeb. 2024. Clearwater, FL. Foto: Lisa A. MetsMerike Milli Brittan and Gene Brittan and Lia Milli. Kesk Florida Eesti Selts EVA 106. 18. veeb. 2024. Clearwater, FL. Foto: Lisa A. MetsMerike Milli with Jana Harakka, Helve Silah and KFES Secretary Triin Karr. Kesk Florida Eesti Selts EVA 106. 18. veeb. 2024. Clearwater, FL. Foto: Lisa A. MetsWelcome to our new friends Maro Raud and Henry and Tiit and Raili Suuder. Kesk Florida Eesti Selts EVA 106. 18. veeb. 2024. Clearwater, FL. Foto: Lisa A. MetsThank you, Tiit and Raili Suuder, for joining us today! Kesk Florida Eesti Selts EVA 106. 18. veeb. 2024. Clearwater, FL. Foto: Lisa A. MetsWelcome back to the Rukholm pere (family)–Quinn, Vanessa, Matti and Mia! Kesk Florida Eesti Selts EVA 106. 18. veeb. 2024. Clearwater, FL. Foto: Lisa A. MetsKarneelia and Marmeeli with ema Marju Dishmey and vanaema Ilme. Kesk Florida Eesti Selts EVA 106. 18. veeb. 2024. Clearwater, FL. Foto: Lisa A. MetsOne of our hardest working KFES couples, Eric and Reet-Regina Cabrera. Kesk Florida Eesti Selts EVA 106. 18. veeb. 2024. Clearwater, FL. Foto: Lisa A. MetsHow nice to see the Pajusalu family again–Heiki, Nathan and Heidi! Kesk Florida Eesti Selts EVA 106. 18. veeb. 2024. Clearwater, FL. Foto: Lisa A. MetsAstrid and Heinar Normet with Jaan and Maare Kuuskvere. Kesk Florida Eesti Selts EVA 106. 18. veeb. 2024. Clearwater, FL. Foto: Lisa A. MetsMalle Sibul with her niece Marju and Luiz Ferst. Kesk Florida Eesti Selts EVA 106. 18. veeb. 2024. Clearwater, FL. Foto: Lisa A. MetsMärt and Ulve Nurmet with Annaliis and Taivo Hurt. Kesk Florida Eesti Selts EVA 106. 18. veeb. 2024. Clearwater, FL. Foto: Lisa A. MetsInne Joonsar, Aino Tomson, Heikki Joonsar, Ants Tomson, and Kaie Põhi Latterner. Kesk Florida Eesti Selts EVA 106. 18. veeb. 2024. Clearwater, FL. Foto: Lisa A. MetsMari Markus, Helen Tammela and David Clauch, and Eric Hernandez and Moonika Mägi. Kesk Florida Eesti Selts EVA 106. 18. veeb. 2024. Clearwater, FL. Foto: Lisa A. MetsOur future is in good hands as our youth grow up–Simon Ziatyk, Brooke Cabrera, Sophia Ziatyk, and Chloe Cabrera. Kesk Florida Eesti Selts EVA 106. 18. veeb. 2024. Clearwater, FL. Foto: Lisa A. MetsKingston with Grandfather Jack Walters. Kesk Florida Eesti Selts EVA 106. 18. veeb. 2024. Clearwater, FL. Foto: Lisa A. MetsOur friends from South Florida–Piret Komi and Märt and Elle Rosenberg. Kesk Florida Eesti Selts EVA 106. 18. veeb. 2024. Clearwater, FL. Foto: Lisa A. MetsOur Naples (FL) friends came here to get acquainted with each other! Einar and Sylvia Medri and Rein and Goodrun Männik. Kesk Florida Eesti Selts EVA 106. 18. veeb. 2024. Clearwater, FL. Foto: Lisa A. MetsAll the way from Daytona Beach–Crystal Ra Laksmi-Ditton and Michael Ditton. Thank you for making the drive! Kesk Florida Eesti Selts EVA 106. 18. veeb. 2024. Clearwater, FL. Foto: Lisa A. MetsDeputy Chief of Mission (Estonian Embassy in the US) Margus Särglepp is flanked by current Estonian Honorary Consul (Florida) Kaie Põhi Latterner and former Estonian Honorary Consul (Florida) Lisa A. Mets. Kesk Florida Eesti Selts EVA 106. 18. veeb. 2024. Clearwater, FL. Foto: Ludmila StelmokeneNew friends ready to depart–Michael and Crystal Ra Laksmi-Ditton; Vanessa, Matti, Quinn and Mia Rukholm; and Raili and Tiit Suuder with KFES Secretary Triin Karr. Kesk Florida Eesti Selts EVA 106. 18. veeb. 2024. Clearwater, FL. Foto: Lisa A. Mets
And here are a few more photos through Erkki Taada’s lens. Thanks for the wonderful poses!
Ulve and Märt Nurmet. Kesk Florida Eesti Selts EVA 106. 18. veeb. 2024. Clearwater, FL. Foto: Erkki TaadaGood friends Ludmila Stelmokene and Kaie Põhi Latterner. Kesk Florida Eesti Selts EVA 106. 18. veeb. 2024. Clearwater, FL. Foto: Erkki TaadaLiz Williams joins brothers Tõnu and Jüri Toomepuu. Kesk Florida Eesti Selts EVA 106. 18. veeb. 2024. Clearwater, FL. Foto: Erkki TaadaIlvi Jõe Cannon joins the Kert family–Matti and daughter Rebecca Kert and son-in-law Rob Neumann. Kesk Florida Eesti Selts EVA 106. 18. veeb. 2024. Clearwater, FL. Foto: Erkki TaadaPiret Komi is joined by good friends Gudrun Männik and Märt and Elle Rosenberg. Kesk Florida Eesti Selts EVA 106. 18. veeb. 2024. Clearwater, FL. Foto: Erkki TaadaJack Walters, grandson Kingston, and Sirje Kiin with Margus Särglepp, Deputy Chief of Mission, Estonian Embassy in Washington, DC. Kesk Florida Eesti Selts EVA 106. 18. veeb. 2024. Clearwater, FL. Foto: Erkki TaadaMerike Milli, Mari Markus, KFES Secretary Triin Karr, and Helen Tammela. Kesk Florida Eesti Selts EVA 106. 18. veeb. 2024. Clearwater, FL. Foto: Erkki TaadaA warm welcome to Henry and Maro Raud, Michael and Crystal Ra Laksmi-Ditton, and Raili and Tiit Suuder. Kesk Florida Eesti Selts EVA 106. 18. veeb. 2024. Clearwater, FL. Foto: Erkki TaadaAstrid and Heinar Normet, Jaan and Maare Kuuskvere, Malle Sibul, and Marju and Luiz Ferst. Kesk Florida Eesti Selts EVA 106. 18. veeb. 2024. Clearwater, FL. Foto: Erkki TaadaEric Cabrera with Marju and Dallas Dishmey. Kesk Florida Eesti Selts EVA 106. 18. veeb. 2024. Clearwater, FL. Foto: Erkki TaadaOur future musicians–Karneelia and Marmeelia Dishmey with Sophia Ziatyk and Brooke Cabrera. Kesk Florida Eesti Selts EVA 106. 18. veeb. 2024. Clearwater, FL. Foto: Erkki TaadaThe Rukholm family–Vanessa, Quinn and Mia, and Matti–and Crystal Ra Laksmi-Ditton share a conversation with Margus Särglepp. Kesk Florida Eesti Selts EVA 106. 18. veeb. 2024. Clearwater, FL. Foto: Erkki TaadaKFES Secretary Triin Karr learns she and Sylvia and Einar Medri share friends in common. Kesk Florida Eesti Selts EVA 106. 18. veeb. 2024. Clearwater, FL. Foto: Erkki TaadaHelen Tammela from Orlando, Lisa A. Mets, and Piret Komi of Toronto meet here in the middle. Kesk Florida Eesti Selts EVA 106. 18. veeb. 2024. Clearwater, FL. Foto: Erkki TaadaMoonika Mägi with Simon and Sophia Ziatyk. Kesk Florida Eesti Selts EVA 106. 18. veeb. 2024. Clearwater, FL. Foto: Erkki TaadaOur traditional ladies photo–Marju Dishmey, Helen Tammela, Merike Milli, Reet-Regina Cabrera, Moonika Mägi, Helve Silah, KFES Secretary Triin Karr, Mari Markus and Jana Harakka. Kesk Florida Eesti Selts EVA 106. 18. veeb. 2024. Clearwater, FL. Foto: Erkki Taada
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