Florida Estos

Five members of the Kesk Florida Eesti Selts (Estonian Society of Central Florida) joined the more than 120 guests who attended the Estonian National Association of South Florida (Lõuna Florida Eestlaste Koondis) Sügispidu (Fall Festival) on Sunday, October 23, 2011, in the Okeeheelee Park, Osceola Pavilion, West Palm Beach, Florida. During the festivities, the upcoming KLENK-KFES-LFEK conference (January 6-7, 2012, St. Petersburg, Florida) was promoted. Enjoy these photos by Maare Kuuskvere of the KFES.

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Please visit the Estonian National Association of South Florida website for more photos.

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After a long summer break, more than 20 members of the Kesk Florida Eesti Selts (Estonian Society of Central Florida) gathered for lunch on Sunday, October 2, 2011, to enjoy fellowship once again. The group heard about Estonian visitors to our area during the summer months and a progress report on planning for KLENK 2011 (please see this web site for more information about KLENK). Our next gathering will be on Sunday, November 6, 2011, at 2:00 pm, when we hold our annual business meeting.

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The Estonian National Association of South Florida (Lõuna Florida Eestlaste Koondis) invites all to their Sügispidu (Fall Festival), which takes place on Sunday, October 23, 2011, starting at 12:30 pm, in the Okeeheelee Park, Osceola Pavilion, West Palm Beach, Florida. Please visit the Estonian National Association of South Florida website for more information. Reservations are recommended.

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On Saturday, June 25, 2011, the Estonian Society of Central Florida (Kesk Florida Eesti Selts) celebrated Jaanipäev in its wonderful longstanding tradition — with a picnic under the pavilion on Anna Maria Island, Florida. The 90+ F warmth and sunny blue skies attracted more than 35 KFES members and their guests. Along with a couple special guests from Estonia, three generations of the Väino and Leena Aare family — from Florida to Washington State — gathered for the celebration.

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The Estonian Society of Central Florida (Kesk Florida Eesti Selts) held its monthly luncheon gathering on Sunday, April 3, 2011, at a new location, Midtown Sundries, downtown St. Petersburg, Florida. Mrs. Leena Aare reviewed the newly published book, Between Shades of Gray, by Ms. Ruta Sepetys. Mrs. Aare noted she will be sharing the book with her teenage grandchildren and she recommends that the book be read by others interested in our history and heritage. More information about the author and the book can be found at the book’s web site, Between Shades of Gray. Reviews of the book can be found in the March 19, 2011 Wall Street Journal and on the Amazon.com web site. The next KFES monthly meeting and luncheon will be held Sunday, May 1, 2011, at 2:00 p.m. Stay tuned to this web site for the location.

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Members of the Estonian American National Council (Eesti Rahvus Komitee Ühendrikkides) hosted members of the Estonian Society of Central Florida (Kesk Florida Eesti Selts) in a strategic planning conversation on Saturday afternoon, March 12, 2011. Recently re-elected ERKÜ members – Kersti Linask and Jüri Linask – hosted the gathering in their home. They were joined by co-host new ERKÜ member Monika Orumaa Craig. The three, who are also members of KFES, attended the fall meeting of ERKÜ in Baltimore. Since that meeting ERKÜ members have been inviting Estonian Americans by written survey and in conversations to offer suggestions for future directions for ERKÜ. The afternoon meeting included a wonderful lunch with traditional Estonian fare — porgandi pirukas, verivorst, rosolje ja keeks.

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The Estonian Society of Central Florida (Kesk Florida Eesti Selts) Celebrated the
93rd Anniversary of Estonian Independence

On Saturday, February 26, 2011, nearly 70 members and friends of the Estonian Society of Central Florida (Kesk Florida Eesti Selts) celebrated the 93rd Anniversary of Estonian Independence (93.a Eesti Vabariigi Aastapäev) at Clearwater’s Countryside Country Club.

KFES President Mr. Tõnu Toomepuu welcomed everyone to the luncheon. The celebration opened with the singing of the American national anthem, which was accompanied by Ms. Kaie Latterner. Reverend Priit Rebane offered the invocation. KFES Vice President Ms. Lisa A. Mets welcomed special guests including Mrs. Ida-Salmi Duffy, President of the Finnish-American Club of New Port Richey, and her husband, Dick; Evi and Arno Kallas of the Lõuna Florida Eestlaste Koondis (Estonian National Association of South Florida); Reet, Kati and Mattias Rausberg from Estonia – Kati Rausberg is a junior at Eckerd College; and Johan Pender and Signe Kaurson also from Estonia. Ms. Silva Jensen read three poems: Kaljuvald mu isamaa; 24. veebruar 1991; ja Kallim Kingitus. The keynote address was given by Mr. Jüri Toomepuu. Mr. Väino Aare remembered Estonia’s fallen soldiers and the audience solemnly sang together Puhake Paremad Pojad. Closing remarks were given by KFES Vice President Ms. Monika Orumaa Craig, and the program closed with the singing of the Estonian national anthem. Ms. Kaie Latterner led the group in festive song throughout the afternoon program. A loterii with wonderful gifts, including beautiful table decorations made by Ms. Tiiu Slankis, enlivened the activities. KFES Treasurer Mr. Rein Raja and KFES Secretary Ms. Maare Kuuskvere were the behind-the-scenes organizers of the entire luncheon. A delightful afternoon was enjoyed by all.

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On Saturday, June 26, 2010, Kesk Florida Eesti Selts members celebrated Jaanipäev under a shaded pavilion on beautiful Anna Maria Island, Florida.

Members of the Kesk Florida Eesti Selts enjoy great conversation at their Jaanipäev picnic.

The Jaanipäev celebratory picnic on Anna Maria Island is a long-standing tradition of the Kesk Florida Eesti Selts. Three generations of the Leena and Väino Aare family are the biggest supporters of the celebration. In fact, Leena and Väino have been the picnic’s financial underwriters and grill chefs for years. The entire Kesk Florida Eesti Selts and our guests extend a huge THANK YOU to Leena and Väino for their generosity and friendship.

Väino and Leena Aare with their son, daughter-in-law and twin granddaughters.

Estonia is proudly represented at U.S. Central Command at MacDill Airforce Base by Meeme Kuningas, who also finds time with his daughter to support the activities of the Kesk Florida Eesti Selts. We salute our Estonian troops and the Estonian armed forces as we remember our fallen and departed soldiers as we commemorate Võidupüha each June.

Meeme Kuningas and his daughter

Members of Kesk Florida Eesti Selts come from across the northern and southern and eastern and western regions of Tampa Bay. We are always happy to welcome visitors to the area, so please continue to visit this web site for news about upcoming activities and please join us! We speak English and Estonian!

Kersti Linask from Clearwater and Jaan Kuuskvere from Bradenton catch up on the news and their recent travels

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Dear members and friends of KFES!

Instead of meeting at the Holiday Inn in Clearwater, the Estonian Society of Central Florida (Kesk Florida Eesti Selts) met on Sunday, May 2, 2010 at Mattison’s Riverside Restaurant 1200 1st Ave. W, in Bradenton at the usual time, 2:00 p.m. Each individual/couple ordered from the restaurant menu and paid his/her/their own lunch bill. A room was reserved for our members. We tried out the venue on May 2nd so we could decide if we would like to meet there for next year’s get-togethers. So, those who attended are now invited to offer their opinions! The food was delicious and the view wonderful!! Please email your feedback to Monika Orumaa Craig.

Please visit our Calendar of Events for upcoming opportunities to gather. Our next event is the celebration of Jaanipäev, June 26, 2010, from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm on Anna Maria Island. The next meetings of the Estonian Society of Central Florida (Kesk Florida Eesti Selts) are at 2:00 pm on October 3, 2010 and November 7, 2010. For more information about the Jaanipäev picnic and meetings, contact:
Mr. Rein Raja at (727) 866-2614, raja7@juno.com
or
Ms. Maare Kuuskvere at (941) 795-6835, jaank@verizon.net

Directions: From the north, take 275 south, across the Sunshine Skyway bridge and follow Rt 19 to business 41 (the signs will direct you toward Bradenton), drive through the city of Palmetto and cross the Manatee river, turn right on 3rd Ave. and right again on 12th street and the restaurant will be directly ahead. There is plenty of space for parking.

From the south, take Rt 41 to Manatee Ave., make a left turn and drive to 12th street, make a right turn and the restaurant is directly ahead. If you travel on Interstate 75, take the Bradenton exit for Rt. 64 (Manatee Ave.) and proceed to 12th Street W, take a right, and you will see the restaurant at the end of the street, by the river.

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Dear members and friends of KFES!

This is to inform you of a change of venue for our monthly luncheons. Instead of meeting at the Holiday Inn in Clearwater, we will meet on Sunday, May 2, 2010 at Mattison’s Riverside Restaurant 1200 1st Ave. W, in Bradenton. The time is still 2 p.m.  Each individual/couple will be ordering from the restaurant menu and paying his/her/their own lunch bill. A room has been reserved for our members; just ask the host to guide you when you arrive. We will be trying out the venue on that Sunday so we can decide if we would like to meet there for next year’s get-togethers. So, please attend and offer your opinion! The food is delicious and the view wonderful!! For more information, contact:
Mr. Rein Raja at (727) 866-2614, raja7@juno.com
or
Ms. Maare Kuuskvere at (941) 795-6835, jaank@verizon.net

Directions: From the north, take 275 south, across the Sunshine Skyway bridge and follow Rt 19 to business 41 (the signs will direct you toward Bradenton), drive through the city of Palmetto and cross the Manatee river, turn right on 3rd Ave. and right again on 12th street and the restaurant will be directly ahead. There is plenty of space for parking.

From the south, take Rt 41 to Manatee Ave., make a left turn and drive to 12th street, make a right turn and the restaurant is directly ahead. If you travel on Interstate 75, take the Bradenton exit for Rt. 64 (Manatee Ave.) and proceed to 12th Street W, take a right, and you will see the restaurant at the end of the street, by the river.

In other news, our Estonian conductor Eri Klas will be performing in the Progress Energy Center for the Arts – Mahaffey Theater, St. Petersburg, Florida on Saturday, April 17, 2010 at 8:00 p.m. and at Ruth Eckerd Hall on Sunday, April 18, 2010 at 7:30 p.m. You can purchase tickets through the Florida Orchestra web site.

Hope to see you at the Florida Orchestra performance directed by Eri Klas on Saturday/Sunday April 17/18 or the KFES monthly meeting on Sunday, May 2!

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