Florida Estos

Jõuluvana and his special päkapikk, Kaie Latterner.

Have you been good this year? Jõuluvana (Santa) knew who’s been naughty and nice! Forty members of the Estonian Society of Central Florida (Kesk Florida Eesti Selts) hosted our Christmas celebration on Sunday, December 13, 2015, at the Magnuson Hotel at Marina Cove (6800 Sunshine Skyway Lane, St. Petersburg, FL; telephone: 727-867-1151). Jõuluvana and his very musically talented Päkapikk (Elf) led us in merriment. Members came prepared with songs, poems and other entertainment to earn their gifts.

The Estonian Society of Central Florida (Kesk Florida Eesti Selts) held its annual business meeting for the 2015-16 year on Sunday, November 1, 2015, at 2:00 pm, at Pier 22, 1200 First Avenue West, Bradenton, Florida 34205; telephone: 941-748-8087. This has been one of our favorite locations and we were happy to return here again. Situated beautifully waterside, the restaurant has a delicious moderately priced luncheon menu.

Nearly 30 members, friends and guests participated in our business meeting. The agenda included approval of reports on last year’s activities and budget; approval of this coming year’s proposed activities and budget; and election of officers.

For information about the Kesk Florida Eesti Selts, please contact:
Ms. Kersti Linask by email at kklinask@gmail.com
or
Ms. Maare Kuuskvere by email at jaank@verizon.net

The Eckerd College International Cinema Series showed the highly acclaimed Estonian-Georgian film Mandariinid (Tangerines) at 7:00 pm, Friday, October 23, 2015, in the Dan and Mary Miller Auditorium on the Eckerd College campus, 4200 54th Avenue S, St. Petersburg, Florida. Mandariinid was nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the 87th Academy Awards for 2014 and among the five nominated films for best foreign language film at the 72nd Golden Globe Awards. Over 200 film aficionados attended the showing.

The Estonian Society of Central Florida (Kesk Florida Eesti Selts) thanks Nathan Andersen, Eckerd College Professor of Philosopy and host of the Fall Term International Cinema Series, for bringing this film to our area. To view the Fall Series, please click on this link: Eckerd College International Cinema Series.

The showings to all Eckerd College International Cinema Series films are open to the public and free. Parking on campus is ample and free; please plan to park in the spaces around the US flag (across from Cobb Gallery) and nearby lots; the Dan and Mary Miller Auditorium is a short walk from there. Please click onto this link for a campus map: Eckerd College campus map.

The Estonian Society of Central Florida (Kesk Florida Eesti Selts) resumed its annual activities on Sunday, October 4, 2015, at 2:00 pm, at The Hangar Restaurant and Flight Lounge, 540 1st St SE, St. Petersburg, Florida; telephone: 727-823-7767. We welcomed FIVE new guests too: three from Orlando and two from Seminole.

Our special luncheon program featured many of our “TV stars” who were interviewed for Ameerika Eestlased. Florida. The interviews took place over the Christmas/New Year period in 2014-15, and the series was aired on TV in Estonia from May to July 2015.

We began our program by showing the first episode in the series: The story of põgenemine (flight) by many Estonians following World War II and the interview with Arno and Evi Kallas, the President and Secretary of the Estonian National Association of South Florida (Lõuna Florida Eesti Selts). Our own speakers made our program põnev (really interesting). Our “TV stars” described how it felt to be interviewed. Everyone agreed that they were absolutely delighted with the way their interviews were presented on television. We had an engaging conversation about how the program might have been viewed/received in Estonia. We all hope Estonians found the program engaging; we heard the viewership in the summer was high. We thank producer Toomas Lepp, reporter Hannula Lepp and video/audio operator Indrek Mänd for their interest in Estonians living in Florida and their highly talented and professional presentation of our many stories to our families and friends in Estonia.

Ameerika eestlased is an Estonian-language television series on Estonians living in the United States, produced by Toomas Lepp. Started in 1992 simply as Ameerika Eestlased, the series now has three additional installments: America’s Estonians: East Coast. West Coast. Florida (just added this summer). The Florida series currently is accessible on Tallinna TV’s archives through this website: http://tallinnatv.eu/index.php/saated-sarjad/elusaated/ameerika-eestlased-florida. [The Estonian text below explains the series.]

Please note: KFES will hold its annual business meeting for the 2015-16 year on Sunday, November 1, 2015, at 2:00 pm, at Pier 22, 1200 First Avenue West, Bradenton, Florida 34205; telephone: 941-748-8087. This has been one of our favorite locations and we are happy to return here again. Situated waterside, the restaurant has a lovely moderately priced luncheon menu. Please join us!

For information about the Kesk Florida Eesti Selts, please contact:
Ms. Kersti Linask by email at kklinask@gmail.com
or
Ms. Maare Kuuskvere by email at jaank@verizon.net

Ameerika eestlased – neli saatesarja teleekraanil

[Ameerika eestlased is an Estonian-language television series on Estonians living in the United States, produced by Toomas Lepp. Started in 1992 simply as Ameerika Eestlased, the series now has three additional installments: America’s Estonians: East Coast. West Coast. Florida (just added this summer). The Florida series currently is accessible on Tallinna TV’s archives through this website: http://tallinnatv.eu/index.php/saated-sarjad/elusaated/ameerika-eestlased-florida. The Estonian text below explains the series.]

2011 aastal helistas Toomas Sõrra teleprodutsendile Toomas Lepale Tallinnasse ja küsis, kas oleks võimalik New Yorgi Eesti majas näidata 27 saatest koosnevat seeriat “Ameerika eestlased”, mis valmis 1992. aastal Mati Talviku ja Toomase koostöös. Loomulikult oli Toomas Lepp saadete näitamisega nõus, aga see kontakt andis ka uue idee. Kui aastal 1992 oli Eesti sisenemine vabasse maailma veel värske asi, taasiseseisvunud kodueestlased ei teadnud eriti midagi oma USA-s elavast suurest suguslaskonnast, siis 20 aastat hiljem, oli olukord teine. USA-s oli tekkinud nn paadipõgenike kõrvale juba uus eestlaste kogukond. Toomas Lepa idee oli teha USA-le ring peale ning uurida, kuidas uued eestlased Ameerikas elavad, aga ka täiendada eestlaste ajalugu uute põnevate elulugude ja juhtumistega.

Nii sündisidki kolm saatesarja – “Ameerika eestlased: Idarannik. Läänerannik ja Florida”. Idaranniku sarja aitas organiseerida ning inimestega kohtumisi kokku leppida Toomas Sõrra ja grand old estonian USA-s – Juhan Simonson. Peab märkima, et Juhan oli ka Lepa-Talviku esimese sarja organiseerimise hing. Los Angeleses aitas saateid kokku panna Mati Otsmaa – selle sarja sisse jäi ka pikem ülevaade LEP-ESTOST 2013. Esimest kahte sarja tegi saatejuhina Mati Kirotar.

Floridasse saabus filmigrupp 2014 aasta jõulueelsel ajal, et jäädvustada sealsete eestlaste mälestusi ja teha intervjuusid. Florida ida kalda kontakt ja abi oli perekond Kallas. Florida lääne kaldal aitas filmigruppi Eesti Aukonsul ja Eckerd kolledzi asepresident Lisa Ann Mets, kelle nõuanded ja teadmised marjaks ära kulusid. Lisa on metseeniks kodueesti õpilastele, kes teadmisi omandamas nii Eckerdi kui Wheatoni koolides.

Tänaseks on Florida saated valmis ja Eestis on saanud neid näha alates 10. maist pühapäeviti kell 20.30 Tallinna Televisioonis. Florida saateid juhib Hannula Lepp, kes Eestis on tuntud peamiselt loodussaadete tegijana, rezhissöör-produtsent on Toomas Lepp, kes ka Tallinna TV juhatusse kuulub ning pildi võttis üles Indrek Mänd.

Floridas jäid kaamera ette perekonnad Kallased, Riismaad, Kuuskvered, Rebased, Saarniidud, Harvigid, Toomepuud veel Triin Karr, Kaie Põhi-Latterner ja Anneliis Kuusik, Paul Vesterstein, Erkki Taada, Šandor Štefil, Elin Toona Gottschalk ning Trine Kasemägi ja Simona Andreas Eestist.

Kokku on Toomas Lepa produtseerimisel valminud 56 saadet ameerika eestlastest.

Florida saateid saavad huvilised igal ajal ka järele vaadata Tallinna TV kodulehel http://tallinnatv.eu/index.php/saated-sarjad/elusaated/ameerika-eestlased-florida.

Before going on summer hiatus, more than 40 members of the Estonian Society of Central Florida (Kesk Florida Eesti Selts) gathered for our annual picnic from 12:00 to 3:00 pm, on Sunday, April 26, 2015, under the reserved pavilion on the beach at beautiful Anna Maria Island. The Estonian and American flags greeted our guests. KFES grilled hotdogs, bratwurst and hamburgers. Guests brought their own beverages and delicious dishes to share, such as appetizers, salads, vegetables, and desserts. Bean toss, volleyball and other games were played and some enjoyed a refreshing swim or stroll in the water. It is our tradition to celebrate April birthdays at our annual picnic. “Nad elagu!” (Estonian “Happy Birthday!”) was sung before the scrumptious birthday cake was served. Our best happy birthday wishes were extended to Leena Aare, Jaan Kuuskvere, Maare Kuuskvere, Karl Noor, Silva Jensen, Monika Craig, and Triin Karr. Many thanks to our picnic committee: Maare Kuuskvere, Ingrid Shipotofsky, the Leena Aare family (Peeter, Hilda, Erika and Kristina), Kersti Linask, Lisa Mets, Erkki Taada, and Trine Kasemägi. We wish everyone a wonderful summer! Safe travels! We’ll see you again in October.

More than 35 members of the Estonian Society of Central Florida (Kesk Florida Eesti Selts) welcomed Ms. Rita Melder, Consul of the Republic of Estonia, at their monthly luncheon on Sunday, March 22, 2015, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm. This luncheon was held at the beautiful home of KFES President Kersti Linask. Everyone contributed to the sumptuous smorgasbord table. Ms. Linask welcomed the guests, including special guests Consul Melder and her husband Ivo. Consul Melder offered greetings and shared remarks about the work of the Consulate General in New York. Ivo Melder presented a gift of exotic handmade Estonian chocolates for the dessert table. A moment also was taken to celebrate Trine Kasemägi, an Estonian student completing her freshman year majoring in science at Eckerd College. Also a member of the Eckerd College women’s basketball team, Trine and her teammates recorded their best year ever in Eckerd College women’s basketball history. The NCAA Division II Sunshine State Conference named Trine Kasemägi Newcomer of the Year and Freshman of the Year, and Trine was selected Second Team All-SSC. Trine ended the season eighth in the nation in field goal percentage shooting.

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

PLEASE JOIN US AS WE WELCOME MS. RITA MELDER, CONSUL OF THE REPUBLIC OF ESTONIA, SUNDAY, MARCH 22,2015

The Estonian Society of Central Florida (Kesk Florida Eesti Selts) will welcome The Ms. Rita Melder, Consul of the Republic of Estonia, at their monthly luncheon on Sunday, March 22, 2015, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm. This luncheon will be held at the home of KFES President Kersti Linask. The address and directions are sent to members by e-mail. This luncheon is a potluck and everyone is invited to contribute to the smorgasbord table.

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

We are pleased to report that Ms. Rita Melder, Consul of the Republic of Estonia in New York City, completed a successful mission performing consular duties in Miami on March 17 and 18 and in St. Petersburg on March 20 and 21, 2015. This was a wonderful opportunity for any Estonian to apply for passports and ID cards and execute the fingerprint process in Florida. More than 45 Estonians received services.

During her visit to the Honorary Consulate in St. Petersburg, Florida, on the Eckerd College campus, Consul Melder received a campus tour hosted by Trine Kasemägi, an Estonian student completing her freshman year majoring in science. Also a member of the Eckerd College women’s basketball team, Trine and her teammates recorded their best year ever in Eckerd College women’s basketball history; Trine’s many contributions to the team’s success were recognized by the Sunshine State Conference.

Lisa A. Mets
Honorary Consul of the Republic of Estonia
Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Estonia
Upham Administration Building
Eckerd College
4200 54th Ave S
St. Petersburg, FL 33711
Telephone: 727.864.8221
Fax: 727.864.1877
Email: metsla@eckerd.edu
Directions: http://www.eckerd.edu/about/directions.php

We are pleased to let you know that Ms. Rita Melder, Consul of the Republic of Estonia in New York City, will be performing consular duties in Florida in March 2015. She is taking appointments in Miami on March 17 and 18 and in St. Petersburg on March 20 and 21. This is a wonderful opportunity for ANY Estonian to apply for passports and ID cards and execute the fingerprint process in Florida. Please see the announcement below.

Temporary Consular Mission to Florida in March 2015

The Consul of Estonia in New York will be in Florida in March to perform consular duties. ANY Estonian citizen will be able to apply for a passport or ID-Card, renew a passport or ID-Card, receive previously ordered documents or conduct other consular business. For information about the processes visit http://www.nyc.estemb.org/ or email nyconsulate@mfa.ee.

Consular Visit to Miami, March 17-18, 2015
19 West Flagler Street, Suite 1212 Miami FL 33130
To make an appointment, please send an e-mail to the Honorary Consul at joviro47@hotmail.com

Consular Visit to St. Petersburg, March 20-21, 2015
Honorary Consulate, Upham Administration Building, Eckerd College, 4200 54th Ave S, St. Petersburg, FL 33711
To make an appointment, please send an e-mail to the Honorary Consul at metsla@eckerd.edu.

Please spread this announcement to Estonians you think may be interested.

Lisa A. Mets
Honorary Consul of the Republic of Estonia
Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Estonia
Upham Administration Building
Eckerd College
4200 54th Ave S
St. Petersburg, FL 33711
Telephone: 727.864.8221
Fax: 727.864.1877
Email: metsla@eckerd.edu
Directions: http://www.eckerd.edu/about/directions.php