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

On October 27, 2013, after a long, productive and well-lived life as a highly regarded organic chemistry scientist, Heino Luts, our friend and long-time member of the Estonian Society of Central Florida (Kesk Florida Eesti Selts), passed away.

I was fortunate to meet Heino when both of us were young. I had just jumped off a Swedish merchant ship in New York. Heino was a seafarer of much greater caliber. At the end of World War II, he completed an epic sea voyage from Sweden to the United States in a 70-year-old 36-foot-long sailboat named Erma. This tiny boat was the home for several months for 16 Estonian modern-day Vikings whose goal was to sail to freedom.

They set sail because the Swedish government had turned over to Communist Russia exiled Estonian soldiers. This was a dramatic event: Some soldiers committed suicide as they were forced to transfer to the Soviet ship, others jumped overboard to drown themselves. The 16 who set sail decided they would rather face the stormy seas.

Once in the United States, Heino and I, together with his shipmate Voldemar Veedam, found a summer job in Vermont and became good friends. Veedam published an article about the voyage of Erma in Readers Digest and later also a book entitled Sailing to Freedom.

In his book Veedam described the initial dodging of Russian warships along the coast of Sweden, emergency repairs that had to be undertaken to keep the ancient Erma afloat, the horrible storms they had to endure and the many days of scant rations.

As they neared the American coast, after going for several days without food, they also ran out of drinking water. When things looked bleakest, when they thought they were about to perish, an American Coast Guard vessel spotted them. When the captain learned that this tiny boat had crossed the Atlantic, he generously provided them with all kinds of fancy foods and drinks they had forgotten existed. Their darkest hour was followed by a grand feast and realization that they had made it to freedom; they had made it to the land of their dreams. Veedam’s book became quite popular; it was translated into more than 20 languages. President Harry Truman realized that these 16 modern-day pilgrims were the kind of people that had contributed most to the greatness of the United States. He used his presidential powers to grant them legitimate immigrant status.

Heino Luts also wrote an autobiography but it has not been published. When Tõnu Toomepuu and I visited Heino during the last months of his life, he related to us parts of it. He told us about his narrow escapes from Soviet soldiers who were hunting for him, his miraculous flight to Finland, his extraordinary escape to Sweden. He also told us about the many medicines he produced in his laboratory and about his main hobby, deep-sea fishing, as well as all the Tampa Bay fishing boat captains he knew.

Heino Luts and his daughter attending a KFES luncheon

Heino is survived by his son and two daughters. I will talk to them about getting Heino’s book published. It would be good if we can be reminded of Heino’s life by the written word in addition to celebrating his life by the wonderful memories he left behind.

Heino’s friend,
Jüri

November 3, 2013

PLEASE JOIN US FOR OUR NEXT LUNCHEON MEETING NOVEMBER 3, 2013

The Estonian Society of Central Florida (Kesk Florida Eesti Selts) kicks off its 2013-2014 year of activities with its annual business meeting at 2:00 pm, on Sunday, November 3, 2013. Please join us for lunch and our meeting 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.

Members of the KFES Board and Audit Committee meet to plan the business meeting scheduled for November 3, 2013.

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

The Estonian Society of Central Florida (Kesk Florida Eesti Selts) resumed its activities after its summer break on Sunday, October 6, 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.

Nearly 24 members gathered together as they continue to await the return of their snowbird friends who are still scattered about across the United States, Canada and Estonia.

Pastor Priit Rebane began the meeting in remembrance and prayer for two recently departed and much beloved members: Mr. Evald Stein and Mr. Jack Shine. Our deepest sympathies are extended to their wives and families.

Lisa Mets, Honorary Consul of Estonia and KFES Vice President, shared celebratory information: (1) the appointment of Ms. Anu Tali as music director and conductor of the Sarasota Orchestra; (2) the announcement that The Honorable Marina Kaljurand, Ambassador of the Republic of Estonia to the United States, and Mr. Sten Schwede, Consul General of Estonia in New York City, will be participating in the celebration of the 96th Anniversary of Estonian Independence by the Estonian Society of Central Florida (Kesk Florida Eesti Selts) on Saturday, February 22, 2014, from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm at the Countryside Country Club in Clearwater, Florida; stay tuned to this website for information about luncheon reservations; (3) the opportunity for KFES members to purchase discounted tickets to join Ambassador Kaljurand and Mr. Schwede in reserved seating at the Friday, February 21, 2014, 8:00 pm performance of the Sarasota Orchestra conducted by Ms. Tali in the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall in Sarasota; and (4) the upcoming tour of the Eesti Riiklik Sümfooniaorkester, which includes performances in Florida between November 13 and 17, 2013. KFES especially thanks ERSO for the beautiful brochures and CDs promoting their orchestra.

KFES was delighted to welcome two special guests to their luncheon: Professor Lembit Nei and his wife Sandra. Professor Nei is a visiting professor at the University of South Florida St. Petersburg (USFSP). He is on leave from his position at Tartu College of Tallinn University of Technology. We look forward to getting well acquainted with the Nei family over the next six months.

KFES Board Member-at-Large Triin Karr and Treasurer Rein Raja

Geri Raja and Erkki Taada

KFES Secretary Maare Kuuskvere and EANC Member Monika Orumaa Craig

KFES President Tõnu Toomepuu and Pastor Priit Rebane

KFES Members

KFES Members

Pastor Priit Rebane

KFES Members

KFES Members

KFES Members

KFES Special Guests: Professor and Mrs. Lembit and Sandra Nei

Geri Raja, Triin Karr and Rein Raja

Ants Leinjärv, Erkki Taada and Lembit Nei

Ants Leinjärv, Erkki Taada, Lembit Nei and Sandra Nei

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

Taps have sounded for a longtime member of the Estonian Society of Central Florida: our good friend Jack Shine.

Taps always sound sad, but they are especially sad when they sound for a wonderful man and a good friend.

I had the pleasure and privilege to know Jack and his wife Kaari for many years. Together we were members of the Chicago Estonian House mixed marriage group. Every month we met at each other`s house for a wonderful dinner party and together we put on many memorable events for the benefit of the members of the Estonian House.

Jack served his country with great distinction as a United States Marine. After he retired as a Colonel, he remained active in military affairs as a member of the Military Officers Association of America.

Jack and Kaari Shine at a KFES luncheon, January 6, 2013

As we mourn our friend we find consolation in the goodness that was created by everything his life touched and the wonderful memories that he left for us.

Jüri Toomepuu

On Sunday, June 23, 2013, nearly 30 members of the Estonian Society of Central Florida (Kesk Florida Eesti Selts) were invited to the home of Erkki Taada and Lisa Mets, Honorary Consul of Estonia, for a traditional picnic commemorating Võidupüha and celebrating Jaanipäeva eve. Jüri Toomepuu offered remarks underscoring the significance of these two important Estonian national holidays.

The return vacation visit of Kati Rausberg, Eckerd College graduate 2012, and Viive Rebane, SUNY Binghamton graduate 2012, made the afternoon extra special. This past year Kati and Viive were members of professional women’s basketball teams in Belarus (Kati) and Bulgaria (Viive) and Estonia (Kati and Viive). Kati and Viive made rosolje, Estonia’s traditional beet salad, and potato salad, to accompany traditional Jaanipäeva vorstid (sausages). A fabulous afternoon was shared by all!

The Consul General of Estonia visited St. Petersburg, Florida, Friday and Saturday, May 24 and 25, 2013, and accepted applications for identity cards, new passports and passport renewals from those with legitimate status in the US. More than 20 families were served during this visit. This was the Consul General’s first official visit to the recently established Honorary Consulate in St. Petersburg, Florida.

The Republic of Estonia’s Honorary Consul Lisa A. Mets and Consul General Sten Schwede, St. Petersburg, Florida, May 24, 2013.

Information for Identity Cards and Passports
Please visit the website of the Consul General of Estonia in New York for information about the application process. Information is available in English and Estonian. http://www.nyc.estemb.org/consular_information/passport

Questions about the Process
If you have questions about identity cards and passports and the process, please contact the Estonian Consulate General in New York:

Telephone: (212) 883-0636
Email: nyconsulate@mfa.ee

To visit the Honorary Consul of Estonia in St. Petersburg, Florida, please make an appointment by contacting:

Lisa A. Mets, Ph.D.
Honorary Consul of Estonia
Honorary Consulate of Estonia
Upham Administration Building
Eckerd College
4200 54th Ave S
St. Petersburg, FL 33711
Telephone: 727.864.8221
Email: metsla@eckerd.edu
Hours by appointment

For directions to the Honorary Consulate of Estonia at Eckerd College, St. Petersburg, Florida, please visit this web site: http://www.eckerd.edu/about/directions.php

When you arrive on campus:
1. Drive past the Gate House.
2. Go up and over the traffic circle to the left.
3. Follow the road to the right.
4. Park in the first parking lot on the right.
5. The Honorary Consulate is located in the one-story building (Upham Administration Building) next to the parking lot.

The official activities of the Estonian Society of Central Florida draw to a close with its May lunch, so the Society may pause for a summer hiatus. The final official gathering this season took place on Sunday, May 5, 2013, at Midtown Sundries, downtown St. Petersburg. More than 30 members came to enjoy fellowship.

Professor Kersti Linask has the full attention of the Estonian Society of Central Florida as she describes her recent sabbatical in Estonia. May 5, 2013

Remarks by Professor Kersti Linask, University of South Florida, were the highlight of the afternoon. Professor Linask recently completed a Fulbright program of study at Tartu University.

After its summer hiatus, members will re-start their activities on October 6, 2013.

To escape the hot, humid June weather, members of the Estonian Society of Central Florida (Kesk Florida Eesti Selts) advance their Jaanipäeva picnic to April. This year, on April 6, 2013, members gathered all bundled up against unseasonably cold and windy weather under the pavilion on beautiful Anna Maria Island. Once again, the Väino and Leena Aare family, masters of the barbecue, grilled a fabulous lunch.

The April Birthday Celebrants (back row): Leena Aare, Maare Kuuskvere, Triin Karr, Monika Orumaa Craig, and Jaan Kuuskvere. April 6, 2013

April is a month when a number of members celebrate their birthdays, so the KFES members joined in chorus to sing, “Nad elagu!”

The Estonian National Association of South Florida (Lõuna Florida Eestlaste Koondis) celebrated the 95th Anniversary of Estonian Independence on Sunday, February 24, 2013, in Atlantis, Florida. A handful of the membership of the Estonian Society of Central Florida made the drive to the east coast to join their festivities. Highlights of the afternoon included an invocation by Pastor Ants Tooming from Estonia; a viewing of the DVD “Tule Tulemine Tallinna: Teekonna Lugu”; commemoration of the fallen heroes (langenute mälestamine) by LFEK President Arno Kallas, Helve Parts and Tuuli Robinson; and the introduction of Florida’s two new Estonian honorary consuls: Lisa A. Mets (St. Petersburg, Florida) and Jorge Viera (Miami).

LFEK President Arno Kallas (center) with Florida’s Estonian Honorary Consuls Lisa A. Mets (St. Petersburg) and Jorge Viera (Miami). February 24, 2013