Florida Estos

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

CELEBRATION OF THE 95TH ANNIVERSARY OF

ESTONIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY

The Estonian Society of Central Florida (Kesk Florida Eesti Selts) celebrated the 95th Anniversary of Estonian Independence Day with a special program, lunch and raffle at the Countryside Country Club in Clearwater, Florida, on Saturday, February 23, 2013.

More than 60 guests celebrated this special anniversary. The program was designed to reflect Estonian values: love of country; faith; the honoring of soldiers and heroes willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for liberty; love of language, music and education; Estonians’ playful spirit; and respect for “Kodu Eestlased” and Välis-Eestlased” who form one family, one nation.

Reflecting on her life as a first generation Estonian American, Mrs. Kaie Põhi Latterner brought us to tears and laughter.

The keynote address was delivered by Mrs. Kaie Põhi Latterner. Additional program participants included KFES President Tõnu Toomepuu, Ms. Monika Orumaa Craig, Mr. Jüri Toomepuu, Mrs. Triin Karr, and Honorary Consul of Estonia Lisa Mets. The raffle was deftly handled by Ms. Marju Cabrera and beautiful table decorations were made by Mrs. Tiiu Slankis. The Estonian Society of Central Florida owes its thanks to Mr. Rein Raja and Mrs. Maare Kuuskvere, who pulled all the strings together to weave the tapestry for the day’s program.

Mrs. Kaie Põhi Latterner delivers the keynote address to the Estonian Society of Central Florida (KFES Eesti Vabariigi 95.a tähistamine), February 23, 2013, Clearwater, Florida.

Eesti Vabariigi 95. sünnipäevale pühendatud kodulehekülg

Members of the Estonian Society of Central Florida (Kesk Florida Eesti Selts)  attended the January 11 to 13, 2013  performances of the The Sarasota Orchestra conducted by Estonian Anu Tali. Ms. Tali is the Music Director and Conductor of the Nordic Symphony Orchestra. The performance on Sunday afternoon, January 13, 2013, was sold out. The performances were powerful: Not only could one hear stunningly beautiful orchestral music, one could see and feel the music as it was conducted by the superbly gifted Ms. Tali. Her performances concluded with standing ovations by highly appreciative audiences.

The Estonian Society of Central Florida (Kesk Florida Eesti Selts) gathered for its monthly meeting and luncheon at 2:00 pm on Sunday, January 6, 2013, at The Hangar Restaurant and Flight Lounge, 540 1st Street Southeast St. Petersburg, FL 33701. More than 20 members convened to greet each other in the new year. Plans are underway for the KFES celebration of Estonia’s 95th anniversary of independence. Please continue reading this web site for information about our luncheon and how you can make reservations to join us.

Members of the Estonian Society of Central Florida (Kesk Florida Eest Selts) gathered Saturday, December 8, 2012, for their annual verivorst-making party at the home of Leena and Väino Aare in Bradenton, Florida. Although the group was a little smaller this year, the output was just as grand as years past. The day culminated with a celebration of Väino’s 90th birthday.

The Estonian Society of Central Florida (Kesk Florida Eesti Selts) gathered at Midtown Sundries Restaurant, St. Petersburg, Florida, for its monthly meeting and luncheon on December 2, 2012. Since we all have been good boys and girls in 2012–and we had five new children and grandchildren to present–Santa Claus returned to visit us for the first time in many years! Thirty members gathered together and more than half–aged 3 to 90–entertained Santa Claus in verse, song and dance. Photos by Maare Kuuskvere.

On Sunday, November 11, 2012, Väino and Leena Aare, members of the Estonian Society of Central Florida (Kesk Florida Eesti Selts), celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary with family and friends. This year is a special year for the couple: In addition to their 60th wedding anniversary, they are both celebrating their 90th birthdays. Undoubtedly they know the secrets to happiness and longevity. Our congratulations and best wishes to the happy couple!

Celebrating Väino and Leena Aare’s 60th wedding anniversary, November 11, 2012, are family members: (left to right) daughter Linda and Linda and Paul’s son Markus; daughter-in-law Hilda and Hilda and Peeter’s daughter Erika; Leena; son Peeter; Väino; Linda and Paul’s daughter Merike; Linda’s husband Paul; and Hilda and Peeter’s daughter Christina.

The Estonian National Association of South Florida (Lõuna Florida Eestlaste Koondis) celebrated its annual fall festival (Sügisfest) on an intermittently cloudy and sunny, breezy afternoon in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Saturday, November 10, 2012. More than 100 Estonians, Estonian-Americans and Estophiles gathered for great food, games and friendship. Joining the celebration were these members from the Estonian Society of Central Florida (Kesk Florida Eesti Selts): Maare and Jaan Kuuskvere, Ants Leinjärv, the Ülle and Don Richards family, Lisa Mets and Erkki Taada. Take a look at the photo of Ants pulling hard in the tug ‘o war!

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The Estonian Society of Central Florida (Kesk Florida Eesti Selts) launched its 2012-13 year with its annual business meeting and luncheon on Sunday, November 4, 2012, at 2:00 pm. They gathered at The Hangar Restaurant and Flight Lounge, 540 1st St SE, St. Petersburg, Florida 33701; telephone: (727) 823-7767. At their annual business meeting, the members approved the Secretary’s and Treasurer’s reports for 2011-12, the 2012-13 budget, their plan of activity for 2012-13, and elected their 2012-13 officers.

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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