Florida Estos

Thirty-three enthusiastic members and friends of the Estonian Society of Central Florida/Kesk Florida Eesti Selts gathered for their annual spring potluck picnic in Walsingham Park, Seminole, Florida, on Sunday, March 23, 2025. We were delighted to welcome first-timers Eric and Ilmar Tarikas, who live in Tampa and Pensacola, Florida. We were also delighted to welcome Livija and Peep Rebane’s relatives, Toomas and Ann Rebane, who were visiting from Canada. We hope to see you and all of our newcomers this year again!

A huge thank-you to Heikki and Inne Joonsar for their leadership organizing this and all our events throughout our year of activities! Heikki is Treasurer and Acting President and Inne is Vice President of Kesk Florida Eesti Selts. Thank you too to Birgit and Vincent DeLaidatti and Anneliis and Rein Allikberg for your unselfish support behind the scenes. A big hurrah to our members who brought delicious contributions to our smorgasbord table! Kesk Florida Eesti Selts is truly a wonderful community.

Formal remarks were few and appropriate for this lovely picnic setting. Heikki Joonsar warmly welcomed everyone. Vincent DeLaidatti offered a blessing. Sirje Kiin shared a communication from our friend and former longtime member Elin Toona, who now resides in Haapsalu, Eesti. Elin, through remarks read by Sirje, invited us to remember her grandfather Ernst Enno, well known Estonian poet and writer, on the occasion of what would have been his 150th birthday. Elin’s remarks are published on page 10, in the April 3, 2025, Nr. 7 (3891) edition of our Estonian-language newspaper, Vaba Eesti Sõna (New York).

This picnic closes our 2024-25 year of activities, and we are now on summer hiatus. We will send an email and post information on this website and our Facebook page when we are ready to resume our activities in the fall. In the meantime, please enjoy these photos!

The Estonian Society of Central Florida/Kesk Florida Eesti Selts poses for their traditional group photo at the yearend picnic in Walsingham Park, Seminole, Florida, Sunday, March 23, 2025. We were lucky this time capturing all our participants (missing from the photo: Lisa A. Mets, the photographer)!

Note: A group of multiple photos below the opening group shot in this report is arranged in a gallery. Please double click on the first photo or the last photo to launch the carousel of photos.

Information about KFES events and photos may be found on this website, floridaestos.blog, in engaging post-event stories graciously written by KFES member Sirje Kiin and published by New York-based Vaba Eesti Sõna and Toronto-based Eesti Elu, and our Facebook page, Kesk Florida Eestlased https://facebook.com/groups/2497393393890607/ . To enhance security features for our Facebook account members, Kesk Florida Eestlased is a private account that asks you to click on a link to join. The account is managed by KFES member Birgit DeLaidatti, and she will respond to requests from prospective followers. Thank you, Birgit, for this wonderful service to Estonian Society of Central Florida/Kesk Florida Eesti Selts members! To join our email list, please send an email to Heikki Joonsar, KFES Treasurer and Acting President, at kfes1918@yahoo.com.

See you in the fall!

Dear Members and Friends of Kesk Florida Eesti Selts (KFES)/Estonian Society of Central Florida!

Please join us for one of our favorite activities: A picnic!

Sunday, March 23, 2025

12:00-5:00 pm

Shelter #2

This shelter is next to the new children’s playground.

Walsingham Park

12615 102nd Ave N

Largo, FL 33776

https://pinellas.gov/walsingham-park-map

Entrance to the park is free. The KFES fee to help underwrite our costs is minimal at $10 for adults and children over the age of 12. Children under 12 are free. You may pay by cash or check at the door; by Zelle (KFES1918@yahoo.com); or by mailing a check in advance to

Mr. Heikki Joonsar

KFES Treasurer

14032 89th Ave

Seminole, FL 33776

KFES will provide hamburgers, hotdogs, buns, pork and beans, potato chips, and fixings as well as non-alcoholic beverages (water and soft drinks). Our members and friends are invited to contribute salads, side dishes and desserts to our smorgasbord table. Please note: This shelter does NOT have an electrical connection. The grill we will be using will provide space for dishes that may need to be warmed before serving.

By Wednesday, March 19, 2025, please send an email to KFES Treasurer and Acting President Heikki Joonsar at kfes1918@yahoo.com to let us know you are coming. Please provide the names of all adults, names and ages of children, and the items you will be contributing to our luncheon offerings. If you have some favorite outdoor games for children to play, please bring those too! Restrooms are located near our shelter.

We look forward to seeing you soon to welcome in spring together!

Heikki and Inne Joonsar

Note: Groups of multiple photos below the opening group shot in this report are arranged in galleries. In each gallery of photos, double click on the first photo or the last photo to launch the carousel of photos in each group.

With pride 54 members, friends and children of the Estonian Society of Central Florida/Kesk Florida Eesti Selts celebrated the 107th Anniversary of Estonian Independence over a formal luncheon on Sunday, February 16, 2025, in the beautiful and familiar Feather Sound Country Club Ballroom in Clearwater, Florida.

KFES Treasurer and Acting President Heikki Joonsar and KFES Vice President Inne Joonsar greeted guests at the door. Just inside the entrance, Estonian Consul hr. Tarmo Punnik, from Washington, DC, offered consular services to Estonians renewing fingerprints, ID cards and passports.

KFES Treasurer and Acting President Heikki Joonsar hosted a fulfilling program that included the following: the singing of the Star Spangled Banner, an invocation by KFES member Monika Orumaa, unison singing of Hoia Jumal Eestit and Eesti lipp led by KFES members Vincent and Birgit DeLaidatti, and a commemoration of the fallen led by KFES member Virve-Kai Bulla. It was wonderful to see Virve-Kai Bulla in traditional Estonian costume and Moonika Mägi in patriotic Estonian colors.

Estonian Consul Mr./hr. Tarmo Punnik was our invited keynote speaker. Hr. Punnik is posted to the Estonian Embassy in Washington, DC. Estonian Honorary Consul Kaie Põhi Latterner presented a thank-you gift to hr. Punnik following his remarks.

We were delighted that hr. Punnik accepted our invitation to accompany us on guitar–along with Rein Männik–as we sang Läbi päeva ja öö following his remarks.

When Heikki and Inne Joonsar were home in the Washington, DC area last summer, they had the pleasure of meeting an extraordinary University of Florida college student named Sophia Abolfathi, who describes herself as a filmmaker, writer and intern with the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage. Sophia currently is dedicating herself to academic work she calls Project Estonia. Returning after her visit to our fall picnic, Sophia described her project about Estonian experiences in Florida and the United States and the interviews she has already conducted with KFES members. Sophia will be conducting additional interviews before she brings her project to a close with a short film and article to be published in Smithsonian Folklife Magazine later this year. Sophia could be seen with a video camera throughout the afternoon documenting our special event. Sophia can be reached through this site sophiaabolfathi.com.

We closed our formal program reciting in unison Silvi Ann Verder’s poem Eesti, Eesti ela sa. Afterwards, we enjoyed lunch punctuated with homemade kringel and festive cakes and lots of great conversations at our tables. Thanks to a generous donation from KFES member Tõnu Toomepuu we offered a champagne toast to Vaba Eesti. Our fun-filled loterii and unison singing of familiar songs learned around campfires in our youth enlivened our lunch break. Estonian Honorary Consul Kaie Põhi Latterner then offered closing remarks and we filled our hearts as we sang the Estonian National Anthem to close the afternoon.

In a tradition we started in 2024, we invited members and friends to share some of their favorite Estonian recipes. Here are this year’s offerings. Enjoy!

Please enjoy these photos from our event. Information about KFES events and photos may be found on this website, floridaestos.blog, in engaging post-event stories graciously written by KFES member Sirje Kiin and published by New York-based Vaba Eesti Sõna and Toronto-based Eesti Elu, and our Facebook page, Kesk Florida Eestlased https://facebook.com/groups/2497393393890607/ . To enhance security features for our Facebook account members, Kesk Florida Eestlased is a private account that asks you to click on a link to join. The account is managed by KFES member Birgit DeLaidatti, and she will respond to requests from prospective followers. Thank you, Birgit, for this wonderful service to Estonian Society of Central Florida/Kesk Florida Eesti Selts members! To join our email list, please send an email to Heikki Joonsar, KFES Treasurer and Acting President, at kfes1918@yahoo.com.

Kallid Kesk Florida Eesti Seltsi liikmed ja sõbrad/Dear members and friends of the Estonian Society of Central Florida!

Please join us over lunch as we celebrate Eesti Vabariigi 107 Aastapäeva/107th Anniversary of Estonian Independence!

When?

Sunday, February 16, 2025

What time?

12:00-5:00 pm. Lunch will be served at 1:30 pm.

Where?

Feather Sound Country Club

2201 Feather Sound Drive

Clearwater, FL 33762

Telephone: 727.498.0005

How much will lunch cost?

Feather Sound Country Club is offering a favorable price for a full luncheon meal. A cash bar will be open for our event.

Adults: $50 per adult and children over the age of 12

Children: $10 for children aged 12 and under

What is the lunch menu?

The adult menu includes three choices:

1. Citrus Rosemary Wild Salmon with vegetables
2. Grilled Chicken Breast on top of Fettucini Alfredo
3. A vegan option

The children’s menu includes a fruit cup, beverage, and

1. Chicken fingers or
2. Macaroni and cheese

What’s for dessert?

Kringle and a champagne toast!

In advance, thank you to those who are bringing kringle and champagne!

Do I need to make reservations and pay in advance?

Yes, please, we need you to make reservations and pay in advance. Feather Sound Country Club cannot accommodate walk-ins.

By Sunday, February 9, 2025, please make your reservation by sending an email to Heikki Joonsar and let him know

1. the names of the adults and children over the age of 12 who are coming with you
2. the names and ages of children under the age of 12 who are coming with you
3. each adult’s and child’s meal choice

Please make the payment for your lunch by

1. Zelle to kfes1918@yahoo.com, or
2. Making a check payable to the “Estonian Society of Central Florida” and mailing it to

Heikki Joonsar, Treasurer

Estonian Society of Central Florida

14032 89th Ave

Seminole, FL 33776

Because the Country Club cannot provide refunds, we are sorry we cannot offer refunds after February 9, 2025.

Will there be a program?

Yes, we have a special program planned.  The speaker will be Eesti Consul Tarmo Punnik. In addition we will offer a loterii and drawings for gifts that we hope many will volunteer to bring ($10-$15 cost range; tasty consumables are welcome!). In the meantime, the KFES Juhatus is rounding out the remainder of the program and we will have more details in the coming week!  Kaie Põhi Latterner is finalizing the detailed program. 

We look forward to seeing you soon!

Elagu Eesti!

KFES Juhatus/Estonian Society of Central Florida Board

PS You may view KFES information on our private Facebook page, “Kesk Florida Eestlased.” Click on the link to ask to join. Our information is also communicated via email and posted on this website, https://floridaestos.blog/ To join our email list, please send an email to Heikki Joonsar, KFES Treasurer and Acting President, at kfes1918@yahoo.com.

PPS If you have questions about this event, please contact the following: Heikki Joonsar at joonsar@cox.net , Heikki at (703) 593-5365. Inne Joonsar at innelj23@gmail.com and Inne at (703) 593-5364. 

The Estonian Consul in Washington, D.C., Mr. Tarmo Punnik, will conduct a consular mission at the Estonian Honorary Consulate in Miami (1384 SW 18 St, Miami, FL 33145) on the following dates and times:

• February 13, 2025: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
• February 14, 2025: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Additional consular services will be provided at the location of the Estonian National Association of South Florida/Lõuna Florida Eesti Selts 107th anniversary celebration of Estonian Independence Day (Finland House, 301 W Central Blvd, Lantana, FL 33462) on:

• February 15, 2025: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Following consular services on February 15, 2025, the Estonian National Association of South Florida (Lõuna Florida Eesti Selts/LFES) will celebrate the 107th Anniversary of Estonian Independence Day at the same location, starting at 5:00 PM. Reservations are required for the LFES Estonian Independence Day celebration. To reserve tickets, please contact floridaeesti@gmail.com.

The Estonian Consul in Washington, D.C., Mr. Tarmo Punnik, will conduct a consular mission during the Estonian Society of Central Florida/Kesk Florida Eesti Selts (KFES) celebration of the 107th anniversary of Estonian Indendence Day at Feather Sound Country Club, 2201 Feather Sound Dr, Clearwater, FL 33762 on:

• February 16, 2025:  12:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Reservations are required for the KFES Estonian Independence Day celebration. To reserve tickets, please email KFES1918@yahoo.com.

During these sessions, all consular services will be available.

Passport and ID card renewal:
You can renew your passport and ID card by mail or via the Estonian Police and Border Guard’s self-service portal https://etaotlus.politsei.ee/ekpid/login, provided your fingerprints on file are less than six years old.

If your fingerprints are outdated or nearing expiration, you can update them with the Estonian Consul during the mission — free of charge.  Updating your fingerprints could save you a trip to Washington D.C. for future document renewals.

What to bring:
• Your U.S. passport (if applicable)
• Your Estonian passport or ID card

Payments:
Payments can be made via debit or credit card.

Please let the Estonian Consulate in Washington, DC know about your preferred time for an appointment within the above timeframes and book an appointment by sending an email to consulate.washington@mfa.ee.

 

Thank you!

 

*****

Eesti konsul Washingtonis, hr. Tarmo Punnik, viib läbi konsulaarmissiooni Eesti aukonsulaadis Miamis (1384 SW 18 St, Miami, FL 33145) järgmistel kuupäevadel ja kellaaegadel:

 • 13. veebruar: 12:00 – 16:00
 • 14. veebruar: 12:00 – 16:00

Täiendavaid konsulaarteenuseid pakutakse Eesti kogukonna üritustel:

• 15. veebruar:  15:00–17:00

(Finland House, 301 W Central Blvd, Lantana, FL 33462).

Pärast konsulaarteenuste osutamist tähistab Lõuna-Florida Eesti Selts samas kohas Eesti Vabariigi 107. aastapäeva. Üritus algab kell 17:00. Osalemiseks on vajalik eelregistreerimine. Piletite broneerimiseks võtke ühendust e-posti teel aadressil floridaeesti@gmail.com.

• 16. veebruar: kell 12:00 – 17:00

(Feather Sound Country Club, 2201 Feather Sound Dr, Clearwater, FL 33762).

Kesk Florida Eesti Selts (KFES) tähistab Eesti Vabariigi 107. aastapäeva. Üritus algab kell 12:00. Osalemiseks on vajalik eelregistreerimine. Piletite broneerimiseks võtke ühendust e-posti teel aadressil KFES1918@yahoo.com.

On saadaval kõik konsulaarteenused.

Passi ja ID-kaardi uuendamine:

Passi ja ID-kaarti saate uuendada posti teel või Eesti Politsei- ja Piirivalveameti

iseteenindusportaalis:  https://etaotlus.politsei.ee/ekpid/login, kui teie sõrmejäljed on

andmebaasis alla kuue aasta vanad. 

Kui teie sõrmejäljed on aegunud või aegumas,

saate neid konsuli juures tasuta uuendada. Sõrmejälgede uuendamine

võib säästa teid edaspidireisist Washingtoni, D.C.-sse dokumentide uuendamiseks.

Kaasa võtta:

• Teie USA pass (kui on olemas)
• Teie Eesti pass või ID-kaart

Maksed:
Makseid teha deebet- või krediitkaardiga.

Palun andke meile teada, milline aeg selle perioodi jooksul teile kohtumiseks sobib, ja broneerige aeg, saates e-kirja aadressile consulate.washington@mfa.ee.

Aitäh!

Happy New Year! Head uut aastat! Nearly forty members and friends of the Estonian Society of Central Florida (Kesk Florida Eesti Selts) gathered for their annual Soup and Sandwich Lunch (supi ja võileiva lõunasöök) on a cool rainy day on Sunday, January 19, 2025, in the familiar clubhouse in the Seminole (FL) community where Heikki and Inne Joonsar live. Thank you Inne and Heikki for organizing and hosting this event! And thank you to all the members who made contributions following their favorite Estonian recipes and traditions. The hot soups were most welcome today! They brought back a taste of our Eesti home and nourished our souls.

A most enthusiastic thank-you to all the members who assisted with set-up and clean-up. As usual yeoman’s work was contributed by Anneliis and Rein Allikberg, Virve Kai Bulla, Moonika Mägi, Birgit DeLaidatti and Heikki and Inne Joonsar. In the future, if possible, please arrive a little early to help Anneliis, Rein, Virve Kai, Moonika, Birgit, and Heikki and Inne Joonsar with set-up too. That is where the heavy lifting is done. We all seem to be enthusiastic cleaner uppers and we appreciate everyone’s help at the end! As we all enjoy, this is an active community and we welcome everyone’s participation from start to end.

Inne Joonsar, KFES vice president, welcomed guests at the door. She was ably assisted by her granddaughter Eve visiting from Georgia. Heikki Joonsar, treasurer and acting president, hosted our program. Vincent DeLaidatti offered the blessing for our meal and gathering. Heikki led a modest program after lunch. Song sheets were distributed and we shared a few songs together. It seemed we were all so happy to be together in the new year our conversation flowed easily without programming. We were delighted to welcome three new friends: Raul Hammer of Tampa and Toomas and Riina Sõrra, who happened to be visiting from the northeast. Thank you for joining us today!

PLEASE SAVE THIS DATE: The Estonian Society of Central Florida/Kesk Florida Eesti Selts is planning to celebrate the 107th Anniversary of Estonian Independence/EVA 107 on Sunday, February 16, 2025, from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm at Feather Sound Country Club, 2201 Feather Sound Drive, Clearwater, FL 33762. Information about the cost and making reservations will be sent soon. Advance reservations will be required so meal orders may be placed with Feather Sound Country Club prior to the event. Volunteers are welcome to assist with set-up starting at 11:00 am. Please stay tuned to email, this website, and our Facebook page.

Please enjoy these photos from our event. Information about KFES events and photos may be found on this website, floridaestos.blog, and our Facebook page, Kesk Florida Eestlased https://facebook.com/groups/2497393393890607/ . To enhance security features for our Facebook account members, Kesk Florida Eestlased is a private account that asks you to click on a link to join. The account is managed by KFES member Birgit DeLaidatti, and she will respond to requests from prospective followers. Thank you, Birgit, for this wonderful service to Estonian Society of Central Florida/Kesk Florida Eesti Selts members! To join our email list, please send an email to Heikki Joonsar, KFES Treasurer and Acting President, at kfes1918@yahoo.com.

Dear Members and Friends of the Estonian Society of Central Florida/Kesk Florida Eesti Selts!

Please plan to join us as we gather for our traditional and popular Estonian Soup and Sandwich Luncheon!

Sunday, January 19, 2025

12:00-4:00 pm

Volunteers are welcome to arrive at 11:00 am to help us set up and to remain after 4:00 to help us clean up!

WE ARE RETURNING TO THE COMMUNITY CLUB HOUSE AND RECREATIONAL CENTER AT THE WINTER HOME OF INNE AND HEIKKI JOONSAR. We have celebrated our soup-and-sandwich luncheon and other events there in the past.

TAMARAC BY-THE-GULF, INC.
9099 141st St.
Seminole. FL 33776

Tamarac By-the-Gulf is a community of 380 individual homes all painted white with white tile roofs. The best way to enter is at the TRAFFIC LIGHT on 86th Ave. N. and Oakhurst Rd. (137th St.) where there is NO sign. Then turn right onto 140th Way. Continue until you make a slight left onto 141st St. where parking and the club house are visible. Parking is available on both sides of the club house. The entrance at the TAMARAC sign off Oakhurst & 94th Place can be easily missed because it is hidden by a curve. A GPS can usually get you there.

This location is 5 minutes from the beaches if one continues west on Park Blvd. (694). Some of you may want to continue to the beaches to finish the afternoon and enjoy a beautiful sunset.

Please plan to bring a contribution to the potluck luncheon table, e.g., salads, sandwiches, side dishes, soup, and desserts. Traditional Estonian dishes are encouraged! If you are bringing a hot dish, please plan to bring it in your own crock pot or other warming appliance. The kitchen may be available for keeping dishes warm, but no cooking is permitted. Please bring your own beverages. Please note: This clubhouse, as a rental, does not permit alcoholic beverages to be served. Soft drinks, coffee and water will be provided.

Cost  is $10.00  per person, children are free. You can pay (1) with cash or check at the door, (2) via ZELLE  (KFES1918@yahoo.com) to the KFES bank account, or (3) check made out to KFES and mailed to Heikki Joonsar, 14932 89th AVE Seminole, FL. 33776. 

By Monday, January 13, 2025, to help us plan for the right number of people, please send an email to KFES Treasurer Heikki Joonsar and let him know who is coming with you (please include children’s names and ages too) and what you will be contributing to the potluck luncheon just in case we need to make some adjustments in the menu. Please email Heikki at kfes1918@yahoo.com.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

Inne and Heikki Joonsar

PS PLEASE SAVE THIS DATE: The Estonian Society of Central Florida/Kesk Florida Eesti Selts is planning to celebrate the 107th Anniversary of Estonian Independence/EVA 107 on Sunday, February 16, 2025, from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm at Feather Sound Country Club, 2201 Feather Sound Drive, Clearwater, FL 33762. Information about the cost and making reservations will be sent in the new year; advance reservations will be required so meal orders may be placed with Feather Sound Country Club prior to the event. Volunteers are welcome to assist with set-up starting at 11:00 am. More information is forthcoming in the new year. Please stay tuned to email, this website, and our Facebook page.

Information about KFES events and photos may be found on this website, floridaestos.blog, and our Facebook page, Kesk Florida Eestlased https://facebook.com/groups/2497393393890607/ . To enhance security features for our Facebook account members, Kesk Florida Eestlased is a private account that asks you to click on a link to join. The account is managed by KFES member Birgit DeLaidatti, and she will respond to requests from prospective followers. Thank you, Birgit, for this wonderful service to Estonian Society of Central Florida/Kesk Florida Eesti Selts members! To join our email list, please send an email to Heikki Joonsar, KFES Treasurer and Acting President, at kfes1918@yahoo.com.

Note: Groups of multiple photos below the opening group shot in this report are arranged in galleries. In the first gallery of photos, double click on the first photo to launch the carousel of photos. Starting with the second gallery of photos, please double click on the last photo to open the gallery in each section so you may scroll through the photos in groups.

Häid pühi! Season’s greetings! What another glorious blue sky sunny day–Sunday, December 15, 2024–for the annual jõulupidu (Christmas party) of the Kesk Florida Eesti Selts (KFES) (Estonian Society of Central Florida) at the clubhouse in Birgit and Vincent DeLaidatti’s residential community in Largo, Florida! Sixty (60!) members and friends (including 8 children) gathered for our traditional Estonian Christmas meal, engaging conversation, the singing of holiday carols, and an early visit by jõuluvana just for our good girls and boys! Of course, all of our girls and boys were good this year!

Our KFES vice president, Inne Joonsar, welcomed friends and guests as they arrived. We especially were delighted to welcome first-timers to this event too: Diana Davi and her daughter Gabriella; Ted Erne and Helen, who currently are living in our area as they restore their sailboat Liberty; Kelly Myers, her daughters Jenelle and Kayla, and their friend Katlin Raidvee; Märten Vaikmaa’s friends Jaak Lugus and Tanel Lindmets; and Milja Webber. Though Helve Silah is a familiar friend, her 2-year-old son Justin attended his first KFES jõulupidu this year too!

Heikki Joonsar, who is our treasurer and acting president, and Moonika Mägi, our past president, welcomed us with opening remarks. In Estonian Christmas tradition, Moonika recited a poem. Vincent DeLaidatti blessed our meal and our gathering. Heikki thanked our primary verivorsti makers, Kaie Põhi Latterner and Virve-Kai Bulla. Additional vorstid came from a second kitchen too–the home of Triin Karr–where Moonika Mägi, Marju Dishmey and others made their vorstid too ahead of the holidays. Thank you to you too! Everyone jumped in to help today, from setup to meal prep to clean-up, and we were thrilled that our newcomer Helen contributed a large pot of homemade hapukapsad (sauerkraut) too! As we do each December, we paused a moment to sing the Estonian version of “happy birthday” (Ta elagu!) to Heikki Joonsar as we clinked our glasses together in fine Estonian tradition.

Estonians love their traditional jõuluõhtusöök (Christmas dinner) and today’s menu exceeded everyone’s expectations. While our roast pork, mashed potatoes and gravy were catered as in the past, everything else today was homemade. Our side dishes included cranberry sauce, hapukapsad, rosolje, potato salad, herring salad, fresh beet and spinach salad, and other delights too numerous to mention. The centerpiece of the meal was the deliciously seasoned verivorst–mostly provided by the loving hands of Kaie Põhi Latterner and Virve-Kai Bulla. Desserts included three kinds of kringel, piparkoogid, traditional Florida key lime pie, and so many additional sweet selections. Yum!

After lunch, Kaie Põhi Latterner, our Estonian Honorary Consul and KFES musical director, led us in song. When we weren’t singing, we were fully engaged in conversation. It was grand to be together again!

We hope you enjoy these additional photos from our gathering. We look forward to seeing you in the New Year! Please stay tuned to your email, this website, and our Facebook account for information about upcoming events. See the paragraph below for ways to stay in touch.

Information about KFES events and photos may be found on this website, floridaestos.blog, and our Facebook page, Kesk Florida Eestlased https://facebook.com/groups/2497393393890607/ . To enhance security features for our Facebook account members, Kesk Florida Eestlased is a private account that asks you to click on a link to join. The account is managed by KFES member Birgit DeLaidatti, and she will respond to requests from prospective followers. Thank you, Birgit, for this wonderful service to Estonian Society of Central Florida/Kesk Florida Eesti Selts members! To join our email list, please send an email to Heikki Joonsar, KFES Treasurer and Acting President, at kfes1918@yahoo.com.

Dear Members and Friends of Kesk Florida Eesti Selts/Estonian Society of Central Florida!

It’s never too early to offer season’s greetings! Season’s greetings to you all!

We will gather for our traditional Christmas luncheon:

Sunday, December 15, 2024

12:00-4:00 pm (Volunteers are welcome to arrive at 11:00 am to help us set up and decorate and to remain after 4:00 to help us clean up.)

We will gather at our familiar location: Birgit and Vincent DeLaidatti’s community clubhouse

Clubhouse at Harbour Crest 400

13940 Anona Heights Drive

Largo, FL 33774

Parking is available across the street in the school parking lot. Thank you to Birgit and Vincent for making all this space available to us!

The main course (pulled pork, mashed potatoes and gravy) are catered. Verivorst and cranberry relish are homemade.

Please plan to bring something for our smorgasbord table too: appetizers, salads, side dishes, and desserts are most welcome! When you make your reservation, please mention what you will be bringing. You are welcome to bring your own adult beverages; non-alcoholic options will be provided.

By Wednesday, December 3 10, 2024, please send an email to Heikki and Inne Joonsar at kfes1918@yahoo.com to let them know you are coming so they may place an accurate catering order. Please include (1) the names of your guests and your children and their ages, and (2) what you will be bringing for the smorgasbord table.

The cost to participate:

$20 per adult and children over the age of 12

$5 for children twelve and under

You may pay:

(1) with cash or check at the door

(2) in advance through ZELLE  (KFES1918@yahoo.com) to the KFES account, or

(3) in advance by mailing a check made out to KFES and addressed to Heikki Joonsar, 14032 89th Ave, Seminole, FL. 33776.

Jõuluvana will be visiting us! The FAA has agreed to clear Jõuluvana for a direct flight from the North Pole to Largo!

Parents are invited to bring wrapped presents with clearly marked name tags for their children so Jõuluvana may begin Christmas deliveries at our party. Activities for children are welcome too!

We are looking forward to celebrating the holiday season with you!

Heikki and Inne Joonsar

Only the fellowship of friends and families can lift one’s spirits on the heels of Hurricanes Helene and Milton that struck our area in September and October. And so it was on this clear blue sky sunny day in Seminole, Florida. The Estonian Society of Central Florida/Kesk Florida Eesti Selts welcomed back 45 members and friends to launch the 2024-2025 year of activities. Walsingham Park Shelter #3 provided the perfect setting for our potluck picnic (KFES provided delicious French dip and pulled pork sandwiches purchased through one of our favorite “go to” places, Pete and Shorty’s). We were delighted Hannes Jacobson and Ludmila Stelmokene brought their two friends and Taivo and Anneliis Hurt brought their two friends. Friends and guests are always welcome!

Many thanks to our leadership–Heikki and Inne Joonsar–for launching this new year of activities. Huge thanks to individuals who volunteer invisibly and tirelessly in the background: Anneliis Kuusik and Rein Allikberg, Birgit and Vincent DeLaidatti, Virve Kai Bulla, and Estonian Honorary Consul Kaie Põhi Latterner. It goes without saying: Thank you to all the members who contribute delicious side dishes and desserts to our always scrumptious potluck table! Special thanks to Sophia Abolfathi for rosolje and Anne Holda for kringel–two traditional Estonian favorites! What makes KFES so special is the community we have built and share!

Just prior to lunch Heikki Joonsar offered welcoming remarks. Vincent DeLaidatti blessed our gathering and the meal. Estonian Honorary Consul Kaie Põhi Latterner offered words of remembrance to those we have lost. This year, KFES mourns the passing of two significant figures in our history. Jaan Kuuskvere, who passed away in May, was always an active KFES member nearly 30 years and never hesitated to take on a leadership role. Over the years, Jaan served as our association’s president, annual meeting convener, and financial auditor. Geraldine Raja, beloved wife of KFES longtime treasurer Rein Raja, passed away early this November. Geri, as she was known among us, wore her Estonian dress proudly as she supported all the association’s activities–including those in the St. Petersburg International Folk Festival Society–and adorned formal Estonian Independence Day gatherings for more than 30 years. As we mourned the losses of others we have lost in our lives, we hope our shared grief brings comfort to those who grieve deeply at this time.

KFES hosted a special guest today. She introduces herself as follows:

My name is Sophia Abolfathi and I am a filmmaker, writer, and intern with the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage. I am also a student at the University of Florida and based out of Gainesville, FL. I’m working on a story about Estonian experiences in Florida and the United States. The final article and short film would be published in Smithsonian Folklife Magazine in early 2025.

There are two components to this project:

Part I. Oral Histories of Migration circa 1944: We are interested in expanding the archive of oral histories of personal and family migration from Estonia to the United States during the 1944 Great Escape. There is a particular interest in collecting stories that involve boat travel. Primary accounts are preferred but children or grandchildren of immigrants are welcomed. This is the focus of the short film, so we may travel to interview with you on camera.

Part II. Interviews on Modern Perspectives: The second component of this story is interested in Estonians who have chosen to either move to the U.S. recently (after 1990) or remain in the U.S. after their parents’ migration (after 1944). There is an interest in why Estonians choose homes outside of Estonia; why they seek out communities with other Estonians; and how Estonian culture is being preserved in future generations. This is the focus of the article, so people who are uncomfortable being on camera are not required to be.

Sophia, whose mother is Estonian, mingled easily with our guests. It was a special treat to see Sophia in action taking notes as she goes about her research. She didn’t miss this opportunity to begin an interview with our KFES grande dame Urve Põhi. Sophia looks forward to hearing more stories from the members of the Estonian community spread throughout Florida. She can be reached through this site sophiaabolfathi.com.

SAVE THE DATES

Kesk Florida Eesti Selts will celebrate Christmas with Jõuluvana, verivorst and our traditional potluck dinner on Sunday, December 15, 2024. Details will follow in email.

We also plan to hold our traditional Supp ja Võileiv luncheon in January. Details will follow later.

The Estonian Society of Central Florida/Kesk Florida Eesti Selts will celebrate the 107th Anniversary of Estonian Independence on Sunday, February 16, 2025. Information and details will follow as the date approaches.

Information about KFES events and photos may be found on this website, floridaestos.blog, and our Facebook page, Kesk Florida Eestlased https://facebook.com/groups/2497393393890607/ . To enhance security features for our Facebook account members, Kesk Florida Eestlased is a private account that asks you to click on a link to join. The account is managed by KFES member Birgit DeLaidatti, and she will respond to requests from prospective followers. Thank you, Birgit, for this wonderful service to Estonian Society of Central Florida/Kesk Florida Eesti Selts members! To join our email list, please send an email to Heikki Joonsar, KFES Treasurer and Acting President, at kfes1918@yahoo.com.