Florida Estos

On Sunday, April 24, 2022, in the beautiful community room at Tamarac by the Gulf (Seminole, FL)–where Inne and Heikki Joonsar have a winter home–over 45 members and friends of the Kesk Florida Eesti Selts/Estonian Society of Central Florida gathered for a final luncheon before breaking for their traditional summer hiatus. Moonika Mägi, KFES’s multitalented Vice President and super chef, organized the event and offered welcoming remarks. She invited members to join her in thanking the members of the 2021-2022 KFES Board; our extraordinary musical director Kaie Põhi Latterner (and Honorary Consul of Estonia, St. Petersburg, FL); and all of today’s attendees for their participation and contributions to our potluck smorgasbord. Noting the absence of our esteemed KFES president, the members sent their enthusiastic thanks and best wishes to Merit Laansalu who has transferred for work in Portugal.

KFES also welcomed a number of special guests to our luncheon. Jüri Toomepuu introduced his old friend Ervin Pari visiting from Tartu. Ervin introduced his son, Väikko Pari, and his wife Maria (from Deltona, FL); and daughter Kadri Pari, and her daughter Kimberli, and Tomas Jonkaitis. Inne and Heikki Joonsar were joined by their granddaughter Ellie Joonsar (from Atlanta) and her friend Alexandria Buell. Performing a Polynesian hula dance, Livija Rebane was the highlight of our afternoon program. A delicious smorgasbord and lively conversations were enjoyed by all.

Please keep an eye on email in September/October, 2022, for an announcement about our next activity. Happy Summer to all!

[Enjoy these photos: Double-click on the first photo to open the photo deck. Use the right arrow key to move through the deck.]

We are delighted to invite you to our next event that is taking place on Sunday, April 24th, 2022, from 1:00 to 4:00 PM EDT, in Seminole, Florida. 

The event will be outside in the open air at Tamarac by the Gulf Club House (9099 141st Street N, Seminole, FL 33776) where Inne and Heikki Joonsar will welcome us. Their residential community is a familiar location to us.

Shuffle board and horse shoe pits are available for your entertainment. 

We will be able to use one grill, so KFES/Estonian Society of Central Florida will provide some snacks/items from the BBQ. Please bring appetizers, snacks or dessert to share and drinks to your liking.

For children, we would like to offer an egg hunt.  If you bring your little ones with you, please also bring the eggs for the egg hunt and we will organize the hunt. Pease let us know the names and ages of children who will be participating.

And we also have a special guest performing this time!

The participation fee is $15 per adult.  RSVP and make your payment by April 13th. 

Payment methods:

To transfer funds to Kesk Florida Eesti Selts via Zelle, add address kfes1918@yahoo.com. In the note box, put your names and what the funds are for (April 2022 gathering). When you are given the choice of “personal” or “business,” check “business.” In the name of the account put in “Estonian Society of Central Florida.”

Of course, we can receive checks made out to KFES or Estonian Society of Central Florida and we will deposit them electronically. Mail your check to:
Heikki Joonsar, 14032 89th Ave, Seminole, FL 33776. 

We look forward to seeing you in April!

KFES Juhatus/Estonian Society of Central Florida Board

Outdoor picnics are among our favorite ways of gathering! On a beautiful warm and sunny day, Kesk Florida Eesti Selts (KFES)/Estonian Society of Central Florida–55 members, friends and children–celebrated the 104th Anniversary of Estonian Independence on Sunday, February 27, 2022, from 1:00 to 4:00 pm EST, in Walsingham Park (click on the link for park information), Shelter 8, 12615 102nd Ave, Seminole, FL 33778.

KFES President Merit Laansalu officially opened the afternoon program and offered moving personal reflections on the significance of our celebration of Estonian Independence Day in light of Ukraine’s fight for its continuing independence. Vincent Delaidatti offered a blessing for our meal and a special prayer for independence. Kersti Totsas Linask, our former KFES President, visited us from her home in Virginia and brought greetings from the Washington DC Estonian community. In a moving song of prayer for Eesti led by Birgit and Vincent Delaidatti, we stood and joined together in the singing of Hoia Jumal Eestit. Birgit Deladatti and Moonika Mägi followed with Põhjamaa. In our traditional patriotic salutes, our program began with the singing of the American National Anthem and closed with the Estonian national anthem. During our meal, Heinar Normet offered two special toasts: one to support Ukraine in its fight for continuing freedom and the second to salute Vaba Eesti. On behalf of KFES, Aukonsul Kaie Põhi Latterner offered thanks to the Märten Vaikmaa family, who have hosted prior KFES events at their beautiful home.

Jüri Toomepuu introduced his special guest joining us this day: Jaak Madison, Estonian member of the European Parliament and member of its Committee on Foreign Affairs and its delegation for relations with the United States. Mr. Madison offered greetings and remarks on current affairs and was happy to mingle with our members throughout the afternoon.

This special occasion celebrated our Estonian heritage and culture through songs lead by Eesti Aukonsul and Accordionist and Pianist Extraordinare Kaie Põhi Latterner and our talented singers Vincent Delaidatti, Birgit Delaidatti and Moonika Mägi. Aided through song sheets, everyone especially enjoyed the afternoon of ühislaulud that have become so familiar to all of us.

A main dish of traditional cabbage rolls, our usual potluck smorgasbord made possible through our members and friends, and drinks were organized by the KFES Juhatus (Estonian Society of Central Florida Board). In addition to the adjacent playground and open fields for our children to play, KFES President Merit Laansalu supervised an activity table for children, who were proud to make Estonian flags. Thank you to all who made this another memorable event in the life of the Kesk Florida Eesti Selts. Enjoy the photos that reflect the joy we felt to be together on this special occasion.

Outdoor picnics are among our favorite ways of gathering! Kesk Florida Eesti Selts/Estonian Society of Central Florida will celebrate the 104th Anniversary of Estonian Independence on Sunday, February 27, 2022, from 1:00 to 4:00 pm EST, in Walsingham Park (click on the link for park information), Shelter 8, 12615 102nd Ave, Seminole, FL 33778.

We plan to use this special occasion to celebrate our Estonian heritage and culture through folksongs, music and folkdances. Please share your talents and join others who may lead us in song and dance! Please also let us know the names and ages of children who will be attending with you and share your suggestions for activities children may enjoy too!

Main dishes and warm drinks will be organized by the KFES Juhatus (Estonian Society of Central Florida Board). We especially welcome appetizers and/or desserts you would like to contribute to our luncheon. Please let us know what you plan to bring so we may coordinate our meal. When bringing your own drinks, please note that alcoholic drinks are not permitted in this park.

By February 15, 2022, please send an email to Merit Laansalu Alvarez to let her know you will be coming. The cost of participation is $15 per person, paid in advance. Children under the age of 12 are free.

Payment methods: To transfer funds to Kesk Florida Eesti Selts via Zelle, add the address kfes1918@yahoo.com. (1) In the note box: (a) Insert your names and (b) purpose of the funds (EVA 104). (2) There also is a choice of personal or business: Check business. (3) In name of account: Type in “Estonian Society of Central Florida”.

Of course, we can receive checks made out to “KFES/Estonian Society of Central Florida” and the Treasurer will deposit them electronically. Write the names of all participants and “EVA 104” in the Memo line. Please mail your check to:
Mr. Heikki Joonsar, KFES Treasurer, 14032 89th Ave, Seminole, FL 33776. 

More information about our celebration will be sent by email as the day approaches.

See you soon!

KFES Juhatus

Eesti Vabariigi Peakonsulaat viib 8. märtsil 2022 läbi konsulaarmissiooni St. Petersburgis (Florida). Eesti kodanikel on võimalik taotleda uut passi või ID-kaarti, uuendada aeguvaid dokumente ning saada kätte eelnevalt tellitud dokumente.

Info konsulaarteenuste, dokumentide taotlemise, taotluse vormide jms kohta on leitav peakonsulaadi veebilehelt.

Peakonsuli vastuvõtt toimub aadressil 241 173rd Avenue East, North Redington Beach FL 33708. Vajalik eelnev registreerimine Eesti aukonsuli St. Petersburgis pr. Kaie Tiina Põhi Latterneri e-postiaadressil kaiet@earthlink.net.

The Consulate General of Estonia in New York will conduct a consular visit to St. Petersburg, Florida, on March, 8, 2022. Estonian citizens will be able to apply for a passport or ID-Card, renew their passport or ID-Card and receive previously ordered documents.

Information regarding consular services, application forms etc. can be found on the website of Consulate General in New York.

The Consul General will conduct business at 241 173rd Avenue East, North Redington Beach, Florida 33708. Please pre-register for an appointment by e-mailing the Honorary Consul in St. Petersburg, Florida, Ms. Kaie Tiina Põhi Latterner at kaiet@earthlink.net.

NOTE: 5. märtsil 2022, Eesti Vabariigi Peakonsulaat viib konsulaarmissiooni Miamisse (Florida). https://newyork.mfa.ee/et/events/konsulaarmissioon-miamisse/. Peakonsuli vastuvõtt toimub aadressil 1384 SW 18 St, Miami, Florida 33145. Vastuvõtule registreerimiseks palun saatke e-kiri aukonsul Jorge L. Vierale joviro47@hotmail.com. The Consulate General of Estonia in New York will conduct a consular visit to Miami, Florida, on Tuesday, March 5, 2022.  https://newyork.mfa.ee/events/consular-visit-to-miami/. All meetings will be held at 1384 SW 18 St, Miami, Florida 33145. Please pre-register for an appointment by e-mailing to the Honorary Consul Mr. Jorge L. Viera at joviro47@hotmail.com.

On January 16, 2022, Rein Raja, our friend and long time member and treasurer of Kesk Florida Eesti Selts (KFES)/Estonian Society of Central Florida, passed away at the age of 90 in St. Petersburg, Florida. Kesk Florida Eesti Selts/Estonian Society of Central Florida offers this tribute, In Memoriam to Rein Raja. We extend our deepest condolences to Rein’s beloved wife Geraldine (Geri) and to Geri and Rein’s families here and in Estonia.

On Saturday, December 11, 2021, 53 members and friends of the Kesk Florida Eesti Selts/Estonian Society of Central Florida, and 11 children aged from 10 months to 10 years, gathered at long last since 2019 at the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd in Seminole, Florida, to celebrate the Christmas season with a festive traditional Estonian-style Christmas meal (including verivorst, pickled pumpkin and sült and kringel, piparkoogid and roosamanna) and an early appearance by Jõuluvana (Santa Claus) just for our good girls and boys (aged 10 months to 90+ years). Our guests drove from as far away as Brooksville, The Villages, Naples, Orlando and Cocoa Beach; as near as Tampa Bay; and Viivi, Mia and Elli flew in recently from Eesti. How happy we were to see each other again!

While we waited for all our guests to arrive, children were busy decorating piparkoogid at an activity table designed just for them. Merit Laansalu Alvarez guided the activities though it appeared the children were quite experienced already!

Once we settled in, Vincent Delaidatti offered a blessing for our meal. Then hungry folks lined up to pass through our wonderful luncheon table.

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Our program began once the meal concluded. Kaie Põhi Latterner, our very talented resident musician and Honorary Consul of Estonia, accompanied our musical program. We sang to well known tunes with familiar lyrics whether our songs were in Estonian, English and Spanish. We even paused to sing Nad Elagu! (Estonian Happy Birthday!) to Urve Põhi (who celebrated her 90th birthday in August) and our December birthday celebrants Heikki Joonsar, Heidi and Nico Laansalu Alvarez.

Our children waited patiently for Jõuluvana to arrive and at long last his knocks were heard at the door. Oh my! What joy!

Once Santa departed, KFES Vice President Moonika Mägi invited us to reflect on the Christmases of our childhood. We had three generations of Estonians and Estonian Americans in the room and what a treat it was to remember bringing in the freshly cut Christmas tree on Christmas Eve and adorning it with candles lit in the dark. We closed our program singing Püha Öö (Silent Night).

Our thanks go to our new KFES Juhatus-Estonian Society of Central Florida Board (Merit Laansalu Alvarez, Moonika Mägi, Inne Joonsar, Triin Karr and Heikki Joonsar). We also thank our members and friends who enhanced our meal, our program and our clean-up through their participation.

The members of the 2021-2022 KFES Juhatus/Estonian Society of Central Florida Board thank you for participating in the survey we emailed in October to collect your contact information and ideas for activities. If you have not yet done so, we invite you to visit this link to our survey so we may be sure we have your up-to-date contact information and ideas too: https://forms.gle/GjP9VJmdR6HAc5US9. We value you and your participation.

We look forward to seeing you at upcoming events in the New Year. Please stay tuned to your email and this website for information as it becomes available.

In the meantime, we wish you all rõõmsaid jõulu pühi ja head uut aastat! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

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

PLEASE JOIN US FOR OUR TRADITIONAL HOLIDAY CELEBRATION!

JÕULUVANA WILL BE JOINING US TOO AND HE IS LOOKING FORWARD TO GREETING THOSE WHO HAVE POEMS, SONGS, OTHER TALENTS, GIGGLES AND GOOD WISHES TO SHARE!

Saturday, December 11, 2021

2:00-5:30 pm Eastern Time

In our familiar location:

Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd

10891 102nd Ave N

Seminole, FL 33778

As in the past, we welcome appetizers, desserts and beverages you would like to bring and share to enhance our celebration.

Our KFES elves will be working hard to support this event, and they welcome your participation too if some of you are able to arrive an hour early to help set up or stay a little later to help clean up.

Reservations and pre-payment will be required by Tuesday, November 30, 2021.
Adults: $35 per person

Youth aged 11 to 18: $10 per youth

Children under the age of 11: Free

Please let us know the names and ages of our children and youth who are accompanying you.

By November 30, 2021, please make your check payable to The Estonian Society of Central Florida and mail it with the names of guests (and children and youth ages) to:

Mr. Heikki Joonsar

14032 89th Ave

Seminole, FL 33776

Electronic payment is also possible; please check your email for instructions.

Parents are encouraged to bring wrapped gifts for their own children so Jõuluvana is prepared.

Questions? Please contact KFES Sekretär Triin Karr by email at triin.karr@gmail.com.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

On Sunday, November 7, 2021–a beautifully warm, sunny and breezy day typical of November in Florida–28 members and friends of the Kesk Florida Eesti Selts (KFES)/Estonian Society of Central Florida–from as near as Tampa Bay and as far away as Cocoa Beach, The Villages and Orlando–gathered for their first activity of the 2021-22 season.

A fabulous potluck brunch under Shelter 12 at Lake Seminole Park, Seminole, Florida–planned by our new KFES Board members–was enjoyed by all.

Thank you to all the members for the delicious smorgasbord we enjoyed! What a great way to start off our new year! Enjoy the photos!

SAVE THE DATE FOR OUR TRADITIONAL HOLIDAY CELEBRATION:

Saturday, December 11, 2021

2:00-5:00 pm Eastern Time

In our familiar location:

Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd

10891 102nd Ave N

Seminole, FL 33778

Reservations and pre-payment will be required by Tuesday, November 30, 2021.
Adults: $35 per person
Youth aged 11-18: $10 per youth

Children under the age of 11: Free.

Please let us know the names and ages of the children and youth accompanying you.

By November 30, 2021, please make your check payable to The Estonian Society of Central Florida and mail it with the names of all your guests (and your children and youth and their ages) to:

Mr. Heikki Joonsar

14032 89th Ave

Seminole, FL 33776 

Parents are encouraged to bring wrapped gifts for their own children so Jõuluvana is prepared.

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

We are pleased to announce that our 2021-2022 year of activities is kicking off on Sunday, November 7, 2021.

PLEASE JOIN US FOR OUR

NOVEMBER SUNDAY BRUNCH

Sunday, November 7, 2021

11:00 am

Lake Seminole Park – Shelter 12

To locate Shelter 12, please see the map in this link for better guidance.

10015 Park Blvd (74th Ave N)

Seminole, FL 33777

The fee is $10 per adult to cover the costs of the shelter rental and supplies. We will collect the fee at the shelter.

Please bring a breakfast/lunch/brunch dish to share and your favorite beverages. We will be providing hot coffee.

So we may plan for the right number of guests–and if you would like ideas on what to bring–please let us know you are coming by sending an email to KFES Secretary Triin Karr at triin.karr@gmail.com.

PLEASE SAVE THE DATE FOR

OUR TRADITIONAL HOLIDAY PARTY:

Saturday, December 11, 2021

Time to be announced

Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd

10891 102nd Ave N

Seminole, FL 33778

More information will be shared as the event approaches.

PLEASE PARTICIPATE IN OUR SURVEY:

The members of the 2021-2022 KFES Juhatus/Estonian Society of Central Florida Board thank you for participating in the survey we emailed in October to collect your contact information and ideas for activities. If you have not yet done so, we invite you to visit this link to our survey so we may be sure we have your up-to-date contact information and ideas too: https://forms.gle/GjP9VJmdR6HAc5US9. We value you and your participation.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

Merit Laansalu Alvarez, President

Inne Joonsar, Vice President

Moonika Mägi, Vice President

Triin Karr, Secretary

Heikki Joonsar, Treasurer