Florida Estos

Norma Jean and Henn Rebane, KFES, 2. veeb. 2014. Clearwater, FL. Foto: Lisa A. Mets

Henn Rebane, a most-beloved member and founder of the Estonian Society of Central Florida/Kesk Florida Eesti Selts, passed away at home on September 26, 2018, after a hard fought battle with lung cancer. A surmakuulutus (notice of death) was published by our association in the September 27, 2018, issue of Vaba Eesti Sõna.

Henn was born to Hans and Maie (Steinberg) Rebane in Kirbla, Estonia, on November 14, 1933. The birth of his brother Priit, whom we all know well, followed. Henn was a man who professed great faith in God and whose life exemplified what it means to be a man of great compassion, generosity, ethics, and integrity. There could have been no finer men of influence shaping Henn’s life than his grandfather Pastor Bernard Steinberg, his father Pastor Hans Rebane, his uncle Pastor Juhan Suurkivi, and his brother Pastor Priit Rebane.

As it did for so many Estonians, World War II redefined Henn’s future. For one year, Pastor Hans Rebane, with his family, tended a congregation in Narva which, at that time, was under Russian occupation. As Germans retreated from Estonia, Henn’s mother Maie, temporarily leaving her husband Hans behind, embarked on her own journey with their two sons to safety. Their journey led them first to a displaced persons camp near Stuttgart, Germany, where they waited 5 years; and eventually to their homes in the United States starting in 1950 in St. Petersburg (FL); and then Appalachia, Philadelphia, and back again in St. Petersburg (FL).

St. Petersburg (Florida) holds a special place in the Rebane family heart and the Rebane family holds a special place in the history of St. Petersburg. Trinity Lutheran Church, the home for many years to the Estonian Evangelical Lutheran Church-Central Florida Congregation, was the sponsor that made it possible for the Rebane family to immigrate to the US and for Pastor Hans Rebane and eventually Pastor Priit Rebane to serve the Lord. According to the family, there is a photograph and article in the then St. Petersburg Times proclaiming the arrival of the area’s first post-WWII immigrant family. Unknown at that time was the civic commitment Henn would be making to St. Petersburg within two decades. Henn became President of the St. Petersburg Zoning Board and first Chairman of the Historical Commission that voted to save the Vinoy among its first acts. Henn’s beloved wife, Norma Jean, Henn and a small handful of others founded the St. Petersburg International Folk Festival Society (SPIFFS) and nurtured the Captive Nations Group in St. Petersburg.

When the family arrived in St. Petersburg in 1950, Henn, due to his age and tall height, was admitted as a senior at St. Petersburg High School. English and his high school subjects and high school graduation came easily to Henn as did acceptance to college in 1951. Henn went on to Georgia Tech to earn a BS in Electrical Engineering in 1956. Fulfilling the US requirement for mandatory service, Henn was an Ensign and Commander in the US Public Health Service from 1957-59. Henn earned his Florida Professional Engineering license in 1961.

Henn went on to enjoy a successful professional career mostly in Central Florida as an owner of his own company, Rebane Engineering; as a majority shareholder in Wedding and Associates; and principal in Boyle Engineering. Henn was active in leadership roles in many professional organizations serving as President of the Florida Institute of Consulting Engineers, President of the Florida Engineering Society, President of the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying, Florida’s National Director of the National Society of Professional Engineers, and Chair of the Florida Board of Professional Engineers.  Though he retired in 1998, Henn continued to serve actively in his own consulting firm. On March 12, 2008, the Florida House of Representatives paid tribute to Henn in House Resolution 9039.

Henn is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Norma Jean; son Paul (and wife Bethany); daughter Linda (and husband Andy Gotsch); grandchildren Hayden, Piper and Tanner Gotsch; brother Priit (and wife Judy) and their family; and extended family and friends in North America, Estonia and beyond.

Henn had a wonderful sense of humor and would likely chuckle at this characterization of one aspect of who he was: Henn was an Estonian magnet. As the Estonian community began to grow in St. Petersburg in the late 1960s, Henn and Norma Jean’s home quickly became the center for a cup of coffee and conversation for Estonian travelers, for visiting Estonian teams, and for Estonian Independence Day dinner celebrations for 80 participants and more. When the number of visitors and guests outgrew their home, and as St. Petersburg celebrated our nation’s bicentennial in 1976 with a celebration of its own immigrant community, Henn and others founded the Estonian Society of Central Florida/Kesk Florida Eesti Selts, and he served gloriously as our second president from 1978 to 2007.

Cremation has taken place. Interment will take place on Saturday, November 10, 2018, at 11:00 am, at Calvary Catholic Cemetery, 5233 118^th Ave N, Clearwater, FL 33760; telephone 727.572.4355. We are invited to join the family for the interment service. Lunch will follow.

–Lisa A. Mets

Kesk Florida Eesti Selts

St. Petersburg, Florida

The Estonian Society of Central Florida (Kesk Florida Eesti Selts (KFES)) resumed activities after our summer hiatus on Sunday, October 14, 2018, at 2:00 pm over an informal lunch at one of our favorite restaurants, Pier 22, in Bradenton, Florida. We were a small and hearty group.

Back row: Mai Treude, Lisa Mets, Maare Kuuskvere, Leena Aare. Middle row: Liivja Rebane, Jae Toomepuu, Jüri Toomepuu. Front row: Tiit Treude, Tõnu Toomepuu, Jaan Kuuskvere, Peep Rebane, and Erkki Taada. Kesk Florida Eesti Selts, 14 okt. 2018, Pier 22, Bradenton, FL. Foto: Sara of Pier 22.

Our next gathering is Sunday, November 11, 2018, at 2:00 pm, at which time we’ll kick off our activities for the 2018-19 year with our annual business meeting. Important topics will be discussed (please see below) so we hope you will make plans to join us.

PLEASE NOTE WE HAVE A NEW LOCATION FOR OUR GATHERING: Jüri and Jae Toomepuu are opening their beautiful home to us. It is located on the Hillsborough River in Temple Terrace, Florida. We are invited to bring appetizers and desserts to bookend the meal Jae will be preparing. In addition to enjoying each other’s company, the setting offers perfect opportunities for swimming in the Toomepuu’s pool or fishing off their dock. All are welcome! To help us plan for the right number, we ask you to let us know in advance if you will be coming. An announcement about this gathering with the Toomepuu address has gone out in email so it will be easy to reply.

1. KFES Elections for 2018-19

PLEASE RESPOND TO THIS CALL FOR NOMINATIONS NOW IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE CONSIDERED A CANDIDATE FOR ELECTION TO THE ESTONIAN SOCIETY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA (KESK FLORIDA EESTI SELTS) BOARD. THE MEMBERS OF THE ESTONIAN SOCIETY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA (KESK FLORIDA EESTI SELTS) ELECT OUR PRESIDENT, BOARD MEMBERS, AND AUDITORS. If you would like to nominate yourself for election to one of our positions, please send an email to KFES Secretary Triin Karr. At the November annual meeting, the current KFES Board will present its election slate and open nominations one more time from the floor.

2. Program of Activities for 2018-19

The Board is proposing the following activities for 2018-19. If you have additional suggestions, please send them to KFES Secretary Triin Karr.

The Estonian Society of Central Florida (Kesk Florida Eesti Selts (KFES)) is delighted to announce it is resuming activities after our summer hiatus.

The Board is proposing the following activities for 2018-19. If you have additional suggestions, please send them to KFES Secretary Triin Karr.

Over 40 members and friends of the Estonian Society of Central Florida/Kesk Florida Eesti Selts (KFES) gathered together for our annual potluck picnic celebrating April birthdays and Jaanipäeva.

We were delighted to welcome old and new friends and members from The Villages, Leesburg, Orlando and North Carolina too: Virve Kai and Joe Bulla, Ken and Anne Holda, Helve and Vello Kruber, Anu and Mario Christo, Aljona and Arianna Fjodorova, Helen Tammela, Moonika Mägi, and Birgit Delaidatti. Thank you for making the drive and the flight to be with us! Tampa Bay and our beautiful beaches are closer than one might think!

Our picnic was held for the first time in the Seminole Isle Pavilion by the Bayou. It was perfect for our group with the screened covered picnic pavilion, waterside dock and sand-fire pit. The weather this day was ideal with our cloudless blue sky and sweet breeze. KFES provided grilled bratwurst and hotdogs; thank you grillmaster Dallas Dishmey! Everyone else contributed a delicious assortment of appetizers, salads, side dishes, and desserts to complement our birthday cake. We had our full share of Estonian dishes and desserts! And we had fun with our Estonian and multi-lingual sing-a-long too!

This event is our traditional send-off as snowbirds and residents fly away for summer holidays. Though we may have informal gatherings in the summer months, our formal activities resume in October. We look forward to seeing all our members and friends again soon!

The Estonian Society of Central Florida/Kesk Florida Eesti Selts (KFES) hosted a joyful, heartfelt and sometimes tearful program celebrating the 100th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Estonia at Feather Sound Country Club, Clearwater, on Saturday, March 10, 2018.

This event, dedicated to the centenary of the Republic of Estonia, registered 85 guests—KFES members and friends from the wider Tampa Bay region and beyond. Anneliis Kuusik welcomed our guests at the door. Dallas Dishmey watches as Chloe and Brook Cabrera excitedly enter the grand ballroom. Many of our guests were proud to wear their rahvarõivad!

We were joined by several special guests including The Honorable Ms. Kairi Künka, Consul General of Estonia, New York City; The Honorable Mr. Arne Roostna Reinwald, Honorary Consul of Estonia, Valencia, Venezuela; Mr. Al Karnavicius, Honorary Consul of Lithuania, St. Petersburg, Florida; and Mr. Juris Epermanis, President of the Latvian Association in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Arne Roostna Reinwald, Juris Epermanis, The Honorable Kairi Künka, Lisa Mets, and Nancy and Al Karnavicius. Kesk Florida Eesti Selts EV100. Clearwater, FL. March 10, 2018. Photo: Erkki Taada

The program was divided into three parts. Part I, introduced by Kaie Põhi Latterner, included the presentation of the American and Estonian flags; the reading of Sini-Must-Valge (Aale Oengo-Kingo) and the singing of Eesti Lipp (Martin Lipp and Enn Võrk); the singing of the American National Anthem; welcome remarks from Ms. Kersti K. Totsas Linask, President of the Estonian Society of Central Florida/Kesk Florida Eesti Selts; the performance of the song Hoia Jumal Eestit (J. Aavik, L. Raudkepp) by KFES members Vincent and Birgit Delaidatti, accompanied by pianist Kaie Põhi Latterner and flautist Leelo Valdsaar Basham; and prayer/invocation by Mr. Henn Rebane, one of the Society’s/Selts’ founders.

The highlight of the lunch that followed was the dessert: two birthday kringlid (thank you, Virve-Kai Bulla!), a chocolate cake with candles, and a champagne toast (thank you, Tõnu Toomepuu!). Joyously we all sang, “Happy Birthday! Palju õnne Eesti!” and children blew out the birthday candles.

Part I concluded with a reading of the poem “Noor Sõdalane“ offered in memoriam by Ms. Urve Põhi. Remarks by The Honorable Ms. Kairi Künka, Consul General of Estonia in New York City, punctuated our optimism for Estonia’s bright future on this most auspicious occasion. In her remarks, Ms. Künka also expressed the gratitude of the Estonian Foreign Ministry to Ms. Lisa Ann Mets, who recently completed her 5-year term as Estonian Honorary Consul in St. Petersburg (FL) and who has “represented our country and protected our citizens’ rights with utmost devotion.” We ended Part I standing proudly singing together the Estonian national anthem “Mu isamaa, mu õnn ja rõõm” (F. Pacius, J. Jannsen).

We were delighted to introduce a surprise from Estonia: A box of “Yummy Questions” was distributed to each table. According to the box, “Yummy Questions” started in 2015 when three Tartu Jaan Poska Gymnasium students created a student company. Their mission was to introduce Estonia to the world. With every EV100 Yummy Questions purchased, they donate 5% to a youth entrepreneurship fund to give teenagers the chance to gain the experience they had. The questions were fun and informative and the chocolate was, indeed, yummy!

We also drew raffle tickets for our ever-popular lottery. This year we raffled off baskets. Thanks to KFES members, the baskets overflowed with products representing Eesti and Florida. Six lucky tickets were drawn.

Our musical and dance program was built on talent living in Florida and our New York City dance collaborators from Saare Vikat. Eesti laulud/Estonian songs filled Part II of the program. We were charmed by the following songs performed by Ülle Laido and Dermot Somerville, Vincent and Birgit Delaidatti, and Rein Männik; and we enthusiastically joined in for the audience sing-alongs. Particularly moving for all of us were the introductions to the songs. We, of course, all know the significance of “Mu isamaa on minu arm” sung at Estonian song festivals under oppression and in freedom. “Ood Põhjamaale” is based on a poem by Ülle’s mother set to music by Ülle and Dermott as a Mother’s Day gift. Birgit Delaidatti explained that “Laul Põhjamaast” brought Estonians to tears in Estonia at productions of Pippi Longstocking; Estonians understood the hidden messages in the song. “Läbi päeva ja öö,” explained Rein Männik, was written by an Estonian-Canadian who had not visited Estonia. Likewise, “Tallinna Teel” was written by an Estonian-Canadian to a Gordon Lightfoot tune. In sum, the musical program expressed the love we hold for Estonia deep in our hearts, whether we have been living in Estonia or abroad.

“Mu isamaa on minu arm” (Gustav Ernesaks)
Ülle Laido and Dermot Somerville
“Ood Põhjamaale” (Eha Laido ja Ülle Laido)
Ülle Laido and Dermot Somerville
“Ma tahaksin kodus olla” (rahvalaul)
Audience sing-along
“Laul Põhjamaast” (Enn Vetemaa / Ülo Vinter)
Vincent and Birgit Delaidatti and audience sing-along
“Läbi päeva ja öö” (Peeter Kopvillem)
Rein Männik
“Tallinna Teel” (Priit Aruvald)
Audience sing-along

Eesti rahvatantsud/Estonian folkdances filled Part III of the program. Saare Vikat featured fancy footwork by Kristel Kadak-Rahman, Ivan Kavoleff, Aleks Põldmäe, Lilia Põldmäe, Magnus Põldmäe, and Liisi Vanaselja. Our very own Rannapiigad—Reet Cabrera, Marju Dishmey, Triin Karr, Anneliis Kuusik, Kersti K. Totsas Linask, and Helen Tammela—delighted us all with their dances and when they invited us to join them in the “Perekonna Valss.”

“Jooksupolka” Saare Vikat and Rannapiigad
“Eideratas” Rannapiigad
“Reilender” Saaare Vikat
“Meremeeste Valss” Saare Vikat
“Õige ja Vasemba” Saare Vikat and Rannapiigad
“Tuljak” Saare Vikat
“Perekonna Valss” Saare Vikat, Rannapiigad and audience

The dance program concluded with members of the audience joining in on the Perekonna Valss. What fun! Kaie Põhi Latterner offered closing remarks. As is tradition, flowers were presented to our performers as an expression of our deep appreciation.

Then we all gathered on the terrace for a celebratory group photo.

The Estonian Society of Central Florida/Kesk Florida Eesti Selts expresses deep gratitude to hr. Toomas Kull, who chose us as a recipient of his magnificent book Eesti krooni originaalpangatähed 1991-2007.  The book was placed on display in a very special way in our grand ballroom.  In his email to KFES, Mr. Kull wrote: Raamatu tiraaz on 100. Raamatu pühendan Eesti 100 sünnipäevaks, eestlastele endiselt  OMA RAHA -EESTI KROONI -ja krooni paberraha esikülgedel olnud persoonide mälestuse hoidjatele. Igas raamatus on 8 originaal paberraha 1-500 kroonini. Raamatu vahelehed on valmistatud käsitööna Nepaalis ja vahelehed sisaldavad purustatud eesti krooni paberrahade puru. Raamatud pühendan ja kingin eesti muusemidele, seltsidele, koolidele, kellel on side krooni paberrahadel olnud persoonidega: Kristjan Raud, Karl Ernst von Baer, Paul Keres, Jakob Hurt, Anton Hansen Tammsaar, Rudolf Tobias, Lydia Koidula, Carl Robert Jakobson. Otsustasin, et lisaks soovin 15 raamatut kinkida nendele kaasmaalastele, kes kodumaalt eemal. Nii et ühe raamatu soovin pühendada Kesk Florida Eesti Seltsile.  Raamatule on teinud karbi näol pesa karbikunstnik Katrin Raud. Karbi sisemus on vooderdatud eesti krooni paberraha purust  valmistatud dekoratiivpaberiga. Soovin, et saadate  mulle operatiivselt korrektse Kesk Florida Eesti  Seltsi postiaadressi ja kontaktisiku telefoni numbri. Seda kõik selleks, et krooniraamat jõuaks 24 veebruariks ka teie seltsimajja, Eesti sünnipäeva pidulistele rõõmu valmistada! Eestimaa ilu hoieldes! Toomas Kull

Eesti krooni originaalpangatähed 1991-2007, by Toomas Kull, on display at Kesk Florida Eesti Selts EV100. March 10, 2018. Clearwater, FL. Photo: Triin Karr

Based on remarks offered by our guests as they departed, we may declare this celebration of EV100 a success. In sum, today was a day to celebrate Estonian history, perseverance, culture, music, dance and language. As we exclaimed repeatedly, “Elagu Eesti!” What was clear to all is this: The Estonian Society of Central Florida/Kesk Florida Eesti Selts is comprised of members—refugees and their descendants and our newer immigrants and our loved ones—who have remained true to Estonia and given their all to fight for Estonia’s independence under Soviet oppression and for Estonia’s secure future as Estonia prospers in its new period of taas iseseisvus (re-independence).

The Estonian Society of Central Florida/Kesk Florida Eesti Selts expresses deep gratitude to the following for financial support for this event: (1) Integratsiooni Sihtasutus Eestis (Eesti Vabariik 100 väliseesti kultuurühingute projektikonkurss toetus/A fund in Estonia dedicated to helping celebrate the Estonian centennial around the world; and (2) Eesti Rahvuskomitee Ühendriikides/Estonian American National Council.

This event was planned by the Estonian Society of Central Florida Board/Kesk Florida Eesti Seltsi Juhatus: Kersti K. Totsas Linask, Lisa A. Mets, Triin Karr, Anneliis Kuusik, Marju Dishmey and Maare Kuuskvere. The musical, song and dance program was conceived, organized and directed by Kaie Põhi Latterner, an amazing musician herself who accompanied us, the singers and the dancers on the piano and accordion. Please click on this KFES EV100 Kava 2018 to view the printed program and our expression of gratitude to all those who made this day such a special success.

To view the Proclamation signed by the Mayor of the City of St. Petersburg, Florida, declaring February 24, 2018, Republic of Estonia Centennial Day, please view the post on this web site. This event also is dedicated to the centenary of the Republic of Estonia.

Here is a gallery of photos of the day. Enjoy!

At the regular meeting of the St. Petersburg (FL) City Council, Councilman Steve Kornell transmitted to Lisa Mets, Immediate Past Honorary Consul of Estonia (St. Petersburg, Florida) and KFES vice president, the Mayor’s Proclamation proclaiming February 24, 2018 as Republic of Estonia Centennial Day. These representatives of the Estonian Society of Central Florida (Kesk Florida Eesti Selts) attended: KFES Past President Tõnu Toomepuu, current KFES President Kersti K. Totsas-Linask, KFES Board members Maare and Jaan Kuuskvere and Erkki Taada, and member and Estonian Honorary Consul candidate Kaie Põhi Latterner. This recognition from the City of St. Petersburg expands the gateway that already exists between St. Petersburg and Estonia.

This action is dedicated to the centenary of the Republic of Estonia.

Kesk Florida Eesti Selts/
The Estonian Society of Central Florida
invites you to our luncheon celebrating
ESTONIA’S 100TH INDEPENDENCE DAY

Saturday, March 10, 2018 at 11:00 a.m.
Feather Sound Country Club
2201 Feather Sound Dr., Clearwater, FL 33762

Program Highlights
Remarks by Estonian Consul General Kairi Künka
Folkdancers New York’s Saare Vikat and
Florida’s Rannapiigad
A musical program offered by Florida Estonians and
Estonian-related musicians

Advance reservations are required by 2/28/18
Tickets: Adults $50.00, children under 12 $23.00
For tickets, contact Anneliis Kuusik
kuusika09@aol.com; tel. 860-810-3469
7069 Key Haven Rd #505, Seminole FL 33777
Please specify your meal choice (fish or chicken)
and make checks payable to the
“Estonian Society of Central Florida”

The Estonian Society of Central Florida/Kesk Florida Eesti Selts expresses deep gratitude to the following for financial support for this event:

Integratsiooni Sihtasutus Eestis (Eesti Vabariik 100 väliseesti kultuurühingute projektikonkurss toetus/A fund in Estonia dedicated to helping celebrate the Estonian centennial around the world

Eesti Rahvuskomitee Ühendriikides/Estonian American National Council

This event is dedicated to the centenary of the Republic of Estonia.