Florida Estos

Four members of the Estonian Society of Central Florida/Kesk Florida Eesti Selts (KFES)–Anneliis Kuusik and Rein Allikberg and Lisa A. Mets and Erkki Taada–had the great pleasure of joining 90 guests who attended the Estonian Society of South Florida/Lõuna Florida Eesti Selts (LFES) celebration of the 106th Anniversary of Estonian Independence on Saturday, February 10, 2024, in the Finland House, Lantana, Florida. Lantana is an unofficial Finnish capital in Florida and the United States.

LFES past president Veljo Kurik and current president Terje Hill presided over the evening program. This program was especially significant for the attention given not only to the 106th anniversary of Estonian independence but also to the 80th commemoration of the great exodus from Estonia in 1944 which we are marking this year. Ms. Hill recounted moving stories of escape from LFES members Elve Müürsepp, Vivian Edwards and Aavo Kõiv who were in attendance this evening.

The LFES flag, designed by Veljo Kurik, gives testimony to LFES’s long established history of operations in the Miami/Ft. Lauderdale/Palm Beach area in southeast Florida. You may learn more about the association through their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/FLORIDAEESTISELTS/

[Click on a photo to enter a gallery with full size photos in each section.]

LFES members and friends drove long distances to give a warm welcome to the star of the celebratory program: singer and actor Triin Lellep-Kordes, who came all the way from Eesti to celebrate this special day. And it turns out, a special friend was already here for Ms. Lellep-Kordes: Eha Urbsalu. Ms. Urbsalu is a talented singer and film maker in her own right, demonstrated through her song and preview of her upcoming film. LFES took this opportunity today, too, to extend an invitation to the upcoming Palm Beach Sun & Stars International Film Festival, which will be including a showing of the highly acclaimed Estonian film Smoke Sauna Sisterhood.

What would an Estonian celebration of independence day be without traditional Estonian food?! The LFES ladies were determined to present the dishes we all long for! And they succeeded! We enjoyed great conversation over a dinner of delectable smorgasbord offerings across two tables. Thank you, LFES, for a memorable event!

On Sunday, February 18, 2024, more than 90 members and friends of the Estonian Society of Central Florida/Kesk Florida Eesti Selts (KFES) gathered at Feather Sound Country Club in Clearwater, Florida, to celebrate the 106th Anniversary of Estonian Independence. Click on the individual photos in this website to enter a full size photo gallery in each section.

Members of the Kesk Florida Eesti Selts offered our program elements. We were honored to welcome Mr. Margus Särglepp, Deputy Chief of Mission, Estonian Embassy in Washington, DC, as our keynote speaker. You may read the text of Mr. Särglepp’s remarks in Sirje Kiin’s Estonian write-up of our program published in our US and Canadian Estonian newspapers, Vaba Eesti Sõna (New York) and Eesti Elu (Toronto), February 29, 2024, editions.

Though Feather Sound Country Club offered us several meal choices, it was no surprise that the salmon entree was the favorite among our members. Seawater flows in our veins, kas ei? The meal was punctuated by Estonian chocolate, homemade kringel and a rhubarb cake, and a celebratory cake. Thank you Moonika Mägi, Inne Joonsar, Sirje Kiin and Virve-Kai Bulla for our homemade kringel and rhubarb cake. Such choices we had to make!

And it wouldn’t have been a proper celebration without our celebratory toast to Estonian Independence! Thank you to Tõnu Toomepuu once again for generously sponsoring our bubbly!

Donations from our KFES members filled the loterii table. In fact, there were so many contributions, nearly everyone made a trip to the table to choose a gift. KFES Secretary Triin Karr led the loterii, ably assisted by Helen Tammela and Marju Dishmey and her twin daughters Marmeelia and Karneelia. At our invitation, members brought copies of their favorite Estonian recipes to share and those filled a table too! We always seem to take home more than good memories following a KFES event.

It was an uncharacteristic rainy day for us in Florida as we celebrated Estonian independence. That makes the life of our photographer, Erkki Taada, just a little more fun! Though he was out in the rain, everyone posed under cover on the second floor balcony. None of Erkki’s photo-taking postures are easy!

Celebrating Estonian independence is a solemn and celebratory occasion that calls for traditional dress and reminders of home. Thank you Jae Hee Toomepuu and Virve-Kai Bulla for adorning our day with your special traditional Estonian dresses.

It takes a lot of work to organize a special event like today. We thank all those who participated in our program, contributed to our dessert- loterii- and recipe tables, made our beautiful table decorations, and managed the administration that makes an event like this possible. We pause a moment now to extend our profound gratitude to two KFES leaders who deserve special mention, KFES Treasurer and Acting President Heikki Joonsar and KFES Vice President Inne Joonsar. They greet us at the door and are the last ones to send us home.

Please enjoy these photos from the day’s collection. We hope we captured you all in this blog!

And here are a few more photos through Erkki Taada’s lens. Thanks for the wonderful poses!

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 106 Aastapäeva/106th Anniversary of Estonian Independence!

When?

Sunday, February 18, 2024

What time?

12:00-5:00 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: $45 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. Vegan menu also available

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

1. Chicken fingers
2. Macaroni and cheese

What’s for dessert?

Kringle and a champagne toast!

In advance, thank you to those who will bring  kringle and  the 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 11, 2024, 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 11, 2024.

Will there be a program?

Yes, we have a special program planned. Here is our update!

WE ARE PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE IT IS OUR HONOR TO HOST MARGUS SÄRGLEPP, DEPUTY CHIEF OF MISSION (DCM) AT THE EMBASSY OF ESTONIA IN WASHINGTON, D.C., AS OUR KEYNOTE SPEAKER.

Margus Särglepp has been serving as the Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM) at the Estonian Embassy in Washington, D.C., since August 2021. Just prior to this position, DCM Särglepp served as Deputy Chief of Mission at the Estonian Embassy in Kyiv, Ukraine.

DCM Särglepp joined the Estonian Foreign Service in 2002. From 2016-2018 he was the Coordinator for Eastern Partnership at the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. From 2014-2016 he served as the Foreign Policy Counselor at the EU Secretariat of the Estonian Government Office in Tallinn. His previous postings were at the Estonian Embassies in New Delhi, India (Chargé des affaires, a.i), and Berlin, Germany.  During the 2007 German Presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU) he served as an Exchange Diplomat at the German Federal Foreign Office.

In 2006, Särglepp earned a master’s degree from the Franco-German Master of European Governance and Administration Program (Université Paris 1 Pantheon-Sorbonne/ Universität Potsdam); in 2001, a Master of Theological Studies degree from Duke University (Durham, NC); and in 1999, a Bachelor of Arts degree from Millsaps College (Jackson, MS).

In addition to our formal program with our usual elements our annual fun loterii will be offered again. We hope many of you will volunteer to bring gifts (10-15 cost range) for our loterii table. Aitäh!

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 posted on our website, https://floridaestos.blog/

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. 

On Sunday, January 21, 2024, we woke to the coldest temperatures in west central Florida so far this winter: 37+/- degrees F. It was only fitting that 30 members of the Estonian Society of Central Florida/Kesk Florida Eesti Selts (KFES) gathered for their annual soup and sandwich luncheon (supp ja võileiva lõunasöök), which also happened to be the day after National Soup Swap Day in the United States.

(Pictured left to right) Lisa Mets, Lia Milli, Ulve Nurmet, Reet Regina Cabrera, Moonika Mägi, Livija and Peep Rebane, Heikki and Inne Joonsar, kneeling Vincent Delaidatti with Birgit Delaidatti, Ludmila Stelmokene with Hannes Jakobson, Rein Allikberg with Anneliis Kuusik, and Sirje Kiin with Jack Walters. Märt Ulve is hiding in back. Missing from this photo but joining us too this afternoon: Aleksandra Kroon, Thomas and Ronit Soracco, Uno and Luule Tiisler, and the Jüri Toomepuu family. Foto by Erkki Taada

Arriving members were welcomed at the door and asked to sign the guest book. Once we were all in place, our wonderful hosts–KFES Treasurer and Acting President Heikki Joonsar and Vice President Inne Joonsar–greeted us all and outlined the afternoon’s program. Thank you to Heikki and Inne for hosting us in the wonderful community center in their residential neighborhood. What a perfect location for us!

Once again our members delivered a wonderful smorgasbord of what we consider representative traditional Estonian luncheon delights. Cabbage soup and pea soup and a new Spanish bean soup in addition. Sandwiches included kilu, ham, herring and salmon. Accompanying the soup were two homemade loaves of bread–oatmeal bread with chia seeds and rye bread–from Jae Toomepuu’s kitchen. Our talented bakers contributed delightful desserts.

Our KFES Board planned an engaging program for us this afternoon. Peep Rebane, dressed in his academic PhD regalia and looking quite serious, delivered what quickly turned out to be a humorous presentation of a lecture titled Eesti Rahva Rändamisi, which introduced us to ancient Estonian migratory influences across the African, Asian and European continents. The photos show how much we enjoyed Peep’s presentation.

Our seating and our numbers provided the perfect setting for an engaging group conversation following Peep’s presentation. Heikki Joonsar invited members to share experiences speaking, learning and teaching Estonian, English and other languages. How the Estonian language has evolved since our members were children in the 1940s and once Estonia regained its independence in 1991! Here are photos of some of the members who contributed to the conversation.

After the formal program, members had plenty of time to mingle and mix and enjoy each other’s company. Enjoy these photos of our members!

PLEASE SAVE THIS DATE: THE ESTONIAN SOCIETY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA/KESK FLORIDA EESTI SELTS (KFES) WILL CELEBRATE THE 106TH ANNIVERSARY OF ESTONIAN INDEPENDENCE [EVA 106] ON SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2024, FROM 12:00 TO 4:00 PM, AT OUR FAMILIAR LOCATION: FEATHER SOUND COUNTRY CLUB, CLEARWATER, FLORIDA. RESERVATIONS WILL BE REQUIRED. PLEASE STAY TUNED TO YOUR EMAIL, THIS WEBSITE, AND THE “KESK FLORIDA EESTLASED” FACEBOOK PAGE FOR INFORMATION. TO JOIN OUR EMAIL GROUP, WRITE TO HEIKKI JOONSAR 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 21, 2024

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.

The amount of the members’ contribution to help us offset our costs will be announced at a later date.

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! Inne has already planned to make our family split pea with barley and ham soup. 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.

KFES Member Peep Rebane volunteered the following for our entertainment: “Luban kah esineda lühikese satiirilise ettekandega mille pealkiri on “Eesti Rahva Randamised.”

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 15, 2024, 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 106th Anniversary of Estonian Independence/EVA 106 on Sunday, February 18, 2024, from 12:00 pm to 4:00 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. To be placed on the KFES email list, please send an email to kfes1918@yahoo.com.

More than 65 members and friends of the Estonian Society of Central Florida/Kesk Florida Eesti Selts, including 10 children, gathered to kick off the holiday season on Sunday, December 3, 2023, with our traditional Estonian holiday luncheon and a visit by Jõuluvana (Santa).

There are at least three highlights to this annual KFES event, making it impossible to prioritize or rank the three in order. Perhaps they are all equal in attraction. Perhaps a top attraction for many adults is lunch! We gather to celebrate a traditional Estonian holiday lunch prepared by KFES members and friends, which includes verivorst, roast pork, hapukapsas (sauerkraut), mashed potatoes and gravy, jõhvikamoos (cranberry sauce), rosolje, deviled eggs, marineeritud peetid, and so much more! KFES sends a huge thank-you to Kaie Põhi Latterner, Anneliis Kuusik, and Rein Allikberg for spending their Thanksgiving holiday in the kitchen preparing an abundance of delicious verivorst!

A second highlight–likely the first highlight for the children–is the arrival of Jõuluvana (Santa)! Before obtaining FAA clearance to fly direct from the North Pole to Tampa Bay, Jõuluvana checks his list to see who has been naughty and nice. Because the names of KFES members, friends and children appear on his nice list, Jõuluvana is delighted to make the journey and distribute some early presents to eager recipients. This year Jõuluvana arrived doing his happy dance! Jõuluvana was especially pleased to be assisted by his own special päkapikk, Astrid Normet!

Having the opportunity to greet old friends and welcome new friends is a third highlight of this annual KFES event. We were especially delighted to welcome first timers Aime Kerstenbeck-Brownbill and Rick Brownbill from Ontario, Canada; Marju and Luiz Ferst; Sirje Kiin and Jack Walters formerly from North Dakota and now Spring Hill (FL); Crystal Ra Laksmi-Ditton from Daytona Beach; Thomas Soracco from Clearwater and Tallinn; and Cory Wilbur. Our KFES family continues to grow as we welcome back the Janušauskas family now with their little one and special friend, Tuuli Reiman, visiting from Estonia, and friends Andrius and Agne Prasauskas. Also joining us again were Jana Harakka with her daughter Savanna; Merike Milli and her mother Lia visiting from Eesti; Heiki, Nathan, and Heidi Pajusalu and Viivi Truu; Pärli and Mart Vainu from Sarasota; and the Valk family of Lauri, Kerttu, Pärtel and Madli. KFES draws members and friends from far and wide: the Tampa Bay and Sarasota region, Crystal River and Spring Hill, The Villages in central Florida, Cocoa Beach and Daytona Beach on the east coast, the Orlando area, Canada, and Eesti!

We take this opportunity to extend our thanks to the leadership of the Estonian Society of Central Florida/Kesk Florida Eesti Selts and faithful volunteers who go the extra mile. We are especially grateful to Treasurer and Acting President Heikki Joonsar, Vice President Inne Joonsar, former Vice President and Acting President Moonika Mägi, and Secretary Triin Karr. This selts would not run without engagement by Birgit Delaidatti, who is also KFES Facebook manager, and her husband Vincent; Anneliis Kuusik and Rein Allikberg; Astrid and Heinar Normet; and the Eric and Reet-Regina Cabrera family, who always provide over-and-beyond support for our activities. A very special thank-you to Kaie Põhi Latterner, who is Estonian Honorary Consul, a vägev KFES tegelanna, and our musical director. We hope you enjoy these extra photos from the day’s collection that also recognize the many volunteers and participants who are the soul of our association.

A very special thank you to Birgit and Vincent Delaidatti for reserving the Clubhouse at Harbour Crest 400, which is situated in their residential community in Largo, Florida. We had ample space to mingle and to lay out our smorgasbord tables filled with scrumptious delights prepared by our members. An activity table for children helped them wait patiently for Jõuluvana’s (Santa’s) arrival! We hope this inspires you to join us at future events!

Information about KFES events and photos may be found on our Facebook page. The Estonian Society of Central Florida/Kesk Florida Eesti Selts has a wonderful Facebook account. You may find the account by searching this name: Kesk Florida Eestlased. 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!

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

Season’s greetings!

We will gather for our traditional Christmas luncheon:

Sunday, December 3, 2023

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.)

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 Delaidatti for making 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, November 29, 2023, please send an email to Heikki and Inne Joonsar innelj23@gmail.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

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 start of the holiday season with you!

Heikki and Inne Joonsar

The Detroit Estonian Educational Society “Kodu”/Detroidi Eesti Haridusselts “Kodu” (DEHS Kodu) invited Estonian Society of Central Florida/Kesk Florida Eesti Selts member Lisa A. Mets to join them for their November 11, 2023, luncheon in the Latvian Church in Farmington Hills, Michigan. Founded on October 17, 1926, DEHS Kodu is one of the oldest active Estonian associations in the United States. A former Ann Arbor resident and participant at DEHS Kodu gatherings, it was a treat to be back among old and new friends again. It was a special treat to see Harry Kansman in attendance; his parents were among the “Kodu” founders in 1926!

The gathering this day at just under 20 participants was small but enthusiastic. Attendees were invited to dress in Halloween and Mardipäev costumes. The top prizes were awarded to Linda Einpaul and Ingrid Peil, two dedicated DEHS Kodu Board members. In addition to the delicious smorgasbord lunch, a highlight of the afternoon was the DEHS Kodu program. Krista Pärdi offered an informative lecture on the evolution of Estonian academic societies. Aksel Peil offered insight into Estonian traditions on Mardipäev. The afternoon concluded with a group photograph, taken outside on an uncharacteristically and mercifully warm November afternoon in Michigan.

DEHS Kodu invites friends of Estonia to visit with them when they are in the Detroit area. You may find their information on their website, https://www.detroitestonians.com/, which also includes a link to their Facebook page. We congratulate DEHS “Kodu” on the recent announcement that their website has been selected by the US Library of Congress for inclusion in the Voices: Eastern and Central European Americans Web Archive! Bravo! Palju õnne!

As is its tradition each November, the Estonian Society of Central Florida/Kesk Florida Eesti Selts (KFES) launched its new year of activities at its annual meeting this time from 1:00 to 4:00 pm on Sunday, November 12, 2023, at The Hangar Restaurant and Flight Lounge in downtown St. Petersburg, Florida. More than 45 KFES members and friends attended the luncheon program and annual meeting. We were especially delighted to be joined by nearly 15 new guests.

The centerpiece of this annual meeting was a presentation by Heikki Joonsar, KFES Treasurer and now additionally acting president, and his wife Inne Joonsar, KFES Vice President. While on a 2023 summer trip to Estonia, Heikki and Inne visited the Arvo Pärt Keskus. Heikki noted they were especially taken by the path from the parking lot to the Keskus (Centre). The path, lined with pine trees and fields of wild blueberries, was long; it was designed to encourage contemplation and the Joonsars were so inspired. To share that inspiration with KFES members this day, Heikki presented a video narrated by Arvo Pärt’s son, Michael. What a wonderful addition to the day’s program! Thank you, Heikki and Inne!

Additional photos may be found on our Facebook page. The Estonian Society of Central Florida/Kesk Florida Eesti Selts has a wonderful Facebook account. You may find the account by searching this name: Kesk Florida Eestlased. 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!

The Estonian Society of Central Florida Board/Kesk Florida Eesti Selts Juhatus are planning the organization’s year of activities. These events are on the horizon: (1) Our traditional Estonian holiday lunch with Jõuluvana (Santa) on Sunday, December 3, 2023; (2) our traditional Estonian Soup and Sandwich Lunch (Supp ja Võileiva Lõunasöök) in January 2024; and (3) our celebration of the 106th Anniversary of Estonian Independence/Eesti Vabariigi Aastapäev 106 in February 2024. Details about those events and others through April 2024 will be forthcoming. Please stay tuned to your email, Facebook (Kesk Florida Eestlased), and this website for more information. To join the KFES email list, please write Heikki Joonsar at kfes1918@yahoo.com.

Greetings to all KFES members and friends!

First, we want to welcome back all those who journeyed to cooler climates for the summer months and hope that all had an enjoyable and safe summer. Not only those who left but those who stayed will have many stories to tell. We look forward to gathering with you on Sunday, November 12, 2023, as we have a cocktail hour from 1:00 to 2:00 pm and a sit-down lunch from 2:00 pm onward. 

We will be meeting in a familiar location: The Hangar Restaurant and Flight Lounge, St. Petersburg, Florida. The Hangar Restaurant and Flight Lounge is located at the St. Petersburg Airport, 540 1st Street S, St. Petersburg FL 33701.

Reservations are necessary so we may be sure the restaurant can accommodate our group. Please send Inne Joonsar (ijoonsar@tampabay.rr.com) an email with the names of those attending with you by November 5, 2023.

There will be a pay as you go bar starting with the 1:00pm cocktail hour. The cost for the meal with tax and tip per person is $35.00. You can (1) pay with cash or check at the door (reservations are still needed), (2) transmit payment beforehand to the KFES bank account via ZELLE (KFES1918@yahoo.com) , or (3) mail a check made out to KFES to Heikki Joonsar, 14932 89th Ave, Seminole, FL. 33776. Children aged ten and under can order from the children’s menu; the cost of a child’s meal will be $8.00. KFES will be given one bill at the end of the meal, which KFES will pay.

After we sit down, waiters will take your order from the selections below. 

SALAD COURSE

Choose One

Spring Green Salad

Fresh Strawberries, Toasted Pecans, Feta Cheese, Herbed Balsamic Vinaigrette

Caesar Salad

House-made Dressing, Sourdough Croutons, Grated Parmesan

ENTRÉE COURSE

Choose One

Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf

Garlic Smashed Potatoes, Sautéed Vegetables, Burgundy Demi-Glace

Grilled Organic Salmon

Artichoke Hearts, House-made Basil Pesto, Garlic Smashed Potatoes, Grilled Lemon

Airline Chicken Breast

Garlic Smashed Potatoes & Creamy Sundried Tomato & Spinach Sauce

Vegetable Fettuccine

Fresh Basil, Parmesan, House-Made Roasted Tomato Sauce

We are looking forward to seeing everybody!

Tervitusi,

Heikki ja Inne Joonsar

Information about KFES events and photos may be found on our Facebook page. The Estonian Society of Central Florida/Kesk Florida Eesti Selts has a wonderful Facebook account. You may find the account by searching this name: Kesk Florida Eestlased. 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!