Cleveland Ohio area Estonians gathered at Faith Lutheran Church in Mentor for the Christmas Service conducted by Pastor Peeter Pirn.

During the service, Lembi Veskimets (Cleveland Orchestra viola) performed. After the service, roughly 40 people joined in the Christmas luncheon in the church hall.

Mrs Anne Holda managed the kitchen, with her worthy helper, Paula Tubalkain. A feast of verivorst, sauerkraut and all the extras was served.

Toomas Tubalkain gave the welcoming speech and mentioned how Prime Minister Ratas had urged all Estonians living abroad to keep their cultural traditions strong and serve as informal ambassadors for the country.

A photo exhibit of Estonian American National Council activities of the past year was on display at the back of the hall.

After lunch, the Estonian Santa visited with gifts for all the boys and girls. All of the children performed well, though a few adults had not prepared for Santa.

Toomas Tubalkain