Ulve Nurmet, Tiit Treude, Väino Aare, Jaan Kuuskvere, Leena Aare, Maare Kuuskvere, Monika Orumaa Craig, Lisa Mets and Malle Sibul. Kesk Florida Eesti Selts, December 7, 2013.  Photo: Mart Nurmet

On Saturday, December 7, 2013, a small group from the membership gathered once again to make traditional Estonian verivorst at the home of Leena and Väino Aare in Bradenton, Florida. Five pairs of sausage-makers took turns in the kitchen, stuffing casings with fillings individually prepared according to secret recipes. Allspice? sage? marjoram? Salt pork? bacon? fresh ham? With the crazy weather we are having this year, how many Estonians in the United States had a day like the day we had: 83 degrees, palm trees swaying in the breeze, and a clear blue sunny sky?! C’mon down! We have lots more room for snowbirds!

Jõuluvana (Santa Claus) visited nearly 50 members during our luncheon on Sunday, December 8, 2013, at our Midtown Sundries Sports Bar holiday location in St. Petersburg, Florida. Children of all ages were invited to sing to Jõuluvana in exchange for a gift. Six children were especially good this year and appeared on Jõuluvana's “nice” list: Annika and Logan Karr, Liisi Nei, Arabella and Aramis Richards, and Will Toomepuu. Jõuluvana gave them an especially warm welcome with special gifts just for them.
 

The highlight of our Christmas season will be the Estonian community's Christmas Eve church service officiated by Pastor Priit Rebane at 2:00 pm, December 24, 2013, in Trinity Lutheran Church, 401 5th Street N, St. Petersburg, Florida. If you are in the area, please join us!

Rõõmsaid Jõulu Pühi ja Head Uut Aastat!

Lisa A. Mets

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