When I began my work as BRIDGES editor in January of this year, my first thought was "Let's get started!" Unfortunately, one can't head for the future without first dealing with the past. And that past included the most-asked question: "What happened to the six missing BRIDGES issues from 1997?"

The six missing BRIDGES issues are just that missing. When the BRIDGES editor left the position, the Community found it difficult to find a replacement editor. This long period of time essentially placed the journal in suspended animation. Work was not completed, nor articles collected for new issues. Yet, BRIDGES still existed for our readers and the Lithuanian-American Community.

When I was asked to edit, the Community decided that we had to continue with BRIDGES's mission and work toward producing a quality news journal. My work had begun but "the spirits of the missing issues" still lingered. Thus, it was decided that your 1997 subscriptions would be extended for the first six issues of 1998. We believe you like what we're been doing and will be doing with BRIDGES so much so, that you stay with us and re-subscribe after the first six issues.

Some of the new additions to our journal include; "Reflections"  a spiritual perspective, "Cameos"  readers write about people of Lithuanian heritage who have made a difference, and "Current Events" News and happenings from Lithuanian-American communities and Lithuania.

Our focus is your focus  Lithuanians in politics, economics, education, culture, sports and humanities. Don't hesitate to write and let us know what interests you. BRIDGES wants to span the sources and subjects that will appeal to you!

Rasa Ardys-Juska

Editor