CURRENT  EVENTS

A VARIED CALENDAR OF EVENTS FROM SEATTLE

from the Tulpe Times Newsletter, May 1998

The Lithuanian-American Community in Seattle, Washington offers interesting activities and programs. Their calendar and community news can be found in their newsletter, the Tulpé ”imes.

On July 26th, the Daughters of Lithuania will sponsor the annual Blueberry Picnic, hosted by Dalia Tutlys Mrowiec and Emilija Tutlys. Throughout the month of July, a Lithuanian exhibit mounted by Auð²lé ’amanauskas and Zita Petkus will be featured at the Kirkland Public Library.

For more information about the Lithuanian-American Community in Seattle, contact Marie Jozaitis, 6562 49th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98136, or go to their web page at http://members.aol.com/lapelis.

LITHUANIAN SOCIETY SHARES COMPASSION WITH DONATIONS

from the Lithuanian Citizens' Society Newsletter, June 1998

The latest figures of charitable donations of the Lithuanian Citizen's Society of Western Pennsylvania shows that it has given $213,923.76 to 54 Lithuanian and 23 local groups since it started in 1994. No donations have gone to individuals.

The origin of the Society's Charity Committee was a joint idea, and many hours have been spent sorting through requests, letters, and other details in decision making. Currently, funding decisions are handled through the Committee's members: Tillie Milauskas, Agnes Kuzin, Jay McCloskey, and Mary Tamy. Margie Turner, who moved to Florida, was on the original Committee.

The largest effort so far is in the dismantling, shipping, and financial aid for the installation of the organ and Stations of The Cross removed from St. Casimir's Roman Catholic Church on the south side of Pittsburgh, and sent to Lithuania. Nell Brazauskus, who lives two doors from the Church, was extremely helpful to meet this goal.

Editorҳ note: WeҤ like to thank the Lithuanian Society for their generous donation to BRIDGES. D髯jame!

FRIENDSHIP DAY PICNIC IN CONNECTICUT

The traditional annual Friendship Day Picnic hosted by the Sisters of the Immaculate Conception of The Blessed Virgin Mary will be on Sunday, July 26th on the Putnam, Connecticut Convent grounds.

A Holy Mass will open this Friendship Day at 11:00 a.m., and an Hour of Prayer for all the people of the world will close it. Particular attention will be paid to praying for Our Father's guidance into the Third Millenium and the 80th Anniversary of the Order's founding in Lithuania in 1918. Included in the program for the day is lunch with a variety of Lithuanian foods, activities, drawing of gifts, and a festive folk presentation by the Camp Neringa campers.

TEXAS LITHUANIANS PREPARE FOR FOLK FESTIVAL

from the Lithuanians in Texas in San Antonio Newsletter, May 1998

The Lithuanians in Texas group will be participating in the Folk Life Festival at the Texas Institute of Cultures between August 6th and 9th. The booths representing Lithuania will feature foods, such as potato sausages, "little ears", and honey heart cookies. They will also feature displays and presentations.

For more information about Lithuanians in Texas and or the Folk Life Festival, contact Lita Javors, 215 Blackwater Lane, Houston, Texas 77015.

1998 GOODWILL GAMES

The 1998 Goodwill Games will be kicking off July 19th with 15 different sports featuring the world's best athletes. This multi-sport invitational takes place in the New York metropolitan area, including Manhattan, Long Island and Staten Island. Approximately 60 countries will be represented along with Lithuania's Basketball Team.

The Lithuanian Basketball Team will play its first game against Russia at 7:00 p.m. on July 19th. Other games are Lithuania vs. Argentina Ö 12:00 p.m., July 20th; and Lithuania vs. Australia Ö 12:00 p.m., July 21st. On July 23rd, the semifinals will be held, with bronze and gold-medal games on July 24th from 7:00 to 11:00 p.m. All basketball games will be held at the Madison Square Garden in New York City.

Turner Sports is the host broadcaster and will televise three hours of prime-time coverage each night. CBS will televise 10 hours of weekend afternoon coverage. Those interested in attending, should call Ticketmaster at 212-307-7171.

EUROPEAN COMMISSION GIVES LITHUANIA THUMBS UP

President of the European Commission (EC), Jacques Santer, gave a favorable evaluation of Lithuania's achievements in its preparation to enter the European Union (EU). He met Lithuanian Premier Gediminas Vagnorius in the Swiss resort of Crans Montana on June 27th, where an international forum took place.

Vagnorius and Santer discussed how Lithuania was implementing a partnership program, and what progress was made on its way to EU membership. The progress is to be reflected in the EC report to be presented to the European Council of Ministers by the end of 1998. Having reached stability in macroeconomics, Lithuania has the right to demand impartial and unbiased evaluation, and to be invited to start real negotiations with the EU next year, according to Vagnorius.

U.S. RANKS FIRST TO GIVE AID TO LITHUANIA

According to Lithuania's Statistics Department, almost half of the foreign aid and charity Lithuania received last year came from the United States. Different Lithuanian institutions and individuals received charity and aid for the total sum of 236.1 million litas ($59.025 million). Foreign charity and aid comprised 79.2 percent of the total sum, the Statistics Department revealed.

The U.S. supplied Lithuania with charity estimated at 81.9 million litas, what comprises 44.2 percent of the total charity received. Germany donated an estimated 50.1 million litas (27 percent), ranking second. Help from French and Swedish charity organizations account for 7.4% and 5.7 percent of the total.

Those receiving aid were, in order: State administration institutions and offices; public organizations; education, culture and sports institutions; and health care and social institutions.

AMERICAN HUMVEES FIRST CHOICE FOR LITHUANIAN ARMY

The Defense ministry plans to buy 200 light cross-country vehicles made by General Motors in the U.S. Negotiations are going on, but the Cabinet has already allowed the purchase of 160 tactical, 38 transport vehicles, 15 sanitary ones, as well as 15 cars for communications and three special ones to be used for reconnaissance.

The NATO-requirements-meeting, military vehicles are to satisfy all the vehicle needs of the entire Gelezinis Vilkas motorized infantry brigade and two other battalions.

By the way, the Lithuanian army has already 142 military cars made by GM, and given as a present by the U.S. Government in 1996. By the year 2005, Lithuania plans to buy about 900 light and 130 special cross-country vehicles.