CONSUL GREETINGS

from the  

Lithuanian Consulate in Telemark, Norway

by

Carl Thomas Carlsten

Honorary Consul/dr. Philos

It is a Sunday in fall 2006. The place: Skien city, the capital of Telemark County. The top diplomats from the Lithuanian Embassy in Oslo, ambassador Alfonsas Eidintas and 1th secretary Regimantas Jablonskas with families, are visiting the famous Telemark canal. Mr. Jablonskas has asked me to organize the tour. No wonder they want to see this marvellous engineer victory from 1892, lifting sea travellers 72 meters up from ocean level on the 105 km long route from Skien to Dalen deep into southern Norway. http://www.telemarkskanalen.no/engHYPERLINK "http://www.telemarkskanalen.no/eng/"/ The scenery along the canal is just marvellous, as American tourists say. For dinner: Salmon and elk. The weather is absolutely perfect. The tour is absolutely successful. The final is absolutely surprising: Out of the blue the ambassador asks me to open an honorary consulate!

What brought this about?

I married Irena Maria Bajoraite Petkevic from Kaunas in 1999. She practiced as medical doctor, ophthalmologist and micro surgeon at Kaunas University Hospital. There and then in late July she said farewell to family, eye department and city, and moved with me to Telemark, Norway.

My interest for Lithuania grew, my knowledge about Lithuanians wishes and needs expanded, and my network in Norway gave proposals and solutions. Several bilateral projects were initiated and carried through with assistance from private citizens, public institutions, rotary clubs, and the Embassy in Oslo. I guess the consulate question rooted from this soil!

I myself am a senior advisor for the educational-psychological staff in Skien city. My career started as a teacher, moving through speech therapist practice and educational-psychological advisor diploma to a dr. philos title from Bergen University in 1999. Through job relations and membership in a variety of organizations and clubs I have the network that is the supposition to handle consular challenges. The consulate opened February 1th, 2008.

And what are these challenges?  It is: «To serve as advisory, coordinating, and helping authority in Telemark County for Lithuanian citizens and institutions, and for citizens and institutions in Telemark towards Lithuania.»

Inspecting the Iron Wolf Brigade.

Practically this meant for 2010:

Cultural and political goals:

To establish and enhance cultural connections between Lithuania and Telemark:
•  Translate and publish a Lituanian book into Norwegian (Tur-retur Sibir)
•  Arrange an art excursion to Lithuania.
•  Arrange an excursion to Lithuania about defence and security policy.

Infrastructural goals:

To establish and enhance social connections between Lithuania and Telemark:
•  Maintain relations with The Catholic Church in Telemark.
•  Maintain relations with The Police Director in Telemark.
•  Build network between Norwegian and Lithuanian politicians.

Social goals:

To promote the wellfare of Lithuanians in Telemark, and the interests of Lithuania:
•  Help in ways possible Lithuanian individuals and families.
•  Participate in county related arrangements where it is possible to promote Lithuania.

Economy-related goals:

To establish and enhance business connections between Lithuania and Telemark:
•  Maintain the relation with Skien Chamber of Commerce.
•  Maintain the relation with The Norwegian -Lithuanian Chamber of Commerce.
•  Work for affecting citizen of Telemark to visit Lithuania.

This «roadmap» gave structure and direction in my consular activities in 2010. When the  annual report was sent the Embassy in primo January 2011, I could conclude that all goals were met in a proper way. Maybe most important this year, is the publishing of the book «Tur-Retur Sibir/Tour-Retour Siberia», the product of initiative from 2008:

It is November 2010.
The address is Dronningensgate 3, Oslo. http://no.mfa.lt/
«Tour-Retour Siberia» is about to be presented.

There, at the Embassy of The Republic of Lithuania, journalists and diplomats, civilians and military personnel, Lithuanians and Norwegians are gathered. Before us stands a small, modest, elderly woman. She quietly tells her family's story, a history shared by most families in Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia, our close neighbours. The author is the 78 year old teacher Dainora Urboniené from Panevezys. She has come to Norway for this reason only, her husband, children and friends following her. 246 - Regina Lukoševičienė. Jei tavimi patiki, turi pasiryžti ir ...   (page 15).

Her book, titled «Tur-Retur Sibir» is a frightening narrative about how the soviets treated people in the Baltics during the years I myself grew up. Lithuania became a victim of the German-Soviet covenant in 1939. Two years after, the republic was dominated by the communists. The deportations started. 10% of the population, mainly political leaders, intellectuals and farmers, «enemies of the people», were arrested. The grim railroad journey went to Siberia on cattle wagons. One hole in the wall for air. One in the floor for everything else. Dainora Urboniené and her family became deported. Her little brother died after short time. Her father also after forced labour and shortage of food. Little Dainora and her mother were left alone in some of the most remote wilderness in Siberia. After the war they succeded in smuggling Dainora back to Lithuania. Under constant threat of re-deportation she managed to get her teacher licence. She founded family, and it is her daughter Rasa Jukneviciené who is currently Lithuania's Minister of Defence. The book tells Dainora's and her mother's struggle to survive and to return to Lithuania. ”Tur-Retur Sibir” is the first eyewitness narrative of the communist savageness published in Norway. Her book is the retrospective Baltic parallel to Anne Frank's diary!

The Lithuanians are preparing the 4^th edition these days.

The book deserves to be translated and published in other languages and countries.

That is my challenge to my fellow consuls!

Skien, Telemark, Norway

Medio February 2011

Dainora Urboniené’s book «Tur-Retur Sibir» is a frightening narrative about how the soviets treated people in the Baltics during the years I myself grew up.

Vilnius – Lithuania

IRENA VEISAITE

Professor Irena Veisaite was born in Lithuania. She took an MA in German Language and Literature at Lomonosov State University in Moscow and a PhD at the University of Leningrad. By profession she is a philologist and theatre critic. She has taught world literature and the history of theatre at the Vilnius Pedagogical University; she is the author of over 200 articles, the co-author of some textbooks, and the editor of books mainly connected with theatre.

Professor Irena Veisaite has in 1990 together with Professor C. Kudaba initiated the Open Society Fund – Lithuania (OSFL). She was the vice chair of the board from 1990 to 1993 and the chair of  the OSF-L  board  from 1993 to 2000. She was the Chair of the Board of Founders of the Open Society Fund-Lithuania (OSF-L)from 2000 to 2002. She was also a member of the Open Society Institute main board in Budapest, of OSI Cultural and Educational Sub-Boards, the chair of the Stateless Cultur Center at the Vilnius Unversity, the Chair of the Baltic Cultural foundation, a member of the UNESCO National Committee in Lithuania,etc), from 2003 to 2007 she was a member of the Advisory board to the Ministry of Culture , 2008-2009 she was a member of the Advisory Board for the project “Vilnius-the European Cultural Capital 2009” etc.. As now she is the ombudsman of OSI,  the Chair of the United World Colleges (UWC) National Committee in Lithuania, the former chair and now a member of the curatorium of the Thomas Mann Cultural Centre in Nida (Lithuania), a member of the Commission for National awards at the Lithuanian Ministry of Culture, a member of the Presidential Commission for all kinds of Governememtal awards. In the year 1995 professor I. Veisaite was awarded with the Gediminas orden (IV grade). In the year 2003 she was nominated by the Sugihara Foundation as the “Person of tolerance  for the year 2002”. In the year 2006 she was awarded by Vilnius Municipality with the Barbora Radvilaite medal. For the last 15 years she has also been involved in Holocaust education issues, she participated at many international conferences on the subject as well as published articles in the press on the perception of the Holocaust in Lithuania.

Paris – France

YVES PLASSERAUD

Born 1939. Paris, France. Doctor Juris, Institut d'Etudes Politiques de Paris, CEIPI, Strasbourg.

Attorney at Law (1965-1995). Lives in Paris (France), Married, 3 children

Former Lecturer in Universities (Bordeaux & Strasbourg-France, Alicante-Spain, Vilnius, Kaunas - Lithuania etc.). Author of numerous articles and books on minorities issues, the questions of identity and the the problem of racism and prejudice. Co-author of two books on the Jews of Lithuania, Lituanie juive (with H. Minczeles), Paris, 1996 Autrement, Les Litvaks (with H. Minczeles & S. Pourchier), La Découverte, Paris, 2008, translated in Lithuanian Lietuvos Zydai 1918-1940, Baltos Lankos, 2000. Chairman: Groupement pour les droits des Minorités (France).

Email : yplasseraud@wanadoo.fr

Tel Aviv – Israel

AMOS EIRAN

Amos Eiran has been a major presence in the business, financial and political realm in Israel and the United States for more than 40 years. After decades in both the private and public sectors, Mr. Eiran currently serves on the board of a number of major companies. His positions include: Chairman of the Investment Committee of Clal Insurance; Chairman and CEO of Tissera, Inc., a publicly-traded biotech company; Chairman of Bio Light Ltd.; Director of Delek Oil Explorations; Director of Medis El (NASDAQ: MDTL); and Determining Share Trustee of the Herods Hotel Complex. He also serves as the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Lithuania in Israel.

Previously, Mr. Eiran held prominent government positions as the Director General of the Prime Minister’s office in Israel under Yitzhak Rabin and Chairman of the Government of Israel in the Industrial Cooperation Authority (RASHPAT). He also worked as a Counselor at the Israeli Embassy in Washington, DC. In the financial world, Mr. Eiran has served as the Director General and Chairman of the Board of Mivtahim Pension Funds, Israel’s largest pension fund, and a Director on the Board of Bank Hapoalim and Bank Mizrachi (UMTB). He is also one of the founders of XTL Bio Pharma, and a member of its Board.

Mr. Eiran holds a BA from the American University in Washington, DC, an MA from Tel Aviv University, a Diploma in Business Administration from Harvard University and a Diploma from the Wharton Business School.

Email: eiran@zahav.net.il

Washington, D.C. - USA

ELLEN CASSEDY

Ellen Cassedy traces her Jewish family roots back to Rokiskis (Rakishok) and Siauliai (Shavl) in Lithuania.  Her writings about Lithuania past, present, and future have appeared in The Forward, Hadassah, Lilith, Bridges, and other publications.  She is the award-winning author of We Are Here: Memories of the Lithuanian Holocaust (University of Nebraska Press, 2012), which appears in Lithuanian as Mes esame čia: Atsiminimai apie holokaustą Lietuvoje (Media Incognito Press, 2013). Her translations from Yiddish have been published in Pakn-treger, the magazine of the National Yiddish Book Center, and in Beautiful as the Moon, Radiant as the Stars (Warner Books, 2003.)  A resident of the Washington, D.C., area, she is a frequent speaker at a variety of venues. 
Visit her website at www.ellencassedy.com.

Section Editor

INDRĖ LAUCIUTĖ

A graduate of Vilnius University in Lithuanian philology, as a professional writer I was working in publishing industry for three years – as a journalist writing articles in the daily Lithuanian newspaper “Respublika” and editing books in publishing company “Tyto Alba”. I currently work in Contemporary art association in Graz, Austria, dealing with international communication projects.

My approach and credo in working comes from Albert Einstein: “Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited to all we know and understand, while imagination embraces the entire world, and all there ever will be to know and understand.”

Email: lauciute@gmail.com

GIEDRĖ AVARD

My name is Giedre. I'm a part of vilnews.com team. I'll be working on cultural section, which I find very interesting, since I'm artist myself. I have been studying and working with fine arts in Lithuania, Italy and US mostly. Recently I have been focused on teaching and organizing couple creativity and cultural projects.

Email: giedre.avard@VilNews.com  

DAIVA TALIŪTĖ

Director of RIO Unlimited (a company planning and preparing events, concepts etc all over Lithuania), located in Vilnius. Lithuania, with a fantastic team of professionals, organizing events, shows, concerts, commercial and cultural events in this country.

I worked previously as an independent consultant in various TV projects, shows and events, now managing my own ‘events organizing company’. I always try to be on top of ‘what’s on, what are the latest hot news and what are the best leisure solutions of today’, I try to be everywhere and see everything myself, in order to make you as customer satisfied, and I have a nice team of professional people helping me. Give us the chance to organise also your party, your event or your professional programme in Lithuania!

Let’s not live to work, but live for life, full of joy and spiritual nourishment.

Please contact me if you need help to plan any kind of events or programme in Lithuania. I know the people, the hotels, the institutions and the artists that can help you create an unforgettable event with your friends or your team here in Lithuania!!

Web page: www.rio.lt

Email: daiva@rio.lt.

DONATAS KATKUS

Donatas Katkus (b.1942) is a famous Lithuanian violist, conductor, teacher, musicologist and a prominent personality in Lithuanian culture and art. In 1965 he graduated from the Lithuanian State Conservatoire (where he studied violin with Prof. J. Fledžinskas); in 1971 he was awarded PhD(Mus) at P. Tschaikovsky Conservatoire in Moscow (quartet class with Prof. A. Grigorian and V. Gvozdecki). In 1964 – 1969 he was the Head of the Orchestra Department at Ten-Grade Balys Dvarionas Music School, was a member of the Lithuanian Chamber Orchestra, later of the Composers’ Union Chamber Orchestra. Since 1968, he has been teaching at the Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre; Professor since 1995.
In 1965 Donatas Katkus organized the Vilnius Quartet and played with it until 1994. In 1969 (together with the Vilnius Quartet) and in 1971 he attended courses in Budapest held by A. Mihály. Together with the quartet he toured Europe, Africa, America and Asia, participated in international music festivals. In 1972 he won the First Prize at the Competition for String Quartets in Liége (Belgium). Donatas Katkus has performed as a soloist, edited and was the first to perform many opuses by Lithuanian composers for viola, string quartet or chamber quartet, among them compositions by O. Balakauskas, F. Bajoras, A. Rekašius, J. Širvinskas, B.Kutavičius, B. Borisovas and A. Šenderovas. Lithuanian composers have dedicated their opuses to D. Katkus (O. Balakauskas’s sonata Do nata for viola solo, 1982). 
In 1995 – 1999 Donatas Katkus held summer master classes in Germany (Pomersfelden), later Finland and Spain. In 1994 he founded the St. Christopher Chamber Orchestra of Vilnius Municipality, which he still leads. Since 1996 he has been constantly touring abroad with this orchestra (Estonia, Finland, Germany, France, Sweden and Spain). 
In 1995 Donatas Katkus started organizing the now traditional St. Christopher Summer Festival and is the art director of this event.
D. Katkus has recorded his unusually large and varied repertoire in 30 records and CDs together with the Vilnius Quartet, and around 20 CDs together with St. Christopher Chamber Orchestra. 
Donatas Katkus is always bursting with new ideas; his activities cover various domains of culture: he has written around 300 articles on the aesthetics of music, interpretation theory, semiotics of music, the monograph Lithuanian Quartet (1971), scripts for musicals such as Vilnius Quartet (1982) and Violinist (1984, about R. Katilius); he has also starred in films, given lectures in Lithuania and abroad, participated in international conferences on aesthetics and musicology in Finland, Russia, Estonia, Germany and Poland; he has organized soirees-concerts of contemporary music. 
Donatas Katkus is a member of the Lithuanian Radio and Television Commission (since 1996), president of the Lithuanian – Irish Society (since1998), vice president of SOS Kindersdorf, Lithuanian Society (since 1999), Representative of Lithuania in Television without Frontiers, a EU committee in Strasbourg (since 2001). He is also one of few performers – A member of the Lithuanian Composers’ Union. 
For his commitment to Lithuanian culture Donatas Katkus was twice honoured with the National Prize of the Republic of Lithuania: in 1979 (as a member of the Vilnius Quartet) and in 2001.

Section Editor

THOMAS CHEPAITIS

Thomas Chepaitis was born 5 June 1959 in Moscow to a family of professional translators of fiction, Nathalie Trauberg and Virgilijus Chepaitis. Attended secondary schools in Vilnius and Moscow, since 18 working in a film studio and as book collector. Studied in the small, prestigious Moscow Literature Institute, magister of literature. Freelancer essayist, reviewer, columnist and translator of fiction from English, Polish, French, Lithuanian, Russian and Byelorussian into Lithuanian, Russian and English. 1991-2007 writing for the newspapers "Dziennyk Balticki" (Gdansk, Poland), "Lietuvos Aidas" (Vilnius),  "Hudson Times" (Hudson, NY, USA), "Inostranec" (Moscow). Wrote sketches, essays, translated for "Namas ir Ash", "Laiko Balsas", "Shiaures Atenai", "Istina i zhiznj" weeklies and magazines. Also graduated from New York Art and Trauma Institute in 2000, and has a certificate of professional poetry-therapist.
Since 1998 holds the position of Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzhupis Republic. Has appointed around 260 ambassadors among people of many professions and nationalities with the aim "to unite the most remote places, people and things in the world, and help the world to be reborn again - through the smallest country possible:)". He is an author (together with Uzhupis president Romas Lileikis) of the popular Uzhupis Bill of Rights, and author of the coat of arms of Uzhupis. Organized around 20 Uzhupis presentation shows in Lithuania and abroad. As an artist (mix media, drawings) and photographer held 7 personal and took part in 7 collective exhibitions. Wrote 3 screenplays, 6 librettoes, translated 5 plays and 5 novels, a lot of stories and poems. T. Chepaitis is a winner (among 9000 people) of the big "Haiku for Vilnius" contest in 2009.
Thomas Ch. offers the following services: advertising in his newspaper "Uzhupis Herald" uzheroldas1615@yahoo.com , translations for legal, business, regulations and other fields, live and synchronic translations, screenplays, copyrighting uzupis.fafministry@gmail.com. The Uzhupis Republic Foreign Affairs Ministry provides a lot of other services, from bookbinding to Esperanto courses, from ceramics to the architectural projects, an so on and so on and so very very on:)

RASA MEKUŠKAITĖ

A young artist and designer who coordinates creativity projects with artists from Lithuania and foreign countries. She studied Costumes Design at the Vilnius Art Academy. Now she is a member of the alternative Užupis Art Inkubator in the ‘Republic of Užupis’. She works as fashion designer, personal stylist and consultant, as well as theatre’s costume designer, creating installations and artistically performances. Her fields of interests are from tribal art to modern culture, from folk songs to classical music, nature and human touch.

Email: rasa.mekuskaite@gmail.com

WYMAN BRENT

„Be ashamed to die until you have won some victory for humanity“ (Horace Mann). This is the motto that follows at the end of each email you will get from Wyman. Because this gentleman baptist, born and growing up under the Southern Californian sun, has dedicated his life to promoting tolerance and understanding.  His enormous Project over the latest years has been to collect books about or written by Jews. His moitv is to help strengthen Jewish culture and to fight anti-Semitism, and he has now more than 5.000 bokks that he will use foro a Jewish library in Vilnius.

„I have gotten down on my knees underneath a hot sun to scrub a broken sink.  I have lifted box after heavy box of books until my back was aching.  I moved from sunny Southern California to a land where I have seen it snow as early as October and as late as April.  I have spent countless hours and tens of thousands of dollars to collect and ship books, CDs, and DVDs.  During my journey from California to Lithuania, I stopped along the way and bought more material for the library.  There were stops in London, Budapest, and Krakow.  Each time my luggage became heavier and heavier.  All of this I have gladly done and will gladly do the rest of my life.  What are you willing to do to?  Nobody is asking you to get down on your hands and knees.  Nobody is asking for you to spend your last dollar as I have done.  What I am asking is, what will you do today for Jewish culture?“

Email: vilniusjewishlibrary@yahoo.com

KRISTINA SIRVINSKAITE

Psychologist, professional skydiver, public activist. Her interests focus on literature, spoken and written word, anthropological travelling, cultural diversity, environmental problems and their impact on human health and wellbeing. 

Email: Kristina.sirvinskaite@VilNews.com

Section Editor

GIEDRĖ GABRIELĖ PALIUŠYTĖ

Travel guide, freelance translator, teacher of Modern Greek language.

Vilnews section ‘Travel Lithuania’ editor. Lived in Lithuanian and Greece. In 2009 obtained her Bachelor Degree in Lithuanian philology and Modern Greek language, at Vilnius University, Lithuania. Currently she is a MA student of English Studies at Vilnius University. Miscellaneous courses: Onassis Foundation scholarships at Universities in Greece and Cyprus and Erasmus scholarship for the academic year in Greece; Travel Specialist Course and Tourism Management training courses.

She has contributed to actualization of a number of international trainings concerned with non-formal education methods and their application to international communication, creation of audiovisual projects, preparation of articles, news coverages.

Contact Giedrė Gabrielė if you have a topic that would be of interest to our section, if you need a tour guide, help in carrying out projects or in some relevant information.

Web: www.VilNews.com

Email: giedre.paliusyte@VilNews.com

VILIJA TURIENE

Graduated from Vilnius University. Worked seven years AS Country Representative at Danish National Oil & Gas Company (DONG A/S), later with ‘Carlson Wagonlit Travel’, both giving valuable international work experience. Major part of life dedicated to incoming tourism development; in the beginning as a guide, later as a tourism agency manager for IN VIA TOURISM AGENCY, an incoming tourism agency that since 1993 also has engaged in promotional publishing on cultural and historical sites of Lithuania and other Baltic countries. Ms. Turiene is andling all ground tourism services for various kinds of Cultural tourism in Lithuania and the Baltics (it is not easy for a woman to start business in Lithuania, where, according to statistics, the general entrepreneurship level is not very high - one must simply be a bit adventurous). Since 2002 Ms. Turiene has been the the President of the Lithuanian Chapter of the International EWMD (European Women Management Development) network, aiming to enhance the awareness and knowledge of Lithuania whenever and wherever that should be possible. Web page : www.invia.lt Email : vilija@invia.lt

THOMAS DANIELSEN

Norwegian, MSc · International Management (M.A.) from ISM, Lithuania.  Partner at BPT (Baltic Travel Partner) is a Norwegian owned and run Destination Management Company based in the Baltic States. The company is a full scale Baltic DMC with offices and employees in all three capitals; Tallinn, Riga and Vilnius. Serving a wide range of Travel Agents, Event Companies and clients from all over Europe. As Scandinavians they have especially been an attractive partner for Norwegian, Swedish and Danish partners, however, agents from many other European countries are using their services. Their focus is professionalism, attention to details, creativity, range of products/services and international understanding and experience. 

Website: www.btp.lt

Email:  thomas@btp.lt

KAMILĖ JUNOKAITĖ

Born and still living in Kaunas. After graduating the Konas Jablonskis Gymnasium, studying at Kaunas University of Technology – having a bachelor degree in economics and a master degree later in marketing. Her final thesis for the master was called ‘The decisions of celebrity endorsers selection in advertisement creation’ and was the first one to announce this topic, still interested in this question. Since 2003 working as a manager at the incoming tour operator Baltic Saitas in Kaunas.

Web: www.balticsaitas.lt

Email: kamile@saitas.lt

AAGE MYHRE

Aage Myhre is Norwegian, but has lived in Lithuania for almost 20 years. He holds a Norwegian M.Sc.  of Civil Engineering (dept. of Architecture), and has 35 years of experience as a journalist. He has been actively involved in Lithuanian affairs since 1990 – within politics, business, new investments, media, architecture and general development of the country.

"Are you looking for a new home in Lithuania? Or maybe a new office? Or do you consider investing in real estate or other business here? Either way, you are welcome to write or call me.  I can give you advice about quality, location, functionality etc., and I can help you with renovations or new construction regardless of type of building or property. My broad network of specialists in virtually every profession may also prove useful if you plan your business here. Lithuania is a country full of pitfalls, and I can probably help you avoid many of them. ."

Email: aage.myhre@VilNews.com
My architect web page is www.aam.lt

 ARTHUR SIMONSEN

Norwegian. Property developer. Masters degree in Economics (Denmark) Has worked as a lecturer at Aalborg Economic School (Denmark) for 4 years. He then worked as a Manager in the purchasing division of Aalborg Shipyard and later as the Managing Director of "Realia Contractors Denmark A/S". Arthur Simonsen moved to Lithuania in 1999 after being asked to set up KOBA Real Estate Consulting in Lithuania (formerly an associated member of Cushman & Wakefield Healey & Baker). Two years later Arthur branched out into his own real estate developments. He has been involved in many development projects including a shopping centre, offices and numerous residential projects in Lithuania. If you want to contact him, please do so at arthur@m2invest.lt
His web page is www.m2invest.lt

RIINA AILIO

Finnish, Interior Designer. Owner of design/interior studio and shop 'Sortimenti' in Vilnius. Offers full range interior design services and products – lamps, textiles, curtains, blinds, bedspreads, tablecloths, decoration elements, accessories and much more for hotels, restaurants, offices and private homes.

E-mail: sortimenti@sortimenti.lt

Web page:  www.sortimenti.lt

 KRISTA FAY

Krista Fay is the former curriculum coordinator for Sur La Table. In this position she created a nation wide cooking school curriculum for the largest group of privately held cooking schools in the country. Prior to this, she was the culinary program coordinator at Sur La Table's cooking school in Kirkland, Washington, where she had the opportunity to work with many nationally recognized chefs including: Alton Brown, Joanne Weir, Caprial Pence, Jerry Traunfeld, Sara Moulton, Rick Rodgers, Hugh Carpenter and Corey Schreiber. Krista has lived in Europe and the Middle East and has traveled extensively, studying food and cultures around the world.

Krista is a native of the Northwest (USA); she was born in Seattle and studied English Literature and drama at Whitman College. She is a passionate organic gardener, food anthropologist and for ten plus years a dedicated rower competing nationally with Martha's Moms, one of the nation’s premier women's rowing clubs.

Krista currently lives in Vilnius Lithuania with her husband Patrick.

Email: kkfay@aol.com

JOLITA SINICAITE

Master Degree in Business Administration from Vilnius University, Economy Faculty. Marketing courses in Sweden, special  studies in Italy for the Lithuanian foreign ministry’s international trade division. Established an international trade company (Srl.) dealing with wholesales of shoes and intermediating with Italian business  companies together with Italian partners, working in all Baltic regions. Then organised production of  jewelry with Icelandic partners. New wholesales distribution centre of fruits and vegetables-distributing for all Baltic’s and Russia.AT&T  Global Marketing representative for Baltic’s. Now working with business programs and opportunities in Lithuania for foreign investors, private development projects and Real Estate. Spending more and more time on ‘quality life’.Like to travel. All kind of sports. Dancing. Reading. Painting. Classical music. Arts. Architecture. Languages: Lithuanian, Russian, English, and Italian.
Web page : www.vilniusrentals.com Email: jolita@bluewin.ch

REGINA RUDAITYTE

Professor of English Literature, Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Philology for research and international relations; MA in English Language and Literature from Vilnius University; PhD in American Literature from Moscow M.V. Lomonosov University; MA in the Novel from the University of East Anglia (UK). Grants, Fellowships: The British Council Study Fellowship, University of East Anglia, UK; Research Grant at the Free University of Berlin, John F.Kennedy Institute for North American Studies; Administrative duties and expertise. Participates in the Socrates/ Erasmus academic exchange programme; Faculty Coordinator of the Socrates/Erasmus programme; Chairperson of the Doctoral Commission of Vilnius University; Chairperson of the Lithuanian Association of University Teachers of English; a board-member of ESSE (European Society for the Study of English); An editorial advisory board member of the International research journal EJES (European Journal of  English Studies). If you want to contact her, please do so at reginarudaityte@hotmail.com
Her web page is www.vu.lt 

VIRGINIJUS KUNDROTAS

Dean of Adizes Graduate School (USA) and Vice-President for Europe of Adizes Institute (USA). Doctor of Social Sciences (Education), Founding President of ISM University of Management and Economics, Lithuania, President of the Baltic Management Development Association (BMDA), Vice-president of Central and East European Management Development Association (CEEMAN); European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS) Committee member; International Advisor to Emerald Group Publishing Limited (UK), Member of Editorial Board of Baltic Journal of Management (UK), member of International Scientific Committee of the EDUNIVERSAL Official selection of World Business Schools (France), Board member of Lithuanian Free Market Institute, Board member of Lithuanian Academy of Physical Education. He permanently chairs the International Expert teams on the evaluation of study programs in economics and business administration at Latvian universities and institutions of higher education, serves as expert of EPAS, CEEMAN, Lithuania Higher education Quality Evaluation centre. Dr. V. Kundrotas is a Founding President of Kauno Tauro Rotary club, member of Vilnius International Club, etc. If you want to contact him, please do so at virkun@ism.lt His web page is www.ism.lt

ULF HALLAN

Ulf Hallan was the founder and General Director of the North Norwegian Leadership Foundation (NNL) for 25 years. In 2006 Ulf Hallan established ELIN in Lithuania where he holds the position as president. Ulf Hallan has a wide experience in Leadership development programs. He has worked with companies like Statoil, DNBNord, Fokus Bank, as well as several companies in Lithuania. He has been engaged as a trainer in countries all over Europe, the USA, India, The Philippines and has been designing and conducting development programs for municipalities and The Norwegian Prosecuters office. He has also been a key-note speaker in international conferences and conventions.

He is the Program Director for the Main Leadership Program in NNL which is running for 23 years. This program is still considered one of the best and most popular for top managers in Norway. Ulf Hallan has experienced through his life and strongly believes that the good leadership is the important feature to determine company’s success. He firmly stands that any leader who takes his job seriously will take time to work with following: Yourself, Your company’s future and Your own ideas of leadership. Ulf Hallan is a visiting professor in Dailes Academia (Cultural Management), in VPU and he has been a visiting professor in TVM for five years. He is also appointed Honorary Consul for Lithuania to Norway. Web page: www.elin.lt Email: ulf@elin.lt

OLGA MEDVEDEVA

Dr Olga Medvedeva studied philology and foreign languages at Moscow State University of Linguistics, where she obtained a PhD in English linguistics. She has worked in adult, vocational and higher education at various institutions and companies. She has been extensively involved in teaching materials and tests design ( co-author of several textbooks and distance learning programmes); she is an experienced teacher trainer. Since 2001 Olga Medvedeva has worked on several EU Socrates programme projects aimed at promoting linguistic and cultural diversity in Europe, introducing innovative teaching and learning methods, creating up-to-date learning tools. Her present interests include applied linguistics, semantics, intercultural communication and didactics. If you want to contact her, please do so at olga.medvedeva@VilNews.com Her web page is www.VilNews.com

KEN-RUSSELL SLADE

Ken’s (Kęstutis Sladkevičius) paternal grandparents (Jonas Sladkevicius of Guronys--Zasliai, and Domincele/Dominyka Jozakeviciute/Jozukeviciute/Juozukeviciute of the Aukstaitija region), emigrated from their native Lithuania when they were teenagers, just prior to the outbreak of WWI.  Their other family members remained in Lithuania.  In the USA, the two met and were married in 1915.

Born in 1948, Ken became a professional musician by age 12, and soon thereafter an actor.  In prep school, he began studying Latin and French, and writing and editing publications.  He edited university journals throughout his decade-plus years of higher education in the Boston (MA/USA) area.  He earned a B.S. in economics, an M.Ed., a C.R.E, and a Doctorate in Law; with advanced studies at Harvard, Princeton, and Vilnius universities.  Before he began to practice law in 1979, he had been a producer of concerts, ballet, and grand opera.

In January 2004, Ken arrived in Lithuania, from Quebec (city; Canada) where he had lived for 13 years.  More recently, he has retired as an attorney of trial law, in the courts of various states and many USA federal jurisdictions, including practice as a member of the bar of the Supreme Court of the United States.  

He is now engaged full-time in his life-long primary interest:  writing -- usually about Lithuania, often text-editing (revising) LT-EN translations.   

Email: kenmunications@gmail.com  (or)  english.lithuania@gmail.com

DAVID HOLLIDAY

Wg Cdr David Holliday joined the British Royal Air Force in 1961.  He trained as a pilot and his first operational tour from 1964 to 1968 was spent flying Victor nuclear bombers carrying the American Blue Steel stand-off missile.  His Cold War targets were in the Baltic States, Belarus and Ukraine.  In 1968 the British nuclear deterrent was handed over to the Royal Navy and the Blue Steel fleet was disbanded.  After a tour as a flying instructor David returned to Victors, but this time in the Air-to Air refuelling role, again as an instructor.  This was followed by a tour in Moscow as an assistant Air Attaché (74-77).  In 1979 he was posted to France to be the Strike Command liaison officer with the French Air Defence Command.  The next ten years was spent in staff appointments in Human Intelligence.  David’s last tour (92-94) was as the first British Defence Attaché in Vilnius after Lithuania regained its independence.  He retired in 1994 and remained in Lithuania with his wife Migle, who he married in 1993.

Email : holliday@klaipeda.omnitel.net

JEFF LEWIS

Jeff spent his youth in Wales. Education included Science Technology (ST) qualifications supporting his Civil Service career starting with Royal Navy Supply & Transport Service (RNSTS) where duties including logistic support. 

On promotion he joined the RN & US Navy nuclear submarine project with responsibilities in UK & US Navy in Washington and Charleston.  Success brought secondment to Middle East projects. With his training and development skills was promoted to Human Resource Manager. He was later transferred to the Department for Education & Skills.

Jeff’s responsibilities included academic and vocational education including Information Communication Technology (ICT). Later he was promoted to Director of Business Education Partnership (BEP) developing the project for schools with Special Needs, colleges and Universities. He recruited corporate, utility, local companies and Chambers of Commerce into a successful partnership.

During this period he and Julia, his now ex-wife, had two sons Simon and Matthew of which he is very proud, both good at sport and progressing into professional careers. In 1997 Jeff transferred to the private sector and developed Management Information Systems Advisors & Associates (MISAA www.misaa.net). With associates known for quality solutions successfully contracted for work with both private and public sectors. Successfully applying for BCS membership a contract was also agreed to develop audit procedures for ECDL centres, resulting in 500+ accredited Government, Business and Education centres.

In 2002 MISAA prepared Latvia for entry into EU and in June 2004 agreed with UK Trade & Investment to manage a   trade mission to present in all three Baltic States vocational education and UK business. In Leeds & Bradford Science and Technology were developed including Aviation & Space in Education. Klaipeda University Professors visited these and invited Jeff to present to the Rector and Board. This was followed by a series of meetings with Departments and organisations.

New projects include Faulkes Telescope Project, developing an ICT Strategy, a new BEP between Camira Fabrics Ltd (UK) and UAB in Ariogala, Lithuania & Kaunas Applied Art School, Vilnius International Club & Vilnews (E-zine).  Jeff has now permanently moved to Vilnius.

Email: jeff.lewis@btconnect.com

Section Editor – Vilnius

ŽILVINAS BELIAUSKAS

Psychologist, cultureologist and freelance translator, Zilvinas is currently back in academic life as a lecturer of psychology at Mykolas Romeris University in Vilnius after twelve years of work as the director of the Information Center for Homecoming Lithuanians. It was a great opportunity him to get to know not only the World Lithuanian Community but also the attitude of state institutions towards the diaspora. Earlier work experiences of research fellow at the Lithuanian Institute of Culture and Arts, psychologist at the Lithuanian National Martynas Mažvydas Library and lecturer at Vilnius University were of great help when dealing with emigration and repatriation issues, maintaining ties with communities and organizations and communicating with a wide range of individuals with the most diverse requirements and interests. His social activities consist of pleasant things such as to coordinate the establishment process of the Vilnius Jewish Library and to work as the executive director of Vilnius International Club. VilNews is about to fill in the missing part in the trinity.
Email zilvinas.beliauskas@VilNews.com
Web page  www.VilNews.com

Berkshire – United Kingdom

ANDRIUS UŽKALNIS

Photo:  Liudas Masys

Andrius Užkalnis, aged 40 is a bestselling Lithuanian author and a journalist, known for his scathing social commentary and bittersweet travel writing and for his work for the Lithuanian national radio. Born in Kaunas, he has lived in Caversham, Berkshire, in the south of England, for the past 16 years. He hopes to return to Lithuania this summer for good, where he thinks the grass is greener, especially at the moment.

Email: Uzkalnis@gmail.com

Washington D.C. – USA

STAN BACKAITIS                                                                                    

Dr. Stan Backaitis. Degrees in engineering BSME in 1953, MSAE in 1955, and Ph.D  in Biomechanics in 1978.  Graduate of the U.S. Federal Management Institute.  Served from 1953 to 1968 in various engineering positions at the Chrysler Corporation.  From 1968 till 2007 at the U.S Dept of Transportation as Principal Engineer at the Office of Motor Vehicle Crashworthiness Standards.  Author of over 80 technical papers, editor of five books on Human Biomechanics and two books on Accident Reconstruction Technologies

Registered professional engineer in the state of Michigan and Certified Product Safety manager.  U.S. delegate to ISO U.S Advisory Group to technical committees TC22/SC 10 and 12, and their technical working groups.  Chair of the Organizing Committee of the XII and XIV Lithuanian Symposium on Science and Creativity held in Chicago in 2002 and 2008. Currently in cooperative activities on technical matters with the Northwest University in Evanston, Il. and the Kaunas University of Technology (KTU).

Recipient of Secretary of Transportation and NHTSA Administration awards for superior achievement.  Honorary Doctorate from the KTU.  Recipient of two presidential medals for services promoting scientific progress in Lithuania.  During 1992-2003 chair of the U.S. Advisory Board for the Faculty of Administration of the KTU.  Member of the editorial board of a major science and technical journal published in Lithuania.  U.S. member of the science prize committee for oversees Lithuanians at the Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Lithuania. 

Currently serving as vice president for academic affairs of the American-Lithuanian Community’s National Executive Council; member of the education committee of the World Lithuanian Community; council member of Lithuanian Research and Study Center in Chicago, member of US-Canada Baltic Studies Coalition, representative of the American Lithuanian Council at the Central and Eastern European Coalition in Washington, D.C., and group studies participant at the Brookings institution, the CATO institute, the School for Advanced International Studies (SAIS) of the John Hopkins university, and the Center for Baltic and Eastern European Studies at the Sodertorn un. In Stockholm, Sweden. 

Arranged and hosted visits of the heads of Lithuania’s eight scientific institutes to the U.S. National Institutes Science and Technology, and the Southwest Research Institute on energy related issues.  Conducts studies related to availability, transportation and use of energy sources for power generation.  One energy study was presented at the Lithuania’s ministry of Energy in 2009 covering Lithuania’s power needs and alternatives in the future. In 2010 arranged an informational visit for Lithuania’s ambassador to the U.S, at the LNG port facility in Cove Point Maryland, which resulted in published articles both in U.S. and Lithuania’s Science Journals.  Similarly, on studies and discussions with U.S small nuclear reactor developers, resulted in the publication of a series of articles in both American Lithuanian news media and in Lithuania’s technical journals on the prospect and merits of small nuclear reactors.  Benefits of centralized LNG import were highlighted in memorandums to all of the Baltic countries’ governments and their embassy’s in the U.S.

Dedicated to 1) the preservation of Lithuanian language and heritage in the overseas diaspora, 2) by working through CEEC to influence the U.S. government and Congress to support and promote the evolution of democratic institutions and preservation of human rights, independence, and security in Central and Eastern European countries, and 3) facilitate connectivity and flow of knowledge in science and technologies between U.S and the Baltic countries in general and Lithuania in particular.

Email: BStasys@aol.com

California – USA

ALGIS RATNIKAS

“I was born in a refugee camp in Munich, Germany, in 1947, to Lithuanian parents. Our family emigrated to the USA in 1950 and I grew up in the Detroit area of Michigan. From 1965-1969 I attended the Univ. of Michigan and graduated with a BS in Zoology. I was then drafted into the US Army and spent a year in Colorado and a year in Germany. After military service I attended Wayne State Univ. in Detroit and completed a master’s program in Humanities. Following a few months of travel I settled in San Francisco, Ca. and began a career as a field service engineer for Becton Dickinson Corp. In 1995 I began a project dedicated to world history and in 1998 posted it to the World Wide Web. In 2005 I retired from BD in order to devote full time to my history project. I have been active in Lithuanian social activities throughout my life. Since 2004 I have served as the San Francisco Bay Area Lithuanian-American community treasurer. Over the years our community has hosted visits by former Pres. Adamkus, former PM Kirkilas, current PM Kubilius as well as numerous artists and musical performers. A more complete biography is posted on my web site: http://www.timelines.ws.” Email: aalgis@aol.com

Ohio – USA

INGRIDA BUBLYS

Ingrida Bublys, President of IB International Inc., shares 20 years in business development and company representation between the Baltic States and the US and lately has expanded business development to other surrounding countries. IB International represents a number of US companies in various industry sectors, while also representing and opening doors for a diverse range of Lithuanian companies In the US.

In May of 1992 organized the first Lithuanian products exposition in the USA at the “Business& Industry 2000” trade show at the IX Center, Cleveland, Ohio.  Organizer of first IT Video conference between USA and Lithuanian IT companies in 2003.

Secured and established contacts for trade development for various Lithuanian, as well as US companies; has developed a strong network across diverse commercial and government interests.

Ingrida Bublys is an active member of various business organizations in the US and serves on various boards. She has been awarded “The Order of Grand Duke Vytautas the Great” by the Lithuanian government, the American Nationalities Movement’s “Eagle Award”, and the International Rotary Club of Cleveland’s “Paul Harris Fellow”.

Ingrida Bublys is the Honorary General Consul of the Republic of Lithuania for the states of Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky.

Email: ingrida.bublys@ibinternationalinc.com 

Arizona – USA

RIMGAUDAS P. VIDZIUNAS

Roots are Pramedziava, Lithuania. Came to the USA in 1949. Visited Lithuania 1999, 2002.

BA History, University of Miami, Florida January 1970. Photographer for over 35 years. Follow him on Facebook "Photography by Rimgaudas". Currently residing Mesa, Arizona USA.
Email: rvidziunas@yahoo.com 

Tennessee - USA

RUTA SEPETYS

Ruta Sepetys is the daughter of a Lithuanian refugee and currently lives in Tennessee. She is the author of Between Shades of Gray, the critically acclaimed novel about a Lithuanian family deported to Siberia in 1941. The book will soon be published in over twenty countries around the world, including Lithuania. For more information please visit: www.betweenshadesofgray.com

"A harrowing page-turner." - Publishers Weekly (starred review)
"A horrifying account of the forcible relocation of countless Lithuanians... Sepetys' beautifully written and deeply felt novel deserves the widest possible readership." 
- Booklist (starred review)
"This bitterly sad, fluidly written historical novel tackles a topic woefully underdiscussed in English-language fiction." - Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

Email: ruta@sepetys.com

Colorado - USA

MARINA FARRELL

Marina grew up with stories about the Old World from her grandparents, both of whom emigrated from Lithuania to the U.S. shortly before World War I. Having visited several times since 1999, she has come to love Lithuania and all things Lithuanian. In addition to being web content developer and localization lead at a major eLearning corporation, she is web manager and contributor for the popular travel web zine, JustSayGo.com. Marina's personal projects include iLOVElithuania.com, an online community for Lithuanians, Lithuanian-Americans and all who love Lithuania. Her various travel writing and web development projects are listed at http://flavors.me/marinafarrelltravels.

Email: marinafarr@gmail.com

Ontario – Canada

VIC PAKALNIS

P.Eng., MBA, M.Eng., Kinross Professor in Mining and Sustainability, The Robert M. Buchan Department of Mining, Queen’s University, Kingston ,Ontario , Canada.
Vic Pakalnis earned a Bachelor of Engineering Degree in Mining Engineering and a Master of Engineering Degree from McGill University in 1972 and 1976 respectively. In 1994, he obtained a Master of Business Administration from Queen’s University.

Prior to joining the Government of Ontario in 1978, he worked at Kerr Addison Mines, Inco Ltd , Iron Ore Company of Canada and Falconbridge Nickel Mines Ltd.,  At the later company , he served as their Senior Ground Control Engineer .

At the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Vic worked as the Provincial Director of Mining and   Industrial Health and Safety and as Regional Director, Eastern Ontario, with corporate and program responsibilities for Health and Safety and Employment Standards. He was lead Operations Director for Human Resources and responsible for recruiting and training over 200 new inspectors. In 2007-8 he was appointed   the Ontario Public Service Amethyst Fellow in Public Policy, School of Policy Studies at Queen’s University teaching courses in the MPA, MIR and Mining Engineering: policy implementation, project management, occupational health and safety. He has over 32 years of experience in public administration.

He is the author of a number of papers on subjects such as: mine safety, public policy, training and organizational design.  He chaired the tri-partite Provincial inquiry into Health and Safety in the Pulp and Paper Industry.  In 1995, he co-led the Early Wins Team within the Internal Administration Restructuring Project.  This project was charged with reducing the cost of administration within the Ontario Public Service by $300M.  He was one of the founding members and Chair of the Eastern Ontario Regional Directors’ Council and the Provincial Interministerial Council. In 2010, he was  elected President of the  88,000 member  Ontario Public Service Quarter Century Club – public servants active and retired with 25yrs or more of service . He has appeared on radio and television :  CNN, BNN, CBC  and  CTV  as a commentator on health and safety issues . 

Vic is a member of the Association of Professional Engineers of Ontario , the Society of Mining Engineers , the Canadian Institute for Mining and Metallurgy  and the Institute of Public Administration of Canada. He serves on the Boards of the Radiation Safety Institute of Canada and Minerva Canada which promotes the introduction of occupational health and safety in schools of business and engineering. He is also the immediate past Chair of the Canadian Public Sector Quality Association.  In 2007 he received the prestigious Amethyst Award for excellence in public service. 

In 2009 Vic was appointed Kinross Professor in Mining and Sustainability at the Robert M. Buchan Department of Mining at Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario. He teaches undergraduate and graduate level courses in the faculty of engineering and applied science.  His research interest are in occupational health and safety, public policy, and  First Nations access to mining engineering .

Email: vic.pakalnis@mine.queensu.ca

Paihia - New Zealand

VIRGINIA SHIMKUTE

Was born in Siauliai, Northern Lithuania, in 1959 to a family of a teacher (mother) and a drama theatre actor (father). Siblings – one brother, professional musician (cello being main instrument).  Finished school in 1977 and left for Vilnius to study – Mathematics. Returned to Siauliai and was working until got married and eventually moved with family to Vilnius.  Had two daughters-one living in South Africa now, (20), studying pharmacy, and other (27) settled in the US. Brother with family also lives permanently in USA.

Virginia moved to South Africa in 1993, when apartheid there was falling apart, having its first democratic election in 1994. Lived in South Africa for 16 years, 7 in Johannesburg and 9 years in Port Elizabeth, working for big corporate companies - administration and IT.  In Feb 2009 came to New Zealand and currently living in Paihia, Bay of Islands-popular tourist destination. Changed carrier to something very different – owns and runs a sandwich and salad bar in town. Met Lithuanians there only on 2 occasions (a pleasant surprise). Trying to settle down and make NZ home but missing Lithuania , family on friends. Therefore interested in this VilNews link (“no matter where one lives and for how long –roots are in our beloved home country –Lithuania”).

Email: vshimkute@yahoo.com

Adelaide – Australia

BARBARA RAPAPORT

Johannesburg – South Africa

JADVYGA KAZLAUSKIENE

Jadvyga Kazlauskiene emigrated from Lithuania to South Africa in 1995. The first five years she worked in the restaurant business. Since year 2000 she has worked as a real estate agent, 11 years at Wendy Machanik Properties and since the start of 2011 at Huizemark Properties in Johannesburg. She has since 2007 been Director of the Lithuanian Community residing in South Africa (‘Lietuviu Bendruomone Gyvenanti Pietu Afrikos Respublikoje’).

Jadvyga studied at Academy of Drama in Vilnius ’82 – ’85, and graduated from the Academy of Drama ’85 as ‘Play Producer’. In South Africa she has been studying property, residential business.

Graduated NQF4 in Real Estate. Email: Jadvyga@huizemark.com

 N/A (not available)

Get ready to open your wallet, a new Christmas

Charity Bazaar is just around the corner!

Text: Giedre Gabriele Paliusyte

Photo: Irina Tuminiene

Mark your calendar. Saturday the 4th of December is the day when the entire international community in Vilnius will meet in the Old City Hall (Rotušė) to show their good support for those who so dearly need our help and attention. The Bazaar will be open 11-16, and there will be a lot to experience, so please take your time and enjoy the warm pre-Christmas mood!

The International Women’s Association of Vilnius (IWAV) has been organizing charitable events in Lithuania for more than ten years. The association that brings together wives of the ambassadors and businessmen that are currently residing in Lithuania and women members from Lithuania, are busy preparing for its annual Christmas Charity Bazaar.

On the 9th of November the upcoming annual Christmas Charity Bazaar was presented at a reception held at the Greek embassy. Representatives from the embassies of Belgium, Denmark, Greece, Japan, China and Germany presented their customs, traditional dishes, handmade Christmas souvenirs and were promising more surprises during the fair.

Residents and visitors of Vilnius for a symbolic entrance fee of 3 litas will have a unique opportunity to discover the Christmas traditions of different countries, to buy interesting Christmas gifts, to enjoy food, handicraft, souvenirs and share the festive mood. The Christmas Bazaar is expanding, and more countries are participating every year - this year more than thirty countries including Lithuania will be represented at the fair. Four international schools: Vilnius international school, American international school of Vilnius, French Secondary School of Vilnius and Polish International School ‘Mažasis Princas’ will also present their Christmas stands.

The main purpose of the event is to collect money for charity and support organizations in need. This year all the proceeds of the occasion collected from the lotteries and sales will be fully donated to the Kaunas University of Medicine Hospital’s Pediatric clinic, to the Residential house of Vilnius for children and young people, to the "Ekklesia" charity foundation, to the Vilnius University Children Hospital, to the "Kijėlių" Special Education Center, to the" Alanta" nursing home for elderly people and to the Children and Youth Day Center "Mūsų nameliai".

Alma Adamkienė continues to be the patron of the Christmas Charity Bazaar. This year Lithuanian actress Gabija Ryškuvienė is a goodwill ambassador.

Programme of the International Christmas Charity Bazaar 2010

09.30 – official opening ceremony with the patron of the Bazaar, Ms. Alma Adamkienė

11.00 – opening of the International Christmas Charity Bazaar for residents and guests of Vilnius

15.00 – lottery ceremony

16.00 – closing ceremony of the International Christmas Charity Bazaar 2010

 Many of Lithuania's small towns suffer from decay and increasingly severe crime cases

Text: Aage Myhre, VilNews Editor

Every third year or so I go to visit some acquaintances in one of Lithuania's small towns. A few days ago it was again time to see these exceptionally friendly, nice people, and my little family and I were as always very much welcome guests at the home of our small-town friends when we arrived at the gate in front of their house.

When we last were there, in 2007, this was a family and a society that seemed to be in peaceful harmony. A little sleepy, yet idyllic atmosphere prevailed in both the home and the small town at that time. 

No longer so.

“Criminal gangs appear to be about to take over in such a way that we, the law-abiding citizens no longer feel safe neither in the streets nor in our homes. Last night, for example, we were out at a restaurant just ten minutes walk from our house. When it was time to go home, it was already dark outside, and as the situation here has become so bad over the past couple of years we dared not walk, we felt we had no other choice than to take a taxi the few hundred meters back to our home. "

She speaks softly, sad and with deep seriousness in her voice as she explains the situation to us, this gentle woman who has lived in this town all her lifetime. Here she gave birth to and raised her now grown children who have given her great grandchildren whom she talks about with great pride in her voice, still expressing deep concerns on how it will be for them to experience an environment like this during their years of childhood and youth.

"Worst of all," the woman continues, "is that these criminals seem to no longer worry if they are being seen or discovered. Many break-ins in the houses around here happen in broad daylight, and it seems as if the police no longer have control of anything in our dear village.

A neighbour who came home to his house a few days ago was met outside his own front door by a stranger coming out of the house. ‘What are you doing here,’ our neighbour asked. ’ Well,’ replied the stranger, ‘what I had to do, I've already done.’  When our neighbour went in, he understood what the stranger had meant. The house was just completely stripped of all valuable items."

When I asked her what the police do in cases as the one she had just described, our acquaintance just scoffs.  She no longer has respect for the police, judiciary or politicians in this country, she says, and more than suggests that many of them probably get a share of the cake from the many thefts and assaults taking place right in front of their noses.

I have, after we left our acquaintances, been trying to find out if the problems she describes about her hometown could also apply to other towns in this country. The  answer is, unfortunately very discouraging, confirming that her hometown is not unique with regard to rapidly increasing crime and lack of respect for law and order.

What can we do to make life for this proud, bright woman and the many other law-abiding people around this great country a little safer and brighter again?

It is not up to me to answer, but both our President and our Prime Minister should take this problem seriously before the situation gets even more out of control. 

The  cancerous tumour is growing every day that passes...

The visit to our acquaintances in one of Lithuania's many small towns made a strong impression on me. When we drove out of town I saw in a new light the buildings, streets and the few people who were out this late afternoon. I saw that my former somewhat romantic view of this rural town was wrong. Or at least not complete. I saw that many of the houses were in decay and that very little had happened since I first came here 20 years ago.

And when I think about it, isn’t this the situation for the majority of Lithuania's small towns? They have not received their fair share of EU funds or investments that made Vilnius and partly the other major cities flourish.

Heritage is about to be lost. Buildings and outdoor environments disintegrate. People are suffering. Criminal gangs are gaining better footholds.

Is this the Lithuania we want to have? Of course not. But it is now. We, the people care about this country,  living here or elsewhere on the globe, must begin to take action. It's all up to us, is it not?