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L I T H U A N I A N A M E R I C A N N E W S J O U R N A L

may 2012

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BRIDGES (ISSN: 87508028) is published10 times per year (Jan./Feb. & Jul./Aug.combined) for $20.00, by LithuanianAmerican News Journal. Issue: 363Address of publication is:

LAC, Inc./BRIDGES,78 Mark Twain Dr., Hamil ton Sq., NJ 08690

BRIDGESis the official publication of the

Lithuanian American Community, Inc.National Executive Board

2715 E. Allegheny Ave., Phila., PA 19134Tel: 800- 625 -1170Fax: 856-428-6014

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Jeanne Dorr EditorGema Kreivenas Art Director/ProductionRimas Gedeika Treasurer & Subscription

ManagerCopyright 2012 Lithuanian American Community, Inc. All rightsreserved. No part of the publication may be reproduced without writ-

ten permission of the publisher. All statements & opinions, includingproduct claims, are those of the organization/advertiser makingthose statements or claims. The publisher does not adopt, or putforth, any such statement or claim as his own, & any such statementor claim does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publisher.

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c o n t e n t s

*BACKCOVER:The 14th LithuanianFolk Dance Festivalis coming to Boston onJuly 1, 2012Come experience this celebration of

Lithuanian dance and culture!

Lithuanian AmericanCommunity

CONTACT INFORMATION:

WEBSITE

W W W . L I T H U A N I A N - A M E R I C A N . O R GTELEPHONE

800-625-1170

in this issue

2 editorialLetter from the EditorJeanne Dorr

3 trivia4 reflections

Sisters and MothersJeanne Dorr

5 reflectionsPartIII -My Lithuanian SummerTerese Vekteris

9 here at homeA summer to rememberMichel Krevenas

10 cultureRETRO - Dance groupSanta Clarita, CASigita Barysiene

10 cultureLAUME - Dance groupfrom Buffalo Grove, ILRaimonda

11 cultureAIDAS - Youth Folk

Dance Group ofKansas City, KansasNancy Stegeman

12 photo albumSisters and Mothers

14 historyTHOUGHTS REGARDINGTHE COLUMNS OFGEDIMINASSaulius V. Ploplys

18 lac newsCape Cod LithuaniansParticipate in aMulti-Cultural FestivalAurelia Nijole Borges

19 reflectionsExcerpt from"We Were There, Too"Phil lip M. Hoose

22 calendar

*FRONT COVER: The photo was taken by Msgr.Leonas Jakimavicius in the region of Alytus,Lithuania. Msgr. Jakimavicius is the pastor ofAlytaus Svc.M. Marijos Krikscioniu Pagalbosbaznycia (Mary Help of Christians Church) inAlytus. He also ministers to the parishionersof the 18th century Church of Sv. Trejybes(Holy Trinity) in the small village of Rumbonys.This church has a holy water font from the17th century.

Msgr. Jakimavicius enjoys photography andwood sculpting. Some of his sculptures can befound inside the church in Alytus and on thegrounds of both parish churches.

T R I V I A Q U E S T I O N(Brass Band)

Which one of the following had the firstLithuanian Brass Band in America?

(a)-Chicago (b)-Shenandoah (c)-Brooklyn

Answer to Trivia Quizon page 21

Sv. Trejybes (Holy Trinity) Church in thevillage of Rumbonys, Lithuania

Photo by Joanne Antanavage, Phila. PA

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h e r e a t h o m e

Monika Vaicyte and Inga Kveinyte are students atthe University of Vilnius and natives of Visoginas.They set out together for their great summer ad-venture in Ocean City, New Jersey on a work pro-gram sponsored through the Lithuanian WorldCenter (Pasaulio Lietuviu Centras). Ocean Cityhas been an attractive US beach resort for studentsfrom Lithuania for many years because of thefamily like community, a variety of available jobs,affordable living and a small town atmospherewhich is safe and relaxing. But it was anything butrelaxing for these two very bright, industrious andhardworking gals. My Aunt Gema and I met these

delightful young ladies working as servers atAugies Seashore Grille by day. In the evening,Monika works at a kite shop on the boardwalk andInga is a cashier at a nearby pharmacy. Eachworking close to 75 hours a week, both of themare trying to make enough money to do some trav-eling in the US and possibly Europe, and most im-portantly, to save enough cash to finish their senioryear at college.

When time permits Monika and Inga have en-joyed exploring NYC, Philadelphia, Atlantic Cityand Washington, DC. They are extremely im-

pressed by the size of the cities and all museumsand the variety of food, etc. Their boss Eddie atAugies has been a great tour guide and guardianangel for them. They enjoy the beach, the vast va-riety of American kitsch at the souvenir stores andthe amusements on the boardwalk. All of this isvery different from their favorite beach resort inPalanga. They also pass the time watching moviesand they really enjoy meeting other young people

who are working at the shore for the summer.They are not crazy about the huge amount offried food the boardwalk has to offer and thenagging seagulls hovering around you waitingto pounce.

The program offered by LWC only appliesto students in the first three years at univer-sity. The program does allow seniors becausethe US government is concerned that they

will over-stay their visas. In order to qualify for thissummer program one must have a job contact inthe States. A letter is required from the future em-ployer confirming the position and the hiring date.After a contract is completed between the Agency,employee and employer, the applicant must show

proof of housing to give to the US Embassy. Afterapproval and clearance from the US immigrationofficials they are issued a visa.

Their families await their return anxiously.Monika and Inga are extremely appreciative ofwhat the US has to offer and thankful they weregranted this wonderful opportunity to experiencetime here.

Michel KrevenasSt. Louis, MO

Monika Vaicyte and Inga Kveinyte

Asummerto

rememberin

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The Columns of Gediminas (Gedimino Stulpai) constitute oneof the national emblems of Lithuania appearing on present daystamps, coins, and official documents, yet the origin andsymbolism of this emblem remain shrouded. Named after

Lithuanian Grand Duke Gediminas, who ruled from 1316 ADthrough 1341 AD, the emblem is said by some to represent agate in the fortified wall of a castle or of a city [12:293][refer-ence number: Page number]. Often a picture or a drawing ispresented to demonstrate this interpretation as shown below.

Smaller doors for everydayuse are constructed withinmuch larger doors forming anaccess through a castle, ora city, wall; the whole some-what resembling the Columnsof Gediminas.

When the smaller doorsare open, then the Columnsof Gediminas become moreevident.

Sometimes an arched doorframe is shown for the large door instead of the rectangularopening shown here. In either case, the top and a portion of thesides of the large door frame must be disregarded in order toproduce the Columns of Gediminas in their usual form asshown below:

Another source reports the claimthat, Gediminas was descendedfrom a high class Roman family

named COLUMNA. The familyname, Columna, is then inferred tobe the inspiration for the Columnsof Gediminas symbol as statedin the conclusion, Thus we seethe transition of the name downthrough the ages ... [18:14].

It is my intent to present an alternative interpretation of thesymbolism carried by the Columns of Gediminas.

HISTORICAL OVERVIEWFor easy reference a short list of the Lithuanian rulersmentioned in this discussion is presented below. For the sake

of brevity, rulers not mentioned in the text are not listed.Rimgaudas (ruled beginning of 13th C.) (son of Algimantas)

Mindaugas (ruled 1236 - 1263 AD) (son of Rimgaudas)

Gediminas (ruled 1316 - 1341 AD) (son of Pukuveras)

Algirdas (co-ruled 1345 - 1377 AD) (son of Gediminas)

Kestutis (co-ruled 1345 - 1377 AD) (son of Gediminas)

Jogaila (ruled 1377 - 1381 and 1382 - 1392 AD) (son of Algirdas)

Kestutis (ruled 1381 - 1382 AD) (son of Gediminas)

Vytautas (ruled 1392 - 1430 AD) (son of Kestutis)

The following occurrences help to place the topics to bediscussed in the context of world events.

1167 AD -Genghis Khan is born (originally called Temujin)[10:99].

1206 AD -Temujin unifies the tribes consisting of Turks,Kitan, Tatars (a.k.a. Tartars), Ruruan, and Huns, allof them having had battles with the Chinese empire,and he receives the title, Genghis Khan (UniversalLeader) [10:100].

1227 AD -Upon the death of Genghis Khan, the Mongolianempire was divided into four Khanates, each ruledby a direct descendant of Genghis Khan. TheGolden Horde ruled over Russia, the ChagataiKhanate controlled central Asia, the Ilkhanate ruledwestern Asia, and the Great Khanate had authorityover Mongolia and China [10:100].

1236 AD -The Teutonic Knights began attacking Lithuania andwere beaten at the battle of Siauliai with Mindaugaspossibly playing an important role [13:538].

1236 AD -The Great Khan Ogode, son of Genghis Khan,ordered the invasion of Russia, at that time only a loosecoalition of local groups called the Rus [10:101]

1240 AD -Mindaugas is the undisputed leader of Lithuania[13:538].

1251 AD -In part to stop the attacks of the crusading TeutonicKnights, Mindaugas was baptized [13:539]. He mayhave renounced his baptism later and all Lithuanianrulers after him reverted to the old religion [16:217]until Vytautas was baptized in 1383 AD [16:209].

1253 AD -Mindaugas crowned king of Lithuania with the bless-ing of Pope Innocent IV [13:540].

1260 AD -Kublai Khan, the grandson of Genghis Khan, becamethe Great Khan and in 1264 moved his capital fromMongolia to Beijing [10:100].

1271 AD -Marco Polo begins his travels to China and returns in1295 AD [10:129].

1279 AD -The Yuan Dynasty of China was established by theMongols.

1368 AD - The Ming Dynasty replaced the Yuan Dynasty of the

Mongols.

LITHUANIAS CONTACT WITH THE

GOLDEN HORDEWhile Lithuanias conflicts and alliances with the TeutonicKnights and Western European nations form an important partof Lithuanias history at this time, the same is true for the con-flicts and alliances with the Mongols Golden Horde consist-ing of Mongol leadership and the Tartar hordes that conqueredRussia [15:375]. A few examples are presented below.

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THOUGHTS REGARDING THE COLUMNS OF GEDIMINAS 2012 Saulius V. Ploplys

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In 1234 AD, Rimgaudas defeated the Tartar Hordes at the bat-tle of Mohilno on the banks of the upper Nemunas River [8:4].

In 1255 AD, Mindaugas invaded Russian lands that weresubject to the Golden Horde [6:34]. A large part of EasternLithuania, under King Mindaugas, was attacked by the GoldenHorde in 1258-59 AD [15:376]. The earliest Tartar captives

taken to Lithuania were likely brought there at about this time[15:377].

During the reign of Gediminas, the Tatars invadedLithuania in 1336 AD and this was the last time that they wereable to reach Lithuania proper [15:376]. The inhabitants of Kiewasked Gediminas to protect their city from the Tartars [17:246].

In 1349 AD, Algirdas sent his brother, Karijotas, to KhanJaniberg with a proposal to form a Lithuanian - Tatar alliance;however, the Khan refused and extradited Karijotas to Mus-covy [15:376]. In 1362 AD the Lithuanians met the TartarKhans and the Golden Horde in the battle of the Blue Watersand were victorious [6:34].

In 1380 AD, Jogaila entered into a coalition with theGolden Horde against Moscow [7:65].

Vytautas the Great led expeditions reaching the Black Sea(1397-98 AD) and brought back several thousand Tatar pris-oners, refugees, and voluntary migrants [15:377]. Anothersource mentions that in 1397 AD, Vytautas, in return for theirservice during the war, brought back Tartars to Vilnius andTrakai and gave them certain rights [7:81]. Vytautas formed analliance with Khan Tochtamysh of the Golden Horde in a bat-tle against Tamerlain and suffered a terrible defeat in 1399 ADnear the Vorklsa River where both he and Tochtamysh barelyescaped with their lives [3:63]. Vytautas continued to partici-pate in Tatar affairs by supporting various factions in the power

struggles within the Golden Horde [15:377]. He used his in-fluence to promote the acceptance of Jalal ad-Din, the son ofTochtamysh, into the Golden Horde and relations with theTatars became peaceful and friendly [16:214].

These selected few examples illustrate the likelihood of anextensive interchange of information between the two culturesand, furthermore, since all four Khanates were ruled by directdescendants of Genghis Khan and were therefore related, it isnot impossible that information was also available from theGreat Khanate, namely Yuan Dynasty China.

EARLY WRITTEN LANGUAGES IN LITHUANIAAccording to the historian Makauskas, until 1387, Lithuanian

was solely a spoken language and official documents werewritten in a host of other languages notably: Latin, German,Arabic, Old Slavic (Cyrillic), Turkic, Polish, etc. [7:67 and 93].The Golden Horde spoke a Turkic language [15:376]. It can besurmised that Lithuanian officials, at least up to the time ofVytautas, were accustomed to the widespread use of writtenforeign languages used inside Lithuania in letters, documentsand other applications. As an example, seals of nobles appear-ing on a treaty between Lithuania and Poland, signed in 1401AD, exhibit some Lithuanian seals inscribed with Latin,

and others, with Slavic letters [12:419]. In fact, the seal ofAlgirdas is inscribed with Cyrillic letters [9:21].

Lithuanian coins of this period also testify to the diversityof alphabets accepted for official use. One reference informsthat, in 1386 AD, the first coins were struck in Lithuania andthat some had Latin inscriptions, others Cyrillic inscriptions,

and yet others Arabic inscriptions [5:15-16]. Another sourceprovides substantiating arguments for the divergent views thatthe first Lithuanian coins were struck during the reign ofAlgirdas (1345 -1377 AD) versus the view that this occurredduring the reign of Vytautas (1392 - 1430 AD) [9:21]. It isstated that the key to these divergent views lies with the sym-bols that appear on these early coins. On the obverse, somecoins show a spearhead with a cross while the reverse shows aCyrillic inscription. Algirdas ruled in the Eastern part ofLithuania and so would be more likely to use the Cyrillicalphabet, yet he was a pagan and so would not use a cross.Vytautas was baptized and so might incorporate a cross but

would have used the Latin alphabet of his faith. The authorsconclude that the rule of Algirdas was the more likely sourceof these coins because his wives both belonged to the EasternOrthodox faith prevalent in Russia and the cross honored them.Of course, others might contend that the presence of a Cyrillicinscription may be an inclusive device to honor the non-bap-tized eastern constituents of Vytautas. This short digression isintended to emphasize the importance of the symbols, even theletters, used at this time. Among the earliest Lithuanian coins,the Columns of Gediminas begin to appear.

THE COLUMNS OF GEDIMINASAccording to one source, the first Lithuanian coins impressed

with the Columns of Gediminas were struck during the reignof Kestutis [9:41]. A second authority attributes the samecoins to the reign of Jogaila, although one of the coinspictured (number 434) clearly has the letter K placed insidethe middle of the Columns of Gediminas [4:Plate XVII].Finally, a third source claims that coins with the Columns ofGediminas were first struck in 1398 AD during the reign ofVytautas [5:23]. Despite the variances, all agree in attributingthe first Lithuanian coins bearing the Columns of Gediminasto the latter part of the 14th Century as stated by yet anothersource [2:83]. Two of the sources consulted are in agreementthat early Lithuanian struck coins exhibiting: a spearhead

with cross and Cyrillic letters can be attributed to the reign ofAlgirdas who co-ruled in the eastern part of Lithuania; aspearhead with cross and the Columns of Gediminas can beattributed to the reign of Kestutis who co-ruled in the west-ern part of Lithuania; the Vytis (a mounted knight in armor ona shield-shaped field) and the Columns of Gediminas can beattributed to the reign of Vytautas [2:84-87] and [9:38-51].At this time it is unknown if Gediminas himself used the sym-bol called the Columns of Gediminas or if the symbol wasintroduced and named later by devoted sons or grandsons.

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locations. Given the thoughtful care exercised in the selectionsand symbolism to be included in a coat of arms, either for afamily or a city, during the Middle Ages, the interpretation ofthe symbolic meaning of the Columns of Gediminas as a doorin a wall seems to be somehow lacking. As to the Roman

Columna family connection, even if eventually substantiated,one wonders why this particular orientation of columns of var-ious lengths would be chosen. While the meaning may havebeen lost over time, it is most probable that the Columns ofGediminas carried a widely recognized significance among thenobility of Lithuania when first devised.

A wise ruler, familiar with a wide variety of written lan-guages and peoples, might choose a symbol demonstrating hisextensive knowledge of the world while at the same time es-tablishing a definite connection to his own accomplishments.The same could be said of a wise ruler wishing to honor the ac-complishments of his father or grandfather. When considering

the Castle of Gediminas on top of the Hill of Gediminas in themidst of an otherwise fairly level city, it is difficult to imaginea more meaningful icon signifying the accomplishments ofGediminas, while at the same time forming a recognizablesymbol for Vilnius. It is my contention that the Columns ofGediminas admirably accomplish all of these ends.

It has been established that the contacts between Lithuaniansand the Golden Horde were numerous, that members of theGolden Horde were brought to Lithuania as early as 1255 ADunder Mindaugas, and that the leaders of the Golden Horde

This pre-World War II photograph, taken from ground level,clearly shows the prominence of the castle ruins on the hilldominating and overseeing the capital city of Vilnius.

h i s t o r y

Currently, the Columns of Geiminas and the Vytis carrynational symbol status for Lithuania. Originally, it seems thatthe Columns of Gediminas were associated with the Gedimi-nas family or perhaps they represented the city of Vilnius thatGediminas established as the capital city of Lithuania in 1323AD [1:9]. One source entertains the idea that a shield with atwo-barred cross was earlier selected as the coat of arms of theGediminas family and that the Columns of Gediminas were,in fact, the coat of arms of the city of Vilnius [12:100]. To de-fend his capital, Gediminas built what is now called the Castle

of Gediminas (Gedimino Pilis) on a hill now known as the Hillof Gediminas (Gedimino Kalnas). The original castle was con-structed of wood. As late as 1413-14 AD a traveler, Ghillebertde Lannoy of Burgundy, described the wooden castle in hiswritings [16:162]. The wooden castle was destroyed by fire in1419 AD and Vytautas the Great, grandson of Gediminas,erected a masonry castle as a replacement on the old site[11:475]. Actually, Vilnius has two main castles; a castle at thebottom of the hill used as a residence, and the castle at the topof the hill used for defense. It is this upper castle that is knownas the Castle of Gediminas [11:475]. In a map of Vilnius dat-ing to 1576 AD, the castle complex and surrounding city areshown. Dramatically standing out in the midst of the relativelylevel surrounding countryside and town, the castle on the hillis seen with its several towers, one tower larger than the oth-ers [16:163]. Wooden or rebuilt of masonry, the castle with itstowers was, and continues to be, an awe inspiring site.

This pre-World War II photograph, taken from groundlevel, clearly shows the prominence of the castle ruins on thehill dominating and overseeing the capital city of Vilnius.

As the previous discussion indicates, it is unclear if theColumns of Gediminas were a device first used by Gediminashimself, or introduced by one of his sons or grandsons. Fur-thermore, while now regarded as a Lithuanian nationalsymbol, it is uncertain whether the Columns of Gediminas

were originally a device representing the Gediminas family orof Vilnius, the capital city founded by Gediminas and protectedby his castle on the hill. These uncertainties notwithstanding,the importance ascribed to, and the care given to selecting sucha symbol cannot be overstated.

In our time numerous examples, such as the Eiffel Tower ofParis, the Statue of Liberty in New York harbor, the Arch ofSaint Louis, the Golden Gate Bridge of San Francisco, theTower of London, and the Great Wall of China, abound asuniversally recognized symbols associated with particular

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c u l t u r ewere Mongols belonging to one of the four Khanates estab-lished after the death of Genghis Khan. Another Khanate,the Great Khanate, ruled China forming the Yuan Dynasty.Presumably, at least some of the Mongol residents in Lithuaniawere familiar with the written Chinese language. Oracle boneinscriptions dating to the Shang Dynasty (1523-1028 BC)exhibit an already well developed written Chinese language.

The Chinese character for mountain is:

The Castle of Gediminas, represented by a castle tower,wooden or otherwise, is placed on top of the Hill of Gedim-inas to form the Columns of Gediminas.

The interruption of the central vertical bar is a further in-dication that the tower is stacked on top of the mountainsymbol, thus producing the Columns of Gediminas with greatimport for all with eyes able to see. It is also possible that, likeother important, universally admired symbols, the Columnsof Gediminas carry multiple layers of meaning includingthat of an open door and Roman family roots in addition toindicating the prominent castle on the hill protecting Vilnius.

In any case, it is certain that a landmark as significant as theCastle of Gediminas atop the hill dominating the city land-scape of Vilnius would be considered in the creation of a sym-bol for the Gediminas family and the capital that he founded.

REFERENCES AND BIBLIOGRAPHY1. Almenas, Kazys. The Castles of Vilnius, The Lithuanian MuseumReview, (July - September 2003), pp. 8-11.

2. Duksa, Zenonas.Monetos Pasakoja, Vilnius, Vyturys, 1991.3. Gerutis, Albertas, ed.Lithuania 700 Years, 5th ed. New York, Many-

land Books, 1969.4. Gumowski, Marian.Handbuch Der Polnischen Numismatik, Graz,

Akademische Druck - U. Verlagsanstalt, 1960.

5. Ivanauskas, Eugenijus and Robert Douchis. Coins of Lithuania: 1386- 1707, Vilnius-Columbia, Savastis, 1999.6. Kiaupa, Zigmantas. The History of Lithuania, 2nd ed. Lithuania, Bal-

tos Lankos, 2002.7. Makauskas, Bronius.Lietuvos Istoria, Kaunas, Sviesa, 2000.8. Ramonis, Val. Who Is Who in Lithuanian History, The Lithuanian

Museum Review, issue 129, p. 4.9. Sajauskas, Stasys and Domininkas Kaubrys.Lietuvos Didziosios Ku-

nigaikstystes Numizmatica, Vilnius, Zaltvyksle, 1993.10. Santon, Kate and Liz McKay.Atlas of World History, Bath, United

Kingdom, Parragon, 2006.11. Suziedelis, Simas, ed.Encyclopedia Lituanica, vol. I, Boston, Juozas

Kapocius, 1970.12. Suziedelis, Simas, ed. Encyclopedia Lituanica, vol. II, Boston,

Juozas Kapocius, 1972.

13. Suziedelis, Simas and Vincas Rastenis, ed.Encyclopedia Lituanica,vol. III, Boston, Juozas Kapocius, 1973.14. Suziedelis, Simas and Juozas Jakstas, ed. Encyclopedia Lituanica,vol. IV, Boston, Juozas Kapocius, 1975.15. Suziedelis, Simas and Antanas Kucas, ed.Encyclopedia Lituanica,

vol. V, Boston, Juozas Kapocius, 1976.16. Suziedelis, Simas and Antanas Vasaitis, ed.Encyclopedia Litu-

anica, vol. VI, Boston, Juozas Kapocius, 1978.17. Vilainis - Sidlauskas, A.Istorines Lietuvos Albumas, Chicago, Ne-

munas, 1959.18. Yankowski, Ronald. The Pillars of Gediminas, The Lithuanian

Museum Review, (April - June 2003), p. 14.

A resident of Ill inois, Saulius V. Ploplys was born in Germany shortlyafter World War II and came to the United States with his parents,Dr. Valentinas and Aldona Ploplys (Plioplys) when less than one year

old. A retired physicist, teacher, and consultant; he enjoys his newlyfound free time with his wife Betty and his children and grandchildren.Retirement also allows the pursuit of several hobbies and research intoareas of interest to a greater extent than previously possible.

Continued from page 8accommodated their tents and RVs, and I had a chance tolust over a VW Eurovan with a pop-up sleeping loft, whichis on my list of all-time favorite cars.

I asked and found out that the native Lithuanians withus didnt know about smores, which are an Americancamping staple, so we went to the Maxima to try to find theingredients. Because there were no graham crackers, puffywhite marshmallows or Hershey bars to be found, we madesome major substitutions, buying Nykstukas biscuits, somesmaller, multi-colored marshmallow-like candies and a cou-ple of thicker dark chocolate bars. It was too wet for an out-door fire, so I toasted the marshmallows over a gas burnerin one of our trailer homes. What we bought evidently hada much higher sugar content than the marshmallows athome, so it was difficult to keep them from flaming out be-fore getting soft and melty. The other problem was that thechocolate was of a better quality and much denser, so it did-

nt melt from the heat of the marshmallows when sand-wiched together between the biscuits. Despite not beingquite the same, the Lietuvos smores proved popular, per-haps because they were accompanied by beer, and Lukasate at least five by himself.That night I slept well, snuggled in bed with a comforterbecause it was so cold out.

More information on Refresh in Lithuania athttp://www.vdu.lt/news/refresh-in-lithuania-returns-this-summer.html

Continued next month.Terese Vekteris is the granddaughter of four hopeful and enterprisingLithuanian women and men who left their native land in the early 1910s forthe promise of America. In June, Terese left her job to fulfill a long-timedream of meeting family and living in Lithuania for an extended period.Since returning, she has founded her own strategic communications con-sulting firm, Vekteris Communications LLC. A native Philadelphian andmember of the Amber Roots Lithuanian Heritage Club, Terese lives in theGermantown section of the city with herpartner and their cat.She isdreaming of her next travel adventure

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bridges

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Calendar of Events for May, June, Ju ly and August 2012Please ver ify a l l events as p laces & t imes are sub ject to change.

MAY

MAY 12-13, 2012 - Saturday & Sunday11am-6pm40th ANNUAL BALTIMORE

LITHUANIAN FESTIVALThe Catonsville Armory.Cantonville, MD.All are invited to attend & celebrateyour heritage as your parents &grandparents did before you.Enjoy Lithuanian culture at its bestwith us food, music, dancing,culture exhibits, gifts, & that oldtime Lithuanian hospitality.

MAY 12, 2012SOCCER TOURNAMENTorganized by Philadelphia LithuanianYouth Association. For more info.:Tadas 484-557-9167tadas656@yahoo.com or Vaidas267-391-7942 mr.singer@yahoo.comMore info. also is available on LACPhiladelphia Chapter websitehttp://phillylac.org/?p=897&preview=true

MAY 18-20, 2012WOMEN'S WEEKEND - Annualwomen's weekend at Neringa led byKerry Secrest & Dr. Kristina Maciunas.This year's theme: "Time".More detailed information & theRegistration forms can be found at

www.neringa.orgMAY 18-19-20, 2012PITTSBURGH FOLK FESTIVAlMonroeville Convention Center

The Pittsburgh Lithuanians will have adisplay booth all weekend. ThePittsburgh Lithuanian Choir will sing at4:30pm on Sunday, May 20th.

More info. please checkwww.pittsburghlithuanians.com

MAY 19, 2012 -1-3 pmNEW DAY and NEW TIMEPhiladelphia Lithuanian Heritage ClubAmber Roots MeetingLithuanian Music Hall2715 E.Allegheny Ave., Phila. PAUse the left side entrance & proceeddownstairs. All are invited to attend.For information, please call Millie at610-497-5469 oremail milliemarks@aol.com

MAY 20, 2012 -Sunday - 12:00 pmAnnual LAC, Inc . SD ChapterPicnic / "Geguz ineFelicita Park, 742 Clarence LnEscondido, CA 92029http://www.lithsd.org Sponsor:San Diego Chapter of the L AC

May 25-27. 2012LITHUANIABASKETBALL TOURNAMENT inCentral South Jersey.22 Lithuanian basketball teams fromU.S. and Canada will be participatingin the tournament. For more info.:

www.launa.org), or call Laurynas(Larry) R. Misevicius 203-895-7147.

Camp NERINGA info.,

camp schedules for children,family & adiults www.neringa.org

JUNE

JUNE 2-3, 2012

TALKA WORK WEEKENDPlease consider these dates & plan tocome help prepare the Neringa camp-site for the summer during the annualTalka work weekend. We are alsoholding the Open House for NeringaFirst-Timers from June 27-29th.Please come see what Neringa is allabout! www.neringa.org

JUNE 16, 2012 -1-3 pmNEW DAY and NEW TIMEPhiladelphia Lithuanian Heritage ClubAmber Roots Meet ing

Lithuanian Music Hall2715 E.Allegheny Ave., Phila. PAUse the left side entrance & proceeddownstairs. All are invited to attend.For information, please call Millie at610-497-5469 oremail milliemarks@aol.com

JUNE 23, 2012 -4Pm-? JoninesLithuanian Country Club904 Coal Valley RoadJefferson Hills, PA 15025Dinner at 6:30pm Bonfire & singing atdusk. $5 per person if you bring food,$10 if you bring nothing. Live Music.Free admission if you wear fullLithuanian costume.More info. please check

www.pittsburghlithuanians.com

JULY

JULY 1, 2012 -XIV LithuanianFolk Dance Festival - Boston -

sokiusvente2012.orgJULY 16-28in KAUNAS

VYTAUTAS MAGNUS UNIVERSITYREFRESH IN LITHUANIAMore info. in the attachmentahttp://pasauliolietuviai.lt/refresh-in-lithuania. Deadline to submit anapplication is June 15, 2012

AUGUST

2ND ANNUAL PIG ROASTAugust date to be determined$8 per person. Live music.More info. please checkwww.pittsburghlithuanians.com

AUGUST 4 11, 2012ATEITIS WEEK-Franciscan GuestHouse, Kennebunkport, MEFor more info. please contactLaima Lileikiene SheaLTLTAX@HOTMAIL.COMFor room reservations go toINFO@FRANCISCANGUESTHOUSE.COM or call 207-967-4865

AUGUST 11-12, 2012Saturday - Sunday98TH ANNUAL LITHUANIAN DAYS

Sponsor: C-144Schuylkill Mall, Frackville PASponsor: Knights of Lithuania C-144

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V O L U M E 3 6 I S S U E 1

Meet Aidas,Folk Dancegroup from

Kansas City,Kansas

MeetRetroDancegroupfromSanta Clarita,California

MeetLAUME Dance group from

Buffalo Grove, Illinois