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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

BRIDGES (ISSN: 87508028) is published 10 times per year (Jan./Feb. & Jul./Aug. combined) for $20.00, by Lithuanian

American News Journal. Issue: 363

Address of publication is: LAC, Inc./BRIDGES, 78 Mark Twain Dr., Hamilton Sq., NJ 08690 BRIDGES is the official publication of the Lithuanian American Community, Inc. National Executive Board 2715 E. Allegheny Ave., Phila., PA 19134 Tel: 800- 625 -1170 Fax: 856-428-6014

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*F R O NT C O V ER: The photo was taken by Msgr. Leonas Jakimavicius in the region of Alytus, Lithuania. Msgr. Jakimavicius is the pastor of Alytaus Svc. M. Marijos Krikscioniu Pagalbos baznycia (Mary Help of Christians Church) in Alytus. He also ministers to the parishioners of the 18th century Church of Sv. Trejybe s (Holy Trinity) in the small village of Rumbonys. This church has a holy water font from the 17th century. Msgr. Jakimavicius enjoys photography and wood sculpting. Some of his sculptures can be found inside the church in Alytus and on the grounds of both parish churches.

cin thisn t e n t s o issue

2 editorial
Letter from the Editor
Jeanne Dorr

3 trivia 4 reflections 5 reflections

Jeanne Dorr

Sisters and Mothers

Part III My Lithuanian Summer

Terese Vekteris

Copyright 2012 Lithuanian American Community, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of the publication may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. All statements & opinions, including product claims, are those of the organization/advertiser making those statements or claims. The publisher does not adopt, or put forth, any such statement or claim as his own, & any such statement or claim does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publisher.

9 here at home 10 culture 10 culture 11 culture

s Sv. Trejybe (Holy Trinity) Church in the village of Rumbonys, Lithuania
Photo by Joanne Antanavage, Phila. PA Raimonda

A summer to remember
Michel Krevenas

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T R I V I A QU E S TI O N
(Brass Band)
Which one of the following had the first Lithuanian Brass Band in America? (a)-Chicago (b)-Shenandoah (c)-Brooklyn
Answer to Trivia Quiz on page 21

12 photo album 14 history 18 lac news

Sisters and Mothers

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THOUGHTS REGARDING THE COLUMNS OF GEDIMINAS

Saulius V. Ploplys

Lithuanian American Community

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Cape Cod Lithuanians Participate in a Multi-Cultural Festival

Aurelia Nijole Borges

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W W W. L I T H U A N I A N - A M E R I C A N . O R G
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The 14th Lithuanian Folk Dance Festival is coming to Boston on July 1, 2012
C o me e x p e r ie n c e th i s c e le b r a t i o n o f L it h u a n i a n d a n c e a n d c u l t u re !

19 reflections 22 calendar

Excerpt from

"We Were There, Too"

Phillip M. Hoose

800-625-1170

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here at home
who are working at the shore for the summer. They are not crazy about the huge amount of fried food the boardwalk has to offer and the nagging seagulls hovering around you waiting to pounce. The program offered by LWC only applies to students in the first three years at university. The program does allow seniors because the US government is concerned that they

Monika Vaicyte and Inga Kveinyte are students at the University of Vilnius and natives of Visoginas. They set out together for their great summer adventure in Ocean City, New Jersey on a work program sponsored through the Lithuanian World Center (Pasaulio Lietuviu Centras). Ocean City has been an attractive US beach resort for students from Lithuania for many years because of the family like community, a variety of available jobs, affordable living and a small town atmosphere which is safe and relaxing. But it was anything but relaxing for these two very bright, industrious and hardworking gals. My Aunt Gema and I met these delightful young ladies working as servers at Augies Seashore Grille by day. In the evening, Monika works at a kite shop on the boardwalk and Inga is a cashier at a nearby pharmacy. Each working close to 75 hours a week, both of them are trying to make enough money to do some traveling in the US and possibly Europe, and most importantly, to save enough cash to finish their senior year at college. When time permits Monika and Inga have enjoyed exploring NYC, Philadelphia, Atlantic City and Washington, DC. They are extremely impressed by the size of the cities and all museums and the variety of food, etc. Their boss Eddie at Augies has been a great tour guide and guardian angel for them. They enjoy the beach, the vast variety of American kitsch at the souvenir stores and the amusements on the boardwalk. All of this is very different from their favorite beach resort in Palanga. They also pass the time watching movies and they really enjoy meeting other young people

Monika Vaicyte and Inga Kveinyte

will over-stay their visas. In order to qualify for this summer program one must have a job contact in the States. A letter is required from the future employer 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. After approval and clearance from the US immigration officials they are issued a visa. Their families await their return anxiously. Monika and Inga are extremely appreciative of what the US has to offer and thankful they were granted this wonderful opportunity to experience time here.
Michel Krevenas St. Louis, MO

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THOUGHTS REGARDING THE V. Ploplys COLUMNS OF GEDIMINAS 2012 Saulius

The following occurrences help to place the topics to be discussed 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, all of them having had battles with the Chinese empire, and he receives the title, Genghis Khan (Universal Leader) [10:100]. 1227 AD -Upon the death of Genghis Khan, the Mongolian empire was divided into four Khanates, each ruled by a direct descendant of Genghis Khan. The Golden Horde ruled over Russia, the Chagatai Khanate controlled central Asia, the Ilkhanate ruled western Asia, and the Great Khanate had authority over Mongolia and China [10:100]. 1236 AD -The Teutonic Knights began attacking Lithuania and were beaten at the battle of Siauliai with Mindaugas possibly 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 loose coalition 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 Teutonic Knights, Mindaugas was baptized [13:539]. He may have renounced his baptism later and all Lithuanian rulers 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 blessing of Pope Innocent IV [13:540]. 1260 AD -Kublai Khan, the grandson of Genghis Khan, became the Great Khan and in 1264 moved his capital from Mongolia to Beijing [10:100]. 1271 AD -Marco Polo begins his travels to China and returns in 1295 AD [10:129]. 1279 AD -The Yuan Dynasty of China was established by the Mongols. 1368 AD - The Ming Dynasty replaced the Yuan Dynasty of the Mongols. LITHUANIAS CONTACT WITH THE GOLDEN HORDE While Lithuanias conflicts and alliances with the Teutonic Knights and Western European nations form an important part of Lithuanias history at this time, the same is true for the conflicts and alliances with the Mongols Golden Horde consisting of Mongol leadership and the Tartar hordes that conquered Russia [15:375]. A few examples are presented below.

The Columns of Gediminas (Gedimino Stulpai) constitute one of the national emblems of Lithuania appearing on present day stamps, coins, and official documents, yet the origin and symbolism of this emblem remain shrouded. Named after Lithuanian Grand Duke Gediminas, who ruled from 1316 AD through 1341 AD, the emblem is said by some to represent a gate in the fortified wall of a castle or of a city [12:293][reference number: Page number]. Often a picture or a drawing is presented to demonstrate this interpretation as shown below. Smaller doors for everyday use are constructed within much larger doors forming an access through a castle, or a city, wall; the whole somewhat resembling the Columns of Gediminas. When the smaller doors are open, then the Columns of Gediminas become more evident. Sometimes an arched door frame is shown for the large door instead of the rectangular opening shown here. In either case, the top and a portion of the sides of the large door frame must be disregarded in order to produce the Columns of Gediminas in their usual form as shown below: Another source reports the claim that, Gediminas was descended from a high class Roman family named COLUMNA. The family name, Columna, is then inferred to be the inspiration for the Columns of Gediminas symbol as stated in the conclusion, Thus we see the transition of the name down through the ages ... [18:14]. It is my intent to present an alternative interpretation of the symbolism carried by the Columns of Gediminas. HISTORICAL OVERVIEW For easy reference a short list of the Lithuanian rulers mentioned 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) Ke stutis (co-ruled 1345 - 1377 AD) (son of Gediminas) Jogaila (ruled 1377 - 1381 and 1382 - 1392 AD) (son of Algirdas) Ke stutis (ruled 1381 - 1382 AD) (son of Gediminas) Vytautas (ruled 1392 - 1430 AD) (son of Ke stutis)
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In 1234 AD, Rimgaudas defeated the Tartar Hordes at the battle of Mohilno on the banks of the upper Nemunas River [8:4]. In 1255 AD, Mindaugas invaded Russian lands that were subject to the Golden Horde [6:34]. A large part of Eastern Lithuania, under King Mindaugas, was attacked by the Golden Horde 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 invaded Lithuania in 1336 AD and this was the last time that they were able to reach Lithuania proper [15:376]. The inhabitants of Kiew asked Gediminas to protect their city from the Tartars [17:246]. In 1349 AD, Algirdas sent his brother, Karijotas, to Khan Janiberg with a proposal to form a Lithuanian - Tatar alliance; however, the Khan refused and extradited Karijotas to Muscovy [15:376]. In 1362 AD the Lithuanians met the Tartar Khans and the Golden Horde in the battle of the Blue Waters and were victorious [6:34]. In 1380 AD, Jogaila entered into a coalition with the Golden Horde against Moscow [7:65]. Vytautas the Great led expeditions reaching the Black Sea (1397-98 AD) and brought back several thousand Tatar prisoners, refugees, and voluntary migrants [15:377]. Another source mentions that in 1397 AD, Vytautas, in return for their service during the war, brought back Tartars to Vilnius and Trakai and gave them certain rights [7:81]. Vytautas formed an alliance with Khan Tochtamysh of the Golden Horde in a battle against Tamerlain and suffered a terrible defeat in 1399 AD near the Vorklsa River where both he and Tochtamysh barely escaped with their lives [3:63]. Vytautas continued to participate in Tatar affairs by supporting various factions in the power struggles within the Golden Horde [15:377]. He used his influence to promote the acceptance of Jalal ad-Din, the son of Tochtamysh, into the Golden Horde and relations with the Tatars became peaceful and friendly [16:214]. These selected few examples illustrate the likelihood of an extensive interchange of information between the two cultures and, furthermore, since all four Khanates were ruled by direct descendants of Genghis Khan and were therefore related, it is not impossible that information was also available from the Great Khanate, namely Yuan Dynasty China. EARLY WRITTEN LANGUAGES IN LITHUANIA According to the historian Makauskas, until 1387, Lithuanian was solely a spoken language and official documents were written 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 be surmised that Lithuanian officials, at least up to the time of Vytautas, were accustomed to the widespread use of written foreign languages used inside Lithuania in letters, documents and other applications. As an example, seals of nobles appearing on a treaty between Lithuania and Poland, signed in 1401 AD, exhibit some Lithuanian seals inscribed with Latin, and others, with Slavic letters [12:419]. In fact, the seal of Algirdas is inscribed with Cyrillic letters [9:21]. Lithuanian coins of this period also testify to the diversity of alphabets accepted for official use. One reference informs that, in 1386 AD, the first coins were struck in Lithuania and that some had Latin inscriptions, others Cyrillic inscriptions, and yet others Arabic inscriptions [5:15-16]. Another source provides substantiating arguments for the divergent views that the first Lithuanian coins were struck during the reign of Algirdas (1345 -1377 AD) versus the view that this occurred during the reign of Vytautas (1392 - 1430 AD) [9:21]. It is stated that the key to these divergent views lies with the symbols that appear on these early coins. On the obverse, some coins show a spearhead with a cross while the reverse shows a Cyrillic inscription. Algirdas ruled in the Eastern part of Lithuania and so would be more likely to use the Cyrillic alphabet, 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 authors conclude that the rule of Algirdas was the more likely source of these coins because his wives both belonged to the Eastern Orthodox faith prevalent in Russia and the cross honored them. Of course, others might contend that the presence of a Cyrillic inscription may be an inclusive device to honor the non-baptized eastern constituents of Vytautas. This short digression is intended to emphasize the importance of the symbols, even the letters, used at this time. Among the earliest Lithuanian coins, the Columns of Gediminas begin to appear. THE COLUMNS OF GEDIMINAS According to one source, the first Lithuanian coins impressed with the Columns of Gediminas were struck during the reign of Kestutis [9:41]. A second authority attributes the same coins to the reign of Jogaila, although one of the coins pictured (number 434) clearly has the letter K placed inside the middle of the Columns of Gediminas [4:Plate XVII]. Finally, a third source claims that coins with the Columns of Gediminas were first struck in 1398 AD during the reign of Vytautas [5:23]. Despite the variances, all agree in attributing the first Lithuanian coins bearing the Columns of Gediminas to the latter part of the 14th Century as stated by yet another source [2:83]. Two of the sources consulted are in agreement that early Lithuanian struck coins exhibiting: a spearhead with cross and Cyrillic letters can be attributed to the reign of Algirdas who co-ruled in the eastern part of Lithuania; a spearhead with cross and the Columns of Gediminas can be attributed to the reign of Ke stutis who co-ruled in the western part of Lithuania; the Vytis (a mounted knight in armor on a shield-shaped field) and the Columns of Gediminas can be attributed to the reign of Vytautas [2:84-87] and [9:38-51]. At this time it is unknown if Gediminas himself used the symbol called the Columns of Gediminas or if the symbol was introduced and named later by devoted sons or grandsons.

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Currently, the Columns of Geiminas and the Vytis carry national symbol status for Lithuania. Originally, it seems that the Columns of Gediminas were associated with the Gediminas family or perhaps they represented the city of Vilnius that Gediminas established as the capital city of Lithuania in 1323 AD [1:9]. One source entertains the idea that a shield with a two-barred cross was earlier selected as the coat of arms of the Gediminas family and that the Columns of Gediminas were, in fact, the coat of arms of the city of Vilnius [12:100]. To defend his capital, Gediminas built what is now called the Castle of Gediminas (Gedimino Pilis) on a hill now known as the Hill of Gediminas (Gedimino Kalnas). The original castle was constructed of wood. As late as 1413-14 AD a traveler, Ghillebert de Lannoy of Burgundy, described the wooden castle in his writings [16:162]. The wooden castle was destroyed by fire in 1419 AD and Vytautas the Great, grandson of Gediminas, This pre-World War II photograph, taken from ground level, erected a masonry castle as a replacement on the old site clearly shows the prominence of the castle ruins on the hill [11:475]. Actually, Vilnius has two main castles; a castle at the dominating and overseeing the capital city of Vilnius. bottom of the hill used as a residence, and the castle at the top locations. Given the thoughtful care exercised in the selections of the hill used for defense. It is this upper castle that is known and symbolism to be included in a coat of arms, either for a as the Castle of Gediminas [11:475]. In a map of Vilnius dat- family or a city, during the Middle Ages, the interpretation of ing to 1576 AD, the castle complex and surrounding city are the symbolic meaning of the Columns of Gediminas as a door shown. Dramatically standing out in the midst of the relatively in a wall seems to be somehow lacking. As to the Roman level surrounding countryside and town, the castle on the hill Columna family connection, even if eventually substantiated, is seen with its several towers, one tower larger than the oth- one wonders why this particular orientation of columns of varers [16:163]. Wooden or rebuilt of masonry, the castle with its ious lengths would be chosen. While the meaning may have been lost over time, it is most probable that the Columns of towers was, and continues to be, an awe inspiring site. This pre-World War II photograph, taken from ground Gediminas carried a widely recognized significance among the level, clearly shows the prominence of the castle ruins on the nobility of Lithuania when first devised. A wise ruler, familiar with a wide variety of written lanhill dominating and overseeing the capital city of Vilnius. guages and peoples, might choose a symbol demonstrating his As the previous discussion indicates, it is unclear if the Columns of Gediminas were a device first used by Gediminas extensive knowledge of the world while at the same time eshimself, or introduced by one of his sons or grandsons. Fur- tablishing a definite connection to his own accomplishments. thermore, while now regarded as a Lithuanian national The same could be said of a wise ruler wishing to honor the acsymbol, it is uncertain whether the Columns of Gediminas complishments of his father or grandfather. When considering were originally a device representing the Gediminas family or the Castle of Gediminas on top of the Hill of Gediminas in the of Vilnius, the capital city founded by Gediminas and protected midst of an otherwise fairly level city, it is difficult to imagine by his castle on the hill. These uncertainties notwithstanding, a more meaningful icon signifying the accomplishments of the importance ascribed to, and the care given to selecting such Gediminas, while at the same time forming a recognizable symbol for Vilnius. It is my contention that the Columns of a symbol cannot be overstated. In our time numerous examples, such as the Eiffel Tower of Gediminas admirably accomplish all of these ends. It has been established that the contacts between Lithuanians Paris, the Statue of Liberty in New York harbor, the Arch of Saint Louis, the Golden Gate Bridge of San Francisco, the and the Golden Horde were numerous, that members of the Tower of London, and the Great Wall of China, abound as Golden Horde were brought to Lithuania as early as 1255 AD universally recognized symbols associated with particular under Mindaugas, and that the leaders of the Golden Horde
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were Mongols belonging to one of the four Khanates established 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 Lithuania were familiar with the written Chinese language. Oracle bone inscriptions dating to the Shang Dynasty (1523-1028 BC) exhibit an already well developed written Chinese language. The Chinese character for mountain is:

REFERENCES AND BIBLIOGRAPHY

culture

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

The interruption of the central vertical bar is a further indication that the tower is stacked on top of the mountain symbol, thus producing the Columns of Gediminas with great import for all with eyes able to see. It is also possible that, like other important, universally admired symbols, the Columns of Gediminas carry multiple layers of meaning including that of an open door and Roman family roots in addition to indicating the prominent castle on the hill protecting Vilnius. In any case, it is certain that a landmark as significant as the Castle of Gediminas atop the hill dominating the city landscape of Vilnius would be considered in the creation of a symbol for the Gediminas family and the capital that he founded. Continued from page 8 accommodated their tents and RVs, and I had a chance to lust over a VW Eurovan with a pop-up sleeping loft, which is on my list of all-time favorite cars. I asked and found out that the native Lithuanians with us didnt know about smores, which are an American camping staple, so we went to the Maxima to try to find the ingredients. Because there were no graham crackers, puffy white marshmallows or Hershey bars to be found, we made some major substitutions, buying Nykstukas biscuits, some smaller, multi-colored marshmallow-like candies and a couple of thicker dark chocolate bars. It was too wet for an outdoor fire, so I toasted the marshmallows over a gas burner in one of our trailer homes. What we bought evidently had a much higher sugar content than the marshmallows at home, so it was difficult to keep them from flaming out before getting soft and melty. The other problem was that the chocolate was of a better quality and much denser, so it did-

1. Almenas, Kazys. The Castles of Vilnius, The Lithuanian Museum Review, (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, Manyland 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, Baltos 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 Kunigaikstystes 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 Lituanica, vol. VI, Boston, Juozas Kapocius, 1978. 17. Vilainis - Sidlauskas, A. Istorines Lietuvos Albumas, Chicago, Nemunas, 1959. 18. Yankowski, Ronald. The Pillars of Gediminas, The Lithuanian Museum Review, (April - June 2003), p. 14. A resident of Illinois, Saulius V. Ploplys was born in Germany shortly after 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 newly found free time with his wife Betty and his children and grandchildren. Retirement also allows the pursuit of several hobbies and research into areas of interest to a greater extent than previously possible.

nt melt from the heat of the marshmallows when sandwiched together between the biscuits. Despite not being quite the same, the Lietuvos smores proved popular, perhaps because they were accompanied by beer, and Lukas ate at least five by himself. That night I slept well, snuggled in bed with a comforter because it was so cold out.
More information on Refresh in Lithuania at

http://www.vdu.lt/news/refresh-in-lithuania-returnsthis-summer.html Continued next month.

Terese Vekteris is the granddaughter of four hopeful and enterprising Lithuanian women and men who left their native land in the early 1910s for the promise of America. In June, Terese left her job to fulfill a long-time dream of meeting family and living in Lithuania for an extended period. Since returning, she has founded her own strategic communications consulting firm, Vekteris Communications LLC. A native Philadelphian and member of the Amber Roots Lithuanian Heritage Club, Terese lives in the Germantown section of the city with her partner and their cat.She is

dreaming of her next travel adventure

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Calendar of Events for May, June, July and August 2012

Please verify all events as places & times are subject to change.

MAY MAY 12-13, 2012 - Saturday & Sunday 11am-6pm 40th ANNUAL BALTIMORE LITHUANIAN FESTIVAL The Catonsville Armory. Cantonville, MD. All are invited to attend & celebrate your heritage as your parents & grandparents did before you. Enjoy Lithuanian culture at its best with us food, music, dancing, culture exhibits, gifts, & that old time Lithuanian hospitality. MAY 12, 2012 SOCCER TOURNAMENT organized by Philadelphia Lithuanian Youth Association. For more info.: Tadas 484-557-9167 tadas656@yahoo.com or Vaidas 267-391-7942 mr.singer@yahoo.com More info. also is available on LAC Philadelphia Chapter website http://phillylac.org/?p=897&preview=true MAY 18-20, 2012 WOMEN'S WEEKEND - Annual women's weekend at Neringa led by Kerry Secrest & Dr. Kristina Maciunas. This year's theme: "Time". More detailed information & the Registration forms can be found at www.neringa.org MAY 18-19-20, 2012 PITTSBURGH FOLK FESTIVAl Monroeville Convention Center

The Pittsburgh Lithuanians will have a display booth all weekend. The Pittsburgh Lithuanian Choir will sing at 4:30pm on Sunday, May 20th. More info. please check www.pittsburghlithuanians.com MAY 19, 2012 - 1-3 pm NEW DAY and NEW TIME Philadelphia Lithuanian Heritage Club Amber Roots Meeting Lithuanian Music Hall 2715 E.Allegheny Ave., Phila. PA Use the left side entrance & proceed downstairs. All are invited to attend. For information, please call Millie at 610-497-5469 or email milliemarks@aol.com MAY 20, 2012 -Sunday - 12:00 pm Annual LAC, Inc. SD Chapter Picnic / "Geguz ine Felicita Park, 742 Clarence Ln Escondido, CA 92029 http://www.lithsd.org Sponsor: San Diego Chapter of the L AC May 25-27. 2012 LITHUANIA BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT in Central South Jersey. 22 Lithuanian basketball teams from U.S. and Canada will be participating in 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 WEEKEND Please consider these dates & plan to come help prepare the Neringa campsite for the summer during the annual Talka work weekend. We are also holding the Open House for Neringa First-Timers from June 27-29th. Please come see what Neringa is all about! www.neringa.org JUNE 16, 2012 - 1-3 pm NEW DAY and NEW TIME Philadelphia Lithuanian Heritage Club Amber Roots Meeting Lithuanian Music Hall 2715 E.Allegheny Ave., Phila. PA Use the left side entrance & proceed downstairs. All are invited to attend. For information, please call Millie at 610-497-5469 or email milliemarks@aol.com JUNE 23, 2012 - 4Pm-? Jonines Lithuanian Country Club 904 Coal Valley Road Jefferson Hills, PA 15025 Dinner at 6:30pm Bonfire & singing at dusk. $5 per person if you bring food, $10 if you bring nothing. Live Music. Free admission if you wear full Lithuanian costume. More info. please check

www.pittsburghlithuanians.com JULY JULY 1, 2012 - XIV Lithuanian Folk Dance Festival - Boston sokiusvente2012.org JULY 16-28 in KAUNAS VYTAUTAS MAGNUS UNIVERSITY REFRESH IN LITHUANIA More info. in the attachment ahttp://pasauliolietuviai.lt/refresh-inlithuania. Deadline to submit an application is June 15, 2012 AUGUST 2ND ANNUAL PIG ROAST August date to be determined $8 per person. Live music. More info. please check www.pittsburghlithuanians.com AUGUST 4 11, 2012 ATEITIS WEEK-Franciscan Guest House, Kennebunkport, ME For more info. please contact Laima Lileikiene Shea LTLTAX@HOTMAIL.COM For room reservations go to INFO@FRANCISCANGUESTHOUSE. COM or call 207-967-4865 AUGUST 11-12, 2012 Saturday - Sunday 98TH ANNUAL LITHUANIAN DAYS Sponsor: C-144 Schuylkill Mall, Frackville PA Sponsor: Knights of Lithuania C-144

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LITHUANIAN AMERICAN NEWS JOURNAL

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VOLUME 36 ISSUE 1

PERIODICALS POSTAGE

Meet Aidas, Folk Dance group from Kansas City, Kansas

Meet Retro Dance group from Santa Clarita, California

Meet LAUME Dance group from Buffalo Grove, Illinois