January 31, 2010

Our condolences to the family of Antanas Vasis, who died peacefully at his home in Cleveland this week at the age of 83. Vasis is survived by his wife Ona, children Romas, Lucy and Joe, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The memorial mass was held yesterday at St. Casimir.

Tomorrow will mark the eighth anniversary of the death of our dear friend and colleague Dalia Staniskis. Dalia was an active member of the Lithuanian community, and a frequent and valued contributor to this radio program throughout her life.

We send a special shout-out to Regina Motiejunaite, who is listening via the Internet in India this morning. Regina says a special hello to her family here in Cleveland.

Congratulations to the Svyturys dance ensemble on a great beach party fundraiser last night at Lithuanian Village. The decorations and lighting set just the right tone for an evening to remind us that it won't be 7 degrees in Cleveland forever. And it was great to see so many Lithuanian friends come out for a good cause and a good time.

Don't forget about the upcoming mini dance festival to be held right here in Cleveland on April 24th, featuring Svyturys with dancers from Chicago and Toronto.

You are invited to attend the Cleveland celebration of Lithuania's Independence on Saturday, February 20 and Sunday, February 21.

On Saturday, February 20 at 7:30 pm, the celebration kicks off with a dance party at Lithuanian Village with a special DJ from the Chicago dance group Suktinis who will spin your favorite tunes until who knows when.

And then on Sunday, February 21st, the celebration and commemoration begins at 8:00 am right here on Tevynes Garsai, and continues with flag raising at 9:45 am at the Freedom monument on the grounds of St. Casimir Parish.

10:00 a.m. Mass at St. Casimir Parish will feature special music by Exultate, and Lithuanian-American organizations are invited to attend with their flags.

Following mass at 11:00 a.m. in the lower hall at St. Casimir, you're invited to stay for lunch, and then head upstairs at 1:00 pm for the main event, which will feature Vytas Maaciunas, president of the Lithuanian-American Community-USA.

After the official portion of the program, the Suktinis Lithuanian folk dancers from Chicago will entertain, along with poetry by Ona Zalensas and musical entertainment by Eugenijus Dicevicius.

In just two weeks, WCJU will kick off its 2010 Radiothon fundraising campaign. This is the one time during the year we ask for your financial support of WJCU. Tevynes Garsai has been on the air here at WJCU for almost 22 years now, and WJCU has been very supportive of nationality programming on the air in Cleveland. In turn Tevynes Garsai listeners have traditionally been very generous when it comes to donating at Radiothon time.

So on Sunday, February 14th, we'll be asking you to make an investment in WJCU, an investement which pays you a return two hours per week, 52 weeks a year, when you can turn on your radio, computer or smartphone and listen to Lithuanian music and news. More details next Sunday, including phone numbers you can call to donate, but for now mark your calendar for Sunday, February 14th, for WJCU Radiothon 2010.

The Cleveland Lithuanian Pensininkiu Klubas invites you to its monthly lunch meeting this coming Thursday, February 4th at 12 noon at Gintaras restaurant at Lithuanian Village.

Next Saturday, February 6th, Povilas Strolia will perform an 8:00 pm concert at Lithuanian Village. Povilas Strolia hails from Chicago, and has been a fixture on the Lithuanian-American music scene for many years. He is the grandson of Juozas Strolia and the son of Faustas Strolia, both of whom are prominent composers.

Tickets are still avilable for the Zaibas Hall of Fame induction and Night at the Races event to be held on Saturday, March 6th at Recher Slovenian Hall.

And looking ahead to May, the LAUNA games will be in Cleveland on May 1st and 2nd. In conjunction with the athletic competition, there will be a concert on Saturday, May 1st at Lithuanan Village, featuring Romas Dambrauskas.