Congratulations to Exultate on the release of their most recent CD entitled Life - A Sacred Song. You can acquire your copy of this CD at the St. Casimir parish bookstore, or by contacting Rita Kliorys via email at ExultateCD@gmail.com, or by calling 216-531-6459.
The Lithuanian Scouts of Cleveland will welcome the start of Spring by presenting their annual Kaziuko Muge fundraiser this morning at 11:00 am in the upper hall at St. Casimir. Admission is free, and dinner, tortes, pastry and hand crafts will available for purchase.
If you're a member of the St. Casimir Parish Steering Committee, the first meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 23rd at 7:00 pm in the rectory conference room. Dr. David DeLambo of the diocesan pastoral planning office will give a presentation on examples of parish council constitutions and parish mission statements.
Fr. Bacevicius would like to thank everyone for their well wishes and support during his recovery from arm surgery recently. He reports that his hand and arm are healing well, and he should be fully recovered in a few weeks.
There are no Lithuanian films this year at the Cleveland International Film Festival, but Marius Juodisius passed along information about a Estonian film showing this week. December Heat is a action drama based on the attempted Communist takeover of Tallin on December 1st, 1924. The film was directed by Asko Kase, and runs 90 minutes. It's in Estonian and Russian with subtitles, and screens at Tower City Cinemas on Tuesday at 2:00 pm, Wednesday at 7:30 pm, and again on Thursday at 9:20 am. Complete information is available at clevelandfilm.org.
The Holy Week schedule for St. Casimir Parish is as follows: Holy Thursday mass at 7:00 pm on April 1st, Good Friday Commemoration at 7:00 pm on April 2nd. Holy Thursday and Good Friday liturgies will be in Lithuanian and English. The Easter Vigil will be celebrated at 9:00 pm on Saturday, April 3rd, in English. Easter Sunday morning masses will be on April 4th at 8:00 am in Lithuanian, and 12 noon in English. There will be no 10:00 am mass on Easter Sunday. Confessions will be heard at 6:00 pm on Holy Thursday and Good Friday evenings.
The Cleveland Lithuanian Academic Scouts Filisterai invite you to a concert by soprano Virginija Bruozyte Muliolis entitled Welcoming Spring, on Saturday, April 10th in the upper hall at St. Casimir. Virginija will be accompanied on piano by Michael Borowitz, and together they'll perform works by Schubert, Mendelssohn, Grieg, Dvorak, Puccini, Rachmaninoff, Lerner & Lowe, and others. Tickets and information are available by calling 216-631-2010.
Don't forget that Juventus is coming up on April 24th. This event will feature 168 dancers from Gintaras of Toronto, Grandis of Chicago, Spindulys of Lemont, and of course our own Svyturys performing both traditional and new Lithuanian folk dances. The dance performance will be followed by dinner catered by Europa. The evening concludes with an opportunity for you to get out on the dance floor. Tickets and information are available by calling Ricardas Sirvinskas at 440-749-2121.
Toronto will be the host city for the 9th Lithuanian Song Festival, July 1st, 2nd and 3rd. 1,100 singers from North America and all over Europe are expected to participate, and the guest artist will be Marijonas Mikutavicius. Tickets and information are available at dainusvente.org.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Sunday, March 14, 2010
March 14, 2010
I hope you remembered to set your clocks one hour ahead, last night, as we changed back to Daylight Saving Time. Think about that extra hour of daylight you'll be enjoying this evening as you're rubbing your tired eyes this morning.
Congratulations to Exultate on the release of their most recent CD entitled Life - A Sacred Song. And congratulations on a very successful CD release party this past Friday night.
Father Bacevicius would like to thank all who attended the March 4th celebration of the feast of St. Casimir, with a special thanks to Rita Klorys and Exultate for the special music.
The Senior Scouts Zidinys celebrated the March 11th Day of Lithuanian Independence this past Thursday with a special program featuring guest speaker Nomeda Vucianis, and music by Eugenijus Dicevicius. The St. Casimir Lithuanian Saturday School also celebrated March 11 last Saturday. The planned celebration at Lietuviu Sodyba was postponed because of Father Bacevicius' arm surgery, and we wish him a full and speedy recovery.
During Lent, St. Casimir is joining with St. Jerome's, Holy Redeemer and St. Mary's for a special Lenten spiritual series each Monday evening during Lent. Tomorrow, March 15th the Lenten observance will be held at 7:00 pm at St. Casimir. Mass will be followed by a social in the lower hall. Volunteers are needed at 2:00 pm to set up the hall; please call Hilde Novak at 216-481-1957 if you can help. On March 22nd there will be a Lenten penance service at Holy Redeemer on Kipling Avenue.
Lithuanian Catholic Religious Aid will ask for your support on this morning at St. Casimir. The members of the Cleveland Lithuanian Catholic Religious Aid committee are Father Joseph Bacevicius, Zenonas Obelenis, Henrikas Stasas, Regina Silgalis.
If you're a fan of the style of music performed by Antanas Sabanisuaskas, you may be interested in an upcoming broadcast on WVIZ/PBS Channel 25. Max Raabe and das Palast Orchester is from Berlin and the group performs European music that was popular in the 1920's and 30's. A couple of my Lithuanian friends saw Max Raabe and his group when they appeared at E.J. Thomas Hall in Akron recently, and they enjoyed the show very much. The upcoming broadcast on WVIZ is next Sunday morning at 2:00 am, so unless you're up verayset your Tivo or DVR or VCR, or whatever to record the program.
The Lithuanian Scouts of Cleveland will welcome the start of Spring by presenting their annual Kaziuko Muge fundraiser next Sunday, March 21st at 11:00 am in the upper hall at St. Casimir.
If you're a member of the St. Casimir Parish Steering Committee, the first meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 23rd at 7:00 pm in the rectory conference room. Dr. David DeLambo of the diocesan pastoral planning office will give a presentation on examples of parish council constitutions and parish mission statements.
The Holy Week schedule for St. Casimir Parish is as follows: Holy Thursday mass at 7:00 pm on April 1st, Good Friday Commemoration at 7:00 pm on April 2nd. Holy Thursday and Good Friday liturgies will be in Lithuanian and English. The Easter Vigil will be celebrated at 9:00 pm on Saturday, April 3rd, in English. Easter Sunday morning masses will be on April 4th at 8:00 am in Lithuanian, and 12 noon in English. There will be no 10:00 am mass on Easter Sunday. Confessions will be heard at 6:00 pm on Holy Thursday and Good Friday evenings.
The Cleveland Lithuanian Academic Scouts Filisterai invite you to a concert by soprano Virginija Bruozyte Muliolis entitled Welcoming Spring, on Saturday, April 10th in the upper hall at St. Casimir. Virginija will be accompanied on piano by Michael Borowitz, and together they'll perform works by Schubert, Mendelssohn, Grieg, Dvorak, Puccini, Rachmaninoff, Lerner & Lowe, and others. Tickets and information are available by calling 216-631-0210.
Don't forget that Juventus is coming up on April 24th. This event will feature 168 dancers from Gintaras of Toronto, Grandis of Chicago, Spindulys of Lemont, and of course our own Svyturys performing both traditional and new Lithuanian folk dances. The dance performance will be followed by dinner catered by Europa. The evening concludes with an opportunity for you to get out on the dance floor. Tickets and information are available by calling Ricardas Sirvinskas at 440-749-2121.
Congratulations to Exultate on the release of their most recent CD entitled Life - A Sacred Song. And congratulations on a very successful CD release party this past Friday night.
Father Bacevicius would like to thank all who attended the March 4th celebration of the feast of St. Casimir, with a special thanks to Rita Klorys and Exultate for the special music.
The Senior Scouts Zidinys celebrated the March 11th Day of Lithuanian Independence this past Thursday with a special program featuring guest speaker Nomeda Vucianis, and music by Eugenijus Dicevicius. The St. Casimir Lithuanian Saturday School also celebrated March 11 last Saturday. The planned celebration at Lietuviu Sodyba was postponed because of Father Bacevicius' arm surgery, and we wish him a full and speedy recovery.
During Lent, St. Casimir is joining with St. Jerome's, Holy Redeemer and St. Mary's for a special Lenten spiritual series each Monday evening during Lent. Tomorrow, March 15th the Lenten observance will be held at 7:00 pm at St. Casimir. Mass will be followed by a social in the lower hall. Volunteers are needed at 2:00 pm to set up the hall; please call Hilde Novak at 216-481-1957 if you can help. On March 22nd there will be a Lenten penance service at Holy Redeemer on Kipling Avenue.
Lithuanian Catholic Religious Aid will ask for your support on this morning at St. Casimir. The members of the Cleveland Lithuanian Catholic Religious Aid committee are Father Joseph Bacevicius, Zenonas Obelenis, Henrikas Stasas, Regina Silgalis.
If you're a fan of the style of music performed by Antanas Sabanisuaskas, you may be interested in an upcoming broadcast on WVIZ/PBS Channel 25. Max Raabe and das Palast Orchester is from Berlin and the group performs European music that was popular in the 1920's and 30's. A couple of my Lithuanian friends saw Max Raabe and his group when they appeared at E.J. Thomas Hall in Akron recently, and they enjoyed the show very much. The upcoming broadcast on WVIZ is next Sunday morning at 2:00 am, so unless you're up verayset your Tivo or DVR or VCR, or whatever to record the program.
The Lithuanian Scouts of Cleveland will welcome the start of Spring by presenting their annual Kaziuko Muge fundraiser next Sunday, March 21st at 11:00 am in the upper hall at St. Casimir.
If you're a member of the St. Casimir Parish Steering Committee, the first meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 23rd at 7:00 pm in the rectory conference room. Dr. David DeLambo of the diocesan pastoral planning office will give a presentation on examples of parish council constitutions and parish mission statements.
The Holy Week schedule for St. Casimir Parish is as follows: Holy Thursday mass at 7:00 pm on April 1st, Good Friday Commemoration at 7:00 pm on April 2nd. Holy Thursday and Good Friday liturgies will be in Lithuanian and English. The Easter Vigil will be celebrated at 9:00 pm on Saturday, April 3rd, in English. Easter Sunday morning masses will be on April 4th at 8:00 am in Lithuanian, and 12 noon in English. There will be no 10:00 am mass on Easter Sunday. Confessions will be heard at 6:00 pm on Holy Thursday and Good Friday evenings.
The Cleveland Lithuanian Academic Scouts Filisterai invite you to a concert by soprano Virginija Bruozyte Muliolis entitled Welcoming Spring, on Saturday, April 10th in the upper hall at St. Casimir. Virginija will be accompanied on piano by Michael Borowitz, and together they'll perform works by Schubert, Mendelssohn, Grieg, Dvorak, Puccini, Rachmaninoff, Lerner & Lowe, and others. Tickets and information are available by calling 216-631-0210.
Don't forget that Juventus is coming up on April 24th. This event will feature 168 dancers from Gintaras of Toronto, Grandis of Chicago, Spindulys of Lemont, and of course our own Svyturys performing both traditional and new Lithuanian folk dances. The dance performance will be followed by dinner catered by Europa. The evening concludes with an opportunity for you to get out on the dance floor. Tickets and information are available by calling Ricardas Sirvinskas at 440-749-2121.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
March 7, 2010
Our world traveler listener Regina Motiejunaiate sends greetings to friends and family this week from Bangkok, Thailand.
Check out ClevelandPeople.com for photos and videos from Cleveland's recent celebration of Lithuanian Independence Day.
This coming Thursday, March 11th, the Lietuviu Sodyba in Wickliffe will celebrate the anniversary of the end of Soviet domination of Lithuania. Sodyba President Maryte Stachnik and Administrator Dana Cipkus invite everyone to this 2:00 pm celebration on Thursday, just call 440-944-6305.
During Lent, St. Casimir is joining with St. Jerome's, Holy Redeemer and St. Mary's for a special Lenten spiritual series each Monday evening during Lent. Tomorrow, March 8th the Lenten observance will be at St. Mary's, and on March 15th at St. Casimir. On March 22nd there will be a penance service at Holy Redeemer.
Exultate invites you to a CD release party for their most recent recording, entitled Life - A Sacred Song. The CD release party will take place on Friday, March 12th at 7:00 pm in the lower hall at St. Casimir. There will be refreshments, and you'll have a chance to hear excerpts from the new CD, and purchase a copy at a special discounted price.
Lithuanian Catholic Religious Aid will ask for your support on the weekend of March 13th and 14th at St. Casimir. For more information please contact chairperson Zenonas Obelenis.
Next Saturday we set our clocks one hour ahead, lose an hour of sleep, and change back to Daylight Saving Time. Don't forget to Spring Ahead next weekend so you don't miss the first hour of the Lithuanian Voice.
The Lithuanian Scouts of Cleveland will welcome the start of Spring by presenting their annual Kaziuko Muge fundraiser on Sunday, March 21st at 11:00 am in the upper hall at St. Casimir.
The Cleveland Lithuanian Academic Scouts Filisterai will sponsor a concert by soprano Virginija Bruozyte Muliolis on Saturday, April 10th in the upper hall at St. Casimir.
Don't forget that Juventus is coming up on April 24th. Mark your calendar to celebrate Lithuanian-American youth and the tradition of folk dance with groups from Cleveland, Chicago and Toronto. More details to come in the next few weeks.
Check out ClevelandPeople.com for photos and videos from Cleveland's recent celebration of Lithuanian Independence Day.
This coming Thursday, March 11th, the Lietuviu Sodyba in Wickliffe will celebrate the anniversary of the end of Soviet domination of Lithuania. Sodyba President Maryte Stachnik and Administrator Dana Cipkus invite everyone to this 2:00 pm celebration on Thursday, just call 440-944-6305.
During Lent, St. Casimir is joining with St. Jerome's, Holy Redeemer and St. Mary's for a special Lenten spiritual series each Monday evening during Lent. Tomorrow, March 8th the Lenten observance will be at St. Mary's, and on March 15th at St. Casimir. On March 22nd there will be a penance service at Holy Redeemer.
Exultate invites you to a CD release party for their most recent recording, entitled Life - A Sacred Song. The CD release party will take place on Friday, March 12th at 7:00 pm in the lower hall at St. Casimir. There will be refreshments, and you'll have a chance to hear excerpts from the new CD, and purchase a copy at a special discounted price.
Lithuanian Catholic Religious Aid will ask for your support on the weekend of March 13th and 14th at St. Casimir. For more information please contact chairperson Zenonas Obelenis.
Next Saturday we set our clocks one hour ahead, lose an hour of sleep, and change back to Daylight Saving Time. Don't forget to Spring Ahead next weekend so you don't miss the first hour of the Lithuanian Voice.
The Lithuanian Scouts of Cleveland will welcome the start of Spring by presenting their annual Kaziuko Muge fundraiser on Sunday, March 21st at 11:00 am in the upper hall at St. Casimir.
The Cleveland Lithuanian Academic Scouts Filisterai will sponsor a concert by soprano Virginija Bruozyte Muliolis on Saturday, April 10th in the upper hall at St. Casimir.
Don't forget that Juventus is coming up on April 24th. Mark your calendar to celebrate Lithuanian-American youth and the tradition of folk dance with groups from Cleveland, Chicago and Toronto. More details to come in the next few weeks.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
February 28, 2010
Good news about Radiothon 2010: Tevynes Garsai listeners came through for WJCU in a big way again this year, contributing about 10% of the overall total raised during Radiothon. The other great thing about our listeners is that they fulfill their Radiothon pledges very quickly, which makes life easier for everyone. There are just a few folks who have not yet sent in their checks, so consider this a gentle reminder to follow up on your Radiothon pledge if you have not already done so.
If you're a member of Taupa, the Lithuanian Credit Union here in Cleveland, the Taupa annual meeting will be held this morning at 11:30 in the conference room at St. Casimir.
This afternoon, St. Casimir parish will hold an early spring cleaning party for all organizations that use the St. Casimir facilities. The idea is to get rid of items that are no longer needed from the school building and gymnasium. The party starts at 1:00 pm today. All organizations that use parish facilities are asked to participate, and students looking for service opportunities are also encouraged to participate. If you haven't already contacted the rectory, please see Fr. Bacevicius after mass to let him know you'll be there to help.
During Lent, St. Casimir will join with St. Jerome's, Holy Redeemer and St. Mary's for a special Lenten spiritual series each Monday evening during Lent. Tomorrow, March 1st the mass and social will be at Holy Redeemer. On March 8th the Lenten observance will be at St. Mary's, and on March 15th at St. Casimir. On March 22nd there will be a penance service at Holy Redeemer.
This Thursday, March 4th is the feast of St. Casimir, and you're invited to a special feast day liturgy and Eucharistic Devotion beginning at 7:00 pm. The mass will be celebrated in both Lithuanian and English, and will feature special music presented by Exultate under the direction of Rita Kliorys.
Also this Thursday, the Cleveland Lithuanian Pensininkiu Klubas invites you to its monthly lunch meeting at 12 noon Lithuanian Village.
Exultate invites you to a CD release party for their most recent recording, entitled Life - A Sacred Song. The CD release party will take place on Friday, March 12th at 7:00 pm in the lower hall at St. Casimir. There will be refreshments, and you'll have a chance to hear excerpts from the new CD, and purchase a copy at a special discounted price.
The Zaibas Hall of Fame induction and Night at the Races event next Saturday, March 6th is sold out.
Lithuanian Catholic Religious Aid will ask for your support on the weekend of March 13th and 14th at St. Casimir. For more information please contact chairperson Zenonas Obelenis.
The Lithuanian Scouts of Cleveland will present their annual Kaziuko Muge fundraiser on Sunday, March 21st at 11:00 am in the upper hall at St. Casimir.
The Cleveland Lithuanian Academic Scouts Filisterai are pleased to announce that they will sponsor a concert by soprano Virginija Bruozyte Muliolis on Saturday, April 10th in the upper hall at St. Casimir.
Fr. Joseph Bacevicius is pleased to announce the membership of the St. Casimir Parish Steering Committee. Steering Committee members are Jackie Caruso-Taylor, Kestutis Civinskas, Vytas Kliorys, Grazina Kudukis, Marius Laniauskas, Egle Laniauskas, Regina Motiejunas, Hilde Novak, Robert Raddell, Erin Randel, Faye Roth, and Rudolph Simoncic.
The Steering Committee will be responsible for writing the Parish Council constitution, composing a parish mission statement. The committee's work will conclude with organizing parish council elections.
If you're a member of Taupa, the Lithuanian Credit Union here in Cleveland, the Taupa annual meeting will be held this morning at 11:30 in the conference room at St. Casimir.
This afternoon, St. Casimir parish will hold an early spring cleaning party for all organizations that use the St. Casimir facilities. The idea is to get rid of items that are no longer needed from the school building and gymnasium. The party starts at 1:00 pm today. All organizations that use parish facilities are asked to participate, and students looking for service opportunities are also encouraged to participate. If you haven't already contacted the rectory, please see Fr. Bacevicius after mass to let him know you'll be there to help.
During Lent, St. Casimir will join with St. Jerome's, Holy Redeemer and St. Mary's for a special Lenten spiritual series each Monday evening during Lent. Tomorrow, March 1st the mass and social will be at Holy Redeemer. On March 8th the Lenten observance will be at St. Mary's, and on March 15th at St. Casimir. On March 22nd there will be a penance service at Holy Redeemer.
This Thursday, March 4th is the feast of St. Casimir, and you're invited to a special feast day liturgy and Eucharistic Devotion beginning at 7:00 pm. The mass will be celebrated in both Lithuanian and English, and will feature special music presented by Exultate under the direction of Rita Kliorys.
Also this Thursday, the Cleveland Lithuanian Pensininkiu Klubas invites you to its monthly lunch meeting at 12 noon Lithuanian Village.
Exultate invites you to a CD release party for their most recent recording, entitled Life - A Sacred Song. The CD release party will take place on Friday, March 12th at 7:00 pm in the lower hall at St. Casimir. There will be refreshments, and you'll have a chance to hear excerpts from the new CD, and purchase a copy at a special discounted price.
The Zaibas Hall of Fame induction and Night at the Races event next Saturday, March 6th is sold out.
Lithuanian Catholic Religious Aid will ask for your support on the weekend of March 13th and 14th at St. Casimir. For more information please contact chairperson Zenonas Obelenis.
The Lithuanian Scouts of Cleveland will present their annual Kaziuko Muge fundraiser on Sunday, March 21st at 11:00 am in the upper hall at St. Casimir.
The Cleveland Lithuanian Academic Scouts Filisterai are pleased to announce that they will sponsor a concert by soprano Virginija Bruozyte Muliolis on Saturday, April 10th in the upper hall at St. Casimir.
Fr. Joseph Bacevicius is pleased to announce the membership of the St. Casimir Parish Steering Committee. Steering Committee members are Jackie Caruso-Taylor, Kestutis Civinskas, Vytas Kliorys, Grazina Kudukis, Marius Laniauskas, Egle Laniauskas, Regina Motiejunas, Hilde Novak, Robert Raddell, Erin Randel, Faye Roth, and Rudolph Simoncic.
The Steering Committee will be responsible for writing the Parish Council constitution, composing a parish mission statement. The committee's work will conclude with organizing parish council elections.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
V-16
Firstly, congratulations to the Cleveland Bendromene on a well put-together celebration this afternoon and last evening. Trying new concepts in an effort to generate more interest (and hopefully more attendance) at these events is always risky.
Changes to this year's V-16 Mineimas included a luncheon after 10:00 Mass at St. Casimir's and a 1:00 pm start time. I'm told an informal dance party at Lithuanian Village on Saturday night was well-received, especially by families with children. The artistic part of the Sunday afternoon program consisted of singing, poetry and folk dancing, all performed by members of the "third wave" of Lithuanian immigrants.
U.S. Representative Dennis Kucinich made a brief appearance, and Cleveland City Councilman Mike Polensek kept his V-16 streak alive at 33 conscecutive appearances. The Bendromene leadership made the unusal (and classy) move of presenting Councilman Polensek, Senator George Voinovich (representated by staffer Mike Brown) and Father Joseph Bacevice with proclamations recognizing their contributions to the Lithuanian community in Cleveland. Dr. Viktoras Stankus made a special point to publicly welcome Fr. Bacevice as the new pastor of Cleveland's Lithuanian Catholic parish.
The performers (Ona Zalensas, Jurgita Dicevicius, Eugenijus Dicevicius, and the Suktinis dancers from Chicago) closed the afternoon celebration on just the right note. I heard several positive comments about the program from friends in the audience.
So what's to complain about? Attendance, or lack thereof. Poor attendance at community events has been a chronic problem for some time now, but it's especially discouraging to see it at the major patriotic event of the year. Even more discouraging is the fact that so few 'third wavers' were present, at an event that prominently featured their own peers on stage.
I'll be the first to admit that the quality of past events has been uneven. Last year's V-16 celebration was less than stellar, to say the least. But give the Bendromene leadership credit. They listened to the feedback of the community, and attempted to address many of the valid concerns. And how did the community repay them for their efforts? With a half-empty hall this afternoon.
Yes, scheduling the event directly opposite the weekly rehearsal of two major youth organizations (Naujoji Intriga and Svyturys) was not the best idea, especially if you want to lower the average age of the audience. But lots of adults stayed away, too. And I don't understand why.
So here's my takeaway: Cleveland Lithuanians need to decide whether they value their community or not. If they do, then they need to support with their attendance, the parish, the Klubas, and events presented by various organizations. If you have constructive criticism to offer, speak up! Better yet, get involved and 'be the change you wish to see' in the community. Or simply sit at home and complain privately to your friends, and watch as the community dies of apathy.
Every week, Tevynes Garsai and this blog bring you up to date on opportunities to come together and celebrate Lithuanian heritage. I challenge you to seize these opportunities before it's too late, and I welcome your comments and input below.
Changes to this year's V-16 Mineimas included a luncheon after 10:00 Mass at St. Casimir's and a 1:00 pm start time. I'm told an informal dance party at Lithuanian Village on Saturday night was well-received, especially by families with children. The artistic part of the Sunday afternoon program consisted of singing, poetry and folk dancing, all performed by members of the "third wave" of Lithuanian immigrants.
U.S. Representative Dennis Kucinich made a brief appearance, and Cleveland City Councilman Mike Polensek kept his V-16 streak alive at 33 conscecutive appearances. The Bendromene leadership made the unusal (and classy) move of presenting Councilman Polensek, Senator George Voinovich (representated by staffer Mike Brown) and Father Joseph Bacevice with proclamations recognizing their contributions to the Lithuanian community in Cleveland. Dr. Viktoras Stankus made a special point to publicly welcome Fr. Bacevice as the new pastor of Cleveland's Lithuanian Catholic parish.
The performers (Ona Zalensas, Jurgita Dicevicius, Eugenijus Dicevicius, and the Suktinis dancers from Chicago) closed the afternoon celebration on just the right note. I heard several positive comments about the program from friends in the audience.
So what's to complain about? Attendance, or lack thereof. Poor attendance at community events has been a chronic problem for some time now, but it's especially discouraging to see it at the major patriotic event of the year. Even more discouraging is the fact that so few 'third wavers' were present, at an event that prominently featured their own peers on stage.
I'll be the first to admit that the quality of past events has been uneven. Last year's V-16 celebration was less than stellar, to say the least. But give the Bendromene leadership credit. They listened to the feedback of the community, and attempted to address many of the valid concerns. And how did the community repay them for their efforts? With a half-empty hall this afternoon.
Yes, scheduling the event directly opposite the weekly rehearsal of two major youth organizations (Naujoji Intriga and Svyturys) was not the best idea, especially if you want to lower the average age of the audience. But lots of adults stayed away, too. And I don't understand why.
So here's my takeaway: Cleveland Lithuanians need to decide whether they value their community or not. If they do, then they need to support with their attendance, the parish, the Klubas, and events presented by various organizations. If you have constructive criticism to offer, speak up! Better yet, get involved and 'be the change you wish to see' in the community. Or simply sit at home and complain privately to your friends, and watch as the community dies of apathy.
Every week, Tevynes Garsai and this blog bring you up to date on opportunities to come together and celebrate Lithuanian heritage. I challenge you to seize these opportunities before it's too late, and I welcome your comments and input below.
February 21, 2010
You are invited to attend the Cleveland celebration of Lithuania's Independence which continues this morning with 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 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, with keynote speaker Vytas Maaciunas, president of the Lithuanian-American Community-USA, and dancing by the Suktinis Lithuanian folk dancers from Chicago, poetry by Ona Zalensas and musical entertainment by Eugenijus Dicevicius.
Don't forget that today the Neff Road parking lot at St. Casimir will be closed after 8:00 mass, and reopen after 10:00 mass. The parking lot will be reserved during this time for those participating in the Independence Day flag-raising ceremony.
The 2nd annual North Collinwood Taste the Neighborhood Award Dinner is this Tuesday, February 23. The dinner will be hosted by Lithuanian Village, and Lithuanian Club president Ruta Degutis will be honored as one of the "regular folks who go the extra mile."
Next weekend, St. Casimir parish will hold an early spring cleaning party for all organizations that use the St. Casimir facilities. The idea is to get rid of items that are no longer needed from the school building and gymnasium. The party starts at 9:00 am next Saturday, and 1:00 pm next Sunday. All organizations that use parish facilities are asked to participate, and students looking for service opportunities are also encouraged to participate. Please call the rectory this week to let them know which day you'll be able to help.
Thursday, March 4th is the feast of St. Casimir, and you're invited to a special feast day liturgy and Eucharistic Devotion beginning at 7:00 pm. The mass will be celebrated in both Lithuanian and English, and will feature special music presented by Exultate under the direction of Rita Kliorys.
Speaking of Exultate, you're invited to a CD release party for their most recent recording, entitled Life - A Sacred Song. The event will take place on Friday, March 12th at 7:00 pm in the lower hall at St. Casimir. There will be refreshments, and you'll have a chance to hear excerpts from the new CD, and purchase a copy at a special discounted price.
Zaibas will hold its annual Hall of Fame induction and Night at the Races event on Saturday, March 6th at Recher Slovenian Hall. For more information please contact Vidas Tataruas by email at tatarunas@att.net.
Lithuanian Catholic Religious Aid will ask for your support on the weekend of March 13th and 14th at St. Casimir. For more information please contact chairperson Zenonas Obelenis.
The Cleveland Lithuanian Academic Scouts Filisterai are pleased to announce that they will sponsor a concert by soprano Virginija Bruozyte Muliolis on Saturday, April 10th in the upper hall at St. Casimir.
During Lent, St. Casimir will join with St. Jerome's, Holy Redeemer and St. Mary's for a special Lenten spiritual series each Monday evening during Lent. On February 22nd, the mass and social will be at St. Jerome, followed on March 1st at Holy Redeemer, March 8th at St. Mary, and March 15th at St. Casimir. On March 22nd there will be a penance service at Holy Redeemer.
There are a number of social media sites popping to help Cleveland Lithuanians stay connected to each other and to the community. The Lithuanian Klubas has a Facebook page, and now Paul Ruksenas and Taupa have joined forces to launch LTNews.net .
If you're on Facebook, check out the group Keep Big Z in Cleveland, dedicated to letting Zydrunas Ilgauskas and the Cavaliers know that Clevelanders want to see the big man from Kaunas back in the Wine and Gold wearing number 11 as soon as possible.
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, with keynote speaker Vytas Maaciunas, president of the Lithuanian-American Community-USA, and dancing by the Suktinis Lithuanian folk dancers from Chicago, poetry by Ona Zalensas and musical entertainment by Eugenijus Dicevicius.
Don't forget that today the Neff Road parking lot at St. Casimir will be closed after 8:00 mass, and reopen after 10:00 mass. The parking lot will be reserved during this time for those participating in the Independence Day flag-raising ceremony.
The 2nd annual North Collinwood Taste the Neighborhood Award Dinner is this Tuesday, February 23. The dinner will be hosted by Lithuanian Village, and Lithuanian Club president Ruta Degutis will be honored as one of the "regular folks who go the extra mile."
Next weekend, St. Casimir parish will hold an early spring cleaning party for all organizations that use the St. Casimir facilities. The idea is to get rid of items that are no longer needed from the school building and gymnasium. The party starts at 9:00 am next Saturday, and 1:00 pm next Sunday. All organizations that use parish facilities are asked to participate, and students looking for service opportunities are also encouraged to participate. Please call the rectory this week to let them know which day you'll be able to help.
Thursday, March 4th is the feast of St. Casimir, and you're invited to a special feast day liturgy and Eucharistic Devotion beginning at 7:00 pm. The mass will be celebrated in both Lithuanian and English, and will feature special music presented by Exultate under the direction of Rita Kliorys.
Speaking of Exultate, you're invited to a CD release party for their most recent recording, entitled Life - A Sacred Song. The event will take place on Friday, March 12th at 7:00 pm in the lower hall at St. Casimir. There will be refreshments, and you'll have a chance to hear excerpts from the new CD, and purchase a copy at a special discounted price.
Zaibas will hold its annual Hall of Fame induction and Night at the Races event on Saturday, March 6th at Recher Slovenian Hall. For more information please contact Vidas Tataruas by email at tatarunas@att.net.
Lithuanian Catholic Religious Aid will ask for your support on the weekend of March 13th and 14th at St. Casimir. For more information please contact chairperson Zenonas Obelenis.
The Cleveland Lithuanian Academic Scouts Filisterai are pleased to announce that they will sponsor a concert by soprano Virginija Bruozyte Muliolis on Saturday, April 10th in the upper hall at St. Casimir.
During Lent, St. Casimir will join with St. Jerome's, Holy Redeemer and St. Mary's for a special Lenten spiritual series each Monday evening during Lent. On February 22nd, the mass and social will be at St. Jerome, followed on March 1st at Holy Redeemer, March 8th at St. Mary, and March 15th at St. Casimir. On March 22nd there will be a penance service at Holy Redeemer.
There are a number of social media sites popping to help Cleveland Lithuanians stay connected to each other and to the community. The Lithuanian Klubas has a Facebook page, and now Paul Ruksenas and Taupa have joined forces to launch LTNews.net .
If you're on Facebook, check out the group Keep Big Z in Cleveland, dedicated to letting Zydrunas Ilgauskas and the Cavaliers know that Clevelanders want to see the big man from Kaunas back in the Wine and Gold wearing number 11 as soon as possible.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Radiothon!
Today is WJCU's annual Radiothon. The response by Lithuanian Voice listeners was outstanding once again this year, and appears to be even better than in recent years. I don't have any dollar figures yet, but it looks like we had a higher number of listeners pledging, and perhaps a larger amount of money raised.
Your support at Radiothon time not only helps WJCU maintain and expand its facilities and equipment, but it's a way of showing that Tevynes Garsai is important to you personally. Community-oriented, listener-supported radio is one of the things that makes Cleveland a great place to live.
If you've already given, thank you! If you didn't yet make a pledge, there is still time to send your check to: Tevynes Garsai, 4249 Lambert Road, South Euclid, OH 44121. Please make checks payable to WJCU. Labai Aciu!
Your support at Radiothon time not only helps WJCU maintain and expand its facilities and equipment, but it's a way of showing that Tevynes Garsai is important to you personally. Community-oriented, listener-supported radio is one of the things that makes Cleveland a great place to live.
If you've already given, thank you! If you didn't yet make a pledge, there is still time to send your check to: Tevynes Garsai, 4249 Lambert Road, South Euclid, OH 44121. Please make checks payable to WJCU. Labai Aciu!
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