Lithuania Adoption Blog : Archive

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Back in December I posted a message regarding the US Embassy in Warsaw and Vilnius. At this time they have informed me that families should continue to list Warsaw as the designated Embassy for completion of immigration. When the switch occurs to Vilnius they will transfer those cases still pending and will send out notice to begin filing the I800A and I800 with the Vilnius Embassy.

You should continue to monitor the Vilnius Embassy website for any changes. Again these are not expected to occur until March. Here is the website: http://vilnius.usembassy.gov/immigrant_visas.html

Posted by Jan A. Parmenter At 05:56:10 AM Location | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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Grand Rapids, MI (February 2, 2009) – Bearing the name of a new title sponsor, the Public Museum’s annual event – the DTE Energy Foundation Ethnic Heritage Festival,  will be held Saturday, February 7, 2009 from 9 am – 6 pm.  Visitors will receive free admission to the Museum to enjoy music, dance, crafts, displays and food representing various ethnic groups that call West Michigan home.  

The Planetarium will present gratis Everybody’s Sky: Star Stories from Around the World at 11 am, and 1, 2, 3 and 4 pm.  Guest can also view the Museum’s permanent exhibit “Newcomers: The People of This Place” which highlights over forty ethnic groups and looks at the personal journey stories of people who’ve settled in the greater Grand Rapids area.  Carousel rides will also be free.

Colorful and varied performances are scheduled throughout the day on two different stages.  Guests will enjoy the talents of Irish, Pacific Island, Chinese and Indian dance groups; the voices of GVSU/Gospel Choir; Edwin Joseph on the steel drum; and Dave O’Neil on the bagpipes and Irish flute.  Visitors can listen to storytellers and participate in craft demonstrations.  A variety of ethnic foods will be available for purchase, and visitors over the age of 21 can sample beers from around the world (including Belgium, the Czech Republic, England, Germany, Ireland and Japan) from 1-4 pm for just $6.  A showcase of traditional and modern ethnic fashions beginning at 12:30 pm will be emceed by Eva Aguirre Cooper, Community Affairs Director for WOOD TV, WOTV and WXSP.
 
Members of ethnic organizations will man display tables throughout the three floors of the Museum, sharing their unique cultures with guests.  Groups include the Edelweiss Club, Ancient Order of Hibernians, Chinese Association of West Michigan, Congress of North American Bosniaks, Finnish American Society of West Central Michigan, Gaelic League, Grand Rapids Scottish Society, Grand Rapids Sister Cities International, Latvian Association of Grand Rapids, Lithuanian American Community, Mexican Heritage Association, Philippine Cultural Group of Michigan, Polish Heritage Sons of Norway and the Swedish American Society.

The Public Museum of Grand Rapids has a long history of presenting exhibitions and programs on ethnicity and cultural change. Inquiries or requests for general information should be directed to the Museum’s main number, 616/456-3977 or to www.grmuseum.org.  

Posted by Jan A. Parmenter At 05:48:03 AM Location | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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Here is another event for those in the state of Michigan. Families outside of Michigan may want to check with their local Lithuanian American Communities to find out what events they have planned during this, the 2000th year celebration. SUNDAY, MARCH 8, 2009 STS. PETER & PAUL CHURCH & SCHOOL 520 Myrtle ST. NW & 1421 Hamilton Ave. NW Grand Rapids, Michigan 49504 9:30 A.M. – Mass for Lithuania and all those who gave their lives for its freedom and independence, celebrated by the Rev. Dennis Morrow. After mass, we will gather in the school’s Parish Family Center for a program and refreshments. The Musical Ensemble “Gabija” from Chicago will entertain us with their ‘kankles’ and songs. The ‘kankles” is a special stringed instrument unique to Lithuania. Many of you have never heard this instrument played before. We know you will enjoy their performance. Refreshments will be served. Please bring a dish to pass. We invite you to join us in this special commemoration, and please invite your family and friends.

Posted by LaDawn G. Penner At 10:20:20 AM Location | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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Monday April 16th Lithuania celebrates it's Independence. Take a moment with your children to remember their forefathers that gave their lives valiantly to gain freedom for Lithuania. Some suggestions: display the Lithuanian Flag and discuss what the colors stand for. Red on the bottom is the blood shed by the people to gain freedom. Green is for the land that is cherished, and yellow for the sum and the hope of the people.

If you don't have a Lithuania flag, google it and print one off. While there you may want to also google information on some of the great people in Lithuanian history. many of your children were named after these heros!

Posted by Jan A. Parmenter At 12:26:23 PM Location | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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Dear Bethany Family, We regret to inform you that there will not be a Multicultural Festival in 2009. For the last couple decades, we’ve been blessed with the resources and volunteers to host this fabulous event for families across the country to unite in Grand Rapids, MI and celebrate their multicultural and adoptive families. Unfortunately, that is no longer the case. We hope that your local branch offices can maintain an annual picnic or gathering of some sort. It has been wonderful to see families gather here in Grand Rapids year after year, particularly our Lithuania families. Sincerely, The Lithuania Team Bethany Christian Services-International Grand Rapids, MI

Posted by LaDawn G. Penner At 10:02:56 AM Location | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)