News

We Connect Lithuania program, successfully developed by GLL and The Kazickas Family Foundation in 2018 this year doubles the impact and will invite you to experience modern Lithuania as two programs - "Bring Together Lithuania" and "We Connect Lithuania".

Well known Lithuanian American film maker, so called the godfather of American avant-garde cinema Jonas Mekas, passed away on January 23rd. Last February Jurate Kazickas chatted with Jonas Mekas and shared some moments from their conversation with all. Let's remember this honorable artist who has done so much for American culture while never forgetting his Lithuanian roots by returning to Jurate Kazickas' reflections from their talk.

Jurate Kazickas, President of the Kazickas Family Foundation, just upon arrival to Lithuania, visited Director of the Department of Lithuanians Living Abroad Marijus Gudynas and his team at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania. KFF Vilnius Director Agne Vertelkaite and KFF New York Director Neila Baumiliene joined as well.

Last week Vilnius University invited all potential candidates interested in post-doctoral fellowship at Yale, established by dr. Joseph P. Kazickas, to learn more about this opportunity.

Kaunas University of Technology is inviting school students to participate in information technology and programming contests held in Žemaitija, Aukštaitija, Suvalkija, Dzūkija and Kaunas regions and in the final dr. J. P. Kazickas forum. 

Blessed Michael Sopocko Hospice provides professional care to people with cancer and other life-limiting illness in the final stages. In 2016 Kazickas Family Foundation was introduced to hospice's honorable work and helped its causes with $5,000 funds. This year one of the Joseph and Alexandra Kazickas' grandchildren was inspired by the hospice's dedicated staff and purpose and offered to help as well.

The Kazickas family members always emphasize that the biggest highlight of their trips to Lithuania is visiting YOUTH CAN children and teens. This time John Kazickas stopped by in Ariogala and Veliucionys to participate in their practices, share some motivating experiences with the children and listen to their needs and dreams.

During his latest trip to Lithuania, John Kazickas took time to meet Andrejus Novikovas who participated at the International CPISRA (Cerebral Palsy International Sports and Recreation Association) Summer Games Race Running 100 m run in Barcelona, Sant Cugat 2018.

Last weekend KFF program's "Youth Can" coaches and team captains met at the second seminar offered for coaches this season which focused on youth life skills development.

Today, January 13th Lithuania observes Freedom Fighters Day. It abandoned the Soviet legacy 28 years ago and embarked on a path leading to democracy and membership in the EU and NATO. Lithuanians remember January 13, 1991, as the day on which 14 people lost their lives for their country's independence. Let's wear Forget Me Not bloom today close to our hearts and light a candle remembering Lithuania's heroes, let's not forget what Freedom meant to every Lithuanian in 1991 and what it means to us today.