Viva United Europe, respect to Šilute!

With these words of a member of the Parliamentary Assembly of the European Council, and ex- senator of Italy, Mr. Renzo Gubert and hearty thanks for the endeavour to develop Alcide de Gasperi idea, a Flag of Honour of European Council was presented to Šilutė District Municipality; it was accepted by the Mayor of the Municipality, Virgilijus Pozingis at a solemn meeting of the Council and presented to the community of Šilutė.

Šilutė District Municipality that was awarded a European diploma in 2006, in 2009, the Flag of Honour of the European Council was presented for the significant activity for Europe: active spreading of European ideas, contribution to important European events, educational activity, cooperation with towns of other European countries, their communities, participation in various international events, preservation of historic heritage in the territory of the municipality, private interchange of companies and enterprises, and implementation of European structural fund opportunities.

On this occasion, the municipality of Šilutė district organized an Autumn feast on 26 September, 2009, called “We are Europeans”, accepted the Flag of Honour of the European Council, marked the 30th anniversary of the World Tourism Day, enjoyed the concerts of the representatives of the district who participated in the Lithuanian Millennium Song festival „Amţių sutartinė“ (engl. Glee of Centuries) and dancers of the sport club „Atėnė; honoured masters of the nicest homesteads of the wards, and admired the photo exhibition „Me, Šilutė and Europe: 2004-2009”, “Išsaugoti namai” (engl. Preserved home) and exhibitions of good jobs‟ chronicle of the Lithuanian Millennium.

The feast started with a solemn meeting of Šilutė municipality council and the anthems of Lithuania and the European Union sang by Šilutė vocal ensemble “Mingė” along with participants of the solemn meeting. The meeting was attended not only by the members of the council, but also by the member of honour of the Parliamentary Assembly of the European Council, Mr. Renzo Gybert with his wife Maria Silvia Zecchini, delegations from municipalities of Poland, Gdansk (Mr. Cezary Bieniasz-Krzywiec, Mr. Lukasz Kozaczek), Gdansk Pruscia (Mr. Piotr Kalinski), Ostruda (Mr.Gustaw Marek Brzezin, Mr. Roman Nowakowski, Ms. Malgorzata Filipowiak, Mr.Tomasz Klimecki), Konakli of Turkey (Mr. Abdullah Somnez, Mr. Nuvit Ozhan, Mr.Yeliz Erkoc), the member of the Lithuanian Seimas, Audrius Endzinas and Kęstas Komskis, Vice-Minister of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Evaldas Ignatavičius, Director of the Association of Lithuanian Municipalities, Roma Ţakaitienė, Head of Information Bureau of the European Parliament, Daiva Jakaitė, Mayors of Klaipėda, Kretinga, and Šilalė districts, Vaclovas Dačkauskas, Juozas Maţeika, Albinas Eţerskis, Deputy mayors of Šilutė District Municipality, Stasė Skutulienė, Jonas Jaunius, Director of Administration, Šarūnas Lauţikas, his Deputy, Regina Virginija Kondratavičienė, communities of Šilutė region, and representatives of the press (in total, 120 people). Partners from Germany, Sweden, Denmark, Russia, and Latvia were also invited to the feast, but they had excused for not being able to arrive. Some of them (Germans, Latvians, Russians, and Swedes) had been to Šilutė for several times in 2009.

Since 1995, the Municipality of Šilutė district has been an active member of the Association of Lithuanian Municipalities that belongs to the Council of European Municipalities and Regions, United Cities and Local Governments. The Municipality is taking part in the activity of the Euroregion “Baltija”, it has signed cooperation agreements with municipalities of cities of Germany, Sweden, Denmark, Poland, Russian Federation, Turkey, and Latvia. Actively cooperating with the representative of the Lithuanian Association of Municipalities in Brussels Mr. Povilas Kuprys, the member of the Council of Šilutė Municipality, Deputy Mayor, Stasė Skutulienė is a true member of the Committee of European Regions. In February, 2009, the Mayor of the Municipality, Virgilijus Pozingis, together with Mayors of 204 cities, signed the pact of the mayors regarding the action plan of implementation of stable energetics.

Culture centres, educational institutions, the library of Fridrichas Bajoraitis, the museum, chamber drama theatre, centre of Tourism and Information, non-governmental public organizations (unions, clubs), private companies established in the territory of the municipality, also closely cooperate with foreign partners and implement separate international projects, supporting European youth ideas, organizing youth forums, culture meetings, participating in folklore music festivals, sports competitions, and international exhibitions.

The municipality of Šilutė district absorb successfully the opportunities provided by the European Union. During past five years, the municipality has accomplished or is implementing now investment projects for 50 million Litas granted by different EU funds and support programs. For the renewal of the 500 years old water road and equipment of Šilutė quay alone, over 13 million Litas were used, and for the projects of water management, 27 million Litas have been spent already. Until the end of 2013, various projects shall obviously be implemented for 50 million Litas, and a new phase of EU structural fund usage shall be begun in the nearest future for implementation of the investment projects: refurbishment of Hugo Scheu manor and arrangement for the purpose of tourism for 8 million Litas, management of the quay of Mingė village for 6,6 million Litas, finishing of street reconstruction of Šilutė Darbininkai block for 6 million Litas.

Educational institutions spread European ideas actively: fill in the “European journal”, organize public lessons about European history, participate in projects of a long-term program “Educational European Parliament”, “Examination”, and competition “Euroscola“, organize competitions „Get to know Europe“, „European„s face“, and other events to mark the Day of Europe. Some educational institutions and non-governmental public organizations participate in a project “European neighbours”. Also, they have participated in the 12th week of European youth culture, “Europeade” and “Museum nights”, as well as other international events.

Local communities, non-governmental organizations often participate in actions of European solidarity; Šilutė committee of the Lithuanian Red Cross, Šilutė “Soroptima” club, “Rotary” are especially active. Members of the community have contributed to various actions of international assistance: support for India, Georgia, South-East Asia, USA, South Mexico, China, etc. Also, charity is granted from colleagues foreigners to Šilutė as well.

Šilutė region is proclaimed by a yachtsman Andrius Varnas who is in Australia with his yacht at the moment, orchestra “Pamarys”, ensembles “Karčema”, “Verdainė”, choir “Vartana”, and other ensembles of the district culture centres, sportsmen, sports club “Atėnė”, dancing group “Ţvaigţdūnė”, Fridrichas Bajoraitis library which has prepared and implemented many different projects, school of tourism and business services, school of agriculture and many other groups of Šilutė community.

Giving thanks for the Flag of Honour to Mr. Renzo Gubert , the Mayor Virgilijus Pozingis spoke that this award was presented to all members of the community who had contributed with their work, achievements of warm-hearted and generous people, and assured that this achievement would motivate Šilutė people to develop programmes of business and cultural interchange, to participate in international events and to pursue for further improvement of the region thus making the Šilutė and the entire Lithuania more and more outstanding in Europe. For active spreading of European ideas, consistent cooperation with foreign partners, implementation of local and international projects, publications and reportages about participation of Šilutė district in life of the European Union, the Mayor presented letters of thanks to thirty most active enterprises, unions, clubs and newspapers of Šilutė district.

The guest Mr. Renzo Gubert emphasized that Šilutė understood the benefit of partnership among cities and applied it in its practice, that the award was granted for the work that was made perfectly and that this award was an incentive to continue developing relationships in the entire Europe, that The European Council understood that these achievements required political will and personal initiatives.

During the solemn meeting, the Mayor of Šilutė District Municipality, Virgilijus Pozingis, signed a Cooperation Agreement with a Mayor of Konakli (Turkey), Abdullah Sonmez. It has been the seventh Cooperation Agreement signed between the municipality and partners of a foreign country. The Agreement stipulates that both countries shall make regional economies more popular, create and implement tourist projects with cultural and natural heritage of both regions, create a system of integrated information with a help of innovations and modern technologies, maintain international initiatives, and etc.

Later, the participants of the meeting of the municipality council, together with an orchestra of a school of arts, “Pamarys”, participants of the Song festival, representatives of non-governmental youth organizations and sportsmen, walked along Lietuvninkai and Ţalgirio streets to the sports stadium of Šilutė. During the opening of the feast at the sports stadium of Šilutė, the community was congratulated by the guest of honour and the Mayor of the municipality; then the compère, Marijus Budraitis, invited to watch the Song festival where over 540 participants from our region participated, and a concert of the dancers, sports club "Atėnė" and guests.

After the concert, the feast was transferred to courtyards of the wards. Marking the 30th anniversary of the World Tourism Day, the culture centres of the municipality with elder headmen, tourism and business information centre of Šilutė presented owners of village homesteads, their services, culinary heritage, and autumn yield. It was also a pleasure to hear that this year the regional park of the Nemunas delta was recognized as the most attractive tourist place in Lithuania, where tourism activity is modern and exceptional, complex, diverse, and cohesive; communication with tourists is effective, there is a tourist service infrastructure created, marketing and educational activities are run efficiently, local traditions related to natural resources are preserved, and public as well as private partnership is being developed.

At the same time, there were owners of the most beautiful homesteads of the ward honoured, and the photo exhibition “Preserved home” organized by the public company “VST”, about the white stork and their preservation, was visited. On the first floor of the municipality the guests and the community were able to visit the photo and documentary exhibition "Me, Šilutė and Europe: 2004- 2009" organized by the Fridrichas Bajoraitis public library. This impressive exhibition was taking place the whole week after the feast in the library. In the courtyard of the library, little fellows of books were able to participate in feast “Ţaidţiame Europą” (engl. We play Europe”).

Presentation of the Flag of Honour of the European Council, was an impressive festival for the community that was attended by several thousand of Šilutė inhabitants and guests. There was a huge number of folk masters of art and salesmen taking part in the feast. The feast was broadly proclaimed in the press. We hope that the events of the Autumn feast “We are Europeans” were enjoyed not only by the community, but also by the guests who got indelible impressions about us and our country.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT MEMBERSHIP IN ORGANIZATIONS

As an active member of the Association of Local Authorities in Lithuania (ALAL) (since June, 1995; the Mayor of the Municipality is a member of the ALAL Council), which is part of the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR), United Towns Organization (UTO) and International Union of Local Governments and Authorities (IULA), Šilutė District Municipality is actively collaborating with municipal associations and municipalities of the neighbouring countries as well as other non-governmental organizations.

On 24-26 February 2009, Rasa Kmitienė, who is the Head Specialist of the Planning and Development Department of Šilutė District Municipality administration, took part in a seminar of the Euroregion Baltic Council as well as in workgroup meetings, which took place in Ryn, Poland.

Discussions in such workgroup meetings involved action plans for 2009, review of activities for 2008, further collaboration, submitted project applications or applications intended to be submitted for the South Baltic Cross-border Co-operation Programme 2007-2013. The Euroregion Baltic Youth Board seminar included considerations regarding possibilities in respect of the new idea of the project - „Yc³“. Mr. Niels Chesten Andersen briefly presented some information concerning the EU Cohesion Policy and a Green Paper on Territorial Cohesion. Members of the Board passed a Resolution regarding the Green Paper on Territorial Cohesion.

On 9-13 February, Brussels and a number of other cities of the EU held events dedicated to European Union Sustainable Energy Week, the slogan which was the following: „Take a week to change tomorrow“. Development plans for this sector until year 2050 were discussed in detail for the first time.

Virgilijus Pozingis, the Mayor of Šilutė District Municipality (picture: first from the right), was visiting Brussels on 9–11 February, where together with 204 European cities, including seven Mayors of other Lithuanian municipalities, on 10 of February, during the course of the solemnities which took place in the Big Hall of the European Parliament, they have signed and by their signatures approved the Intent in The Territories of Municipalities. City leaders, which have signed this document, represent over 80 million EU citizens.

Virgilijus Pozingis, the Mayor of Šilutė District Municipality, was committed to sign this Covenant by the Council of Šilutė District Municipality in October 2008. This voluntary covenant is the most ambitious initiative as yet, involving citizens into the battle against global warming. This initiative is supported by every institution of the EU. Representatives of local government also take the initiative in order to influence and decrease the factors of adverse climate changes.

The Covenant is an official pledge of the cities which support it, which serves in order to overfulfil the goals of the EU in respect of a reduction of CO2 emissions by increasing the efficiency of energy consumption. Under this Covenant, commonly called as „3 times 20" or „20/20/20", cities and regions have officially pledged to reduce the emission of CO2 gas by more than 20 per cent before the year 2020 by the means of preparation and implementation of Sustainable Energy Action Plans. Even 80 per cent of society lives and works in cities, where more than 80 per cent of energy emission is developed. During the course of this solemn meeting, Andris Piebalgs, serving as the Commissioner for Energy at the European Commission, has noted that cities confront less than states and they are able to find solutions of practical collaboration – the signed "Covenant of Mayors" is a perfect example of the aforementioned. The Mayors which have signed the Covenant in the European Parliament were congratulated by the President of European Commission José Manuel Barroso. „TWINNING“

Further active collaboration with the Polish towns of Gdańsk, Pruszcz Gdański and Ostróda is continued. Delegations of these towns took part in the Autumn Festival named „We are Europeans“, during which Šilutė was awarded the Flag of Honour of the Council of Europe.

The Municipality maintains an especially close relationship with Gdańsk district, Pruszcz Gdański town municipality and Ostróda commune (Poland). Together with our foreign colleagues we implement joint projects, take part in international tourism expositions and in conferences held. Šilutė Tourism and Business Information Centre and Gdańsk district have signed a collaboration agreement concerning collaboration in the tourism field.

On 14-18 January 2009, in the city of Utrecht (the Netherlands) an international tourism exhibition named „Vakantiebeurs 2009“ was held. Jūratė Skabeikienė, which is the Director of the Public Institution Šilutė Tourism and Business Information Centre, introduced Šilutė land tourism resources during the course of this five-day exhibition, and during these days 132 961 visitor has come. In the international tourism exhibition „Vivatur“ (Vilnius) both Šilutė representatives and their partners from Gdańsk (Poland) are taking part regularly.

This year, Šilutė District Municipality together with Swedish Torsås commune are involved in the project named „Cooperation model for exploitation of renewable energy resources in self- governments of South Baltic“ as partners of the Gdańsk district (Poland). The purpose of the project is the publication of renewable energy sources and education. The tender for exploitation and implementation of renewable energy sources shall be organized. Winners of this tender shall go to Sweden and Poland in order to explore know-how of these countries regarding the aforementioned issues.

Partners of „Twinning” take part both in joint implemented projects and in festivals of their communities. Various cultural exchanges are also organized.

COLLABORATION WITH FOREIGN MUNICIPALITIES

By 2009, Šilutė District Municipality has signed 6 collaboration agreements with German, Swedish, Danish and Polish city municipalities as well as 4 Letters of Intent regarding collaboration with Polish, Russian and Turkish city municipalities and Kaliningrad district Duma (Russia).

Collaboration Agreement and Protocol of Intention was signed in 2009 with the municipalities of Konakli city (Turkey) and Saldus region (Latvia).

In the Šilutė District Municipality, on 29 May 2009, representatives of Saldus region (Latvia) delegation met: Indra Rassa – Chairwoman of Saldus region Council, Sarmīte Ozoliņa – Counsellor of Saldus region Chairman in the field of development, Ieva Ančevska – Head of Saldus region tourism centre, Zaiga Upeniece – Organizer of Saldus region cultural events, Virgilijus Pozingis - Šilutė District Municipality Mayor, Romualdas Ambrulaitis and Vaidotas Martinkus - Head Specialists of Planning and Development Department as well as Head Specialist of Communications Department - Gintarė Vaitiekutė.

During the meeting, a Protocol of Intent was signed regarding further collaboration between Šilutė District Municipality administration (Lithuania) and Saldus region as well as Saldus town administration (Latvia). As partners, the parties have engaged to pursue the following goals: mutual consultation when implementing projects financed by the European Union; development of tourism of both regions; initiation of development of tourism and economy infrastructure; development of cultural variety; development of integrated information system; exchange of experience and support of mutual international initiatives; promotion of collaboration and exchange in social, professional, cultural, scientific and youth groups.

The Mayor of Šilutė District Municipality is glad that the municipality succeeded to find partners, which it will be possible to implement many international projects with, supported by the European Union funds. He noted that the municipality was looking for partners for a while and it is exhilarating that these partners are our close neighbours; therefore they face similar problems and have analogous ideas and plans. Guests were familiarized with the structure, political situation and education system of Šilutė District Municipality. New partners were also introduced to other international partners of Šilutė District Municipality.

During the course of the solemn conference of Šilutė District Municipality Council, which was held on 26-09-2009 and was dedicated for the occasion of presentation of the Flag of Honour of the Council of Europe, the Mayor of Šilutė District Municipality, Virgilijus Pozingis, and the Mayor of Konakli (Turkey) municipality, Abdullah Sonmez, signed a Collaboration Agreement between the mentioned municipalities. This Agreement was concluded in order to ensure permanent, balanced and harmonized collaboration development between both regions by improving investment attraction and competitiveness, in local and international markets as well as development of image of both regions as locations favourable for investment and tourism.

Systemic and active collaboration with communities of different foreign municipalities is being developed: ever year the number of members of Municipality communities, joining the collaboration, is increasing as well as the international partners are expanding geography-wise. Collaboration is carried out not only with communities of the European Union countries.

On 21-05-2009, Šilutė District Municipality welcomed the members of the delegation „Šilutė- Emmerich am Rhein“ from the towns of Emmerich am Rhein and Rus (Germany). The delegation members also included the Chairman of Association with his wife and the Deputy Mayor of Emmerich town Mr. U. Herbert, who gave courteous respects on behalf of the Mayor of Emmerich and pointed out that we are Europeans, so we must pursue joint goals set by the European Union and develop democracy in our countries.

In 2009, Degučiai primary school has entered into a relationship with the Germans and Dutch. The English teacher of the respective school has visited Oxford University and discussed with Turkish education staff the collaboration opportunities then participating in Comenius project.

Šilutė First Gymnasium has won the project of Comenius Multilateral Partnership 2009-2011. The project shall be carried out with participation of Spanish, Italian, Dutch, Polish, Turkish and German schools.

Since 1 September 2008, Šilutė region Vilkyčiai primary school is keeping in touch with communities of the following foreign schools: „C.P Pedro Brimonis“ (Spain), „Iona Primary School“ (Scotland), „Mustafa Uygur Ilkogretim Okulu“ (Turkey), „Instituto Comprensivo Di Busseto“ (Italy), „Alavuden Ylaaste“ (Finland), „Vrinneviskolan“ (Sweden). Agreements regarding joint development of the project were signed with the aforementioned schools. It is anticipated that in 2010 the representatives from communities of the mentioned schools shall arrive to Vilkyčiai (Šilutė, Lithuania).

On 06-04-2009, representatives of Rusnė township community and Traute Meuser, which is the Chairwoman of German-Lithuanian Association of Fellowship in Beverstedt (Germany), have signed the Protocol of Intent of Cultural Collaboration. The communities agreed to collaborate in organization of cultural activities, youth meetings, and implementation of cultural exchange as well as nurturance of cultural heritage of both countries.

On 31-03-2009, Rusnė Primary School (with Principal Galina Deniušienė) and Dr. Eberhard Schneider, who is the President of the Bird Protection Committee of the German Federal Fund of Environment, have signed an Agreement of International Collaboration concerning the project named: „Nemunas Delta: Environmental Protection as Basis of Regional Development“. Both partners have agreed to develop „The Green School“ by implanting the students with love for nature, own land and history as well as participate in the preparation of Ecotourism Guides of the young generation. The German Bird Protection Committee has underwritten to fund the aforementioned with EUR 60500.

On 03-04-2009, Šilutė District Municipality welcomed a delegation of education specialists from the Republic of Azerbaijan, who came with the purpose to be introduced with the way the reform of the network of general education schools was implemented and carried out in our region. Inasmuch as both birth-rate and the number of students are dropping in Azerbaijan, the country is going to reform the networks of schools in accordance with the model which was introduced in Lithuania. Guests were greeted by heads of municipality and specialists of Education Department. The Head of Education Department, Jonas Bendţius, delivered a report named: „Optimization of the Network of Schools – Presumptions Concerning Equal Learning Opportunities and Rational Distribution of Resources“.

PRIVATE EXCHANGE

The Professional Partnership of Šilutė librarians and their colleagues, a model library from the city of Zadar (Croatia), was established six years ago. In June, 2009, representatives of Šilutė introduced their experience in collection, storage and distribution of information concerning old books and scriptures being the historical heritage of Pamarys region. Pursuant to the project, Šilutė librarians prepared an exhibition in Zadar library, which was named: „Lithuanian Literature: Influence of Book Fashion on Education“. The exhibition generalized modern publications and publications protected heritage-wise. The theme was exposed by the following subsections: „Locations of Šilutė Bookmen“ (it represents a tourist literature route, which was prepared by the librarians), „Pamarys Land Heritage Objects in Books“, „Šilutė Land Cultural Heritage Roads“ and „Šilutė – A Land Where Water Creates Life“ (last two titles refer to the exposed new Šilutė district municipality albums). In the separate section of the exhibition visitors were familiarized with historical and modern works of writers of Šilutė children books. This exhibition is a collection of books, including 55 different Lithuanian book publishers. Šilutė librarians prepared annotations for Lithuanian books given to their Croatian colleagues so that Croatian book lovers would be able to both enjoy splendid printing quality of the presented collection of publications and know the contents of the books. The collection of exposed and given books included the copies of illustrations of children books made by a professional artist and book illustrator Sofija Vasilenkaitė-Vainilaitienė, who originally came from Šilutė District (the illustrations were made for the books of notable writer Martynas Vainilaitis), which the artist presented to Šilutė in 2005. Zadar representatives ensured the librarians from Šilutė that they will decorate the children book lovers‟ toy library by the book illustrations of S. Vainilaitienė, inasmuch as these premises have been already decorated with book illustrations of marinistic theme made by local artist Nava Mirolav. Šilutė librarians introduced their town of Šilutė by playing a CD in German to the people of Zadar. They also presented a new website of the librarians: www.silutesknygininkai.lt, which was designed for the heritage of books and scripts, familiarized with the galleries of art works placed in the internet website www.silutevb.lt, which is administered by Pamarys librarians, as well as books of bookplates and books published by the library itself. All possibilities to share experience of professional activities between the librarians of two states in the fields of data digitising, electronic communication, development of librarian services and their integration into social-economical variation of local regions – these possibilities are not exhausted yet.

Deputy Director of Zadar library, Šilutė representatives are presenting the Mladen Masar, next to Šilutė Book Director of the Zadar library, I. Pefar, with Exhibition the book illustrations by S. Vainilaitienė

In collaboration with Goethe Institute, on 27 March – 25 April 2009, there was an exhibition opened in the Šilutė Fridrichas Bajoraitis Public Library, which was dedicated to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of demolition of the Berlin Wall, which was separating East and West Germany. Ms. Irmtraut Hubatsch, the Head of Goethe Institute in Vilnius, has sent to the F. Bajoraitis Public Library the acknowledgements for the Stefan Koppelkamm‟s, professional German graphic master‟s and photo-artist‟s, exhibition named “Local time”, which was arranged for Šilutė residents by the means of collaboration and partnership.

Pamarys librarians were visiting Lithuanian Lycée named “The 11th of March” in Puńsk (Poland), where they met its students and the Director of the Lycée, Irena Marcinkevičienė, who explained that the main goal of the Lycée is to provide students with knowledge by the means of general education, to integrate the need of professional aspiration and foster preservation of Lithuanian roots, language and customs. Šilutė librarians brought as a gift to the citizens of Puńsk the exhibition of UAB „Mūsų knyga“ Lithuanian printings, named „The Way of a Western Lithuanian Book“, which included over 50 modern Lithuanian books. It was exhibited and introduced to the students by Danutė Šernienė, the Head of F. Bajoraitis Public Library Foundation Organization Department. A screen was showing information about historiographical publications about the region, prepared by Šilutė citizens Romualda Dobranskienė, Anatolijus Ţibaitis, Klaipėda citizen Kęstutis Demereckis and Edita Barauskienė. Books, prepared and published by Pamarys librarians, museum workers and Culture Ethno-centres, were travelling from hand to hand. Students were showing interest in everything: whether the most recent publication “Roads of Šilutė Region Cultural Heritage”, prepared and published by the district municipality has all objects subject to heritage protection registered? If not, then in what way the selection of announced material was carried out? What is the number of young people living in Šilutė and what is the rate of employable youth among the unemployed? The youngest Puńsk generation could enjoy children books, included in the collection of books presented and given by Šilutė representatives, such as: „Earthworm‟s tale“ by Rimantas Černiauskas from Pamarys region, collection of encyclopaedias „Our Earth“ by dr. Rainer Kothe, „Mathematical puzzles“ by Heinrich Hemme. Senior students had a chance to explore works (most recent set of dramas) by Vydūnas, the philosopher, writer and playwright originating from the region of Šilutė. Šilutė representatives showed a movie named „Šilutė“ and presented an electronic story about the first in Lithuania F. Bajoraitis Public Library Books Museum as well as gave publications printed by “Maţoji poligrafija”.

On 29-05-2009, Saldus region (Latvia) delegation (Indra Rassa – Chairwoman of Saldus region Council, Sarmīte Ozoliņa – Counsellor of Saldus region Council Chairwoman in the field of development, Ieva Ančevska – Head of Saldus region tourism centre, Zaiga Upeniece – Organizer of Saldus region cultural events) have visited Šilutė F. Bajoraitis Public Library, where they were introduced with library work, implemented informational innovations, etc.

Guests from Poland, members of the Lithuanian community of Puńsk region, also visited Šilutė and invited townspeople to the noon of own creation, which was held in the Summer Courtyard of the F. Bajoraitis Public Library. The one-day photography exhibition named „410 Year Anniversary of Puńsk Parish“ as well as poetry creation was introduced by Sigitas Birgelis, who is a poet, photographer, translator, book editor and draftsmen. He was accompanied by the „Puniukai“ choir of Children Lithuanian Folk Art Studio from the Puńsk Lithuanian House of Culture, supervised by Asta Pečiulienė and former Pagėgiai citizen Jonas Zakaravičius. The choir with its music perfectly blended in the artistic space of the noon. This stay was one of the first events of the traditional literature autumn of Pamarys region named „Let‟s tame the Word, the Bird and the Cloud“. The delegation from Poland included the head editor of „Aušra” publisher Sigitas Birgelis, who is a member of Lithuanian Writers Union. Though he is an alumni of the Warsaw Agricultural University, but, as he himself states, he is inherently humanitarian and litterateur. He and his wife Nijolė are making sure that the Lithuanian word is spread widely and forcibly between their countrymen residing in Poland. When presenting his photography exhibition, S. Birgelis acknowledged that he is visiting Šilutė for the first time. As far as the author recalls, his entire life is related to photography. Having started his photography career with a „Smenos“ camera and insignificant objects or shadows, today he is organizing personal exhibitions both in Poland and Lithuania. A turning-point took place in 1990, when after completion of his studies, he commenced his work at the office of Polish Lithuanian‟s journal „Aušra“. Since then, for already a few decades, he is making pictures of the most important events of Polish Lithuanians, landscapes of Sūduva region, objects of architecture and sacral art for himself, his friends and the public. In 2003, in Vilnius, the first personal photography exhibition was arranged and since then 6-8 exhibitions are organized annually. More than one thousand pictures of S. Birgelis are published in books, coursebooks, and journals. Concerning his photography activities, S. Birgelis wrote that he is searching for ,,beauty in the colours of leaves, the flight of a bird, flaming sunrises and twilights, which is the beginning of everything, the metamorphosis of everything, which cover generations of people, Yotvingians and turns of history...". The author is fascinated in the play of colours in the pictures: „...I make pictures of light, shadows and shades. The contents of the picture usually remain in the second plan“. S. Birgelis is the author of three albums of photographs and nine collections of poems (two of them are contributed also by Lidija Šimkutė and Birutė Jonušaitė as well as Algis Uzdila). He has also translated a few poetry books from Lithuanian into Polish and a number of books of Polish poets from Polish into Lithuanian. The author‟s own poetry is translated into Polish, Belarusian, German and English. To start writing poems he was encouraged by the poet Marcelijus Martinaitis. During the course of the meeting, the author himself and young declaimers of „Puniukai“ were forcibly reading author‟s inspirer‟s poems. For the attendants both rays of the autumn sun and the programme delivered by guests were pleasantly warming.

The F. Bajoraitis Public Library librarians participated in the book fair – conference named „Western Lithuanian Literature: Šilutė in new and old books“, which took place in the central library of Bauska (Latvia). Director D. Uţpelkienė was reading the report „Ownership of books of modern Lithuania Minor authors“. Together with the director of the Bauska central library Baiba Tormane they were moderating works of the conference and were listening to other reports of the participants of the conference. During the course of the conference, Šilutė representatives made a presentation about the design and operation of the new F. Bajoraitis Public Library website http://silutesknygininkai.lt as well as exhibited and presented the exhibition of photography documentary „Šilutė in old and modern books“. A separate report also presented the sub-results of Šilutė representatives in the national project „For the advance of libraries“.

Books prepared and published by Šilutė citizens were during this Book fair – conference spread among Bauska Latvian Communities as well as Lithuanian Communities living in this town. The Latvian Prime Minister, which was participating in the conference, was awarded the book „Šilutė. Flooding and its people“, the Mayor of Bauska precinct was given a new publication „Roads of Šilutė cultural heritage“, and the Bauska library was presented with the exhibition of twelve most recent and related to Šilutė books „Šilutė in old and modern books“. Šilutė representative‟s event in Bauska was filmed and broadcasted by Latvian national television as well as it was described in detail in the Latvian press.

Šilutė Vydūnas gymnasium together with German Westerstede gymnasium are since 1998 participating together in the EU students exchange project, the purpose of which is to get to know different cultures, develop social-economical skills, encourage student‟s curiosity, openness to the world as well as representation of the gymnasium, the Municipality, the state, improvement of foreign languages and knowledge about culture, traditions, customs of the country, learning the principles of democracy. This year both Vydūnas students and German students were visiting each other.

Šilutė Vydūnas gymnasium, which is a member of the UNESCO ASPnet since 2003, takes part in the „Mondialogue“ project, the goal of which is to develop knowledge about the own country, customs, traditions, learn more about the country of the partner school, to promote tolerance of students in respect of the ones thinking differently, to encourage openness to the world, knowledge and joy of communication. When participating in this project, the partners of Vydūnas gymnasium were schools from Kazakhstan, Zimbabwe (Africa) and Finland. The Gymnasium also participated in the final concert of Mexico Days in Vilnius, which took place in the St. Catherine‟s Church as well as took part at the symposium in Barcelona (Spain).

Based on international projects, Šilutė School of Agriculture is currently in cooperation with educational institutions of Budapest (Hungary), Palermo (Italy), Riga (Latvia), Antwerp (Belgium), Olomouc (Czech Republic) and Schwerin (Germany) in such fields as training and dissemination of experience.

In respect of mobility exchange projects, Šilutė Tourism and Service Business School involves teachers and students of different specialties – apprenticeships both for Šilutė representatives abroad and for foreign partners in Šilutė are held. 11 projects were implemented in 2009 as follows: „Nursing in Sweden“, „European Cuisine 2“ (Finland, Germany, Norway, Latvia), „Constructions in Europe“ (Germany), „The German House“ (Germany). This school cooperates with professional schools or centres of professional training of the cities of Melbu (Norway), Ljungby (Sweden), Kotka (Finland), Liepaja (Latvia), Chemitz (Germany), Narva (Estonia), Agde (France), Momčilgrad (Bulgaria).

The Kintai Vydūnas Centre of Culture keeps in touch with the following emigrants from the region of Klaipeda living in Germany: Helmut and Ema Vaičiai, Traudel and Siggi Glioţeriai, Raigard Beutler, Marija Cirtaut, Brita Storost (teacher, Vydūnas brother‟s Jonas Storost granddaughter) as well as Jurginas Storost (philologist, Vydūnas brother‟s Jurgis grandson). These persons present the Centre with various data, which are valuable historically (photographs, tales, etc.).

Since 2003, The Kintai Vydūno Centre of Culture organizes an international enamel and music laboratory named „Pamarys signs“ and this year, during 23 July – 1 August, 10 professional and amateur artists as well as 5 jazz players from Lithuania and Georgia (artist Josif Zangaladzė) participated in it. Already 12 artists from Estonia, Latvia, Georgia, Russia and the United States of America have taken part in this international laboratory of Kintai.

Šilutė First Gymnasium and Buxtehude Gymnasium (Germany) are already for 20 years carrying out international projects of youth exchange. This year Šilutė and Buxtehude have celebrated the anniversary of their mutual cooperation. The Šilutė District Municipality Heads met a delegation from Buxtehude school and a solemn commemoration was held in the Šilutė Cultural and Entertainment Centre. An exhibition about bridges of friendship with the aforementioned school was organized.

The project named „Road in time and space“ took place in Šilutė First Gymnasium including students from Germany. In Buxtehude gymnasium the topic of the exchange programme was called „Ports“. In Germany they also visited the ports of Hamburg and Bremenhaven. Its art, theatre, music and geography groups were also discussing the themes of ports, ships and friendship.

Šilutė First Gymnasium shall in 2009-2011 participate in Comenius project together with Spanish, Italian, Dutch, Polish, Turkish and German schools.

Juknaičiai Primary School since 2005 cooperates with Bryvzemnieko Primary School (Latvia). Schools share their methodological experiences and cultural programs.

The Community of Usėnai Primary School is keeping in touch with the community of Clenze (Germany).

Šilutė Sports School alumni were active in an international sports contest in 2009: Evaldas Petrauskas has won the first prize in the European Junior Boxing Championship, which was held on 15 August – 25 August 2009 in Szczecin city (Poland) (in total 190 sportsmen from 16 countries participated), Edgaras Skurdelis and Deividas Girulis took accordingly V and IX prizes in World Junior Boxing Championship, which was held on 22 May – 31 May 2009 in Yerevan city (Armenia) (in total 250 sportsmen from 47 countries participated), Saulius Mickevičius won IX place in the European Youth Weightlifting Championship, which was held on 11 October – 18 October 2009 (in total 150 sportsmen from 15 countries participated). On 20-06-2009, there was an International Judo Tournament organized in Šilutė, in which sportsmen from the cities of Riga and Liepaja (Latvia) participated (a total of 150 participants).

Šilutė Sports School‟s alumni, under the supervision of Coach Kęstutis Šernius, have on 26 August 2009 participated in the international basketball tournament in Rakvere (Estonia). This is an event which has already been organized for its third year, which included teams from seven countries: Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia, Russia, Sweden, England and Finland. With all the points summed up, Šilutė sportsmen among 12 teams have won place VI. Each year, heads of the Municipality meet sportsmen which successfully represent Šilutė and thank them.

Public Institution Šilutė Tourism and Information Centre has on 29 May 2009 organized a conference „Business Development Opportunities in Lithuanian Regions and the European Union“. The goal of the conference was to acquaint the participants with the EU‟s Lisbon Strategy „For development and employment“, in order to develop entrepreneurship, promote innovations, inform regarding economical and labour market situation, opportunities and prospects in order to promote Šilutė District tourism business opportunities. Presentations were made by Šarūnas Birutis (member of the European Parliament), Lina Rimkutė (Head of the Division of Communications of the European Commission‟s Representation), Arnoldas Burkovskis (Vice Minister of Agriculture of the Republic of Lithuania), Nijolė Kliokienė (Director of State Tourism Department of the Republic of Lithuania), Ţilvinas Balsevičius (Head of Klaipėda and Tauragė Division of Lithuanian Business Support Agency), Andrėjus Vaičiulis (Manager of Šiauliai Bank Klaipėda District), Kastytis Gečas (Director of Lithuanian Innovation Centre), Andrius Šišilkinas (Manager of Šilutė Unemployment Office) as well as Šarūnas Lauţikas (Director of Šilutė District Municipality Administration).

On 29-06-2009, a seminar named "Nemunas River Delta - an internationally important area for migrant birds." was organized. The seminar in accordance with the United Nations Environment program as well as in accordance with Global Environment Foundation program named „Wings over Water“ was organized by the Institute of Ecology of Vilnius University, the Directory of Nemunas Delta Regional Park, PI Šilutė Tourism and Business Information Centre as well as the Municipality of Šilutė District. The event was attended by guests from the United Nations Environment program and Global Environment Foundation together with representatives of other international environmental protection organizations, also by the Heads of Šilutė District Municipality, Ministry of Environment, Nemunas Delta Regional Park and the Institute of Ecology of Vilnius University, representatives of communities of Šilutė District and Rusnė, which participate in the programs of environmental protection environment cognitive tourism. During the course of the event, the Bird Research Centre of the Institute of Ecology of Vilnius University was opened in Rusnė, also new publications about Nemunas Delta Regional Part were introduced. Participants were interested in the given representations and discussion regarding important natural territories in the Nemunas Delta Regional Park together with project carried out by the United Nations Environment as well as by the Global Environment Foundation named „Wings over Water“. During the trip to the important for the breeding water birds habitats of flooded meadows (Rupkalviai and Ţalgiriai ornithological reserves) as well as to Ventė Cape, the results of the project „Wings over Water“ in Nemunas Delta Regional Park were presented.

The Šilutė District Municipality is successfully exploiting the opportunities offered by the European Union. Over the last five years, from various funds and support programs of the EU, the Municipality has already carried out or is still carrying out investment projects for 50 million Litas. To reactivate the 500 year old waterway and to equip the pier of Šilutė, the Municipality has used over 13 million Litas, whereas when implementing water treatment projects, it has already performed works amounting to 27 million Litas. It is planned by the end of yeas 2013 to implement different projects for 50 million Litas, and in respect of this amount, a new stage of the EU Structural Funds mastering in order to carry out the following investment projects shall be started in the near future: repairs and adaptation for tourism of Hugas Šojus estate, amounting to 8 million Litas, arrangement of Minija village embankments for 6,6 million Litas, completion of reconstruction of Šilutė town Quarter of Workers for 6 million Litas, etc.

On the day of the 498 year anniversary (30-05-2009) commemoration of Šilutė town „Šilutės Town Day“, Šilutė pier was inaugurated. After its reconstruction, the pier fits 120 vessels, which via Šyša River may enter Nemunas River and Curonian Lagoon, and in this way go to Rusnė, Nida, Klaipėda, Tilţė, Jurbarkas and Kaunas. This project revitalized the 500 year old waterway, which was once to summon everybody to the famous market of Šilokarčema both from Samogitia and closer locations – Rusnė, Minija, Karklė, Nida, Karvaičiai.

Project „Equipment of water tourism (entertainment) infrastructure, piers and media measures as well as preparation of technical documentation for development in Curonian Lagoon and Nemunas Delta (Šilutė pier (port), Kintai, Pakalnė, Povilai and Minija piers) and installation of Šilutė pier (port)“, which is supported by the European Union structural funds, was commenced in July 2006. During the course of the project, the pier was reconstructed and Šyša River was cleaned, marked and adapted for water tourism, the parking lot fitting 50 cars and 4 busses was equipped, 2 informational terminals constructed, pier‟s website designed as well as road signs erected in town. In total 577 m of the old embankments were reconstructed and 137 new embankments were constructed, 402 m of floating pontoons were mounted, 12 units of ship service columns were equipped, 960 m of water-supply was laid, 480 m of rain collection installations mounted, 240 m of household wastewater networks constructed, around 10000 m² of pavements laid and over 4000 m² ballast covers were put. A boathouse with administrational and household premises was constructed during the course of the project as well as a new slipway was equipped and slipway equipment purchased. All these works have cost 13,3 million Litas, 10 percent of which was allocated from the budget of Municipality.

Since the middle of May, Šilutė residents and tourists are able to easily, without any bypasses via Klaipėda, within 1,5-2 hrs, access Nida from Ventė village and Rusnės town. Šilutė District Municipality is becoming more and more attractive to the lovers of water tourism, because in recent years the number of piers in the district has significantly increased: in Uostadvaris (Rusnė Island) two piers were constructed and Rusnė passenger pier was renovated, a yacht parlour was equipped in Minija village, Ventė, Šturmai and Povilai have also functioning piers. Projects for management of embankments for Minija village, the Lithuanian Veneto, and for cleaning of Šyša River watercourse and old-watercourse are already prepared, whereas a technical project for Kintai pier is under preparation. The Šilutė District Municipality is working hard to also renew the Canal of King Wilhelm, which is adapted for water tourism.

EUROPEAN EVENTS

Since 1998, Šilutė Vydūnas Gymnasium have been participatins in the international student project „European neighbours“. In 2009, under this project, in cooperation with Westerstede Gymnasium and F. L Jahn Gymnasium Kyritz (Germany) as well as with Liepaja 8 vidusskola and Mersrags Vidusskola (Latvia) students, Vydūnas Gymnasium students participated in the discussion on the topic „Clean Rivers – the Goal of Europe“ in the town of Mersrags (Latvia). By communication in different languages, mutual understanding was encouraged and European goals in the field of environmental protection were introduced. Local state institutions were contacted as well as suggestions how to improve the condition of waters, etc., were presented.

When carrying out project works, Vydūnas Gymnasium students are analyzing the objective of the European unification as well as its importance. Project works are presented by the students to both school community and different state and international exhibitions and contests. In 2009, students‟ educational community „Ferox“ participated in the state fair in Vilnius and in the international fair in the city of Bodø (Norway), where they succeeded to present their activities.

Since 2004, Šilutė Museum participates in the international event named „Light in the Night“, which is organized by the International Council of Museums (France) and the French Ministry of Culture – the event is dedicated for commemoration of the International Day of Museums. This year, this international event, supported by the Council of Europe, was joined by 2500 European Museums, including the Šilutė Museum, Kintai Vydūnas Centre of Culture, Sala Centre of Ethnoculture and Information as well as other institutions.

The Vydūnas Centre of Culture is already since 2008 collaborating with the Svetlagorsk Herman Brachert House-Museum in Kaliningrad District (Russia). In cooperation with colleagues from Russia, the following project was drafted: „One Coast. International Experience of Event Organization“, in which it was anticipated to continue acquaintanceship with museum by inviting Šilutė District Museum Personnel to represent their region and local historical-cultural heritage. This year, in May, Vydūnas representatives participated in the events of Svetlagorsk international Museum Night, represented Vydūnas ideas‟ linkages with Eastern culture and discussed the perspectives of further collaboration.

On 22-09-2009, Šilutė District Municipality Administration invited all the townsfolk to join the busy week‟s campaign „Car Free Day“. The invitation said that by not using vehicles one may give a sip of fresher air to Earth. In return for a little bit of fresher air, the Earth will embrace everything in its blissful arms of light and will remind that nature needs to be protected and conserved.

COMMEMORATION OF THE DAY OF EUROPE (5 MAY)

The Mayor of Šilutė District Municipality, Virgilijus Pozingis, together with the elder of Katyčiai Township, Juzefa Tamavičienė, have congratulated Justinas Pėteraitis with his birthday. On the 2nd of May This year, Justinas which was the first-born for Lithuania after its entrance in the European Union, turned 5-year-old.

He is a very vivacious boy, who loves browsing through books with pictures and listening to tales. Therefore, the Mayor gave him a fairy-tale book with glossary, and instead of flowers, he presented the boy five balloons and, of course, sweets. Justinas showed his toys to the guests, however was not too keen to talk with the Mayor in a “manly manner”. Conversation took place mainly with his parents about their and community concerns. The Head of the Municipality wished for the parents, Algirdas and Viktorija Pėteraičiai, to also give birth to a daughter, as Justinas has only an older brother named Lukas.

On this occasion, also a traditional meeting of Šilutė District Municipality townships, called „Let‟s nurture and enjoy the native culture“, was organized, which was dedicated for the commemoration of the Millennium of the name of Lithuania and five year anniversary of joining the European Union. The meeting was held on 05-06-2009 in the township of Gardamas at the mound of Šyliai (Brokoriai). During the event, the revelry took place near the mound together with collectives of art of Samogitian region Centre of Ethno-culture.

In 2009, Juknaičiai Youth Club (Chancellor Vytautas Barkauskas) is implementing a project „We can also create“. The project is dedicated for the Millennium of the mention of the name of Lithuania. This project also includes two events, which are meant for promotion of the idea of Europe. Commemorative cards, dedicated for commemoration of the five year anniversary of Lithuania joining the European Union, were prepared for the 5th of May and called „European Park in Juknaičiai“. Five years ago the Youth Club together with all is Juknaičiai residents and regional community representatives were planting trees in the park, for this reason it was planned to prepare postcards, which would provide every participant with the opportunity to recognize the tree they were actually planting. This year there was also planted a number of trees in the same park.

Although the Day of Europe was unanimously commemorated on 5 May, but Šilutė Fridrichas Bajoraitis Public Library commemorated this event on 25 September, on the eve when Šilutė District Municipality was awarded the Flag of Honour of the Council of Europe. The courtyard of the Public Library echoed due to the screech of the gathered children. The Library was visited by four delegations: Poland, represented by Ţibai Primary School Bronė Verbučianskienė 4 grade students, Latvia – representatives of Ţibai Primary School librarian Marytė Čepulienė club of librarians, Estonia – first year students of Šilutė Primary School with their teacher Dalia Savickienė and Lithuania – Ţibai Primary School teacher Regina Chockevičienė and her 3 grade students. Every “delegation” would have prepared homework and would try to introduce the country they represent as playful and interesting as possible. Each country‟s representatives tried their best to win prizes established by the representative office of the European Commission in Lithuania.

Communities of different collectives of Šilutė District Municipality commemorate The Day of Europe each year, and it is particularly popular in educational institutions. The Day of Europe in Saugai Jurgis Mikšas Primary School is commemorated by a quiz. Students are introduced to the democratic electoral model – each team is allocated an observer from another class, and each class would have had certain home task prepared, i.e. to present a certain country of the EU. In order to commemorate the Day of Europe, Juknaičiai Primary School has published an informational stand „Let‟s get to know the European Union“, in which history, geography and governance structure of the EU were exhibited.

On 23 September - 26 September, Šilutė Fridrichas Bajoraitis Public Library organized a photography exhibition in Šilutė District Municipality, named „Me, Šilutė and Europe: 2004- 2009“. The same exhibition was later exhibited in Fridrichas Bajoraitis Public Library.

PROPAGATION OF EUROPEAN IDEAS

On 06-07-2009, Juknaičiai Youth Club held a review of old newsreels on „How to better integrate into the European Union? How activities of Juknaičiai residents could be useful for Juknaičiai, the European Union and Lithuania?“

Juknaičiai community was taking part in the contest „It‟s good to live here“, established by a member of the European Parliament, A. Maldeikis. Consequentially, Juknaičiai won a trip to the Parliament of the European Union.

Šilutė District Public Organization „Youth Educational Centre“ is carrying out a national project of youth civil and national education named „Youth unites generations. Respect for the past, professionalism for the present and commitments for the future“. On 10-11-2009, there was an event of the third stage of the project held in Šilutė named „A festival of municipality craftsmen“, which involved 60 participants from 10 municipalities. During July – August, a 14 day youth camp of design was held in the Dvaras Academy of Rumšiškės museum. Young people from 11 municipalities of the country participated. Opportunities for the regional development of the project were anticipated, the main idea of which is a program for children „Let‟s be friends – let‟s grow together“. Its vision is to pursue so that a young person becomes an independent Lithuanian citizen and would be familiar with European and World matters.

Karolina Vaitkutė, the representative of the Youth Educational Centre, on 9 November – 13 November 2009 participated in the training organized by the Austrian National Youth Cooperation Agency. In total three participants from Lithuania left for Austria to the mentioned training.

In 2009, students of Šilutė First Gymnasium participated in the contest „Campaign of European Elections Publicity in the Regions: Organization of Artistic Installations and Theatrical Processions for Youth“, dedicated for interest shown by students in respect of the EU Parliament elections. A discussion-type game was organized, named „Energy and climate changes“. Šilutė students included the winners of this contest in Lithuania, where 3 students went to the Parliament of the European Union in Brussels.

European ideas are particularly promoted in educational institutions of the Municipality. Every year, students receive the „European Journals“, and the material included therein is used in the educational process - students and teachers participate in various essay and drawing competitions related to Dispersion of European Ideas. Schools hold Days of European Languages; they also participate in the activities of Educational European Parliament: regional, national and international sessions. Schools have also introduced lessons of civil basics, in which ideas of Europe are propagated as well as its importance for economical and political development of the state of Lithuania is explained.

On 23 April - 26 April, there was an international competition of young pianists called “The European Union of Music Competitions for Youth” organized in Kosice (Slovakia), which involved representatives from 15 countries. According to the conditions of this competition, different groups had five winner places. Participants from Lithuania included the representatives of Čiurlionis Art and Klaipėda J. Kučinskas Music Schools as well as young pianists Gabrielė Pauţuolytė and Skaistė Kašėtaitė from Šilutė Art School. The girls were scrupulously prepared by their teacher Liudmila Kašėtienė. In the contest Skaistė won the second place, while Gabrielė was the fifth.

In Klaipėda, on 1-2 October 2009, there was an annual conference held of the European Union Information Network in Lithuania. The main conference themes included information on how to communicate during the period of financial difficulties and how to better use Internet for information of people concerning European Union. Dalia Uţpelkienė, the Director of the F. Bajoraitis Public Library, and Laima Dumšienė, the Head of Information Department, were also participating in this conference. The aim of the conference was to discuss the challenges and opportunities of communication during the period of economical difficulties as well as measures to improve cooperation between state institutions and organizations in order to inform the citizens concerning the issues of the European Union. The second part of the conference was dedicated in order to get familiarized with innovative Web 2.0 measures (on-line social networks, blogs, etc.) and effective integration of the aforementioned in daily practice of the EU information networks.

During the conference, a considerable amount of attention was paid to the activities of the EU informational networks in Lithuania – the European Commission‟s initiatives to improve the functioning of the networks as well as their cooperation were introduced. Representatives of the EU networks discussed the challenges faced during the course of their work. Participants of the event were involved in discussions, working groups, shared their experience, discussed joint challenges faced when disseminating information about the EU.

On 7-9 October 2009, there was an award ceremony and exhibition honoring the winners of the international project „European Destinations of Excellence, Tourism and protected areas“, held in Brussels during the forum of the European Day of Tourism and European Tourism. Šilutė District Mayor, Virgilijus Pozingis, Director of the Šilutė District Municipality Administration, Šarūnas Lauţikas, Director of the Šilutė Tourism and Business Information Centre, Jūratė Skabeikienė, representatives of the Lithuanian State Department of Tourism under the Ministry of Economy as well as a representative of EDEN (European Destinations of Excellence) winners of 2008 were invited to participate in these events.

„European Destinations of Excellence“, is a project that represents and promotes models of development of sustainable tourism in European Union. The goal of the project is to draw attention to values, diversity, characteristics and communities of European destinations. The project creates presumptions to promote these areas in the country and throughout Europe as well as encourages exchanging the achievements and lessons learned. EDEN project is being carried out in Lithuania already for the second year.

A project about the Nemunas Delta regional park, which stands out for its harmony of nature, culture and sustainable tourism, and which was presented by the Šilutė representatives, was acknowledged as the best in Lithuania, therefore the project‟s creators were invited to visit Brussels. On 7 October, a working meeting of EDEN areas representatives was held, at the end of which the Brussels Declaration in respect of 22 new EDEN areas was signed.

On 8 October, on the occasion of European Day of Tourism, a conference „The role of Cooperation in development of sustainable European tourism“ took place, which was attended by over 400 participants from different countries, and which also included the official opening of EDEN exhibition. In the exhibition Šilutė representatives presented the Nemunas Delta Regional Park as an explicit European destination. In the evening, a solemn winners awarding ceremony took place. This year 22 representatives of European countries were awarded. Before the awards were presented, there was a movie shown, developed by the European Commission, which introduced the winners of all countries. Šilutė delegation was awarded by Pedro Ortun, the Tourism Director of European Commission Enterprise and Industry General Directorate.

On 9 October, the European Tourism held a forum of 2009 on „The Downturn of European Union Tourism and Economy: New Opportunities for Sustainable and Wealthy Future“, as well as the second day of the EDEN exhibition. The Šilutė delegation in the exhibition were visited and congratulated by a number of guests of honour from European Commission: European Commission Vice President, Gunter Verheugen, Head of Department of Tourism of the EC Enterprise and Industry General Directorate, Francesco Ianniello, as well as other officials of the EC. Member of the European Parliament, Zigmantas Balčytis, also arrived to express his congratulations.

The EC representatives have plans to order around 20 journalists to write over 50 articles about most attractive European destinations of excellence. Already during the course of the exhibition a journal named “The Parliament magazine“ was started to be distributed with all most attractive European destinations of excellence 2009, including Nemunas Delta Regional Park. The printrun of the journal is 4000 copies, and it is electronically distributed to about 12000 addressees. The main target audience of this publication is the following: The European Parliament, the EU Council of Ministers, the European Commission, European Economic and Social Committee, Committee of the Regions, the European Court of Justice, European Investment Bank.

On 19-09-2009, already for the eleventh time, all admirers of German culture gathered together in Šilutė on the occasion of the Lithuanian German Communities Festival of Music, organized by „Heide“, the association of originating from Germany citizens of Šilutė District.

On 23-28 June, The Šilutė Evangelical-Lutheran parish held a seminar of brass instruments, organized by the Lithuanian Commonwealth of Evangelical Church Music. The seminar was also attended by Guests from Germany (Beverstedt), which played during the course of the church service and after, held a concert. The German orchestral players performed at the building of the Šilutė District Municipality as well.

SOLIDARITY OF THE EUROPEANS

Šilutė community maintains close relationships with the Swedish organization Support for Lithuania „Faith, Hope, and Love“. This year the mentioned charity organization has granted various support for the communities of Ţemaičių Naumiestis, Vainutas ward: a folk music group „Lolytė“ was funded (8000 Lt) to go to Swedish town Ahus, and in August, we had guests from Sweden, the ensemble „Glad ton“.

On July 2nd, 2009, a bus started its trip from the municipality building with six children from three social risk families, whom Šilutė – Emerich community presented a 10 days summer camp in „Ţilvitis“, located on the seaside in Karklė village.

This community managed by Danutė Misiukonienė, has been supporting families of a social group for many years. This year, a permanent patron and friend Mr. A. Bartman (Germany) presented 1000 Euros for social risk children to go to the seaside. These children under a friendly care of a community „Moterų seklyčia“, the representatives of which accompanied children during the trip, attend a centre of the Day services. Its director and social employee took care of buying hygienic and swimming kit, and other articles necessary for the summer camp, and employees of the Protection of Children Rights Service intermediated in getting vouchers and transport. Children left in a good mood, because hardly anyone of them had seen the sea, and had never been in a summer camp.

Deputy Director of the National Transplantation Bureau, Audronė Būziuvienė and a Doctor, Chief Coordinator, Jekaterina Romanovienė, participated in a conference „Take my love and save me“, held on 18th of March, 2009, organized by a Šilutė Soroptima club. Soroptima clubs in Lithuania as well as in the whole world, unite women who pursue for high ethic standards, better situation for women, equality, progress, and the peace. The Bureau have been communicating with Šilutė Soroptima club since 2006. Šilutė Soroptima members have been paying much attention to spreading the idea of organ donation and transplantation for the third year, implementing the project „Take my love and save me“. The implementation of this project is sponsored by European Federation of Soroptimist Clubs. A member of Šilutė Soroptima club, and a Head of this project, Albina Radavičienė, invited club members as well as doctors, nurses, and other specialists of primary health care centers of Šilutė district, family critiques, dispensaries and hospitals to the first conference held in 2009. The report, the topic of which was „Organ donation and Transplantation in Lithuania“, was presented by the Chief Coordinator of the Bureau, J. Romanovienė, and A. Būziuvienė made a presentation on the tasks and activities of the Bureau. An entire hour the Deputy Director of the Bureau and the Doctor, Chief Coordinator, J. Romanovienė answered to the questions of the audience of Šilutė cable television in a direct informational telecast about organ donation and transplantation. Also, a President of Šilutė Soroptima club, Monika Plėvytė- Thomsen, took part in this broadcast. Šilutė habitants participated actively in the direct telecast presenting various questions: about transparency of distribution of donor organs, about organ donation and transplantation in Europe, kinds of transplantation and number of transplantations made in Lithuania and the whole world, if the relatives of a donor are paid for the organs donated, how and where an application may be completed to get a donor card, etc. The participants of the conference and the telecast expressed one main idea: there are no limits for kindness and the most important thing is that our relatives know about our decision to make good things, to donate our organs for other people saving their lives after we die.

This year, Šilutė Rotary club celebrated the fifteenth anniversary of their activity. For the financial means of the club assigned for group exchange of young specialists, 10 youngsters of Šilutė got an opportunity to have training in Denmark, Germany, USA, etc. Šilutė Rotary club have made contacts with the Rotary club of Koshigaya town, Saitama province, Japan. A nice tradition of the club, a program of long-term youth interchange, is continued. A third – form pupil, Kornelija Čepytė, of the first gymnasium of Šilutė, went to the Orient country. It was obviously the first star of the Lithuanian Rotary youth interchange program who went to Japan. Therefore, a huge responsibility was assumed by the club, together with Kornelija. The costs of Kornelija„s stay in Japan were covered by Rotary club of that country. According to this program, about 30 pupils of Šilutė have already studied abroad. Since 2008, members of Šilutė Rotary club have been participating actively as supporters in the state program of fighting the tuberculosis. Lithuanian Rotarians intend to assign almost two million Litas for this purpose.

Every year, Šilutė business women organize Christmas charity for the deprived members of the community and large families.

On 8 April, 2009, an exhibition „Annihilation by famine: unknown genocide of the Ukrainians in 1932–1933“ was opened in Šilutė by an international charity fund „Ukraine 3000“. Leonid Tregub, a founder of the Ukrainian„s community in Klaipėda, and Leonid Tsybulsky, a Lvov correspondent of tele-radio company Lux in Lithuania, took part in the opening of the exhibition. The exhibition was based on archive documents, photos and witnesses of the contemporaries that revealed the details of a cruel crime made during the Second World War in Ukraine. The material used in the exhibition was taken from the funds of the Central State archive, Cinema-photo-phone document archive, named after of G.S. Pshenichny, Ukraine Culture Centre – Ivan Gonchar museum and archive of the State Security Service of Ukraine. The employees of the latter archive selected the documents for the exhibition that had not ever been disclosed; they revealed the essence of Stalin terror and emphasized separate details of the genocide. First time, the exhibition was organized in March, 2007 at the Chamber of European Parliament in Brussels, later it was shown in Ukraine, Berlin, Geneva, Washington, and Vilnius.

It„s been 17 years already since the community of Šilutė and the town of Sweden have been communicating and cooperating. Members of the community run cultural and other project-based activity and charity. The community of Ljungby town works much on social support. Members of this community have been financing summer holiday in Kintai „Vėtrungė“ summer camp for socially supported and the disabled children of Šilutė for several years. A Mayor of Šilutė district accepted a delegation of pupils from Ljungby on 23 April, 2009, who visited Saugai children's home together with a Head of Šilutė community and a member of the municipality board, Alvidas Šimelionis.

The department of Lithuanian Red Cross Society organized money collection for the injured during the earthquake in Italy in 2009, at the beginning of April. Šilutė district community also participated in this action in May.

OTHER INITIATIVES

Implementing the project by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania „Development of Rural Internet Access Points network“ financed by the EU Structural funds, PHARE, and State budget, Šilutė Fridrichas Bajoraitis public library already participated in the third phase of the Internet Access Points Network in August, 2008. In 7 branches of the Šilutė public library, Degučiai, Grabupiai, Laučiai, Kintai, Šyliai, Pagryniai, and Traksėdţiai, there were rural internet access points (RIAP) established. New portable computers were presented to the employees of these branches in 2009, financed by the project “For Library Advancement”. The portal of the project www.vipt.lt is dedicated to the RIAP network and presents necessary information to rural inhabitants.

The Šilutė Fridrichas Bajoraitis public library is a participant of the project of the European Union Structural funds.

In October, 2009, Martynas Maţvydas National Library of Lithuania invited the Fridrichas Bajoraitis public library, to become the participant of the project “Development of Interactive Electronic Services to Order Publications and to Obtain in Public Libraries” of the implement “Electronic Authority Services”, 3rd priority of the Economic Development Action Program “Informational Society for All" funded by the EU. The seacoast librarians were chosen as reliable, active and organized partners who have a huge experience in project management and implementation. Participation of the librarians in the project shall open a new opportunity for the seacoast community to use electronic services and to use self-service technologies in a process of book issue and return. Furthermore, after implementation of these projects, any inhabitant of Šilutė town will be able to be registered to the user list of F. Bajoraitis public library by Internet for a set price, and to obtain an electronic user‟s certificate that would be unified for the entire network of Lithuanian public libraries. During the project, F. Bajoraitis library shall get the software and other equipment the preliminary value of which shall amount to 160 thousand Litas. The contribution of the Municipality shall amount up to 1 per cent of the entire project value.

Celebrating the Millennium of the Lithuanian name, on the 5th of July, at 9 PM Lithuanian time, Lithuanians of the whole world were invited to sing the Lithuanian anthem. That day, people gathered there in wards, to the places where the anthem was sang.

On 14 May, members of our community, Simas Knapkis, Kęstutis Laukevičius and Egidijus Latėnas, left Rusnė for Vilnius where they participated in the Millenium Odyssey "From Vilnius to Rusnė". The men transported the boats (Kurenkahns) to Vilnius by a trailer, and on 16 May, they sailed from Valakampiai to the White Bridge where the start was given for the regatta to sail to Rusnė. About one thousand of boats and around 5000 participants sailed there in the regatta. The regatta was dedicated to mark the Millenium of the name of Lithuania.

The Kintai inhabitant and the yachtsman, Andrius Varnas, together with his daughter Rasa and her friend Egoi (Basque) who started the journey around the world from Kintai by the yacht „Ragainė II“, are continuing their journey at the moment. In November, the member of the community of Šilutė District Municipality already reached Singapore. Since the start (27 July, 2008), he has already visited the Canary Islands, Africa, the Caribbean Sea, Trinidad, Panama, Galapagos, Polynesia, the Phi Phi Islands, Eastern coast of Australia, and Indonesia.

The delegation of music ensembles (over 540 participants) of the Šilutė District Municipality participated in the Song Festival “Amţių sutartinė” (Glee of Centuries) in Vilnius. In total, there were more than 40 thousand participants from Lithuania and foreign countries in the Song Festival. After thy returned from the Festival, all leaders of the ensembles, and service personnel were awarded memory medals of the Song Festival, thanks letters of the Mayor of the Municipality, and flowers.

Romualdas Eglinskas