7.5 Lithuanian Mother’s Day 7.6 Goodbye School 7.7 Cultural Visits About Boston Lithuanian Community Group 8.1 Committee Members 8.2 Volunteers 8.3 Sponsors 8.4 Future Objectives

from Boston Lithuanian Community Group - Annual Report 2020

A brief history

Boston Lithuanian Community Group devise and deliver an all-year-round, eclectic, open-access programme of artistic, cultural, educational and community development events in Boston and surrounding area. Informed by regular consultation with its community, the Group manages and delivers the following activities and events.

6.1 Supplementary School

https://www.facebook.com/lietuviumokykla.bostoneanglijoje

Boston Lithuanian Supplementary School plays a central role in realising the aspirations of all that the Group set out to achieve. The School should be applauded for providing high quality language and culture, arts, dance, music and drama, ICT and ESOL learning and teaching in a supportive, caring and safe environment.

Boston Lithuanian Supplementary School is driven by the following aims and values:

Aims

➢ Learning leading to enjoyment, success and achievement for all

➢ A safe, healthy, orderly, sustainable and cohesive school community

➢ Effective engagement with our learners, parents, local communities and partners

➢ A positive, proactive approach to innovation and continuous improvement for all.

➢ These aims are under-pinned by the following values.

Values

➢ The uniqueness of each individual

➢ Respect for self, others, school expectations, property and the environment

➢ Self-discipline

➢ Respect for religious and cultural diversity (being different, belonging together)

➢ Equality of opportunity

➢ Loyalty, trust and honesty

➢ Commitment, hard work, high aspiration and achievement

➢ Recognition and celebration of success

6.2 Lithuanian awareness sessions for adults

https://www.facebook.com/Lithuanianlanguagelessons

Awareness sessions for all communities is another example of the commitment the Group has towards ensuring as many individuals, groups and organisations gain a better understanding and knowledge of Lithuanian culture and traditions. Social workers, the Longhurst Group, NHS staff, Citizen Advice, Boston More in Common group, private sector employers and Local Authority officers are some who have benefitted from participating in the enlightening sessions.

The Group also participates in a range of local, regional and national seminars, workshops and training initiatives. The Group enjoys a professional relationship with the University of Lincoln which saw Group members collaborating on a cultural project with former colleagues from Vytautas Magnus University, Lithuania.

Supplementary school teachers also participate in various teacher training courses and seminars organised by the Lithuanian Embassy in London. This reaching out to potential new partners and stakeholders is a major tenet of the Group as it seeks mutually-beneficial future collaborations.

6.3 English as a second language - ESOL/Boston English Academy

https://www.facebook.com/BostonEnglishAcademyUk

The aim of the ESOL courses for adults and children is to ensure people have the opportunity to integrate easier into local Boston life. Over the past 12 years hundreds of people have gained the essential skills and confidence to become an active citizen, thus breaking down social barriers. The Academy plays an important role in the Borough’s social, cultural and economic regeneration. The language and culture sessions ensure a much needed communications bridge is available for all nationalities committed to learning English.

6.4 DO RE MI Music Studio

https://www.facebook.com/muzika.muzika.94

Like every other club, event or activity connected to Boston Lithuanian Community Group, the Do Re Mi Music Studio is inextricably linked to the overarching vision of the Group to provide advice, support and educational opportunity for all who seek it out. That support begins at an early age at Do Re Mi with children as young as three benefitting from music teacher Danguole Bugviliene’s (MA in Music Education and Choir Directing) 22 years of experience.

An impressive range of private and group classes are offered with particular interest in solo and choir singing, along with learning to play piano and the Kankles (a Lithuanian folk instrument).

As Musical Director, Danguole was responsible for devising and delivering one element of the 800th anniversary celebrations of the sealing of Magna Carta in 2015. She is also responsible for ensuring her students participate in the annual Mother’s Day, Easter and Christmas events, along with other Group concerts and celebrations.

6.5 Boston Art and Culture Club

https://www.facebook.com/Boston-Arts-and-Crafts-FUN-272029216752889

Children are offered a range of crafts and creative activities from painting, papier mâché and drawing, to just about anything their imagination can come up with. The Club, like so many of the Group’s clubs and events has evolved from earlier versions. In this case that of the ‘Traditional Art Club’ led by Snieguole Milkunaite and Salomeja Milkuniene, and the ‘Art Club, Crazy Colours’ group led by Agne Smilgiuviene.

The Art Studio is where you can find teacher Renata showing the children and young people a variety of ways how to make various crafts using creative techniques. Renata believes in the power of the imagination ensuring creativity is nurtured.

Art Club is open to children of all ages and meets weekly.

6.6 Dance Studio KAST

https://www.facebook.com/DanceClubKast

The dance group has come on leaps and bounds over the past few years. Building on the solid foundation created by Jurgita Ziaunyte and the ‘YouDance’ group’, Team Leader Mantas has taken the young dancers into a whole new realm that explores street dance, modern dance and breakdancing.

The Group have had an impressive 18 months having won the Regional Finals at Peterborough. Meeting on a regular weekly basis, the Dance Studio caters for young people up to the age of 18 ensuring there’s a dance team for everyone to get involved with. Not to be outshined by the Music Studio, dance teams perform at Mother’s Day, Easter, Christmas and other events in Boston.

6.7 Egle Maths Club for Children & Young People

https://www.facebook.com/egle.maths

“Maths is fun!” That’s what Maths Club teacher Egle says during every class, and she should know having qualified as a teacher, and as former maths professor’s assistant at the leading Lithuanian University, Kaunas Technology University. And that’s what her students come to believe after spending time with her and the other students. Many a struggling student reluctantly joined the group, but within an hour they realised that they needn’t be afraid of maths. Egle’s fun, motivational approach to learning has successfully helped hundreds of young people over the years to prepare for their exams whether on a one to one basis, or in a group.

An all year round programme of traditional events ensures Boston’s residents are provided the opportunity of participating in a range of artistic and cultural celebrations.

7.1 Traditional Christmas

Boston Lithuanian Community Group actively devise and deliver a range of events throughout the year, but none is as popular as the annual Christmas festivities. The Group organized its first Christmas Celebration in 2012. Over 500 people attended the 2012 event at Boston’s Gliderdome with people travelling from the four corners of Lincolnshire, some from even further afield. The 2012 event was a breakthrough moment in bringing communities closer together not just for the holidays but throughout the year, highlighting what can be achieved when everyone pulls together. Since 2012 it has become an annual tradition to organize a programme of Christmas events.

The Group welcome over 500 guests to watch a play prepared by children from the community. Children attending the Supplementary School, dance and music clubs are invited to perform. The Christmas event is open to everyone to join and welcomes previous guests, local community groups, the Mayor of Boston, Lincolnshire County Council, the Lithuanian Ambassador for the UK, and of course Santa also pays a visit with plenty of gifts!

Professional actors and musicians are invited to perform and the Christmas event concludes with a fun disco for both parents and children.

The event has attracted considerable attention from the media and was broadcast on the BBC and the largest Lithuanian TV networks.

7.2 Lithuanian Independence Day

It is important for the Lithuanian community to remember its history and teach their young members to embrace their roots. On Lithuanian Independence Day, the community remember and celebrate their freedom fighters who helped Lithuania to become an independent country in 1990.

7.3 Pancake Day / Shrovetide Tuesday

This is a Lithuanian festival that takes place during the seventh week before Easter and corresponds with Mardi Gras, Shrove Tuesday and Carnival, marking the end of winter.

The Group organise a pancake contest with members invited to dress up in traditional masks and participate in the celebration by playing games and singing songs. A major element of the holiday symbolizes the defeat of winter by way of a staged battle between Lašininis ("Porky") personifying winter, and Kanapinis ("hempen man") personifying spring. The event culminates in gathering around a big fire and the burning of “More”, a creature representing winter to mark the start of spring.

7.4 Easter

Lithuanian Easter traditions start with Palm Sunday and Holy Week and ends with a lot of customs and games that are eggs related! Did you know that Lithuanians eat actual hard-boiled eggs and not chocolate eggs during Easter? Easter is a very well-known and celebrated holiday all over the world. For Lithuanians Christians and Easter (Velykos) are the most sacred of holidays. Usually, Lithuanians spend Holy Saturday painting Easter eggs (margučiai) and preparing for the Easter Sunday feast. Traditional Lithuanian Easter eggs are dyed naturally, using tree bark, leaves, fruits, or vegetables. Other method includes covering and tying eggs with plants, tiny leaves or grass, creating a pattern, and then boiling them in the pot full of brown onion skin. This type of dyeing gives a rich brown burgundy colour, with a nice leaf pattern visible. The Group plans an annual traditional Lithuanian Easter event where children and young people are invited to participate in an egg hunt, along with an annual Easter drawing competition with prizes and awards!

7.5 Lithuanian Mother’s Day

Lithuanian Mother´s Day takes place every first Sunday of May. To celebrate wonderful mothers, the community hosts an annual concert where all children are invited to participate and perform what they have learned during the year. It is a tradition for mothers to receive flowers and other craft gifts from their children.

7.6 Goodbye School!

The community plans an annual event to mark the end of the academic year and the beginning of the summer holidays. Children and adults from the Group’s clubs are awarded certificates for their completed courses. Entertainers are invited, games planned and decorations prepared. Community members and volunteers are invited to participate in the Group’s visits to adventure parks, heritage sites and other local attractions. The event is full of laughter and joy with both parents and children proud of their achievements!

7.7 Cultural Visits

Boston Lithuanian Community Group is committed to social cohesion and integration. They understand the importance of speaking English and familiarizing Group members with the UK’s rich cultural heritage. This sees Group members offered opportunities to visit cultural events and venues across the region. Over the past five years hundreds of members have visited a diverse range of heritage sites and arts events.

Below is an example of some of where members have visited:

Sandringham Estate, Museum of Lincolnshire Life, Lincoln Cathedral, Warwick Castle, Lincoln Performing Arts Centre, Festival800, Lincoln Castle.

8. About Boston Lithuanian Community Group

8.1 Committee Members

Boston Lithuanian Community Group has an active core volunteer workforce of approximately 30 and access to over 500 volunteers for specific events and activities.

Supporting this workforce is a team of volunteer Committee officers – Chair Jurate Matulioniene, Deputy Chair Vilma Ropeikiene, Secretary Jurgita Ziaunyte, Treasurer Dale Kilkute and Committee Member Laima Urbonaviciene. Committee members are investing time and money into the establishment of a medium to long term training and development plan that includes a strategy for the recruitment, support and training of existing Committee officers and all subsequent officers.

Over the past five years volunteers have received training in Health and Safety, Equality and Diversity and Safeguarding. They have also completed a Volunteer Card course at Lincolnshire Community Volunteer Services (LCVS). The aim of the course is to support volunteers who wish to learn new skills that will benefit their personal development and also enable their voluntary and community group to develop.

Volunteers are cherished and respected. The growth of the Group is due to a balance of excellent leadership, trust and goodwill. This has come into sharp relief during 2020 with volunteers having managed so well with COVID-19. Volunteers have received specialist COVID-19 training which has seen the establishment of an advice and support programme for some of Boston’s most vulnerable citizens. A daily multi-lingual telephone support system for vulnerable individuals is but one example of the ingenuity and resolve shown by the Group during such challenging times.

Jurate Matulioniene Chairperson of BLC group, Managing Director of the Boston English Academy and Boston Lithuanian Supplementary School

Jurate is Managing Director of Boston Lithuanian Supplementary School which she established over 10 years ago. Jurate is responsible for the overall running of the community group, coordinating projects and events, networking with local community groups, Boston Borough Council, Lithuanian Embassy and the private and public sectors. She is also responsible for volunteering groups who develop inclusive activities to promote the school as a positive, fun and professional environment, and a leading force of the community. Through time and dedication she has significantly contributed towards the growth and success of this community group.

Achievements

Boston English Academy, ESOL, Director/Teacher Vytautas Magnus University Online, Lecturer 1994-2010 Master’s Degree in English and Philology Vilnius University, Qualified Teacher Status GTC in UK, TEFL Cambridge, PTTLS L4 Boston College, Leadership L2 Boston College Over 20 years of teaching experience, 10 years of managing and leadership experience LCVS Volunteer Card Training, First Aid training, Safeguarding Course, DBS

Vilma Ropeikiene Deputy Chair of BLC group, Coordinator of Boston Lithuanian Supplementary School, Primary Education Teacher

Vilma has been a devoted community member since 2011, she is currently responsible for coordinating primary school education and delivering tailored sessions at Boston Lithuanian Supplementary School. For over 10 years she has helped over 400 children to develop their language and cultural skills. She has contributed greatly towards the initial establishment of the school and its curriculum. Vilma has the leading role in children and parents’ engagement into school events.

Achievements

Over 15 years of teaching leadership and 10 years of coordinating primary education experience Master’s degree in Primary School Education and Ethics, Siauliai University Children and Young People Teaching Assistant Level 2, Boston College LCVS Volunteer Card Training, First Aid training, Safeguarding Course, DBS

Laima Urbonaviciene Committee Member

Laima has been a highly dedicated and supportive Committee Member of BLC. She has helped to organize most of the group’s Christmas and Easter events as well as the children competitions. She is a proud sponsor of the group and valuable member of our community.

Achievements

BA degree in Designing and Modelling, Vilnius University Owner of the Baltic Food Park Grocery Shop, Boston Founder and Designer of ‘Touch of Luxury’ (Handmade Jewellery Boutique) LCVS Volunteer Card Training, DBS

Achievements

Master's degree in Physics and Natural Sciences, Vilnius University Bachelor’s degree in Applied Physics, Vilnius University Current Operations Manager at Mercury Personnel Solutions Ltd LCVS Volunteer Card Training, First Aid training, DBS

Achievements:

Tourism and Commerce School in Vilnius, Lithuania CYOP5 awarded by CACHE Lincoln LCVS Volunteer Card Training, First Aid training, DBS

Jurgita Ziaunyte Committee Member

Jurgita is currently the Secretary of the BLC group and takes part in a lot of the group’s events, community projects and AGM meetings. Previously, she was the leader of the YouDance group and contributed towards many children’s performances and events.

Dale Kilkute Committee Member

Dale is currently the Treasurer of BLC group. Dale takes part in AGM meetings and supports the group by contributing towards the group’s events and projects. She has been supporting the most vulnerable community members, the elderly and isolated people by planning visits, advice sessions and bringing people together.

8.2 Volunteers and Professional Workforce

‘Ką darai – daryk gerai’ is a Lithuanian proverb meaning ‘Whatever you do, do it well’ and it is clear from the vast amount of successful events and activities the Group produces throughout the year that its volunteers are whole-heartedly signed up to the proverb. Highlighted below is information on some of their valued volunteers.

Danguole Bugviliene

Danguole is the leader and teacher of DO RE MI Music Studio. She is a very active member of the BLC group and has contributed greatly towards the implementation and leadership of various concerts and events. Due to Danguole’s dedication many students have had the opportunity to excel in their musical and artistic skills. Danguole has encouraged many young people to take part in the group’s performances and competitions.

Egle Sarocinaite

Egle is our group’s Maths tutor. She runs after school Maths Club for children. She provides professional tuition for the children helping to improve their Maths skills and provides support to the elderly through consultations and bringing people together. Also, Egle takes part in our group’s projects.

Mantas Grauzinis

Mantas is currently the leader of the award-winning Dance Studio In Boston KAST. He is responsible for planning various local dance competitions and events. He is a very active member of the BLC group and has contributed greatly towards the implementation and leadership of various dance performances, projects and group events.

Achievements

Bachelor’s degree of Music Pedagogy, Siauliai University Bachelor’s degree of Choir Director, Panevezys Academy Safeguarding Course, First Aid Training, DBS

Achievements

Master’s Degree of Finances and Mathematics at Vilnius University Bachelor’s Programme of Mathematics at Open University Safeguarding Course, DBS

Achievements

Safeguarding Course, First Aid training, DBS

Renata Vaskiene

Renata joined Boston Lithuanian Supplementary School in 2016. She is currently responsible for the coordination of secondary education and Boston Art and Culture Club. She contributes towards the planning of school events and decoration. Renata has played the leading role in teaching children who have limited Lithuanian language skills and is one of the most creative members of the group.

Egle Matulionyte

Egle has been an active volunteer since 2011 and contributed towards the development and implementation of numerous events. She is currently responsible for BLC marketing campaigns and the establishment of the website. She is an avid campaigner for inclusion and provides legal advice to community members.

Daiva Razguniene

Daiva has contributed to both the groups’ and other local projects. She has continuously impressed our group with her beautifully decorated cakes and high quality catering at our events. Daiva Razguniene is one of the main sponsors of BLC's Christmas and Easter events and a valuable member of the community.

Snieguole Milkunaite

Snieguole is an active volunteer and always contributes towards the organisation of traditional events and fundraising campaigns with passion and commitment. She was previously responsible for the traditional Arts Club and contributed to the group’s events with beautiful decorations.

Achievements

Bachelor’s degree in Pedagogy, Vytautas Magnus University Bachelor’s degree in Pedagogy, Siauliai University Skegness College of Vocational Training (Level 2) Teaching Assistant NVQ Safeguarding Course, First Aid Training, DBS

Achievements

First Class Honours Law LLB at Westminster University Masters of European and International Law at Maastricht University

Achievements

Founder and Managing Director of Diva’s Cakes Level 3 NVQ/SVQ in management, Grantham College Marketing Management, Kaunas College

Achievements

International Finance, Klaipeda Business College Children Arts Education, Klaipeda Art School Safeguarding Course, DBS

Egidijus Saulius

Egidijus has been continuously supporting the community during the Lithuanian Embassy Consulate missions, events and assisted the community by providing transportation for our members. He is a valuable and much respected volunteer in our community.

The Boston Lithuanian Community Group Committee is indebted to all its volunteers. It appreciates that 2020 has placed considerable pressure on its volunteers and wishes to extend its gratitude to the hundreds of volunteers who have ensured the Group’s events and activities remained as vital in 2020 as they have in past years. In such an unprecedented time it is testament to the volunteers that they were, and are fully committed to ensuring ‘whatever they did, they did it well’! Thank you!

Achievements

Creative English Course, Faith Action Entry 3 ESOL Course, Boston English Academy

Brigita Sidlauskiene

Brigita contributes greatly towards the organization of community events. She is particularly helpful by assisting fundraising events, promoting the community and organising hospitality. She has been supporting our most vulnerable community members, elderly and isolated people by giving advice and providing information.

Achievements

Trade and Business School in Vilnius, Law Studies, Romeris University MB ”BREGway”, Director, Owner of an international business

Maryte Kubekaite

Maryte assists in many of the Group’s events. She has been helpful at fundraising and the Kindness Campaign. She has been helping the elderly and isolated people by giving advice and providing information. Maryte is a valuable volunteer of our community.

Achievements

Owner of a small business Professional Hairdresser Entry 3 ESOL Course, Boston English Academy

Daiva Leimontaite

Daiva is our community photographer who captures a lot of beautiful moments of our groups’ events. She has also contributed towards fundraising and the Kindness Campaign supporting as many vulnerable and isolated people in the local area as she can.

Achievements

BTEX Extended Diploma in Art and Design-Photography, Boston College Social Carer at Town and Country Care, Freelance Photographer

8.3 Sponsors

Many of the events highlighted in this report including the Christmas and Easter festivities and that of the Magna Carta would not have been possible without the generosity of the following sponsors. Boston Lithuanian Community Group would like to acknowledge and thank them for their significant support and commitment in making a real difference to the quality of life of so many Boston residents.

Laima Urbonaviciene and Robertas Urbonavicius, Directors of Baltic Food Park Grocery. Daiva Razguniene, Director of Diva's Cakes.

8.4 Future Objectives

Boston Lithuanian Community Group will celebrate its tenth anniversary in 2021. The new year, more so than ever before offers uncertainty and continued personal and professional challenge. A major item on the Group Committee’s December 2020 meeting and AGM was a visioning exercise exploring the establishment of a three to five year consolidation and development strategy. A strategy that identified the existing successful, well-loved annual programme, whilst identifying future collaboration and development opportunities. From modest beginnings almost a decade ago to the establishment of a vibrant, grassroots, community-led programme, the Boston Lithuanian Community Group has a clear vision of how it can realise its aims and objectives over the next decade. It extends its arms out to new partners, stakeholders and possibilities.