Building our mosaic 
Recent immigrants to region boost minorities to 10% of population 
Wednesday January 22, 2003
JEFF OUTHIT
RECORD STAFF 
Immigration Since 1996

Jonah Fong is a recent immigrant to Canada from Taiwan. He has also lived in Germany.

WATERLOO REGION -- Jonah Fong is making our community a more colorful place. 
The Taiwan native is among 14,305 people who have immigrated to Waterloo Region since 1996. 

His arrival has helped boost the number of visible minorities who live here to a high of 10 per cent. 

But the region remains a long way from the ethnic diversity of other communities, according to 2001 census findings released yesterday. 

Visible minorities now make up 13 per cent of Canada's population and 19 per cent of Ontario's population -- the latter is almost twice the local rate. 

Fong came to Canada in 2000 after living a few years in Germany, in part, seeking a more tolerant community for a mixed-race couple. 

He is married to a German woman. They found they were not easily accepted as a couple in either of their native lands. Not so in Canada. 

"The country is more tolerant to different cultures," says Fong. 

Still, there have been headaches. "It's not easy. It's a struggle for immigrants," says Fong. 

His struggles to improve his English have helped keep Fong from resuming his career as a physiotherapist, after his training in Taiwan. 

Instead, he delivers newspapers and works as a personal trainer, while doggedly pursuing the Canadian licensing he needs to work again in health care. 

His wife, Melanie, has found work in the insurance industry, but has yet to be persuaded that Canada is the best country for her. 

They were surprised it was hard to find a family doctor. Fong remains irked that they are charged higher car insurance and could not immediately borrow money, because their foreign driving records and credit histories were discounted. 

The couple has had to relocate twice to find pleasant, safe and affordable housing. But they have now purchased a new Cambridge townhouse that's bigger than they could have secured in overpopulated Taiwan. 

And Fong says Canada has met his expectations of tolerance. 

"I don't feel like I'm being treated differently here, which is really good," he says. "This is something I'm really happy about." 

The census found that the region's largest visible minority group is 11,355 South Asians. Blacks are the next largest visible minority at 7,390, followed by Chinese (5,935) and Southeast Asians (5,530). 

Eastern Europe has supplied the biggest bloc of immigrants since 1996, the census found. 

Almost a third of all recent immigrants to the region -- 4,400 people -- hail from Yugoslavia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Romania, Poland orCroatia. China, India and Pakistan have supplied the next largest groups. 

Germany, the country that helped populate much of the region, has sent only 285 immigrants since 1996, two per cent of the total. 

The census found that 22 per cent of the region's population is foreign-born, virtually unchanged from 1991. 

This is the fifth-highest percentage among 27 urban areas in Canada. 

English, German, Scottish and Irish are the region's four largest ethnic origins, after Canadian. 

jouthit@therecord.com  

http://www.therecord.com/topstory_03012271141.html 

Our companies have property in Kosovo

Kosovo commends Croatia's involvement, 
especially in the economy sector

EVENING NEWS 21.1.2003. Croatian Television
President Mesic Meets With UN Representatives to Kosovo
Pacifying the situation in Kosovo and the entire region is 
in the interest of Croatia, which has economic interests in 
this area, Croatian President Stjepan Mesic said after a meeting 
with representatives of the UN Mission to Kosovo in Zagreb Tuesday. 
"We want a peaceful situation in the region which will allow 
for better cooperation. This includes Kosovo where we want the 
law-based state to function because we have economic interests 
there. Our companies have property in Kosovo," Mesic said. The 
meeting was attended by representatives of Croatia's oil company 
INA, which, apart from having property in the Yugoslav province, 
is interested in embarking upon new enterprises there. "Croatia 
is a friendly nation which follows the development of events 
which are difficult in Kosovo. Kosovo commends Croatia's involvement, 
especially in the economy sector," UN Mission chief Michael 
Steiner said after the meeting. Commenting on the talks, Steiner 
said both Croatia's and Kosovo's mutual interests had been presented 
- the wish for re-kindling of economic cooperation. He stressed 
that the Croatian president had accepted his invitation to visit 
Kosovo, which would help in additionally stimulate economic 
cooperation. 

Sedam hrvatskih obitelji u Canberri ostalo bez kuca

ZAGREB, 21. sijecnja - Vjetar koji puše brzinom od 65 kilometara na sat i temperature više od 35 stupnjeva i dalje pogoduju širenju najveceg požara u povijesti Australije. Vatra je vec došla u krug od osam kilometara od australskog glavnog grada, a u Canberri je izvanredno stanje na granici kaosa. Ljudi krajnjim snagama gase požarišta, a panika se širi bez obzira na pozive gradanima da ne ocajavaju.
ťPrema našim informacijama do sada je izgorjelo oko 450 kuca, a više od 2500 ljudi je evakuiranoŤ, izjavio je u utorak Mladen Ibler, hrvatski veleposlanik u Camberri. ťHrvatsko je veleposlanstvo tri kilometara od požarišta i zasad nije ugroženo. Cijelim se gradom širi dim i smog. Slike su zaista strašneŤ, kaže Ibler.
Do sada je sedam hrvatskih obitelji, od oko 4000 Hrvata koji žive u glavnom gradu Australije, ostalo bez krova nad glavom. Na srecu nitko nije stradao, iako je mnogima izgorjela imovina i - što posebno pogada naše ljude - nenadoknadive uspomene poput obiteljskih fotografija i sl. Požar je progutao i vrijedne biblioteke, umjetnicka djela koja su iseljenici, kolekcionari godinama prikupljali. 
Hrvati su nakon subotnjeg najstrašnijeg dana koji je odnio i cetiri ljudska života, pokrenuli inicijativu da se organizirano ukljuce u akcije pomoci nastradalima. Organiziran je sastanak hrvatske zajednice u Canberri, a slijedit ce prikupljanje pomoci za one kojima je sada potrebna.
Solidarnost se osjeca u cijeloj Australiji i svijetu. Svakodnevno stižu zrakoplovi koji prevoze sve ono što je nastradalima ovaj trenutak najpotrebnije. Apeli da se ne panicari iz minute u minute se emitiraju putem svih medija, a u nekim dijelovima grada vatrogasci samo bespomocno gledaju kako vatra i dalje hara. Zapovjednik vatrogasaca Peter Lucas-Smith i sam izjavljuje da osam kilometara nije daleko u teškim uvjetima, visokih temperatura i snažnog vjetra.
Nitko u ovom casu ne može prognozirati daljnji razvoj dogadaja. Upucen je apel svim stanovnicima Canberre da brane svoje kuce i da se evakuiraju tek onda kada takva naredba stigne. 
J. Körbler

I don't believe in Miracles. I rely on them. 
Life may not be the party we hoped for, 
but while we are here we might as well dance. 

Dear Bertha, 

I'm reading more and dusting less. I'm sitting in the yard and admiring
the view without fussingabout the weeds in the garden. I'm spending more
time with my family and friends and less time working. Whenever
possible, life should be a pattern of experiences to savor, not to
endure. I'm trying to recognize these moments now and cherish them. I'm
not "saving" anything; we use our good china and crystal for every
special event such as losing a pound, getting the sink unstopped, or the
first Amaryllis blossom. I wear my good blazer to the market. My
theory is if I look prosperous, I can shell out $28.49 for one small bag
of groceries. I'm not saving my good perfume for special parties, but
wearing it for clerks in the hardware store and tellers at the bank. 

Someday" and "one of these days" are losing their grip on my vocabulary.
If it's worth seeing or hearing or doing, I want to see and hear and do
it now. I'm not sure what others would've done had they known they
wouldn't be here for the tomorrow that we all take for granted. I think
they would have called family members and a few close friends. They 
might have called a few former friends to apologize and mend fences for
past squabbles. I like to think they would have gone out for a Chinese
dinner or for whatever their favorite food was. I'm guessing; I'll
never know. It's those little things left undone that would make me
angry if I knew my hours were limited. Angry because I hadn't written
certain letters that I intended to write one of these days. Angry and
sorry that I didn't tell my husband and parents often enough how much I
truly love them. I'm trying very hard not to put off, hold back, or
save anything that would add laughter and luster to our lives. And 
every morning when I open my eyes, tell myself that it is special. Every
day, every minute, every breath truly is a gift from God. 

People say true friends must always hold hands, but true friends don't
need to hold hands because they know the other hand will always be there.

I don't believe in Miracles. I rely on them. 
Life may not be the party we hoped for, 
but while we are here we might as well dance. 

Ideas for volunteerism

Student exchange: World Heritage, a non-profit student exchange program offers international exchange opportunities to American students and provides opportunities for local families to host exchange students from France, Germany, Great Britain, the former Soviet Union and Spain. World Heritage currently is seeking volunteer host families for high school foreign exchange students. The organization is also seeking community representatives to work with foreign exchange students. Representatives will work in their local communities securing homes for high school students from Europe. They will also interview potential host families, contact schools, secure references, and work with host families and students. For more information, call 1-888-386-7260 or visitwww.world-heritage.org .

HELPING CHILDREN Living with illness: Playful and compassionate people needed to help families living with illness and loss at PediatriCare in Oakland, California USA. Facilitate a support group for children, teens or adults coping with illness, HIV or loss. Information meetings will be Jan. 27, Feb. 11 and March 10. Training will begin in April. For information call Jacqueline at (510) 531-7551. or emailjacqueline@ebac.org  . Host families: Pacific Intercultural Exchange is looking for families to host high school students from Korea, Germany, Thailand, Vietnam, Argentina, Croatia, Macedonia, Mexico, Hungary, Brazil, Armenia and Ukraine. Students are between 15 and 18. The students are prescreened and speak English. For information about the program, call 1-800-894-7633. 


HELPING ANIMALS

Animal transport: The Tri-Valley Animal Rescue of Pleasanton is seeking volunteers to transport dogs, puppies, cats, kittens at the East County Animal Shelter. For more information, call (925) 803-7043. Animal Lovers: The Valley Humane society is looking for volunteers for a variety of positions including; providing foster homes for cats and dogs; writing for the quarterly newsletter; working at the adoption center; and trapping feral cats. Many other positions also are available. For more information about volunteering at the Valley Humane Society, call (925) 426-8656. 


MISCELLANEOUS Suicide Prevention: The Crisis Support Services of Alameda County, formerly Suicide Prevention, needs volunteers. The organization is asking volunteers to donate a few hours during a week to help with the crisis line. No prior experience needed and training will be provided. For information call during business hours, Monday through Friday, (510) 848-1515.

Helping the environment: Volunteers from service organizations, youth groups and senior groups are invited to help assemble California Poppy seed packets. The California Poppy Project in Modesto and the Native Daughters of the Golden West hope to distribute 100,000 free seed packets to be planted this fall in anticipation of the 100th anniversary of California's state flower. Seeds, seed packets, coin envelopes and instructions will be sent by priority mail. Project coordinators are also needed to select a designated room where up to 100 volunteers can assemble seed packets. For more information, visit http://web-news.tripod.com/site-map.htm or call 1-800-555-8355 and then immediately dial 1-784-013.

Food bank: Open Heart Kitchen needs a volunteer manager for up to six hours a week of help. Duties include recruiting, organizing, and scheduling kitchen volunteers. This is mostly telephone and computer work, so an outgoing personality and computer skills are helpful. If interested in this rather challenging position, call Barbara Thomas at (925) 580-1616. Open Heart also needs somewhere to store several hundred pounds of donated canned food. Call (925) 580-1616 if you can help.

Mentoring inmates: Match-Two Mentoring Outreach is seeking volunteers to be trained as mentors for inmates and wards of the state. Volunteers are asked to donate one to four hours once a month. For details, write to Match-Two Inc., P.O. Box 4424, Vallejo, CA 94590 or call (707) 553-1311.

Many opportunities: The Volunteer Center of Alameda County is seeking volunteers for more than 100 non-profit community organizations. Unless otherwise indicated, call (925) 462-3570 or visit www.volunteeronline.org for more information. 

Luncheon servers are needed from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for a daily lunch program for Pleasanton senior citizens, both for home-delivered meals and on a week day for congregate dining. Duties include preparing, serving, and cleaning up. 

A video biographer is needed to interview, record, and edit life histories of hospice patients, letting them tell their own life stories. 

Volunteers are needed to provide patient assistance, run errands, and help with meals at the Veteran's Hospital in Livermore. Hours are flexible, and training is provided. Youth are welcome. 

Bingo volunteers and thrift shop helpers are needed by a Livermore foster care and home for teens with emotional problems in Livermore. 

Volunteers are needed for computer technical support . They will assist with routine computer maintenance tasks for Macs and Windows 2000 workstations and servers. 

Volunteers are needed by a local agency that provides compassionate care for patients and families facing a life-threatening illness and grief. Training provided. 

E-Mentors:The Volunteer Center wants volunteers with a background in science to volunteer as online advisors and role models. For details, call (925) 462-3570. 

A volunteer is needed to staff a lobby work station for a Tri-Valley city-run multi-service center that provides a variety of services to the low-income population. Duties include: directing clients to proper agency; distributing mail to agencies, and opening and closing the center.

Landfill committee: The City of Livermore is seeking volunteers for three new landfill committees. Individuals are needed to serve on the Community Monitor Committee, Open Space Account Advisory Committee and the Education Account Advisory Board. For more information, call (925) 373-5130; TDD (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf) at (925) 373-5052; or visit www.ci.livermore.ca.us 

Environmental clean-up: Keep California Beautiful needs individuals, civic groups, college and high school students, boy scouts, girl scouts and community organizations to adopt an area for clean-up. For more information, call 1-800-253-2622 or write to Keep California Beautiful, 3914 Murphy Canyon, San Diego, CA 92123.

Non-profit volunteers: Industrial Surplus Foundation is seeking office and warehouse workers, project managers and people to pick up donations and repair computers. Office volunteers are needed in Pleasanton. Warehouse volunteer opportunities are available in Hayward. For more information, call Bob or Sarah at (925) 463-1430.

Adopt-A-Park: The City of Manteca's Parks and Recreation Department is looking for families, clubs or organizations to "Adopt-A-Park." All Parks in the Manteca area are available, as well as some sections of Tidewater Bikeway. To Adopt-A-Park, you need to spend a few hours a month with maintenance tasks such as playground area cleaning, litter removal, gopher-mound leveling, etc. For more information, call (209) 239-8470.

Canteen service: Mission Valley Fire Associates is looking for volunteers to provide canteen services to firefighters at local fires. The organizations assists local fire departments and are summoned by a paging system. For more information, call (925) 443-2364.

Reading workshops: The Livermore/Pleasanton READ Projects needs volunteer tutors to help motivated adults to improve their reading and writing skills. For more information, or to register for training, call (925) 373-5507 for Livermore or (925) 931-3411 for Pleasanton.

Drivers needed: The Danville Community Center is looking for volunteers to help as drivers for the senior club, special events, the Alzheimer's association, the San Ramon Rehabilitation Hospital, the Oakland Zoo, the Arthritis Foundation, and Contra Costa Mental Health. For more information, call (925) 314-3476.

Car donations: Automobile donations are needed to raise funds to fight debilitating digestive diseases. The Crohn's and Colitis Foundation accepts donations of cars, trucks and motorhomes and, in return, the donor receives a tax deduction based on Blue Book value. Pick-up and towing are free and CCFA will handle all DMV paperwork. Donors need clear title and registration for the vehicle. All of the proceeds will be used to directly benefit patients and their families throughout the Bay Area. Call (650) 578-6590 or 1-800-3-AUTO-77.

Community outreach: The City of San Ramon has many opportunities for volunteers in the community. Help out at the Senior Center, the Community Center, the Aquatic Center, the Library, and as a chaperone for youth programs. To subscribe to City Lights, the volunteer newsletter, call Mary Ann Wilkman at (925) 973-3219 or e-mail her at mwilkman@ci.san-ramon.ca.us. 

HELPING HOSPITALS

Help Sutter Hospice: Sutter VNA and Hospice needs volunteers to provide comfort and companionship to families and patients coping with life-threatening illness. The next training opportunity for volunteers is in October. Call Tammy at (510) 450-8565 or e-mail dysont@sutterhealth.org . Help ValleyCare: ValleyCare Health Auxilary needs volunteers for both Livermore and Pleasanton and offers a new idea for volunteers. If two friends or neighbors with young children join the auxilary, they can exchange babysitting duties. This way, both the volunteer working at the hospital and the volunteer babysitting receive credit for hours. For more information, call (925) 734-3368. ValleyCare Medical Center in Pleasanton needs volunteers for the gift shop, thrift shop, information desk, urgent care, floor service, emergency room, surgical center, and health care library. For more information, call (925) 734-3368.

Helping the ill: Heartland Hospice of Concord is seeking Contra Costa and Solano County residents to care for terminally ill patients and their families. Call Ginger at (925) 674-8660, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Heartland Hospice: Heartland Hospice of San Leandro is seeking Valley residents to care for terminally ill patients and their families in Alameda County. Volunteers visit patients, run errands and take patients on outings. Call Babs at Heartland Hospice at (510) 357-5852.

Kaiser volunteers: Kaiser Permanente Medical Clinic is seeking adult volunteers to help at the gift shop and information desk. Volunteers are needed for morning and afternoon shifts Monday through Friday. For more information, call Jill Snedden at (925) 295-4434.

Sutter assistants: Sutter Tracy Community Hospital is looking for men and women willing to provide respite care, companionship and support to hospice patients. Call (209) 833-2463. Sutter Tracy is also looking for hospital volunteers to help with various tasks, from escorts, to the information desk and gift shop. For more information about hospital volunteering, call Maryellen Tally at (209) 835-0643.

Medical helpers: Hope Hospice Bereavement Center at 6500 Dublin Blvd in Dublin is in need of volunteers to learn how to provide grief support and guidance, how to recognize and respect different styles of grief, and why a grieving person needs supportive contact for a year or more at the bereavement center. For information, call (925) 829-8770.

Treatment transport: Drivers are needed to transport cancer patients to and from treatment facilities. Patients live in Livermore, Pleasanton, Dublin, and Sunol. A car, valid drivers license, and insurance are necessary. Call Cindy Steen at (925) 833-2784 for more information.

Discovery Counseling: The Discovery Counseling Center is the only nonprofit, community-based outpatient mental health counseling and state-certified substance abuse treatment center that provides services to all residents and employees in the San Ramon Valley. The center also provides part-time counselors for every school in the San Ramon Valley Unified School District. The center operates completely on community donations and grants. Find out more about how your tax-deductible donation serves your community by calling (925) 837-0505.

Help patients: San Ramon Regional Medical Center at 6001 Norris Canyon Road in San Ramon is in need of volunteers to work in nursing units during weekday mornings, to distribute menus to patients on Monday mornings and to help with admitting and registration on Tuesdays and Fridays. For information, call (925) 275-8291.

Help the Fund: Got two hours a week, Monday through Friday, to help the Tri-Valley Community Fund staff? They could use you to help answer calls, clip newspaper articles, prepare mailing packets and file. The Fund raises and distributes donations to local health and service organizations in the Valley area. A staff member will provide guidance for volunteers at the office on 6111 Johnson Court, Suite 203 in Pleasanton. Call (925) 734-9965.

HELPING FAMILIES

Tutors for teens: School Age Mothers of Pleasanton is seeking tutors for teen mothers and their children. For more information, call Ellen Turner at (925) 426-4275.

Housing program: ECHO Housing is seeking a volunteer for general receptionist duties. Volunteers will gain experience and education in basic housing laws. For more information, call Elinor Cullen at (925) 449-7340.

Mailing helpers: Child Care Links is looking for volunteers to help label and stuff envelopes for bulk mailing. The agency supports parents through parenting classes and resources in the community. For more information, call Diane Blanc at (925) 417-8733.

Food bank workers: The Alameda County Food Bank is seeking weekday and weekend volunteers to assist with warehouse and office activities. Individuals over age 10 and groups are welcome. Ongoing volunteer opportunities are available for companies, schools and churches during the week and on selected Saturdays. For more information, call Mary Schoen at (510) 834-3663 Extension 308 or visit www.accfb.org 

Disaster recovery: The Red Cross needs volunteers to help victims of single-family house fires and other disasters. Volunteers can work in damage assessment or as caseworkers. Training for both positions is free. For more information, call Eva Marquez at (925) 603-7426 or visit www.bayarea-redcross.org 

Foster families: Agape Villages, a non-profit Christian foster family agency, is looking to place foster children with families. The agency recruits and trains families in Dublin, Manteca and Sacramento. Agape Villages is also seeking volunteers to work at the foster family agency as day care providers and office assistants. For more information, call Rosemary Young at (925) 829-7211.

Intervene in a crisis: Crisis Support Services of Alameda County needs volunteers to provide telephone crisis intervention. Committed people are needed to serve the 24-hour crisis line. No prior experience is needed and training is provided. Call (510) 848-1515.

HELPING WOMEN

Women's shelter: Tri-Valley Haven, a women's shelter in Livermore, needs volunteers in the following areas: for child care, a crisis hotline, legal advocate, transportation, advocate for sexual-assault victims, and counseling intern. Call Michael Ducey at (925) 449-5845, ext. 110 or e-mail michael@trivalleyhaven.org .

HELPING SENIORS

Outreach assistant: The Friendship Center of Livermore is seeking an outreach assistant to deliver fliers about the program to local libraries, pharmacies, City Hall and the Veterans Building. The program provides day-time care for frail elderly individuals. For more information, call (925) 373-5767.

Tax assistance: AARP Tax Aide, a free, volunteer-run counseling and preparation service, is looking for volunteers to help taxpayers complete their federal and state income tax forms. They especially need computer-literate and bilingual volunteers, as well as people who are willing to serve in leadership and coordinating roles. Tax Aide volunteers receive free tax training in cooperation with the IRS and are asked to commit to at least 40 hours of volunteering over the ten-week session. Individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels are encouraged to apply. AARP membership is not necessary. Call 1-888-227-7669 for information.

Arts and crafts: The Fellowship of Hope Foundation Senior Center is seeking volunteers for arts and crafts, exercise, quilting and computer classes. The center is located at 1130 Pine St., Manteca. For more information, call Bernice Clay at (209) 824-4471.

Deliver meals: The Volunteer Center of Alameda is searching for volunteer drivers to deliver hot meals to home-bound or frail seniors. Work from 10:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. one or more weekdays, delivering meals to homes in Pleasanton and Dublin. Volunteers use their own vehicles and are reimbursed for gas. Call (925) 462-3570 for details.

Woodshop monitors: The Pleasanton Senior Center is seeking volunteers to serve as woodshop monitors for the Drop-in Woodshop Program. Training will be provided. Volunteers are asked to serve at least two hours a week. The Pleasanton Senior Center is located at 5353 Sunol Blvd., Pleasanton. For more information, call Clare at (925) 931-5366.

Adult day care: Livermore Area Recreation and Park District's Friendship Center, a public adult day care, seeks persons 18 and older to volunteer between 3-6 p.m. weekday afternoons. For more information, call (925) 373-5767.

Community outreach: Lavender Seniors of the East Bay needs volunteers to visit and make phone calls to isolated seniors in their community. Training is provided. The organization also holds monthly potlucks on the second Saturday of each month at noon at the San Leandro Community Church, 1395 Bancroft Ave., San Leandro. For more information, call (510) 667-9655.

HICAP helpers: The Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP), of Contra Costa County is recruiting Volunteer Medicare Counselors. Volunteers will counsel older adults and the disabled to help them understand their consumer rights and evaluate their needs for insurance policies and health care plans. For more information, call Leah McIntosh at (925) 335-8791.

RSVP, if you please: The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program is looking for adults 55 and older to help non-profit agencies. Opportunities include tutoring children, health-related programs, food banks and crime prevention. For more information, call (925) 937-5614, fax (925) 946-1869, or e-mail rsvp--sos@inct.net .

Visit with seniors: Senior Support Programs of the Tri-Valley is looking for volunteers for their "Friendly Visitor" program. Volunteers can get involved with seniors in a variety of ways, including being matched with a senior to share time and interests, driving seniors to appointments or shopping, helping with pets or yard work, or helping with social events or in the office. Call the Senior Support Program at (925) 931-5379 for more information.

Senior centers: There is always room for more volunteers at the local senior centers. For more opportunities, call: Danville Senior Center, Stacey McKenna, (925) 314-3400; San Ramon Senior Center, Maryanne Wilkman, (925) 275-2319; Dublin Senior Center, Patsy Rankin, (925) 829-6316; Livermore Senior Services Center, Maureen Gandara Swinbank, (925) 373-5760; Pleasanton Senior Center, Evelyn King, (925) 931-5365; Lolly Hansen Senior Center in Tracy, (209) 831-4230; Manteca Senior Center, Sandy or Nancy, (209) 825-2301.

HELPING IN ARTS

Handbell ringers: The Agape Ringers are seeking experienced ringers who are able to rehearse in Danville from 7 to 9 p.m. on Thursdays. Members also rehearse on Tuesdays from 10 to 11 a.m. For more information, call Margaret Settle at (925) 837-6371.

Playhouse: The Pleasanton Playhouse needs volunteers to help build sets, clean the warehouse after set completion, work with costumes and props and help with maintenance of the Serpentine Lane facilities. For more information, call (925) 462-2121.

Docent training: The Dublin Heritage Center is seeking volunteers to act as tour guides at Old St. Raymond Church, the Original Murray Schoolhouse, and the Dublin Pioneer Cemetery. For more information, call Elizabeth Isles at (925) 803-4128.

Concert ushers: Classical Philharmonic is seeking ushers for concerts in Pleasanton and Oakland. For more information, call Gabrella Roff at (510) 352-3945.

Tour guides: Tracy Parks and Community Services Department's volunteer program, Volunteers in Tracy Actively Linked, needs volunteers to serve as museum docents for Tracy Historical Museum, marketing specialists, and mentors for the teen center. For more information, call Kim Scarlata, recreation supervisor at (209) 831-4240.

Give guided tours: Volunteer Tour Guides are needed at the Ravenswood Historic Site in Livermore to train as docents. Ravenswood is open for free public tours on the second Sunday of each month. Docents lead tours of the buildings and grounds and tell the story of the estate, the family who built it and early Livermore history. Other volunteer jobs are available in the gift shop and giving school group tours on weekdays. Call Maryalice Faltings at (925) 443-0238 for volunteer information.

Blackhawk Museum: The Blackhawk Museum at Blackhawk Plaza Circle in Danville welcomes volunteers. Volunteers serve as trained gallery hosts, tour docents and library aides. Volunteers must be members of the museum. Maureen Eackle, the volunteer coordinator at the museum, can be reached at (925) 736-2280.

Museum helpers: Volunteers are needed at the Amador-Livermore Valley Museum at 603 Main St. in Pleasanton. The museum has about 60 volunteers who help out with archives, exhibits, tours and other museum activities. The museum phone number is (925) 462-2766.

Heritage volunteers: The Heritage Guild needs daytime volunteers at the Carnegie Building, 2155 Third St. The guild seeks longtime residents who can help identify archival photographs that are decades old. Volunteers are also needed to help rearrange files, answer visitors' questions, sell publications and lead people on tours around the building. Call (925) 449-9927 for information.

Museum support: The Museum of the San Ramon Valley needs volunteer support. A museum guild was established in 1998. Its members provide support as docents, greeters, artists, event planners and other roles. The museum is located at the corner of Prospect and Railroad Avenues. Call (925) 837-3750 for information.

Fund-raising: BirthRight Pregnancy Support Services is looking for volunteers to assist with fund-raising, grant writing and other administrative duties. For more information, visit www.birthright.org or call John Kupski at (925) 606-8230.

HELPING LIBRARIES

Library supporters: Help support the Pleasanton Library by becoming a member of Friends of the Pleasanton Library. Membership entitles you to receive the newsletter and purchase books at the organization's Friday evening Preview Book Sales. The organization is located at 400 Old Bernal Ave., Pleasanton.

Shelve books: Ever wonder who puts books back on the shelves at your local library? Most likely, it's the work of a volunteer. Libraries are always looking for volunteers to do everything from cleaning to stocking shelves to selling used books, among other tasks, librarians say. Some libraries also receive help from semi-professionals. At the Tracy Public Library, clowns and storytellers have volunteered to provide learning and entertainment for children. Call the following numbers for more information: Tracy, (209) 831-4250; Manteca, (209) 825-2380; San Ramon, (925) 866-8467; Dublin, (925) 828-1315; Pleasanton, (925) 931-3400; Livermore, (925) 373-5500, (925) 373-5540, and (925) 373-5517; Danville, (925) 837-4889.

Deliver books: The Pleasanton Public library is expanding its service to homebound residents and is in need of committed volunteers who will be responsible for selecting library materials and delivering them to patrons. Volunteers will be interviewed and undergo a short training. Those interested in this program are encouraged to call (925) 931-3404 and ask for either Nancy or Jan.


Source: http://www.trivalleyherald.com/Stories/0,1413,86~10671~1127715,00.html 

First winner of the Professor Predrag StankovicAward

AMCA Quebec announcement 

McGill University Law professor William Tetley has been named the first winner of the Professor Predrag Stankovic Award, given by the Croatian Maritime Law Association to prominent scholars who have contributed to the comparative analysis of maritime law and its international promotion.
Prof. Tetley has multiple links with the Croatia. With the assistance of Capt Ivo Coric (Argosy, Montreal: http://www3.sympatico.ca/argosy/ ) he has just shipped 58 boxes of books and journals, the largest part of his legal library, to the legal community in Croatia. 
Last summer he gave several lectures in Croatia : 

"A Maritime Cargo Claim Problem" for Graduate Students at the University of Split, Croatia, July 1, 2002, "Let's Have a Two-Track Approach" - Lecture to the Croatian Maritime Law Association, Split, Croatia, July 3, 2002

Prof. Tetley's Lecture on Conflicts of Maritime Lien Law for Graduate Students at the University of Split, Croatia, Monday, July 1, 2002

You may check Prof.Tetley's web site that contains many other interesting stories:http://tetley.law.mcgill.ca/index.htm 
Prof. Tetley will participate in AMCA Quebec Lecture Series with a public lecture of general interest. Tentative date: Thursday, February 13, 2003, 7:30 PM in the Croatian Mission Hall, 4990 de la Savane, Montreal. Details to follow.
====================================== 
A.L. Padjen 
Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, McGill University 
3655 Sir William Osler Promenade, Montreal, QC H3G 1Y6, Canada 
Tel (514) 398-3603 *** Fax (514) 398-4449 or 398-6690 
ante.padjen@mcgill.ca  ***   http://www.alp.mcgill.ca      

Greetings From Croatia- Febiofest Prag Film Festival 
Alone--Croatia, 2001. 

Lukas Nola, director
A whirlwind of world cinema 

(January 22, 2003)
One of the largest noncompetitive film festivals in Europe, Febiofest offers movies from more than 50 countries including previews of new releases, recent highlights of world cinema and some old favorites. There will be several guests and, for the first time, musical performances. 
Febiofest 
Thursday, Jan. 23-31 
Tickets: Slovansky dum, 69 Kc; 39 Kc for video room; Ponrepo, 50 Kc; Elementary School at Mikulandska 5, free; www.febiofest.cz 
The biggest name on this year's guest roster is Roman Polanski, scheduled to introduce his new film, The Pianist, which will be shown here in its French version. Other guests include Gary Farmer, who will attend the screening of Powwow Highway in the North American Indians section. Actor Max von Sydow is scheduled to make an appearance to introduce The Emigrants, which is showing in a retrospective of films by Swedish director Jan Troell. Some films with actor Alain Delon are real classics of French cinema. 

Many films, especially those from France, Northern Europe, Asia and in the gay and lesbian sections, have English subtitles. Most screenings are at Slovansky dum. Buy tickets early -- the lines get long and many shows sell out. 

Herewith, a few highlights: 

Greetings From Croatia 
Alone--Croatia, 2001. Lukas Nola, director. Leon Lucev, Nina Violiç star. In Croatian with English subtitles. Three people try to rebuild their lives after tragic events. Jan. 24 at 12:45, Jan. 31 at 5:45, Hall 10, Slovansky dum 
Greetings From Iceland 
The Seagull's Laughter--Iceland, 2001. Agust Gudmundddon, director. Margret Viljjalsmsdottir, Ugla Egilsdottir star. In Icelandic with English subtitles. The arrival of a beautiful woman who lived in America turns a small town upside down in the 1950s. Jan. 28 at 8:45, Hall 6, Slovansky dum 
Greetings From Iran 
White Dream--Iran, 2002. Hamid Jebelli, director. Hamid Jabelle, Soghra Karimi star. In Farsi with English subtitles. True love evades someone who sells wedding gowns at a bridal store. Jan. 29 at 5:45, Hall 10, Slovansky dum 
HBO Presents 
Path to War--USA, 2002. John Frankenheimer, director. Michael Gambon, Donald Sutherland star. U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson is caught up in the events leading to the Vietnam War. Jan. 26 at 5, Jan. 31 at noon, Hall 3, Slovansky dum 
Japanese Film: Yesterday and Today 
Chicken Heart--Japan 2002, Hiroshi Shimizu, director. Hiroshi Ikeuchi, Kiyoshi Imawano star. In Japanese with English subtitles. Three friends who hang out at a street-vendor's stall each have a crisis in their lives. Jan. 26 at 5:45, Hall 5, Slovansky dum 
Pulse--Japan 2001. Kiyoshi Kurosawa, director. Haruhiko Kato, Kumiko Aso star. In Japanese with English subtitles. The son of Akira Kurosawa directed this thriller about a ghostly menace lurking in the Internet. Jan. 25 at 8:15, Hall 5, Slovansky dum 
Korea: Lee Chang-dong, Portrait of a Director 
Peppermint Candy--South Korea, 2002. Lee Chang-dong, director. Yejin Kim, Kyung-gu Sol star. In Korean with English subtitles. This love story starts at the end and ends with the beginning. Jan. 25 at 12:45, Jan. 30 at 3:15, Hall 5, Slovansky dum 
New Greetings From Denmark 
Truly Human--Denmark, 2001. Ake Sandgren, director. Nikolaj Kaas, Peter Mygind star. In Danish with English subtitles. Life becomes tough for an imaginary friend when the person who thought him up dies. A Dogma 95 film. Jan. 25 at 11:15 p.m., Jan. 29 at 8:45, Hall 6, Slovansky dum 
New Hungarian Cinema 
Chico--Hungary, Germany, 2001. Ibyola Fekete, director. Janos Agoston, Sasa Anocic star. In Hungarian with English subtitles. An ideological adventure film about a revolutionary who winds up in Croatia. Jan. 24 at 5:30, Hall 8, Slovansky dum 
North American Indians: Legends and Reality 
Powwow Highway--USA, UK, 1989. Jonathan Wacks, director. Gary Farmer, Joannelle Nadine Romero star. Circumstances force two very different Cheyenne men to travel together in an old Buick. One of them is in a hurry; the other is on a slow-paced spiritual quest. Jan. 26 at 10, Hall 3, Slovansky dum 
Ramona--USA, 1936. Henry King, director. Loretta Young, Don Ameche star. The star-crossed lovers in this tale are a wealthy Spanish woman and an American Indian who find themselves opposed by all sides. An unusual romantic Western from Hollywood's Golden Age. Jan. 28 at 5, Ponrepo 
Skins--USA, 2002. Chris Eyre, director. Grahame Greene, Eric Schweig star. The investigation of a crime is used to show alcoholism and other problems that still plague the reservations. Jan. 25 at 7:30, Jan. 29 at noon, Hall 3, Slovansky dum 
World Cinematography News 
24 Hour Party People--UK, 2002. Michael Winterbottom, director. Steve Coogan, Paddy Considine, Lennie James, Andy Serkis star. Inventive re-creation of the early days of the Mancunian music scene, focusing on record producer Tony Wilson and bands like New Order. Jan. 25 at 4:30, Jan. 27 at midnight, Hall 2, Slovansky dum 
25th Hour--USA, 2002. Spike Lee, director. Edward Norton, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Barry Pepper, Rosario Dawson star. A young man tries to sort out his life on his last day before going to jail in Spike Lee's latest drama, a study of Manhattan post-Sept. 11, 2001. Jan. 25 at midnight, Jan. 27 at 2, Hall 2, Slovansky dum 
Bowling for Columbine--Canada, USA, Germany, 2002. Michael Moore, director. Featuring Marilyn Manson, John Nichols, Charlton Heston. The massacre at a Colorado high school is the departure point for this sprawling examination of gun culture in America. Michael Moore goes everywhere from Kmart to Canada looking for the answers behind America's obsession with violence. Jan. 27 at 4:30, Jan. 29 at 2, Hall 2, Slovansky dum 
The Pianist--UK, France, Germany, 2002. Roman Polanski, director. Adrien Brody, Thomas Kretschmann, Frank Finlay, Maureen Lipman star. French-dubbed version with Czech subtitles. Based on a true story. A classical piano player in Poland witnesses the events in the Warsaw ghetto during World War II. Winner of the Golden Palm at Cannes. Jan. 31 at 10, Hall 2, Slovansky dum (the director will attend the show; proceeds from the 300 Kc tickets go to charity) 
Punch-Drunk Love--USA, 2002. Paul Thomas Anderson, director. Adam Sandler, Emily Watson star. Seven sisters have tormented their brother all his life, and a single phone call to a sex line causes him further trouble in this odd romance. Jan. 24 at 2, Jan. 30 at 7, Hall 2, Slovansky dum 
Ten Minutes Older: The Trumpet--UK, Germany, Spain, Netherlands, 2002. Kaige Chen, Victor Erice, Werner Herzog, Jim Jarmusch, Aki Kaurismaki, Spike Lee, Wim Wenders, directors. Marrku Peltola, Ana Sofia Liano, Chloe Sevigny, Charles Esten, Yuanzhend Feng star. In various languages, including English, with Czech subtitles. Various directors tackle the theme of fate. Spike Lee's segment examines the Florida voting scandal. Jim Jarmusch's piece shows an actress on a break between scenes. The stories all feature a jazz score. Jan. 26 at 7, Jan. 29 at midnight, Hall 2, Slovansky dum 
Sweden: Jan Troell, Portrait of a Director 
The Emigrants--Sweden, 1972. Jan Troell, director. Max von Sydow, Liv Ullmann, Eddie Axberg, Svenolof Bern star. In Swedish with English subtitles. Life is hard for a 19th-century Swedish family that has to spend weeks on a ship to America and then journey to Minnesota. Beautiful cinematography highlights this long film that was nominated for several Oscars. Jan. 26 at 5:45, Jan. 31 at 5:45, Hall 6, Slovansky dum 
White as Snow--Sweden, Denmark, 2001. Jan Troell, director. Amanda Ooms, Rikard Wolff, BjOrn Granath star. In Swedish with English subtitles. A career in aviation is the dream of a woman from a rural area. Jan. 24 at 9:30, Hall 2; Jan. 28 at 5:45, Hall 6, Slovansky dum

http://www.praguepost.com/P03/2003/Art/0122/cinema.php  

Poezija

                        -  KresimirButkovic -

ZA KAJ BI CA&

Zakaj bi Ca smetal Kaj,
i zac bi Kaj Ca smetal,
kaj to nis reci za nas zavicaj,
i zac bi se jedan drugom nametal?

Zakaj ne bi morje doslo k nama,
i nasi bregi bili deli morskih zrna,
zakaj Sever ne bi bil prama ,
a Jug topli plava nam krma?

I zac nisu judi ka u po ju cvi t,
da bi ih bilo brez razlike svuda,
i da u Zagrebu bude Split,
i da Sava Splitom vrluda?

Zakaj bi Ca smetal Kaj,
ca ni bo je da su tolike ri ci,
oni su oba horvatski takaj,
a pisma il pjesma s njima se dici!


PURGERSKI PLAVO

Digli su Dubravu, Ravnice, Donji Grad,
digli su Trnje, i Tresnjevku, i Centar,
pa nek mi kazu da Zagreb je gad!

U crne zastave zavili tribine,
u crne odore skrojili sudbine,
pa nek mi kazu da Zagreb je gad,
pa nek mi pljuju na moj rodni grad!

Stavise okove na zastave plave,
liju se zuci, i padaju glave,
a mi smo jednako jadni k o prije,
i neka se smedja fotelja sad smije.

Jer ja cu zauvijek za istim stijegom,
onako purgerski pod svojim brijegom,
zaurlati kad god budem htio,
volim te Dinamo gdje god mi bio!



POMISLIM

Pomislim da sam noc, u tamu odnosim svo nakupljeno 
smece, bez traga, odnosim daleko,
bez povratka.
Pomislim da sam jutro, donosim sunce, i jutarnju izmaglicu
na proplanke. Otvaram snene oci
zaspaloj djeci.
Pomislim da sam more, i u valu donosim pjesmu,
sumim, dubeci kamen i cvrste stijene, skrivajuci
u tisini svojih dubina, potopljene brodove i ugasle
zivote mornara.
Pomislim da sam planina, lovim oblake parajuci kisu.
Po meni se penju ljudi, zudeci daljine sto ih od pogleda skrivam.
Pomislim da sam zemlja, svojim tijelom hranim, dajem,
cuvam i pokapam! Crna, zuta, bijela, crvena, i svi me vole,
na meni ginu, krv liju, ali me vole.
Pomislim da sam nebo, isarano dugom, oblacima putnicima,
Po meni plove ptice, sareni baloni, u moja njedra gledaju ljudi.
Pomislim da sam voda, tecem i sve napajam, smiju mi se
u lice gledajuci svoj odraz, a ja pojim zedne donoseci sa sobom
zivot.
Pomislim da sam vatra, gorim u necijem kaminu, grijem promrzle
ruke nekog siromaha, palim sve necisto, gorim.
Pomislim da sam vjetar, podizem prasinu, bacam je
i nosim na krovove kuca, ulazim u stanove i lupam vratima,
vijorim ponosno barjake, kovitlam zauzdane zmajeve, mrsim
kosu prelijepim zenama, skrivam im se u bluzu, bjezim.
Pomislim da sam zrak, ulazim u tijela svemu zivom,
kroz mene prolaze, ljube se, disu, masu rukama, stiscu
sakama, tlace me u bocama, a ja kao mjehuric isplivam
iz mora i opet sam tu.
Pomislim da sam pjesma, sto sa usana titra i donosi srecu,
Otkrivajuci, skrivajuci, budeci, opominjuci, slaveci.
Pomislim da sam svemir, nedokuciv, taman, pun tajni,
a opet dostupan.
Pomislim da sam san, uvlacim se u tudje misli, plaseci ih,
radujuci ih, pitajuci ih.
Pomislim da sam cvijet sto mirise u sobi, da sam svjetlo u 
tvom oku, da sam ljubav, da sam brsljan&
Pomislim, pomislim, pomislim&



ZAGREBU 

Lutamo zivotom kao neki stranci,
nije nam dosta potrosenih dana,
duge su sjene nasi stari znanci,
dok umire sunce a radja se tama;
Ponekad netko pogledom isprati,
sve boje sto nebo je dalo,
kad utihnu ptice, tko ce to znati,
u jednu pjesmu koliko je stalo?
Lome se svjetla izloga ducana,
pred njima tuzna stvarnost stoji,
odavno kisom i suzom sprana,
jedna je crna, druga u boji.
Prokleto peku stisnute oci,
u hladnom znoju zora se budi,
dok sunce zarom uzvraca noci,
zalutalo pseto odanost nudi;
Uz slamove grada ne trosite rijeci,
odavno nitko nista ne cuje,
ovdje se samo zbog novca kleci,
poneko dijete o Dinamu snuje.

Vuku se ljudi k o prebita stoka,
Zagreb je ista hrvatska prica,
na grbu modrom izbitog stoka,
zvijezda i vrata ostatak su kica.
Poneseni slikom pustih obecanja,
slijeva se rijeka naivnih ljudi,
s Markova trga razocaranja,
opet se samo Zagrebu sudi!
Pa nismo mi ovce samo za vunu,
u ovom gradu milijun dusa,
na cetiri dijela podijelite krunu,
pa nek svak dio ponosno kusa!
Ponesite snove u predgradje grada,
urusite slike ruralnog koda,
ovdje je prva umrla nada,
mi smo krma potonula broda;
Lutamo zivotom kao neki stranci,
na jedvite jade skrpamo sutra,
duge su sjene stari nam znanci,
tek pjesma ptica vraca nam sutra.


NIMA VISE

Lanterna ne gasi sjaj vrimena,
miruju mrize, Bepa vise nima,
na krcatu rivu zbilo se judi,
da zalazak sunca isprate vinom.
Ni barke, ni batane, ni skarpina,
samo kuce restu, radjaju se dica,
bestimlju ljudi i vrime i sime,
ni kise da ispere grija.
Dernja se dite na lesadu od ribe,
ka glavoc je okrenia vratom,
niz sporka usta cide se sline,
da uvati majku na sentimente.
Pasalo je vrime od cukra i masti,
nima covika da gre u poje,
masline blide i same zriju,
u kanatu ovce bleje  vode.
Bepa nima, ni skerce od Kuke,
na fjaku se lipe kapi od znoja,
fali sam korak i ne cujen zvuke,
na ledja svak prti vrimena svoja!



KAK

Kak sunce kaj na nebu sja,
od njega nigdo lepsi ni ,
tak poput belega snega,
pod Sl emenom On stoji!

Nek sam probaju nekaj rec ,
pak i dotepencu srce zvoni,
od Njega nigdo nije vec
sem horvatzki kral evi!

Ti sjaji moj Grade jos 900 l et ,
nek popevaju p esme o Tebi,
budi topli kak zagorska kl et,
moj Zagreb zivi vu meni!



RUJAN NA RABU

Cujem, kliktaj galeba izmijesan s mirisom
Mediterana.
Rujan se mreska na povrsini mora,
u sve kracem danu sve manje vremena
ocutjeti ljepotu.
Rab odise mirom i u tom miru
pronalazim sama sebe, ne trazeci
ni slike ohladnjela Zagreba.
Prevaren godinama polazaka i dolazaka
vise i ne razumijem sto je odlazak.
Jednostavno, sve je tu,
neogranicen prostor, bez vremena, mjeseca,
ni tjedna, ni dana, ni sata.
Ustaljen sam u sreci, premda,
nista sto me okruzuje nije dio igre na srecu,
uspjela replika Raja u kojem 
Rab razlicit je tek u jednom slovu.
Ne zamaram se sadasnjicom,
izbjegavam sve te zivotne kategorizacije.
Ne bjezim, daleko od toga;
zanemarujem nepotreban ljudski zid
pred prirodnim,
i ako moram nesto ocekivati,
mozda je to jednostavnost,
savrsenstvo oblika bez ikakva
dodatna uresa,
poput naga tijela sto stoji pod tusem,
ili pak boja otoka u ranojesenskoj kisi.
Trenutak kad dan izgubi svoju svjetlost,
sve utihnu i nestade bas poput
cedna djeteta pod pokrivacem.
Zazelis laku noc svemiru,
a Rab, u mirisu ozona
usnut ce u meni.



U

Razvrstane u nesvrstane,
odjenute u neodjenute,
obmanute u neobmanute,
zbrinute u nezbrinute,
maknute u smaknute.

Jauk u bauk,
vijesti u sjesti,
prevedi u neredi,
odmjeri u promjeri,
ficukni u umukni!

Smisli u pokisni,
nulti u multi,
vrijedno u bezvrijedno,
auto u automat,
arak u jarak,
prag u Haag!

Bijesni u svjesni,
casni u krasni,
jasni u masni,
prasni u rasni,
i macka u  rvacka!


KRATAK ZIVOTOPIS:

Rodjen 2. 1. 1973. u Zagrebu.
Zavrsio Komercijalnu skolu. Studira na Fakultetu politickih znanosti.
Objavljivao u  Hrvatskom knjizevnom listu (1994.-2000.),  Ognjistu (1991.-2000.) i  Usponima (1998.-). Od 2001., postao stalni suradnik u internet casopisu na stranici www.avia.croadria.com  (Za bolji zivot -  Sutra  ) i na www.poezijaonline.com  

adresa: Side Kosutic 4, 10090 Zagreb
e-mail: kresimir.butkovic@hi.hinet.hr 
brzoglas: 345-7977

CroatianGuitar Duo Performing

Noted guitar duo slated to perform in Hattiesburg

Special to The Clarion-Ledger
The Klasinc and Loncar Guitar Duo will perform in concert Jan. 31 at 7:30 p.m. at the Hattiesburg Cultural Center, located at 723 N. Main St.

Miroslav Loncar is the associate professor of music and artist in residence at William Carey College. His wife, Natasa Klasinc-Loncar, directs guitar programs at Copiah-Lincoln Community College, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College and Pearl River Community College.

Both natives of Croatia, Klasinc and Loncar have been performing in concert together for more than 15 years. The duo has played hundreds of highly acclaimed performances at chamber music series, community arts series, universities, churches, art galleries and art museums across the United States and Europe. 

The concert is presented by the USM Symphony Orchestra, Trustmark Bank; Hattiesburg American, the City of Hattiesburg, William Carey College and the Hattiesburg Historic Downtown Association. 

Admission is free.

Miroslav Loncar
http://www.clarionledger.com/news/0301/21/m11.html 
http://www.kaiso-band.com/kaiso-musicians.html 

Cafe Europa, LLC is a premier importer and wholesaler of fine Croatian wines in the United States. Founded by Dragica King and Todd R. Verhoeven, Cafe Europa, LLC is here to introduce the history and the art of Croatian wine making as well as support Croatian economy. As we build our portfolio of Croatian wines, we are committed in bringing to the United States only the best Croatian wine industry has to offer. 

We are currently offering wines from FeraVino winery situated in the heart of Slavonija, the continental winemaking region of Croatia. FeraVino's state of the art facilities, dedicated and knowledgeable staff, productive vineyards and expert winemaker all contribute to the quality of their wines. You will find that theirGrasevina, Pinot Blanc and Frankovka are exceptional wines every Croatian can be proud of. 

For more information please contact Dragica at 617-469-8844 or email us at dragica@c-europa.com. Come and visit us on our web site www.c-europa.com or just ask for FeraVino wines at your favorite restaurants and wine stores.