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Lithuanians of America (LOA)
 An organization for Lithuanian-Americans based
in Kansas City, Kansas, the heart of America.
LOA is an active memeber of the Kansas City, Missouri
Ethnice Enrichment Commission.
Sally Zemaityte-Dannov (President)
sallyzd(at)aol.com
<FONT color=#ffffff face=arial size=2>E-mail Us

LOA's Goals
The purpose of the Lithuanians of America (LOA) is to preserve and promote the cultures, traditions, and achievements of people of Lithuanian descent through education, folk dancing, and the Lithuanian language.

Membership is open to:
* anyone of Lithuanian descent
* their spouse
* anyone whose love for Lithuania is strong and dynamic. Surprisingly enough, many of our active LOA members are not Lithuanian, but enjoy the Lithuanian music, dancing, food, and camaraderie.

The LOA receives money from:
* dues
* tax-deductible contributions
* other fund raising events

The money is used to:
* pay the expenses of LOA events
* support Lithuanian charities
* various other projects to preserve and promote Lithuanian culture.
History of the LOA
The revival of the Lithuanian community in Kansas City began in the fall of 1981. A Lithuanian Festival was held near Wyandotte County Park. Tony Granosky made a presentation at Penn Valley College about Lithuania and the history of the Lithuanian community in Kansas City, Kansas. Two cousins,Don Zemites and Chuck Zemaitis, were concerned that Lithuanian customs were being lost. They and many others wanted to see the Lithuanian culture preserved, thus the Lithuanians of America (LOA) was formed.
Structure of the LOA
The LOA is guided by a Board of Directors, which meets as needed. Elections for the Board of Directors are held every two years. The Board of Directors elect the officers of the LOA.
The current LOA officers are the president (Sally Zemaityte-Dannov), vice-president (Dave Tollefson), treasurer (Anita Strumillo), and secretary (Kate Porterfield). There are additional board members. The past president is also an advisor to the Board of Directors.
Other Lithuanian Organizations
Aidas Dancers are a part of the LOA, although they have their own activities, and fund raising activities. The Aidas Lithuanian Dancers have performed over 250 performances since their very first performance in 1982, on Lithuanian Independence Day, on February 16th. The dance group currently consists about 30 members and is very family oriented. The music is traditional Lithuanian polkas and waltzes, which are pattern dances. The group performs at many civic events as well as ethnic celebrations and enjoys dancing at local nursing homes. They are directed by Anita Strumillo.

 The Knights of Lithuania is a national organization which works to promote a deeper understanding and more zealous practice of the Catholic faith, and to instill a love and appreciation for the Lithuanian language, customs, and culture.

Bendruomene is the Lithuanian-American Community of the United States, Inc., with 69 chapters in the United States. The Kansas City chapter was chartered in 1982. Kate Porterfield is the Kansas City representative for the group.
Benefits of LOA Membership
* Christmas Party - held in December. Traditional Lithuanian dishes served on Christmas Eve are featured. Father Frost visits with gifts for the children. Includes a traditional Christmas carol sing-along.

* Lithuanian Independence Day Celebration - held in February or March. In remembrance of Lithuania’s original Declaration of Independence on February 16, 1918.

* Other LOA activities.

* The Varpas, the newsletter of the LOA, delivered to your home four times a year. The Varpas includes information about LOA activities, LOA members, stories about Lithuanian culture and traditions, and news from Lithuania.

Dues are only $10 for a family or $7 for a single person. Click the LOA Dues Form link to print a form for memebership dues.

For more information, contact:
Sally Zemaityte-Dannov (913)384-0580
Anita Strumillo (913)299-1453
Email: khazlewood1@yahoo.com