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ISC FOLK FESTIVAL March 2, 2008 |
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Cleveland’s award-winning TV personality and ISC board member, Dick Russ, hosted the program. James Craciun, ISC board president, began the afternoon festivities by reminding everyone that Cleveland continues to be a rich mosaic of nationalities. Pianist Andrea Ball, preceded each award recipient with a selection of folk and classical music from their native country.
Reverend Horst Hoyer, pastor of Emmanual Lutheran Church for 50 years and recipient of the 1996 Freedom Medal, said, “My reward is to see the progress that International Services Center has made.” Joe Juliano, Cleveland international radio personality for 26 years with the Italian show, spoke about the foundation he started, Home Family Group, and his efforts to raise money for earthquake victims. He said he was honored and thanked ISC for his award. Judge Diane Karpinski, 8th District Court of Appeals judge, spoke of her visit to Poland and noted that she was a granddaughter of immigrants. She claimed that by following their honorable work ethic, she created the success she enjoys in her career. She thanked ISC for honoring her. Staff members of Ohio Senators Mike DeWine and George Voinovich were on hand to congratulate the honorees and gave the senators’ support to the agency. Also in attendance were judges Suzanne Bloom, Patrick Carroll, Stuart Friedman, and Jeff Hastings. The Awards Dinner had a special guest to honor. It was the official announcement of the retirement of long-time ISC director, Algis Ruksenas. Mr. Ruksenas managed ISC for 18 years. His entire family and many friends attended to wish him well. Dick Russ described Mr. Ruksenas as “an example of the facets of leadership.” Under Ruksenas’ leadership ISC served 22,000 people a year. He is well-known in the Lithuanian-American community. Mr. Ruksenas immigrated to the U.S. as a child. Already an
award-winning author, Mr. Ruksenas plans to devote more time to his
passion for writing. He was extremely dedicated to the non-profit organization and thanked everyone for their continued support. He thanked his family for inspiring him and keeping him on his path, as well as his many friends in the community. He gave special thanks to Mr. Craciun and Ms. Spotts for their tremendous amount of help. He acknowledged his staff and volunteers. Mr. Ruksenas then introduced the new director, Karin Wishner. The transition of leadership promises to be smooth. Karin Wishner was Education Director for International Services Center for 16 years. Previous to that she taught English to Speakers of Other Languages and foreign languages for 14 years in the U.S. and abroad. Ms. Wishner earned her B.A. and teaching certification from the Cleveland State University. She pursued a Master of Arts in Teaching from The School for International Training in Vermont. A daughter of refugees, Ms. Wishner values diversity and understands cultural differences. She plans to continue the organization’s success and develop new strategies. Mr. Craciun ended
the program by thanking Karin Wishner and welcoming her into her new
position at International Services Center. |
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Revised: 01/31/07. Copyright © 2008 International Services Center, Cleveland, Ohio webmaster@ISC.org |
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Take a trip around the world with music and dance.
On October 8, 2006, International Services Center held its
Awards Dinner to recognize people who have contributed
greatly to their cultural communities. It was held at the
The honorees were: