Other events in Baltic States

A wave of Lithuanian immigrants in recent years and a strong presence on the east side of Cleveland have inspired an anchor for the group in Willoughby, The News-Herald reports.

The Lithuanian Consulate – which serves Lithuanians in Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky – recently relocated from its office on Marcella Road in Cleveland to 37841 Euclid Ave. Suite 2 in Willoughby, informs LETA/ELTA.

"The reason why we came to Willoughby is because a lot of my constituents are either in the Lake County area or mainly surrounding the eastern suburbs," said Ingrida Bublys, the honorary general consul of the Republic of Lithuania.

"We have quite a big new immigration wave that came from Lithuania in the past five or 10 years, but mainly in the last five years," Bublys said.

"So I thought it would be very convenient for them here because they're in places like Mentor, Concord, Painesville, and Willoughby is kind of the center of it."

Bublys added, "And to be honest with you, it reminded me of Lithuania here. It's very green and historical."

While being close to the parish in Cleveland was beneficial, the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland decided it wanted to use the building for other purposes. So, Bublys chose to move somewhere more central to the eastern suburbs.

"My government wants us to be as close to our people as possible," she said, adding Willoughby has a Lithuanian Center on Ridge Road.

"Students that have Lithuanian heritage or are interested in the country can come here and get literature about the country, or people that travel can come get information on the country," Bublys said.

The consulate serves several purposes.

"We help (Lithuanians) with all of their needs ... with jobs, networking, if they've just come from Lithuania or another city and want a Lithuanian doctor, documentation, legal work and various personal needs," Bublys said.

Mayor David Anderson, whose wife is half Lithuanian, welcomed the consulate on Aug. 19 by meeting with Bublys, who shared information about Lithuania as well as the duties of the consulate. She also provided the mayor with a book about Lithuania called "Millennium of Lithuania."

"We're honored that Ingrida has been able to relocate both her business and the consulate here in Willoughby," Anderson said. "We've always had a strong Lithuanian presence in Willoughby, so I just think this is a great thing for them and anyone with a Lithuanian heritage. I think it's a great addition to the city ... it'll be very exciting."