News article copied from September 10, 2002 of "LIETUVIU BALSAS" (The Voice of the Lithuanians).

NEWS FROM LITHUANIA FIRST FIELD DAY AT THE AUKSUCIAI FARM

On August 8th the Auksuciai Farm Center in Lithuania presented its first agricultural education program. More than 150 came-farmers, educators, government officials, US Embassy representatives and American tourists. Three TV channels recorded the event, several representatives from radio stations and newspapers.

The initiator of this event was Lawrence Clement, agricultural specialist from the University of California, who already has spent voluntarily seven months working at the farm. Engineer Vytautas Sliupas introduced guests and Board Members. L. Clement spoke about the research accomplishments and the time schedule for the future Teaching Center. A student from the Lithuanian University, Miss Lina Kuklieriute, Spoke about her learning experiences in California. Dr. Calvin Qualset presented the future grand scheme, Leland Ruth about the exchange programs for farmers and students, Darius Malinauskas about the seed preparations. After the offical part, everyone visited agricultural fields, orchards and greenhouses.

Mr. Romas Kasparas, from Washington, DC, told the correspondent of the "Farmer's Advisor": The problem is that not many people in Lithuania really understand the real purpose of this Farm. It is not true that the Auksuciai Center will benefit Americans, it is for the benefit of the Lithuanian farmers."

For the conclusion, Mrs Vanda Sliupas, with the help of several other ladies, prepared a splendid buffet for all the attendees. Even the General Director of the "Gubernija" brewery brought along a barrel of good beer and ale.

To sum it up, the First Field Day was a fine and dignified affair. The next such gathering will be in early July 2003.

Part of the American group at the First Field Day of Auksuciai Farm, in front of recently constructed storage barn (gift of Alexander Wessey-Vasiliauskas).

Left to right: Prof. Dr. Calvin O. Qualset, genetical grain specialist, University of California, Davis California Leland H. Ruth, former President of the California Cooperatives Assoc., Sacramento, California Lawrence D. Clement, agricultural specialist, farm adviser Yolo Solano Counties, University of California, Davis, CA Prof. Gary Hartman, Doctor of Political Sciences, S.W. Texas University, San Marcos, TX. Major Paige Thorner, American Military Mission, US Army, Vilnius, Lt Major William Hoffman, American Embassy attaché, US National Guard, Vilnius, Lt. Engineer Vytautas J. Sliupas, Chairman of the "Auksuciai Foundation", Burlingame, CA.