On February 27th, 2011 Viitorul Roman’s General Assembly meeting was held and a new Board of Directors was elected.
I had the honor and privilege to be elected as the President of the Society for the 2011-2013 term.
I take this opportunity the profoundly thank our immediate past president, Cristian Calugarita for all the time, effort and enthusiasm he dedicated for the past four years as President, as well as all the other functions he held over the years as part of the VRS Board of Directors. I would be remiss not to mention the same help and support Ana Calugarita gave, next to Cristian and all of us.
2011 started with a Board of Directors “working meeting” that was held on March 20, 2011, where the plans and activities were laid out for the year. We all agreed that in 2011, the main effort of the Society should be focused on organizing mainly “cultural” events and develop applications that will benefit us as an organization on the Social Media sites.
We all agreed that Face Book will be the vehicle for this purpose and as a result, we have Viitorul Roman Group page as well as Viitorul Roman page. The Face Book served us well throughout the year and I personally believe that our name is even more visible now, utilizing these venues.
In addition, on May 1, 2011 a letter from the VRS President, on behalf of our Society was sent to all our members and friends that we have on our mailing list. Similar letter was sent via Email, based on the list I was able to develop with all Email addresses we had so far. To date, Email addresses data base is being used in all our communications.
On Saturday, April 30th we had the honor and the pleasure to host Prof. Ion Toderascu from the University Alexadru Ioan Cuza, din Iasi, who delectated us with a presentation and discussion about Gheorge I. Bratianu-Un Savant si Un Soldat. The event was a success, with over 40 guests in attendance. Many of our guests stayed much longer to just have the conversation with Prof. Toderascu.
On May 20th, 2011 Consulate General in Los Angeles sponsored the book presentation of American photographer, Kathleen Laraia McLaughlin, The Color of Hay-The Peasants of Maramures. Mara Chindris and I represented our organization at this event.
On August 21, 2011, Viitorul Roman sponsored the book signing event for Aura Imbarus, author of the book Out of the Transylvania Night. Again, over 40 guests participated at a lively presentation and discussion about the book and author’s life experiences.
After each of these events, our Cultural Director, Anca Adumitroaie wrote beautiful articles which were published on our website as well as many Romanian newspapers magazines, such as Clipa, Meridianul Romanesc, Miorita USA and Gandacul de Colorado.
During the month of September, Marian Sarbu, Vee Petrescu and I spent time to correct and update all the required tax forms for the office of California Attorney General as well as California Franchise Tax Board and IRS. As of today, we are in compliance with all the reporting forms. Thank you Marian and Vee for all your help.
Once again, Viitorul Roman sponsored National Day of Romania, event organized by the General Consulate of Romania in Los Angeles. This year, the event took place on November 29 at Catalina Bar & Grill in Los Angeles. Anca, Virgil and Thea Adumitroaie, Mara Chindris and I were able to attend the event.
In early December I sent out a letter to our Romanian Ambassador in Washington DC, inviting him to Los Angeles.
He graciously accepted and as a result, we have organized our event on January 22, 2012 which by all accounts was as huge success. Of course, all the details regarding this event will be reported in the next year’s Presidents Report.
We also like to welcome new members to our Society: Daniela Ionescu, Laura Pieptea, Constantin Istrate and Adrian Barbu!!!!!
I take this opportunity to thank you all from the bottom of may heart for all the help and work you have dedicated during 2011. It was truly a team effort and I look forward to the same in 2012.
Respectfully submitted,
Ionela Kloes – March 11, 2012