Pursutam - - - - Pramila - - Nilam - - - Sabitra - - - Kailash
June 6, 2010

I n d e x   t o   S t o r i e s

Selling Weavings at The Market Path

How to Insulate Your Windows

Bylaws Revision Approved

Feelings of Bhutanese Elders in the Akron Area

New Officers Continue Leadership

Interview with Newly Elected Officers

Reactions to First General Election

Interview with Naresh Subba

Tragedy in Nesmith Lake

My Bicycle Accident

Bhutanese Weavers in Akron

Bhutanese Refugees

Green Cards are Important

Editorial Staff

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Chandra Subba (left) and Pabitra Osti (right) from the greater Akron Bhutanese Community  were featured weavers for the third anniversary celebration on Saturday, November 13 at The Market Path in Akron.  They demonstrated backstrap weaving in the warm, bright sun in front of the store from noon until 4 pm. 

Amber Subba, President of the Bhutanese Community Association of Akron, Inc., provided personal transportation for the weavers and assistance in setting up the demonstration.  

President Subba came to the Market Path to learn about the challenges the weavers face in creating and selling their work, and how to interact with customers.   Most of all, he came to encourage the weavers. 

Dae Evens, Manager of The Market Path store, said she was thrilled to have Bhutanesee refugee weavers participate in the anniversary event.  She said that she invited them because they make beautiful bags, to share their story with other people, to connect people, and to raise awareness that will sell bags!  She commented that she is aware that the standard of living is more expensive in the United States and that the prices on these bags may be higher than prices on bags made in third-world countries, but that they are worth the asking price. 

The Market Path is located across from The Highland Theatre at 833 West Market Street in Akron, and it features fair trade products that are handmade by artisans from all over the world. 

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On Saturday morning, Francis Weng conducted a workshop on how to insulate windows for winter weather.  He donated his time and his Sunday Afternoon Garden Club contributed $100 towards the materials.  He explained how cold air comes in around windows in old houses and he showed how cold air can be kept out using 3 ml. thick plastic sheeting and double-sided tape. 

He started by cleaning all the dust and debris from the window sills, then he attached double-strip tape all the way around the window.  After that he measured the window and cut the plastic.  Then the plastic sheet was attached to the double-stock tape.

All those in attendance were thankful for Francis Weng's contributions.
 

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Feelings of Bhutanese Elders in the Akron Area by Nilam Ghimirey
Posted August 30, 2010

Passing by the apartments on Carnegie Ave on the 11th of July, 2010, I asked several of the elders from the community about their feelings regarding being resettled in the United States.  Their responses were reflective, interesting, and even inspirational.   Some responses were sad and imbued with deep emotional attachments to family and their pre-refugee lives.  

Life in Bhutan

When they were living in Bhutan they had farms, owned their own property, and were quite happy.  Their families had been in Bhutan for many generations.  Families lived together and several generations helped each other.  They had plenty to eat and grew their own vegetables and livestock – mostly cows and buffalos for milk, goats for meat and milk, and chickens for eggs and meat.  They felt settled and secure living their Nepalese culture (language, clothes, and religion) within the Bhutan monarchy which had a different language, religion, and clothes.  They led happy, productive, and satisfying lives. 

Separation from Motherland

In an ethnic cleansing in 1991 the Bhutan king and monarchy began a program that forced those of Nepalese descent to leave the country.  Because the government was torturing some and destroying houses, they were fearful for their lives so they fled the country to find refuge in other countries.  At first they went to India, but the Indian police put them in trucks and took them to the border of Nepal where they did not have anything to eat or anyplace to live.  For several months people languished in this condition until the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees established camps for them in Nepal.  

Life in the Camps

In the camps living conditions were crowded and fires were common.  Fires were especially bad because they could not be contained and often destroyed many huts and all of what little families had.  The camps were dusty and hot, especially in the summer.   Many people lost their lives in the camps from poor medical care, disease, and snake-bite.  The thatched roofs sometimes dripped rainwater inside the huts; other times when storms ranged, roofs would blow off.  Mice, cockroaches, mosquitoes, and other bugs were a part of everyday life.  Mosquito bites were common and lots of people got diseases from those bites.  Some people did not have jackets in the winter time and just got cold, and when the rice rations ran out, they had to go hungry.  If no family member had a job, then the only food was the rice rations; this meant that those people had no vegetables or meat to go with the rice.  Some of the rice rations had a bad odor and all of it had stones, dirt, and bugs that had to be separated.   As people left the camps and in the aftermath of fires, looting and crime increased.  These problems compounded the usual living conditions which consisted of bamboo huts for homes, no running water except for a community spigot three times a day, and no electricity.  Life was primitive. 

Resettlement 

After they spent 18 years of their lives in refugee camps, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and several countries offered them the possibility of resettlement into third countries such as the United States of America.  It was a difficult choice because some refugees still wanted to wait for repatriation to Bhutan while others were ready to seek a new life, even in unknown circumstances.  As negotiations between Bhutan and Nepal carried on over the years, the Bhutanese monarchy has been steadfast in refusing to negotiate or permit repatriation.  Likewise, Nepal did not want to offer the refugees permission to become citizens of Nepal.  Only when the United Nations intervened and offered the possibility of settling in other countries, did the refugees have a choice either to remain in the camps or to seek a new life elsewhere.  The United States, with the help of the IOM, offered the possibility of resettlement to 60,000 of the Bhutanese refugees.  In the summer of 2010, approximately 500 Bhutanese refugees were living in the greater Akron area.

These elders came to the United States to provide a better future for their children.  They do not want their children to be illiterate like them; they want their children to have a fabulous life, much better than in the camp.  All of them love to be in America but they have lots of challenges with language.  Some of them said “We feel dumb to sit here without being able to communicate in English.” 

Some of them are just 55 years old but due to lack of English they tend to sit around talking to each other in Nepalese and unable to get jobs.  They said people in the United States are kind and generous to others.  They appreciate the way that doctors and nurses treat them with kindness and dignity.  Most of them miss their country, some definitely want to stay in the United States, but some of them would go back to Bhutan if they had enough money and if the Monarchy would permit their repatriation.

The elders have lived a life full of struggle and hard work.  While it has been difficult, they constantly think about their children’s futures.  Even though they didn’t know the language or the culture, they decided to come to America for their children. 

They are in this country for the future generations.

Elders Interviewed

Those I interviewed included Kanti Maya Dhungana, Dilli Maya Niroula, Lalita Ghimirey, Deo Narayan Dhungana, and Chandra Lal Ghimirey, and their ages ranged from 55 to 91 years old at the time of the interview.   
 

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New Officers Continue Leadership by Nilam Ghimirey and Terry Kuhn
Posted: August 9, 2010
 

Naresh Subba and the six-member Election Committee held a meeting on August 1, 2010, in the International Institute to thank the Interim Executive Committee for its foundational work in establishing the Bhutanese Community Association of Akron Inc., and to transfer authority to the newly elected officers.  About 60 people attended the meeting and nine people gave short speeches.

After Durva Rai provided a formal welcome to everyone at the meeting, Naresh Subba talked about the history of the Bhutanese refugees from the time they were intimidated and forced to leave Bhutan through their diaspora to many countries including the Akron, Ohio, area.

A progress report of the Association from its embryonic inception and its mission was given by Krishna Subba.  He said he has notes in Nepali and he can translate them. 

Ghana Shyam Adhikari welcome newly elected members and talked about experiences working with the Bhutanese community.  He said that “our minds have been influenced by the politics of Nepal and India and that we need to change our mind set to further our cause.”  He emphasized the importance of the Executive Committee working according to the constitution and bylaws of the association.

Jas Maya Subba said she was disappointed that just one woman was elected to the committee.  She requested the committee and the community to work to further the cause of women. 

Personal observations about the resettlement process, its progress, and the refugees’ feelings about being in United States were given by Bishnu Dhimal.  He said that the new Executive Committee will have to work to meet the needs of the community, especially concerning language barriers and driver’s licenses.  He stated that the community needs to support the Executive Committee, but that the community also expects results from the committee. 

Terry Kuhn complimented the excellent leadership that Naresh Subba has given the Bhutanese refugees since he arrived in 2002 from the Beldegi-1 refugee camp.  Dr. Kuhn compared Dr. Subba’s leadership to that of Abraham Lincoln.  He said that it took three generations for his family to become part of the mainstream culture in the United States.  The implication is that the older Nepalese people will have to make sacrifices to provide a better life for their children. 

President Amber Subba gave a speech and thanked the interim committee, voters, outside observers, Bhutanese Newsletter Group, and everyone who helped in the election.  He also talked about his ideas for the Association.

Gopal Lepcha was given the floor to talk about his feelings to be treasurer and he thanked all of the people who are helping the Association.

At the conclusion of the meeting the new officers were in charge of the Bhutanese Community Association of Akron, Inc.
 

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Interview with Newly Elected Officers by Nilam Ghimirey (with editorial assistance from Terry Kuhn)
Posted: August 6, 2010

 
Following the July 25 General Election of 2010, I interviewed several of the elected officers about their reactions to the election and the future of the Bhutanese Community Association of Akron.  Some of their responses are given as quotations and, where several officers gave the same response, I have combined their responses into more general statements.  Here is my summary of their reactions.    

“Why were you interested in this position?”

Amber Subba, president, said that he is “interested to bring the community together and to uplift it.”  Gopal Lepcha, Ram Kumar Subba, and Jas Maya Subba were interested because becoming an officer is an opportunity to “serve their Bhutanese community.”  Bhim Dhungana was interested in “helping people learn new things because many are not that much educated.”  All of the officers were happy to win the election.  “Now I think I have lots of responsibility for my people…” said Amber Subba.  Gopal Lepcha said “I will try my best to help our community to be better.”

“What do you hope the Association can accomplish this year?”

While none of the officers felt that the problems facing members of the association could be completely solved this year, they were confident that the association could begin addressing such challenges as acquiring English language skills; transportation for work, medical needs, education, and shopping; driving skills and licensing; employment counseling; and jobs and better jobs.   Adapting to the culture in the United States means learning about the way the people live in the United States.  For one instance, how the older people live, dress, eat, and are cared for is very different in the United States.  Medical care and healthy living is different.  In the US older people who can afford it tend to live on their own or in retirement centers.  Those who are sick or otherwise infirm live in nursing homes if they can afford it.  In the Nepalese culture these older people live their families because they do not have retirement savings or income.   

“Why is it important to have an Association?” 

Secretary Krishna Subba thought that the association could build communication between members and with external constituencies.  He said that it is important to “make the association a strong one so it can address the needs of the members.”  “Really we can assume that when a new baby is born we have to  take care of that baby: that is same like this.  We have just given the name and this is the first steps that we have taken and after these steps we need to do lots of things to build our association in good way.” 

According to Bhim Dhungana, “If only a single person works, then he will not get success.  So all need to work together in association.”  Expanding on Bhim’s comment, Amber Subba said that “the Association is very important because we are very new in the U. S. and we don’t know much about this country.  We don’t know the culture and language here.  It is very different.  If we don’t work together, then it will be more difficult to adjust here.  To do anything if we go together in one voice then everybody will appreciate it and everybody will like it and they will understand us, and it will be easier for us to progress if we unite together.” 

“What is the biggest challenge the Association needs to work on?” 

Krishna Subba said that the biggest challenge is developing a road map.  “With something like a road map we can prioritize what the needs of the people are and how the association can address those needs.   I think we newly elected officers can contribute ideas for the Executive Committee to consider what the Association should do.  Creating such a plan, or road map, may be our greatest challenge.  By creating this road map it will make our Association a strong one and it will be able to provide all the rights and needs of the association members, and help us solve our common problems.” 

“Do you have any other thoughts to share about this election or the Association?”

President Subba stated that the “Election was conducted in a fair way.  The members elected their leaders, and doing it through this process was really a great achievement.  Our Interim Committee worked for two years to get a draft of the Bylaws prepared; however, our progress was greatly accelerated when Terry Kuhn began working with us.  From then we made great strides in getting recognized by the Ohio Secretary of State, a new Employer Identification Number (EIN) with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and our current effort to obtain tax exempt status with the IRS.  After two years we are now reaching fulfillment of getting the association established and it is very easy for us because of him.“

According to Ram Kumar Subba, Krishna Subba, Jas Maya Subba, Bhim Dhungana, and Gopal Lepcha all said that the election was our first experience and it was conducted in a transparent, fair, and democratic way.  They thought the Election Committee and the Outside Observers did a great job and made an important contribution to our community. 
 

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Reactions to First General Election by Nilam Ghimirey, Pursutam Mishra, and Sabitra Dulal
Posted: August 1, 2010, Akron, Ohio

On July 25, 2010 the members of the Bhutanese Community Association of Akron, Inc. conducted an election of officers.  A remarkable 87% turnout of voters showed support for both the association and the candidates.  (See election photos on the Association Activities page of this web site.)

The election took place in three locations.  From 12:00pm to 2:00pm at Carnegie/Akron, from 3:00 to 5:00 pm in Cuyahoga Falls, and from 6:00 to 8:00 pm in Tallmadge/Akron.  The single ballot box was sealed and transported from location to location and was taken to the International Institute on Tallmadge Avenue in Akron after the completion of voting where the ballots were counted and tallied.  Election results were announced at about midnight.  

Throughout the election process, three reporters from the Bhutanese Times Newsletter conducted interviews as people completed their voting.  They were excited to be able to vote for the first time in a fair, transparent, and democratic process that was designed by a six-person committee led by Naresh Subba. 

The following paragraphs are a compilation of the ideas expressed by the members interviewed.  Their responses were grouped under the following themes: choosing officers, working for the community, solving specific problems, and the election process.

Choosing Officers

The voters said that they wanted to choose the people who are capable, able, and good people to be leaders of the community.  The elected officers will be expected to bring people together and to provide the refugee community with a common, single voice to speak for them.  They also hope their leaders will come up with different and new ideas as well as solutions to problems.  They expect their association to run in a smooth way and for the officers to have the verbal, personal, and professional skills to speak for the Bhutanese refugee community. 

Working for the Community

Interviewees want the officers to guide the association and to educate members about their political and legal rights.  They hope the association can unite all members by helping them to cooperate and work together in achieving the goals of the association.  There was a common expectation for the BCAA to represent its members to other groups of people.  They think that it will create mutual understanding of the culture of the United States even while preserving the culture, traditions, and language they brought with them.  Most of all they want the association to help the young generation to achieve in this new land.

Solving Specific Problems

The people who voted identified several specific problems that they are facing in the United States.  These problems included specific suggestions to help adult people to speak English, get  jobs, obtain driver’s licenses, provide needed transportation, get education and job training beyond high school, help will funeral arrangements and expenses, and assist new arrivals adapt to the new country. 

Election Process

The prevailing opinion was that the election was conducted in a fair and transparent manner.  Members think that it was their right, responsibility, and privilege to vote.  In fact, they regarded the event as an historical day in the community to be able to vote in a democratic way.  They felt that voting and the establishing an official association makes them part of a larger group. 

Outside Observer Comments

The external observers included Madhav Bhatta, Terry Kuhn, Mingma Lama, Gobind Paudel, and Naresh Shakya.  The observers affirmed that the election was conducted according to the procedures identified by the election committee and that the election was conducted in a fair and impartial manner.  Some of their observations made after the election suggested that elections should not be conducted in candidates’ houses or with candidate families present.  Some of the observers also suggest that in future elections only the voter be allowed in the room when the ballot is being marked.  Perhaps the most important suggestion to surface was that the election locations, rules, processes, ballots, and candidates should be explained in a meeting before the election so that everybody understands the election process and what voters need to do. 

Conclusion

Spirits were high before, during, and after the first General Election of the Bhutanese Community Association of Akron, Inc.  People were pleased with the process and the candidates, and they expect the new officers to keep the community together with a unity of spirit and purpose that brings hope and happiness to a long-oppressed people.

The following members contributed ideas to this article through their interviews with Nilam Ghimirey, Pursutom Dhungana, or Sabitra Dulal: Aaiti Subba Aiti, Ghana Shyam Adhakari, Gyan Kumari Adhakari, Madan Adhakari, Parsu Ram Adhakari, Mag Nath Baral, Bala Basnet, Chandra Basnet, Om Basnet, Telshi Bhujel, Khem Maya Bista, Mitra Bista, Thakur Bista, Benjamin Biswa, Binod Biswa, Goma Biswa, Rupa Biswa, Chandra Lal Chuwan, Kubir Chuwan, Lal Chhetri , Meera Chhetri, Rajendra Chhetri, Basanta Dangal, Bishnu Dhimal, Ganesh Dhimal, Bhim Dhungana, Deo Narayan Dhungana, Dharma Dhungana, Manju Dhungana, Narayan Dhungana,  Purushotam Dhungana, Tulshi Dhungana, Govinda Dulal, Krishna Dulal, Yadu Dulal, Bala Ram Ghimirey, Bishnu Ghimirey, Chandra Lal Ghimirey, Durga Ghimirey, Khada Ghimirey, Parshu Ghimirey, Tika Ram Katel, Parshu Khanal, Bhima Ketel, Yam Ketel, Om Khatiwada, Tek Badhur Lepcha, Devi Maya Mainali, Gita Mishra, Sita Mishra, Kumari Mishara, Krishna Neopany, Bhuwan Nepal, Madu Nepal, Dilli Maya Niroula, Khem Niroula, Chhabi Lal Osti, Deu Maya Osti, Gropi Krishna Osti, Indrawati Rai, Pabitra Osti, Yamuna Osti, Kamal Phuyel, Govinda Phuyel, Yeshoda Phuyel, Aati Maya Rai, Asa Mati Rai, Chhabi Lal Rai, Dharva Rai, Hari Rai, Lal Rai, Lal Badhur Rai, Ner Rai, Sabitra Rai, Khem Rizal, Aiti Maya Subba, Aita Raj Subba, Bishnu Subba,  Dhan Subba, Dhan Badhur Subba, Dil Subba, Harka Lachi Subba, Hasta Subba, Jas Maya Subba, Jate Subba, Jitan Subba, Krishna Subba, Mon May Subba, Pavi Subba, Ram Subba, Ran Maya Subba, Renuka Subba, Sarof Subba,  Sha Bahadur Subba, Srijang Subba, Som Maya Subba, Sun Subba, Deo Narayan Subedi, Devi Maya Subedi, Indra Subedi, Sabitra Subedi, and Santi Ram Subedi.
 

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Naresh Subba

July 3, 2010 was a beautiful sunny day at Plum Creek Park in Kent, Ohio where family, friends, and faculty advisers gathered together to celebrate Naresh Subba’s completion of his doctoral studies in nuclear physics.  Even though I had not met with him before this interview, I was excited when I had the chance to attend his celebration and I was doubly fortunate when he agreed to be interviewed about this achievement.  He was kind, intelligent, and had a gentle and caring disposition. 

Nilam Ghimirey

Naresh Subba is an inspiring and talented person who came to Kent from a Bhutanese refugee camp. He was born into a farmer family and had to work all day in growing crops and tending animals. But he had a vision about pursuing his education and he had to struggle hard to achieve his goal.  Like most people in Bhutan, his family worked on farms to provide food and shelter.  But while he worked for his family, he extracted time to attend school.  He even earned a bachelor’s degree in Bhutan before being exiled.  By this effort he achieved sufficient literacy to make possible future and higher levels of education. 

He was a Bhutanese refuge from the Beldegi-1 camp when he came to the Akron area in 2002 on a student visa.  He decided to go to Kent State because he knew a couple of friends in the  physics department and because the University awarded him a graduate assistantship which paid for his tuition and provided a modest living expense. He may well be the first person from a refugee camp to earn a Ph.D. in the United States.  When he was a child he always wanted to know about nature and how things work.  In his student life he was very interested in physics and mathematics, and the more he learned about those subjects he got more insight into philosophy and life in general.  His studies were difficult and he often came close to giving up; however, his wife, Pavi, was steadfast and encouraged him to continue.  He attributes much of his achievement to her.   He said that “She helped me in each and every step of my life to study more and to search solutions for every difficult situation.”  He continued saying that “she believed in me and encouraged me when I doubted my own abilities to continue.”

At this time he would prefer to find a job in Ohio because he wants to stay close to his family and friends.  His future plans include working full time as a scientist in a research position.  If he doesn’t find such a job, then he would like to teach.   Besides a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics, Mathematics and Chemistry in 1992 from Sherubtse College in Bhutan, and a Master of Science degree in Physics in 1996 from Tribhuvan University in Nepal, he also earned a Bachelor of Education degree in 1999 from Tribhuvan University; therefore, he is prepared to work as a scientist or as a teacher.

In addition to his academic studies, he has done important things to help his community.  For example, he was a volunteer teacher in the Bhutanese refugee camps in Nepal and he was the senior adviser and a founding member of the Bhutanese Community Association of Akron, Inc.  He has supported the formation of the Bhutanese Community Association because he wants his people to create identities as Americans while preserving their traditional culture.  He thinks that the association will help community members to engage in group discussions as they find solutions and make decisions. 

When I asked him for his advice to students, he said that “…everyone must “work, work, and work” and that “…everybody needs to have at least a high school education.  Everyone should have an aim and work to achieve it.  And while you are working toward your own goals, always remember your family, friends, teachers and your community.”

Dr. Naresh Subba is an inspiration to all of us.  Coming from humble agrarian origins, struggling through oppression and exile, and then earning the highest educational degree offered, he exemplifies that your talents must be cultivated and educated, and that you should create your opportunities by focusing your attention on education so you will have a better life in the future. 
 

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Tragedy in Nesmith Lake by Sabitra Dulal
 

Bishnu Nepal and some other friends were riding their bicycles near Nesmith Lake when they decided to swim in the lake.  They made this decision without getting the permission of their parents or any other adults.  While swimming in the water Bishnu experienced difficulty staying afloat, but his friends were not able to pull him out and went to get help.  An adult resident called 911.  It took Akron fire and rescue crews about 45 minutes to find him in the murky water.  The boy was eventually recovered near the shore and was taken to Akron Children’s Hospital where he was pronounced dead. 
 

His mother and 12 year old sister were at the hospital and his father came there from his job.  The family lives in an apartment near the lake. This tragedy follows the unfortunate loss of two other sons in the refugee camp in Nepal.  The entire community is shocked and saddened to loose such a young member of our community.  This was the first untimely death to take place in our United States community.  Let us all feel compassion over the sadness of the occasion and hope his family can find peace in the future. 

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My Bicycle Accident by Pramila Dulal
 

On May 21, 2010  I was going to school on my bicycle on the sidewalk heading Westbound at Portage Trail and 11th street.  with a people walk signal. When I reached 11th street, the signal said “walk” so I stopped and looked around.  I saw one stopped yellow car. The traffic light was red and the driver was trying to turn right on the red signal.  I saw the car stop and, because I had a walk signal, I went ahead into the intersection.  Just then the car started turning toward me.   All of a sudden I was in front of that yellow car which stopped just in time to avoid running over me.  My bicycle was damaged and the front tire was so bent it had to be replaced. 
 

The driver was also looking for clear traffic on Portage Trail Road.  She drove her car  forward turning right and looked for traffic but did not look for pedestrians on the sidewalk.  As the car and I moved forward at the same time it hit me and my bicycle.  I fell down and a jogger came and woke me up.  As a result of the accident I fell from the and scraped my left hand and left leg. The lady driver in the yellow car came and asked if I was ok.  I showed my left hand and left leg and said I was ok.  At that point the driver went on her way and I went on to school.  Neither of us called for or waited for the police.

I want to tell everybody this. If anybody has an accident like me, don’t leave.  Call for the police and wait for them to arrive.  You should fill out an accident report for the policeman.   

No matter what the laws are, no matter who has the right of way, you must always look in all directions to be sure it is safe to cross a street.  Just because you have a green light does not mean it is safe to cross a street. 

I am very fortunate to be alive today. 

This really happened to me. 

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Bhutanese Weavers in Akron by Nilam Ghimirey
 

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Bhutanese Refugees by Pursuttam Mishra
 

Nepali refugees were forced from their homes in Bhutan during the 1990s during a period of Bhutanization by the Druk ruling majority.  New policies and laws were passed which were unfair to the Nepali people living in Southern Bhutan and they were threatened, tortured, and forced to leave their property and livelihoods in their homeland of Bhutan. 

The Bhutanese refugees settled in Nepal where the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) managed seven camps in eastern Nepal where more than 100,000 Bhutanese refugees lived. Bhutanese refugees were completely dependent on UNHCR and other agencies which provided food staples and minimal shelter.  Children were able to attend the school and more than 60 percent received an education. The International Organization for Migration began a program to resettle the Bhutanese people and over 60,000 refugees are coming to the United States. 
 

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The Green Card is important because it is needed to get a job and to have the right to vote in the United States.

Because the process for obtaining a Green Card is difficult, those who need to obtain one should seek assistance from the International Institute of Akron, Inc.  There is a lot of information about Green Cards on the World Wide Web.  Click HERE for a place to start looking.

Please contact a member of the Editorial Staff if you would like to share something about yourself, your family, your friends, or impressions you have about your new life.

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