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Here & There
by Fernando G. Rosa
Correction - The correct name of the Wetherfield High School
graduate is: Lizete Nogueira.
EXPO-98 - Former U.S. Representative Tony Coelho of California,
serving as High Commissioner for the U.S. Pavilion at EXPO 98,
in Lisbon, recently dined with a number of Connecticut residents
to discuss his latest project; the WAVE. Coelho attended a reception
hosted by Carlos Gomes, President of Relvas Vacations, the number
1 tour operator to Lisbon.
Prior to the conference, Coelho said the monument is a way of
saying thanks to Portugal from all Portuguese American immigrants.
He encouraged all Portuguese Americans to inscribe their names
in a small plaque for a $100 donation. This space will engrave
the name with up to 17 letters, longer names need more space.
All of the organizations that get 100 members to participate
will get their names inscribed free.
Brochures and information are now available and the name engraving
will take place in September.
The Luso American Wave Foundation, was created to offer Portugal
the wave-shaped monument.
The sculpture will be a memorial wall in the shape of a wave
and stand 8.5 feet high and exceed 60 feet in distance. Designed
by artist Stephen Frietch and architect Steven Spurlock the stainless
steel structure will be surfaced at the base in the traditional
azulejos the famous deep and royal blue Portuguese title.
It will be located just outside the exhibit space close to the
marina and will have 9,000 names of Portuguese Americans or institutions
inscribed on it.
Interested people in the U.S. hoping to get more information,
can call the headquarters of the Foundation in Washington D.C.
at 1-888- 554-5293, or may write to 1900 L Street, NW Suite 407
Washington D.C. 20036.
EXPO 98 will remain open to the public until September 23rd It
is dedicated to the oceans and features a major aquarium similar
to the one built in Okinawa, Japan.
Lisbon is a city in transition, with major construction underway,
new infrastructure and new space. The site of the Expo-98 is
a new economic development space. The new bridge, Vasco da Gama,
connects the banks of the Tagus. Its opening was celebrated with
a major party, served with a "feijoada" a hearty stew
for 15,000 people. Other changes include the construction of
train stations.
I'm expecting to visit Lisbon in August and I hope that I will
report to you on my experience of the Expo 98.
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