Visitors Program

Re “Building Bridges: ‘Open House’ Introduces Visiting Russians to Government in Ventura County,” Aug. 21.

Ventura County was part of an important international program this summer as we participated in the one-time “Open House-Open World,” which brought two groups of five Russian leaders to our community.

They were among 2,000 Russians traveling to the U.S. through the Russian Leadership Program, sponsored by the Library of Congress. Their purpose was to learn about our democratic way of life and how our society functions.

We greatly appreciate the 58 officials and representatives of organizations and agencies that graciously made presentations, guided or met with the Russians, helping to accomplish the program goals, which specified experiences in government, nonprofit groups, the private sector, media and social and cultural activities. A special thanks to reporters Coll Metcalfe of The Times and Brynn Mandel of Our Times for their articles.

We are grateful also for 38 other people who gave time and effort as home hosts, dinner hosts, drivers, daily schedule guides, interpreters or researchers--plus another 12 families who gave financial support.

Those involved locally represented neighborhoods and organizations in Oxnard, Port Hueneme, Ventura, Ojai and Mission Oaks. Several of the presenters and hosts exchanged e-mail addresses with the participants, so we look forward to further collaboration and maybe even a return visit from one or more of our new Russian friends. They represent a great and proud people. We wish them well in helping to restore order and prosperity in their country.

CLOENE I. MARSON

Coordinator for St. Paul’s

United Methodist Church

Oxnard

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