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TW OakMlleBeavfef, frid a y January 11, 2002 - f CESO volunteer enjoyed host countries' hospitality / * (C ontinued from page 1) Hydro Romania gained ISO status 11 months after his assignment, which allowed the utility to distrib ute and sell its power outside the country. Gratified by providing a help ing hand, Kosturik was also delighted by his reception in Romania and the warmth with which he and his wife were wel comed. Sure, the driving was nerve-wracking, but a Danube cruise and the chance to see Romania's castles and monasteries left a more favourable impression. "We were treated like royalty," said Kosturik, who admitted that he was initially unsure about going because of the country's recent tur moil. "We had second thoughts, but it was a real pleasant surprise. They couldn't have treated us any better." Buoyed by his Romanian expe rience, Kosturik accepted a second assignment this past summer to Russia, namely a medical equip ment manufacturer in a small town 400 miles east of Moscow. The company wanted to export its products to Germany but so way ward were its production methods that outside help was desperately in order. "It was like going back in time," Kosturik laughs. 'Tm 65 and the day I was bom some of that equipment must have been installed in the plant." Working conditions for employees were similarly substan dard, but thanks to CESO's assis tance, the company is now selling its products abroad while both safety and worker morale were also improved. "People in the factory will have a better life," he said. Isolated for two weeks in a forested rural area, Kosturik and his wife lived in quarters without a telephone, radio, TV or hot water and battled mosquitoes "the size of bumblebees" on a daily basis. Just as he did in Romania, Kosturik brought home not only memories of those he helped, but also of a warm and giving people. "It was not just a job," said Kosturik, who still stays in touch with his Romanian interpreter. "You become part of the family." The couple decided to stay in the Russian capital a little longer at their own expense and managed to take in a performance of the Bolshoi Ballet and even the Moscow Circus. Kosturik encourages anyone interested in becoming a volunteer to do so. Unlike some aid pro grams, in which money can be diverted through corruption and waste, 99% of every CESO dollar goes to value-added services, said Kosturik. "It's for people who want to give a little bit back and share their expertise," he said. Visit www.ceso-saco.com. Clanmore M ontessori School (a child-centred community 18 months -12 years of age) Please join us for an O P E NH O U S E Saturday 19th January, 2002, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. 2463 Lakeshore Road East at Armiger Rd. (Just west of Winston Churchill Blvd.) By STEVE NEASE 905-842-2200 ext. 226 W e a r e p r e p a r i n g t o o p e n - a N E W C a sa - F a ll 2 0 0 2 f o r c h ild r e n 3 - 6 y e a r s o f a g e ( a p p lic a tio n s a r e n o w b e i n g a c c e p t e d ) Come and meet the staff and see what our community oriented school has to offer your family! St John's United Church is Sunday 'Worship ... and much more. Baptisms... Parish Nurse... Christian Education For Children and Youth... Weddings... Memorial Garden.. Hospital and Home Visits by Ministers.. . Guest Artist Recitals... Junior and Senior Youth Groups... Grief Counselling... Volunteer Opportunities... Cub Pack and Scout Troop... Choir... Funerals... Puppet M inistry... Adult Fellowship Activities... Guest Speakers... Lending Library... Sunday Nursery Care... Childrens Music/Drama Group... United Church Womens Groupf... rofisorship o f Red Cross Van a, '# We h Worship... and Sunday, 124th S! 1 0 :0 0 ¥ House" Worship Service Sermon: 'l^ ^ o fO S km lt^ s m cs 1832 262 Randall St. L6J 1P9 · 905-845-0551* fax: 905-845-0651 · e-mail stjohns@on.aibn.com/www.stjohnsunited.ca N ew in Oakville? Looking fo r a church? We are in beautiful doumtoum Oakville on D u n n between Church a n d Randall. A ll welcome!