"This was the beginning of very long and wonderful friendships between many people in Plattsburgh and Leningrad," Ward said.

Throughout the early '90s, exchanges continued to take place through the organization of Ward, the YMCA and American/Russian programs developed by Plattsburgh State and other local groups.

LATE ARRIVAL

When Ward received the package this year, a letter was attached that read, "I hope you are the Linda Ward who was supposed to receive this package, but if not, please donate the book to a public library."

Ward said the woman had been approached while visiting Russia in '89 and was asked to bring the package to the States when she returned.

The woman explained that she had lost track of the package, and it did not surface again until she was cleaning her basement this past summer. She sincerely apologized for the delay and hoped Ward would understand.

"Although I was surprised and delighted to receive this gift, it made (me) feel badly because the group of Russian children who sent it never received a reply," Ward said.

Since receiving the package, Ward has found a Web site for Ryazan, Russia and plans to e-mail a letter with what she said will be a long-overdue thank you for the gift from the school children.

CUTTING EDGE'

Ward said the package brought back many memories of her experiences with the youth exchange.

"Plattsburgh really was on the cutting edge of bridging the gap between two countries, and we didn't even know it.

"We just sort of fell into these opportunities and kind of really naively accepted the responsibility of hosting these people, not knowing anything at all about what we were getting into," Ward said.

"And what we got into was just one of the best experiences that I personally have ever had in my life."