Each month The Roundhouse features one or more orphanages, children's homes, clubs, schools, businesses or individuals important to the success of the Orphan Train Project.
If your organization has done something interesting recently with our program, or you know of an organization that you'd like to nominate for our feature page, please Email us to let us know.
Don't forget to check back with us each month to keep up with our featured activities!
Table of Contents:
| 11/20/06 Tanzania Tots | |
| 08/27/06 Peruvian Director Hosted by Orphan Train and Mooseheart | |
| 03/29/06 Madison West Kiwanis Meets Needs of Children in Peru | |
| 02/23/06 Mooseheart and Rotary Team Up for Romania | |
| 12/06/05 Rotary Club of Columbus, Wisconsin and St. Jerome | |
| 10/30/05 Suraks Remember Glenn Koepp | |
| 09/26/05 Marshfield Sunrise Brings Sunshine To Gotze Delchev | |
| 09/16/05 Final Report: Rotary Club of Monroe's Donation to Shoumen | |
| 09/12/05 Bulgarian Invitees Train At Mooseheart and Visit Wisconsin | |
| 05/16/05 Orphan Train Enlists Lions To Assist Romanian Children | |
| 07/05/05 Orphan Train Needs More Conductor Clubs and Groups | |
| 06/01/05 St. Maria Goretti School Aids Santa Maria De Jesus | |
| 05/12/05 Update: Rotary Club Of Monroe’s Donation To Shoumen | |
| 03/02/05 Final Report On Burish Family Donation For Pillco Mozo | |
| 03/22/05 Braun Family Charities Focuses on Needs With A Little Baseball | |
| 02/25/05 John Norquay Donates Embroidery Services | |
| 02/25/05 Cathy Wright and David Leet Encourage Children of Haskovo | |
| 02/05/05 Viroqua’s Children Of Los Angelitos De Potracancha Peru | |
| 01/29/05 Web Master Andrew Peppard Succeeded By Rob Thomas | |
| 01/29/05 Children Of Kula Find Friends From Sun Prairie, Wisconsin | |
| 11/29/04 Haskovo Orphanages Helped By Play: A Sporting Exchange |
Archives: 2006-2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002: July - Dec | 2002: Jan - June | 2001 | 2000
Mgolole Ophanage, located in Morogoro Tanzania was visited in September by Rotarians Cora Holloway and Jeannine Desautels accompanied by her husband Ed Desautels. Their conductor, St.Thomas Aquinas parish in Madison, WI. had raised funds for the orphanage and had professed interest in sending volunteers there next summer to work with the children.Situated 3 hours inland from the east coast of the country, Mgolole abuts the Urugulu mountains.
The orphanage is run by the Mgolole Sisters, a Tanzanian order of Catholic Sisters. They are not related to any outside organizations. The orphanage itself is quite old and in need of repair. There were 42 orphans living in the compound at the time of our visit but the number fluctuates with new arrivals, transfers to the AIDS orphanage in Dodoma and occasionally a death due to illness.
First impressions of the orphanage were depressing. Fifteen small toddlers ran to us begging to be held and hungry for attention. Few had shoes, upper respiratory illnesses were apparent as well as some suffering from various skin ailments. The situation in the nursery was sad because there was no one to hold the babies and the person assigned to care for them was overworked from changing diapers, feeding, caring for the sick. This job is 24/7.
There was no mosquito netting on the cribs and as a result, one baby became ill with malaria during the month of our visit. Another baby had been born prematurely and at the age of 9 months, weighed less than 10 lbs. There was enough misery to go around.
Many of the mothers of these children have died in childbirth as prenatal care in this country is a luxury few can afford. At the age of 5, if the child in the orphanage has a parent, or relative to take them, they are sent out because they are deemed old enough to work fetching wood, water, etc. The children who remain in the orphanage attend a local school built by the Italians. The tuition is covered by the cost to the other students. There still exists a need for uniforms, books, supplies.
Although the area is rural and there are gardens and animals at the orphanage, there are many mouths to feed (orphanage, convent, old folks' home) thus the quality of the diet is poor. There is not sufficient milk, meat is served once a week as is fish. Their staple, millet, is daily made up into a gruel paste which often gags the children. Illnesses are frequent. Quinine syrup used to treat malaria is costly. Children suffer from skin an assortment of skin ailments such as fungus which is common in the tropics.
Our hope is to improve their nutritional status, to expand their education into the preschool area as well as establish a library and to provide them with the resources to decrease the incidence of malaria by providing them all with good mosquito nets. With the help of volunteers and members of the congregation of St.Thomas Aquinas, there is hope for a better future.
Gang in the Crib Jeannine Desautels with Tiny Baby Orphanage Compound Orphanage Courtyard Cora Holloway with Mgolole baby Cora Holloway and Jeannine Desautels Help with Feeding Ed Fink Gives a Lift Tanzanian Cub Fans Tanzanian Girl Kids Waiting for Instructions PERUVIAN DIRECTOR HOSTED BY ORPHAN TRAIN AND MOOSEHEART
Gregorio Arratea Castro, director of the Santa Teresita Orphanage in Tingo Maria, Peru, arrived at Mooseheart as a guest of Mooseheart and the Madison West Towne- Middleton Rotary Foundation’s Orphan Train Project on July 23, 2006. The purpose of Castro’s trip was to study and observe Mooseheart’s methodology of child care, gain insights about other models and participate in a cultural exchange. The trip was especially helpful to Castro, who not only directs Santa Teresita, but also is a psychology instructor at a Peruvian University.
Mooseheart is a self-contained child city and school, located on a 1000 acre campus west of Chicago. Since 1913 the Moose fraternal organization has been caring for children, whose families are unable to do so for a variety of reasons. The children of Mooseheart live in one of thirty residences. Six to twelve children live in each home, where Family Teachers care for them. The Family Teachers are charged with giving each youngster a consistent, systematic environment, with emphasis on developing the social skills necessary for successful members of society. (See www.mooseheart.org).
For two weeks, Gregorio attended classes with newly hired Family Teachers, where he learned the Mooseheart way. Gregorio was assisted by Viroqua, Wisconsin Rotarian Ken Childs, who served as translator. The principal instructor for the classes was Training Director Frank Kirby. During the evenings, Castro and Childs were invited to various homes on campus, where they dined with the young residents and participated in life at Mooseheart. Gregorio and Ken enjoyed these experiences. Reportedly, the same was true for the Mooseheart children and staff, giving them an opportunity to learn about another culture.
On August 4, having completed the course of study at Mooseheart, Gregorio arrived in Madison, Wisconsin, where he began a less formal experience. During his stay in Madison, Castro stayed in the homes of Rotarian Jeannine Desautels and husband Ed and Rotarian Rod Nilles and wife Carol. During his time in Madison, Gregorio had an opportunity to give presentations to the Rotary Clubs of Madison West Towne-Middleton and Madison East-Monona. (The Rotary Club of Madison East-Monona is Santa Teresita’s Orphan Train conductor club).
While in Madison, Gregorio visited the University of Wisconsin Children’s Hospital and the Waisman Center, also on the University campus. The Waisman Center, as described on its website, is “one of 14 national centers dedicated to the advancement of knowledge about human development and developmental disabilities through research and practice.” Gregorio’s schedule also listed the Preschool of the Arts, Boys and Girls Club, East Madison Community Center, Goodwill Industries, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Hospice, Briarpatch (helps with crisis intervention, runaways and homeless youth), Centro Guadalupe, Three Gaits (a therapeutic horsemanship center), Catholic Charities, LaFollette High School and Park Elementary School. Each of these organizations serves children in unique ways.
Madison tours and social events were arranged for by numerous Rotarians and others. Events included Concerts on the Square, boating on Lake Mendota, a pot luck dinner, a family birthday party, dinners and lunches with Rotarians and Madisonians, tours of the Capitol building, Farmers Market, Overture Center, Monona Terrace, Memorial Union on the University Campus, visits to restaurants, including the beautiful Ocean Grill, and shopping.
The Orphan Train Project is grateful to Gregorio Castro for taking time to come to the United States, spending one month away from his family and orphanage. We sincerely appreciate our wonderful relationship with Mooseheart, which has so willingly shared its ideas and hospitality for many years. None of this would have been possible without the translators (Ken Childs, Andreas Trevino, Sarah Pressman, Stuart and Susanna Herro, Hilary Schwartz, Jeannine Desautels, Enrique Gandara, Carol Nilles, Lynne Emerick, Romilia Schlueter and others who helped along the way). We are also thankful to Rotarian Families, and others, who shared their time and enthusiasm with our guest. In addition to those already listed in other capacities, they include Mary Van Hout (who spent countless hours making all the arrangements), Susan and Bob Titus, Toni Pabon, Rich Cooper, Jason McCaffrey, Peder Moren, Mary Feldt, Jim Emerick, Rachelle Richardson, Roberta Vellucci, Jerry Smith and Ed Fink.
On August 13, Gregorio returned to Peru, having enriched the lives of all he came to know.
(Editor’s Note: Lists are difficult to compile, especially in a fluid situation where plans and people change, without the necessity of notifying any list maker. Please understand if you aren’t listed, it isn’t because your efforts are unappreciated. We are thankful to everyone who made this educational and cultural exchange a success). 8/27/06
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MADISON WEST KIWANIS MEETS NEEDS OF CHILDREN IN PERU
"In the fall of 2005, Madison (WI) West Kiwanis Club became an Orphan Train Conductor and donated $500 to the Pillco Mozo orphanage in Huanuco, Peru. In a recent report from Sister Mary Ann Leininger, she indicates the funds were used for a reconstruction project to repair the shower facilities in one of the dorms. Pillco Mozo is readying itself to accept young girls into the orphanage so many changes had to be made in the facility, previously occupied by young boys only. Below are photos of some of the boys and the new showers." 3/29/06 MOOSEHEART AND ROTARY TEAM UP FOR ROMANIA
The Orphan Train Project, sponsored by the Madison West Towne-Middleton Rotary Foundation, Inc., the charitable arm of the Rotary Club of Madison West Towne-Middleton (Wisconsin), has worked with Mooseheart, the famed Child City of Illinois for several years. That partnership has resulted in orphanage directors and other interested people from around the globe being trained in Mooseheart’s positive model of care, here in the United States and abroad. The most recent training occurred in Romania, with the help of Daniela Ariton and Dr. Anna Burtea, administrators of Heart of the Child, a Romanian Non Government Organization. Mooseheart’s Ron Ahrens conducted the classes.
Dr. Burtea advised the Orphan Train that Ron’s visit included three days of training, attended each day by 20-25 people. While in Romania, Ron learned about the activities of Heart of the Child and visited group homes and state orphanages. Dr. Burtea wrote: “We want to thank you and to your Rotary Club for doing this visit possible.”
Ron’s story, some pictures and the response to the training follows. Editor
ROMANIAN VISIT
By Ron Ahrens
Director of Residential Living/Mooseheart
On November 1, 2005 through November 11, 2005, because of the kindness and concern of the Rotary Club of Madison West Towne-Middleton, its Orphan Train Project and Jim and Jacque Schutz, I visited Romania and the organization – Heart of the Child. What I found in Romania was great people, and a number of individuals that had a mission to help children.
The Director of the Heart Of The Child, Daniela Aniton and her colleague Anna Burtea had visited Mooseheart and received our training, which consists of motivating children and teaching children social skills. These ladies along with their staff have done an incredible job by taking what they were taught at Mooseheart and teaching it in Romania.
I visited numerous group homes (apartments) and placement centers while I was in Romania. The homes were impressive and the staff in each home was incredible. Each home has a female staff person in charge and another female staff person (called grandmother) comes into the home to assist. All of the children used greeting skills, were very pleasant, and had great conversation skills. I was very impressed with the children’s question asking and interest. I did find one similarity between U.S. children and Romania. Neither of them like rules set by adults!
I thoroughly enjoyed my opportunity to be able to train the Heart of The Child staff. Every person (all ladies) was very interested and very receptive regarding the training. The language barrier, which I thought would be a difficulty, wasn’t at all. Anna did a wonderful job having materials prepared and being the interpreter.
I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Romania (except missing my family). For such a poverty stricken country, they have very vibrant culture. I enjoyed the site seeing, the inexpensive prices, the people, and the food. The food was absolutely outstanding. I had the best pizza in the world, and it only cost me three American dollars. It would’ve have fed at least three people. I enjoyed my time at the Greek Orthodox Monastery where I went to church on Sunday, to driving through countless small villages. The villages reminded me a lot of rural Nebraska, back when I was a little child and spending time on my grandfather’s farms. I thoroughly enjoyed my two-night stay in Bucharest. A very progressive city and unbelievable history that occurred just 15 years ago.
I have never met a group of people that were so thankful for the help they were receiving. The Heart of the Child foundation is going to have a great reputation in Romania because of the staff and the leadership of Daniela and Anna.
I would again like to thank the generosity and kindness of the Rotary Club of Madison West Towne-Middleton. You are really helping children internationally. (Feb. 23, 2006)
Ron Ahrens teaching in Romania Ron and Romanian teens Anna Burtea and Ron Ahrens
ROTARY CLUB OF COLUMBUS, WISCONSIN AND ST. JEROME
St. Jerome School of Columbus, Wisconsin donated $822.98 for their friends living at the Kosovo Orphanage in Bulgaria. Their efforts were enhanced by a contribution of $1185.02 from the Rotary Club of Columbus. These two-long time Orphan Train conductors have been making life better for the Bulgarian children for many years. What a wonderful Christmas this will be for the children of Kosovo!
Purchases included:
food supplies: 407
food supplies: 416.95
notebooks: 114
jackets (28items) 420
shoes (73items) 1579
textbooks: 262.60
Total: 3199.30 BGL
2000USD=1.6*2000BGL=3200BGL 12/6/05
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Judy Surak and her husband John donated $400 to the Orphan Train Project in memory of Judy’s brother Glenn Koepp. Glenn was co-founder of the Orphan Train Project. He passed away in 2004, and his insights are sadly missed. The money donated by the Suraks will be used to purchase resource books and story books for the orphanages at Yakoruda and Shiroka Luka (Katia Vancheva) in Bulgaria. Glenn’s widow Jeanne made the presentation to the Orphan Train in the presence of recipient representatives at a meeting of the Rotary Club of Madison West Towne-Middleton (WI) this past summer. 10/30/05
Dimitar Buchov (Director-Yakoruda), Sylvia Marinova (OT Intermediary), Jeanne Koepp, MWTM Pres. Roberta Vellucci and Stanislav Shikov
MARSHFIELD SUNRISE BRINGS SUNSHINE TO GOTZE DELCHEV
The Rotary Club of Marshfield Sunrise presented Orphan Train Intermediary Sylvia Marinova with a check for $2300 to be used at the Ivan Kiulev Orphanage in Gotze Delchev, Bulgaria. Sunrise Rotarian Darla Leick made presentation of the check at a meeting of the Rotary Club of Madison West Towne-Middleton, where Sylvia and two orphanage directors from Bulgaria were speaking this past summer.
Sylvia Marinova and Darla Leick
Darla Leick (right) presents check to Sylvia Marinova (2nd from left).
Others (L to R)Dimiter Buchov, MWTM Pres. Roberta Vellucci and Stanislav Shikov.
In a letter that follows, Laurel Peterson, orphanage project coordinator for the Marshfield Sunrise Rotarians, writes to Orphan Train Chair Ed Fink about “their” orphanage, how this donation is to be spent, where it came from, about gifts sent for Sylvia and her colleagues and how her friendship with Sylvia has grown over the years. It is a wonderful testament to concern for children and the bonds that develop in the process of working together.
September 26, 2005
Hi Ed!
I think it is great that you will post our gift to Gotze Delchev and Darla and Sylvia's visit on the web. Sunrise Rotary and Sylvia have formed a bond of friendship through our correspondence over the last several years about the Ivan Kiulev Orphanage. Here is some background information.
The orphanage was built in 1967 and specializes in the upbringing and
education of children without parental care. It is located south of the capital of Sofia, along the Mesta River; 15 km from the Bulgarian-Greek border.
The orphanage is home to 24 girls and 37 boys, all students in first to
eleventh grade. Sixteen children have mental disabilities and study at a specialized school in Gotze Delchev. There are seventeen staff including English speaking. The director Konstantin Tomov Endrev has been with the orphanage for 14 years.
The community and surrounding area where the orphanage is located is poverty stricken. Sources of funding are extremely limited; therefore, the orphanage is forced to make due in substandard conditions.
We decided to apply for a District 6250 Simplified Grant so that our fund raising dollars "could get extra bang for the buck". We asked for $1900 to be spent for the following.
Part 1: a computer, laser printer, scanner, fax machine, and copy machine.
Part 2: two washing machines with sewer and electric connections.
Part 3: repair of electric kitchen appliances; woodwork to wardrobes,
doors, and windows; and latex paint for the walls of the facility.
Part 4: new shoes for the children who spend most of their time outside (as the shoes wear out and are outgrown quickly).
After reviewing our grant application, District 6250 awarded us $500.
Guidelines indicated that the washing machines and shoes were appropriate expenditures with the District funds. Sunrise Rotary decided to cover the cost of the other needed items.
When we found out that Sylvia was going to be in Madison in July, we were thrilled because it was the perfect opportunity to meet her and to present her a check for the items. Darla Leick volunteered to go to Madison and talk with Sylvia and the other folks traveling with her.
Sylvia is not a Rotarian, but she certainly exemplifies Rotary spirit and the four-way-test. We wanted to gift her and her companions with some token of our thanks for their volunteer efforts on our behalf with the orphanage. I was explaining all of this to my boss, William J. Mork, President/Owner of Marshfield Furniture. He gave me the teddy bears to give them along with a check for $100, which we incorporated into our $2,300 check for the orphanage. At Marshfield Furniture we have many exclusive fabric designs. The Pine Cone design is one we had woven into a throw. I thought pine cones to be a universal theme, so I purchased one as a thank you to Sylvia. Everything was wrapped in red, white, and blue to represent the United States.
I know Darla was a wonderful ambassador for Sunrise Rotary and that she
thoroughly enjoyed meeting Sylvia and all of you.
This long-winded tail sums up the story. We are anxiously awaiting receipts and
pictures of the children right now.
Thanks again, Ed and let me know if I can be of any further help.
Laurel 9/26/2005
This is the third and final report about the expenditure of $21,702.20 donated by the Rotary Club of Monroe, Wisconsin, to the orphanages of Shoumen, Bulgaria. The last report is found on these pages, and is dated May 12, 2005. Clicking on the words “attached report” found therein can access the earlier report, as on this latest report. Peace Corps Volunteer and Orphan Train Intermediary Mark Jackson sent the following report to all those involved, on the conclusion of his service in Bulgaria. They included the former Monroe, Wisconsin Rotarians and their representative Josephine Kischer, Orphan Train Intermediary and Rotaract member Yuliana Popova, former Peace Corps Volunteer Mark Potts and the Orphan Train.
The Orphan Train Project is sincerely appreciative of the impact of this wonderful act of generosity and to all of those who helped implement it.
LETTER FROM PEACE CORPS VOLUNTEER MARK JACKSON
September 16, 2005
Hello All,
I am pleased to inform you that we have completed all activities for the Orphan Rotary Train donation! In nine months, we have taken the wonderful Christmas-time news of the intention to aid our Shoumen orphans and have made a real dent in addressing the children's needs.
From safe, comfortable beds to programs to develop social/family skills. The donation has effected the daily lives of all 260 children in the city and -more importantly- will continue to do so for years to come.
Again, a million thanks to Josephine and the Monroe Rotary club for creating this opportunity. Also, to Yuliana and the Rotary/Roteract club of Shoumen for putting in many hours of effort over the course of the project. And to Mr. Fink and Rotary Train for giving people a chance to help others.
On another note, I will be finishing my Peace Corps service very soon. My successor (Ben Lawrence) will be arriving in Shoumen the 27th of October 2005 and will be working here until 2007. (e-mail address deleted by editor) I am confident that he will prove reliable for any future contact or projects.
As always, please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions, concerns or comments.
Thanks to everyone again and best,
Mark Jackson
9/16/05
BULGARIAN INVITEES TRAIN AT MOOSEHEART AND VISIT WISCONSIN
Each year, the Orphan Train Project invites foreign orphanage directors and intermediaries to the United States for training at Mooseheart, the famed “Child City” in Mooseheart, Illinois, followed by several days of child-related experiences in Wisconsin. In addition, participants have time for some fun activities. This year’s Orphan Train visitors were Stanislav Shikov, Dimitar Buchov and Sylvia Marinova, all from Bulgaria. Shikov is the director of the Katya Vancheva Orphanage in Shiroka Luka, while Buchov is director of an orphanage at Yakoruda. Sylvia Marinova has been an Orphan Train intermediary for several years and works for the American University at Blagoevgrad as the Human Resources Manager for Expatriate Employees. Ms. Marinova served as translator for the group.
Photo supplied by: Associate Editor Michael McCulloh of Moose Magazine
This year’s travel, training and activity was made possible by the generosity of Mooseheart, its staff members and children, plus the Rotary Clubs of Madison West Towne-Middleton and Middleton Area Sunrise. From July 10th to July 22nd, visitors were on the Mooseheart campus, followed by time in Wisconsin, until returning home on July 31st.
Rotarian Nate Considine shows Sylvia how to drive a tractor
At Three Gaits, Inc., a theraputic riding program: (L to
R)Dimiter, Virgie Schulte, Sylvia, Dimiter and Jeannine Desautels in
Stoughton, WI
Rotarian Barb and Eric Mueller and family with friend and Sylvia
Barb and Eric Mueller and family lunch with Bulgarians after
church services
While at Mooseheart, the team of visitors experienced life on the Mooseheart campus and trained with newly hired “family teachers” for two weeks. They learned a model of care based on one developed by Girls Town/Boys Town of Nebraska. It included such items as effective praise, social skills teaching and the Mooseheart point system. Evening meals were held at various family homes on campus, giving participants and residents a chance to interact in an informal way. Frank Kirby, Mooseheart’s Training Coordinator, conducted classes for participants.
Mooseheart's Training Coordinator Frank Kirby
According to the Mooseheart website, “MOOSEHEART CHILD CITY & SCHOOL is a residential childcare facility, located on a 1,000-acre campus 38 miles west of Chicago. The Child City is a home for children and teens in need, from infancy through high school. Dedicated in July 1913 by the Moose fraternal organization, MOOSEHEART cares for youth whose families are unable, for a wide variety of reasons, to care for them. Some have lost one or both parents; others are living in environments that are simply not conducive to healthy growth and development. Whatever the reason, the men and women of the Moose, through unparalleled generosity and volunteerism, furnish the resources necessary to care for children in need. The Moose fraternity provides children with a wholesome home-like environment and the best possible training and education.
Children live in one of thirty residences designed like a spacious single-family residence. Each is home for six to twelve children. The heart of the program is Family Teachers — providing a consistent, systematic method of care, with emphasis on social-skills development — skills essential for success in later life.
It is Mooseheart’s policy to admit qualified children who have a need. The Admissions Committee considers all applications of children in need.”
While at Mooseheart, Dimitar, Stanislav and Sylvia had an opportunity to visit downtown Chicago and a professional soccer match, thanks to the kindness of the Mooseheart staff members, who volunteered their time.
Activities in Madison included opportunities to speak at meetings of the Rotary Clubs of Middleton Area Sunrise and Madison West Towne-Middleton. This was especially important to Dimitar Buchov, whose orphanage is served by its conductor club, the Rotary Club of Middleton Area Sunrise. Sylvia Marinova had a chance to visit with Darla Leick of the Rotary Club of Marshfield Sunrise, one of the clubs she serves as an Orphan Train intermediary. Darla traveled several hours to meet Sylvia and present her with a check from her club for their club’s orphanage at Gotze Delchev.
Educational visits in Wisconsin included: the Considine Family goat farm, Pre-School of the Arts, Evolutions Boys Home, Wisconsin Children’s Hospital, the Waisman Center, Dane County School to Work Program, the Boys and Girls Club, Briarpatch, the Wisconsin International Adoption Project, the Holloway home and more. Fun activities included boating on Lake Mendota, “Concerts on the Square,” a tour of the Capitol building, a visit to the University of Wisconsin Campus and downtown Madison, time at the Farmers Market, with evening dinners at the Rotary members homes and restaurants.
Many people made our Bulgarian visitors’ stay a huge success. To list them and their contributions would undoubtedly short-change someone. So, we simply say thank you to all. The Orphan Train also appreciates our visitors, who sacrificed time with their families to make this journey. We trust the Bulgarians went home with many ideas, and the knowledge they have special friends in Illinois and Wisconsin. Hosts learned about another culture and a new appreciation and respect for the work of these child caregivers.
Stanislav, Sylvia
and Dimitar with Considine children and their goats
MWTM Rotarians & Visitors
Mary Van Hout
Sylvia Marinova
Virgie Schulte
Dimitar Buchov
Pres. Roberta Vellucci
Stanislav Shikov
Jeannine Desautels
Ed Fink
Middleton Area Sunrise Rotarians and Bulgarians
Front Row: (L.toR.) Dimitar Buchov, Sylvia Marinova and David Fink
Middle Row: Stanislav Shikov, Brenda Weiss, Pres. Laura McPartland, Terry Bucheger and Paul Larson
Back Row: Doug Nordstrom and Jim Sirianni
Dinner at Firefly Restaurant with Peder and Jean Moren
Picnic Celebrating Visitors
Front Row: Mary Van Hout and Rachelle Richardson
Back Row: Ed Fink, Virgie Schulte, Stanislav Shikov, Jeannine Desautels, Sylvia Marinova and John Olsen
Middleton Sunrise Rotarian Brenda Weiss and Sylvia Marinova
Dimitar Buchov Sings Bulgarian Song
Jeannine Says Goodbye to Sylvia
Sylvia Marinova, Mary Van Hout and Stanislav Shikov
Dimitar Buchov, Mary Van Hout and Stanislav Shikov
Ed and Diane Fink and Sylvia Marinova at University of Wisconsin
Leaving Madison
9/12/05
ORPHAN TRAIN ENLISTS LIONS TO ASSIST ROMANIAN CHILDREN
The Madison Central Lions Club of Madison, Wisconsin has been the special Orphan Train Conductor for vision screening for several years. During that time, Lion Jim Schutz has arranged for equipment and eyeglasses for vision teams traveling to Bulgaria and on this latest trip to Romania in March. Jim Schutz was accompanied by his daughter Chloe, a senior at Madison West High School, and by Claire Kia, a nursing student from Edgewood College of Madison. What follows are different accounts of their journey.
The following article appeared on March 24, 2005 in the Romanian newspaper “Viata Libera” (Free Life)
American help
Ophthalmologic consultation rendered free of charge for the poor children
A team of a Lion’s Club from USA will be present in Galati for three days to give a
helping hand to the children in difficulty. We speak about a program that “Heart of a Child” Foundation is running together with Lion’s Club. Today , March 24, at the Comunitary Center “Iovan Iorgovan” will take place a screening- visual acuity at children. Dr. Rodica Mazilescu, specialist ophthalmologist doctor will join the team. The action will be supported by over 15 volunteers and staff from “Heart of a Child” Foundation. Besides the ophthalmologic check-up, if necessary, the children will benefit free of charge of glasses.
The beneficiaries of this screening will be approximate 400 children from Galati and Braila counties , children being in difficulty, supported among the programs run by the “Heart of a Child” Foundation as well as of other organizations from Galati, children from the placement centers from Galati and Braila.
Author: Petrica Patilea
Article that appeared on March 25, 2005 in the local newspaper “Viata Libera” (Free Life)
Help from Lion’s Club USA
Romanian reality through American glasses
A group of three Americans from Lion’s Club USA arrived on Wednesday in Galati to give a helping hand to “Heart of a Child” Foundation whom they collaborate with since two years, to trace out the visual deficiencies of the children from the placement centers and those supported through various programs of “Heart of a Child” as well as in programs run by other NGO’s from Galati (“Family”, “Betesda”, “Word Made Flesh”) and from Braila.
The children waited quietly for their turn to be checked; the ones that were found with serious visual problems were directed to be examined by Dr, Rodica Mazilescu, who could afterwards to prescribe the treatment and the adequate glasses.
400 pairs of glasses have been brought by the Americans from Lion’s Club. Through an extended program, they collect and recycle glasses, helping on annual basis millions of people , in order to prevent blindness. For the little ones, younger than three years old, that could not cooperate with the specialists, have been used a photo scanner , very helpful in tracing out the visual deficiencies.
“We simply came to bring the glasses to the children that need those” declared Jim Schutz, member of Lion’s Club. The glasses are in perfect order, but they are not used any more in our country. And it’s a pity to lose them. So that we brought those here in Romania to children that cannot afford them. Few years ago we ran a similar project in Bulgaria. Today we are here and we hope to be able to continue our cooperation so that in few months time another team to reach the children in need”.
Having 1 million 4 hundred members in clubs existing in 193 countries from various geographical areas, the Lion’s Clubs answer the needs that the communities all over the world are encountering. For 85 years, they run programs especially for the developing world and third world countries ones and whenever they see a need, either home or in the world, they are ready to help. The Lion’s Club programs focus first on comforting the sufferance in disaster times, long term assistance and hospitals’ support.
Today, the Americans are waited for by the little ones from the Braila’s placement centers, following that in as short time as possible to come back in the towns laying on the Danube river.
Author: Petrica Patilea
CHLOE SCHUTZ TELLS OF HER EXPERIENCE
During my spring break of 2005, my senior year in high school, I went to Romania with my father, James Schutz, and an Edgewood nursing student, Claire Kia. Our main goal in making the trip was to bring eye care to children, and even some adults, who had lived with few attentions in this area. Although this was our main effort, we also hoped to gain an appreciation for the efforts that Romanian health care workers had already exerted to help these needy children. As Claire was learning Romanian and thus much about the Romanian culture, we were able to discover part of what had caused problems in their health care, and also the prevalence of "orphans". We discovered that many "orphans" were in fact just living in orphanages because their families could not afford to feed them. Sometimes parents would take the children with them during Christmas or other holidays, but the parents just could not afford to keep them year round. The former government had outlawed birth control, and so couples who could barely afford to feed themselves were forced to abandon the children that they did not plan to have. Another problem in the area was a large rate of childhood contraction of HIV, due to the reuse of needles. We had come to address the problem of poor vision, but it was also clear that this was not the only health concern.
Upon arrival at the airport in Bucharest, we were met by our driver and translator, and then drove through the mountains into Brasov. Mary Cobb Dunn, a Peace Corps worker in the Transylvanian Alps area, welcomed us at a dinner in a restaurant nearby our hotel, and I was surprised at how similar the food was to something I might have at home. The cobblestone streets near our hotel were a tourist destination, and it was uncanny how much the area resembled State Street in Madison's downtown. However, a few things made it clear how different it was, such as receiving our TV remote with our key when we checked in, and being reminded by Mary that we should hold tight to our bags so someone didn't grab them. On our walk to the restaurant, we talked about how hard it was for a woman to live independently. Even if a woman did know the city, it would be unheard of to walk alone at night. After living in a feminist nation like the United States, I took for granted the rights and independence I experience everyday, so it was strange to think that I would have to ask a man to do something for me if I wanted anything done. Mary would have to ask a male member of her Rotary Club to talk to an official for her, or else she would not be taken seriously, something she experienced after living in Romania for a few months. Once we began working in the various orphan centers and schools, I was well aware that the women workers had to make extra efforts in order to ensure that the children in their care were taken care of properly.
My initial reaction upon traveling in Romania and doing the vision screening in the first school was that there was not as large a difference between our country and theirs as I had expected. I had been told many things about the primitive conditions my parents and sister had experienced in Bulgaria, and I had heard many things about the lack of sufficient health care. The stories I heard caused me to expect children who were living with extreme vision problems that had been completely ignored, or orphanages without heat or enough food and clothing for the children. Once I began to experience the reality, I realized that although they did lack in some of the comforts that I was accustomed to in the US, the efforts the people made to help children almost perfectly mimicked efforts in the US. Although they did not average 1.7 televisions per household, they still didn't live in a dirt house without heat either.
Romanians, as our translator Stefana told us, are pessimists. Many of the people we encountered were wary of our motives, and few could believe that we were there simply to help them. However, although there was this pessimism, once we had made it clear that we were truly there to help, without any personal agenda of gain for ourselves, we were often told of the disbelief that there could be someone "as wonderful" as ourselves. In the Romanian language, the phrase "service club" did not exist, and the closest approximation was "business club." Volunteerism is heavily emphasized in American society, but since there is not such an abundance of wealth in Romania and similar countries, there is little "free time" with which to volunteer time or resources. Although we usually did not eat dinner until almost 9 PM, the one time that we ate in a restaurant at around 6, but for us, and the musicians, the restaurant was empty for the entire meal. Romanians work almost all day, and they might not even be home, ready to eat, until 9 PM. After working a full day, they would have barely any energy left to then work for free.
After finishing the last screening session of the trip, we were tired and hungry, so we walked across the street to find something to eat. We slowly walked along the street, seeing few possibilities, when we heard someone yell towards us, "Jim, Jim!" We turned around, and we saw a young man running towards us, a wide smile on his face, who was trying to catch our attention. I recognized him as a man that I had screened earlier in the day, and I remembered how he could only see the top two lines on the chart. Although I had seen a few handicapped children who had problems with severe refractive errors, he had the most extreme nearsightedness that I had tested. He had been taken with a group of kids to an optometrist, where he received glasses, and he was then able to see almost perfectly normally. The glasses that he had received were one of 400 pairs that had been gathered and processed the Wisconsin Lions Foundation, as part of their efforts to provide glasses to third world countries. Poor vision can impair both a person's ability to gain employment or function normally in the world, and also cause headaches or other pain which then prevents the living of a happy and healthy life, particularly in the classroom. One of our goals was to help children see well at school. After being unable to see normally for more than 20 years, he was overjoyed, and thanked us over and over for what we had done, and even asked us to take his picture so others could see what we had done. This experience seemed to justify our efforts, and really made the experience feel worth it.
In our second location, Galati, I was extremely impressed with the non-profit organization Heart of a Child. Ana, one of the primary workers in this organization, helped to arrange screenings in the area, but also showed us some of their projects with the children. After the first day of screening, where we screened at a center for mentally handicapped youth, Ana gave us a tour of two apartments that the organization had created for some of the young adults in their program. There are few work opportunities for the handicapped in Romania, and so it is extremely difficult to help the mentally-handicapped become self-sufficient. As a result, these children and adults end up living in nursing homes where they are lumped in with the elderly, and forgotten, given almost no chance to live happy and enriched lives. In each of the two apartments which we visited, there lived six autistic youths who had formerly lived in nursing homes. Living with them was a "mother" who would help them to live a more self-sufficient life. Certain chores, such as setting the table or washing the dishes, would be assigned for each day, and the residents all dressed themselves, made their beds, and took care of the apartment themselves, something they would not be entrusted to do in an institution. Although simple, their life seemed happy, and Ana described the great advances the organization had made in the lives of these young people. One girl had been abused while living with her family, and when she first was put into one of the organization's programs, she held her arms tightly across her chest and she refused to remove them for several months. Only a few weeks after living in the group home, her arms were held at her sides, and she began lifting her head to actually look people in the face. It was very sad how few opportunities there were for these children, but it was very clear that the Heart of a Child organization, and "business clubs" such as Rotary International or Lions International were making great efforts to try to give chances for all the unlucky children to move out of their unfortunate situations and live successful, happy lives. Although we had come for only a week, I became aware through the trip that there were people here who truly cared for these children, and are busy helping them every day and every week.
When most people travel to Europe, they go to every tourist destination possible, and rarely get a chance to see how a real family lives. Church steeples are beautiful, but seeing a real family in their home makes it easier to connect with the culture on a personal level. After our tour of the group homes, we were invited to dinner at an adoptive family's home. Our first night in Galati, we had seen pictures of a particular family where a couple had adopted six healthy children. We were surprised that our dinner hosts, the following night, were the very same family. They prepared several Romanian dishes, and we ate in their kitchen, which was where most families ordinarily ate dinner. The dishes were beautifully and deliciously prepared, and we didn't even realize how specially we were being treated until one of the social workers remarked, "What is this, New Year's?" We felt extremely welcomed, and it was a very heartwarming experience. On our final day in Romania, our translator, Stefana, gave us a wonderful lunch in her home, and it was these personal experiences that enriched the trip for all of us.
Politics has never been my main interest, but this trip forced me to think about the true greatness of our own democracy. Although it might have its problems at times, and although I don't always agree with everything our government does, experiencing a government that did not work for its people made me thankful for what we have. I really enjoyed the food in Romania, it was an extremely beautiful country, and it did not feel entirely foreign, but I was still glad to return home at the end of the trip. I look forward to returning to Romania sometime in the future. 8/11/05
CLAIRE KIA REFLECTS ON HER TIME IN ROMANIA
This progress report will cover the trip to Romania. I’ll briefly summarize our itinerary and activities, and then give my impressions.
Saturday 3/19
- Bus to O’Hare, flight to Amsterdam, flight to Bucharest
Sunday, 3/20
- Met our driver, domnul Toma, and interpreter, Stefana
- Drove to Brasov, a mountain/tourist town; checked in
- Met Peace Corps volunteer Mary Cobb Dunn (orig. from Madison)
- Dinner out with Mary
Monday
- Screenings at a public school
- Dinner w/ Mary
- Attended Rotary Club meeting in Brasov; Jim presented our work and appealed to them to continue it themselves
Tuesday
- Screenings at 2 children’s houses (orphanages)
- Dinner w/Mary
Wednesday
- Walked through older Brasov w/Mary (tour guide!)
- Drove to Galati, an industrial city
- Met Dr. Anna Burtea (our host), met with City Council Vice President (Council is housed in Nicolai Ceaucescu’s former home) about our task there
- Dinner w/Anna and the rest of the staff of Fundatia Inima de Copil (Heart of a Child Foundation, a non-profit)
- Met w/ a local ophthalmologist who volunteered to see children referred by us
Thursday
- Screenings at a children’s house
- Others toured 2 apartments for children, run by Inima de Copil, then ate a home-cooked dinner served by one of the foster parents. I took some time for myself and watched Romanian TV with my dictionary in hand.
Friday
- Screenings at a children’s house in Braila (nearby town)
- Done by 3:30 p.m., drove to Bucharest. Jim and Chloe stayed at the Sofitel
- I stayed overnight with our interpreter at her apartment in Bucharest
Sat 3/26
- Jim, Chloe and Stefana toured the Palace of the Republic (building begun during Ceaucescu’s era and completed after the Revolution; houses the Legislature but also open for tours).
- I sat in a coffee shop and people-watched.
- Stefana cooked us a meal. We said goodbye to her and to domnul Toma, the driver. We spent the last night at the Sofitel.
Sun 3/27
- Up at 3 a.m. for our flight, to Amsterdam. Flight to Chicago, bus to Madison.
- Home around 4 p.m.
I knew in advance that this would be a work trip, and secondarily an international travel experience. And that was how it was. Because we were visiting areas in need, we didn’t see anything particularly lovely until the last 24 hours in Bucharest. We were mostly in very shabby neighborhoods. The last screening day, in Braila, the orphanage was situated in the most deteriorated neighborhood I have ever seen, let alone walked around in. We were “kept” safe through the trip in areas I would never have ventured into voluntarily. Later, I reflected that I hadn’t seen a single postcard for sale during the entire week. On driving days and while being driven around in the cities we visited, we did a lot of observing and commenting on what we saw, and I was unusually outgoing in initiating conversations in Romanian or English with adults I met during the screenings. We snapped pictures as we went.
We were pretty absorbed with the tasks at hand. The things I do to renew during stress include exercise and time alone. I was challenged in this by the cultural conditions: when outside, I needed to watch my backpack at all times, watch for anyone’s approach, and watch my environment. I was warned not to eat by myself in restaurants, as a woman, and I was indeed harassed on the street by a group of men. However, I did eat by myself once and spent a few hours alone in a coffee shop, too, with no problems. What worked best for time alone was breakfast by myself. For exercise, I chose early morning to venture out for walks, figuring this was safest. And I had a great time using the fitness room and sauna at the Sofitel the last evening!
On Friday, before leaving Galati, I apologized to Anna for ducking out of the apartment tours and dinner she had arranged for us on Thursday afternoon (see my list of activities above). I shared that I had seen a lot of suffering in a very short time and had needed a break. She was incredulous at my apology and shared that she had experienced the same thing when visiting Calcutta. She said she thought it was a good thing I had missed what the others had seen on the tours (kids w/severe disabilities). She hugged me, and I was happy that I had made a point to talk with her. Each of us received a ceramic plate and some linens embroidered by children through the Foundation.
I found advocating for my needs a stressful experience. I must have had the smallest bladder of the 5 of us, I have digestive trouble with foods I never thought I’d see in Romania (pizza???), I drink a lot of water, and there’s that alone time… The first 2 days were incredibly stressful in this respect. Soon, however, I had local currency, a stash of water, and some groceries to cart around with me in case the food I was offered wasn’t workable. These things were a comfort and made me feel like I could be effective in the tasks I had agreed to. I was then able to say “I’m flexible” when we were planning our days, a lot more than I ever say it here at home!
We were able to screen all the kids who were brought to us, as we quickly developed a functional way of operating. However, in both cities only about half of the expected number of kids arrived for screenings. Our contact people suspected that only the kids who were obviously visually impaired were brought to us, versus all the eligible kids. So the prevention part of our work was only partly realized. There were access problems, as kids from area facilities had to be transported to the screenings, and there weren’t vehicles to make this happen. Once we realized this, we enlisted our driver to help, but there were still many kids who didn’t come. In Galati, our driver also helped transport kids who hadn’t passed the screenings to an area ophthalmologist who had offered to determine their prescriptions and see if any of our free glasses would work for them.
Conversations with Mary, the Peace Corps volunteer, confirmed what I had read before the trip: abortion is the primary method of birth control, and the abortion rate exceeds the birth rate. Condoms are expensive, and many men don’t want to use them. Given the historical context (pronatalist policies from 1965 to 1989 prohibited abortion, with little financial support for parents to raise their many children—one factor leading to the extensive institutionalization of children), I can see how exercising the choice to abort must currently feel pretty important to women. But I fear for the implications of multiple abortions for women’s reproductive health, as well as for the emotional/social health of the population. And abortion is a pretty expensive form of birth control.
Noticing that no one I met or overheard voiced any pride in being Romanian or satisfaction with life in the country, I asked Stefana what she saw as strengths in Romania. “What’s working here?” I asked, explaining that nurses often assess strengths. “It’s interesting that you ask that,” she replied, “because Romania ranks lowest among European countries for the level of optimism.” And that was the end of that conversation! I was able to confirm this after I returned home: a 1997 Gallup survey showed that, compared to 54 other countries surveyed, Romanians were the most pessimistic about their future welfare and attributed it to political chaos and unemployment.
I would like to continue to do volunteer work like this as a nurse, even though it was hard. Why? Because it was hard. And because I can: as an American and as an individual, I have the resources, and volunteering is a good use of them. Equity is a value I hold, and volunteering gives me a way to increase access to health care for those for whom access is difficult. And placing myself in an unfamiliar culture is a helpful exercise, as a future nurse. Nurses are most effective when they can be with people and be present in a way that’s culturally competent.
The history and facts I gathered before the trip helped give me a context for what I saw. Learning as much as I could of the Romanian language ahead of time did the same, plus gave me confidence and an emotional “in” with people I met. I was able to conduct all my vision screenings in Romanian!
What I didn’t expect to gain were two new Romanian friends: Monica, my Romanian tutor here in Madison, and Stefana, our interpreter. I also have begun new volunteer work. Inima de Copil has accepted my offer to help them edit their various documents so that the English is easier to understand.
Dinner in Brasov (L to R Chloe Schutz, ____, Mary Cobb Dunn, Claire Kia and Jim Schutz
Elementary school in Brasov.
First screening day in Brasov.
Elementary school in Brasov.
First screening day in Brasov.
Elementary school in Brasov.
First screening day in Brasov.
In Galati, team photo with Dr. Anna Burtea (right) in front of City Council building (Ceaucescu's former home)
Kids we had screened.
One came up to us on our lunch break to thank us
for the glasses he'd gotten within hours, from the opthalmologist working with us (he's wearing them). Braila, outside of Galati, second screening day in Galati area.
Nurse and other staff person at the same orphanage in Braila.
They had worked with me on screenings and I enjoyed chatting with her about level of nursing education in Romania (low) and her satsifaction with being a nurse (high).
Photos courtesy of: Claire Kia
5/16/05
The Orphan Train Project, which matches service clubs, schools and other groups to orphanages around the world, is constantly in need of others willing to become “conductors.” Groups identified as conductors indicate a willingness to create an ongoing relationship with an orphanage. They are supplied with a profile of an orphanage, a list of current needs and costs and an intermediary who can communicate in both languages. To date, many clubs have stepped up to help the orphans of the world. While the Orphan Train Project began with the Rotary Club of Madison West Towne-Middleton (WI, USA), it now has conductors from many service clubs around the world. If your club or school wants to get involved, contact the Orphan Train at edf@itis.com, after taking a look at the “Help Needed” page of our website.
Pictured below is Ed Fink, Chairman of the Orphan Train Project, and Jim Schutz, a representative member of the Madison Central Lions, one of the Orphan Train conductor groups.
Photo courtesy of Warren Olsen (Rotary Club of Fitchburg-Verona).
7/7/05
St. Maria Goretti School has the good habit of helping children in need, specifically girls living at the Santa Maria de Jesus Orphanage in Mazatenango, Guatemala. This year the students raised $3031.08, a new record for their charitable efforts. Working through the Rotary Club of Madison West Towne-Middleton, and its Orphan Train Project, students raised money through a variety of events and activities during the year, including: Hawaiian Day, Crazy Hat Day, Pajama Day, Coin Collection, Valentine Hug Sale, Hot Co
coa Sale, Popcorn Sale, M&M Sale, Bake Sales and Smoothie Sale.
At an all-school assembly celebrating their successful efforts to help the Guatemalan children, students listened to a presentation from Enrique Gandara, former Rotary District Governor from Guatemala, who told the children about his native country, answering their questions about life in Guatemala. Gandara stressed the beauty of Guatemala as well as the good fortune St. Maria Goretti students have growing up in the United States, with its many opportunities for young people.
Past donations to Santa Maria de Jesus have paid for a food preparation area, a computer, painting, a keyboard, tires for the orphanage van and many other items.
In a message earlier this year, Santa Maria de Jesus officials Mario and Frances Hernandez wrote:
“Please, convey our gratitude and best wishes to the great people of your Orphan Train Project and to the dear children of Santa Maria Goretti.”
OT Chair Ed Fink receives check from St.MG students.
Rotarian E. Gandara, Teacher Stephanie Dankert and Teacher Jill Dove.
UPDATE: ROTARY CLUB OF MONROE’S DONATION TO SHOUMEN
In December, we announced that the foundation for the Rotary Club of Monroe (no longer in existence) donated $21,702.20 to help orphans in Shoumen, Bulgaria. Monroe had been a "conductor" organization on the Orphan Train for several years. Their donation helped three orphanages, many children and created lots of good will. Please read the attached report, which sets forth purchases to date. The project is nearly finished.
For the record, people who have been particularly helpful in implementation, are the following: Mark Jackson, Peace Corp Volunteer and Orphan Train Intermediary; Juliana Popova, Past President of the Rotaract Club of Shoumen; Josephine Kischer, a member of the former Rotary Club of Monroe, and a force behind this donation); and the Rotary Club of Shoumen. Special acknowledgement is given to Mark Potts, a former Peace Corps Volunteer, and the original Orphan Train Intermediary in the Shoumen area). 5/12/05
Last October, we reported that Anna and Andy Burish of Madison, Wisconsin donated $5000 with the hope of improving the lives of the little boys that live at Pillco Mozo Orphanage in Huanuco, Peru. Sister Mary Ann Leininger, the home’s director and one of the Orphan Train’s intermediaries, forwarded her final report on the usage of the money, with a letter, receipts and pictures. We share some of that letter and some pictures with our readers:
Huanuco, March 02, 2005
Dear Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Burish,
We are so very grateful for your generous gift to the Hogar in Huanuco, which stretched out over several months.
· By November the biggest part was spent on some necessary improvements: A new bathroom, ceramic floor in the hall, cemented areas outside, a light post in the yard, some fences, trees and plants. Years ago this Home was for delinquent teenage boys, so the place looked pretty roughed up. As you might guess nothing here is very easy when it comes to building or repairs. For that reason, there are a zillion little receipts for every truckload of sand, rock, cement, nails, etc.
Your express wish that the boys would enjoy something special was really nice:
- Everyone enjoyed the outing to Conocc, which is about an hour & one half truck ride to swim in the pools of warm spring water and great food afterwards!
- An eight year old boy, Richard Huaman won an award for a story he wrote and was invited to Lima to receive it during a ceremony with the Minister of Social Development. We decided to invite three other little boys noted for their leadership, conduct and good schoolwork to accompany Richard. They received a lot of attention during the eight-hour bus ride to Lima. The kids stayed at our house in Lima and had two more extra days to see the tourist sights of Lima. First time to see a movie at a theater on a big screen. At the beach, what a surprise to get knocked over by waves and salty water!
- Other miscellaneous items included some musical instruments like guitars, a big drum and some flutes. There were ice cream treats, which is usually a once or twice a year thing for the boys. Also, paid for cable TV. for the last 6 months because the reception of the two local stations is poor.
……………………….Again, thanks to both of you for your gift to the children in the Hogar “Pillco Mozo” –INABIF.
Sincerely,
Sr. Mary Ann Leininger
(Editor’s note: Deletions were made in the above letter where dotted lines are shown. Piles of receipts accompanied the letter, along with the pictures which are hereinafter displayed).
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BRAUN FAMILY CHARITIES FOCUSES ON NEEDS WITH A LITTLE BASEBALL
The Braun Family Charities, as represented by Joel and Lisa Rewald of Richland Center, Wisconsin, recently made another $1500 donation in support of the Rila Orphanage in Bulgaria. The Charity also helps with the home at Slatino, Bulgaria. According to Joel Rewald, the home at Rila has a desperate need for food, fuel and blankets. Working with the local Rotaract Club of Dupnitza, the Braun Family Charities helps with Rotaract’s annual Christmas, Easter and birthday programs, and also supports job training for older children. According to Joel Rewald, “of utmost value to us is …teach the older children a trade.”
The Rotaract Club of Dupnitza has an interest in providing a softball/baseball experience for the orphan children. The Braun Family encourages, and has helped fund, this activity. Rotaract members, and Orphan Train Intermediaries, Vesselin Markov and Alexandra Smochevska recently sent information on the organization of the team and a picture of some of the “Angels” players.
Team Organization / Info (MS Word Document) 3/22/05
John Norquay, a financial advisor in the Madison, Wisconsin offices of UBS Financial Services, has a variety of interests, including competing in triathlons, where participants bike, swim and run over a lengthy course. However, an even more unusual hobby of John’s is replicating logos and affixing them to clothing utilizing an embroidery machine. We learned about John’s hobby and asked him if he could do the necessary computer work to digitize the Orphan Train logo for application to cotton shirts. John came up with a beautiful result and donated his work for shirts made for our vision team from Sun Prairie, Wisconsin and for outgoing web master Andy Peppard. See the results below. Thanks John!
Sun Prairie Rotarians Dr. Richard Wright and Mary Kay Von Allmen Andy Peppard with Orphan Train shirt
with John Norquay
2/25/05
OOOH (Orphans of our Heart) Crew members Cathy Wright and David Leet donated $214 to their favorite orphanage, i.e. Assen Zlatarov in Haskovo, Bulgaria. The money was used to reward older youngsters who helped care for the younger ones. Nine teenagers received stipends of 30 leva each. The remaining dollars were used to buy five board games and three leather balls. Orphan Train Intermediary Nina Minkova, of Happy Child, facilitated the donation.
Balls and games
Rewarded Students
2/25/05
In a September 11th story on our “Whistle Stops” page, we reported that the Rotary Club of Viroqua, Wisconsin sent $900 to be used to help the children of Los Angelitos de Potracancha, Peru. This facility is a day care center inside the women’s section of the penitentiary. If a prisoner gives birth while in jail, or has no one to care for her children, then the inmate may keep her children with her until the youngsters are four years of age. Twenty five to thirty infants and toddlers are served by the center each day, with three women prisoners assigned to their care from early morning until late afternoon.
In addition to the prison help, a social worker employed by the penitentiary sometimes collaborates. A local chaplain helps out. Another important support group for the children has been the Rotaract Club Sin Fronteras of Huanuco, Peru. The Rotaractors have been helping out for three years and are happy to have the participation of the Viroqua Rotarians. Both groups would appreciate others willing to assist. Viroqua Rotarian Ken Childs is the contact person, and he can be reached at kec@mwt.net.
The following letter, together with numerous receipts and pictures were received from Sister Mary Ann Leininger, the Orphan Train Project intermediary in Peru:
Huanuco 05 de Febrero, 2005
Dear Mr. Childs and Members of Rotary Viroqua.
Greetings from Huanuco! With this mailing you will receive a report of the gift money received from the Day Care Center in the Portaccancha Penitentiary and also some photos.
Within a week of receiving the $900 in November, some purchases were made in Lima and transported by truck to Huanuco, which is an 08 hour drive. When it was time to install the washing machine they were confronted with a water supply problem so they purchased and installed a water tank on the roof of the Day Care Center.
In December Rotaract provided a simple reception ceremony and party for the jail authorities, the children and their Moms along with the two inmates who are the caretakers during the day. I was also present to receive the Director’s words of thanks. He expressed his surprise and immense gratitude for such a generous donation from the Rotary Club of Viroqua to a place that few people know or care about.
Members of the Viroqua Rotary, may 2005 bring many blessings for your Club and your families. Thanks Ken, for the time and effort youhave put into this special project and I look forward to your visit in Huanuco.
Sincerely,
Sr. Mary Ann Leininger
Attending ceremony accepting Viroqua gifts are, Director
of Penitentiary, Social Worker Cristina, Huanuco Rotarian and two Rotaract
members.
Installation of the water tank.
Included are members of Rotaract Club of Sin Fronteras,
Social Worker Cristina (foreground right), & Sister Mary Ann Leininger
(top second from right)
Inmate moms with children and caregivers.
Children at play on newly painted patio.
Playing under mural painted with help from Viroqua
Rotarians.
Inside prison daycare facility.
*Receipts were forwarded for the following items: washing machine, microwave oven, iron, transportation to and from Lima, food blender, water tank, plumbing materials, wood, paint brushes and painter, the total for same amounting to $900.
The following letter from the Rotaract Club, to Orphan Train Chairman Edward Fink, also was enclosed with the pictures and receipts:
My Dear friend Edward:
Please receive our best regards from Huanuco Peru in South America.
Our Rotaract Club in Huanuco has received a donation from the Rotary Club of Viroqua Wi. as a Part of the project "The Orphan Train Project" for our orphanage "Los Angelitos De Potrancha" ( the orphanage inside the women's prision) located in our city.
They are 36 kids in this orphanage, children of the inmates, that have being sentenced for Drug dealing, murder, theft Terrorism etc. This mothers do not want they children to grow up away from them !! So while they are putting their time in, they want to have their children there as well.
Our Rotaract Club of Huanuco, Peru is always helping our orphanage everything from fund raiser as well as bringing a Pediatric Dr. to give medical care to the children, The Jail in mention is of a modern construction, and has a real nice infrastructure, and that is why we have the orphanage there, has real nice yard for the kids, flowers, wonderful kitchen, nice rooms, dining room, and few classrooms, the place is very clean, and offer a good atmosphere for the kids.
With the kind help of the Rotary Club of Viroqua, WI. USA, we were able to obtain the following donation:
1) Washer machine.
2) Microwave oven
3) Iron
4) Blender
5) a 600 Lts, water cistern (plastic)
Besides we have been able to paint all the walls of the Orphanage and jail as well, so I wanted to say that we are in deed greatfull and appreciated all you have done for Us in Huanuco Peru.
On behalf of the administrative personal, the mothers of this children (inmates) and the Rotaract Club, want to say
THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS YOU ALL !!!
So please bring the word out that we could use more help from Wi. Rotary Clubs, MUCHAS GRACIAS !!!
I want to mention that we have the support of sister Mary Ann Leininger receive my best
Jose Luis
Ok. my friend Ed, again GOD BLESS YOU for your kind work !!!!!!!!!
2/5/05
The Orphan Train Project is grateful for the service of Andrew Peppard, our web master for the past year. Andy has joined the United States Army, where he will begin a period of service to his country. For more than a year, Andy has faithfully added information to our web site, and it was always done promptly, even when he was away in Ecuador. Andy has added several improvements to the site, making it more readable and information more accessible. Without Andy, our continuing story could not have been told.
OT Chm. Ed Fink says goodbye to Andy
While we will miss working with Andy, we have the pleasure of announcing that the new web master is Rob Thomas of Sun Prairie. Rob’s assistant will be his daughter Hannah.
Welcome aboard Rob and Hannah. 1/29/05
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