Bits of News From Here & There: 2001
Past Whistle Stops: 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000
ROTARY CLUB OF OREGON SENDS GOOD TIMES TO OVCHA MOGILA
The Rotary Club of Oregon, Wisconsin is providing an early Christmas for the children of Ovcha Mogila, Bulgaria. Five hundred dollars is being sent for the purchase of a new television set and VCR. The Oregon Club has been a consistent help to their friends at at the Social Home for Professional Training at Ovcha Mogila. Intermediary Dr. Mitko Nenkov will assist the Rotarians with translations. 11/30/01
RIDGEWAY DONATES $400 TO CHILDREN OF QUETZALTENANGO
Students at a small, public elementary school in Ridgeway, Wisconsin worked hard raising money for the children who live at La Divina Providencia Children's Home in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala. They held open gym days, had penny wars, and found other ways to help the children of Quetzaltenango. Ridgeway Elementary, part of the Dodgeville School District, has been a regular contributor to the Orphan Train Project. Intermediary Polly Reyna will assist the parties. 11/30/01
CURT BRAUN FAMILY DONATES TO KIDS OF SLATINO
When Curt Braun passed away recently, his daughter Lisa Rewald suggested that some of the money given as memorials be sent to the orphanage at Slatino, Bulgaria, known as.the Orphanage for Upbringing Children Without Parent Care or "Nikola Yonkov Vapzarov." As a result of the generosity of family and friends of Curt Braun, including a $500 donation by Lee Held, $2000 is being forwarded to Intermediary Francine Sullivan for purchases for the kids of Slatino. Curt and Mary Braun raised eight children. What a fitting tribute to a loving father, whose memory inspired this wonderful gift! 11/30/01
AMERICAN UNIVERSITY FACULTY MEMBER DONATES TO ORPHAN TRAIN
We just learned that an unnamed faculty member of the American University at Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria presented Orphan Train Intermediary Francine Sullivan with $600 to be used at the orphanages in the Blagoevgrad area. The Orphan Train Project appreciates this generous contribution. 11/30/01
ROTARY CLUB OF OSHKOSH SOUTHWEST PLANS NEW DORM IN PERU
Recently, we reported that the Rotary Club of Oshkosh Southwest completed a $20,000 campaign for a new vehicle, kiln and other assistance to their orphanage (La Familia Sagrada) in Lima, Peru. Now, they are in the process of raising another $11,000. They hope to build a new dormitory and provide electricity for the whole campus that houses 250 children. When completed, the new building will allow 45 kids to move from a cardboard shack to a more substantial facility. One of the fundraisers will be a dinner an on February 10th, 2001. Anyone looking for a ticket, please contact the Rotary Club of Oshkosh Southwest. 11/30/01
ROTARY CLUB OF WEST CARROLTON, OHIO CLIMBS ABOARD
The Rotary Club of West Carrolton, Ohio is the newest member of the Orphan Train family, agreeing to become a conductor for Mother and Child Orphanage in Vidin, Bulgaria. Rotarian David Humphreys, Director of Planning and Economic Development in West Carrolton was told about the Orphan Train Project while working with Vidin on a "twinning" program between the cities. Orphan Train Project Intermediary Mariela Valkova, who assists both programs, was responsible for helping make this connection. Thanks Mariela! Welcome aboard to the Rotary Club of West Carrolton. 11/18/01
PELLEYS AND CIMCo CONTINUE TO GIVE TO MAKUMBI
The Kathleen and Chris Pelley Family, operators of CIMCo in Colorado, have continued to assist the Makumbi Orphanage in Zimbabwe. In September, $1200 was forwarded to help the children, whose families perished because of AIDS. In November, another $600 was received by the Madison West Towne-Middleton Rotary Foundation, Inc. It too will be forwarded to the caregivers of this facility. Thank you Kathleen, Meghan and Chris! 11/05/01
REWALD FAMILY CHARITIES SENDS HELP FOR SLATINO
One of the newest conductors on the Orphan Train is the Lisa and Joel Rewald Family. They recently forwarded $600 to be used at their orphanage located in Slatino, Bulgaria. This money will have a large impact on the children of Slatino. 11/05/01
ROTARY CLUB OF MONROE IS NEWEST CONDUCTOR
The Rotary Club of Monroe, Wisconsin is the Orphan Train's newest conductor. The Monroe Rotarians climbed aboard by making a $250 donation in support of the Home for Medical and Social Care for Children at Shoumen, Bulgaria. Mark Potts, our Intermediary, and a Peace Corps Volunteer from Michigan, will handle the translation and monies involved. The orphanage assisted by the Monroe Rotarians has a capacity of 200 children. At the moment 152 children are being cared for. They are all under the age of three. There are 66 boys and 86 girls. 21 of the children are physically and mentally challenged. We are grateful to the people of Monroe and Mark for the assistance provided these children. 10/31/01
HELP OFFERED BECAUSE OF JEANNINE DESAUTELS TALK
At a recent meeting of the Rotary Club of Madison West Towne-Middleton, Jeannine Desautels gave a moving account of her year in Bulgaria. While there, she worked on building Orphan Train connections and otherwise helping the work of Rotary. In the course of her presentation, Jeannine showed a picture of a child with a cleft palate. Bob Kay, a visiting Rotarian from the Rotary Club of Madison West wondered aloud why this child hadn't been helped. Jeannine explained that children's needs weren't always met because of a lack of funds. Bob Kay told Jeannine that he wanted to be sure that this particular child with the cleft palate got treatment. He asked Jeannine to take the lead and she did! A photograph of the child was sent to Intermediary Francine Sullivan (Jeannine's daughter) in Blagoevgrad, who was asked to locate the child and get the necessary medical history. Meanwhile member Susan Titus told of an oral surgeon who might be willing to donate his services. She is checking on his availability. We are grateful to all these caring Rotarians, and will have more to report in the future. Stay tuned! 11/05/01
YAKORUDA HELPED BY ROUNDY'S THROUGH MIDDLETON
Roundy's, a Wisconsin based wholesale and retail grocery company, donated $500 through the Rotary Club of Middleton Area Sunrise in support of that club's orphanage at Yakoruda, Bulgaria. Thank you Roundy's! A special thanks is also sent out to past Rotary president Russ Andolina, a Roundy's executive, for arranging this donation. 10/31/01
ANNA FLEMING HOME TO SPEAK TO ROTARIANS OF GLEN ELLYN
Anna Fleming, a Peace Corps Volunteer and Orphan Train Project Intermediary, reported that she returned to her home in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, for a vacation and gave a presentation to the Rotary Club of Glen Ellyn. The club generously gave another $500 to their orphanage at Velingrad, Bulgaria. Thanks Anna and Rotarians for your continued good work. 9/2/01
REWALD FAMILY CHARITIES NEW CONDUCTOR FOR SLATINO
Richland Center, Wisconsin, residents Lisa and Joel Rewald heard about the Orphanage for Upbringing Children Without Parent Care "Nikola Yonkov Vapzarov" at Slatino, Bulgaria, at an Orphan Train presentation given to their Kiwanis Club. The couple generously decided to sign on as a "conductor." They will be working with Orphan Train Intermediary Francine Sullivan in Blagoevgrad. Welcome aboard Lisa and Joel! 9/2/01
ROTARY CLUB OF VIROQUA-FIRST CONDUCTOR IN ROMANIA
The Forget Me Not House, located in Cudalbi Village in Galati County in Eastern Romania, has become a part of the Orphan Train Project thanks to the Rotary Club of Viroqua, Wisconsin. The orphanage is currently home to 14 boys and 4 girls, ages 4-17. The club has budgeted $1000 to spend on the needs of the children. The Rotary Club of Viroqua and Forget Me Not House will be assisted by American Intermediary, and Peace Corps Volunteer, Sonny Hwang. As a Peace Corps Volunteer, Sonny works in the Social Work/NGO Sector in Galati, Romania. She has been working with the Heart of a Child Foundation in Romania for over a year. Before joining the Peace Corps, Sonny was a social administrator, having worked for three years in Manhattan., Sonny holds a Master of Science degree in social work. This combination of orphanage and conductor club was facilitated by Mary Cobb Dunn, a member of the Rotary Club of Madison West Towne-Middleton (WI), who is also serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Romania. Congratulations and best wishes to the children, who haven't been forgotten, and the Rotary Club of Viroqua. 8/22/01
ROTARY CLUB OF MIDDLETON AREA SUNRISE BUYS SHOES FOR YAKORUDA
Orphan Train Intermediary Francine Sullivan, helping us in the Blagoevgrad area of Bulgaria, reported that she used the $500 donated by the Rotary Club of Middleton Area Sunrise, Wisconsin to purchase 82 pairs of shoes and boots for the club's orphanage at Yakoruda, Bulgaria. Francine's shopping skills, purchasing the footwear at about $6.00 per pair, may be as good as it gets. The shoes were purchased directly from the factory. Thanks to the Rotary Club of Middleton Area Sunrise, children in Yakoruda will have new shoes when school starts. The club is also purchasing some meat for the kids at Yakoruda, something they need but don't always receive. Well done Middleton Area Sunrise! 8/22/01
PYRVOMAI ORPHANAGE GETS SHOES FROM BLESSED SACRAMENT OF MADISON
The children of Blessed Sacrament School have used their $400 donation to buy 50 pairs of shoes and boots for their counterparts living in orphanage at Pyrvomai, Bulgaria. As the children of Blessed Sacrament School trudge off to school next week, wearing their own new shoes, they will be happy to know that their new friends in Bulgaria have the same good fortune, thanks to them. Great going Blessed Sacrament! 8/22/01 The Asian Children's Assistance, Inc. was incorporated in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. It has been granted tax-exempt status in the United States, and its financial records are available for inspection upon request. Ruth Zax, President of the Rotary Club of Henniker, has been working on this match for many months. Chairman for the effort in the club will be Jean-Louis Nicknair. No Rotary Club exists in China, although Henniker believes a provisional club is starting in Beijing. Congratulations to both sides of this new partnership! 8/8/01
ROTARY CLUB OF MADISON SOUTH AND GOOGINS HELP TWO ORPHANAGES
The Rotary Club of Madison South and Googins and Company (financial planners) have combined to send $1000 to their orphanage in Gabrovo, Bulgaria, and another $1000 to their orphanage at Novo Selo, Bulgaria. The Orphan Train is not aware of what has been purchased at Novo Selo. However, the Orphan Train received the following report from Gabrovo: "I can confirm that before Michelle (Intermediary Michelle Alexander) left, she did email Louise confirming that we had received the money and that it would be used for the kitchen floor tiles, electricity points and 301 leva towards the purchasing of paint. Louise, please pass on our thanks to the generous members of the Madison South Rotary club. The staff and older children in the orphanage commenced the painting today. I took some photos of the process and like all of the renovation works, we will send you the photos as soon as they are developed. We aim to have the electrical points fitted as soon as the painting has been completed. We are hoping to receive deductions from shops where we will purchase the products. We believe it will be an excellent idea to buy the children message board frames in each bedroom where they can hang their pictures and lenoleom (floor coverage) for the floor of 5 rooms and playroom. The expenses would not exceed the money you have kindly donated and the renovation will be complete by the end of September and we will send you receipts and budget at the beginning of October. ….. We decided to send you brief updates of the work we are doing at the orphanage every second week. Thank you for all your support and care. Best Wishes, Paul McConnell Antoaneta Yankabakova YMCA Gabrovo Executive Director" The Orphan Train Project appreciates the continued service to children by Louise Googins and the members of Madison South. 8/22/01
WISCONSIN YOUTH COMPANY SENDS CARE PACKAGES TO GUATEMALA
The Orphan Train Project has learned that children of the Wisconsin Youth Company in Madison recently sent individual care packages to the children at their sponsored home in Guatemala City, known in Spanish as "Nuestra Senora de la Asuncion." The socks in each package were a particularly big hit. The gifts were delivered to Isabel de Bosch, founder of Fundaninas, which operates this home and two others in Guatemala, at the Rotary International Convention held in San Antonio in June. The generosity and sacrifices of the Wisconsin Youth Company kids brought smiles to the faces of the girls in Guatemala City. 8/22/01
ROTARY CLUB OF HENNIKER, NEW HAMPSHIRE - FIRST IN CHINA
The Shenyang Municipal Orphanage in Shenyang City, Peoples Republic of China and their conductor, the Rotary Club of Henniker, New Hampshire, are recent additions to the Orphan Train Project. They present the Orphan Train with two new firsts, the first orphanage to which we have a connection in China and the first conductor in New Hampshire. The Shenyang Municipal Orphanage is home to 34 handicapped children, 24 boys and 10 girls, infants to teenagers. All the children are mentally or physically handicapped and often both. The range of disabilities includes Autism, Blindness, Cerebral Palsy, Down's Syndrome, Epilepsy, Hydrocephalus, Muscular Dystrophy and Mental Handicaps. They orphanage hopes to increase the number to 100 children as well as increase the number that they can get into foster homes if not adoptive homes. The Rotary Club of Henniker will provide funds for foster home care for the children that are placed. The Henniker Club would be delighted if others become conductors for this orphanage. The club is working specifically with the CEO and Founder of the official entity within the Shenyang Municipal Orphanage know as the "Children's Home Caring Center." Her name is Paula J. Umscheid-CEO, Asian Children's Assistance SHIC, Inc. The Asian Children's Assistance, Inc. was incorporated in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. It has been granted tax-exempt status in the United States, and its financial records are available for inspection upon request. Ruth Zax, President of the Rotary Club of Henniker, has been working on this match for many months. Chairman for the effort in the club will be Jean-Louis Nicknair. No Rotary Club exists in China, although Henniker believes a provisional club is starting in Beijing. Congratulations to both sides of this new partnership! 8/8/01
BLESSED SACRAMENT SCHOOL HELPS ORPHANAGE AT PYRVOMAI, BULGARIA
Blessed Sacrament School, Madison, Wisconsin, recently donated $400 to the children living in the orphanage at Pyrvomai, Bulgaria., officially known as Orphanage for Children Without Parent Care or "Peter Dimitrov." New Orphan Train Intermediary Francine Sullivan will handle the expenditure of funds. Thank you children of Blessed Sacrament School. 8/8/01
CHILDREN OF MOOSEHEART SEND MONEY FOR KATIA VANCHEVA
The students at Mooseheart, in Mooseheart, Illinois, the famed "Child City," recently sent $140 to help their friends at Katia Vancheva, Bulgaria. Thanks Mooseheart! 8/8/01
In late May and early June, 2001, the Orphan Train's Vision Team visited Bulgaria, covering orphanages in three general areas, i.e. Vidn, Blagoevgrad and Gabrovo. While in Bulgaria, the team screened young children for eye problems using a special camera which detects amblyopia and other problems. In addition, on this trip, and because of the presence of an optometrist, they were able to give eye exams to older children, prescribing and fitting eyeglasses gathered by Lions clubs in Wisconsin.
Team members from the United States included Leah and Jacque Schutz, representing the Madison Central Lions Special Conductor for Vision Screening, Rotarian Bob Wopat of Sun Prairie, and Dr. John and Becky Guelig from Richland Center, Wisconsin. Bulgarian team members included translator and college instructor Tsveta Shenkova from Svishtov and driver Deyon Minchev from Varna. During the course of the journey, Leah Schutz was hospitalized in Sofia, and Jacque Schutz and Bob Wopat took turns staying with Leah, allowing the rest of the team to continue onto the last location at Gabrovo. (Leah has recovered). Sofia Rotarian Rossin Raichev saw to the safety and comfort of the team while in Sofia, and we are appreciative of his quick response to Leah's hospitalization.
A full report of the vision quest will be found in a future Roundhouse article, from the perspective of the participants. The Orphan Train Project is grateful to Doverie, the Mayor of Vidin, Mariela Valkova, Petia Petrova, the Rotary Club of Vidin, the Provisional Rotary Club of Blagoevgrad (Monday Night), Jeannine Desautels of Blagoevgrad, Michelle Alexander, Antoaneta Yankabakova, and Paul McConnell in Gabrovo and any others who helped along the way. Many children will see more clearly because of all the participants. Some may even have had their vision saved because of early detection of problems. Well done!
Here is a letter written after the team visit by Orphan Train Intermediary and Peace Corps Volunteer Michelle Alexander in Gabrovo:
Hello! Hope this finds you well! We had a WONDERFUL visit with the members of the Orphan Train team. John, Becky, and Sveta were extremely helpful, and we were able to screen the children at the Mother and Child Orphanage and the Gabrovo Orphanage. YMCA hadn't worked with the Mother and Child Orphanage, and this was a great way for us to establish contact with them. It was amazing to see one of the toddlers, Albena age 3, be fitted for glasses. You could see the change in her! She was able to pick things up, move around, and she loved her glasses! Every time we had to take them off to adjust them she would start crying, as if we were going to take them away. All in all it was a wonderful visit. It wasn't a problem with out the others, Paul, Laurie and I were able to help out. I do hope that Leah is feeling better. It can be very scary to be so ill in another country! Please do send her our regards. I want to thank you again for all your efforts in this. On behalf of YMCA-Gabrovo, the Mother and Child Orphanage, and the Gabrovo Orphanage, thank you for arranging this! We will be in touch! Thank you again! Best, Michelle
Here is a letter from Dr. John Guelig, written from Gabrovo:
Dear Ed, We're in Gabravo, it's Wed. noon. The group is Becky, Tsveta, Deyan and myself. Word from Sofia is that Leah should be released from the hospital today. Bob and Jacque are at the Hilton in Sofia and we will meet up with them tomorrow at 1:00 pm to all go to the airport together. Things in Gabravo are going well. We did a screening yesterday of about 40 infants and prescribed a couple pairs of glasses. We also identified several surgical cases including an infant with cataracts in both eyes where surgery would be necessary-ASAP! This afternoon we do our last vision screening at an orphanage of older children. We may find more vision problems with the older age group. We're having a wonderful time in spite of some of the circumstances. It's a beautiful country,etc. Deyan and Tsveta have been great to us as has Michelle, Paul, and Laurie (all work at the YMCA in Gabravo). We'll share more about the trip when we get back to Wis. Until then... John and company
Early in the trip, the following letter was received from Petia Petrova, representative of Doverie and an Orphan Train Intermediary, giving a sense of the activity in the Vidin area:
How are You? It is more information about the group's visit in Vidin. On Wednesday by 8.00 p.m.the group arrived in Vidin.They are provided sleeping accommodation in hotel"Avramov".Then we went to hotel"Ninov"'s restaurant to dinner. On Thursday we went to Center"Mother and Child".They examined 83 children from the kidergartens.I sent to Mrs.Jacque Schutz a list with information about the children with and without problems.43 children have problems.I will send this list to You. By 3.00 p.m. we went to Kula(I,Mr.Bob Wopat and Dian).The others went to Mother and Child to examine the children form Mother and Child. In Kula Mr.Bob Wopat took off many pictures.He brought in their account $1200. He spoke with the Director and the staff. They didn't meet with the hospital's Director. By 8.00 p.m. we went to dinner and they met with the Vidin's Mayor and Krassimir Paskalev-President of Rotary Club Vidin. On Friday we went to Belogradchik.There they examined the children.They give many glasses.Mr.Mitko Tomov told them about the his projects. Mr.Bob Wopat took off many pictures. Then we went to see their garden. By 11.00 a. m. we went to Rabisha.They examined the children. I gave to Mr.Bob Wopat folders with more information about every center.He will give them to all of us. By 5.00 p.m. they departured to Sofia. It is the list: (Editor's note: A list of the children with and without problems followed). 6/24/01
The Orphan Train Project is pleased to announce the addition of a second conductor for Our Lady of Asunsion Children's Home in Guatemala City. The present conductor is the Knights of Columbus Council #4549 from Middleton, Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Youth Company is an organization involved in after school programs for children in Madison, Wisconsin. It was formed in 1996, as a division of After School, Inc., a private nonprofit. Wisconsin Youth Company consultants present workshops, training and programming for children. Welcome Aboard! 6/07/01
NANCY FINGERHOOD TAKES NEW ASSIGNMENT
Peace Corp Volunteer Nancy Fingerhood, an Intermediary with the Orphan Train Project, will move on to a new job involving children beginning this fall. Nancy has accepted a position with an organization known as Save the World Fund, where she will help with refugee children, women building small businesses, etc. 6/07/01
ROTARY CLUB OF PORTAGE SENDS HELP TO LITTLE LILAC ORPHANAGE IN LESHNITZA, BULGARIA
The Rotary Club of Portage, Wisconsin announced today that they are sending $1700 to Little Lilac Orphanage in Leshnitza, Bulgaria. Peace Corps Volunteer Nancy Fingerhood will handle the purchase of items. Nancy is completing her Peace Corps service. We thank her for her service to the Orphan Train Project, the children of Little Lilac and the Portage Rotarians. 6/07/01
ROTARY CLUB OF AURORA, ILLINOIS COMES THROUGH FOR KATIA VANCHEVA ORPHANAGE IN BULGARIA. BARRY FENO ASSISTS
The Orphan Train Project is pleased to announce the donation of $500 to the very needy children of the Katia Vancheva Orphanage in Shiroka Luka. Located in the Rodopi Mountains of Bulgaria, these children badly need everything. When visited by the Orphan Train team in October, the youngsters needed food and fuel for the winter. The Rodopi Mountains, while providing a spectacular landscape of steep slopes, rocky gorges and beautiful pine forests, hides the poverty in which these children find themselves. Thanks to this second donation by Aurora, and a donation by Mooseheart, as well as help from elsewhere in Europe, some relief has been given the kids of Katia Vancheva. Former Peace Corps Volunteer Barry Feno will coordinate this donation. 6/07/01
The Rotary Club of Pittsburgh East is sending $1700 to Peace Corps Volunteer (and Orphan Train Project Intermediary) Terence Milstead to be spent on computer equipment. This is a terrific educational enrichment project. Pittsuburgh East has been a great friend to the children of Elhovo. This is undoubtedly one of the last projects Terence will coordinate for us, as he is about to complete his Peace Corps assignment. Well done Terence! 6/07/01
MIDDLETON AREA SUNRISE IS NEW CONDUCTOR FOR YAKORUDA
The Rotary Club of Middleton Area Sunrise has agreed to become a conductor for the orphanage at Yakoruda, Bulgaria, known as the Orphanage for Children Without Parent Care. This orphanage has many needs. Sixty-nine children live at Yakoruda. They have no central heating. They use wood and charcoal to warm the building, and not all the rooms are heated. Children's health suffers as a result. The orphanage has no means of transportation for the children or supplies. Food is carried on foot. Middleton Area Sunrise is beginning their relationship by sending $500, thanks to the generosity of two members, Russ Andolina and David Fink. 4/23/01
ROTARY CLUB OF WISCONSIN RAPIDS SUNRISE AND FRUIT TREES
The Rotary Club of Wisconsin Rapids Sunrise recently decided to send $1000 to their orphanage at Belogradchik. The money will be used by Director Mitko Tomov to purchase fruit trees. 4/23/01
ROTARY CLUB OF OREGON - MONEY FOR RABBITS AT OVCHA MOGILA
The Rotary Club of Oregon is sending $500 to their orphanage at Ovcha Mogila, where it will be used to buy rabbits, pay for power equipment and fund expenses for those about to leave the institution. As a result of their gift, children will learn about the feeding, cleaning and breeding of the animals. Rabbits are a good food source. In addition, the Oregon Rotarians are buying some motorized pruning equipment. The use of the power equipment will give children another set of skills they can take with them to the outside world. As in American schools, graduation is a happy celebration. The same is true in Bulgaria. Once again, Oregon Rotarians have helped the children at their orphanage in Ovcha Mogila celebrate the end of their time at the orphanage. In his letter of thanks, Director Dimitar Krumov promised to send pictures. 4/23/01
LIONS AND ROTARY PREPARE FOR SECOND VISION QUEST
The Orphan Train Project is working with vision screeners from the Madison Central Lions Club as they prepare to return to Bulgaria. The last time our special conductor for vision screening was in Bulgaria, in November 1999, the team screened more than 1000 children at orphanages and open screening in the Vidin area. This time, the team will visit the Vidin, Blagoevgrad and Gabrovo areas. In addition to utilizing the special Poloroid camera, which photographs eyes and reveals possible problems, this year's team has a little more flexible mission, thanks to the presence of an optomotrist. It is expected that fewer children will be screened. However, other vision testing, besides the photographic approach, plus the potential for fitting some glasses is now possible. Representing Rotary on the trip is team leader Bob Wopat of the Rotary Club of Sun Prairie. Lions representatives will be Jacque and Leah Schmitz. Joining the group will be Dr. John Guelig and wife Becky of Richland Center, Wisconsin. The Gueligs have previously been on vision related trips in Latin America with other organizations. The team will leave May 29th and return on June 7th. 4/23/01
ROTARY CLUB OF MADISON BREAKFAST RECEIVES OPPORTUNITY GRANT
The Rotary Club of Madison Breakfast announced that it has received word that the $2500 they sent to their orphanage called Penyo and Maria Velkovi in Turnovo, Bulgaria has been matched by a New Opportunity Grant. This makes $5000 available for re-roofing. 4/23/01
INTERACT CLUB OF SUN PRAIRIE NAMED CONDUCTOR
The recent $500 donation by the students at Sun Prairie High School (Wisconsin) to the orphanage at Kula, Bulgaria is at least the third such donation in as many years. Over the years, the donations have been given to their sponsor, i.e. the Rotary Club of Sun Prairie to administer. However, we feel the demonstrated consistency is reason enough to refer to the Interact Club of Sun Prairie as a conductor on the Orphan Train in its own right. Interact is a Rotary sponsored organization for high school age students. Congratulations Interact! 4/23/01
POWER POINT PRESENTATION AVAILABLE
Representatives of the Rotary Club of Madison West Towne-Middleton have been stumping for orphanages, and have recently given live presentations at the Rotary Club of DeForest, the Rotary Club of Sun Prairie, at their home club. Future presentations have been booked at the Lake Wisconsin Lions Club, the Rotary Club of Marshfield Sunrise and the Rotary District #6250 Conference on May, 5h in Madison. Presenters are utilizing a Power Point presentation. This adds some range to our ability to tell the story at club meetings or school gatherings. Recently, we have sent disks or e-mail attachment to the Rotary Club of Pittsburgh East, the Rotary Club of Middleton Area Sunrise, the Rotary Club of Hurst-Euless-Bedford, Texas, the Rotary Club of Mt. Lebanon Dormant, Pennsylvania, CIMCo in Denver and to a volunteer Orphan Train speaker in State College, Pennsylvania. Any club or school wishing a live presentation or a copy of the Power Point should contact the Rotary Club of Madison West Towne-Middleton, Ed Fink or Glenn Koepp. 4/12/01
Past president of the Madison Jaycees, Tracey Antone, is spending the Easter holidays in Guatemala, visiting La Divina Providencia, the children's home at Quetzaltenango, supported by her club. The Madison Jaycees are donating another $1000 to the needs of the children there. We hope Tracey will have an article to contribute to the Roundhouse page. 4/12/01
ROTARY CLUB OF OSHKOSH SOUTHWEST REPRESENTATIVES RETURN FROM PERU
The Rotary Club of Oshkosh Southwest participated in a project entitled "Project Peru." As part of Oshkosh Southwest's participation in the larger Peruvian project, they visited their orphanage of Ciudad de los Ninos, or Children's City. The trip took place between March 17th and 24th. More information will be forthcoming in an article we hope to publish on the Roundhouse page. 4/12/01
TEXANS COME HOME FROM VISITING 'EL ANGEL' IN MEXICO
Representatives of the Rotary Club of Hurst-Euless-Bedford, Texas, Orphan Train conductor for El Angel Orphanage in Mexico, recently returned from a trip to the orphanage. Travel was made possible by a Discovery Grant from Rotary International. Hopefully, others will take advantage of the Discovery Grants. We hope to share more with you on a future Roundhouse feature. Travelers included Rotarians Bob Bouse and Lew Riggin and Exchange Teacher Elisa Joffee. 4/12/01
TRAVEL PLANS FOR MADISON CENTRAL LIONS AND ROTARY CLUB OF SUN PRAIRIE
Bob Wopat, a representative of the Rotary Club of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, will link up with representatives of the Madison Central Lions Club in a trip to Bulgaria, expected to leave Wisconsin on May 29th, concluding activities in Bulgaria on or about June 7th. Wopat will visit his club's orphanage at Kula and assist the Lions team in conducting vision screening at orphanages in the Vidin, Blagoevgrad and Gabrovo areas. Initial travelers for the Lions team will be Jacque and Leah Schutz. 4/12/01
ROTARY CLUB OF MADISON BREAKFAST
The Rotary Club of Madison Breakfast recently sent $2500 to Bulgaria for repair of the roof on their orphanage at the Penyo and Maria Velkovi Orphanage at Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria. The club is waiting to hear if they will get some matching funds by way of a New Opportunity Grant. The following is a message received from the grateful director:
Dear Ladies and Gentlemen, The Director, the staff and the children from the Orphanage "Penyo and Maria Velkovi" Velkio Tarnovo, Bulgaria want to express their gratitude and thankfulness for the donation done of your club. This support is needed for finishing the roof repair of the Orphanage building. Your support is an expression of the good attitude to sad fate of the children - orphans and half orphans of our orphanage. We want to ensure you that the grant will be used just according your will. In regard of the heavy financial status of the Orphanage, the old furnishing and equipment and the imperative of the repair your help will contribute too much for stability and establishing of our social home. Please accept our thanks for the noble gesture and the understanding demonstrated.
March 29, 2001
With Best regards, Mrs. Bankova, Director 4/12/01
BARRY FENO DELIVERS REPORTS ON MOOSEHEART AND OTHER DONATIONS
Former Peace Corps Volunteer Barry Feno returned to Bulgaria to marry. Barry, who assisted us with orphanages at Katia Vancheva and Maika i Dete in Shiroka Luka, Bulgaria used money donated by the children of Mooseheart and Madison West Towne Middleton to purchase tires for the orphanage vehicle and 51 pairs of slippers/flip flops. Now, the children of Mooseheart sent another donation of $137.00, which Barry will be spending on other needs. The Orphan Train Project wishes to thank Barry for his service to the project. We wish Barry and his bride Milena much happiness in the years to come! 4/12/01 JEANNINE DESAUTELS REPORTS Jeannine Desautels and her husband Ed are Americans living in Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria. Jeannine is a member of the facilitator club, i.e. the Rotary Club of Madison West Towne-Middleton. As an Orphan Train intermediary Jeannine has accomplished much, inspiring many of us along the way in her tireless efforts on behalf of the many orphanages in her area of Bulgaria. Recently, she reported delivering shoes and toys to a couple places. Jeannine also let us know that a donation of $500 by a MWTM Rotarian, who wishes to remain annonymous, purchased a staircase for the orphanage at Stob. Without the donation, they may have had to close the place. Jeannine and a member of one of our two Bulgarian conductors, the Provisional Rotary Club of Blagoevgrad (Monday Night) managed to help rescue a former orphanage kid, who had been sent to an insane asylum for women. The girl has cerebral palsey and did not belong in the institution. 4/12/01
PROVISIONAL ROTARY CLUB OF BLAGOEVGRAD (MONDAY NIGHT)
The Provisional Rotary Club of Blagoevgrad (Monday Night) announced that they will be holding a spring ball, presumably to raise money for the orphanages in the Blagoevgrad area, which is on April 20th. Jeannine Desautels, the Rotarian from the Rotary Club of Madison West Towne-Middleton living in the area, reports that MWTM is listed as a co-sponsor because of her presence there. In addition, the Rotarians in Blagoevgrad's Monday Night Club have offered to assist Jeannine with the June 1st Children's Day gathering of the orphans for a sporting event where prizes will be given. Children's Day is an annual celebration in Bulgaria. Congratulations to all concerned. You might want to check out the Monday Club's web site. Go to our web site at www.rotaryorphantrain.org. Then click on the "Orphanages and Conductors" page. Then click on the club name, shown there as the "Preliminary" Club of Blagoevgrad (Monday Night). Or go directly to their web site at www.rotaryblagoevgrad.cjb.net. 4/12/01
CONGREGATIONAL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST OF NEENAH MENASHA DONATES TO GOMOTARTZI
Petia Petrova, our intermediary in Vidin, reported that money sent by the Congregational United Church of Christ of Neenah Menasha had been used to purchase a television set and pampers for the mentally handicapped children of Gomotartzi, Bulgaria. The Church and the Rotary Club of Menasha are the two conductors for this orphanage. 4/12/01 ST. MARIA GORETTI TO HELP SANTA MARIA DE JESUS The following school news was reported in the St. Maria Goretti Parish Bulletin on Sunday, March 18, 2001: "Our entire student body is well on its way of achieving a goal of raising several thousand dollars for our Orphan Train project. Through in-school and parish fundraising, and by contributing their time and labor through service in their neighborhoods and in the community (for which Orphan Train donations are collected), our students are helping provide resources for the young women of Santa Maria de Jesus orphanage in Mazatenango, Guatemala." 3/18/01
PROVISIONAL ROTARY CLUB OF BLAGOEVGRAD (MONDAY NIGHT) NAMED CONDUCTOR ON ORPHAN TRAIN PROJECT
Because of continuous efforts at helping eight orphanages in the Blagoevgrad area of Bulgaria, the Provisional Rotary Club of Blagoevgrad (Monday Night) has been named a conductor on the Orphan Train Project. It is the expectation of the Orphan Train Project that the Monday Night Club will continue to assist orphanages and other conductors seeking to aid these institutions. Jeannine Desautels, a member of the Rotary Club of Madison West Towne-Middleton, who has lived in the Blagoevgrad area during the last six months, credits the Monday Night group with trying to improve life for the orphans and making her work on their behalf possible. Founded in the fall of 1996, the club met the requirements under Bulgarian law to be in existence. They have held weekly meetings since then and have become involved in many community and civic activities. Their membership was at 26 in early December 2000, at which time they held their first "Christmas Ball" as a fund raising event. Approximately 320-350 people attended the ball. It was a huge success, and there was a wonderful spirit of raising funds for projects, as well as raising awareness of needs in the orphanages. After expenses, 9400 Leva was used for various projects in December. The following are among some of the more notable projects. Old Folks' Home: Rotarians visit there on a regular basis. Residents were given food and treats for the holiday season. Just recently, they provided them with fire extinguishers, as the building is old and at risk for fires. Insane Asylum (near Blagoevgrad): Food and clothing was provided. ORPHANAGES: All 8 orphanages received gifts and food for the children at Christmas. In addition, 2 received boom boxes for entertainment. The local baby's orphanage received 2000-3000 Leva worth of food. Christmas Party: A Christmas party was given at a disco for the children of unemployed workers paid for by our newest conductor. The Provisional Rotary Club of Blagoevgrad (Monday Night) continues to assist the Orphan Train Project, working with Jeannine Desautels in distributing contributions to orphanages given by conductors and other donors in the United States. Welcome aboard to the Provisional Rotary Club of Blagoevgrad (Monday Night)! 03/02/01
ROTARY CLUB OF GLEN ELLYN, ILLINOIS HELPS VELINGRAD
The Rotary Club of Glen Ellyn, Illinois, responded to the request of Peace Corps Volunteer Anna Fleming and sent $3500 to her to be spent on winter apparel for the children living at the Home for Children and Adolescents in Velingrad, Bulgaria. Anna is from Glen Ellyn, and a graduate of the University of Urbana-Champaign. Located in southern Bulgaria, the orphanage is home to 53 children (ages 7-18), with an additional ten soon to join them. The City of Velingrad itself has approximately 30,000 people. It is located in the Rhodopi Mountains, about an hour southwest of Plovdiv. The community has a number of hot and cool mineral springs, which attract tourists. The ample wood supply of the mountain forest provides the raw material for furniture and toy production. Unfortunately, these industries are not developed enough to lower the unemployment rate, which is currently 35% in the community. Congratulations to Glen Ellyn and Anna. Best wishes to the children of the Home for Children and Adolescents and the Rotarians of Glen Ellyn as they begin their new friendship. 2/5/01
CIMCO HAS NOW RAISED $5600.00 FOR MAKUMBI
It seems like every day new checks come from CIMCO donors in Colorado for the children at the Makumbi Home in Zimbabwe. The total help has reached $5600. One of the recent notes from Roland Von Nidda, S.J., Director of the orphanage, explained that some of the money would be used for school fees. He expressed gratitude, offered his prayers, and wished the Rotary Club a "very happy and challenging 2001." 2/5/01
More firsts for the Orphan Train Project! Our first Mexican Orphanage, and our first Texas Conductor, have joined the ranks of the Orphan Train Project. The Rotary Club of Hurst-Euless-Bedford, Texas (near Dallas), has agreed to be a conductor for the El Angel Orphanage in Huajaupan De Leon, Oaxaca, Mexico. The intermediary, assisting the Texans, will be David Martinez Gonzalez, President of Club Rotario Huajaupan De Leon. Both clubs have already had some involvement with this orphanage. The orphanage is home to 32 children. Mr. Gonzalez has sent a complete profile of the orphanage and lists many needs. 1/27/01
ROTARY CLUB OF SVISHTOV NAMED FIRST NON-US GENERAL CONDUCTOR
(Assisting several orphanages) In recognition of continuous work with the Orphan Train Project, the Rotary Club of Svishtov, Bulgaria, has been named a "conductor" for the Orphan Train Project. The Svishtov Rotarians have assisted the Project since the beginning, and have demonstrated a willingness to continue their work on behalf of children. They have hosted four groups of Rotarians, visited orphanages, brought donations to orphanages in their own area and the far away locations of Ilakov Rut and Strazhitsa. The club is just completing work on a final report for a matching grant project at Ilakov Rut, Bulgaria, accomplished along side the Rotary Club of Madison West Towne-Middleton. The tireless Rotarians from Svishtov have also made donations to the orphanages. These two Rotary clubs have worked together since the beginning of the Orphan Train Project in 1997. Thank you and congratulations Svishtov! The work of both clubs is facilitated by Orphan Train Intermediary, and Honorary MWTM member, Dr.Mitko Nenkov.1/20/01
DODGEVILLE KIWANIS HOLD CELEBRATION…THEY ALL CAME
It was an Orphan Train night to remember, a celebration of success, with a look to the future! On a cold, but very warm January night, the Dodgeville Kiwanis Club held a special evening meeting, inviting their co-conductors, i.e. Ridgeway Elementary School and the Madison Jaycees. Other guests and presenters included members of the Rotary Club of Madison West Towne-Middleton, the Orphan Train facilitator Club, the Madison Central Lions Club (Orphan Train Special Conductor for Vision Screening), the Dodgeville Lions Club, Dodgeville Lionesses, and another local women's club. Spouses were also there. Several presentations, brief and to the point, were given. An overview of the Orphan Train Project was presented. Those in attendance had a chance to look back at Kiwanis and Ridgeway successes with the Bebrovo Orphanage in Bulgaria (now closed), and their current work, alongside the Madison Jaycees, at Quetzaltenango. After the meeting, representatives of the different organizations were seen talking about what else could be done at Quetzaltenango, with discussion of a plan to go there. We tip our engineer's hat to the Dodgeville Kiwanis', especially planner Sue Bausch, for an special evening of fellowship. It demonstrated clearly how different organizations can work together for the betterment of others. 1/20/01
The Rotary Club of Madison Breakfast applied for a type of grant called a New Opportunity Grant to put new wiring in the orphanage at Veliko Turnovo. Madison Breakfast pledged $2500, which will be matched by Rotary District #6250, for a total project of $5000. (Our readers should note that this type of grant does not involve a match directly from Rotary International, as is the case with Rotary International's Matching Grants program). The Rotary Club of Svishtov has graciously agreed to help Madison Breakfast manage the grant in Bulgaria. 1/20/01
STATE COLLEGE, PA; HUNTSVILLE, AL; & BLAGOEVGRAD
Most donations are earmarked for a specific institution by the conductor clubs working with them. Occasionally, we receive contributions to be used at any orphanage we deem appropriate. Recent unrestricted donations from Don and Pam Cistaro (State College, Pennsylvania), W.Bradley and Elizabeth Thompson (Americans living in Blagoevgrad), Jim and Barb McCollum (Americans living in Blagoevgrad), and the Rotary Club of Huntsville, Alabama are sincerely appreciated.1/20/01
ROTARY CLUBS OF MARSHFIELD AND VIDIN - BELOGRADCHIK
Sometimes these things take time. However, the Rotary Clubs of Marshfield and Vidin have never given up on their efforts to get a matching grant for the orphanage at Belgradschik. Dr. Jerry Porter, of Marshfield, reports that Rotary International has assigned the project a number, the first step at the international level towards success. Director of the orphanage, Mitko Tomov, and the NGO Doverie have also been helpful to the process. Stay tuned! 1/20/01
ROTARY CLUBS OF MADISON WEST TOWNE-MIDDLETON, LAKE MILLS AND GUATEMALA OESTE-HOGAR MIGUEL MAGONE
Persistence looks like it may pay off for the Rotary Clubs of Madison West Towne-Middleton, the Rotary Club of Lake Mills and the Rotary Club of Guatemala Oeste, as they seek to bring new kitchen equipment to the orphanage called Hogar Miguel Magone in Guatemala. This project also received a project number from Rotary International. Participants await news on their grant proposal. 1/20/01
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Madison West Towne–Middleton Rotary Foundation, Inc.
Orphan Train Project
P.O. Box 620312
Middleton, WI 53562-0312
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