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Past Whistle Stops: 2004 |
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HELP FOR MASHAMBANZOU COMES FROM ARIZONA AND WISCONSIN
Mashambanzou in South Africa, a mission of the Little Company of Mary
Sisters of Illinois, received Christmas donations of $500 from Mary Beth
Barnett of Arizona and $200 from Jeannine Desautels of Wisconsin. The Little
Company of Mary assists children and families afflicted with AIDS. The Orphan
Train Project is pleased to have introduced the donors to these needy children.
12/31/03
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GEORGE BERTAGNOLI MEMORIAL HELPS GUATEMALANS
George G., Bertagnoli, age 84, of Madison, Wisconsin, passed away on
December 27, 2003. At the request of his family, memorials benefited the
Santa Maria de Jesus Home in Mazatenango, Guatemala. St. Maria Goretti School,
the Orphan Train Conductor for Santa Maria de Jesus, facilitated the gift.
The gift was reported to be approximately $800. 12/31/03
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GOTSE DELCHEV ORPHANAGE HELP BY MARSHFIELD SUNRISE
ROTARIANS
The Rotary Club of Marshfield Sunrise made a gift of $500 to the Gotse
Delchev Orphanage in Bulgaria. The club also has plans to apply for a matching
grant from Rotary International in the near future. 12/31/03
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VISION TEAM FROM SUN PRAIRIE TO FIT CHILDREN WITH
EYEGLASSES
Over the past several years, Orphan Train vision teams have traveled
to Bulgaria. On April 29th, a team of Sun Prairie Rotarians, including an
optometrist, will be leaving for Bulgaria for ten days. While there, the
team will visit their orphanage at Kula, and will fit children for eyeglasses
at several Orphan Train orphanages in various locations in Bulgaria. Team
members include team leader Bob Wopat, Ruth Wopat, Dr. Richard Wright and
Mary Kay Von Allmen. The Wisconsin Lions are donating eyeglasses for this
mission. Assisting team members overseas will Orphan Train Intermediaries
Marie Halbherr of the International Women’s Club of Sofia, Mitko Nenkov,
Nina Minkova, Antoanetta Yankabakova, Mariela Valkova, Evtim Stefanov, Liz
Fertuck, Christine Marsh, members of the Rotary Club of Svishtov and others.
Madison West Towne-Middleton travel coordinator Glenn Koepp planned the
itinerary. Rotarians and others in the Sun Prairie community have raised
over $5500 to assist with the charitable activities connected with this
trip. The Orphan Train salutes everyone involved for this kindness and generosity.
4/14/04
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VIRGIE SCHULTE HELPS MGOLOLE
The Orphan Train Project wishes to acknowledge a generous heart. Madison
West Towne-Middleton Rotarian Virgie Schulte recently donated $500 to be
used at Mgolole, Tanzania. Virgie sent her Orphan Train donation through
the religious organization that assists children whose lives have been impacted
by AIDS and other poverty creating events. 4/14/04
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TANZANIAN ORPHANAGE IN MGOLOLE ASSISTED BY GLAESER
FAMILY
One of the newest conductors on the Orphan Train Project is the Glaeser
Family Charity. At Christmas, Patrick and Barbara Glaeser, of Albany, Wisconsin,
gathered $500 from family members and donated it to help the children of
the Mgolole Orphanage in Tanzania. Fewer presents for the Glaeser family
resulted in joy for children overseas. The Village of Albany is sometimes
referred to as the “sweetest little Village on the Sugar River.” The river
of kindness found its way across the globe. The Glaesers are looking for
others to join them in helping the children of Mgolole. 12/31/03
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BURISH FAMILY DONATES $5000 TO BE USED IN PERU
The Andrew Burish Family made a $5000 donation, which will be used at
its Orphan Train Orphanage in Peru known as St. John Bosco. The funds were
sent through the Sisters of St. Joseph Carondelet of St. Louis, whose member
Sister Mary Ann Leininger assists the Orphan Train and the Burish Family
in Peru by acting as Intermediary. The Orphan Train knows that Christmas
will be extra special at St. John Bosco this year thanks to the Burish Family.
11/24/03
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MASHAMBANZOU CARE TRUST IN ZIMBABWE HELPED BY
ROTARIAN
An anonymous member of the Rotary Club of Madison West Towne-Middleton,
Wisconsin (District #6250) gave a donation of $1000, which will be used
for outreach at Mashambanzou Care Trust in Harare, Zimbabwe. Our Orphan
Train Intermediary in Zimbabwe is Sister Margaret McAllen of the American
Province of Little Company of Mary Sisters, working with AIDS and HIV impacted
children. 11/24/03
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DONATION BY RIDGEWAY ELEMENTARY TO QUETZALTENANGO
Last spring we reported on a gift by the CHAMPS program at Ridgeway Elementary
school in Ridgeway, Wisconsin. Every year, the children of Ridgeway do something
for their friends at La Divina Providencia in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala.
Intermediary Dana Mannen sent the following message:
Ed, Just a little good news from down south. The dictionaries
finally arrived. Now the girl's home has 4 English/Spanish and 2 Spanish
dictionaries for their class rooms and the 3 new desks. This week I'll get
out the receipts for all purchases and the girl's drew a lot of thank you
notes for the 'CHAMPS' kids. You should have them before Christmas. Hope
this finds you well. God Bless, Dana 11/24/03
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BRAUN FAMILY CHARITIES IMPACTS BULGARIAN CHILDREN
The Braun Family Charities announced a recent gift of $1000 for use at
its Orphan Train orphanages in Bulgaria, the same to be used for vocational
training scholarhips. In addition to cash contributions of approximately
$2500 in 2002, and the recent donation, 2002 donations amounted to $7700.
Much has been accomplished thanks to the generosity of this family. They
have had the help recently of Intermediaries Alexandra Smochevska and Vesselin
Markov, two Rotaractors affiliated with the Rotaract Club of Dupnitza. In
2002, Braun Family members Joel and Andrew Rewald traveled to Bulgaria and
met the children of Rila and Slatino orphanages. The Orphan Train appreciates
the kindness of the Braun Family. 11/24/03
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STRAZHITSA GRATEFUL TO ROTARY CLUB OF PLYMOUTH
The Rotary Club of Plymouth, Wisconsin, led by the efforts of Tom Slater,
made its first $200 donation to the orphanage at Strazhitsa, Bulgaria. Intermediary
Mitko Nenkov consulted with the director, Mr. Borisov, and prepared a new
profile and list of current needs. Upon receipt of the funds, he delivered
the items agreed upon. On November 19, 2003, Mitko wrote as follows:
Yesterday, we handed out 200 USD from Rotary Club of Plymouth to supply
Strazhitsa orphanage with notebooks, pens and trainers. The piano also was
tuned and adjusted properly for free. In the afternoon kids went out to
pick up fall herbs for tea. Some experience is introduced in Strazhitsa
orphanage after the seminar in Svishtov. About 10 boys or girls are structured
in a separate flats to have their own space - living room, bedrooms, baths
etc.
{Editor’s note: Reference to “seminar in Svishtov” has to do with the
very successful Svishtov Rotary Club/ Orphan Train seminar held in Svishtov,
taught by staff members from Mooseheart, the famed Child City in Illinois,
and hosted by the Rotary Club of Svishtov. It appears the director at Strazhitsa
is utilizing what he learned}.
Previously Mitko wrote: At last the orphanage profile is updated and
attached here. I want to say Mr. Borisov's and my THANK YOU to Rotary club
of Plymouth, Wsconsin to have their choice done to be conductor of the orphanage
at Strazhitsa. The news was met enthusiastically by the staff and kids.
I am proud the Rotary Orphan Train Project continue to work ceaselessly
on the field of orphan children support all over the world and now Bulgaria
will have one more hope for the forthcomming years. The news was shared
on the regular meeting of Svishtov Rotary Club and was greeted too. Best
regards, Mitko 11/19/03
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ROTARY CLUB OF OREGON, WISCONSIN MAKES CONTRIBUTION
According to a report from Intermediary Mitko Nenkov, he recently delivered
$500 from the Rotary Club of Oregon, Wisconsin to the orphanage at Ovcha
Mogila, Bulgaria. The purpose of the donation was to help pay for the transportation
of donated dental equipment from either the United States or Germany. The
Rotary Club of Svishtov is also believed to be involved in this project.
Thanks to all! 11/16/03
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PITTSBURGH EAST CONTINUES TO HELP ELHOVO, BULGARIA
Rotarians at the Pittsburgh East Club are involved with orphanages on
two continents. Their oldest relationship is with Elhovo, Bulgaria. In March,
2003 the club sent Orphan Train Intermediary Milka Peeva $1000 to spend.
Milka reported to Club representative, Cecilia Wandiga as follows:
Dear Cecilia,
Here are all the receipts about the items purchased and this is the
written report about the cost of them. I’ll send you some pictures by e-mail,
because they are taken with digital camera and it’s more convenient to send
them this way.
We bought a sewing machine at the cost of 150 $ to be used in class
by the children. As you already know there is a special class formed to
help and teach students how to sew. We bought two cassette recorders at
the cost of 170 lv. which will be used again in class for listening to songs
and learning new information. We bought a very good cloth and made curtains
and spread for the teacher’s room to look more pleasant at the cost of 159
lv. Theere are some electric appliances bought at the total sum of 567 lv.
These are five irons, one refrigerator, one electric heater and a remote
control. They will be used in the kitchen and to help children in their
needs. We also bought one drilling machine – 100 lv. To do different repairs
in the rooms, one water heater—59.00 lv. For the medical room, for the start
of the school year we bought students’ accessories –42 lv. because children
need pens and notebooks to use in class. We also bought some hardware materials
–99.54 lv. to repair the desks, chairs and sleeping rooms because they are
already in very bad condition and also wood polish-4.60lv. for them and
some machine accessories-20.40 lv. There’s receipt for fuel – about 10 lv.
We tried to use the money for useful things and waited for quite a long
time for the dollar to be exchanged at a higher rate but still it didn’t
work.
Thank you very much once again for your generosity and being so good
and kind to the children.
Waiting for your answer! (Milka)
Cecilia reported to members of her club as follows, after receiving Milka
Peeva’s letter:
Just wanted to add more good news. Attached is copy of a letter from
Milka Peeva (our intermediary for the orphanage in Elhovo, Bulgaria). As
you recall, we sent them $1,000 in March and they were waiting for favorable
exchange rates to buy needed items. Given the fact that the rates never
turned to their favor (dollar has been weak abroad), I must say I'm extremely
impressed with how they stretched out our funds. We've just sent them another
$500 so we'll see what miracles they perform with the money this time. Cheers,
Cecilia 11/05/03
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ORPHAN TRAIN INTERMEDIARY SYLVIA MARINOVA OF BLAGOEVGRAD
Sylvia Marinova is a bilingual Intermediary in Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria.
She recently reported on her administration of a gift to Blagoevgrad area
orphans by Rotarian Jeannine Desautels, on the occasion of Jeannine’s birthday.
Employed by American University, Sylvia works with Francine Sullivan, our
other Intermediary in the area. Here is what she had to say:
Dear Jeannine, I am taking the chance to thank you once again for
your attention and support to the children in Bulgaria. Some days ago I
got 100 leva from Francine as a birthday present for the kids from you.
I called the new director at the Orphanage in Blagoevgrad. (She seems to
be the right person for such a job. Has done a lot this summer for improving
the premises. When I went to give them the purchased things, the house was
heated and there was a pleasant smell of baked bread. The children were
having a cooking class) Mrs. Iordanova was very happy to hear that there
is such a present and requested the following things to be purchased: Washing
powder: Tide Automat - 3 packets x 6 kilograms Cost: 50.70 leva 3 buckets
- red and blue Cost: 8.40 leva 2 plastic brooms Cost: 8.80 leva 3 handles
with mops Cost: 31.50 leva Total cost: 99.40 leva
Jeannine, please let me know where to send the invoice and the Certificate
from the orphanage!
With best wishes and gratitude, Sylvia Sylvia Marinova 11/05/03
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ROTARY CLUB OF MONROE PLANS TO HELP SHOUMEN ORPHANAGE
The Rotary Club of Monroe, Wisconsin, Orphan Train conductor for the
Shoumen Orphanage in Bulgaria, recently contacted us about their forthcoming
plans. The Monroe Club is prepared to make their second donation to the
orphanage. Yuliana Popova (President 2003-2004 of Rotaract Club Shoumen)
and Tzvetan Spassov are assisting. The two Rotaractors have succeeded Peace
Corps Volunteer Mark Potts, our former Intermediary, who has returned to
the States after completing his Peace Corps assignment. We look forward
to hearing what has been accomplished. 10/24/03
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SWISS INTERN REPORTS ON HER WORK AT STRAZHITSA,
BULGARIA
The following unedited letter was received from Swiss graduate student
Marie Laure De Preux, who volunteered her assistance at the orphanage in
Strazhitsa this past summer. The match was suggested by Orphan Train Intermediaries
Nina Minkova and Mitko Nenkov. We are grateful to Marie Laure for her service
to children.
Hello Mr Fink,
I am really sorry for the very long delay to write you back, but from
the time i have been back from bulgaria, it's like i have no time....
So I have been in Strajitza from the 3rd of August to the 18 of September,
and I have to say I would have like to never leave from there. It's probably
a very personnal vision, but for me it was like paradise and I miss everything
there so much.
I have unfortunately not lot of time now to write, but the children,
from every age, were wonderful. And even, some times in the beginning and
even during all my stay, they were also taking care of me, and looking that
every thing is well for me. I love all of them so much. Also all the people
working there are really wonderfull. I have begin there wonderful friendships
and I miss everyday the orphanage and Bulgaria. What was also very intersting,
is that I had to learn the language. when I arrived, i knew the cyrillic
alphabet and some basic things i learned when i was in swiss. But there
i learned so much. The first days it was hard, but after it's coming quite
easily and now i can speak bulgarian (not very right, but at least people
understand me.)
Now I am back here, and i am in the theology faculty of the university
of Fribourg.
What I would like to do, is to bring things for them (clothes, books,
........) anything could be usefull for them. Could you tell me how to proceed,
cause i need the help of someone who knows how to proceed for this. As you
are also bringing things there, maybe you could give me some advices.
I have also to say a big THANK YOU, cause without you I will have
never live the most wonderful experience I had in my life!! and even, it's
like thank you is not enough........ :)
Anyway, I wish you all the best and I hope to hear from you soon.
Marie-Laure 10/31/03
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MATCHING GRANT AWARDED BY ROTARY INTERNATIONAL
The Rotary Club of Pittsburgh East, Pennsylvania (Orphan Train conductor
for The Love of Christ Ministries Orphanage in Eikenhof, South Africa),
and the Rotary Club of Rosebank (Johannesburg) were awarded a matching grant
for $3000. The grant will help supply two months of supplies and medication
for TLC. 10/14/03
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ROTARY CLUB OF PLYMOUTH, WI WILL WORK WITH STRAZHITSA
The Orphan Train Project is pleased to welcome aboard the Rotary Club
of Plymouth, Wisconsin. The Plymouth Rotarians have agreed to become the
Orphan Train conductor for the seventy-six children who live at the orphanage
in Strazhitsa, Bulgaria. Officially, the facility is known as the “Orphanage
for Nurturing and Education of the Children Deprived of Parent's Care."
We look forward to working with the good Rotarians of Plymouth. 10/10/03
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ROTARY CLUB OF EAST HORSHAM MAKES FIRST GIFT TO
LITTLE LILAC
One of the newest conductors on the Orphan Train Project is the Rotary
Club of East Horsham, Australia. Their favored orphanage is Little Lilac
in Leshnitza, Bulgaria. The following happy exchange between Rotarian Rob
Marshall and Bulgarian Orphan Train Intermediary Nina Minkova follows:
Dear Nina,
Today, 9th October 2003, I sent to you on behalf of the Rotary Club
of Horsham East $1,027.00 US equivalent to $1500.00 AUD to be used to Purchase
between the stoves and the floor coverings as you see fit. This contribution
comes out of the Club's Service account for 2002-2003 and I will contact
you again when the allocations for 2003-2004 are made.
We look forwarded to seeing the photos of the items once purchased.
Yours in Rotary Service Rob Marshall Secretary Rotary Club of Horsham
East.
Dear Rob,
We received the sum of $ 999.00 US - we are going to purchase the
stoves and the floor coverings within 2 weeks and will send you the pictures.
Thank you!
Warmest regards from Bulgaria! Nina 10/09/03
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BIG PLANS FOR HEART OF A CHILD ORPHANAGE IN ROMANIA
{Editorial Note: Lou Mindar, Past President of the Rotary Club of Viroqua,
contacted us about some exciting plans. (The Rotary Club of Viroqua is the
Orphan Train conductor for Forget Me Not House, operated by Heart of a Child
Foundation in Romania). Recently, Lou, his wife Kim and Orphan Train team
members Rachelle Richardson and Larry Pinger visited Romania. Lou, whose
ancestors came from Romania, returned to the States, excited about making
things happen for the children he met. Read his letter, which we took the
liberties of reducing in size. The Orphan Train puts people in a position
to see possibilities and impact change. Obviously Lou is willing to take
things to a new level. Congratulations and best wishes for great success}!
Hello Friends of Heart of a Child -- For some time I have been wanting
to write to you to give you an update on our activities to begin the process
of raising funds to build the new Forget Me Not House Orphanage. When Kim
and I returned from Romania in June, we learned that Kim's office was being
closed and her job was being moved to Milwaukee. Milwaukee is about three
hours away from Viroqua. So, since returning from Romania, we have been
tied up getting ready to move. Unfortunately, that didn't leave much time
to get the things done that we wanted to get done for Heart of a Child.
Finally, we moved a couple of weeks ago and are now getting ready
to start working to raise money. Let me tell you what we will be doing over
the next few months.
First, we are going to be working on establishing a not-for-profit
foundation that will allow us to raise and spend money without having to
pay taxes on the money. This is not all that complicated…. Next, we will
be creating a web site that will tell the story of what we want to do for
Forget Me Not House. We'd also like to create a web site for Heart of a
Child to tell about all of the good work they are doing….
Once the foundation is in place and the web site is up and running,
then it will be time to start soliciting funds. I'll be visiting other Rotary
Clubs in Wisconsin (and maybe Illinois) to tell them about what we are trying
to do and to ask for their support. I'm also planning a direct mail campaign
to Romanians and Romanian-Americans living in the U.S. I haven't thought
the direct mail campaign through completely, but I am told that more than
200,000 Romanians are currently living and working in the Chicago area,
so it will be a good market to tap for their support.
I hope to have the foundation paperwork complete and the web site
ready to go by the end of the year. Fundraising should begin after the first
of the year…. We've lost momentum over the past few months, but it's time
to get busy again. If you have any questions or thoughts, just let me know.
Talk to you soon, Lou 10/06/03
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BOYAN AND SANYA REPORT TO MOOSEHEART ON KATYA
VANCHEVA
Click on http://www.advance.bg/otp/.
It will take you to an associated web site put together by Orphan Train
Intermediaries Boyan Milev and his wife Sanya. After getting to the main
web site, click on “Visits to the Orphanages.” Then click on the “September,
2003” report, which details a visit and delivery of $265 worth of food to
the children of Katya Vancheva (sometimes spelled Katia), all on behalf
of the children of Mooseheart, conductor organization for that Bulgarian
orphanage. The report is very well done, and is accompanied by numerous
pictures. Be patient, as the web site takes a bit of time for pictures to
open for viewing. It is well worth the wait. The Orphan Train Project would
like to commend the students of Mooseheart for their generosity and Sanya
and Boyan for their unique and thorough way of reporting. 9/27/03
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PITTSBURGH EAST HELPS TLC IN SOUTH AFRICA AGAIN
The Rotary Club of Pittsburgh East and its Pittsburgh East Rotary Foundation,
Inc. announced receipt of a $2000 gift from a New York donor, the same to
the suggested use of their TLC Orphanage in South Africa. The money was
forward to The Love of Christ Ministries and the TLC Orphanage. TLC Director
Thea Jarvis responded, as might be expected for one dealing with AIDS children
every day:
Dear Cecilia, (member of the International Committee of Pittsburgh
East)
Halleluja! We are so delighted about this. Thank you VERY MUCH!!!
It is sorely needed around here. God bless you, Lots of love, THEA 9/25/03
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ROTARY CLUB OF SUN PRAIRIE TO VISIT BULGARIA WITH
VISION TEAM
Rotarian Robert Wopat of the Sun Prairie, Wisconsin Club, will lead a
team to Bulgaria in April 2004. The purpose of the trip is to visit orphanages,
give eye examinations and fit those who need them with eyeglasses. The Wisconsin
Lions and others will supply the team with eyeglasses. Wopat’s vision team
will include Dr. Richard Wright, Past Club President Mary Kay Von Allmen
and Ruth Wopat. Travel is made possible by a grant from Rotary International.
The team is being assisted by Orphan Train Intermediaries, the Rotary Club
of Svishtov and planners from the Rotary Club of Madison West Towne-Middleton.
9/25/03
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ROTARY CLUB OF WEST CARROLLTON, OHIO & VIDIN,
BULGARIA
Recently, the Orphan Train Project heard from David K. Humphreys our
contact with the Rotary Club of West Carrollton, Ohio. The Ohio club is
the Orphan Train conductor for Mother and Child Orphanage in Vidin, Bulgaria,
though members have also taken an interest in other orphanages and projects
in the Vidin area. Involvement by the group was sparked by a twinning project
between the City of West Carrollton and the City of Vidin. A part of that
report follows: “There has been some, but not a lot, of activity with orphanages
in Vidin. None of our group has had a chance to return to Bulgaria since
a year ago last June. Our Rotary Club continues to collect "pin money" from
fines, happy dollars, etc. into an orphanage fund… for distribution to the
Mother and Child Orphanage. I also had an opportunity to provide some funding
to "Project Chance", sponsored by the Free Youth Center of Vidin http://fyc.vidin.net/chance/
. One initiative of the project was to buy rabbits that could be raised
by the children at the Hristo Botev Social Home for Children, Novo Selo.
The project seeks to teach husbandry at the same time providing animals
to sell to supplement the orphanage's income. A few of our Rotarians are
exploring increasing our participation with the Vidin Free Youth Center,
either directly or through the West Carrollton High School Interact Club.
(Interact did not participate in the rabbit project because some of the
kids objected to selling the rabbits for food!).” David also refers readers
to www.westcarrollton.org/vidinwelc.htm to learn more about West Carrollton’s
partnership with the Municipality of Vidin, Bulgaria, and explore Vidin's
new Business Information web site developed as part of this partnership
effort at: http://municipality.vidin.net/ . 8/7/03
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ROTARY CLUB OF EAST HORSHAM (VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA)
JOINS OT
We are pleased to announce the addition of the Rotary Club of East Horsham
(Victoria, Australia) to our growing list of conductor organizations. East
Horsham will assist Little Lilac Orphanage in Leshnitza, Bulgaria. This
is the first Australian Rotary Club to climb aboard the Orphan Train Project.
The Australian/American bond began several years ago with the arrival of
Rotary Exchange student Amanda Marshall to her Madison West Towne-Middleton
Rotary Club host club. Amanda's father, Rob, facilitated a new way the two
clubs could work together for the benefit of children far from both groups
in Bulgaria. The Club of East Horsham has already heard from their Orphan
Train Intermediary Nina Minkova, and plans for assistance are underway.
6/11/03.
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ROTARACTOR JESSICA BENTON-COONEY TO INTERN IN
ROMANIA
Word was received that Jessica Benton-Cooney, Past President of the Rotaract
Club of Edgewood College (Madison, Wisconsin), will intern this summer at
the Forget Me Not House in Bulgaria. Jessica is a recent graduate of Edgewood
College and the Rotaract Club's first President. Jessica formerly taught
English at La Sagrada Orphanage in Peru. Conductors on the Orphan Train
Project assist both orphanages. 6/11/03
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PROJECT COMPLETED AT PARVOMEI ORPHANAGE IN BULGARIA
Editor's Note: The following letter was written by Orphan Train Intermediary
Francine Sullivan, who coordinated the spending of funds sent by the Andrew
Burish Family Charity of Wisconsin and the Rotary Children's Fund of Ohio
(the latter funded by the Rotary Club of Lakewood/Rocky River, Ohio). Francine
reports to representatives of both charities and representatives of the
Orphan Train Project.
Dear Ed, Andy, John, and Jeannine, just wanted to let you know that
we visited the orphans at Parvomei Orphanage in S.W. Bulgaria, and the bathroom
repair and remodeling project is just about completed, except for a few
doors that still hadn't arrived.
The children were happy to see us, and we asked them about the new
bathroom, and they were happy that it had been fixed. The sink had been
lowered as promised, so the little kids can reach the faucet, and the slope
of the floor had been fixed to provide better drainage. All the tiles had
been replaced, with a bright, cheerful blue tile. The walls had been freshly
painted white, and it did look a lot better than the previous bathroom.
This repair and remodeling job was possible due to the generosity
of Mr. Burish and Mr. Weedon's Rotary Club in Lakewood-Rocky River, Ohio.
Hats off to both of you for making things better for these children!
We had come up short on the final payment of this project, and Mr.
Weedon's Rotary Club had helped with the shortfall. It turned out that there
was actually a surplus at the end, so he agreed that we could go ahead and
buy some toys for the kids. We bought soccer balls, badminton sets, and
books for summer reading for the kids. They were very happy to have these
things! There isn't much a kid can do for fun in an orphanage, so these
toys and books will go a long way to making their summers a lot more fun
and enjoyable.
Thank you so much, all of you, for thinking of these children, and
making their lives a little brighter! God bless you, and keep up the good
work! Best regards, Francine Sullivan, intermediary for S.W.Bulgaria 6/11/03
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VIROQUA AND MADISON WEST TOWNE-MIDDLETON ROTARIANS
A team of Rotarians from Viroqua and Madison, Wisconsin, are now in Romania
on a fact-finding and cultural experience. The Rotary Club of Viroqua is
matched to Romania's Heart of a Child Orphanage. Mr. and Mrs. Lou Mindar
represent Viroqua. Rachelle Richardson and Larry Pinger represent the Rotary
Club of Madison West Towne-Middleton and its foundation. Team members had
the opportunity to visit with Heart of a Child's Anna Burtea and Dana Ariton
when they visited Wisconsin earlier this year on an Orphan Train sponsored
trip. It's a nice opportunity to meet these friends in their country. 6/10/03
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ROTARY CHILDREN'S FUND OF OHIO TO ADD SANTA TERESITA
The Rotary Children's Fund of Lakewood, Ohio is the new Orphan Train
conductor for the Santa Teresita Orphanage at Tingo Maria, Peru. The Rotary
Children's Fund plans to spend up to $2500 this year on their new orphanage.
The Rotary Children's Fund also is an Orphan Train conductor for the Pyrmovei
Orphanage in Bulgaria, where they recently made a donation to help make
up a shortfall of funds needed for a new kitchen project. 6/10/03
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MOOSEHEART CHILDREN SEND $250 FOR CHILDREN OF
SHIROKA LUKA
Once again, the students of Mooseheart, the famed "Child City" in Illinois,
sent $250 to help the children of Katia Vancheva Orphanage in Shiroka Luka,
Bulgaria. Their consistent kindness is sincerely appreciated. 6/10/03
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RIDGEWAY ELEMENTARY SENDS $211 FOR LA DIVINA PROVIDENCIA
Every year, the children of tiny Ridgeway Elementary School, in Ridgeway,
Wisconsin, send something for the children of La Divina Providencia in Quetzaltenango,
Guatemala. This year was no exception, as the fund raising resulted in $211
for the children of Guatemala. 6/10/03.
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TIM TIFFANY FAMILY CHARITY TO HELP KATIA VANCHEVA
We received word that the Tim Tiffany Family Charity of Lodi, Wisconsin,
will supply $500 to feed the children of Katia Vancheva Orphanage in Shiroka
Luka, Bulgaria. We welcome the Tiffany Family aboard the Orphan Train. 6/10/03
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ST. MARIA GORETTI AND SANTA MARIA DE JESUS
St. Maria Goretti School of Madison, Wisconsin, spent all year raising
money for their friends at Santa Maria de Jesus in Mazatenango, Guatemala.
This year's activities consisted of selling candy, popcorn and bakery. At
the end of the year, the students had raised $2283.04. At an all school
gathering, a check was presented to Orphan Train Chairman Ed Fink. Also
present was Rotarian William Hinckley, who spoke to the children about his
visit to Santa Maria de Jesus. He told the St. Maria Goretti children how
important their previous donations were to their friends in Guatemala. Subsequent
to the donation, the intermediary for Santa Maria de Jesus indicated a desire
to spend the money on a cooking stove and a library. 6/10/03
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PETER FAUERBACH FAMILY CHARITY IS NEW CONDUCTOR
The Peter Fauerbach Family Charity of Madison, Wisconsin, donated $600
to be used in a sponsorhip program at Forget Me Not House in Romania. This
sponsorship will pay for one year of care for a child living in the orphanage.
Thank you Peter and family. 6/10/03.
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ORPHAN TRAIN TRIP TO PERU
Recently, members of the Rotary Club of Madison West Towne-Middleton
and the Rotary Clubs of Oshkosh and Oshkosh South West traveled to Peru
to visit Orphan Train Project sites. The two teams had an opportunity to
see some of the work previously accomplished and observe new opportunities.
Michael Cooney led the Oshkosh contingent. The Madison team included Virgie
Schulte, Jeannine Desautels, Glenn Koepp and Jeanne Koepp. The Oshkosh team
visited La Familia Sagrada, while the Madison group visited Tingo Maria,
Juan Pablo II, St. John Bosco and other sites. 6/10/03
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ROTARY CLUB OF WAUNAKEE, WISCONSIN SENDS $2000
TO JUAN PABLO II
The Rotary Club of Waunakee recently sent $2000 for the benefit of the
children of Juan Pablo II. This is the first donation by the Rotarians of
Waunakee to their Peruvian children. They hope to accomplish a matching
grant through Rotary International in the next Rotary year. Thank you Waunakee.
6/3/03
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WEBMASTERS ADMITTED TO PHD PROGRAM AT OHIO STATE
Congratulations to our webmasters, Cvetlina Cekova and Alexander Pantaleev,
recent graduates of the American University in Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria. Cvety
and Alex have been admitted to Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio,
where they plan to obtain PhD's in Computer Science. Cvety and Alex have
been faithful supporters of the Orphan Train Project. Their talent and time
have been precious gifts to the children of the orphanages and all of us
associated with the Orphan Train Project. Best wishes for continued success
in their chosen field. 6/1/03
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ROMANIANS VISIT MOOSEHEART, ORPHAN TRAIN AND VIROQUA
Daniela "Dana" Ariton and Dr. Anna Burtea, who are the President and
Vice-President of the Heart of a Child Foundation in Cudalbi Village in
Galati County Romania, arrived in the United States on March 1st and will
return to their home on March 31st. Heart of a Child Foundation operates
several programs, including the orphanage known as "Forget Me Not House,"
which we matched to the Rotary Club of Viroqua, AIDS houses and programs
for street children. While in the States, Dana and Anna took two weeks of
training in the "Family Teacher Program" at Mooseheart, the famed "Child
City" in Illinois. After finishing the training at Mooseheart, Dana and
Anna visited Madison, Wisconsin and the Orphan Train Project. In the Madison
area, various members of the Rotary Club of Madison West Towne-Middleton,
the Rotary Club of Oregon, the Rotary Club of Madison South, Madison Central
Lions and the Beaver Dam Lions hosted them. In addition to time in the Madison
area, Dana and Anna are spending several days with the Rotary Club of Viroqua,
Wisconsin. The time in Wisconsin has been spent visiting many child-centered
programs. A more detailed report of Dana and Anna's visit is planned for
the Roundhouse page at a future date. Please watch for the article. The
Rotary Club of Madison West Towne-Middleton's Orphan Train Project underwrote
travel to the United States. Training as well as room and board at Mooseheart,
is provided by that conductor organization. Many people in the Madison area
and Viroqua have provided a variety of child-related experiences for our
guests. In addition, others have welcomed these charming travelers into
their homes for rest and relaxation. The needs of the Heart of a Child Foundation,
their Forget Me Not House and their other programs are in need of additional
support. More conductors would be welcome. While in the States, Dana and
Anna were informed by their staff that a fire destroyed two rooms in one
facility. Fortunately, no one was injured. Anyone wishing to help this organization
can contact the Orphan Train Project at edf@itis.com.
3/22/03
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ORPHAN TRAIN COORDINATOR RACHELLE RICHARDSON VISITS
AFRICA
Rotarian Rachelle Richardson, an Orphan Train Coordinator from the Rotary
Club of Madison West Towne-Middleton, recently visited three sites in Africa.
They were Mishambanzou in Zimbabwe, whose conductor is the Rotaract Club
of the University of Wisconsin, Makumbi Orphanage in Zimbabwe, whose conductor
is CIMCo in Colorado, and The Love of Christ Orphanage in South Africa,
whose conductor is the Rotary Club of Pittsburgh East. All three of these
orphanages work with AIDS children or children whose lives have been impacted
by AIDS. Rachelle visited with the staff and leadership of each of these
facilities, shot lots of video and stills, and hopes to have more comprehensive
information available in the future for those involved with these three
programs, each of which could use additional conductors. Rachelle is also
available as a speaker. Contact her at rrichardson@mailbag.com. 3/22/03
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ROTARY CLUB OF PITTSBURG EAST REPORTS ACTIVITY
IN TWO PLACES
The Rotary Club of Pittsburgh East is a conductor for the Elhovo Orphanage
in Bulgaria and the The Love of Christ Orphanage in South Africa. The Elhovo
Orphanage was a recent beneficiary of sewing machines and shoes, paid for
by Pittsburgh East with a prior donation. Now Pittsburgh East has sent another
$1000 for the children of Elhovo. It is yet to be determined how this money
will be spent. The Rotary Club of Pittsburgh East has been helping Elhovo
for several years. Expect to see pictures of this donation on the Roundhouse
page of our web site soon. The Rotary Club of Pittsburgh East is in the
process of putting together a matching grant for the TLC orphanage. Rotarians
also informed the Orphan Train that TLC founder Thea Jarvis plans to visit
the Rotary Club of Pittsburgh East in June. In addition, one of the key
staff members, Pippa Jarvis received a vocational award from the Rotary
Club of Rosebank South Africa. Pippa was also a featured speaker at a national
conference on AIDS and its prevention. Congratulations to all. 3/22/03
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ROTARY CLUB OF VIROQUA RECEIVES DISCOVERY GRANT
The Rotary Club of Viroqua, Wisconsin recently received word that they
have been granted a $1600 Rotary International Carl P. Miller Discovery
Grant. Rotarians from Viroqua have been very active with the Orphan Train
Project in Romania. They plan to visit their orphanage called "Forget Me
Not House" and other projects run by the foundation known as "Heart of a
Child." Trip plans call for a June visit from the 7th to the 20th, allowing
the Rotarians an opportunity to find new ways to be of assistance to the
children of Romania. Expected to accompany the Rotarians is a young man
who spent part of his youth in another Romanian orphanage. The Orphan Train
Project extends congratulations to the Rotary Club of Viroqua. The following
material was taken from the Rotary International web site, explaining Discovery
Grants criteria, and what they are all about: The purpose of Discovery Grants
is to subsidize the advance planning activities of Rotary clubs and districts
designing international service projects by contributing to the travel,
food, and ancillary expenses of individuals selected by the sponsor club
or district to travel from one country to another to further such planning.
The following grant criteria apply to Carl P. Miller and SHARE-funded Discovery
Grants.
Discovery Grants must: demonstrate active international Rotarian participation,
meaning that at least one Rotarian must participate in the planning mission;
have a written invitation from a Rotary club or district officer from the
co-sponsoring club or district promising home hospitality or an explanation
of why that is not feasible; take place after formal announcement of grant
approval (applications for planning missions that have already taken place
are not eligible to receive funding); be distinct (i.e., of a different
type of category) from any other planning mission for which the applicants
have already received a Discovery Grant within the past five Rotary years;
require that co-sponsors complete all reporting requirements before applying
for future Discovery Grants; take place within nine months of approval (if
not, the grant will be withdrawn); include contact information and invitation
letter from the cooperating organization that will act as host for planning
missions to areas where the local Rotary club cannot provide significant
involvement or in a non-Rotary country. (In these cases, home hospitality
is not required from the cooperating organization.)
Discovery Grants may:
allow the replication of successful projects that benefit different communities
(but not the duplication of projects);
fund planning missions taking place in the sponsor country instead of
within the project country (Those applications must include a clear explanation
of why the planning would be more effective in the sponsor country rather
than in the project country and show strong evidence of the host Rotary
club/district's commitment to the proposed project.);
be awarded to fund separate applications for the same planning mission
if two separate districts apply at a maximum of US$5000 per mission. Discovery
Grants funds must not:
be used for the planning missions of clubs or districts that have received
more than one SHARE-funded Discovery Grant during the previous sixth-month
period;
be used for expenses to attend a professional meeting or conference,
fund the establishment of a sister club/district relationship, or support
fund raising activities of a club or district. 3/22/03
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PAT ROGAN SENDS SHIPMENT OF SHOES TO MI CASA IN
GUATEMALA
Pat Rogan, Rogan's Shoes, is shipping 3,000 pair of shoes to Mi Casa
in Guatemala. The last shipment of 300 pair a couple years ago, our club
paid for the shipping. This time Pat is paying for the shipping as well.
Mi Casa is a three-site (2 for boys and one for girls) orphanage of 500+
children in Guatemala City run by John Wetterer. In the 30 years the homes
have been in existence, there have been three Fulbright Scholars and hundreds
of young men and women sent to the United States on full scholarships for
college. Most of the youngsters are street kids who have never been to school
before entering Mi Casa. Most of them arrive between the ages of 8 and 15.
Mi Casa and their staff and peers do an incredible job of Instilling a love
of learning within the boys and girls. It is so wonderful when someone like
Pat Rogan can see a need and not only send the shoes, but pay for the shipping
as well. Hats off to Pat. Think of him the next time you are in the market
for a pair of shoes. (Editor's Note: Rogan's Shoes was designated a "Special
Conductor for Shoes," several years ago). Contributed by Mary Feldt 1/28/03
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ANDREW BURISH FAMILY IS CONDUCTOR FOR ST. JOHN
BOSCO (PERU)
The Andrew Burish Family of Madison has become a conductor on the Orphan
Train for St. John Bosco Orphanage in Peru. At the December 13th meeting
of the Rotary Club of Madison West Towne-Middleton, a check for $2500 was
presented by Mr. Burish. The donation will be used to improve the well and
water lines to the orphanage, expected to cost about $1800, with the remainder
to be used to start a library. Mr. Burish has also donated to other orphanages
over the past couple years (see also the Roundhouse page article). 1/13/03
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ROTARY CLUB OF SVISTHTOV GENEROUS AGAIN
It was just learned that the Rotary Club of Svishtov (Bulgaria), a general
conductor on the Orphan Train Project, would donate 5000 lev to orphanages
in their country. Some of this money will be used at Ilakov Rut, a home
for mentally handicapped children. The Svishtov Rotarians, with the assistance
of Mitko Nenkov (Honorary Rotarian of the Rotary Club of Madison West Towne-Middleton),
have assisted in many Orphan Train activities over the years. They are consistent
supporters of children in need and their members can always be counted on
to put “service above self.” 1/13/03
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SILENT DONOR AIDS TLC IN SOUTH AFRICA
One of members of the Rotary Club of Madison West Towne-Middleton, Wisconsin
recently donated $1000 to the Orphan Train Project. The person, who wishes
to remain anonymous, designated the money for use at the TLC Orphanage in
South Africa. The money will be combined with money from the Rotary Club
of Pittsburgh East, conductor for TLC. How this money will be used is yet
to be determined. TLC is an orphanage for children, victimized by AIDS.
This orphanage is very needy and could use additional conductors. 1/13/03
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