On To The Next Project; an update

Dear Fellow Rotarians & WCS Partners:

As you may recall, the favorable publicity for our WCS project in Salcedo, Dominican Republic, drew such positive attention to the water & sanitation plight at the Escuela Maria Josefa Gomez that the City of Salcedo authorities made a priority project of restoring working plumbing at this poor school. You may also recall that the First Lady of the Club Rotario Salcedo, President Dr. Gustavo Santos's wife, Dr. Emma Santos is the City of Salcedo Minister of Health; and for a long time she has been attempting to get the City authorities to do something about this situation. So, what was to have become our next RI WCS project there is now being done by the City. Hooray!

So, we are redirecting our efforts to a new project. This is a project to equip a physiotherapy center in Salcedo to provide physical therapy & rehabilitation services to children, adults & the elderly, all of modest means, in Salcedo. This is an important project because Salcedo is a relatively small, inland community with very limited facilities. And people with disabilities currently must travel considerable distances to other cities for physical therapy. Santiago is a 45 minute drive. Santo Domingo is a 3 hour drive or 4 hours by bus.

The total cost of this project for 12 pieces of equipment is only $13,400. The source is an American company, but in country supplier in the Capital City of Santo Domingo. Thus, prices are based upon local standards with no custom duties or tariffs (just as we were able to acquire our computers). Total Clubs funding contribution of 28.58% for this new project comes to $3,830.

I plan to present this new matching funds WCS Project Summary for approval at our next District 5110 WCS Committee meeting in Roseburg Saturday, July 14, 2007. To do so, I am required to have pledged at least 50% of the total clubs funding contribution which is $1,915. With our Scott Valley Rotary Club's pledge of $1,000 plus 4 individuals contributing $100 each (total of $1,400), Salcedo Club's contribution of $150 & a Co-Sponsoring Club pledging $465, I currently have total pledges of $2,015 having more than met the minimum required ($100 over) before July 14th. To submit the Matching Grant (MG) Application to TRF at RI Headquarters, we must raise another $1,815 within 30 days after July 14th.

If you were involved with us as a co-sponsor last year of our Virtual Computer Classroom Project completed March 26, 2007, which was hosted by the Club Rotario Salcedo, or if your Club hosted our power point program, then you will recall the excitement & emotions. And I want to extend to you another opportunity to join with the Club Rotario Salcedo in their efforts through Rotary Service Above Self to make a positive impact upon their home town, Salcedo, one of the poorest communities in the Dominican Republic. .

If you decide to join with us, your contribution, no matter how much or how little, will be greatfully appreciated. Please let me know as soon as possible so that I can add your commitment to our total. I promise to keep you informed by regular updates to this Blog Site. Or, if you prefer, I will visit your Club to personally report to your members. Just let me know

The Dominicans are a most gracious & greatful people. And the Club Rotario Salcedo has very gifted & talented members who are a joy to work with. Let's help them to improve their community.

God bless you & thanks for all you do through Rotary to build world understandings. See you soon,

Norm Malmberg, Project Coordinator
Service Projects Chair
Rotary Club of Scott Valley, Sponsor