Salcedo, Dominican Republic, Improve Foster Home and Orphanage with Equipment and Tubewell.

MG #75507 Project to Equip Orphanage is CLOSED

2012-02-09T08:50:00.000-08:00

Our MG #75507 Project Final Report to equip an orphanage in Salcedo, Dominican Republic, has been accepted by The Rotary Foundation and CLOSED effective February 3, 2012. What a pleasure it has been to work with the Host Club Rotario Salcedo, D4060, members and Club President Liliam Gonzalez and our Rotary Foundation Project Coordinator, Mireya Morales. All details were promptly and smoothly accomplished by the responsible individuals. What a difference it makes when everyone does their part. On to the next project.

Thanks for all you do for Rotary,

Norm Malmberg, IS & PP
Project Primary Contact
Rotary Club of Scott Valley, D5110
International Sponsor Club

Project to Equip Orphanage Completed 11/13/11

2011-11-22T13:30:00.000-08:00

Norm Malmberg, Project Primary Contact and Michael Theofanidis, both from the Rotary Club of Scott Valley, District 5110, International Sponsor Club, traveled to Salcedo, Dominican Republic, from November 8 to the 15th, to help install new beds and mattresses and to observe ceiling fans, batteries and inverter already installed completing the project. The 18 orphans/foster children were so excited about their new beds over their old lumpy ones that they did not want to get up the following morning.

But big plans were scheduled for this day, the inauguration ceremony for the project. The Club Rotario Salcedo, Host Club, District 4060, Dominican Republic, members were all there. They were wonderful hosts.

This orphanage is 28 years old and the Director has been there for all of those years. The facilities are rather dated. So the Director really appreciated all of the new equipment that we installed.

The Director formally introduced each of the children who then entertained us by dancing and singing. This was followed by introductions of the two Rotary Club members and brief speeches. Then came picture taking, lots of them. And finally we viewed the children's paintings of amazing quality and then had treats. The smiles on the children's faces were precious and priceless and worth all of the paper work that went into planning the project.

Just think that if we reached just one child at a time (in this case 18) and persisted, what could we do to positively influence the world "Building World Understandings" through "Service Above Self"? The rewards would be out of this world. And it will change your life forever.

Between this activity, the Salcedo Rotarians gave us a tour of all of the other five projects we have sponsored where we again met staff members who were all excited to see us again. These included the Computer classroom at the Escuela Primaria Maria Josefa Gomez, the Physiotherapy Center now relocated into their own beautiful building, a Computer Classroom at the Mirabal HIgh School, books at 3 schools and the municipal library and an adult Computer Classroom for the City of Salcedo unemployed and financially impoverished enabling they to raise their standard of living

And we squeezed in a visit to the Mirabal Sisters Museum. These sisters husbands protested vigorously against the tyrannical 30 year regime of the dictator, General Trujillo. And when they were imprisoned, then the sisters led the protest. The general lured them to the prison on the false pretext of visiting their husbands which they did. But on the trip home, the general's henchmen stopped their car at a remote spot, drug them out of their car and clubbed them all to death including the driver, then placed their bodies back into the car and pushed it over a cliff. This act proved to be the catalyst of a National uprising that eventually led to Trujillo's death by his own henchmen and independence for the Dominican Republic. The Mirabal Sisters are honored all over the nation and seen as the symbols of freedom for their country. Their remains are buried at the museum. The people there relate to our beginnings and sacrifices in the USA.

Well, there you have it, a whirlwind week, that takes a week to rest, but a life changing experience not to be missed for all the world. We were 24 hours non-stop enroute home including immigration and customs. And they confiscated my special preserves, a gift! Oh well.

Norm Malmberg, IS/PP

Project Primary Contact

Rotary Club of Scott Valley, D5110

International Sponsor Club

MG #75507 Funds Wired to Salcedo RC

2011-09-26T12:40:00.000-07:00

The grant funds $12,176 for MG #75507 have been wired by The Rotary Foundation and received by the Club Rotario Salcedo, Host Club. Work on the project will begin immediately by the Club Rotario Salcedo, Host Club, with expected completion on or about the end of October. Two members of the Rotary Club of Scott Valley, International Sponsor Club, Norm Malmberg, Project Prime Contact, and Michael Theofanides, will travel to Salcedo, Dominican Republic, 8-15 November 2011, to visit the project site and participate in the final ceremonies. They will also visit 5 other project sites in Salcedo. Only through Rotary can we make all of this happen!

Norm Malmberg, IS/PP

Project Primary Contact

Rotary Club of Scott Valley, D5110

International Sponsor Club

Funds Authorized for Payment by TRF

2011-09-13T11:21:00.000-07:00

Today we received exciting news, the notice from The Rotary Foundation that our grant funds have been authorized for payment. That means that TRF will be shortly transferring $12,176 into the special account of the Club Rotario Salcedo. These funds are designated exclusively for equipping the Virgin of Loudres Home, Conuco, Salcedo, Dominican Republic, a foster home and orphanage for about 30 children. This home does not receive any help from the State nor other special organizations. Rather, it is through our Rotary International cooperative efforts that we are able to help. The Club Rotario Salcedo, D4060, is the Host Club and overseer. The Rotary Club of Scott Valley, D5110, is the International Sponsor Club. Two other Rotary Clubs in Rotary District 5110, the Rotary Club of Myrtle Point and the Rotary Club of Eugene Metropolitan are Co-Sponsors. A sincere thanks to all of these Rotarians for their role in making a positive difference in these children lives. We will have more news as the project develops.

Norm Malmberg, IS/PP

Project Primary Contact

Rotary Club of Scott Valley, District 5110

International Sponsor Club

New Matching Grant #75507 Approved!

2011-08-09T17:45:00.000-07:00

We're on our way back to Salcedo, Dominican Republic! Today, August 9, 2011, we received notice from The Rotary Foundation that our new Matching Grant #75507 request was just approved yesterday. This project is to equip a foster home and orphanage including a new tubewell with water pump. The project will contribute to the educational development and living conditions of about 30 orphans and foster children at the Virgin of Loudres Home, Conuco, Salcedo, Dominican Republic. Hosted by the Club Rotario Salcedo, District 4060, the project will be in partnership with the Rotary Club of Scott Valley, International Sponsor, Northern California and Co-Sponsor Rotary Clubs of Myrtle Point, Oregon, and Eugene Metropolitan of Oregon, all 3 Clubs of District 5110. More news later.

Norm Malmberg, IS/PP

Project Primary Contact

Rotary Club of Scott Valley

International Sponsor Club

Salcedo Computer Center Project Complete/Closed

2011-01-11T15:45:00.000-08:00

Exciting news! The new computer center for the community of Salcedo, Dominican Republic, funded by RI MG #73213, is now complete and functioning. RI has accepted our final report and closed the project. Kudos go to everyone who played a role in the success of this project, including the District 5110 WCS Committee, the District 5110 Rotary Clubs of Ashland, Central Point, Eugene Metro, Montague and Scott Valley. And special recognition is due to the District 4060 Club Rotario Salcedo and all of their club members who made this project become a reality for their Saldedo community. Together we are Building World Understandings through Service Above Self. Thanks for all you do for Rotary,

Sharing with you our Rotary mission to serve,

Norm Malmberg, IS/WCS Chair & PP
Primary Project Contact
Rotary Club of Scott Valley, D5110
International Rotary Sponsor Club

Computer Equipment Arrived

2010-12-15T20:40:00.000-08:00

The computer equipment for the Salcedo Computer Center has arrived in Salcedo. The Club Rotario Salcedo will begin soon to install it, the Christmas & New Year's holidays considered. Pictures will be added to our blog site later. Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year to all.

Norm Malmberg, IS/WCS Chair & PP
Primary Project Contact
Rotary Club of Scott Valley, D5110
International Rotary Sponsor Club

Matching Grant #73213 Funded 10/12/10

2010-10-15T10:38:00.000-07:00

We received this exciting email from RI Tuesday, 10/12/10: "Greetings from Evanston! This email is to inform you that payment for your Matching Grant has been authorized in the amount of US$14,310.00 by The Rotary Foundation (TRF) and has been released to the project account according to the payment information provided by the project sponsors (that's us: Salcedo & Scott Valley)." Just as soon as the Club Rotario Salcedo verifies the deposit in their Club's special account. they will proceed to acquire the computer equipment for installation in the new Salcedo Computer Center. Many thanks to all of you who had a part in helping us make this project a reality (see list of Clubs below, right column). You are helping to Build World Understandings through Service Above Self.

Norm Malmberg, IS/WCS & PP
Primary Project Contact
Rotary Club of Scott Valley, D5110
International Rotary Sponsor Club

Matching Grant #73213 Approved 8/13/10

2010-08-16T11:32:00.001-07:00

This morning, Monday, August 16, 2010, in response to my e-mail inquiry, we received the exciting e-mail response news from Mireya Morales, our Rotary Foundation Grant Coordinator, that our Matching Grant #73213 was approved last Friday, August 13, 2010, to equip a computer center in Salcedo, Dominican Republic. She says that the administrative process is taking longer than usual in that there has been an unusually large number of applications. Next we must wait patiently for their official letter of approval. Upon receipt, we then send our funds to TRF where they will match our funds and wire the total project funds to the Club Rotario Salcedo, D4060. And then our project will be underway.

Stay tuned to this Station,

Norm Malmberg, IS/WCS & PP
Primary Project Contact
Rotary Club of Scott Valley, D5110
International Rotary Sponsor Club

Matching Grant Request Assigned File #73213, 7/1/10

2010-07-05T17:19:00.000-07:00

Our new Matching Grant request was received by The Rotary Foundation at about 8:30 AM, CDT, 01 July 2010! That's 30 minutes into the RI 2010 work year (presuming RI starts work at 8:00 AM. At 8:33:19 AM CDT our Grant Coordinator, Mireya Morales, informed us by e-mail that our MG request has been assigned the file number, Matching Grant #73213. That's about 3 minutes after RI received our request! Is that something of a record? Let's hope that is a good omen for approval of our MG. Does the early bird get the worm?

Yours in Rotary service,

Norm Malmberg, Primary Contact, IS/WCS Chair & PP
Rotary Club of Scott Valley, D5110, International Sponsor

New Computer Center, Salcedo, Dominican Republic

2010-06-27T08:36:00.000-07:00

The Club Rotario Salcedo, D4060, Host, & the Rotary Club of Scott Valley, D5110, Sponsor, are planning together their fifth WCS project in 3 years. This new project is to create a computer center in Salcedo, Hermanas Mirabal, Dominican Republic, for students of all ages to learn, without charge, basic computer skills & internet use. The Association for the Development of Salcedo (ADS), a non-profit organization, will provide the facility where the lab will be placed together with power, internet & computer instructors. Learning these new skills will enable these students to do better in school, obtain better jobs & to improve their life.

On March 13, 2010, our project summary application prepared by the Club Rotario Salcedo was presented by the Rotary Club of Scott Valley to the District 5110 World Community Service (WCS) Committee & approved for matching District Designated Funds (DDF) equal to the Rotary Club pledges.

There are 6 contributing Rotary Clubs. They are Salcedo, Scott Valley, Eugene Metro, Central Point, Montague & Ashland. These 6 clubs have pledged a total of $4,003 to the project. The District 5110 Matching Grant (MG) is also for $4,003; total $8,006 pledged.

This next week on July 1, 2010, a Matching Grant request for $6,299 will be submitted to The Rotary Foundation for consideration. When approved, the total project cost of $14,305 will be funded & wired to a special account of the Club Rotario Salcedo & the project will be underway under the direct supervision of the Club Rotario Salcedo. Project completion is projected by the end of this calendar year.

Special words of appreciation & thanks go to the other 4 Rotary Clubs supporting our project, Eugene Metro, Central Point, Montague & Ashland. Without your generous hearts, we would not be able to alone accomplish this project. It is that bond of servants hearts which binds us together as we are "Building World Understandings" through "Service Above Self."

More news postings will come later.

On behalf of both the Club Rotario Salcedo, D4060
& the Rotary Club of Scott Valley, D5110, our gratitude,

Norm Malmberg, IS/WCS Chair, PP & Primary Contact
Rotary Club of Scott Valley, D5110, International Sponsor
Chair, D5110 Volunteer Service Subcommittee
Member, D5110 WCS Executive Committee
Member, D5110 DSG Committee

SALCEDO VISIT

2009-12-19T11:21:00.000-08:00

Have you ever had the experience and privilege to embody yourself into the "family of Rotary" by totally immersing yourself into an unfamiliar culture, becoming a part of it for a period of time? That's what Drake Travis and I (Norm Malmberg) from the Rotary Club of Scott Valley, did last week (8-15 Dec '09) as the Club Rotario Salcedo, Republica Dominicana, D4060, embraced us and shared with us the fruits of our joint partnership to serve those in their community less fortunate than we. I cannot think of enough adjectives to effectively convey to you our emotions. But here are a few: awesome, exciting, humbling, overwhelming, exhausting, superb hospitality, royal treatment, fun, bonding, kinship, love and more, a life altering, life changing experience.

Josefina kept us on the go from dawn to dusk and beyond as for 6 solid days we raced from here to there, including Saturday and Sunday, as we toured 8 project sites including 6 of our own (4 projects, 1 at 4 sites, 3 former projects), 1 of a Michigan Club and 1 potential, future project, an orphanage. She also conducted 2 evening Club meetings, 1 special meeting for us to make some presentations. It was a whirlwind week! But I wouldn't have had it any other way. Time is too precious and fleeting. But it seemed like a month, not a week.

We unpacked and Rotary stamped, then hauled arm loads and boxes of books to 3 school libraries and 1 municipal library. Yes, we stretched our grant funds to add/return to 1 extra school library for a total of 4, not 3. Each place Josefina took us, the students, faculty and staff greeted us with smiles, joy, hugs and grateful expressions of love. Then came speeches, plaques and certificates of appreciation. At one school a lady burst out in joyful song; and she was good! Those folks may be of lesser means, but not of affection and gratitude. They make you to feel important to their lives, like you were royalty to them. And they are all so easy to love right back. The principal, Rosie, of our first computer project, would not let us refer to "their school". She wisely corrected us with, "This is your school now." Her hug was that of a mother's that says, "You are important & special to me."

Perhaps the most touching experience was the Club Rotario Salcedo's "Children at Risk" Community Service Project. The Public Prosecutor's office temporarily removes endangered children from abusive homes who are at risk of further abuse. They come to the Prosecutor's special dormitory with virtually nothing but the clothes on their back. Josefina and I had discussed by e-mails the need and what we might be able to do. Since this was not part of the libraries project, our Club took up a special collection of $433 and at their special meeting I presented a check payable to the Club Rotario Salcedo. Monday before we left, we went shopping, Josefina and Lutsy, Drake and I. The store owner gave us a special discount on everything to extend the funds. Having received their sizes earlier, we were able to purchase for each of 7 children, 3 shirts, 2 pairs of trousers, 5 pair of socks, underwear, 2 pair of shoes and personal items like soap, toothbrush, toothpaste and shampoo.. We bundled them in 7 sacks and 3 shoe boxes and headed for the kids. When they saw us coming, they went ballistic climbing the bars, shouting, laughing, eyes sparkling. And the Public Prosecutor, a woman, gave us each a great big warm hug and brush of the cheek (custom) with a few endearing words. It was a very touching scene.

Visiting a latrine project by a Michigan Club, we stopped nearby to chat with a mother and her 2 children. They live in a corrugated sheet metal shelter of about 10' x 12', no interior finish, rough concrete floor, no power, plumbing or appliances, no windows, just a door, one mattress which fills up nearly half of the floor space. One 18 year old boy is down syndrome, one girl with brain damage, cannot walk or talk, her eyes are crossed, feet and hands are twisted acutely so as not to be of function, upper teeth protrude almost straight out, is bed ridden, frail and shrunken body. No yard, just mud. But I did notice some manicured bushes and flowers. In spite of these infirmities, they all responded to our touch, mother & son with smiles, girl with only pleasant moaning. The mother's smile and face were radiant, her eyes sparkled. This little family had been abandoned by the husband and father who was unable to cope with the situation. It was a very humbling experience.

At the special Club meeting Thursday, Dec. 10, I presented a special letter from our District Governor John to their District Governor (his AG substituting) expressing our gratitude for the privilege of working together with them these past 3 years.

And I presented the $433 check. Then they surprised me by inducting me into their Club as an honorary member. Josefina then asked me if I was finished. I responded, "Not quite. I have another presentation to make."

As I began reading the formal TRF words for induction of a Paul Harris Fellow, Josefina interpreted. Two-thirds of the way through, I read into the blank, the name, "Josefina Urena". She gasped, covered her face, then peeked as we all saw 2 tears emerge. Her Club Secretary, who also speaks English, had to finish interpretting. When I finished with the words, "Ladies and Gentlemen, please rise together with me as we congratulate our newest Paul Harris Fellow", the room erupted in clapping and cheers, followed by testimonial speeches to Josefina. Our Club transferred points to induct a very deserving person. Their AG helped me by pinning on her PHF pin. And I concluded by raising the PHF medallion and ribbon, then placing it around her neck as she gave me a special hug and thanks. Then there was more clapping and cheering followed by goodies. They are so loving and supportive of each other.

Our hosts, Margarita and Americo de Contreras, were ever attentive, gracious & hospitable. Margarita is a consummate hostess who loves to care for you. Every meal was a banquet. And their home is the cross roads for the Club, members frequently dropping by to just visit or to obtain their opinions of some Rotary matter. They are very humble, but wise.

Returning home Tuesday (25 hours enroute), I feel an emptiness and sadness leaving those dear people as I almost shamefully return to my comfortable and abundant surroundings. And I find myself in deep thought of how and what we can do next. And I am grateful to all of you other Clubs who supported our projects. I feel a pressing need to report to your Clubs in person and to share with you the pictures we took. I am working to update my power point presentation. I already am committed to Eugene Metro (1/12/10), Philomath (1/12/10), Shasta Valley (1/4/10) and to my Scott Valley Club (1/14/10).

To just say that it was a life changing experience hardly seems adequate. I know that there are many of you who have been there, done that and know exactly what I mean. And I could not do it without your support and encouragement. I am grateful.

Sharing with you our mission to serve,

Norm Malmberg, Project Primary Contact
Past President and Present WCS Chair for the
Rotary Club of Scott Valley, District 5110
Project International Sponsor Club
Chair, D5110 Rotary Volunteer Service
Member, D5110 WCS Executive Committee
Member, D5110 DSG Committee

Library Project; Materials Arrive!

2009-10-28T20:51:00.000-07:00

Dear Norm,

The bookcases for the library project have just arrived. This morning (October 27th) I took 2 of them to the Maria Josefa Gomez School Library since a couple of months ago the librarian told me they needed bookshelves. They also need spanish dictionaries and other things . I think we could definetively include them in the project. And maybe get an encyclopedia and dictionaries. The high school principal was just here and he told me the staff is really excited about the project. They're looking forward to it.

Josefina, President
Club Rotario Salcedo

P.S. Norm Malmberg & Drake Travis from the Rotary Club of Scott Valley are traveling to Salcedo, Dominican Republic, December 8-15, 2009, to help with the project.

TRF Deposits $13,702 into Host Club's Account

2009-10-05T16:08:00.000-07:00

More exciting news! Josefina Urena, President of the Host Club Rotario Salcedo, District 4060, e-mailed me today that The Rotary Foundation this morning wired a deposit into their Club special bank account the total sum of our current project, $13,702, to equip 3 community libraries in the City of Salcedo, Dominican Republic! Efforts will begin immediately to equip one library at a time. Two of us from our International Sponsor Club, The Rotary Club of Scott Valley, District 5110, are planning to travel to Salcedo in early December to help with the project. We will also visit the sites of our other 3 projects there. Those projects were a computer equipped elementary school classroom in 2007, a physiotherapy equipped center in 2008 and a computer equipped high school classroom in 2009. Special thanks for this current libraries project go to our Co-Sponsors, the Rotary Clubs of Eugene Metro, Central Point, Medford Rogue, Myrtle Point, Cottage Grove and Bend High Desert, all of District 5110. Without you, we couldn't have done it.

Together we are Building World Understandings through Service Above Self,

Norm Malmberg, Past President/WCS Chair
Project Primary Contact
Rotary Club of Scott Valley, District 5110
International Sponsor Club

Matching Grant #71038 Approved & Funded By RI!

2009-09-08T23:58:00.000-07:00

Exciting news! We have just received word from The Rotary Foundation that our Matching Grant #71038 has been approved & funded! We will send in immediately our Total Clubs Contributions & Matching Grant Agreement Forms. And as soon as we provide TRF with an itemized list of books to be ordered, we can expect funds to be wired into the Club Rotario Salcedo bank account. On to Salcedo!

Norm Malmberg, Past President & WCS Chair
Project Primary Contact
Rotary Club of Scott Valley, District 5110
International Sponsor Club

Matching Grant #71038 Assigned By RI

2009-07-30T14:27:00.000-07:00

Today, July 30, 2009, we received an e-mail acknowledgement letter & Matching Grant Number 71038 from our Grant Coordinator, Mireya Morales, of the Rotary Foundation Humanitarian Grants Staff. This e-mail formally acknowledges receipt on July 13, 2009, of our MG application to provide books, furniture & other equipment to 3 libraries in Hermanas Mirabel, Salcedo, Dominican Republic. This will be our fourth WCS project in two years with the Club Rotario Salcedo! It's been an exciting & fulfilling relationship.

Although this is great news, they caution us that this doesn't necessarily mean the grant will be approved & funded. The Matching Grant budget for the 2009-10 Rotary year is significantly reduced from prior years because of unrealized losses due to the global recession. All applications that are complete & meet all requirements will receive the first chance of funding.

We are confident that our application is complete in every detail. Please think positively with us that our project will be funded. There will be more news for you as soon as we (Josefina & I) know.

Norm Malmberg, Past President & WCS Chair
Project Primary Contact
Rotary Club of Scott Valley, District 5110
International Sponsor Club

Matching Grant Application Received by RI

2009-07-25T20:29:00.000-07:00

Monday, July 13, 2009, the RI TRF Grants Coordinator for the Dominican Republic, e-mailed to tell us that she had received our advance copies of our Matching Grant (MG) application. Thursday, July 16, 2009, she e-mailed us again to confirm that she had received our signed original. She also said that we would soon have our MG number. Let's hope that this positive response will prompt an early MG approval. More later.

Norm Malmberg, WCS Chair & Primary Contact
Rotary Club of Scott Valley, District 5110
International Sponsor Club

New Project Underway in Salcedo, Dominican Republic

2009-07-12T18:59:00.000-07:00

The Vice Mayor of Salcedo, recognizing Rotary's contributions to her City in the past 2 years, has made a personal request to Josefina Urena, now the President, Club Rotario Salcedo. The request is for us to equip 3 public libraries in the City of Salcedo with books, furniture & equipment which will enable them to better serve their community. The project will provide updated books, encyclopedias, dictionaries & other needed resources for underprivileged students of all ages. A new generator will enable one school library to operate at night for adult students working on completing their high school diplomas. The project is estimated to take 6 months to complete.

Saturday, July 11, 2009, at the District 5110 WCS Committee meeting, we presented the project application, it was approved & 4 more D5110 Clubs pledged a total of $1,723 bringing us up to a total of $3,873 in total Clubs contributions. Two other Clubs had already pledged $900. Our 2 Clubs, Salcedo, Host Club, & Scott Valley, Sponsor Club, had already pledged $1,350. It's been an exciting weekend!

The Rotary Foundation Matching Grant (MG) application has already been faxed & e-mailed to RI. The original will be mailed tomorrow. Join us in thinking positively that our MG will be approved.

For those of you Rotarians from the 6 other Clubs, your commitments have been a great encouragement & inspiration. We will work diligently to honor your trust. This project will be the fourth Salcedo project in 3 years, the first 3 being 2 computer projects & 1 physiotherapy equipment project.

Thank you all for all you do,

Norm Malmberg, WCS Chair & Primary Contact
Rotary Club of Scott Valley, District 5110
International Sponsor Club

2009-06-19T16:34:00.000-07:00

2009-06-19T16:21:00.000-07:00

2009-06-19T15:56:00.000-07:00

Dear friends in District 5110:

Once again another great project has been concluded. It is just wonderful to experience how together we can make things happen. Thats the Magic of Rotary.

On behalf of the Salcedo Rotary club I would like to thank the Rotary clubs of Scott Valley, Eugene Metro, Central Point, Bend-Mt. Bachelor, Ashland, Myrtle Point, Philomath, Roseburg Morning, Lakeview and Bend High Desert, for making all this possible.

Thanks to Norm Malmberg, Diane Pomeroy and Lori Fleck for all your efforts.

Regards,
Josefina
Club Secretary & President Elect

SALCEDO COMPUTER LAB MG #68526 COMPLETED

2009-06-16T17:10:00.000-07:00

The Salcedo, Dominican Republic, computer lab in a rural high school for 300 students has been completed. Josefina Urena, President Elect, Club Rotario Salcedo, about 2 weeks ago filed the final report. We are waiting for an acknowledgment from The Rotary Foundation.

We are now preparing a District 5110 WCS Summary Application and TRF Matching Grant Application for our next WCS project to equip 3 public libraries in Salcedo, Dominican Republic. This application will be submitted to the D5110 WCS Quarterly Committee meeting Saturday, July 11, 2009, in Roseburg, Oregon. If approved, the MG Application will be submitted immediately thereafter.

The library project will cost a total of $13,702. Of that sum, we must raise a total from contributing clubs of $4,016. We are applying to D5110 WCS for $3,816 DDF and a TRF MG of $5,870. The Rotary Club of Scott Valley, International Sponsor Club, will contribute $1,000. The Club Rotario Salcedo has pledged $100. And another D5110 Club has pledged $500. To present the project July 11th, we must have 50% or $2,008 committed. We have $1,600; we need another $408 to present and $2,416 to submit the MG application.

If you are in a Rotary Club & have uncommitted WCS funds budgeted & desire to join us in this project, please e-mail me soon at pandn42@sisqtel.net. We'd love to have you join us in this worthy endeavor.

Our Project Has Been Funded!

2009-03-23T09:55:00.000-07:00

On March 14, 2009, at our Rotary District 5110 quarterly World Community Service (WCS) meeting in Roseburg, Oregon, we learned that The Rotary Foundation (TRF) had funded our project! On February 28, 2009, TRF wired $17,243 total poject funds to the bank account of the Club Rotario Salcedo, Host Club (project site) in the Dominican Republic. Isn't this exciting news?

Josefina, Host Club Primary Contact & Project Coordinator, confirmed that the funds are on deposit in their account. And she informs us that the project will commence in early April with classroom preparations and then computer equipment installation.

With the austerity of Matching Grant (MG) funds at TRF, we are extremely blessed that the timing of this project eased us through the new limitations with full funding. And the pride and satisfaction is to be shared by each of you, 10 individuals and 11 Rotary Club,s that are participating in the support of this project. There will be 300 excited rural Salcedo high school students thankful for your passion to serve. You will be opening new horizons for them to communicate with the world.

Thank you for your Service Above Self in Building World Understandings,

Norm Malmberg, Primary Contact, Past President
Rotary Club of Scott Valley, D5110, Club Sponsor

Josefina Urena, Primary Contact, President Elect
Club Rotario Salcedo, D4060, Host Club

UPDATE of SALCEDO COMPUTER LAB MG #68526

2009-02-23T14:44:00.000-08:00

On January 21, 2009, TRF acknowledged that all documentation & contributions have been received from us,. They advised us that it would take 4 weeks from that date for the Club Rotario Salcedo to receive the funds. So the grant funds should be deposited into their Club's account any day now. And then the project can begin. Keep watch on this blog site for updates.

On January 12, 2009, we mailed to TRF a Volunteer Service Grant (VSG) request for 4 Rotarians from the Rotary Club of Scott Valley to travel to Salcedo, Dominican Republic, April 4-12, 2009, to assist with the installation of the computers & indoctrination of staff & students of the Escuela Hermanas Mirabel de San Jose de Conuco, Salcedo, Dominican Republic, D4060, the High School of 300 students. That request was received by TRF on January 15, 2009, & on January 22nd was assigned VSG #69381.

On February 13, 2009, we received word from TRF that, due to the global economic downturn & volatile investment climate, the RI Trustees, at their January 2009 meeting, reduced the 2008-09 Huanitarian Grants budget by US$16.3 million. As a result, the budget for VSG has been fully committed & our VSG #69381 cannot be funded.

This is very disappointing to everyone, especially the team & the Club Rotario Salcedo. However, the computer lab project & MG #68526, is approved. So, it will soon be funded & the project fulfilled.

To process & follow one of these WCS projects & grants, one realizes how vital are the contributions of each Rotary Club to make the project a success. To make this project possible has involved contributions from 11 Rotary Clubs plus 10 individual Rotarians. This sacrifice truly exemplifies the power of one. For without any one club or individual contributor, it may not have happened. So, to each & every one of you, our heartfelt thanks for your Service Above Self in Building World Understandings. By your generosity, you make it happen.

Norm Malmberg, Primary Contact, Past Pres
Rotary Club of Scott Valley, D5110, Sponsor Club

Josefina Urena, Primary Contact & Pres Elect
Club Rotario Salcedo, D4060, Host Club

FUNDS HAVE BEEN MAILED TO TRF & RECEIVED!

2008-12-08T14:59:00.000-08:00

On Friday, December 5, 2008, the signed Letter of Agreement & Understanding together with a District WCS check for $4,885 of contributing funds from 10 Rotary Clubs in District 5110 was mailed to The Rotary Foundation headquarters in Evanston, Illinois.
The Rotary Club of Salcedo, Dominican Republic, D4060, had forwarded their contribution earlier. The documents & check were delivered to The Rotary Foundation in Evanston, Illinois, on December 11, 2008. We can hopefully expect funding of our new project within 30 days to equip a computer lab for the public high school of the rural area of San Jose de Conuco near the City of Salcedo in the Dominican Republic. The funds will be wired to the Club Rotario Salcedo, Host Club.

Norm Malmberg, Primary Contact
Rotary Club of Scott Valley, Sponsor

APPROVAL of Computer Lab WCS 08-10-15, MG #68526

2008-11-26T15:25:00.000-08:00

On November 18, 2008, Josefina & I received official notice, dated November 14, 2008, that our Matching Grant (MG) #68526 to equip a Computer Lab in the Escuela Hermanas Mirabel de San Jose De Conuco, in rural Salcedo, Dominican Republic, for 300 public high school students HAS BEEN APPROVED! The award is in the amount of US$7,323, as requested. That is a 42.84% matching grant of total clubs funding of US$4,885 & D5110 matching grant of US$4,885, for a total project request of US$17,243.

This approval by TRF came only 20 days after our project was approved October 25, 2008, at our District 5110 WCS Committee Meeting in Cottage Grove, OR, and only 15 days after TRF received our MG App. & assigned our MG #68526! This is really exciting & must be something of a record time.

For those of you 11 Clubs & individual Rotarians who have a part in financially supporting this project & this incredible journey, so far, Josefina & I extend to you our heartfelt thanks & deepest appreciation, for your generosity & Service Above Self.

Our Agreement Form & Co-Sponsors Contribution Form are ready to mail to Evanston. The Thanksgiving holiday week has slowed us down just a bit. But we have heard from all 11 Clubs, 8 contributions have been received & 3 are in the mail. So, we expect to have the combined check for the Co-Sponsors total contributions in the mail on Monday, December 1, 2008, to TRF.

If you have been following this blog site for the past 2 years, you will note that this is the third WCS project we have done together, Josefina & the Club Rotario Salcedo, Dominican Republic, Host, D4060, with the Rotary Club of Scott Valley, International Sponsor, D5110. It's been exciting! We're on a roll! And consider the impact upon 1,000 school children last year & now 300 more high school students as they discover the magic of the computer world which will open doors of world knowledge that will enable them to be better world citizens contributing to their Community, their Country & the World.

Isn't it exciting to be a part of this? Thanks to all of you for all you do for Rotary in "Building World Peace & Understandings" through "Service Above Self". You are each an integral part of this effort. We couldn't do it without you.

Happy Thanksgiving,

Norm Malmberg, Primary Contact
Rotary Club of Scott Valley, Sponsor, D5110

Matching Grant #64202 Funded!

2007-10-16T09:41:00.000-07:00

Dear Team,

I just received word from Josefina, our Host Club Rotario Salcedo Contact & Project Coordinator that our new project to equip a physiotherapy center in Salcedo, Dominican Republic, has been funded by our Rotary Foundation. Their Salcedo bank has acknowledged that the funds are on deposit in their Club account. The Club Rotario Salcedo (D4060) representatives are meeting with officials from the Rehabilitation Association to coordinate ordering, shipping & receiving of the equipment from Miami to Salcedo.

Meanwhile our Volunteer Service Grant Application (VSG #64552) is pending approval for our Team to travel to Salcedo January 10-24, 2008, to assist the Club Rotario Salcedo with this project. We expect to hear this month. Our goal will also be to nourish & foster the international good will that we have enjoyed with this special Club & community since our visit there in March 2007 when we equipped a virtual computer library in the Escuela Maria Josefa Gomez. This Club are family to us. And this school is our school; the Principal, Nina, assured us.

Volunteer Service Team members pending approval are Norm Malmberg, Team Leader, Past President Rotary Club of Scott Valley, Diane Pomeroy, Secretary of the Rotary Club of Scott Valley, Dan Speasl, President Rotary Club of Central Point, Pam Malmberg, Rotary Spouse and Sandy Speasl, Rotary Spouse. Norm & Diane were on the March team.

To those other Rotarians in the Rotary Clubs of Salcedo, Scott Valley, Central Point, Eugene & Eugene Metro who are encouraging us & supporting our project, we are grateful. Thank you. We will keep you posted on this Blog Site.

Thanks for all you do for Rotary as together we "Build World Understandings" through "Service Above Self".

Norm Malmberg, Sponsor Project Contact
Team Leader, Volunteer Service Grant
Rotary Club of Scott Valley (D5110)

The Latest Word on the Salcedo Physiotherapy Center, MG #64202

2007-09-08T10:15:00.000-07:00

To All of Our Support Team,

Well, since my last posting to you, July 7, 2007, exciting events have been occurring quickly.

Our project to equip a physiotherapy center in Salcedo, Dominican Republic, received the District 5110 WCS Committee approval in Roseburg, Oregon, July 14, 2007. Within a week thereafter, we submitted our Matching Grant request to TRF. Within 10 days we were assigned MG #64202. And about a month later we were informed that our MG has been approved. We have submitted local contributing funds & are currently awaiting project funding by TRF.

Meanwhile, Josefina & I have been making arrangements for purchase & delivery of the physiotherapy equipment to the site.
We will be ordering it from an export firm in Florida. This was quite a challenge with shipping, destination charges, customs & fees until we communicated directly with the export firm's President & CEO who we discovered is a Rotarian. Suddently all of the barriers fell away & things begin to happen when you have the attention of the head man. And when he discovered ours was a Rotary project, he got excited, too. Ours became his top priority!

We have also completed an application for a Volunteer Service Grant & will be submitting it to TRF within a week or 2. You can see the 5 team members (Norm, Diane, Dan, Pam & Sandy) elsewhere in this blog site. Our trip to Salcedo, Dominican Republic, is planned for January 10-24, 2008.

As you build relationships within the WCS system, the process moves along with fewer delays enabling more satisfying results. It is rewarding to experience positive things happening. More like exciting!

More news later. Thanks for all your support,

Norm Malmberg, Team Leader
International Sponsor Project Contact
Rotary Club of Scott Valley, District 5110

On To The Next Project; an update

2007-07-05T19:41:00.000-07:00

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

The Power of Rotary, A Postscript

2007-05-19T08:52:00.000-07:00

Dear Teammates,

Josefina Urena, Club Rotario Salcedo Host Club Project Contact, has e-mailed exciting news! At their May 8th Club meeting, First Lady Dr. Emma (a Salcedo doctor & surgeon & also the Salcedo Minister of Health) informed the Club that after she had some local government authorities visit the school. The authorities have approved a remodeling project at the school! The first phase will be the bathrooms.

You may recall that we reported to you after our visit March 15-30, 2007, to the Escuela Maria Josefa Gomez, we discovered that none of the childrens bathrooms were functioning, there were not funds available to repair them; 1,000 kids are using a 2 compartment outhouse latrine. And the children have no safe, potable drinking water.

You will also recall the wonderful publicity the Club Rotario Salcedo arranged for Rotary including a visit & ceremony at the Mayor's office, a 2 hour inaugaration ceremony at the school with local television coverage & a live television interview. The focus of this publicity was on Rotary International world wide & the effectiveness of our organization.

Josefina states: "It's amazing how much awareness the project has raised in the community. They also informed us that from all the public elementary schools in this district, this is the only one with a computer lab."

Our next plan was to have been a Safe Water & Sanitation Project for the school. I have already been in contact with the WASRAG (Water And Sanitation Rotary Action Group) & Bob Hildreth & PDG Luis Hidalgo, D4060, Santiago. But now it is obvious that we do not need to focus on the sanitation part. The Club Rotario Salcedo is doing further research of the Safe Water portion or possibly the equipping of a Physiotherapy Center at the local Medical Center.

Isn't this a prime example of the Power of One (Rotarian) multiplied by 32,000 Clubs & 1.2 Million Rotarians? To say amazing is an understatement. And you each & all have been an integral part of this exciting process. For, without a doubt, we have felt your support. I only wish that you each could have personally witnessed the excitement & smiles on these childrens & staff faces that conveyed your message of how much you cared. Isn't Rotary awesome?

Thanks so much for all you each do for Rotary,
Norm Malmberg, Sponsor Club Contact/Team Leader
Rotary Club of Scott Valley

Sharing With You A Life Altering Experience - March 16-29, 2007, in Salcedo, Dominican Republic, at the Escuela Maria Josefa Gomez

2007-04-07T15:31:00.000-07:00

Dear Team Mates,

How can I share so that you will feel the significant role you each have played in this unforgettable experience in the Dominican Republic? Suffice to say that your generous contributions enabled the Clubs Rotario Salcedo (D4060) & Scott Valley (D5110) to impact the lives of 1,000 poor kids & 54 faculty members at the Escuela Maria Josefa Gomez in a positive life altering way.

Every visit we made to the school, the kids made us feel like Santa Claus & his elves. We were "The Ones Who Brought Us The Computers". And to the kids, it was Christmas as they randomly clapped, cheered & sang for us in grateful appreciation for their new computer classroom with 20 new computers, desks, tables & chairs all in a freshly painted room with new electrification, lights, fans, hub, filter & internet. Their eyes sparkled, their faces beemed with excitement & wonder at the fascination of technology which will enable them to reach the world & open up new avenues of challenge, learning & opportunities for success.

The Dominican people are wonderful, so gracious, hospitable, kind & loving. There seems not enough words of praise to describe them & the harmony we felt. They love to laugh & have fun. They are so gregarious & outgoing, so animated & enthusiastic. And even though you may not quite understand, you find yourself laughing with them. The kids were adorable, beautiful, loving & happy. They all just make you feel good! You just couldn't help yourself but love them.

Our Dominican Mom & Dad, Margarita & Americo, were the consumate hosts treating us like king & queens. And our Club hosts kept us busy every minute making frequent visits to the school, teaching English, attending the D4060 District Assembly, meeting with PDG Luis Hidalgo (2005 D4060 GSE Team Leader), visiting Santiago, Puerto Plata, San Francisco, Santa Domingo & San Cristobal & the Club Rotario San Cristobal. We didn't stop for not even 1 down day in 14.

And it is easy to feel such passion for a noble & worthy cause when you feel the same passion from your hosts. It is contagious. There were no reservations as our hosts, in so many ways, revealed to us their hearts & desire to serve.

One of the most special discoveries was that Dr. Gustavo Santos de Jesus, Club Presidente, as a boy of ages 8-15 attended the school. Dr. Santos came from humble beginnings, but went on through university & medical school to become a prominent doctor & surgeon. So, the inaugration ceremonies March 26th to mark Project Completion, was quite an emotional experience for him as he addressed the combined students, faculty, parents, dignataries, guests & Rotarians, over 100 in attendance.

Immediately thereafter, about 20 of us proceeded to the new computer classroom for the ribbon cutting (I was given the honor), turning on the power, booting up the computers for a few to try with picture taking & TV camera for both ceremonies. That same morning we had visited in the Mayor's Office where we received a proclamation recognizing the good works of Rotary (again with TV camera present). Faculty instruction began the next day, student instruction the day following. Three computer teachers had already been qualified.

The next day we were on live TV. Rest assured that Rotary got more than its 2 cents worth of good PR from this project. Our Host Club made sure. Dr. Emma Santos, Club First Lady, also a Doctor & Surgeon & City of Salcedo Minister of Health, was the consumate diplomat & PR conscious Rotarian.

Most of you remember Josefina, 2005 GSE Team Member, now a Rotarian with a heart & passion to serve (she attributes this passion to all of you & your example). Josefina has been the critical key to the success of this project from a year ago when first she & I began communicating. She is fluent in English as well as Spanish, is a certifed English teacher, law school graduate at 20, member of the bar at 22 & now judge, all by the age of 30. Someone said as a Rotarian you collect friends all over the world. Well, in addition, I also collect family all over the world. To my own U.S. daughter, Annie (creator of our Blog Site) & my Dutch daughter, Sonja (for 18 years), I now add my Dominican daughter, Josefina. And my Dominican Mom,, Margarita, & my Dominican Doctor Emma, who both fussed over us with love & affection.

Josefina was everywhere, hovering, interpreting, coaching, advising, keeping us company. She even gave us the privilege of observing her court in session. She can be tough. That sure did have a positive effect in ensuring our good behavior. But she was fun, too, taking us to the ice cream store, the beach, the Carnival. That last experience is secret.

The 2 weeks drew to an end all too quickly. The 2nd Club meeting was an emotional & moving tribute of testimonials back & forth. Gifts were exchanged. Diane & Lori contributed to their Club Paul Harris Fund. I gave Dr. Gustavo a box of Kleenex to wipe his "heart tears". After that experience, I decided that we wouldn't need to fly home. We'd just walk on water.

Thursday morning, March 29th, was an emotional & somber time of brave but gaurded farewells at the Santiago airport. The rest of the trip was uneventful until we saw most of you at our D5110 Assembly in Cottage Grove. And I hope to be coming to visit you later in April at your Club with a report to you of your project. Lori & Diane will join me locally, after we've rested.

But, our job at the Escuela Maria Josefa Gomez is not yet done. My heart was torn when we were given a tour by the Principal, Nina, of "Our School" now, she said. And we discovered that "Our School" does not have functioning bathrooms; 1,000 students, K-12, use a 2 hole (1 each side) outhouse, concrete pedastals, no seats, no sinks, doors hanging by 1 hinge! Nor does "Our School" have safe, potable drinking water! Rotary, here we come! New Project: "Salcedo Safe Water & Sanitation". PDG Louis Hidalgo, D4060 TRFC, a registered civil engineer, who inspected at my request, following the ceremonies, says the project is both feasible & practical. And I have spoken with Dr. Ron Denham of the Water & Sanitation Rotarian Action Group (WASRAG)(see Monday's D5110 e-News) who got excited! One of his group, Bob Hildreth, is a Rotarian in Santiago. We met him at their District 4060 Training Assembly. Dr. Denham has already e-mailed Bob.

Anyone want to jump on board? Thank you all in so many ways for your encouragement & support. I hope to visit you soon. Pictures will be added soon to the "Salcedo Pictures" in Norm's Public Gallery of this Blog Site..

Your Team Mate in Rotary Service,
Norm Malmberg, Project Contact/Team Leader
D5110 WCS 06-10-1, MG #61404
Rotary Club of Scott Valley

The School

2007-04-06T15:24:00.000-07:00

On monday, we got to the school, the principal met the team and then proceeded to introduce them to some of the teachers and show them the school. We went to the project area and the team was very pleased with the work that we had done at that point.

We saw the cafeteria, the library, the letrines, which were in very bad condition, and the kids bathrooms, which were out of work.

There was a class break and the school Patio was full of children. A bunch of them started to follow us. Some of them would come and say hi, how are you, or whatever they could say in English. IThere was a moment where Norm, Lori and Diane where surrounded by kids who were singing typical dominican school songs for them.

After the break we visited several classes and talked to the students. Some of the teachers and students referred to the team as: "The ones who brought us the computers".

The kids were shy but still some of them asked questions. It was a nice morning.

The team, the staff and the students got acquainted really fast.

Diane donated books for the library and we had talks with the principal about project maintenance. The team also had the chance to get their hands dirty and give the final details before inauguration day.

They worked really hard and their pressense was very important for the School staff, as well as the students.

Josefina

Pick up at Santiago International Airport- March16th

2007-04-06T06:43:00.000-07:00

It was Friday 16th, 2007, We had formed a committee in order to pick up the Scott Valley team at the aiport. We were all so excited and got t-shirts made with the Rotary Logo and our names on them. We also made arrangements to meet our guests at the VIP room of the airport, so they wouldnt have to do any lines, after such a long journey.

When we got to the airport, we found out that due to bad weather, some flights coming from New York, had either been canceled or delayed.

We were so sad to find out that flight 1711, in which our guests were coming, had been delayed and that It could also be canceled. Before the team left, I had told Norm to call me from New York to tell me everything was cool, I found it weird that they didnt call. I also tried to call Norm on his cell phone, cause I thought he had roaming but all I got was voicemail.

I remember we decided to leave and come back in the afternoon, suddenly I heard someone Say: "Josefina!", I didnt know who it was and when I looked ahead, There was Norm, Diane and Lori, Holding a huge California flag. I yelled ahhhhh!!!! and we hugged each other, everyone in the club was soooooo happy.

Norm, Lori and Diane's flight had been canceled and they found another flight through Miami. In fact, when we got to the airport their flight had already arrived an hour ago.

Josefina

Scott Valley Rotary Team Leaves for Salcedo, DR

2007-03-14T18:06:00.000-07:00

Dear Team,

Thursday, March 15, 2007, the Volunteer Service Team of the Rotary Club of Scott Valley departs District 5110 flying to District 4060 in the Dominican Republic. The Team consists of Scott Valley Rotarians, Norm Malmberg, Team Leader, Lori Fleck & Diane Pomeroy. Rotarians from the Club Rotario Salcedo will meet us in Santiago.

We will be in Salcedo for 2 weeks until March 29th. While there we will be working together with the local Rotarians who are already well into the project. We will also be working with the students & staff of the Escuela Maria Josefa Gomez helping them with the computer basics & practicing their English. The most exciting thing will be helping these students who may have never before known the fascination & wonder of linking up & talking with the world. We will also be meeting with the Mayor of Salcedo promoting Rotary International Building World Understandings through Service Above Self.

It's amazing that almost a year has passed since Josefina & I first began our e-mail planning of this project. And it has been such a rewarding & satisfying experience developing this relationship with the Club Rotario Salcedo. And the support of 6 other Rotary clubs in District 5110 has been such an encouragement. To all of those Clubs listed in this Blog, how can we thank you enough? Your enthusiasm has been the fuel that kindled our fire.

And then there are those Rotary leaders & past district governors from both Rotary Districts who offered discrete & gentle advice along the way to our 2 Clubs embarking upon our first International WCS project as Sponsors. Your sage advice & wisdom which you have shared with us made this a fun experience.

And to all of the other Clubs in District 5110 who cheered us on at the WCS quarterly meetings, it's been like the stadium resounded with all the fans cheering for our side. What a trip.

Keep watching this Blog in the next few days & weeks. We will be posting updates & photos from Salcedo. We want you to feel that you are a vital link to the success of our efforts. For you most certainly are. We will see you March 31st in Cottage Grove, Oregon, at the District 5110 Assembly.

Thanks for all you do for Rotary,

Norm Malmberg, International/WCS
Internationl Sponsor Contact &
Volunteer Service Team Leader
Rotary Club of Scott Valley

Computers Purchased, Wiring Done, Painting Next

2007-02-14T21:56:00.000-08:00

Hello Team,

I hope you are doing well and ready to travel.

The project is going well. The computers have been purchased, the electrical wires set up and the floor polished. It still needs the inverter to be set up and the room to be painted.

The room where we originally thought of placing the library was changed to another one which already had a steel bar door over its wooden door . That way we can save money on welding and iron bars. The computers and inverter will not be placed until the place is secured. Please let me know if you want us to wait until you guys are here to install the computers.

Yesterday I talked to the principal and told her you wanted to do some activities with the children and she said that would be great and that we would plan that after the month is over since the kids are now working with National independence projects. Independence day is Feb 27th.

There are still some concerns on project maintenance.

Well, I will talk to you later.

Hugs,

Josefina

thanks

2007-01-15T14:40:00.000-08:00

Thanks everyone at the Rotary Club of Scott Valley for all the efforts you have put to make this project a reality.

As a Member of the 2005 Dominican GSE team into District 5110, I have very fond memories of the wonderful people I met and Amazing places I Visited there.
My host familias and the vocational visits made it one of the most interesting experiences I have ever had. When I was Back home, I felt the burning desire of becoming a rotarian and helping people and it was all of you who lit up that spark in me.

The Club Rotario Salcedo is looking forward to the Scott Valley team visit.

Thanks All,

Josefina

Volunteer Service Grant #61695 Approved

2007-01-09T06:21:00.000-08:00

Dear Team Mates,

The following exciting news was received by me early this morning at 5:48 a.m. from Lisa Silberstein, Grant Coordinator, The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International:

"Dear Rotarians Urena A. and Malmberg:

Congratulations! I am pleased to inform you that the Volunteer Service Grant (VSG) application sponsored by the Rotary Club of Salcedo and the Rotary Club of Scott Valley (Ft. Jones) to support the travel of Norman R. Malmberg, Diane Pomeroy and Lori Fleck to help provide computer equipment and training to the Escuela Primaria Maria Josefa Gomez elementary school in Salcedo, Dominican Republic HAS BEEN APPROVED! The Volunteer Service Grant was awarded in the amount of US$6000 for airfare and project related expenses to support travel and service beginning on March 15, 2007 and ending March 30, 2007."

Lisa continues with arrangement details of which I will not belabor.

It is humbling to reflect upon the many individuals who have had a part in this VSG application: helpful suggestions & encouragement plus pertinent responses to my questions have all provided valuable information & insights which have facilitated the process, from Josefina & her Club Rotario Salcedo officers & her District 4060 officers to my District 5110 TRF/WCS leadership. Steve Savelich, our District Grants Subcommittee Chair, gave me a tremendous boost of positive encouragement. Thank you Steve! And thanks to each of you for all you do for Rotary in 'Building World Understandings' through 'Service Above Self'!

SALCEDO HERE WE COME!

Your Team Mate,

Norm Malmberg
Rotary Club of Scott Valley

Funding for Salcedo School Computer Library

2007-01-06T19:43:00.000-08:00

This morning during the District 5110 quarterly WCS Committee meeting, the Chairman, PDG Walt Schloer, announced that he had been advised by The Rotary Foundation World Headquarters that our project will be funded January 31, 2007! That is great cause for celebration! We have something of a near record for total elapsed time from the beginning.

We raised Club funds in 2 weeks, RI received our MG App. 10 days after D5110 DDF approval & assigned us a Matching Grant number (MG #614004). RI approved the project 3 weeks later. And 1 month later we have notice that RI will release the funds to us January 31, 2007. That is 10 days over 3 months or one month earlier than we anticipated.

The 50 members present at the meeting gave a round of applause for some of the members were relating sad tales of woe waiting for up to a year for release of their funds.

I might add that before you consider whom to praise or to give credit, you should go look in a mirror & give that person looking back at you a big pat on the back. For it is clear to me that the success of such a project can not be credited to just 1 or 2 individuals. For many help lend a hand through many largely unnoticed deeds. Among them are 3 committee members who met with the school administration to seek & gain consent, and one in particular who quietly & dilingently researched, downloaded & completed the MG application. Other wise leaders gave valuable critique & input. One Fed Ex'd the package. One or 2 stood up to be counted by heralding the worthiness of the project encouraging others to get on board. And these others then did so giving freely & generously of their hearts. One pressed 2 One Hundred Dollar bills into my hand after my talk to her Club. One gave me some very important tips in personally tracking the MG App. so it wouldn't get overlooked in the paper piles. And without naming names, you know who you are. Your parts, no matter how big or small, were all vital links in the chain of events leading to success. And you know what happens to its effectiveness if you remove any one link from a chain.

So, onward to Salcedo, Dominican Republic! And Escuela Primaria Maria Josefa Gomez 1,000 school kids, get ready! Here we come with sleeves rolled up ready to go to work. I think that we are as excited as we hear they are.

Thanks in so many ways,

Norm Malmberg, WCS
Rotary Club of Scott Valley
International Co-Sponsor

Volunteer Service Grant #61695

2007-01-02T22:33:00.000-08:00

Date: January 2, 2007 12:02:51 PM PST

Dear Rotarians Ureña A. and Malmberg,

On 13 December 2006, The Rotary Foundation (TRF) received a
request to help provide computer equipment to a computer library
in the Escuela Primaria Maria Josefa Gomez elementary school in
Salcedo, Dominican Republic. Your request has been assigned the
file number, Volunteer Service Grant #61695. Please reference this
number on all future correspondence with Foundation Staff.

If there is anything further I may assist you with, please do not
hesitate in contacting me.

Thanks,
Lisa Silberstein

Volunteer Service Grant Coordinator
The Rotary Foundation
1560 Sherman Ave.
Evanston, IL. 60201

Phone: (847) 866-3359
Fax: (847) 866-9759
Email: Lisa.Silberstein@rotary.org

VSG App Received by RI

2006-12-28T11:25:00.000-08:00

Date: December 27, 2006 10:44:58 AM PST

Dear Rotarian Malmberg,

We have received your application here at the Foundation.
The holidays have caused a bit of a backlog for our grant
assistants but one of them will be entering your application
and forwarding it to me for review shortly.

Best wishes for a happy new year.

Regards,
Lisa

Lisa Silberstein
Grant Coordinator
Volunteer Service Grants
Humanitarian Programs
Phone: (847) 866-3359
Fax: (847) 866-9759
Lisa.Silberstein@rotary.org

Payment for MG #61404

2006-12-19T15:33:00.000-08:00

Dear Rotarians Ureña and Malmberg,

We received all the documentation & contributions. Today we'll for-
ward the grant to the finance department to release the payment. It
takes 4 - 6 weeks to receive the funds. Please keep in mind that there
may be delays due to the holidays, limited staff available & year-end.

Sincerely,
Valerie Pereira
Program Coordinator
Humanitarian Grants
Tel: + 1 (847)424-5335
Fax: + 1 (847)866-9759
Valerie.Pereira.rotary.org

VSG App Delivered to RI

2006-12-13T10:53:00.000-08:00

Dear Teammates,

Our Volunteer Service Grant Application was received by Rotary International World Headquarters in Evanston, Illinois, this morning, 12/13/06 at 7:50 a.m. It will take a couple of days to work its way from the mail room up to The Rotary Foundation desk which reviews it. I'll make telephone contact early next week.

Merry Christmas, :)
Norm

Scott Valley Rotary Team Volunteer Service Grant Application Mailed

2006-12-06T07:18:00.000-08:00

Dear Team,

Today, December 6, 2006, we mailed to The Rotary Foundation our Volunteer Service Grant Application for our Scott Valley Team (Norm, Lori, Diane) to travel March 15, 2007, to Salcedo, Dominican Republic, for 14 days. While there we will help the Club Rotario Salcedo with our project to equip a Computer Library classroom for the Escuela Primaria Maria Josefa Gomez & work with the administration & students of the school. Please say a prayer for us that TRF will favorably consider our application.

Thanks for all you do for Rotary,
Your Team Mate, Norm

Funds Request Forms being processed

2006-12-01T17:47:00.000-08:00

Dear Team,

Our Salcedo WCS project blog site is shaping up. It now has graphics (Dominican Republic & USA flags joined by a partnership hand shake) plus a photo library. As the project progresses it will be updated from time to time. Your comments are welcomed & encouraged.

Our request forms for funds were mailed Tuesday, 11/27/06. And TRF advises us to expect a 2 months period for the forms to work their way through the sign off cycle at Evanston, Illinois. And interestingly, this delay is not because of the holidays. They say that this is their slowest time of the year. So it looks like the physical aspects of the project will not begin until around February 1, 2007.

I'm planning to travel to Salcedo, Dominican Republic, around mid-March for a couple of weeks. And a couple of our Rotarians are thinking of going also. Within a week, I will be mailing to RI a "Volunteer Service Grant Application". It must be received by TRF 3 months prior to the expected departure date & approved within 2 months, all travel reservations to be confirmed 45 days prior to travel.

I hope that you all feel that you are a vital part of this project. Because you certainly are. None of it would have been possible without each & every one of you. My deepest thanks to each of you, especially to my 2 computer technical advisors, my daughter, Anne, & my son, Ryan, who assisted, instructed, monitored & supervised my bumbling efforts to set up the blog site. In other words, they essentially created it. It sure helps to have close relatives in the business who boldly come to the rescue.

Merry Christmas & God bless you all,

Norm Malmberg
Rotary Club of Scott Valley
International Cosponsor
TRF MG #61404 (D5110 WCS #06-10-1)

Salcedo Matching Grant Approved!!

2006-11-21T20:33:00.000-08:00

Dear Team,

Josefina Urena, Club Rotario Salcedo Host Cosponsor & I each received word today from The Rotary Foundation that our RI Matching Grant #61404 for the installation of a Computer classroom in a poor school in Salacedo HAS BEEN APPROVED!

We received word by e-mail a little over 3 weeks after RI received our MG application (thank you Steve Savelich for your good advice). The e-mail came with 12 attachments (each of 1 to 10 pages) of advisories, agreements & forms for Josefina & I to fill out & return. We hope to have them completed & returned after Thanksgiving.

Josefina called & told me even before I had checked my e-mails. She said that her Club is very excited! And she also said to tell you all that she has many fond memories of her GSE Team visit to our District not too long ago. She says to tell you all hello!

Speaking of Thanksgiving, I'd say that we all have something very special for which to be thankful this year. And we both want you each to know how very much your vital role means to us in the success of this project. God bless you all!

After we complete & return the forms along with your monitory contributions currently being held in trust by our D5110 WCS Treasurer, they will be verified by RI & the combined funds transferred to a bank at the project site, hopefully not too long.

We will keep you informed of the progress of your project.

Thanks for all you do in "Building World Understandings" through "Service Above Self",

Norm Malmberg, Project Contact
Rotary Club of Scott Valley
International Cosponsor

Matching Grant #61404

2006-11-13T22:13:00.000-08:00

Hey, Team,

We're getting closer. Here's our Matching Grant #61404 from Valerie Pereira, our RI Grant Coordinator. Forms to follow.
You can all be proud of the parts each of you have played. Without each of you, this step would not have happened.

Thanks for all you do in "Building World Understandings" through "Service Above Self",

Your team mate,
Norm

Begin forwarded message:

From: "Michelle Towns" <Michelle.Towns@rotary.org>
Date: November 13, 2006 9:28:45 AM PST
To: <jurenaa@gmail.com>, <pandn42@sisqtel.net>
Subject: Matching Grant #61404

Dear Rotarians Ureña A. and Malmberg,

On 31 October 2006, The Rotary Foundation (TRF) received a request to help provide
educational equipment for a school for children and teenagers in the Public School of Salcedo,
in the Dominican Republic. Your request has been assigned the file number, Matching Grant
#61404. Please reference this number on all future correspondence with Foundation Staff.

Valerie Pereira

Grant Coordinator
The Rotary Foundation
1560 Sherman Ave.
Evanston, IL. 60201

Phone: (847) 424-5335
Fax: (847) 866-9759
Email: Valerie.Pereira@rotary.org

Our Salcedo MG Status

2006-11-08T22:10:00.000-08:00

Hi, Team,

As you know, I mailed the Matching Grant (MG) Application to RI the
Tuesday (10/24) after the Roseburg WCS Meeting. USPS confirmed
delivery Monday, 10/30.

By Wednesday, 11/1, Valerie Preira, RI Program Coordinator for the
Dominican Republic, had it on her desk. She said it looked good, but
there were 3 or 4 MG Apps. ahead of us for review.

Yesterday, Tuesday, 11/7, Valerie said that there were 2 apps ahead
of us. And ours should have a MG number assigned within a couple
weeks (11/21). I'll be checking back with her then.

Once approved, she will mail both to Josefina, Host Club Rotario
Salcedo, and to me, papers to sign & return for handling of the
funds. Mine will go on to D5110 WCS Treasurer, Bill Mickelberry, who
will send our funds (Clubs & Disitrict) to RI, Josefina will return
hers to RI. Then RI sends the funds to Club Rotario Salcedo. And
the project begins!

Thanks for all your support,
Norm Malmberg

Salcedo, DR, School Project

2006-10-21T22:06:00.000-07:00

Dear Team,

It's been a full & exciting day in Roseburg at our morning District
Rotary Foundation Seminar & afternoon WCS Committee meeting.
Several of you were present. For those of you not there, if you have
questions please ask & I will promptly reply.

My presentation of the project in the morning was well received
followed by a few questions. I brought two 2x3 bulletin boards
on an easel stand with several photos & captions of the Club Rotario
Salcedo & the project site, Escuela Primaria Maria Josefa Gomez.

At the afternoon WCS Committee we reviewed 52 pending projects
plus 10 new projects. Our project was first. It sailed through without
a question. All 10 of the projects were approved unanimously.

I delivered to the D5110 WCS Treasurer all of your checks except one
for $300 which is in the mail. But we were received as a fully
funded (Clubs) project.

The RI Matching Grant Application which Josefina, Rita, Margarita &
Gustavo of the Club Rotario Salcedo so very capably completed to the
last detail, I obtained both remaining required signatures. The
reviewer was surprised that it was already complete with all required
signatures. I brought it home & will mail it to the RI Rotary
Foundation this Monday.

Now comes the part which requires patience, waiting for RI to review
& approve our project. We'll be positive that it will also sail
through RI & not take up to the 3 months.

Lori Fleck & Kevin Martin from our Club were also there in support.
They attended the Leadership Academy. Lori & her husband will be in
Costa Rica this Winter. She wants to coordinate with me a trip
together to Salcedo.

Thank you, all of you for your strong support & encouragement. You
make it fun.

Norm

TRF Talk on Club Rotario Salcedo WCS Project

2006-10-21T14:15:00.000-07:00

TRF Talk on Club Rotario Salcedo WCS Project

By Norm Malmberg, Rotary Club of Scott Valley, 10/21/06

Our Club received our charter in 1987. For the first 12 years, the Club had not participated in WCS projects. I think that this was partly because the Club didn’t think that it had the funds to do WCS. And it was focusing on local Community Service.

In July 1999, as President, I started attending the District WCS quarterly meetings. And I became aware how easy it was for a small Club to become involved in WCS by partnering with larger Clubs that were WCS Sponsors.

Gradually, in our Club’s financial planning, we began to budget for International Service, $500/yr, then $1,000 & this year $1,500. Our annual budget totals about $12,000. So, I am proud to say that after the Tsunami, my Club gave an added $2,000. And after Hurricane Katrina, we sent an added $1,000, both beyond our annual WCS budgets.

During the past 7 years we have partnered with other Clubs in 8 projects in 8 different countries contributing $6,000 of our Club funds. But through the magic of matching funds from other Clubs, the District & RI, we have watched with amazement that sum grow into $540,225. And we have come to realize how even a small Club such as ours can play a significant role impacting the world community.

The record will show that in 2003 we Sponsored a project. But this project was not ours, but the Shasta Valley Club which had not yet received their Charter & were ineligible. So, this current project, of which I am about to describe, is our first as Sponsor.

The seeds of this project began in early 2005 when our District exchanged GSE Teams with District 4060 in the Dominican Republic. One of our team members, Rebekah Sluss from the Scott Valley, returned with a burden to help a poor school she had visited. I told Rebekah that we could start a WCS project. She & I tried for months to establish contact with a Host Club there with no success. So, in October last year our Club co-sponsored with Cottage Grove, Sponsor of a project there that we felt would have a greater impact.

During this time I began to communicate by e-mail with a member of the DR GSE Team I had conversed with during their visit to our Club. This is Josefina Urena, an attorney then, now a judge in Salcedo, DR. Through the e-mails, I learned that Josefina this past Spring had joined the Club Rotario Salcedo. When I shared with her our failed attempts of last year & our interest in a WCS project in the DR, she became more focused.

Things progressed quickly last Spring & early Summer as Josefina informed me her Club had established a WCS Committee of 3, were reviewing several projects, they met with officials in a Salcedo school having 1,000 of the poorest children in a City of 40,000, the school offered a room & the Club decided the best project would be to equip a computer room library with furniture, electrification, security & 20 computers for the school kids. They then procured from local suppliers costs of all furniture & equipment needed.

The fascinating thing with the development of this project was when I learned that Josefina’s Club, chartered in 1950, had never before been involved with a WCS project. This is their very first WCS project. And it is our first. And they as excited as we are.
Page 2, Norm Malmberg, RCSV, TRF WCS Salcedo talk (continued)

It is important to establish good relations with a Host Club. Josefina has been a miracle worker. Using the RI web site, she researched WCS & Matching Grants, printed out the 11 page MG application & with her committee has completed it, obtained D4060 signatures & her Club President FedEx’d it to me along with their required cash contribution. That may not seem much, but consider their Club is covering the expenses of room preparation & incidentals for which they are already having fund raisers.

Josefina has amazed me. For someone who has only been a Rotarian 6 months, she has the knowledge & confidence of a 10-20 year Rotarian. I’m so glad that, upon her request, I wrote a super letter of recommendation to her DG for her membership.

Meanwhile, I contacted D5110 Clubs we had co-sponsored. I also visited Clubs on the Coast & shared my story. I was moved by their generosity. Led by President Tom English & Eugene Metro, within 3 weeks I had received pledges needed to fund 100%. One Rotarian ignited her Club’s enthusiasm when she handed me two $100 bills.

It is interesting to note the impact & maturing of our Club with respect to WCS. Where 7 years before, most of our members did not really comprehend the impact of WCS. But, gradually, over the past 7 years, as we have returned from D5110 WCS meetings & reported to the Club, their acceptance, knowledge & interest has increased. It jumped with our sponsoring the Shasta Valley Clubs project in Guatemala. We have invited several guest speakers from the Clubs with whom we partnered which has helped peak interest. Now there is a universal excitement among the membership. They all remember Josefina who remembers them. So this project is becoming personal to us.

If you are a small Club & have never sponsored your own WCS project or your Club has never partnered, and you want to become involved, identify a member who is keenly interested in international relations. Challenge them to take on the Club Committee of International Service/WCS. Encourage them to attend, better yet, go with them to the quarterly WCS Committee meetings in Roseburg. Establish a Club budget for WCS & give your WCS Chair authority to commit at the WCS meetings those funds as a Co-Sponsor Partner at his discretion. It doesn’t work if he/she must return home for Board approval after the fact. That’s too late.

At the WCS meeting you will experience an exciting 90 minute evolution as the committee quickly & efficiently addresses several projects & authorizes thousands in matching funds to support the projects. And you will see how easy it is to become involved in WCS. There are many Rotarians experienced & willing to help you.

-------------------------End------------------------

P.S. Anyone want to go with me this Winter to the DR? It’s in the Caribbean.

Club Rotario Salcedo WCS Project

2006-10-06T22:03:00.000-07:00

Dear Team,

AS OF NOON TODAY, WE JUST WENT OVER THE TOP! WE NOW HAVE 100% OF THE TOTAL CLUBS CONTRIBUTIONS FUNDING COMMITTED! Pledge commitments have been made for the entire $3,460.86 required for our 28.58%!

You all are simply fantastic! Words cannot describe how your generosity revs up my engines. What a ride!

Checks are starting to come in; hopefully we'll have the rest within the next week or 10 days. Remember to make them out to the "Rotary District 5110 WCS Treasurer". And mark them "For" "Club Rotario Salsedo, DR, project".

Yours for Service Above Self,
Norm Malmberg, WCS Chair
Rotary Club of Scott Valley

Computer Library at Escuela Maria Josefa Gomez, Salcedo, DR

2006-10-04T10:33:00.000-07:00

Dear Team,

In Rotary International we refer to "The Power of One" magnified by 1.2 million Rotarians. And we speak often of "Building World Understandings" through "Service Above Self". The hearts of Rotarians cannot be quenched. And you all have so aptly demonstrated these principles of service.

I promised you all that I would do a group mailing to keep you informed of the results of your hearts & your giving. And even though our project to equip a computer library in a poor school in Salsedo, Dominican Republic, has not yet been officially submitted for approval, I cannot restrain myself from sharing my excitement over the recent events of the past 2 weeks.

The total cost of our project is to be $12,109.37. Of that sum, Contributing Clubs must fund 28.58% or $3,460.86. Our District 5110 will be asked to match that amount. And the RI TRF will then be asked for approval & a Matching Grant of 42.84% or $5,187.65.

My Rotary Club of Scott Valley (Sponsoring Club) has pledged $1,000. Club Rotario Salcedo (Host Club) has pledged $100 plus many hours of selfless labor together with the cost of materials to prepare the room (paint, wiring, security, etc.). They are already busy having fund raisers.

The Eugene Metro Club was the first to commit (bless them!) & their enthusiastic spirit began a movement of others, among them, Medford Rogue, Brookings Harbor, Gold Beach, Port Orford & possibly others. I am receiving e-mails from some that they want to be a part. Last week I visited on the Oregon Coast 4 Clubs & one Rotarian pressed into my hand $200!

As of today, I have received commitments totaling $2,870.00 or 83% of the amount needed from Contributing Clubs, 33% over the 50% required to present our District application.

None of this would be possible without the enthusiasm & determination of our own Josefina Urena who visited us 3 years ago with the Dominican Republic GSE Team. Then a lawyer, now a judge, she has only recently joined the Club Rotario Salcedo. And with the able coaching of her mentor, Past President & International Service/WCS Chair, Rita Brito, & their Club President, Dr. Gustavo Santos, they have formed a winning team. Encouraged by PDG Luis Hidalgo, her GSE Team Leader, Josefina has been tenacious in researching the RI web site, preparing the application & coordinating the signatures required. I received it late yesterday by FedEx. Josefina has amazed me with her new found knowledge of our tedious process. She stands tall among 10 year Rotarians.

Please consolidate all individual contributions to our project into your Club treasury, then write & mail to me your check ASAP. Make your check payable to the: "Rotary District 5110 WCS Treasurer" for whatever amount. In the lower left corner of the check where it says "For" write: "Club Rotario Salcedo Project". This will ensure our Treasurer, PDG Bill Mickleberry, keeps them all together & credited for the same project.

Any checks you mail to me, I will bundle them together in an envelope properly documented & with the total of all checks noted.

My address is:

Norm Malmberg
5730 S Kidder Loop
Post Office Box 113
Greenview, CA 96037-0113

If you are coming to the WCS meeting, for sure, you may bring your check with you & give it to me there. But, please e-mail me your Club's total contribution so that I can accurately complete my "D5110 WCS Committee Matching Grants Project Summary" which I must make 40 copies for distribution to the committee. If you can do that no later than a week in advance, it would be most helpful.

Please let me know if there are others you suggest to also receive these group e-mails. Or if you prefer to have your WCS Club Chair receive it instead of you. I haven''t learned of all the WCS Chairs. But, I thought you may like to inform your Club members of International Service & WCS projects they are involved in. Our Club members seem to appreciate being informed.

Feel free to fire e-mail questions. I'll do my best to respond. Hope to see you in Roseburg, Oregon, Saturday, October 21st, at our TRF annual seminar & WCS 2nd quarter committee meeting.

Thanks for all you do for Rotary,

Norm Malmberg, International Services/WCS Chair
Rotary Club of Scott Valley
Chair, D5110 Credentials Committee
Member, D5110 WCS Executive Committee
Member, D5110 Public Image Planning Committee