This year, Board Meetings looks a bit different, as they were conducted via Zoom!

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On July 29th, 2020 the Board Members met at 7:10 pm via Zoom due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, and were joined by Sister Lourdes.  Richard presented the members with a 3 year statement of income and expense, as well as the President Report. We thank Sister Lourdes for making communication between the Hogar and Orchid easier.

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Jack Vasallo is responsible for filing the annual report with the state of NJ.

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Sister Lourdes presented the board with a couple of the current projects at the Hogar, which one will be named Woody’s Park. This park in not only in one area, the park will have a dry and a water park for the children to enjoy themselves.  The children are seeing all activities going on regarding the construction of the park and they are very happy.

She responded to Robert Downy about the status of the school, which currently is closed due to the Corona Virus and that it is not yet determined when it will open again; possibly January.

Dick asked how many children are in the school. Sister Lourdes said that currently there are no
children allowed in the school due to the virus, she also said that there are school members
infected with the virus. The Hogar will have new children, however she was not able to provide a specific number of children that will be at the Hogar.

Dick also inquired about PPE for the Hogar and Sister Lourdes said that the government will
provide the students with mask for the first week of class. First day of class TBD. Sister Lourdes
communicated with the Dominican Republic Rotary about help with PPE for the Covid-19.  

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Jack suggested that in Woody’s honor, Orchid should donate a thermometer, mask and any
necessary PPE.  The motion was approved by all present members to provide the Hogar with
the PPE.

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Once school opens back up there will be a total of 1,850 students attending the Armando Rosenberg Complex.  As a reminder there was a deal made with the government and Sister Primi to turn down the old clinic to build the cable car. The clinic is now is being built by the government. The clinic will be in the Hogar complex run by Sister Lourdes. They will need supplies and equipment. Dr. Alvarez is in charge of the clinic, however the clinic will be overseen by the Sisters.

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Taylor reported that with Richard's help, donations and membership can now be collected online through PayPal.  She suggested that we need more visibility to younger crowds, small way to gain donations is to sell t-shirts.  It was also suggested that we make a PowerPoint presentation in order to share among Rotary Clubs, in hopes for more involvement and donations.

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Lina Zarate lived in the Hogar, before it became Orchid and is now writing her autobiography
and contacted us to gather information. Jim will continue communication with Lina to get
updates on this project.  Jim will also send a digitize newspaper articles to Taylor to contribute with the PowerPoint presentation.

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Tito and Jacquie contacted Sister Lourdes to get some clarification in reference to the question that Harold Wilson had on the e-mail sent about the naming of the playground. Sister Lourdes says that they received many donations to build and maintain the playground, but it was never named.  Sister Lourdes informed us that the government it is only responsible to the teacher’s salary and to provide students breakfast and lunch meals. She is under the impression that we are responsible for the maintenance of the complex. As she said Woody just so call it the Armando Rosenberg Complex.

She also informed us that the roof that we previously repaired is leaking again and five
classroom were filled with water after the storm. She would like to create a meeting area for
the students, by adding a zinc roof, this could also helped with the leakage.

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On December 2, 2020, the Board meeting was called to the order via Zoom at 7:05pm by President Richard.  Sister Lourdes joined Board Members and welcomed us with an invocation.  Richard is preparing the annual newsletter to be sent with dues renewal requests. 

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Sister Lourdes presented us the photos above of the current, and ongoing construction of Woody's Park.

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In order to repair the roof, a coat of cement will need to go on in order to install impermeable fabric.  Sister Lourdes would then like to install an industrial zinc roof resembling a canopy for additional protection, and an estimate life of 100 years.  The Dominican government has already provided a portion of the material needed of the waterproof fabric, and Sister Lourdes will inquire with the government once the pandemic is under control, to see if they can provide additional financial support.  We would be responsible for the dismantling of the roof, and labor of installation for this project. 

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Sister Lourdes clarified that Hogar provides shelter and support to children that are orphans.  She also explained that some of these students may have family members, these students are at risk, and need additional love and support. Sister Lourdes explained that students stay the whole week in Hogar, but their goal is to ensure students communicate with relatives to maintain a family bond.  Currently, during the pandemic, Hogar is housing 15 students, and the remaining 45 are staying with family members and they are not authorized to have a high head count on the premises due to Covid-19.

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We had an extensive discussion on fundraising and attracting members to join our cause.  There were several ideas such as communication among Rotary Clubs.  Jacquie inquired to the company Bonfire about creating and selling t-shirts.  Jacquie also suggested a first year membership discount of $45.  Ken McBride also suggested another concert, however, due to the pandemic, we can not gather crowds.