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Friends of the Dominican Republic
CYBERNEWS
FDR’s Monthly E-Newsletter
Issue #30 – March 2006
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CyberNews Editor – Michael Lisman:
President – Roger Weiss:
Treasurer – John Evans:
Membership Director – Janice Jorgensen:
Webmaster - Doug Stone:
Founding President – Neil Ross:
Visit us online at www.fotdr.org
And Fondo Quisqueya at: www.fondoq.org
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In This Issue:
PRESIDENT’S CORNER (the word from FDR President Roger Weiss)
NEW FROM AVENIDA BOLIVAR (Goings on in PC-DR)
LETTERS (World Map follow-up, and Batey Documentary project)
OBITUARIES (Remembering RPCVs Dale Nybro and Virginia White)
DR NEWS (Herrera closes, Preval and the DR, Sto. Dgo. Film Festival 2006)
3RD GOAL: GET INVOLVED! (by Bill Miller, DR-25)
NEWS FROM THE NPCA (Coldplay and Peace Corps Week)
JOBS (International Development opportunities and FDR openings)
LINKS TO THE DR (online resources for staying informed about DR news)
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President’s Corner
We will soon be moving away from the extensive emailed, text-based CyberNews format in favor of a downloadable, online version. Each month you’ll receive a (much shorter) email with recent the CyberNews’ contents and summaries, and a link to the full, downloadable edition at www.fotdr.org. The downloadable version will have color and pictures. We found that the plain email version was required to get through spam filters, and that placed a lot of limitations on what we could include.
Our website will soon have a new feature allows you to download current and archived publications, including the CyberNews and the Gringo Grita. We are currently testing this feature, so you may find a Gringo Grita available.
We are still refining some of the database functions on the web site that allow members into the protected area with the publications. The current database has very few entries, so most will not be able to access the member area. Once the web site and the officers are ready, we will load the entire database. At that time members can update their addresses and service information and look up their group mates. This is another incentive to join FDR.
Elections of FDR officers are now in process and the results will be posted on the web and in the next Cyber News. None of the current board volunteered for the position of Vice President, so that position is open. I would be interested in talking with any of you with the time, interest, and experience to dive into being the VP.
The position of Editor of the Cyber News is also available. This is an opportunity to work with the Communications Director on the design of the new Cyber News. Useful skills include good computer and graphic abilities, and becoming a magnet for articles.
Roger Weiss
FDR Board President
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News from Avenida Bolivar (excerpts from recent PTO Sancocho)
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Send us your best ideas on how you deal with verbal/physical sexual harassment - Speaking of “love in all the wrong places”, the DR leads the PC world in sexual harassment against PCVs with 29% suffering daily verbal or physical sexual harassment. PCDR is developing new tools/training to help Volunteers to better address and/or cope with sexual harassment. But we want to hear your best ideas to share with the new group and others. Please send them to Joy at
PCDR-JICA Softball World Classic – They’ve kicked our butts twice, but three times is a charm. We need about 15 Volunteers for Saturday March 11th from 9-2pm to play the Japanese Volunteers at Carol Morgan School in commemoration of the World Baseball Classic occurring at the same time. We will play two games and then go to their place for pizza and a cultural exchange of what type work different volunteers are doing. RSVP by emailing
Get your Servir y Jugar Sports Equipment Here! 40 boxes of new sports equipment arrived to PCDR as part of Servir y Jugar from the Baltimore Orioles Advocates Fan Club. To receive any of the wide array of sports equipment, your group must document 10 hours of volunteer service for each piece of equipment you receive and submit pictures. For more info contact PCVL Lisa Daugherty
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
WORLD MAP ORIGINS
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BJ (Barbara Jo) White, a forestry volunteer with me in the DR from ‘87-‘89 was the originator of the map project. She is the one who painted the first map in the DR and then produced the kit so that other volunteers all over the world could also paint maps on schools. She also initiated the huge map painted on canvas that toured the country in ‘91 or ‘92.
The map on canvas was painted at a NPCA conference in Eugene OR in August of 1990 (not absolutely sure of date). I have lost touch with BJ but last I heard she was working at an outdoor education facility in North Carolina on the coast. That was more than 10 years ago though.
- Marya Nowakowski (RPCV Forestry, 1987-1989)
BATEY DOCUMENARY
Over the last two years Uncommon Productions, an independent Boston-area film production company, has been shooting a documentary film in the bateyes of the San Pedro region of the D.R.
Our focus has been on the poor conditions and treatment of the Haitian cane workers on the bateyes associated with Ingenios Colon, Angelina, and Caei, as well as the now-defunct state bateyes in that region.
I’m interested in any information from PCVs who worked in those areas in the past – for instance, who were the first PCVs in that area, and what years were they there?
Incidentally, two people on our field production team are former PCVs (cameraman Jerry Risius, and sound recordist John Osborne.)
Please email or call with any information and suggestions that you might have.
Thanks for your help!
- Eric Grunebum (Tel: 781-647-4470, email: )
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OBITUARIES
DALE NYBRO
Dale Nybro died suddenly Nov. 24, 2005. After graduating from Pacific Lutheran U, Dale earned a master’s degree in social work from Fordham University in New York City and a master’s degree in counseling from Long Island University. From 1968 to1970, he served in the Peace Corps in the Dominican Republic. For 22 years, Dale worked for the Archdiocese of New York in the substance abuse program. He served as board president of the Martin Luther Camp Corp. and as mentor at Children’s Village in Dobbs Ferry, N.Y. An active member of Dobbs Ferry Lutheran Church, he also enjoyed fishing and canoeing. He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Ruth; his daughter and son, Erica and Kai Nybro; his mother; and two sisters, Nancy Grindley and Susan Bensen.
- submitted by John Miller
VIRGINA WHITE
On January 26th, 2006, RPCV Virginia White died at her home in Texas. She was a Peace Corps Volunteer in Dajabon in the Dominican Republic from 1982 to 1985 and stayed on there for a few years doing projects. She worked with business and agricultural projects in the campos surrounding Dajabon. She was over 60 when she first arrived in country, but very quickly learned to ride a motorcycle, to the horror of many of the local people who worried about her. Needless to say, she had no trouble learning. She was also known as an excellent merengue dancer and her spirited laughter could often be heard in the Maribel, a local club we all enjoyed. She made frequent visits to many outlying areas and made many friends in the villages in which she worked. She will be missed by many.
- submitted by Dr. Elizabeth Grace Winkler
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DR News (from www.dr1.com)
Herrera Closes, AILI Opens
Operations ended at Herrera International Airport yesterday at 6 pm and the facilities were turned over to a group of militiamen for custody. Airport Department Director Andres Vanderhorst announced the end of operations on the airport's runway, according to a report by Diario Libre. Aircraft remaining at the terminal will be allowed to leave, but no incoming flights are authorized. Fifteen agents will be in charge of impeding the renewal of operations and the withdrawal of equipment at this airport until they are all transferred to the new Aeropuerto Nueva Isabela (AILI). The first flight expected at the new airport was a Caribair flight from Haiti at 7:15 am today. The formal opening function of the terminal is scheduled for noon. The new airport has not received either OACI or FAA certification for international flights.
Listin Diario reports that airlines that operated at Herrera until yesterday have said conditions aren't ready at the new terminal and have asked the government more time to move. But Vanderhorst said that the government has previously postponed the opening on several occasions and will not do so anymore.
Preval Wants Stronger Relations
Haitian President-Elect Rene Preval spoke about his intention of strengthening ties with the Dominican Republic through a fraternal and full relation of understanding. Preval was interviewed on CDN Noticias by Josefina Capellan, according to a report by El Caribe. He stated that he intends to develop a fraternal relationship the same as bilateral relations developed during the first term of President Leonel Fernandez. That is why he has chosen the DR as his first international visit. Preval also spoke of the possibility of former president Aristide's return to Haiti and his intention to be firm in the fight against corruption. Preval could visit the DR during the first week of March.
Film Festival!
The Santo Domingo International Film Festival has begun with a selection of movies from Cuba, Venezuela, Spain, Puerto Rico, Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, Chile and the DR. A total of 15 films are being shown from 22 February to 1 March at the Manuel del Cabral Auditorium of Universidad Autonoma de Santo Domingo (UASD) library. A listing of the scheduled films may be found at http://festival.cine.com.do/programacionoctavo.asp.
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THE 3RD GOAL: GET INVOLVED! (by Bill Miller, DR-25)
One of the most effective and interesting ways to bring your PC experience home and to focus on the Third Goal is to be involved in local organizations and activities. Many avenues are available to you, such as addressing high school and college students, faith based groups, and professional associations about your PC experience. Another very effective approach is to join and involve yourself in two important and outstanding groups that are established in most communities.
First, you can join the local United Nations Association of the USA. The UNA-USA is the largest nonpartisan, foreign policy association with 176 chapters and 25,000 members around the country. The main goals of UNA are to: 1) focus attention upon the myriad of international issues, how they impact people in the community, and identify the logical role of the UN in alleviating the problem; 2) be a constructive critic of the United Nations to assist it to become a more efficient and effective institution; and, 3) encourage the United States Government to be an active, involved leader at the UN. The UNA is not part of the UN; however, UNA members recognize that the UN is one of the most important international organizations that brings the 191 countries of the world together to hopefully resolve problems peacefully.
There is a logical PC tie-in with the UNA, given that the UN is operating in virtually every country where there are Peace Corps Volunteers. The UNA is not a cheering team for the UN; rather, it aims to help the public better understand this indispensable, yet imperfect, institution. For more information on the UN and UNA-USA, go to the following websites: www.un.org and www.unausa.org
A second organization that is an excellent avenue to share your experiences is with the local Rotary Club. The local club is part of Rotary International (RI), which has 1.2 million members and 32,000 clubs in 167 countries. Although most of the Rotary clubs involve themselves with local educational and community projects, there are opportunities to be part of an international project.
Following are a few examples of potential international projects. Some Rotary Clubs:
- Work closely with the local United Nations associations on projects, such as UN Day or monthly programs that have international themes.
- Coordinate with Sister Cities Programs. An example would be with Frankfort, Kentucky and San Pedro de Macoris in the DR that have a vibrant educational and cultural exchange programs.
RI encourages its clubs to be involved in World Community Services Projects, such as humanitarian programs by providing medical equipment, assisting orphans, etc. The Frankfort Rotary Club and 7 other central Kentucky Rotary Clubs have raised $10,000 to develop potable water projects for four bateys in San Pedro de Macoris. Many of the locals have to travel 3 miles to retrieve their water.
RI has been a major partner of the United Nations in projects to eradicate polio, assist refugees, overcome adult illiteracy, etc. Rotary also has programs for students to study overseas and young professionals to visit with their colleagues in other countries.
There is a whole myriad of international projects that might be of interest to you as you bring the Third Goal of PC home. For more information about Rotary International, contact www.rotary.org
You made a difference overseas. Now, you can make a difference in your community. Check it out. For more information, contact Bill Miller, DR-25, , 502-223-0512
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News From the National Peace Corps Association
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Volunteer at Coldplay Concerts to Make Trade Fair
Through NPCA and Oxfam America, RPCVs across the country are joining forces to Make Trade Fair. Now you can have fun while helping to fight global poverty!
Coldplay supports the Make Trade Fair campaign and is looking for volunteers who enjoy talking to people, love music, and want to help promote fair trade and economic justice. Global trade should be a route out of extreme poverty, but the rules of trade are rigged against poor countries. The Make Trade Fair campaign seeks to change the rules that prevent millions of people from making a decent living. By volunteering for a night at a Coldplay concert, you can help build public support to Make Trade Fair.
Sound like fun? Sign up at www.oxfamamerica.org/coldplay. Be sure to note in the “Comments” box that you are an RPCV who learned of this opportunity through NPCA. But hurry - spaces are limited!
Learn more about the Make Trade Fair campaign at http://www.rpcv.org/pages/sitepage.cfm?id=1297 and http://www.oxfamamerica.org/whatwedo/campaigns/agriculture