D-2452 DG's Newsletter December 2017

District Newsletter Issue 6 – December 2017 Page District Governor’s Newsletter Issue 6 December 2017 District 2452 Rotary International Christina Covotsou-Patroclou Ian H.S. Riseley Governor 2017-2018 President 2017-2018

DG Christina’s Monthly Message District Newsletter Issue 6 – December 2017 Page 2 DISTRICT MEMBERSHIP SEMINAR Amman. Jordan - 19 & 20 January 2018 Search here

DG Christina’s Monthly Message District Newsletter Issue 6 – December 2017 Page 3 Dear Fellow Rotarians of our Great District 2452, I know this bulletin should have circulated much earlier but there was some information that I wanted to include which was delayed. So I will also use it to express you all my Greetings of the season. Christmas has practically transcended the limits of a Religious occasion and has become a Universal Celebration of Humanity. I sometimes feel that Christmas is dedicated to those people who sacrifice precious time from their private lives to serve humanity, to those who have the ability to show compassion for the less fortunate but above all to those who really take action to alleviate and soften human sorrow. Christmas also happens to be my name day and by Greek Orthodox Religion it is supposed to be an even more important occasion than one’s birthday. So I would like to take this opportunity and dedicate my name day in 2017 to all those Rotarians who Serve... Above Self, those Rotarians who live by the 4WAY TEST as best as possible and to all those Rotarians who daily ‘MAKE A DIFFERENCE’ to the lives of our fellow human beings who need our help, our support and our encouragement. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year DISTRICT MEMBERSHIP SEMINAR Amman. Jordan - 19 & 20 January 2018 Search here

DG Christina’s Monthly Message District Newsletter Issue 6 – December 2017 Page 4 Could this have been a Rotarian? Two men, both seriously ill, shared a room of a hospital. One man had to stand up erect in his bed for an hour every afternoon to let fluids from his lungs move lower. His bed was next to the only window in the room. The other man had to spend all his time flat on his back. The two men spoke for hours continuously. They spoke about their wives and families, their homes, their jobs, their service in the army, their vacations. Every afternoon, when the man by the window could sit up, he spent the time describing to his roommate all he could see out the window. The man in the other bed began to live for these one-hour periods when his senses too could be revived and the activity and color of the world out there. The window was overlooking a park with a beautiful pond. Ducks and swans were playing in the water while children were playing with their boat. Young lovers walked hand in hand between among colorful flowers and a nice view of the city skyline could be seen in the background. As the man by the window described all this in exquisite detail, the man in another part of the room closed his eyes and imagined this picturesque setting. One hot afternoon, the man in the window described a parade passing by. Although the other man could not hear the Philharmonic he could see and hear it all in his mind's eye as his roommate described the scene with the greatest detail. Days, weeks, months passed. One morning, the nurse came in to bathe them only to discover the lifeless body of the man by the window, who died peacefully in his sleep. Startled and called the physicians to take the body away. When he felt it was appropriate, the other man asked if he could be moved next to the window. The nurse gladly made the change, and when she made sure the man feel comfortable, she left him alone. Slowly, painfully, he lifted himself on one elbow anticipating for the first time to see again the outside world. All he saw was a white wall. The man asked the nurse what pushed his late roommate to describe so beautifully what he was supposed to be seeing outside the window. The nurse responded that the man was blind and could not even see the wall. He added, 'Maybe all he wanted was to give you courage.' Conclusion: There is tremendous happiness and satisfaction in making others happy, despite our own situation. Contributed by PDDG Themis Themistocleous

Rotary International News District Newsletter Issue 6 – December 2017 Page 5 Presidential message - December 2017 Ian H.S. Riseley President 2017 Seventy-two years ago, the United Nations was founded \"to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war ... [and] to practice tolerance and live together in peace with one another as good neighbours.\" Despite those wor- thy aspirations, and generations of investment in achieving them, the \"scourge of war\" is still with us: Last year, more than 102,000 people died in 49 armed conflicts around the world. Some of those conflicts were in their fifth decade or beyond. Terrorism, intolerance, and extremism; the refugee crisis; and environ- mental degradation are now global challenges. Collectively, we seem further than ever from achieving the goals that were set with such ambi- tion and optimism in 1945. Yet hope endures, as long as there are people willing to work for a more peaceful future – not only through their governments, but also beside them and beside each other. Today, Rotary is better placed than ever to have a real and lasting impact for peace: through our peace-focused programs, such as Rotary Peace Fellows, and through every area of our service. Water, sanitation, health, education, and economic development are all interrelated and part of the complex interactions that can lead to conflict – or avert it. To best leverage our service in all these areas, and to maximize their impact for peace, it is essential to understand these interactions and plan our service accordingly. You will find President Ian’s full message here President Ian’s invitation to the Presidential Peace Conference in Beirut 16-18 February 2018 Meet President Ian Riseley President Ian’s Theme Speech

District 2452 Events District Newsletter Issue 6 – December 2017 Page 6 DISTRICT MEMBERSHIP SEMINAR Amman. Jordan - 19 & 20 January 2018 Search here President Ian’s Tree Planting Challenge 1,200,000 by the end of April 2018 Across the District, Together, on 23-25 February

District 2452 Events District Newsletter Issue 6 – December 2017 Page 7 District 2452 is Proud Host of a Presidential Peace Conference Beirut 16-18 February 2018 ‘Water Sanitation, Hygiene and Peace’ Join, the President of Rotary International, Ian Riseley and the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Rotary Foundation, Paul Netzel For a Unique Experience Register HERE Click here for more details

District Calendar at a Glance District Newsletter Issue 6 – December 2017 Page 8 Governor’s Visits, District and Related Events Grant Management Seminar* 9 September 2017 Nicosia, Cyprus Lebanon-1st visit 26 – 30 September 2017 UAE - Dubai 4 – 7 October 2017 Armenia 12 – 16 October 2017 District Public Image Seminar 14 October 2017 Yerevan, Armenia Georgia 16 – 20 October 2017 Zone 19&20B Institute 3 – 6 November 2017 Cluj-Napoca, Romania Jordan – 1st Visit 10 – 15 November 2017 Palestine 21– 24 November 2017 Rotary Foundation Seminar 1-2 December 2017 Larnaca, Cyprus Lebanon 2nd Visit 4 – 8 December 2017 Jordan 2nd Visit 17 – 21 January 2018 District Membership Seminar 19 – 20 January 2018 Amman, Jordan DTTS 2018 1 – 3 February 2018 Batroun, Lebanon Lebanon 3rd Visit 29 January - 8 February 2017 Presidential Peace Conference 16 – 18 February 2018 Beirut, Lebanon Bahrain 17– 24 March 2018 5th District Conference 26 – 29 April 2018 Pafos, Cyprus Sudan Visit PENDING Cyprus Between DGs Trips in the District – Details with DDG-Cyprus * The District Grant management Seminar is expected to be Broadcast on the Dis- trict Website Clubs are urged to participate. For participation please contact District Secretary PP Litsa Aresti on [email protected]. Directives to connect will be issued by the webmasters PP Nicos Apostolides and David Zein in due course NOTE: The DG Visit Program may change as circumstance may dictate.

Rotary International News District Newsletter Issue 6 – December 2017 Page 9 To the best looking Centenary Rotarian in the world! Happy 101st birthday to Beatrice Castiglia-Catullo! Doesn’t she look like a beauty queen? The Rotary Club of the Bronx member Beatrice (Bea) Castglia- Catullo celebrated her 101st birthday. A registered nurse, Bea founded R.A.I.N. Senior Services and the mobile food kitchen Cucina Dolores and she is still active there. Bea attributes her lon- gevity to God, but also to her life-long commitment to service, including Rotary Service. What does our Rotaract future hold? Rotaract turns 50 years this year! But how did we get here? Since the first Rotaract club was Join the Discussion formed in 1968 Rotaract has grown to over 10,000 clubs worldwide. What have we accom- plished along the way? And more importantly, how do we ensure 50 more years of service, leadership, and global impact? Tune in live to explore these topics and more with our expert panel in honor of Rotaract’s 50th anniversary. When: Wednesday, 6 December at 2:05pm CST. Links to Rotary International Newsletters Rotary Leader Vocational Service Newsletter Manage your subscriptions to Newsletters Our Foundation Newsletter The Rotarian

Rotary International News District Newsletter Issue 6 – December 2017 Page 10 Rotary Day at the United Nations pushes peace from concept to reality On the 99th anniversary of the end of World War I, more than 1,200 people gathered in Geneva, Switzerland, for Rotary Day at the United Nations. ‘Peace needs to be lived’ Representing 87 countries, they convened on Saturday, 11 November, at the Palais des Nations, originally the home of the League of Nations, and dedicated themselves to the theme introduced by Rotary President Ian H. S. Riseley: “Peace: Making a Difference.” “The advancement of international understanding, goodwill, and peace have always been among Rotary’s primary goals,” said Riseley. “It is past time for all of us to recognize the potential of all of our Rotary service to build peace, and approach that service with peacebuilding in mind.” For the first time in its 13-year history, Rotary Day at the UN was held outside of New York. Rotary Day concluded Geneva Peace Week, during which John Hewko, general secretary of Rotary International, noted the “close and longstanding ties between Rotary and the UN in (their) mutual pursuit of peace and international understand- ing.” Rotary members “can transform a concept like peace to a reality through service,” said Ed Futa, dean of the Rotary Repre- sentatives to the United Nations. “Peace needs to be lived rather than preached.” During a Rotary Day highlight, Hewko introduced Rotary’s 2017 People of Action: Champions of Peace. He praised them as “an embodiment of the range and impact of our organization’s work,” and saluted them for providing “a roadmap for what more peaceful, resilient societies look like.” Rotary honored six individuals, who each made brief remarks. They were: Later, the six honorees participated in workshops devoted to sustainability and peace, as well as a workshop on education, science, and peace designed by and for young leaders in which Rotaract members from around the world played a promi- nent role. Dr. Michel Zaffran, the director of polio eradication at the World Health Organization, provided an update on efforts to eradicate polio. They noted the tremendous progress made by Rotary, WHO, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and oth- er partners in eliminating 99 percent of all global incidences of polio. Returning the focus to peace, Zaffran said: “This same international relationship (that’s eradicating polio),” he said, “can be used to achieve world peace.” Zaffran was joined Her Excellency Mitsuko Shino, the deputy permanent representative of Japan to the international or- ganizations in Geneva and co-chair of Global Polio Eradication Initiative's Polio Partners Group. In his keynote address, Riseley made a similar observation. “The work of polio eradication, has taught us . . . that when you have enough people working together, when you understand the problems and the processes, when you combine and leverage your resources, when you set a plan and set your targets — you can indeed move mountains,” he said. “And the need for action, and cooperation, is greater now than ever before.” Watch the opening session of Rotary UN Day including remarks by the 2017 People of Action: Champions of Peace.

From the Rotary Calendar District Newsletter Issue 6 – December 2017 Page 11 December Disease Prevention and Treatment Month Our health is everything. Yet 400 million people in the world can’t afford or don’t have access to basic health care. We believe good health care is everyone’s right. Disease results in misery, pain, and poverty for millions of people worldwide. That’s why treating and preventing disease is so important to us. We lead efforts both large and small. We set up temporary clinics, blood donation centers, and training facilities in underserved communities struggling with outbreaks and health care access. We design and build infrastructure that allows doctors, patients, and governments to work together. Our members combat diseases like malaria, HIV/AIDS, Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, and polio. Preven- tion is important, which is why we also focus on health education and bringing people routine hearing, vision, and dental care. HOW ROTARY MAKES HELP HAPPEN Disease does not prevent itself. We educate and equip communities to stop the spread of life-threatening diseas- es. Rotary members have hundreds of health projects underway around the world at any given time. OUR IMPACT ON DISEASE The Rotary Foundation is changing the world by providing grants for projects and activities around the globe and in your own backyard. Rotary makes amazing things happen, like: Providing clean water: Rotary has worked with partners to provide more than 80 percent of Ghana’s people with clean water to fight Guinea worm disease. Reducing HIV infection: In Liberia, Rotary members are helping women get tested for HIV early in their pregnan- cies. They used prenatal care to reduce new HIV infections in children by 95 percent over two years. Ending polio: Rotary members have played a key role in bringing the world to the brink of polio eradication. Their efforts have not only ended polio in 122 countries but also created a system for tackling myriad other health priorities, such as Ebola. $65 mil in grants was given by Rotary to fight disease 99% reduction in polio cases since our program started in 1985

District 2452 News District Newsletter Issue 6 – December 2017 Page 12 Publications of the District ACCESS THESE DOCUMENTS HERE D i s t r i c t Aw a r d s f o r t h e R o t a r y Ye a r 2 0 1 7 - 2 0 1 8 Find out more

District Newsletter Issue 6 – December 2017 District 2452 News Page 13 ROTARY FOUNDATION SEMINAR District 2452 LARNACA, CYPRUS - SATURDAY 2 DECEMBER 2017 More than seventy senior Rotarian leaders, club presidents and club officers from nine countries attended the Rotary Foundation Seminar of District 2452 which was held at the Palm Beach Hotel near Larnaca, Cyprus on Saturday 2 December. Participants came from Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine, Bahrain, UAE, Cyprus, Egypt, Turkey and Canada. Following the welcome address by District Governor Christina Covotsou-Patroclou and an introduction to the seminar by the District Rotary Foundation Committee Chair PDG Jamil Mouawad, an informative and inspiring presentation on the history and vision for the future of the Rotary Foundation was delivered by Past Rotary International Director Safak Alpay. The seminar offered participants, among whom were Rotaractors from Cyprus clubs, five plenary sessions, one of which included a roundtable discussion on keeping up enthusiasm and commitment with regard to en- gaging with our Foundation. All participants enjoyed fellowship and interaction before, during and after the seminar, while attendees from other countries were offered a tour of the Larnaca area and also visited other towns in the island.

District 2452 News District Newsletter Issue 6 – December 2017 Page 14 Rotary Foundation Seminar, District 2452, Larnaca, Cyprus

District 2452 News District Newsletter Issue 6 – December 2017 Page 15 Rotary Foundation Seminar, District 2452, Larnaca, Cyprus

District 2452 News District Newsletter Issue 6 – December 2017 Page 16 Rotary Foundation Seminar, District 2452, Larnaca, Cyprus

District 2452 News District Newsletter Issue 6 – December 2017 Page 17 Senses Centre UAE: Rotary Club of Jumeirah’s commitment to change In 2007 Rotary Club of Jumeirah made a commitment to Senses Centre, a commitment to help the helpless and to create awareness around the centre’s needs. The Senses Care Home project was founded by Emirati Nadia Khalil Al Sayegh, who has over 20 years’ experience in the depart- ment of Labour and Social Affairs, concentrating on Special Needs children in Dubai. Senses Resi- dential and Day Care Centre, a completely non profit organisation, is the first and only residential care facility for special needs in the UAE. The centre is set in a purpose built centre in Umm suqeim, which was built under the order of HH Shk Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Prime Minister and Vice President of the U.A.E. and Ruler of Dubai. Without his support, the dream of helping children in need would not have been possible. The centre is home to more than a 100 children and young people from the age of three. Some call the centre home, others use it only for day care. \"The special needs issues that we see range from mild autism through to severe cerebral palsy,\" says Dr Owies (Executive Manager of the Centre). At the centre, there is a variety of therapies, includ- ing speech and physiotherapy. There are other treat- ments in music, movement and education. Additionally, the centre has a sensory integration room, which allows children to experience and control an environment with lights, col- ours, sounds and tactile toys. \"We help them to be more independent by teaching them how to do things like dress themselves, brush their teeth, and wash,\" Dr Owies says. \"It might sound like simple things but these are the basics they need to learn how to do.\" Rotary Club of Jumeirah hosts an annual event and all proceeds of the event goes to Senses Centre. The event is called ‘Concert for a Cause’ and it is hosted in collaboration with Yamaha the corporate sponsor. Rotary Club of Jumeirah has also implemented an effective volunteer program in collabora- tion with Rotaract Jumeirah. Rotarians host art classes and special events for the centre throughout the year. Mem- bers also assist with annual donations from HR and Accounting soft- ware to personal monetary donations. “Involvement in Senses community activities and assisting Senses cen- tre ensures that we create special needs awareness and contribute to the sustainability of the centre in the long run” said Rotarian Musa Al Sadoon (Club President: Rotary Club of Jumeirah). For more information on Senses Centre, visit www.sensescentre.org or reach out to Rotary Club of Jumeirah [email protected]

District 2452 News District Newsletter Issue 6 – December 2017 Page 18 Rotaract 50th Anniversary For nearly 50 years Rotaract has connected young leaders who take action to create a better world. This 9-15 March Rotaract members in more than 7,600 clubs will show how their local action adds up to build peace, ad- vocate for education, and empower youth worldwide. Rotaract focuses on the development of young adults as leaders in their communities and workplac- es. Clubs around the world also take part in international service projects, in a global effort to bring peace and international understanding to the world. Rotaract program has grown into a strong, international network in more than 150 countries and geographical areas. Rotaract’s members are young men and women (ages 18 to 30) who serve the needs of their communi- ties, widen their personal and professional contacts, and increase their understanding of the world. Rotary clubs sponsor them, but Rotaract members manage and fund their clubs independently. Needless to say that a Rotaract club is a project of the Rotary sponsor club. Rotaract clubs organize a variety of projects and activities, depending primarily on the interests of the club members. However, within the Rotaract program, all clubs undertake three types of activities in varying de- grees: professional development, leadership development, and service projects. Together, these three areas ensure a balanced club program and provide important experience and opportunities for the personal develop- ment of each Rotaractor. If we ask ourselves: why organize a Rotaract Club? The answer is simply that today’s young people will become tomorrow’s parents, professionals, business lead- ers, and community leaders. t can bring new energy to a Rotary district, inspire ideas for services, increase support of community service projects, and help develop future Rotarians. We should always put in mind that YOUTH ARE OUR FUTURE!!!

District 2452 News District Newsletter Issue 6 – December 2017 Page 19 Rotaract 50th Anniversary In our District 2452, we currently have 405 rotaractors who registered to our DB this year and we can see from the data that 115 out of the total have been in Rotaract for less than one year and 117 for more than 3 years which give us a good balance. This year marks 50 years since the founding of the first Rotaract club and we’re celebrating all year long! 50 years of taking action, leading our communities, and changing the world deserves a big celebration. Already a District Rotaract committee has been formed to prepare for this big event. And we ROTARIANS will be celebrating all together the 50th Rotaract Anniversary. Finally I will leave you with this nice quote: By Joan Nairuba, Rotaract Club of Kololo To whom much is given, much is expected. The Rotaract family immensely blesses us on a daily basis. And we have the opportunity, through Rotaract, to give back. What we put forth, we receive a thousand times over. It’s more than karma, it’s a simple truth and a not so hidden secret to happiness. In a world filled with so much pain, we must do our best to lessen it. With love. With caring. Together.

District 2452 News District Newsletter Issue 6 – December 2017 Page 20 Rotaract Club of Dubai presented keynote speech by Saima khan on 15 November 2017 at Dubai World Trade Center Saima Khan, at 13 years old When most of us were still figuring out how to iron out shirts without burning them, Saima khan had already figured her purpose in life. She started volunteering at 13 with Dubai cares. Today at 19, she is associated with 75+ organisations massively involved in several social causes all over the world. She's the CEO of UAE's first fully governed youth organisation \"Step Up\", delegate at the youth assembly at the United Nations and a face of numerous causes. International Di- ana award, Global champion at Yale, Emirates women of the year 2017 - youth talent are among few of her laurels.

District 2452 News District Newsletter Issue 6 – December 2017 Page 21 Rotary club of Sulmaniya in Bahrain organised a Vocational Visit Rotary club of Sulmaniya in Bahrain organised a Vocational Visit on Wednesday 29 November 2017 at UNEECO in HIDD. UNEECO is a local switchgear manufacturer who were kind enough to host lunch and give a tour of their facility.

District Newsletter Issue 6 – December 2017 District 2452 News Page 22 District 2452 Visits Zone 19&20B Institute 2017 Click here for photos and info for the Zone 19&20B Institute 2017

District Newsletter Issue 6 – December 2017 District 2452 News Page 23 DG CHRISTINA’S OFFICIAL VISITS JORDAN & CYPRUS DG visits RC of Jordan DG visits RCs of Larnaca & Larnaca Kition

District Newsletter Issue 6 – December 2017 District 2452 News Page 24 DG CHRISTINA’S OFFICIAL VISITS TO CYPRUS Visiting Rotary Clubs of Nicosia, Nicosia-Aspelia, Kyrenia, Nicosia-Ledra, Nicosia Leukothea, Nicosia-Salamis & Rotaractors

District Newsletter Issue 6 – December 2017 District 2452 News Page 25 DG CHRISTINA’S OFFICIAL VISITS TO CYPRUS Visiting Rotary Clubs of Kyrenia-Liman, Nicosia-Sarayionou, etc

District Newsletter Issue 6 – December 2017 Page 26 JULY 2017 JANUARY 2018 APRIL 2018 1 July - Start of new Rotary officers' Vocational Service Month Maternal and Child Health Month Year of Service 14-20 January - International 1 April - Rotary Award for AUGUST 2017 Assembly, San Diego, California, Excellence in Service to USA Humanity nominations are due Membership and 26 - 29 April - District 2452 New Club Development Month FEBRUARY 2018 Conference, Papos, Cyprus 28 April - Presidential SEPTEMBER 2017 Peace and Conflict Prevention/ Peacebuilding Resolution Month Conference: Maternal and Child Basic Education and Health and Peace, Taranto, Italy Literacy Month 10 February - Presidential 30 April - Rotary International Peacebuilding Convention registrations and OCTOBER 2017 Conference: Environmental ticket cancellations are due Sustainability and Peace, Economic and Community Vancouver, British Columbia, MAY 2018 Development Month Canada Youth Service Month 2-8 October - Rotary Alumni 17 February - Presidential Reconnect Week Peacebuilding Conference: Water JUNE 2018 and Sanitation and Peace, Beirut, 14 October - Public Image Seminar Lebanon Rotary Fellowships Month Yerevan Armenia 2 June - Presidential 23 February - Rotary's anniversary 24 October - Rotary's World Polio 24 February - Presidential Peacebuilding Conference: Basic Day Livestream Event Education and Literacy and Peace, Peacebuilding Chicago, Illinois, USA 30 October-5 November World Conference: Disease Prevention 23-27 June - Rotary International Interact Week and Treatment and Peace, Convention, Toronto, Ontario, Coventry, England, United Canada NOVEMBER 2017 Kingdom 30 June - Last day for Rotary and Rotaract clubs to report goals for Rotary Foundation Month MARCH 2018 the Rotary Citation 1 November - Service Award for a 30 June - Rotary Foundation Water and Sanitation Month Distinguished Service Polio-Free World nominations due 12-18 March - World Rotaract Award nominations are due 1 November - Service Above Self 30 June - Rotary Alumni Global Week Service Award nominations (from Award nominations due 17 March - Presidential zones) are due 3-5 November - Rotary Institute 30 June - Rotary Alumni Peacebuilding Conference: Association of the Year Award Zones 19&20B– Cluj Napoca, Economic and Community nominations (from zones) are due Romania Development and Peace, Sydney, 11 November - Rotary Day at the UN New South Wales, Australia 31 March - Preregistration DECEMBER 2017 discount ends for the Rotary International Convention Disease Prevention and Treatment Month Rotary Foundation District Seminar 15 December - Early registration discount ends for the Rotary International Convention

District Newsletter Issue 6 – December 2017 Page 27 Governor’s Office Contact Details Tel: +357 25 875888 Mobile: +357 99636250 Fax: +357 25 875506, 25 875507 Email: [email protected] Website: rotaryd2452.org Dear District 2452 Clubs, If you would like your club activities to appear in the monthly Newsletter please send us your brief article and max 4 pictures (Jpeg/Png) [email protected] We would like you to note that:  We always publicize what information we have in hand.  We trust that what we receive is correct and fair to all concerned.  We request that projects which involve more than one club are a joint article agreed by all clubs involved and submitted by the leading club. PDDG Themis Themistocleous Chief Editor 2017-18