D-2452 DG's Newsletter July 2022

INTERVIEW WITH Rotaractors & Rotarians as One! DG George Azar District & International Who talked Events Calendar behind your back? Preperations for the RY 2022-2023

CONTENT Please click on the link below to view the video: https://youtu.be/67ERoQjP_GI 01

Presidential Message RI President Jennifer Jones President 2022-23 July 2022 Every month since I joined Rotary, I’ve looked forward to reading this magazine, especially the opening essay from our Rotary president. I’ll admit that as much as I appreciate a digital copy, I still revel in the tactile sensation of sitting down and leafing through the glossy pages. They are a treasure trove of photos and memorable stories about our great organization — the one we all know and love. I have learned so much over the years about service projects and lives that each of you have transformed. As a communications professional, I have longed for the day that our stories were a regular part of mainstream media and that our flagship magazine might populate doctor’s offices, coffee shops, or anywhere else people sit, wait, and browse. It’s great that Rotary members are better informed about all we do, and wouldn’t it be that much better if more people knew our stories. All this was top of mind as I thought about our plans for promoting Rotary worldwide in the upcoming year. Over the next 12 months, we are going to shine a light on projects that put Rotary service on display to the world, and we are going to do it strategically. Nick and I will focus on some of the highest impact, sustainable, and scalable Rotary projects from our areas of focus in what we call the Imagine Impact Tour. We are inviting top-tier journalists, thought leaders, and influencers to use their channels to help us raise awareness by reaching people who want to serve but have not yet realized they can do it through Rotary. But there was another important issue to consider — our carbon footprint. I take seriously Rotary’s emerging leadership position on environmental issues. The example set by our members during the pandemic is fundamental to how we carve out our future. That means we will harness digital technology to tell these stories — we will be tweeting, posting, and “going live” to anyone who will listen. We must consider our environment, and part of that means not always traveling but continuing to connect in meaningful ways as we have for the past two years. Of course, we are social people, and we still need to be together. We simply need to be more mindful of our decisions and think about how we get together just a little bit differently. For example, if we travel to visit a project, we will plan successive visits in neighboring areas. So, what are your stories and who can help tell them? I hope you might consider your own Imagine Impact efforts — your story might be something you can promote just as easily on social media or during a Zoom call. Think about ways to showcase notable projects in your clubs and districts. We all feel the impact that Rotary service and values have on us. Now it’s our opportunity to share that feeling with others. Jennifer Jones 02

Trustee Chair’s Message Ian Riseley July 2022 Ever since Rotary clubs existed it has been known that you have to be at least 30 years old in order to become a member, along with other conditions. Rotarians and Rotaractors have always been separated by their projects and activities. It is recently that the Rotary foundation implemented the decision to remove the age limit and bridge the gap between Rotarians and Rotaractors by giving the Rotaractors a glimpse of the Rotary world. We are currently witnessing a new era where the minds of the youth are merging with the tenure and experience of the Rotarians. Incorporating new and innovative ideas to a foundation that is helping the world exponentially. Rotary’s seven areas of focus are now more alive than ever as Rotarians and Rotaractors are working hand in hand, hence double the effort to make our world a better place. Rotaractors are slowly befriending Rotarians while preserving their identity. They can either choose to become dual members or stay Rotaractors while working closely with Rotarians. This scenario has come to life in District 2452 thanks to District Governor George Azar, as he was able to welcome the youth in his district’s committees and teams making Rotaractors feel comfortable to share their ideas and input as they are heard. For instance, the Newsletter District team is composed of 12 members which 9 of them are Rotaractors from various clubs. It is highly important to note that without the friendly environment provided by DG Azar and his team, the Rotaractors would have not been able to achieve what they are currently achieving. The constant encouragement and safe space for a Rotaractor to be heard and express him/herself is what’s making District 2452 reach its constant success. Ian Riseley 03

DG’s Monthly Message July 2022 “Perhaps dreaming is not so bad if one dreams good dreams and makes them come true” “Paul Harris” Dear fellow Rotarians, Rotaractors and Family of Rotary, Happy New Rotary Year! Cheers to New Beginnings… Cheers to New Ideas… Cheers to New Energy… Our exciting journey starts now! PDG Ashot Karapetyan passed the baton to me after a highly successful year, taking our District 2452 to new heights. He and his team enlarged the boundaries. Thanks to each and every one of you, Rotary in our district is thriving. Every Rotary Year, we are raising the bar and during this coming Rotary Year 2022-2023, we will be reaching out for the horizon! As 2022-2023 District Governor, I am looking so much forward to serving all 94 Rotary Clubs, 53 Rotaract Clubs, and several Interact clubs. Now is the time to imagine a more prosperous Rotary where diversity, equity and inclusion will be our guiding principles; where we will build better bonds & partnerships; where we engage in long term strategic planning and leadership development; and where the new generation will serve hand in hand, with more established Rotarians, so that together we connect to change and make a greater impact in our communities. Rotary International President Jennifer Jones asked us to “Imagine a world that deserves our best where we get up each day knowing that we can make a difference.” She asked us to engage our members so they love their clubs and their Rotary experience, “especially that we have been entrusted with leadership in our great organization,” She added: “Now it is up to us to be brave and intentional in our actions, and let others help us lead.” I am enthusiastic to visiting all the clubs and hearing about our new Presidents, their Club Boards and their plans for a successful year! I am excited to welcoming you to the 10th District 2452 Conference from 11-14 May 2023 in Beirut – Lebanon to enjoy our sacred fellowship. Let’s connect to change, imagine a prosperous Rotary, paint it together and collectively, and turn it into a masterpiece. Together we can! Together we can turn dreams into realities and secure a brighter future for our district! “You don’t imagine yesterday, you imagine tomorrow.” RI President Jennifer Jones I feel a deep sense of honor to serve with each one of you. Thank you for your leadership and your friendship. George Azar 04

District 2452 Trainer Rotary Year 2022-2023 PDG Jamil Mouawad “Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.” Benjamin Franklin Dear Change-Makers & Innovators, We are all aware that training is the first step to develop leaders and that strong foundation of leadership training will help you effectively direct your team towards success, which is a key part of reaching your goals. This year’s district training will drop down to the club-level for the effective functioning of Rotary and District Trainers, because developing the skills of your Rotary Club members can improve your club’s performance and eventually the District will evolve. The first step, as club leaders, is to choose the right type of training, so I encourage you to conduct a needs assessment to tailor the suitable training for your club and communicate it with us to help and assist. District Training Committee is a resource about Rotary Information and we are available to provide all the needed documents, experienced speakers and suitable content. As a District Training committee we will communicate with other district committees that are involved in training events, consult with Rotary training leaders, regional Rotary Foundation coordinators (RRFCs), Rotary coordinators (RCs), Rotary public image coordinators (RPICs), and endowment/major gifts advisers (E/MGAs) on training content and support club trainers in planning and conducting training events. Why Training for Rotarians? • The greater knowledge and understanding Rotarians have of the operation and organization of Rotary, the more productive and effective our efforts become. • The better skilled our Rotary leaders are in working within a volunteer organization, the more efficient and effective our district and clubs become. • The more knowledgeable Rotarians are of Rotary programs and accomplishments, the greater our sense of achievement and pride in the work we do; and the better our ability to attract new members. When Rotarians are positively motivated, it improves both their effectiveness and efficiency which leads to huge improvements in achieving our organizational goals. It’s a win-win for everyone, because everyone wants to be happy within Rotary! Thank you. Jamil Mouawad 05

Editor’s Word What’s your Story? “Let’s connect to change” & “Imagine Rotary” were our main inspiration towards the new District Newsletter committee formation and design. A committee of 8 Rotaractors and 3 Rotarians, under the guidance of the District team: came together to bring to you the content we need to make this paper more lively and a means not only to get inspired and updated on the latest news, but also to connect members of our district. A paradigm shift just happened in the Rotary World. And This special edition issue is here to cover the main preparations for the RY 2022-2023 and how Rotaractors in our District have been already empowered and invaded all kinds of positions. Can you see the added value this change brought to our Rotary World? And now it’s your turn to bring the light to your own club and community. As we promise that our District Newsletter will cover your story and make it reach other Rotarians within and beyond our District, we rely on you to share your content with us on regular basis. Rotary’s story is the collection of our own little stories. This truth alone makes it our duty to share with the world our activities and news using all media we can reach. There only remains one question for you to answer: What will your story be? Rita Imad 06

Word from PDG Ashot Dear Fellows Rotarians, meetings. Current leaders should also demonstrate Congratulations with the first issue of the 22- their plans to their members, as they are the ones that 23 Newsletter! I congratulate you not only for will add value and support to actualize your vision. I the fine fellowship that we shall share next request that you - as members of your clubs - ensure year, but also for your strong arm that will that you take full ownership of the process in your help DG George to carry out many initiatives clubs for smooth transition. Our aim is to achieve and projects. continuity between the past, current and incoming Rotary’s theme for 2022-2023 is Imagine district officers. The same needs to be done at the Rotary. RI President Elect Jennifer Jones said club level. By doing so, we will be creating a better “It is our offer of hands-on service, personal and more effective direction in the clubs and in the growth, leadership development, and lifelong district. friendships that creates purpose and passion” In the end I would like to state that - while we are Dear fellows, this year we have to focus more privileged to join Rotary and make friends all over on engaging members, as it is crucial to the world, we must keep in mind our obligations, as retaining members. We have to ask members Rotarians, towards our Clubs and the community. what they want to get from Rotary and give I wish District Governor George Azar and his team them meaningful responsibilities. Imagine an outstanding year full of fellowship in Service is a world that deserves our best where we above self, true Rotarian friendship and meaningful, get up each day knowing that we can make a sustainable projects to make our communities, our difference. countries and the world, a better place to live in! July is a time when we get to focus on our Good luck to Imagine Rotary!!! Rotaract and Interact clubs and their very important role in Rotary. We want to ensure Ashot Karapetyan that in addition to service delivery, our young members are able to leverage on the business DG 2452 and professional connections that come from being a Rotarian as per his vision. The need to introduce and instill the Rotary way into young people, is key into transiting them to Rotarians and ensures the continuity of the organization. Starting our youth early is therefore part of our succession planning strategy in Rotary. We already went through handing over process for leaders in our clubs. It is critical that our outgoing officials implement a clear handover for the incoming teams by holding joint board 07

District Introduction District 2452 was established in 2013 It consists of 9 countries 3 Continents Number of Rotary Clubs: 92 Number of Rotarians: 2,024 Bahrain (4) Cyprus (20) Armenia (8) Georgia (6) Jordan (12) Lebanon (29) Palestine (4) United Arab Sudan (1) Emirates (8) 08

Michel Davoudian 09

Preparations for the up- coming year The preparations for George Azar’s governorship started 5 months ago. These meetings took place in my home every Wednesday. We gathered in an atmosphere of fellowship, camaraderie, warmth and mutual respect. Many hours were spent having discussions and brainstorming ideas and best practices. Various committees were created from these meetings. We all shared a common vision; to empower the clubs, bring in new members and develop projects that meet the 7 areas of focus. The Wednesday sessions were invigorating, inspiring and in the spirit of the quote below: What binds Rotarians together is a unity of desire and a unity of purpose to serve society and to serve mankind…a unity in diversity.” — A Unity of Desire, THE ROTARIAN, July 1965 Mona Rasamny Preps with committee members & Photos 10

Disaster Relief Dear Rotarians & Rotaractors, I am Hagop Dantziguian, the Past President of the Rotary Club of Beirut Cedars and the incoming Disaster response Chair for the RY 22-23. Our capital’s heart, along with our lives were whipped due to the blast at the Beirut port, destroying everything around it, with hundreds of deaths, thousands of injured and hundreds of thousands of displaced. As Rotarians, we responded to this disaster The mission of our committee isn’t simple as we with determination and took immediate actions have many goals to achieve. With YOUR support, from the moment of the impact with the first and that of your clubs, we will work to develop a shockwave, to the days and then the months strategy and a plan that will allow the Rotarians and that followed with minimal resources and the Rotaractors to be equipped and ready for service. absence of a national disaster response plan. This will be realized by collaborating all together, sharing our experiences, the best practices and The Lebanese Rotaractors were as involved learning from other districts’ success stories. We also as we were, if not more. They were the first aim to strengthen both, our internal and external to take down the streets and were extremely communication channels notably with the civil organized in the projects they implemented defense forces and other NGOS as well as take part including removing the rubbles, distributing in different global Rotary action groups. basic necessities and rebuilding houses from day one. We will be reaching out to you via the country chairs, hoping to get everyone involved, learn, benefit, and Our district 2452 spans over 3 continents, facing be able to assist better in the, god-forbid, cases of continuously a wide range of manmade and disasters. natural hazardous events, from earthquakes to the third biggest non-nuclear explosion in We are here to serve, and we will be prepared for the world. Nevertheless, we are always ready any unforeseen event. to take action as we believe in the importance of responding to any kind of disaster, the time when our community is in need for us the most. Being an active Rotarian in such disastrous Hagop Dantziguian times is not an easy duty, but we can make it a bit easier by being proactive and well prepared. 11

“Let’s bridge the GAP”, in Action! Bridging the gap between Rotarians & Rotaractors Ever since Rotary clubs existed it has been known that you have to be at least 30 years old in order to become a member, along with other conditions. Rotarians and Rotaractors have always been separated by their projects and activities. It is recently that the Rotary foundation implemented the decision to remove the age limit and bridge the gap between Rotarians and Rotaractors by giving the Rotaractors a glimpse of the Rotary world. We are currently witnessing a new era where the minds of the youth are merging with the tenure and experience of the Rotarians. Incorporating new and innovative ideas to a foundation that is helping the world exponentially. Rotary’s seven areas of focus are now more alive than ever as Rotarians and Rotaractors are working hand in hand, hence double the effort to make our world a better place. Rotaractors are slowly befriending Rotarians while preserving their identity. They can either choose to become dual members or stay Rotaractors while working closely with Rotarians. This scenario has come to life in District 2452 thanks to District Governor George Azar, as he was able to welcome the youth in his district’s committees and teams making Rotaractors feel comfortable to share their ideas and input as they are heard. For instance, the NewsLetter District team is composed of 12 members which 9 of them are Rotaractors from various clubs. It is highly important to note that without the friendly environment provided by DG Azar and his team, the Rotaractors would have not been able to achieve what they are currently achieving. The constant encouragement and safe space for a Rotaractor to be heard and express him/herself is what’s making District 2452 reach its constant success. Sarah Sophie Ghaleb 12

“Let’s bridge the GAP”, in Action! Get to know who’s behind the newsletter the RY 2022-2023 Rotaractors invade the district newsletter team Martine Demerjian Rita Imad|RC of Metn Gate |RC of Chtaura Bekaa Gate “It ain’t about how hard you hit, it’s about how hard you “Be thankful for what you can get hit and keep moving have, you’ll end up having forward.” -Winston Churchill more.“ Jessy Naim|RC of Metn Gate Elie Gharios|RAC of Sahel Metn “Greatness is not given, it “You only begin to grow is earned with hard work, once you find the place you passion, and dedication!” belong in.” Sabine Mirza|RAC of Beirut Sarah Ghaleb |RAC of Sahel Metn “God gave you a fingerprint that no one “Developing yourself is key else has, so you can to achieving success. I found leave an imprint that no my development hub and one else can.” that is Rotaract.” Johnny Assaf|RAC of LAU Zina Yassine|RAC of Beirut “We become what we “Stand in the storm and think about.” -Earl Nightingale adjust the sails.” Elise Nassif|RAC of Sahel Metn Rayan Tahtouh|RAC of Sahel Metn “Success is not final; Failure is “What you do has far not fatal: It is the courage to greater impact than what continue that counts.” you say.” -Stephen Covey Nancy Mjally|RAC of Zgharta Zawye *RC = Rotary Club *RAC = Rotaract Club “Do not pray for tasks equal to your abilities but pray for abilities equal to 13 your tasks.” - Thomas Monson

“Let’s bridge the GAP”, in Action! Rotaractors join Rotarians PETS for the first time! PETS Lebanon On March 5 2022, District 2452 held the President Elect Training Seminar (PETS) in Lebanon. Every year the Rotary District Team works diligently to organize an informative seminar that enables the Incoming Presidents to have a smoother and successful year. Incoming Rotary Presidents from all over Lebanon attended the seminar at le Royal Dbayeh. Along with the informative presentations, participants learned who will be their designated AG for the Incoming Rotarian Year. However, what was a special addition is the active presence of the Incoming Rotaract Presidents of D2452. With IDG Georges Azar’s mission to integrate and fully elevate Rotaract we are seeing Rotaractors present in the Rotary District committees, as well as more and more collaborative sessions, and events jointly with Rotaractors and Rotarians. As a Rotaractor, attending this PETS not only gave me the opportunity to meet all the upcoming Rotary Presidents and Secretaries, but also form new connections as well as witness what the partnership of Rotaractors and Rotarians will be like. This new vision pushed me to further draft a goal for my year that works on increasing joint projects with my club’s Rotary Club. Throughout this Rotarian Year, Rotarians and Rotarcators are now fully prepared to develop and serve the community hand in hand! Let the show begin! Elise Nassif 14

“Let’s bridge the GAP”, in Action! Rotaractors join Rotarians PETS for the first time! PETS Dubai “UAE Rotary Clubs welcomed Incoming District Governor, guest of honour for the Gala Dinner George Azar, for the President Elect Training Seminar and chartering our latest addition «PETS UAE». The training was led by IDG George along to our family, Rotary Club of Dubai- with top Rotary trainers including RC Jamil Mouawad, Downtown.” RRFC Christina Covotsou & ARC Ahmad Husseini, sharing their knowledge and insights and inspiring 2022/23 club Rola Hamdan leaders of how to lead a club, imagine Rotary, dream big and have an impactful memorable year. More than 60 Rotary leaders from 8 Rotary Clubs & 2 Rotaract Clubs attended the training; in addition to special guests: DG Ashot Karapetyan, PDG Nijad Al Atassi and PDG Mazen Al Umran. PETS UAE, organized by IDDG Rola Hamdan, was held on Feb 27, 2022, at Grand Hyatt Dubai. It coincided with our celebrations of 20 years of Rotary in UAE, RI President Shekhar Mehta’s visit to UAE, a 15

“Let’s bridge the GAP”, in Action! Rotaractors join Rotarians PETS for the first time! PETS Jordan “Jordan Rotary Clubs hosted Incoming District Governor, George Mitri Azar & Incoming District Secretary, Samar R. Saab, for the President Elect Training Seminar «PETS JORDAN». The training was conducted by IDG George & a group of dynamic Rotarians in Jordan, providing insights to Incoming Presidents & Secretaries of the Rotary Year 2022-23, as well as some discussions with Rotaractors ..Incoming Deputy District Governor, Diala N. Al Alami surprised IDG George Azar with a birthday cake! Happy early Birthday dear IDG George! Thank you for the organising committee, Country Trainer Jeries Shahine, Jordanian trainers, DDG Farid Musharbash, IDDG Diala Al Alami, PDG Shawkat Tadros, & District Governor Nominee Bashar Haddad, for an excellent PETS.” Sarah Sophie Ghaleb This is the organizing team of PETS Jordan 16

“Let’s bridge the GAP”, in Action! National Gathering and DGE Georges Azar’s Birthday Celebration “After 2 years of online meetings, projects that were held at distance, and Rotaractors being able to see each other only through the limited frames of a screen, the Rotaract National Team in Lebanon held the first National Gathering after a long-anticipated wait. This year had an additional element that differentiated it from previous years, however. The National Gathering that was held on the 15th of March, 2022 had even more charm because of the presence of Rotarians from all over Lebanon that shared a delightful night with their counterparts in Rotaract. The night was beautifully spent at The Village Dbayeh with the presence of District Governor-Elect Georges Azar, District Rotaract Representative Yasmina Al Assi, and more than 40 Rotarians and Rotaractors from more than 25 Rotary and Rotaract clubs in the country. A night to be remembered, in hopes to be able to hold more events where Rotarians and Rotaractors share their experiences, ideas, and fellowship!” Elie Gharios 17

PRINT TO REDEEM For August & September any Rotary member from any club in lebanon, when purchasing from 15%Saifan will get a DISCOUNT 25% DISCOUNT 10% DISCOUNT In order to feature your business coupons in the next e-newsletter issue, you are 18 kindly requested to contact us on the following email address: [email protected] and CC [email protected] E-mail subject: Newsletter / Content / Business Coupons

Rosary Hospital Inauguration Rayan Tahtouh: “A once in a lifetime experience” As a project manager I mastered meeting (Maria Salloum, Cynthia Zreik, Yasmina El-Assi) deadlines while handling the project timeline and During that day, I was heading back home from work followed up with contractors to meet the time when I heard the news. Shocked, I left everything, assigned to them to finish their jobs. In addition, sat down and started planning what needed to be I discovered a new level of “problem solving” done. I wanted to act fast. I wanted to support and do skills, in which I handled problems and solved whatever within my power to help the people affected them to maintain a smooth operation. I worked by the explosion and serve the community down there. under-pressure, because I needed to manage a I left everything behind and headed down to the street. lot of daily-tasks so I would wake up every day Started cleaning houses, scouting for people in need with the feeling that the success or the failure of to locate them and offer necessary support. Weeks this project depends mainly on me. after august 4, I met with Stewart, a Rotarian from As a Rotaractor/Rotarian, I can highly relate to Rotary Club International Prague. I started showing him our moto. around. It all started from the day we were scouting with As I’m writing this exert, I realized that somethings Rotaractors. We met with the Rosary Sister Hospital can’t be really shared with words but I know for staff and decided with our Rotarians in Lebanon to sure that the virtues I have gained since I joined rebuild the ICU. We made history! I’m honored that I Rotary can’t be counted, defined or calculated was able to be responsible of the project for 2 years. however the transformation that happens down It was a first time for me working with Rotarians on the road is something felt, tangible, real and such a huge global grant. While supervising the project definitely worth it. from the beginning until the inauguration, my emotions Despite the difficulties I encountered, it was a started to shift. From devastation of what happened great success and so many lessons learned. to pride. It’s magical what Rotarians can do when   they unit. I have touched it how magical and powerful Service Above Self, eventually results in endless Rotarians can be when they are united over a disaster. rewards gained beyond words. I worked along elite Rotarians and it was something “Life is an echo, what you send out comes different. I learned a lot from them. I spend days and back”, Indeed. night, contacting contractors, checking the best one to sign the deals. Indeed, it was a long process. Rayan Tahtouh 19

?Who talked behind your back PP Mona Kanaan Mona, inspite of the pains she suffered earlier, remained a committed and determined Rotarian. We are all so proud of her exemplary resilience ! And in this regard, I wanted to salute her and encourage her for further achievements in the future. I would like to highlight the character and the personality of PP Hani Bidawi, in coherence and in alignment with the Rotary values. His ability to listen allows him to be empathetic, open and receptive to the others’ emotions and perceptions. His interventions and opinions, expressed with consistency and common sense, reflect his beliefs and remain faithful to the guidelines and ethical principles of Rotary. These virtues are especially sought after and valued among Rotarians and make PP Hani Bidawi a valuable Rotary coach. This is a milestone year for Rotary International with the first woman president being Jennifer E. Jones. As we celebrate women in Rotary, an extraordinary individual, Rotarian and Rotaractor is Dr. Lara Ahmadieh from Rotary Club of Metn Gate. She exhibits an unwavering commitment to the values of Rotary and acts with high ethical standards. She is always eager to initiate projects and collaborations to support our community both locally and internationally. Aside from being an asset to the Rotary community, Lara has unmatched driving skills! Past President Shehadeh Ansari | Born 7-1-1932 | Rotary Club Amman Philadelphia The words that he wrote in the club’s magazine about Rotary and colleagues were not recounted by a poet before him! His love of giving continues to this day, and he has been dedicated to serving those who seek knowledge of Rotary ever since. He’s a leader by example and one who paved a path that we feel honored to follow.. No long paragraphs nor letters will ever be enough for us to describe the gratitude we feel inside for having someone like him to guide us through our journey in Rotary. He’s someone who never got tired of supporting us nomatter what we need. I would like to thank him for always pushing us to move forward despite the difficulties we face. He’s a true blessing to all of us ! May God keep him safe from all harm. “I would like to honour Nicholas Paillart from RC Dubai. How did a French guy living in Dubai setup in Armenia “Sewing Hope for Armenia”? It is the story of women, mothers and widows, who turned the gray ashes of destruction and war into the bright colors of life. Remember the bags offered during last District conference in Armenia? Here are the real rotarians values!” Sona Kourtian She’s a Rotarian who run her presidency year in a very successful way. She has proven her abilities in so many ways and she has done a lot of projects and covered alot of areas of focus as President of her club last year. She’s an ambitious Humanitarian and I hope she’ll continue on this path of serving above self with the same passion! Relax _Names of who talked behind your backs shall be revealed in our next issue. Stay tuned! This section has been created inorder for you to praise a Rotarian in our District ! To take part of this and feature someone you know, kindly send us an email to [email protected] | Cc: [email protected] Email Subject : Newsletter / New Content / Who Talked Behind Your Back 20

District 2452 Training Assembly 2022 Saturday, July 16, 2022: District Training Assembly The District Training Assembly was held on Saturday July 16, 2022 at Hotel Le Gabriel Sofitel Beirut, Ashrafieh where leaders of the District united to get the right insights and sessions on three major subjects: Rotary Foundation (Moderated by DRFC, PDG Michel Jazzar), Membership Increase (Moderated by DT, PDG Jamil Moawad) and Public Image (Moderated by RPIC, PDG Nijad Al Atassi). District Training Assembly - Program Saturday, July 16, 2022 - Location: Hotel Sofitel Beirut Le Gabriel, Achrafieh Dress Code: Business Formal 23

“Membership Growth, is “When a Rotary club has a “The district Rotary the engine that powers positive public image, brand Foundation committee the vehicle of Rotary.” or reputation, current helps the district trainer (...) members are motivated with the Foundation The asset of each Rotary to participate in service sessions at the assembly. Club is its members. above self, prospective This event helps club Who is responsible for members are eager to join leaders prepare for their Membership Growth? and sponsors are willing year in office and build The answer to this to support service. [...] By their leadership teams. question from Rotary using a unified “voice” in all For this we have had International is: “Every our interactions, we ensure recourse to experts, Rotarian”. our communications Rotarians and Rotaractors capture our distinct of spirit, we can even say, Past Rotary Coordinator, character - and how people former Rotaractors, dual District Trainer, PDG Jamil experience Rotary.” Rotary-Rotaract members.” Mouawad. RPIC, PP Nijad Al Atassi PDG Michel Jazzar 24

Gala Dinner Handover Speech Saturday, July 16, 2022 DG George Azar -- HE Ambassador --- RPIC PDG Nijad Al Atassi ARCs, ARPIC, DRR Maggie Poposka, Past District Governors & Past Rotaract Representatives District Committee Chairs, Fellow Rotarians and Rotaractors Distinguished Guests Protocol Observed Good evening Let me warmly welcome you all to this District Handover Ceremony. It is indeed a great honor and privilege to stand here today as District Governor for District 2452 for Rotary Year 2022-2023; a district comprising of 9 countries spread over 3 continents. We shall continue working to build a strong district through strengthening our clubs and continue to serve our community with passion and dedication to the Rotary vision. Now is the time to imagine Rotary more prosperous, where “Service above Self” and “One Profits Most Who Serves Best” are the principle mottoes of Rotary because they best convey the philosophy of selfless volunteer service. What Albert Einstein once said is so true: “only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile”. We will work every single day to guarantee a future where Rotary is a dynamic center of innovation, a home for People of Action. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion will be our guiding principles, where we will build better bonds and partnership, where we engage in long term strategic planning and leadership development and where the New Generation will serve hand in hand on equal basis with more experienced Rotarians so that Together “We connect to Change” and make a greater impact in our communities. Many challenges await us, now more than ever, that is why the world needs Rotarians, people of action. So let us turn each challenge into an opportunity and make our district even better. Tonight we have about 300 Rotarians and Rotaractors and guests in this hall. I would like to thank you all for sharing this special evening with us. Your presence means a great deal to us! Your support will certainly energize us to do more in our district, which is really blessed for having past and future district governors who truly understand what continuity and team work is all about. So, dear Past District Governors, your help and support will be appreciated. It would be in place for me to pay tribute to our predecessors, the late PDGs: Usama Barghouti, Mustafa Nassereddine and John Strongylos; and to all the Fellow Rotarians whom we have lost due to COVID-19 Pandemic. May their souls rest in peace. They will always be in our hearts and minds. 21

Your Excellences, Fellow Rotarians and Rotaractors, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, “Imagine, a world that deserves our best,” Rotary International President Jennifer Jones told us during the International Assembly, “to get up each day knowing that we can make a difference.” She told us “To better engage members, Rotary needs to “adapt and retool,” she also stressed that “Engaging members is crucial to retaining members”. We look forward to hosting you again here in Beirut at our 10th District Conference from 11 to 14 May 2023. Please allow me a few more minutes to introduce to you District 2452 Board members for the Rotary Year 2022-2023. It is an honor to serve District 2452 with all of you. Last but not least, thank you all Rotary Clubs of Lebanon and the District. Together hand in hand, we shall rise to higher horizons. God bless all of you. 22

AHMAD HUSSEINI «Dear fellow Rotarians and friends, I am excited to invite you to our 10th rotary district 2452 conference, that will take place in lebanon, from the 11th till the 14th of may 2023. Come enjoy fellowship, weather, culture and heritage, and connect with new leaders and friends! Looking forward to meeting you all in person in our beautiful country! Imagine rotary! Imagine lebanon! 10th district 2452 conference chair» Ahmad Husseini For Registration please click on the link below: https://forms.gle/oHpb5cysmLKKjcuLA For more information please contact PP Rym Dada Husseini +961 3 262446 [email protected] 25

“Mark Your Calendars!” FRIDAY 22 TUESDAY 26 Intl: Synergy Friendship Alliance Global Networking Group - Rotary Europe Diversity, Equity, Conference by District Trainer 2022- Inclusion (DEI) and Rotaract with 23, R C/PDG Jamil Mouawad: Be the Past RI Director Valerie Wafer leader of change Lebanon experience Time: 7:00 pm Time: 17:00 (Beirut Time) Via Zoom Zoom ID 841 0999 9007 Meeting ID: 222 707 4269 Passcode SYNERGY Passcode: 533 552 You may find above the important dates extracted from the Joint Calendar of our District Events as prepared and shared by our District Secretary, PP Samar Saab Each month the e-newsletter will be displaying : 1- District Events, as scheduled by our DG George Azar; and 2- Zone and Rotary International events. For this issue, we are sharing the events happening between July 20 and August 20 as updated by DS PP Samar Saab. For District events that you’d like to feature in this calendar, you are kindly requested to send the related info to our District Secretary, PP Samar Saab on this email address: [email protected] 26