D-2452 DG's Newsletter July 2021

DG Office: DG Direct Contact: +37491418705, Email: [email protected] Admin Assistant of District Governor 2021-2022: Anahit Markosyan, Mobile: +374 55777899 Admin Email: [email protected] , Executive Secretary: Lilya Oganova, Mobile +37494213333, Email: [email protected]

District 2452 Newsletter July 2021 District 2452 Governor’s Monthly letter Hello! Ողջույն! ‫ !مرحبا‬Γειά σου! გამარჯობა! Merhaba! Bonjour! Welcome to a new Rotary Year 21-22 which may be known, one day, as the greatest in Rotary history!!! I am very honored and proud to begin this very important \"Change Maker\" Rotary Year as the Governor of our multinational District 2452, the best District in the Rotary World!   We made it!  After a challenging Rotary Year of meeting on Zoom, on July 3rd 2021 we started off a new Rotary Year by holding an in-person District Training Assembly and celebrating with lovely friends a very special Handover Ceremony, in Armenia! What a fruitful year this will be as we all are back together, in person, to do our Rotary work!!  I want to give my heartfelt thanks, to DG 2020-2021 Mazen Alumran, who kept \"pivoting\" throughout his year to stay one step ahead of the pandemic; and to all the Club Presidents who held their clubs together to continue to meet and conduct club business.  This meant that goals set could be met, and members of clubs would continue to feel connected.   My biggest thanks go to all the Rotarians who \"stayed connected\" and continued to put their hearts and dedication to make Rotary the greatest service organization in the world.  Many Service Projects were completed and new, necessary, valuable projects were created to meet the needs of all communities in our District, who desperately needed extra help due to COVID. I am continually amazed by all that has been accomplished in 20-21. Congratulations to all!   It is the start of a new Rotary Year!  A time to celebrate and a time to grow.   Our District Leadership team is here to serve our 2045 Rotarians in 87 Rotary Clubs, 51 Rotaract Clubs and 22 Interact Clubs that span in 9 countries and 3 continents. How appropriate it is that July is \"Bring a Friend to Rotary\" month!  We can start following our RI President, Shekhar Mehta's call of “Each One, Bring One\" and, as importantly, \"Lose none\" to retain our current members.  Both of these initiatives will help us to increase our membership and \"Grow More to Do More.\"  Let this year be a time when we have more Rotarians to help complete our goals while remembering to ENJOY OUR FRIENDSHIP in the process!   I have been blessed to be working with distinguished Rotarians for my Rotary career. I know for sure that together we will “Serve to Change Lives”.  I truly believe that one of those lives that we will change, through service, will be our own!  Let’s take what we’ve learned in 2020 and 2021 and continue to stay connected and inspire our clubs; continue to look after each other, and continue to look after our communities, while Serving Above Self! I look forward to seeing you all soon, during my District Governor’s Visits and Country Training assemblies. Take good care and stay safe! 1

District 2452 Newsletter July 2021 Rotary International President Shekhar Mehta   In Shekhar Mehta's July 2021 Newsletter, our Rotary International President talks about this year being a year of changemakers. His membership goal is 1.3 million Rotarians by the end of the Rotary Year and talks about his \"Each One, Bring One\" initiative. We can then grow more and do more. He talks about other initiatives: empowering girls, eradicating polio, and strengthening access to water, sanitation, and hygiene. He says, \"let us challenge ourselves to do more such projects and programs that have national reach and impact. This year, let us Serve to Change Lives.\"......... MY DEAR CHANGEMAKERS, I wish each of you and your families a great Rotary New Year! Together, let us make it the best year of our lives, by making it a year to grow more and do more. Let this be a year of changemakers, and let us begin with our membership. That is precisely why the Each One, Bring One initiative is so important. During this year, I urge you to dream of new ways in which Rotary can expand its reach into your community and therefore the world. If each member introduces one person to Rotary, our membership can increase to 1.3 million by July 2022. So, let’s just do it! Imagine the change we, as Rotary members, can make when there are so many more of us! More people to care for others, more people to Serve to Change Lives. Think of the impact we can have through grow more, do more. More members will enable us to embark on bigger and bolder service projects. And each of us can also continue to serve in our own personal ways, responding to needs in our communities. The beauty of Rotary is that service means different things to different people around the world. One element, however, that we can incorporate into all of our service initiatives is empowering girls. Unfortunately, even in this day and age, girls and young women face disproportionate challenges all over the world. We have the power to lead the charge for gender equality. Empowering girls and young women to have greater access to education, better health care, more employment, and equality in all walks of life should be embedded in every Rotary project we launch. Girls are future leaders, so we must ensure that we help them shape their future. These are challenging times, and I compliment each of your efforts in grappling with COVID-19. No challenge is too big for Rotarians. The bigger the challenge, the more passionate the Rotarian. Look at what we can do when we take on a colossal challenge such as eradicating polio. Look at the millions of lives we improve by strengthening access to water, sanitation, and hygiene. Look at what we do every year to promote peace in places where it seems unimaginable. Our basic education and literacy programs have nation-building impact. This year, let us challenge ourselves to do more such projects and programs that have national reach and impact. This year, let us Serve to Change Lives. 2

District 2452 Newsletter July 2021 Chair of the Trustees of The Rotary Foundation John Germ In his July 2021 message to Rotarians, John Germ, Chair of the Trustees of The Rotary Foundation, (and also Past President of Rotary International), says that    the Rotary Foundation is all about envisioning possibilities — and making them happen. He asks: what is your vision for the next 12 months? He says that we cannot let COVID or anything else stop us. He talks about the new area of focus: the environment and the restructuring of the World Fund, Programs of Scale, our Peace Centres, and district and global grants. He challenges us to make the Rotary Foundation a part of your vision for a better world....... Dear Rotarians, Rotaractors and friends of Rotary, July is the most exciting month in Rotary, a time for fresh starts and new beginnings. For many, it’s an opportunity to take on new leadership roles. Rotarians brim with optimism, thinking about the good we can do for humanity in the 12 months ahead. As I write this message, I recall a quote often attributed to Helen Keller, a renowned American activist for people with disabilities: \"The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision.\" How profound that a woman who was blind taught us such a powerful lesson about the difference between sight and vision. Indeed, it is one thing to see the world as it is, but entirely another to envision it as it could be. The Rotary Foundation is all about envisioning possibilities — and making them happen. As we begin this Rotary year, I ask: what is your vision for the next 12 months? Could a community or region you know benefit from a grant from the Foundation? One probably could, and, as you read these words, many people in that community are waiting for our help and leadership. We are still reeling from the challenges of serving the world during COVID-19, but we cannot let that or anything else stop us. Many educational and health care needs have only been exacerbated by the pandemic. The world needs us. Beginning 1 July, you can apply for Foundation grants supporting Rotary’s new area of focus: the environment. July also brings changes, such as the financial restructuring of the World Fund, that have been implemented with an eye toward sustainability. We are just beginning a year when we will continue our first Programs of Scale grant in Zambia, seek a home for our next Rotary Peace Center, and plan and implement district and global grants that will make positive impacts for generations to come. To paraphrase the ancient Chinese philosopher Laozi, today we begin the journey of a thousand miles by taking our first step. Let’s walk together, looking forward, not to the past. Rotarians love a good challenge, so here’s one for us all: let’s challenge ourselves to think bigger this year and enlarge our vision of what we can and will do. Make the Foundation a part of your vision for a better world, and you will see the world, and yourself, change. JOHN F. GERM Rotary Foundation trustee chair 3

District 2452 Newsletter July 2021 Let’s meet The District Governor Name/Surname: Ashot Karapetyan Date of Birth: 16.12.1962 Nationality: Armenian Marital status: Married, Spouse Emma Club: RC Gyumri, Armenia Rotarian since: 2000. Classification: Advertising Education: State Polytechnic University, - Master’s degree in Engineering, 1984, Yerevan, Armenia, State University of Food Production, Graduation Program, 1988, Moscow, Russia, East-West Academy–Business Leaders certificate program,1991 Linz, Austria, Company: <AB Communication> Advertising holding, Position: Owner/CEO The biggest advertising holding of Armenia, with the largest coverage of outdoor vehicles, Large format Print house, Digital Marketing, Event Management Agency. Holding is on the list of Major taxpayers of Armenia. Civic & Public Service activities: Member of the Republican Commission Supervising the Observance of the Legislation on Social Advertising Head of Council of Armenian Outdoor Advertisers Association Member of German-Armenian Business Association, Founding member of Armenian-Egyptian Business Council, Member of the Board of Yerevan Outdoor Advertising Festival. Recognitions & Awards: 2020 Special Award from Ministry of Defense of Armenia 2017 Recognition Award from Government of Armenia 2015 Major Advertising holding of Armenia, by Finance Ministry magazine 2012 International Standards in Business, by Taxpayer magazine 2010 Year Businessman by Business Class magazine. Rotary positions, club level: Past President 2003-2004, 2001-2020 TRF Chair, Community Service Chair, International Service Chair, Vocational Service Chair, Club Treasurer, Rotaract Chair, Friendship Exchange Chair, Trainer. Recognitions: Ashot & Emma are Major Donors. Paul Harris Society member. Rotary positions, district and country level: 2003-2020 Country Chair of: DC Promotion, TRF, Membership, Public Image, International and other major committees. DDG/AG 2017-2018, Armenia & Georgia, Assistant Governor 2017-2018-2019, ICC National Coordinator of Armenia 2018-2020. District Stewardship subcommittee Chair 2019-2020, District Board of Governor/Advisory Committee 2019-2020-2021 Rotary positions at international level: Member of Executive council of Rotary ICC organization 2018-2021. Rotary events attended: 11 District Conferences, 3 Zone Institutes, 4 RI Conventions, 4 International Conferences. New Rotary Clubs Chartered/Mentored: RC Vanadzor, RC Yerevan Panarmenian Rotarians sponsored: 12 Family: Spouse Emma Karapetyan; UniversityTeacher of Russian language, Rotarian - RC Yerevan-Ararat, Emma & Ashot have two children, three grandchildren. Daughter: Sofia Karapetyan, Owner/CEO of <Partner Travel> Travel Agency, PHF, Member of RC Gyumri. Rotaract Club Yerevan 2012-2018, President 2015-2016, President of RC Yerevan Cosmopolitan-provisional, Son: Karen Karapetyan, Owner of Fish Breading company. Member of Rotaract Club Yerevan. Hobby: Music, traveling, swimming, mountain skiing. Languages: Armenian, Russian, English - fluent, French, Turkish - conversational. E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] Phone: +37410589956, Mob. +37491418705, +37455418705 4

District 2452 Newsletter July 2021 Rotary International President Shekhar's Theme for 2021-22 Incoming Rotary International President Shekhar Mehta urged members to become more involved in service projects, saying that caring for and serving others is the best way to live because it changes not only other people’s lives, but also our own. Mehta, a member of the Rotary Club of Calcutta-Mahanagar, West Bengal, India, revealed the 2021-22 presidential theme, Serve to Change Lives, to incoming district governors during the Rotary International Assembly..... The assembly, a yearly training event for district governors-elect, was originally set to take place in Orlando, Florida, USA, but was held virtually because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Mehta spoke about how participating in service projects through Rotary changed him as a person and made him empathize more with the needs of others. Soon after joining his club, he helped carry out projects that benefited rural communities in India. Some of the poor conditions he saw in those communities strengthened his commitment to service. “I truly understood the plight of my brethren,” he said. Mehta participated in initiatives that brought artificial limbs to children, clean water and sanitation to homes, and better health care facilities to communities. “Rotary kindled the spark within me to look beyond myself and embrace humanity,” he said. “Service became a way of life for me and I, like many others, adopted the guiding philosophy that ‘Service is the rent I pay for the space I occupy on this earth, and I want to be a good tenant of this earth.’” Mehta encouraged district governors-elect to lead by example during their term and inspire Rotary and Rotaract members to participate in projects that have measurable and sustainable impacts. He’s asking each club to conduct a Rotary Day of Service. “At the end of your term as district governor, you should feel that because of your leadership, because of your inspiration to Rotarians and Rotaractors, the world has changed for the better because of the service done by them during the year,” he said. Focusing on diversity, membership For the 2021-22 Rotary year, Mehta wants members to focus their efforts on empowering girls and ensuring their access to education, resources, services, and opportunities so that future generations of women leaders will have the tools they need to succeed. Mehta asked members to use Rotary’s belief that diversity, equity, and inclusion is critical in all we do as a compass to guide this work. “There are many issues that girls face in different parts of the world, and you as leaders will ensure that we try and mitigate the disadvantages of the girl that they may have,” he said. To be able to do more through service, Rotary needs to increase membership, Mehta said. Membership has hovered around 1.2 million for the past two decades. He challenged the incoming governors to be catalysts in their districts to help increase membership to 1.3 million by 1 July 2022. Mehta’s Each One, Bring One initiative asks every member to bring one person to join Rotary within the next 17 months. Increasing membership while also continuing our commitment to eradicating polio, fighting COVID-19, and serving our communities is an ambitious goal. “And that should excite you,” Mehta said. “Rotarians love challenges.” Speeches & resources Download 2021-22 theme logo and materials 2021-22 Theme: RI President-elect Shekhar Mehta (PDF) Service and Presidential Initiatives: RI President-elect Shekhar Mehta (PDF) 5

District 2452 Newsletter July 2021 Message from the Vice Governor Kevork Mahdessian Fellow Rotarians, The Rotary wheel has made another full circle and the time had come for our District Governor Mazen Al Umran to hand over the leadership of the District to Governor Elect Ashot Karapetyan in Yerevan on Saturday 3rd July , during a Gala Dinner in the presence of over 180 Rotarians and guests which included Diplomats and distinguished personalities. A solemn ceremony of handing over took place With Outgoing Governor making his farewell speech and Incoming Governor his first official speech where he stressed the importance of having Peace in the world ,peace with our neighbour countries, peace within our District and sincere fellowship and love amongst Rotarians. District Governor Ashot Karabetyan is the first Governor from Armenia taking the reign of our District in such difficult and unpredictable times with many countries in our District having serious problems, some economic, others political , whilst all suffering from health issues due to the Covid 19 Pandemic. Many challenges await the Governor and his team but I am sure he will guide the District and govern it with the skills and leadership that he has been known and recognised for, with his eagerness and his dedication to enhance Rotary in the area to new heights. He has proved himself as a capable leader and spares no effort to improve his knowledge of Rotary by way of training , full involvement in Rotary matters and most of all his love and devotion to Rotary principles. The whole family are Rotarians , with the Governor and spouse both Major Donors and daughter Sophia, President of a new Rotary Club with the son also a Rotarian. During the morning of 3rd July a District Training Assembly was organised where most of the Governor`s District officers attended physically, the first after sixteen months of virtual meetings where one could sense the feeling amongst members for the need of creating closer connections to each other , to work together to achieve targets set by the Governor and return the District to the days where harmony and Happiness prevailed. Fellow Rotarians , let us all together go forward to achieve what is expected of us , let us serve with passion and humility, try to improve the lives of people in need and grab the extraordinary opportunities that Rotary provides us to do more with your lives. PDG Kevork Mahdessian Vice Governor 6

District 2452 Newsletter July 2021 MEMBERSHIP; Helping club and district leaders achieve success You’ve started a new club, now it’s time to nurture it Your district has launched several new clubs. Congratulations! But the work isn’t done. Keeping clubs thriving is as important as getting them to the charter meeting if you want to reap the long-term gains of membership growth. Since a majority of charter members can be new to Rotary, it’s essential to nurture these clubs by embracing flexibility and seeking diversity. Rotary is committed to growing and diversifying our membership to reflect the communities we serve. Flexibility is essential as we adapt to changes in the world with new approaches such as virtual meetings and hybrid ones that combine the virtual and in-person experience. District 5950, Minnesota, USA, has several new and vibrant clubs, which have added more than 80 people to the district’s membership, including many women. District Governor Tom Gump shares his advice on how to keep your new clubs thriving DISEASE PREVENTION Taking action against COVID-19 Building on decades of experience in bringing polio to the brink of eradication, Rotary members worldwide are helping health authorities communicate lifesaving information about COVID-19 and vaccinations, combating misinformation, supporting fair and equal access to vaccines, and curbing the spread of the virus by donating protective gear and other supplies to clinics and hospitals that are under strain. Learn what your club can do to help by visiting our COVID-19 information page on My Rotary. There you can learn more about why vaccinations matter, find tips on how to talk to someone who is vaccine-hesitant, and discover how to take action to support India as it has fought a surge in cases. 7

District 2452 Newsletter July 2021 PARTNERS CORNER Rotary and ShelterBox have worked together for more than 20 years, offering support to millions of families worldwide that have been devastated by disaster and conflict. Since becoming project partners in 2012, ShelterBox has been instrumental to Rotary’s disaster response strategy. Now more than ever, the partnership is fundamental to helping save lives and provide homes and hope after disasters. As your partner, ShelterBox can help you support communities in their most difficult moments while inspiring others in your own community through our shared impact around the world. Download a special message tailored for district governors to discover how ShelterBox can be part of your clubs’ disaster response strategy, and visit the ShelterBox Action Toolkit WHAT’S UP Remember these reporting changes for 2021-22 It’s a new Rotary year. Make sure to review these important changes to reporting requirements for club presidents: ● Starting 1 July, club presidents are encouraged to report their club service projects committee chair to Rotary International. While the club service projects committee is not new, this is the first year that you’ll be able to report the committee appointment so that these chairs receive access to tools, resources, and support for club-led service activities. Learn more. ● Club presidents are also being asked to report club public image chairs. This will ensure that your club has access to our current brand guidelines and official Rotary assets including videos, ads, and customizable promotional materials. You’ll also get links to online training courses for public image officers and the latest news on how to increase our impact and reach. Reporting these appointments to Rl will help your club align district and club communications, provide feedback channels so that Rl can enhance our service resources and support, and increase your club’s impact and expand your reach. TECH TOOL New district enhancements coming to My Rotary Members will soon be able to review district information from a dedicated landing page on My Rotary. In a few weeks, you’ll easily see which clubs and members are part of your district. This enhancement is part of the ongoing upgrades being made to the site. Throughout 2021, we’ll continue to improve your My Rotary experience by: ● Making district officer and assistant governor information more easily accessible ● Improving the process for district officers to report, remove, and replace district officers ● Simplifying the assistant governor appointment process ● Introducing a dashboard for governors that presents key district information in a visually meaningful way ● Updating the process for managing district conferences and obtaining feedback ● Recognizing members who have sponsored a certain number of new members These new features will be released throughout the year. 8

District 2452 Newsletter July 2021 The Rotary Foundation Vision on TRF for RY 2021-2022 By DG Ashot Karapetyan, The Mission of The Rotary Foundation_TRF is to enable Rotarians to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through the improvement of health, the support of education, and the alleviation of poverty. TRF is generating the funding which supports the local and international humanitarian work of the Rotary club through district, global, scale grants. The Club Foundation Chair identifies new humanitarian grant opportunities through participation in Friendship Exchanges, local and international personal connections, the District’s Grants committee and other referral sources. In order to ensure that local humanitarian projects address changing local challenges, Club Foundation Chairs encourage collaboration and feedback from other local charities to ensure the Rotary humanitarian projects meet the most pressing local and regional needs. We need to tell people that 2020-21 has brought about important changes in the service and fundraising arena and also in approaches to management and leadership. We need to adapt our approaches to meeting the goals and challenges of this year. We have to carefully explain how our individual donations become the source of all District Grants that we award each year. There is no secrecy about how the Rotary Foundation works, but there is a widespread sense of mystery as well as misunderstandings and confusion. Club leaders need to invite people to speak directly with club members and ask the Foundation Chair for assistance. The Rotary Foundation is critical to the impact our members, clubs, and districts have in every community where we have a presence. To motivate each Rotarian to do his/her part. This will ensure that D2452 continues to have significant funding for District Grants going forward, funding that is the result of the individual donations of our members. While service projects have been curtailed, the need for our philanthropy continues unabated. We need to encourage potential donors to increase giving and to become a PH fellow, as well as clubs with 100%-member achievement of this goal to be recognized with a Paul Harris Fellow Club. We have to ask Rotarians to be People of Action and together we can ensure that Rotary reclaims 2021-2022! 9

District 2452 Newsletter July 2021 New Polio Eradication Strategy 2022-26 - Delivering On A Promise Rotary and our Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) partners have launched the Polio Eradication Strategy 2022-2026: Delivering on a Promise to overcome the remaining challenges to ending polio, including last year’s increase in polio cases caused by a pause in vaccination campaigns due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Leaders from Pakistan and Afghanistan — the last two countries where wild polio remains endemic — have recommitted to working with the GPEI to improve vaccination campaigns and reach at-risk children. As long as polio exists anywhere, it remains a threat everywhere. In addition to providing a roadmap to eradication, the new strategy calls for renewed political and financial commitments from governments and donors to achieve a polio-free world. Learn more about the action underway to eradicate polio. News from the Basic Education & Literacy Rotary Action Group  Posted by Rotary expert Courtney Doldron The BELRAG newsletter is ready!  Learn how Rotarians around the world are making a difference to ensure that students have access to learning, even in difficult situations. Rotarians are creative and effective in rising to meet the needs of students during these times when so many schools are closed or class time is limited.   The May 2021 BELRAG newsletter is full of success stories  of how Rotary Opens Opportunities for students in communities around the world, and an outstanding opportunity to enhance education projects through this partnership with Encyclopedia Britannica. A one-volume, Rotary-branded  Book of Knowledge is being specially printed for Rotarians to use to enhance their BEL service projects. 10

District 2452 Newsletter July 2021 A Call to Action - EMBRACE THE LOGO - Together we can unite Rotary  Posted by Past RI President Holger Knaack and Past TRF Chair Ravi Ravindran Here is a letter from Past Rotary International President Holger Knaack and Past Rotary Foundation Chair of the Trustees Ravi Ravindran. It is a Call To Action. They are asking Rotary, Rotaract and Interact clubs to update their logos to align with our brand standards. This means using the template in the Rotary Brand Center to create a club logo and then using it consistently, like on club websites, social media accounts, and signage, to name a few... Rotary’s logos mean so much to us. They’re the visual representation of our identity and values, and they instantly convey who we are. Those of us who’ve been with Rotary for many years have even seen the evolution of that logo. Repeated and consistent use of our logos builds global recognition of what we do. That’s why we all wear our Rotary pins so proudly! Over the next several months, we’ll ask Rotary, Rotaract, and Interact clubs to update their logos to align with our brand standards. This means using the template in the Brand Center to create a club logo and then using it consistently, like on club websites, social media accounts, and signage, to name a few. As a leader and brand ambassador, you lead by example when you use Rotary’s logos properly in your district publications. You can also support our efforts by addressing branding during virtual club visits, challenging incoming club leaders to update their club logos, or encouraging district public image chairs and committees to contact clubs to offer hands-on assistance We understand that updating a logo might not seem to be a very high priority, especially during a pandemic. But look at it this way: With so many of our clubs supporting their communities during this health crisis, consistently using a unified brand signals to the public — including potential members and donors — that local clubs are supporting the community and those clubs are part of the global Rotary network. It establishes trust in our organization and our members. Resources are available in the Brand Center and Learning Center, plus you can work with your regional or district public image coordinator for guidance and support. When every club uses the same visual identity, it builds awareness of who we are and the impact that we make around the world as people of action. Thank you for joining our effort to make the Rotary brand stronger than ever.  11

District 2452 Newsletter July 2021 DISTRICT TRAINING ASSEMBLY In view of the annual turnover of Rotary leadership each year, special effort is required to provide District leaders with appropriate instruction for the tasks they will assume. The annual district training assembly is the major leadership training event in each Rotary district of the world. On July 3rd, at the start of the Rotary year, the District 2452 Training team provided an opportunity for the leadership of our District to meet each other, exchange ideas, and learn about how your Rotary club can be the inspiration to our communities. It allowed all Participants to explore the best practices of Rotary and share the latest and greatest ideas on how to serve our communities, grow our clubs, engage our youth, obtain grants, and have fun with Rotary according to our shared interests. We talked about new opportunities Rotary has made available to grow our club by allowing for different models of Membership, about Rotary’s new “People of Action” campaign. 12

District 2452 Newsletter July 2021 The sessions offered motivation, inspiration, Rotary information and new ideas for District AGs and key committee chairs. Some of the most experienced district leaders conduct informative discussions on all phases of Rotary administration and service projects. The sessions gave all participants valuable new ideas to make their work more effective and interesting. 13

District 2452 Newsletter July 2021 14

District 2452 Newsletter July 2021 DISTRICT GOVERNOR HANDOVER CEREMONY The District Handover was held on July 3 in the beautiful setting of the Arqayadzor complex in Yerevan, Armenia. Before a delicious meal with a spectacular program, we celebrated DG 2020-2021 Mazen Alumran’s year as District Governor and welcomed Ashot Karapetyan as our new DG. But we didn't just welcome the new team. There were a very special program with participation of over 60 guests from District countries and beyond, and 120 Rotarians from 6 Armenian clubs with a couple of very special celebrations. His Excellences Ambassadors of Sweden, European Union and Head of United Nations Development Program were welcomed as new honorary members of Rotary Clubs of Gyumri and Yerevan International. 15

District 2452 Newsletter July 2021 DG Mazen passed on the District Governor chain to Ashot Karapetyan and wished him all the success for the incoming Rotary year. DG Ashot DGE George and DGN Bashar assured that District 2452 leaders will keep up looking ahead, make new plans to reach new goals. 16

District 2452 Newsletter July 2021 Public image highlights This year's celebrations were not just for Rotary however. This was a joint celebration with Rotaractors. After a presentation of Rotaract's activities in the Armenia DRR 2020-2021 Jelena Cvetkovic and DRR 2021-2022 Yasmina El Assi encouraged young members of Rotaract Club of Yerevan. DG Ashot pledged to all the clubs in Rotary, Rotaract, or Interact, his dedication and commitment to work coordinated, as only together, as a team, we can and will make a more impactful and sustainable difference in the lives of those we serve. We wish the new Rotary and Rotaract teams fun and success in the coming year. Press release link: «Rotary International» միջազգային կազմակերպության տարեկան ասամբլե… Club Recognition; Rotarians who donate $1,000 or more to the Annual Programs Fund, PolioPlus, or the Humanitarian Grants Program are recognized by the Rotary Foundation as Paul Harris Fellows. The Rotary Club of Gyumri became a 100% Paul Harris Fellow club. 17

District 2452 Newsletter July 2021 Introducing District Governor Elect: Personal Information DGE George Mitri Azar Rotary Club of Aley – District 2452 Date of Birth: 17 March 1954 Nationality: Dual Citizenship – Lebanese & British I. Serving Rotary District 2450 & 2452 1. Supporting The Rotary Foundation - February, 2018 Major Donor – Level 2 - February, 2018 Benefactor - December 2016 Paul Harris (+7) – Ruby - Founding Member of the Endowment Fund of the late Past District Governors Usama Barghouthi and Mustapha Nasserdine 2. Rotary Roles & Responsibilities In 2017 Rotary International President John Germ and the Board of Directors of Rotary International awarded DGE George Azar ``Service Above Self Award” for the devotion and exemplary efforts that symbolizes Rotary’s Motto Service Above Self. II. Education/Academic Achievements - Secondary Education: The National College of Choueifat (Charles Saad) - 1974- Bachelor in Chemistry – American University of Beirut (AUB) - 1978- Bachelor in Civil Engineering – American University of Beirut (AUB) III. Work Experience - Managing Partner - Al- Handassiah Ltd. Khoury Azar and Partners (Contracting and Consulting Co.) - Owner - Eng. George Mitri Azar Establishment (Building Promotion and Real Estate Development) - Managing Partner - Building Materials Center (BMC), Specialized in latest engineering techniques and building materials DGE George Azar is the Vice President of American University of Beirut (AUB) Alumni Association, Member of the Founding Committee of Mount Liban Branch and Past General Secretary of AUB. 1999 Joined Rotary Club of Aley 2003-2004 President of Rotary Club of Aley 2005-2007 Assistant Governor 2009-2020 District Major Committee Chairs 2011-2012 Deputy District Governor – Lebanon 2013-2014 District Assistant Governor Coordinator with PDG Jamil Mouawad District Membership Chair - 2452 2018-2019 Assistant Rotary Coordinator – Zone20-B with RC Malik Aviral Assistant Rotary Coordinator – Zone 21b with RC Jamil Mouawad 2019-2021 District Membership Chair – 2452, chartered (RC Palm - Dubai, RC S 2019-2020 Bahrain) District Governor Elect - 2452 2022–2023 DGE Contacts: Email: [email protected], Phone: +9613362650 18

District 2452 Newsletter July 2021 Introducing District Governor Nominee: Personal Information DGN Bashar Sh. Haddad Rotary Club of Amman Date of Birth: 14 February 1978 Nationality: Abu Dhabi - UAE Education BSc in Business Administration Al-Ahliya Amman University, 2001 Professional Experience 2010 – Present Deputy Managing Director, Payless Car Rental 2018 - Present Board Member, Al-Oroubah Schools 2017 - Present Board Member, Arab Union International Insurance 2015 - Present Partner, Golden Phoenix for Apparel Trade (Licensee of Louis Feraud & Pierre Cardin) 2012 - Present Deputy Managing Director, Al-Arabah for Trade & Investment (Stock Market & Real Estate) 2003 - 2010 Managing Director, Barakeh Auto Services 2000 - Present Vice President, Shaker Haddad & Sons Group 2003 Started his Rotary life at a young age as a member in the Rotaract Club of Amman and later became its president. 2007 Chosen to be the vice district Rotaract representative for Jordan 2009 Inducted at the Rotary club of Amman 2012/2016 Led the initiative and gathered enthusiastic Rotaractors with him and chartered the Rotary club of Amman Citadel 2012 and became its 4th president in 2016 Appointed as the district Rotaract chair for two years, assistant governor for two years, country secretary for two years, and the country TRF chair for one year. 2019-2020 Appointed as a district governor's aide for DG Shawkat Tadros in RY 2019-2020. Held various other club, country, and district posts. 2021-2022 Chosen to be the Deputy District Governor for Jordan Paul Harris Fellow on the 9th level, a Benefactor and a Paul Harris Society Member. Married to Mais Jamal Haddad and has two sons, Zaid & Faisal. DGN Contacts: Email: [email protected], Phone: +962795363636 19

District 2452 Newsletter July 2021 Useful links RI International Offices 2021 2022 https://www.rotary.org/en/about-rotary/our-leaders/international-offices Rotary International Committees 2021 2022 https://my.rotary.org/en/news-media/office-president/rotary-international-committees Useful links Calendar of DG visits District 2452 Leadership Team DG Office DG Direct Contact: +37491418705, Email: [email protected] Admin Assistant of District Governor 2021-2022: Anahit Markosyan, Mobile: +374 55777899 Admin Email: [email protected] , Executive Secretary: Lilya Oganova, Mobile +37494213333, Email: [email protected] 20

District 2452 Newsletter July 2021 21