Fellowship, Friendship & Fundraising Rabih Haber 22 February 2022 RCBC ensured to conclude each in-person meeting in an ambience of fellowship and camaraderie. 51
Fellowship, Friendship & Fundraising ANNUAL IFTAR With Guest Speaker Dr Suhelajaz Khan Indian Ambassador To Lebanon April 26, 2022 Following the tradition of the annual Iftar in the holy month of Ramadan, RCBC shared this family event with special friends and fellow Rotarians. The Iftar was held in Makan restaurant in the presence of his Excellency Ajaz Khan, Ambassador of India to Lebanon and the Indian Consul. IDG George Azar, fellow Rotarians and Rotaractors graced the evening. This iftar was cohosted by RC Tripoli Maaradand RC Tripoli. In attendance also were RC Tyre Europa, RC Metn Gate, RC Beirut Hills. A warm welcome was extended to the newly established RC Beirut Liberty. After a sumptuous meal that was enjoyed by all, Ambassador Khan addressed the guests highlighting India’s Role in the Revival of Global Economy post Covid-19. 52
Fellowship, Friendship & Fundraising The evening culminated by P Sona celebrating the unity of the Lebanese by celebrating Ramadan and Easter together. Brightly colored easter Eggs were cracked and the traditional sweet Maamoul from Saida was enjoyed by all. Cheers to India and Lebanon and may the collaboration between the two bring success and prosperity to all. 53
Fellowship, Friendship & Fundraising ANTHONY RAHAYEL (Youtuber / Content Creator / ngno) “Touring Lebanon For The Last 10 Years: Learning The Best Practices To Rebuild The Country” May 4, 2022 In the beautiful, spacious setting of MadeByNature in Kaslik, RC Beirut Cosmopolitan together with RC Keserouan held a joint meeting that was attended by IDG George Azar, visiting PDG from PDG TerjeGaarden (Norway)and fellow Rotarians. This was a highly anticipated gathering to host the famous Anthony Rahayel (No Garlic No Onions) and his business partner Marc Beyrouti, an authority on the Lebanese Flora and wild plants all over Lebanon. After a scrumptious buffet of fresh saj, an array of Lebanese cheeses and produce, the audience were treated to an uplifting presentation by Anthony where every word showed his love for the country and his ongoing efforts to highlight its beauty and its people. Anthony’s journey to promote Lebanon started in 2012. It was an arduous one, visiting almost every village, introducing people to its artisans and local delicacies, capturing with the camera every beautiful corner. When the Lebanese economy hit rock bottom the past two years, he accelerated his mission by seeking ways of helping families survive. The past two years witnessed an increase in local tourism, 250 small factories are operating in Bekaa to produce Mouneh (Lebanese Preserved food) and export it. The crisis made the Lebanese reassess their situation and awaken their entrepreneurial spirit even more. there is now more innovation in food production: every kind of cheese is produced in Lebanon, four pasta factories using the 54
Fellowship, Friendship & Fundraising highest quality wheat, jams, wines, vinegars etc are being manufactured and exported. Made By Nature space is the living example that houses all Lebanese made food items, arts and crafts, agricultural section all to support local families. It also has a conference room that is called the Positivity Hub of Lebanon where young people meet and exchange creative ideas. Anthony’s definition of Service to the community is “Give people the hook and bait and teach them how to fish”, a philosophy that creates sustainability and improves quality of life. If we want to help Lebanon, buy Lebanese and distribute Lebanese products. Rotary can definitely implement this philosophy in its service in the community by educating people, help them buy what they need to sustain their livelihood. RCBC Brain Storming Meeting June, 2022 Per annual tradition, IP Farida Najjar conducted a meeting on June 7 to seek input from the club members regarding club operations, a tradition that helped Incoming Presidents formulate their strategic plan for the year incorporating points raised by the members. The meeting was productive and was followed by a cocktail for fellowship and fun. 55
Beyond RCBC - Rotary Network Beyond RCBC - Rotary Network: Lebanon Visit to RCBC Chouf (July) One of the highlights of P Sona establishing friendships was a visit to RC Chouf where its President Mona Richani received Disaster Aid Europe Chair Irena Brichta and Stuart Amesbury who were there on a combined business and fellowship day, in the presence of DGN George Azar. RCBC President exchanged banners with P Mona in the beautiful setting of Hamade Museum and held discussions with Chair Irena on service projects and ways of cooperation. World Polio Day (Oct.) On Saturday October 23, P Sona participated with the fellowship day initiated by RC Beyrouth in observance of WORLD POLIO Day. It was a full day of activities in the town of Batroun and environs, with full emphasis on the drive to eradicate Polio around the world. In attendance were a large group of Rotarians and guests who were warmly received by President Aida Cherfan, IP Antoine Amatoury and AG Ghada Ayoub . 57
Beyond RCBC - Rotary Network Sahel el Metn 25th Anniversary (Feb) With the grip of Covid releasing itself slowly, Rotarians are feeling more adventurous in having more in person meetings like the good old days. On February 12, RC Sahel Metn had a dual celebration of Valentine’s Day and the club’s 25th anniversary. It was an evening of fun that was attended by our P Sona Kourtian and PP Habib Saba. RC Kserouan (Feb) On February 24, RC Kserouan hosted a noted guest speaker, Mr. Nehmat Frem, PP of the Parliamentary Economic Commission, to address the current economic situation in Lebanon. The event was concluded by celebrating the 117th anniversary of RI. This evening was highly attended by Rotarians and Rotaractors and other friends of the club; RCBC P Sona represented our club at this event. 58
Beyond RCBC - Rotary Network RC Beyrouth 90th Anniversary (march) On Tuesday March 29, our sponsor club RC Beyrouth held a lovely evening to celebrate its 90th anniversary. Many clubs were in attendance and RCBC was represented by P Sona Doniguian, IP Farida Najjar, Ambassador Rtn. Samir Khoury, IPP Habib Saba and Rt. Joelle Feghali. 59
Beyond RCBC - Rotary Network Farewell RY 2021-2022 Presidents, Assistant Governors and Deputy DG bid farewell to Rotary Year 2021- 2022 in a beautiful atmosphere of friendship at the roof of Catrina’s Mar Mikhael on 22 June 2022. 60
Beyond RCBC - Rotary Network Beyond RCBC - Rotary Network: International France One of the perks of being a Rotarian is the sense of belonging to a large local and international family. When a Rotarian is on a personal or business trip, they can reach out to any Rotary Club, attend the meetings, forge new friendships and explore avenues of Service. With this spirit, RCBC RT. Jean Paul Moubarak visited recently RC Paris Quai D’ Orsay where he was warmly received. Present at that meeting was IP Liliane Nachar, Karine Sinander from RC Orgryte-Goteborg (Sweden), PP Gregor Engels from RC E- Club Cologne, Germany, PP Pierre Yves Samson and other friends. This meeting led to fruitful discussions exploring avenues of cooperation between RCBC and the two prominent French and German Clubs. Netherlands In August, Minke Haveman and Yvanka Hellugie, two Rotarians from Rotary Noord- Groningen, The Netherlands, were visiting Beirut and reached out to P Sona. With no advance planning, they were treated to a wonderful spontaneous program of a walking visit through Beirut to show them the city with a special attention to details. This visit left our Dutch friends with such good memories that translated into financial support for one of our projects this year targeting Education in Lebanon. RCBC is very thankful to have friends who care from all over the world! 61
Beyond RCBC - Rotary Network International Evening – RC Bridgend Wales On March 7, P Sona Kourtian & IPP Habib Saba were invited to attend, over zoom, our international partners’, RC Bridgend South Wales UK “International Evening”. The program included: • A student zooming in from North of the Arctic Circle -Sophie Maguire (Aberystwyth University, MPhys Student), • Presentation on BOTAWA - Allison Rowlands, supported by the BOTAWA Team: where BOTAWA Project = Botswana Tanzania Wales - helping schools in Tanzania, and a Global Grant Project planned for next few years for water and toilet facilities in 6 schools in the Moshi District of Tanzania, • Interventions from 2 Clubs Rotary Carson-Gardena-Dominguez & Rotary Long Beach in California • A greeting from Rotary Gourock of Scotland On behalf of RCBC, IPP Habib Saba provided an update on the Karantina Hospital Pediatric Ward GG, in which RC Bridgend South Wales are partners, and P SonaKourtian presented RCBC’s current year main project: AGBU Dispensary project. The evening was concluded by an Auction, the proceeds of which are to be used for projects, while the light and amicable atmosphere was felt and lived even remotely, on the virtual platform. Special thanks to RCBC friends William Williams & Mike Lewis for inviting and giving us the opportunity to participate in this beautiful event. 62
Beyond RCBC - Rotary Network Banners Exchange One of the many strengths of Rotary is forging global ties and friendships among members. Our club is proud to have such a strong international network that keeps on expanding and enhancing the channels of cooperation. 63
Beyond RCBC - Rotary Network ICC RCBC is proud to have two of its members participating in Inter-Country Committees (ICC) P Sona Kourtian Rtn. Michel Mansour member of ICC France-Lebanon member of ICC India-Lebanon 64
Beyond RCBC - Rotary Network Twinning RCBC, over the years, has enjoyed great international relationships with clubs and districts. Many Global Grants and emergency aid was realized through our cooperation and mutual support. These relationships often times resulted in club twinning with clubs in Europe and USA. One recent cooperation took place on June 1, when RCBC signed an MOU with Rotary Club Bangalore Brigades to enhance the already established working ties of both clubs. The event took place virtually, over 80 Rotarians attended and the twinning certificate was witnessed by DG Ashot Karapetyan (D2452) represented by Michel Davoudian, DGE George Azar, P Sona Kourtian from RCBC, P Gayathri Nayak from Bangalore Brigades, PDGs and several prominent guests. As a member of ICC Lebanon-India, RCBC already collaborated with RC BB in two previous projects. Congratulations RCBB India and RCBC Lebanon on the newly minted twining and cooperation. Wishing everyone continued success. 65
District Seminars District seminars i. Country Wide Assembly with DG Ashot Karapetyan October 10, 2021 On Sunday October 10, a country wide assembly was held in the presence of DG Ashot Karapetyan while he was on a week long visit to Lebanon to meet with all the Rotary Clubs. This assembly was attended by PDGs, DGE George Azar, Club Presidents and Officers. Rotary business was discussed and presentations were made on the importance of Membership, Awards, Rotary Foundation updates and all pertinent matters to clubs in Lebanon. RCBC was represented by P Sona, and IP Farida Najjar. ii. Rotary Foundation (Nov) On November 26, RCBC participated in the Rotary Foundation District Seminar where prominent speakers were featured shedding light on the Rotary Foundation, what it does and its policies of grant implementation this year. RCBC featured PP George Beyrouti, District Chair of Rotary Peace Fellows Program. George spoke about the program, selection process, funding and highlighted the great interest for this program by many candidates in our District. 66
District Seminars iii. Public Image (Dec) December 03, 2021 RC Beirut Cosmopolitan is always present and engaged at D 2452 level. On December 3, our club attended the District Public Image Seminar where valuable information was disseminated about promoting Rotary Public Image. iv. IDG George Azar DTTS (Feb) Virtual District Training Seminar On February 16 and over four consecutive days, Incoming District Governor George Azar and District Trainer PDG Jamil Mouawad conducted a comprehensive training seminar for District 2452, with almost 100 participants from all countries in the district who will serve in RY 2022-2023. The seminar was conducted by prominent guest speakers from D 2452 and international speakers who covered all subjects Rotary: Membership, Setting Goals, The Rotary Foundation, Navigating Club Central, Social Media and Public Image, Strategic Planning and Rotary’s Action Plan. There was an emphasis on how Rotarians can be change makers in our ever changing world now. Lots of valuable information was shared and a lot to look forward to in the coming Rotary year. RC Beirut Cosmopolitan is represented in the District Team by P Sona Kourtian, Rt. Rana Salhab, and PP Habib Saba, while PP Mona Jarudi will be serving at country level. 67
District Seminars v. PETS Training (March) On March 5, a training seminar (PETS) was given for Presidents Elect, Club Secretar- ies and other officers to prepare them for the RY 2022-2023. RCBC was represented by IP Farida Najjar, ICS Dr. Kevin Saliba, IAG Habib Saba and the president of BCRAC Elissa Tabet. Best wishes to all for another successful Rotary year. vi. Post DTTS (March) On March 23, a post DTTS was held virtually with over 80 participants from all over D2452. RCBC members District Chairs Joined as well: P Sona Kourtian, IAG Habib Saba and Rana Salhab. Best practices were discussed through 5 breakout sessions discussing: Membership Recruitment and Retention; Facts Analysis and Solutions; Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; Youth and their role in Rotary; lasting Impact-Mega Projects. An Action Plan will be charted based on the summary of thoughts given by each group, to be implemented in RY 22-23. Nicki Scott, a RI Director joined the meeting from England and gave a motivational talk entitled: Our Vibrant Future, Putting our Plan into Action. This talk was followed by an extensive Q&A session. 68
District Seminars vii. District Conference in Yerevan, Armenia (May) 9th District Conference - May 2022 After a two-year imposed virtual meetings and conferences, District Governor Ashot Karapetyan (D-2452) took the lead in holding the District Conference in Yerevan, Armenia, which was highly attended by Rotarians from the district and beyond. It was a very successful conference, thanks to the professional organization and hospitality of DG Ashot and his team. After enjoying a pre-conference tour of beautiful Armenia, the conference started on May 19 with the utmost organization. Plenary sessions with panels focused on all important topics in Rotary life: • Importance of Rotary Public Image and its impact. • Growing Rotary through Youth engagement. • The Rotary Foundation and doing good in the world. • Inter Country Committees and Global Networking groups. • Innovative and Adaptive Leadership. • Rotary Responds with Peace. • UN and RI International Partnerships. These sessions were presented by keynote speakers and Rotary Directors whose experience and knowledge of Rotary enriched the conversations in every session and topic. RCBC President SonaKourtian was honored by being one of the panelists on” Rotary Responds with Peace”, a session moderated by PDG Kevork Mahdessian (Cyprus) with the keynote speaker RI Director, Keterina Kotsali-Papadimitriou (Greece). Rotary cooperation was exemplified in the Inter Country Committee opening another chapter of Armenia- India in the presence of the Indian ambassador to Armenia as well as other Rotarians from India. Per tradition, the conference culminated with the Awards Ceremony. Our club, RCBC, won awards in the two categories it applied to: Club Administration (Club Excellence Award) and the Rotary Foundation (Certificate of Merit). The conference program was rich with tours of beautiful 69
District Seminars Armenia, entertainment, culture and history. Several members enjoyed additional days in the country where the spirit of fellowship was dominant throughout, highlighted by the Armenian hospitality. It was a successful conference, the memories of which will linger on. Special thanks go to DG AshotKarapetyan, his team, and all the clubs of Armenia who made this conference the success it was. 70
Rotary Youth Programs Rotaract Club of Beirut Cosmopolitan (BCRAC) Aya Muhieddine Sandy Azar Bassem Helou Zeinab Al-Mawla Raphael Saab Josiane Ibrahim Jad Kerdieh Mohammad Ali Ahmad Hassan Khalife Carla Bou Diab Ghia El Haddad Najwa Hallak Mohammad Elissa Tabet Sirvart Bardakjian Kai Gerges Al Rawwas 71
Rotary Youth Programs BCRAC Activities We are happy to announce that our BCRAC family is growing! After going through difficult times, our Rotaractors are back on track, and we are happy to happy that SIX new members joined our team; welcome on board: 1. Mohammad al Rawwas 2. Hassan Khalife 3. Bassem Helou 4. JadKerdieh 5. Elissa Tabet 6. Marwan Jaffal We are also happy that our dear Sirvart Bardakjian is back in country and back to BCRAC! We are also excited about 8 additional “Guests” who will be soon pinned as members, once they complete their project: yes, we are growing! BCRAC Board 2021-2022: President Carla Bou Diab Vice-President Ghia Al Haddad Secretary Elissa Tabet Treasurer Mohamad al Rawwas Advisor Peter Rassi BCRAC Board 2022-2023: President Elissa Tabet Vice-President Bassem Helou Secretary Jad Kreidieh The new members and the “guests”, together with P Carla & VP Ghia,are already active and initiated and participated in several functions and events during the year, as follows: BCRAC Community Service Committee: • Stickers 3al Lebnene (Fundraiser) • Participating in RCBC’s annual Christmas Event • Bethoon Project (distributing positive and kind affirmations to strangers) “Stickers 3al Lebnene” “RCBC’s annual Christmas Even” 72
Rotary Youth Programs BCRAC Club Service Committee: “7awwel 3al Shmel” “3al Zehleweh” “Sarde” • 7awwel 3al Shmel with Rotaract Tripoli – November 14 • 3al Zehleweh with Rotaract Zahle – November 15 • Sarde – November 18 • Sarde 2.0 (virtual) (many casual gatherings after meetings, events...) BCRAC Professional Development Committee: • Methle Methlak w/ Rac Saida – October 30 • Sarde “History; Sea People” PD with Marwan – November 18 • “Discover Your True Voice” by EKO Voices w/ Rac USJ – November 27 • “Time Management” PD by Rotarian Christine – January 14 • Love and Dating Body Language w/ USJ – March 18 “Stickers 3al Lebnene” “RCBC’s annual Christmas Even” “Discover Your True Voice” “Love and Dating Body Language” 73
Rotary Youth Programs BCRAC International Understandings Committee: • Participated in an International Project for Arabic Language National Day (Zoom game night) • Participated in another project on Arabic Language National Day (We filmed and sent a video speaking the Lebanese dialect) • Flag exchanged with Rotaract Club of Dubai • Participated in a Rotaract Photo Album • BCRAC’s current secretary visited the Rotary pavilion in EXPO 2020 Dubai and met international Rotarians and Rotaractors. • Participated in a cultural exchange project (a series of meetings with different Rotaract Club where we discover the culture of each other) “Flag exchanged with Rotaract Club of Dubai” “The Rotary Pavilion, EXPO 2020” BCRAC Elevate Rotaract: • Incoming president, ElissaTabet, attended the joint PETS between Rotary and Rotaract. • Incoming president attended the inauguration of the Rosary Sister Hospital. • Incoming president attended the Rotary Rotaract Panel that included international Rotarian panelists. • Current vice president, incoming president and incoming vice president attended the Grants Management Training Seminar. “PETS 2022-2023” “Inauguration of the Rosary Sister Hospital 74
Rotary Youth Programs BCRAC Participation in District Conference: Members and guests of BCRAC (total 11 No.) participated in the District Conference held in Batroun. The Conference was full of activities, including hiking, sight-seeing, and exploring historical and cultural attractions, in addition to giving us the opportunity of meeting Rotaractors and friends fr4om all over the District. The Last Day was the Closing Ceremony: it started with certifications to the clubs, head of committees, directors, VDRR’s, DRR. Then, the handing over happened. The new DRR Maguy presented the theme of the RY2023 and her team. The Conference was concluded with a gala dinner, and we left with unforgettable happy memories. 75
Rotary Youth Programs BCRAC Closing the year / Handing Over Ceremony & Pinning of New Members: Due to several lockdowns during the year, the pinning of the new members was done during the end of year handing over ceremony on 29 June 2022. In attendance to this event were: RCBC President Sona Kourtian, as well as PP Habib Saba & Incoming President Farida Najjar, DRR Yasmina Al Assi, and friends and Rotaractors from sister clubs. After welcoming words by Bassem, each of P Sona and DRR Yasmina addressed with congratulating and encouraging words, while P Carla, VP Ghia & IP Elissa presented their brief of their activities & plans. Good luck to the new members, good luck to the New President & Board, and Good Luck BCRAC! 76
Club Membership RCBC BOARD 2021-2022 President Sona Kourtian-Doniguian President Elect Farida Najjar Habib Saba IPP Joe Boulos Haytham Kurd Vice President John Edde Samir El Khoury Secretary Mona Jarudi Michel Mansour Treasurer Director Director Director RCBC BOARD 2022-2023 President President Elect Farida Najjar IPP Amal Talhouk Vice President Sona Kourtian Doniguian Secretary Samir el Khoury Treasurer Kevin Saliba Director Director HaythamKurdi Director Mona Jarudi Michel Mansour Habib Saba 78
Club Membership Past Presidents Habib Saba Adib Mounla Mona Jarudi 2020 - 2021 2019 - 2020 2018 - 2019 Rabab Safieddine Joe Boulos Mimi Hamam Lina Shair 2017 - 2018 2016 - 2017 2015 - 2016 2014 - 2015 Mounir Jabre Asaad Salhab Habib Saba Subhi Jarudi Edouard Rassie 2013 - 2014 2012 - 2013 2011 - 2012 2010 - 2011 2009 - 2010 Georges Beyrouti Raouf Malak Pierre Azar Tony Asfour 2008 - 2009 2007 - 2008 2006 - 2007 2005 - 2006 Habib Bassoul Gladys Younes Fawzi Metni Fahed Assaf Karim Naamani 2004 - 2005 2003 - 2004 2002 - 2003 2001 - 2002 2000 - 2001 Joe Boulos George Theodory Meg Bouldoukian Riad Saade 79 1999 - 2000 1997 - 1999 1996 - 1997 1995 - 1996
Club Membership Members Joseph Akl Christine Iman Aziz George Beyrouti Arzoumanian Joe Boulos John Edde Samir El Khoury Joelle Feghali Colin Gibson Sylva Mimi Hamam Mounir Jabre Guiragossian Mona Jarudi Subhi Jarudi May Khoury Sona Kourtian 80
Club Membership Members Haytham Kurdi Nada Maalouf Ghaleb Raouf Malak Mahmassani Michel Mansour Jean Paul Adib Mounla Karim Naamani Moubarak Farida Najjar Habib Saba Rabab Safieddine Asaad Salhab Rana Salhab Kevin Saliba Lina Shair Abbas Sibai 81
Club Membership Members Amal Talhouk Diana Cotran Nasr El Baba Mazen El Farra George Theodory Honarary Member Mjr. Gen. Del Col The Four-Way Test The Four-Way Test is a non-partisan and non-sectarian ethical guide for Rotarians to use for their personal and professional relationships. The test has been translated into more than 100 languages, and Rotarians recite it at club meetings. Of the things we think, say or do; 1. Is it the TRUTH? 2. Is it FAIR to all concerned? 3. Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS? 4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned? 82
BAYVIEW HOTEL
RCBC Acknowledgements & Thank You Letters 84
RCBC Acknowledgements & Thank You Letters 85
RCBC Acknowledgements & Thank You Letters With my sincere admiration and warm affection to President Sona for a wonderful start of her Rotarian year, creating a positive and constructive fellowship synergy among RCBC outstanding members. Riad Fouad Saade PP RC Beyrouth Founding President RCBC Hi Sona, this is so impressive, wow. What an amazing club. Much respect to you and your colleagues. Abed Medawar PP RC Hillsborough Township Sona A superb meeting this evening. Would it be possible to send me a copy of the recorded meeting? PP Frank Hardiman RC Purely President Sona – What a tremendous pleasure and privilege it was for me to join your Rotary Club meeting today. My thanks to you and to Samir and to Mona for the kind invitation. Congratulations on the many successes of the Rotary Club of Beirut Cosmopolitan. Larry Lunsford, Trustee The Rotary Foundation Dear President Sona 86
RCBC Acknowledgements & Thank You Letters I have just had the opportunity to read your latest newsletter which you kindly sent to me. I am very impressed to see all that you have been doing. Best wishes to you all. Clive Amos Past President Rotary Club of London Past District Governor RI District 1130 Dear Sona This is just a brief note to thank you for your presentation last night at our District Council. Your club’s commitment to serve your local community is both inspiring and exemplary despite the appalling conditions in Beirut. Well done! Should you visit the UK again please consider the East Midlands – you will be warmly welcomed. Please convey my warm Rotary greetings, along with the remainder of the members in D1070 to your club: it’s good to have made the link with you and I look forward to working with you in the future. Best wishes David Morris 19 Gretton Street District Governor 2021-22 Oakham, Rutland, LE15 7UU 01572 345342 / 07799 661959 Rotary Club of Melton Mowbray Dear Sona, I would like to thank you for allowing me to participate in your ZOOM meetings over the last months. I have been a Rotarian with the RC Schenefeldfor 40 years (chartered in 1982) but in all these years I have not met a president as active as you are. Both the topics and the speakers as well as the number of grants is remarkable. I have enjoyed every meeting. Warm greetings Gerd Flamme PP, RC Schenefeld 87
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