Rotary District 7020 Newsletter for April, 2013

Rotary International President – Sakuji Tanaka (Japan) District 7020 Governor – Vance Lewis (British Virgin Islands)

Peace Through Service Newsletter Editor – Kitty Bucsko

DG Vance

District 7020 Newsletter

April, 2013 TABLE OF CONTENTS

WHAT YOU WILL FIND IN THIS ISSUE… …PDF file is best viewed at 75 %.

News of District interest first…

District Theme District Conference in Tortola and RI Convention in Lisbon Rainbow Team – Pot of Gold for March Club Charter Celebrations Coming events REDI Conference 2013 Club-of-the-Month (COTM)

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Club News Grant Cayman Sunrise St. Thomas Nassau Sunrise Liquanea Plains Eleuthera Rotary E-Club of the Caribbean, 7020 (Butterfly Storybook) Aquin Grand Cayman Central St. Maarten

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St. Martin Sunrise Lucea New Kingston Nassau Sunrise Grand Cayman Port au Prince Les Cayes Interact Corner Rotaract Corner Rotary Wisdom, Royce Abbey (RI President, 1988-89) References

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Experience the Passion of Rotary

Are you ready?

For ROTARY's BIGGEST CELEBRATION? June 23-26 in LISBON, PORTUGAL Come and see Rotary like never before.

It's not too late to plan for it. Airfare is still reasonable, and registration is still open.

April,

2013

Even the hotel rooms are ample and reasonable.

Haresh has created a database for all those who responded confirming attendance. If you haven't responded to me last time and you are still planning on going, then please reply accordingly. Haresh will place you in the database, so we can communicate on the several activities taking place in Lisbon.

It's gonna be awesome!

Haresh Ramchandani, PRF (Permanent Rotary Fan) District 7020 Newsletter - April, 2013

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THE RAINBOW TEAM PDG Diana White dianawhite.7020@gmail.com

Your Rainbow Team provides a “Pot of Gold� to strengthen your clubs. All are on call for you as guest speakers or a general resource: Rotary Public Image Coordinator Rotary Coordinator Zone 34

Claudia Mertl cmdg05@leisurelines.com Randy Rawiszer RotaryTailor@aol.com John Richardson jrichardson@i-h-e.com Diana White dianawhite.7020@gmail.com Nigel Aqui npaltd@gmail.com

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2013

Assistant Rotary Coordinators: Georgia Florida District 7000 District 7020 District 7030

Carlos Giraldo carlos@crshotels.com Marcy Ullom marcyullom@gmail.com

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Celebration/Activity

Date

3rd of the month

Attendance Report Due Club Charter Celebrations Trafalgar-New Heights, Jamaica Sint Maarten, Netherlands Antilles Montego Bay, Jamaica Charlotte Amalie, USVI Falmouth, Jamaica Sunrise Road Town, BVI

March 7, 2009 March 17, 1972 March 21, 1961 March 28, 1985 March 29, 2002 March 31, 2009

Portmore, Jamaica Petite Riviere, Haiti Aquin, Haiti Saint Barthelemy, FWI Pignon, Haiti Eleuthera St. Maarten Mid-Isle, NA Delmas-Aeroport, Haiti St. Thomas II, USVI Leogane, Haiti Ouanaminthe, Haiti Grand Cayman Sunrise, Cayman Islands Saint Marc, Haiti Rotary Sunrise Road Town, Tortola St. Andrew, Jamaica New Kingston, Jamaica

April 1, 1999 April 4, 2008 April 6, 2007 April 7, 1994 April 8, 1999 April 9, 2009 April 11, 1997 April 14, 2000 April14, 1979 April 14, 2010 April 16, 2010 April 18, 2002 April 22, 1998 April 25, 2009 April 29, 1987 April 30, 1990

East Nassau, Bahamas Nassau Sunrise, Bahamas St. Croix Mid-Isle, USVI Providenciales, Turks & Caicos North St. Catherine, Jamaica St. John, USVI

May 6, 1963 May 8, 2001 May 13, 1988 May 17, 1996 May 19, 2008 May 21, 1999

2013

When chemists die, they barium.

April,

Jokes about German sausage are the wurst.

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April

Rotary Magazine Month World Autism Awareness Day

April 2, 2013 Earth Day April 22, 2013 Rotarians-At-Work Day

April 27, 2013 REDI Conference 2013

May 3-4, 2013 Cypress Creek, Fort Lauderdale, Florida District 7020 Conference BVI

May 14-18, 2013 Rotaract District Conference

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2013

May 29 – June 2, 2013 Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands

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Prepare - Respond - Recover Share the challenge - Find the solution

REDI Con 2013 May 3-4, 2013 To Register (only $139.00): Click HERE

The Westin Hotel Cypress Creek (Fort Lauderdale), Florida Room reservations ($87.00 a night): Click HERE Douglas R. Maymon PDG R.E.D.I. Conference Chair DougMaymon@gmail.com Skype: DRMaymon6990

www.rediconference.org Rotarian Emergency Disaster Initiative

CLUB-OF-THE-MONTH PROGRAM Entries for March must be submitted by April 5, 2013

November December January February March

Theme Partnerships and Membership New Generations Service Month – Vocational, Community and International service Rotary Foundation Month Family Month and Fellowship Month Rotary Awareness Month World Understanding Month and Public Relations Month Emphases Month – Literacy, Environment, Health & Hunger, Water

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2013

Month August September October

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CLUB-OF-THE-MONTH WINNERS AUGUST LARGE CLUB – RC of Grand Cayman Central (Ravi Kapoor) SMALL CLUB – RC of Eleuthera (Jacqueline Gibson) SEPTEMBER LARGE CLUB – RC of Grand Cayman Sunrise (Tony Catalanotto) SMALL CLUB – RC of Lucea (Lennox Anderson-Jackson) OCTOBER LARGE CLUB – RC of Grand Cayman (Sebastien Guilbard) SMALL CLUB – RC of Negril (Ken Cooney) NOVEMBER LARGE CLUB – RC of East Nassau (Geoff Andrews) SMALL CLUB – RC of Mandeville, Jamaica (Basil Cameron) DECEMBER LARGE CLUB – Road Town, BVI (Trefor Grant) SMALL CLUB – Pétion-Ville, Haiti (Marlene Gay) JANUARY LARGE CLUB – Tortola, BVI (Simon Welch) SMALL CLUB – Liguanea Plains, Jamaica (Novlet Green-Deans) FEBRUARY LARGE CLUB – Kingston, Jamaica (Manley Nicholson)J SMALL CLUB – Montego Bay, Jamaica (Roxanne Smith)

April,

2013

CONGRATULATIONS TO EVERYONE!

District 7020 Newsletter - April, 2013

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ROTARY CLUB OF GRAND CAYMAN SUNRISE …submitted by Christine Mathews

Rotary Sunrise Cayman Educates Mechanics In its third year of operation, the Superior Auto Training Programme is an auto-mechanic training program for young Caymanians who may not otherwise have the opportunity to acquire skills for employment.

Owner, Mark DeMercado and programme facilitator Levi Allen accepted a cheque donation of $5,000 from Rotary Sunrise. This is the third year Rotary Sunrise has supported the programme.

The programme is provided free of cost to the students, and the training provided is accredited by the Jamaican German Automotive School (JAGAS). The first and second groups of trainees have successfully completed the programme and are now gainfully employed in local auto shops.

ROTARY CLUB OF ST. THOMAS …submitted by Karen John

The Rotary Club of St. Thomas donated to 72 students from three Early Act classes at Sibilly School an Atlas, dictionary, thesaurus and a grammar book of their very own.

Each book had a label for the student’s name, the name of our club, and our special 4-way test.

The Rotary Club of St. Thomas sponsored two schools as Early Act Clubs, a Rotary International program for elementary schools, a school-wide service club for elementary students ages 5 to 13, sponsored by Rotary Clubs and chartered by the district.

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The mission of Early Act is to promote goodwill, understanding and peace through active participation of student members so that, with committed citizenship and effective leadership, they improve the quality of life for their school, local and global communities."

Above - JP Coopee, Sibilly Librarian Christine Davis, Paul Davis, Judee Slosky and Bruce Perry (photo by Erik Ackerson) District 7020 Newsletter - April, 2013

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ROTARY CLUB OF NASSAU SUNRISE - busy Below - In celebration of Rotary Awareness month DGN Felix Stubbs gave an enlightening presentation on the Fundamentals of Rotary.

NEWEST MEMBER of ROTARY CLUB OF NASSAU SUNRISE President Mario Smith had the pleasure of pinning our newest Rotarian Hubert A. Simmons at the club's regular meeting on Thursday January 24, 2013.

Huey, as he prefers to be called, had perfect attendance at meetings and events prior to joining the Rotary Club of Nassau Sunrise and is excited to contribute even more.

The Club welcomes Huey and looks forward to his valued contribution to the club, Rotary International and the community at large.

Finish Line CafĂŠ

April,

2013

On January 20, members of the Rotary Club of Nassau Sunrise partnered with Marathon Bahamas to host the Finish Line Cafe at the Bahamas Marathon.

The event attracted over 1,000 participants plus spectators who cheered on the runners. Winner of the half marathon Jonathon Volpi poses with RCNS members at the Finish Line Cafe were a variety of souses were sold. Left to right Carla Stubbs, Emerika Robinson, Jonathan Volpi,, Jerryse Rolle, Naamah Rahming and Tanya Woodside.

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TAKING THE SHOW ON THE ROAD Recently, members of the Rotary Club of Nassau Sunrise took the show on the road and hosted their weekly meeting at Hillside House.

Artist-in-residence Antonius Roberts gave a brief history of Hillside house and the role that it is playing in the Revitalization of Downtown Nassau.

ROTARY CLUB OF LIQUANEA PLAINS (RCLP) Celebrates World Understanding and Peace Month …submitted by Carolyn Graham

COTE D’IVOIRE RCLP planned a number of activities to focus its attention on the theme for February - World Understanding and Public Relations.

Dressed in an outfit from Côte d'Ivoire and accessories from Myanmar, the first meeting saw Director Carolyn presenting to guests and members, RCLP's activities for the month as well as kicking off these activities with "show and tell."

Director Carolyn presented a brief history of the country highlighting its de facto capital Abidjan.

She noted, among other things that "Abidjan, has a population of approximately 2 million and is often called the "Paris" of West Africa," and much of its beauty derives from its setting on the rim of a lagoon at the edge of the ocean.

The ever-present contrast between traditional African clothing, markets, and ways of life and the most modern public and commercial establishments gives the city a special charm and character."

2013

Members were a little surprised as the capital is Yamoussoukro.

April,

Textile African countries are known for their textiles. Director Carolyn highlighted some textiles from Côte d'Ivoire in particular the Korhogo cloth"

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One of Africa’s most unique and recognizable fabrics is Korhogo cloth. It is hand-crafted in the village of Korhogo by the Senufo people Korhogo cloth is crafted by painting a design on hand spun, hand woven, and hand painted cotton fabric. This is often done using a stencil; and the painting is done with a specially fermented solution that turns black after a reasonable amount of time has passed.

Each picture or symbol used in Korhogo cloth has a special meaning to the people of Ivory Coast.   

The Fish – This signifies vitality and abundance.

The Chicken – This signifies fertility and grace.

The goat – This signifies male prowess from the beginning of time

A SECOND CELEBRATION OF WORLD UNDERSTANDING On February 14, 2013, RCLP had ‘Show and Tell” for which members were encouraged to bring to any unique items they have collected from their travels. As member showed their souvenirs and spoke about their experience, a key underlining note of each presentation was respect for the cultural experiences gained during their travels.

At left - President Khadrea (left), of the Rotaract Club of Liguanea Plains and Rotarian Priscilla in their attire from India and showing Indian currency INDIA. Rotarian Priscilla, who had visited India in 2012, showed her souvenir and discussed the program which provided the opportunity to visit India. The Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme was launched on 15th September, 1964 as a bilateral programme of assistance of the Government of India.

As a result of various activities under the ITEC programme, there is now a visible and growing awareness among other countries about the competence of India as a provider of technical know-how and expertise as well as training opportunities, consultancy services and feasibility studies. Over the years, the technical and economic assistance programme has generated immense goodwill and substantive cooperation among the developing countries.

Rotaractor Kadrea President of the Rotaract Club of Liguanea Plains, was invited to also speak of her experience having travelled to India in 2012 as well. She spoke to the friendliness of the Indian people, her visit to the TAJ Mahal and the various cultural differences observed during her visit.

JAPAN. Rotarian Chara spoke about her visit to Japan. Through her eyes we were able to experience what it is like to be a “Jamaican in Japan” as she elaborated on various exchanges had with different individuals encountered on her visit.

HAITI. President Novlet and Secretary Sandra displayed their souvenir obtained at the 2012 Presidents-elect training seminar (PETS) held in Haiti. Both highlighted the life lessons learned in this new country and the surprising contrast of lifestyle between Jamaica and Haiti.

As the evening progressed with other Rotarians discussing their travels abroad, it became apparent that if all one ever knows is life in their country, then they are indeed cheating themselves. There is a world out there that lends to us different cultures, different lifestyles, and educational, religious and political views.

2013

Being able to experience other cultures, albeit through others experiences opens your eyes and promotes an understanding of the world’s different people.

JAPAN

April,

…posted by Charah Watson

After successfully completing my 1st year of university, my eldest sister-Beienetch, who was on the JET program at the time decided to reward my efforts with a trip to Japan- that plus I think she was home sick and really missed me. This was in 2002 and also District 7020 Newsletter - April, 2013

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happened to be my first trip outside of Jamaica, so as you can imagine, I was super excited. Before embarking on my journey to this previously unknown land (to me any how), I did a little research on the country I was to live in for 6 weeks of my summer vacation.

Much to my surprise Japan (also called Nihon or Nippon; formally 日本国) is an island.

Japan is an archipelago of 6,852 islands and lies to the east of China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia. Japan has the world's tenth-largest population, with over 127 million people.

Most people are familiar with large Japanese cities such as Tokyo and Osaka; however, my Journey took me to one of the smaller and more rural area in the Wakayama prefecture. We lived in Wakayama city, one of nine cities in Wakayama prefecture, a relative small city in the Kansai region of Japan, with a population size of just under 400,000, compared to Tokyo’s 30 million inhabitants.

The experience in Japan was truly unique and unforgettable. I definitely had somewhat of a culture shock, from the toilet in the ground, to indoor and outdoor shoes, the widespread use of bicycles by persons 2 – 92 years old, the simplicity of their homes, cars, and their remarkable attention to fashion.

I was also taken aback by the attention we got when out in public.

Outside of Tokyo, Osaka or other big cities, black people were a rarity. Wakayama being a very rural community, it was even rarer for the locals to come across ‘coco gaijin’ (black tourist/ outsider). We constantly had people taking photos or videoing of us. Children would sometimes stare or point at us or evening trying to touch us, but always from a polite enough distance and in a subtle manner.

We understood their curiosity and even somewhat got so use to. We even eventually started posing for the pictures. The people in general were, however, freakishly polite.

We got to meet some really great people who welcomed us and were as equally excited about learning of our Jamaican culture as we were of theirs. Their sense and appreciation of history and heritage was very admirable.

We were taken on cultural tours all over the country. Our visits to Wakayama, Kyoto, Nara and Osaka castles where mind blowing.

The history and character of the nation was evident from the different sites we visited. The architectural beauty of the land and monuments were breathtaking. The festivals which were quite frequent were a wonderful display of the citizen’s zeal and love for their heritage. We also got insights to how the Japanese unwind from the weekly dinner parties or the night outs which usually entailed going to a Karaoke bar. The crime rate there was virtually nonexistent, except for the occasional ‘high’ speed chase’.

My time in Japan was priceless, and I am definitely looking forward to a return visit to further explore a country and nation that exemplifies what it means to lead a balanced, simple and fulfilling life. The experience in many ways taught me understanding and respect for individuals’ culture and heritage. I became a better Jamaican who now has greater appreciation of my countries history and heritage. I owe this partly to the experience I had in Japan.

ROTARY’S BIRTHDAY

2013

To celebrate Rotary’s Birthday, a fellowship was held on Saturday, February 23.

Guests and members were encouraged to wear Rotary’s colours - blue and yellow.

Also as part of world understanding, there was cuisine from India, Italy, China and Jamaica. Among the visitors was one person from another country, the Island of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

April,

At left - Guests and Members of RCLP cut cake to celebrate COTM win and tie up meeting activities for the month

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FUNDRAISING EFFORTS for Rotary Foundation and the Haitian Fund: As a part of Rotary’s birthday, donations were solicited from Corporate Jamaica which raised US$500 towards Polio Plus. US$200 was also raised from Corporate Jamaica and fundraising efforts within RCLP towards the Haitian initiative.

Additionally, members were especially encouraged to donate their EREY and to date more than half have paid or committed to pay by the end of February.

On March 14, donors from corporate Jamaica will be recognized with the presentation of certificates to be handed out by the Hon. Ronnie Thwaites, Minister of Education, who will be guest speaking to RCLP in recognition of Literacy Month.

NEWSPAPER SUPPLEMENT On February 24, a four-page supplement/advertising feature was published in Jamaica’s leading newspaper, the Sunday Gleaner, with the highest circulation of the week. The supplement included messages from the President of RCLP, the Assistant District Governor and also recognized Rotary’s birthday and also information on RCLP’s projects. The supplement also included information on RI Polio Plus Programme and utilized the Polio “this close” advertisement with Reggae Superstar Ziggy Marley (also a Jamaican).

ROTARY CLUB OF ELEUTHERA, BAHAMAS …submitted by Jacqueline Gibson

On Thursday 21st February, in recognition of World Understanding month, our club successfully connected via Skype with the Rotary Club of Providenciales, Turks & Caicos.

This was a wonderful experience of sharing ideas and historically connecting with a Rotary Club in another country geographically located very close to us.

We were excited to have an interesting and informative dialogue with Provo President Karl Isaac. His club has been around for seventeen (17) years, and we got hear learn about their many exciting achievements.

The Q&A session allowed a number of the RCE members to introduce themselves to President Karl, and also share some of what Rotary Eleuthera has accomplished during our short four (4) years since charter. It was concluded that efforts will be made some for some time in the future for friendly club exchange via travel to our respective countries.

Kudos to President Karl for agreeing to this first 'Hook-up" and a memorable historic get together!"

April,

2013

I did a theatrical performance about puns. It was a play on words.

The old man didn't like his beard at first. Then it grew on him.

I stayed up all night to see where the sun went. Then it dawned on me.

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ROTARY E-CLUB OF THE CARIBBEAN, 7020 (Provisional) Celebrates Literacy in an E-way

April,

2013

The E-StoryBook has been published online in English. The eventual offering will include three languages – English, French, and Haitian Creole.

Click this link to view the E-Storybook online: http://issuu.com/rotary7020/docs/butterfly_e-storybook_2013 Our ten published winners will receive gifts of books in recognition of their efforts.

All entries have been acknowledged with certificates.

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Greetings from the Rotary E-Club of the Caribbean, 7020!

It is with great pleasure that we are able to announce the winners of our first project – The Butterfly E-Storybook project.

Rotary clubs through the district were asked to sponsor young writers, ages 7 through 11, to write a story with the following guidelines: To write • • • •

A Caribbean Tale A tale of good deeds A tale of doing the right thing 300 to 750 words

A total of 142 young writers answered the call – an excellent response! And what talented young writers we have in our district!

The final 32 stories submitted to our E-club for evaluation were very inspiring! The judges had a difficult time choosing only ten stories to be published.

The winners are listed below, along with their story titles:

Story

Young Writer

Rotary Club

A Favor Returned The Lonely Lizard When I Became Mummy to 11 Baby Chicks Mistreated Children The Shark and the Turtle Fluffy Gets Lost The Boy Who Helped a Homeless Person The Race Doing Right Helping Poor People

Alec Harding Ananda Hernandez Catrice Connor Catya Dauba Chloe Bentick Jayda Woolery Kymani Williams Leena Hussein Lezli-Ann Richardson McKay Townsend

Grand Cayman Sunrise Saint John, USVI Cayman Brac St. Barthelemy Grand Cayman Sunrise Montego Bay, Jamaica Charlotte Amalie, USVI Grand Cayman Sunrise Charlotte Amalie, USVI Savanna La Mar, Jamaica

Our E-Storybook has been published in English. French and Creole translations will be produced as soon as we can manage them.

We also plan to print hard copies for distribution and sale at the District Conference in May. These books will make excellent resources young children.

Click this link to view the E-Storybook online: http://issuu.com/rotary7020/docs/butterfly_e-storybook_2013 We acknowledge the assistance with translation to our partner E-Club – Rotary E-Club of District 9220 (Mauritius).

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2013

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All our young participants will receive Butterfly Certificates.

The winners will be published in three languages. Each winner will also receive a gift of books in recognition of the achievement.

Congratulations and thank you to all the young writers who participated in our first Rotary E-Club Butterfly E-StoryBook project!

We look forward to another similar and excellent literacy project next year!

Yours in Rotary “Service Above Self” Kitty Bucsko, Provisional President …on behalf of all the Members of our Rotary E-Club of the Caribbean. 7020 (provisional)

…because we are an E-Club District 7020 Newsletter - April, 2013

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ROTARY CLUB D’AQUIN, HAITI Photos showing the celebration of Rotary’s 108th Anniversary.

Above – The President-elect, Gina. Middle – Members of the club. Right – Conference on Anger Management.

Below left – Current President, Edmond Sylvain.

April,

2013

At far left - current President, Edmond Sylvain and the Secretary-elect Liceveny Etienne.

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ROTARY CLUB OF GRAND CAYMAN CENTRAL Some days you’re the windshield…Other days …

David Phipps writes, “We are replacing this one this afternoon. The Toyota looks about the same.

Straightest piece of road on the island, 30 mph approaching an intersection.

Believe liquor may have made its contribution felt.

On the positive side, we made THE NEWS. The signage looks great!”

ROTARY CENTRAL BUS SHELTER FUNDRAISER EXPANDED The Rotary Club of Grand Cayman Central currently has 45 bus shelters deployed all over the island and the Board has just decided to order 20 more shelters to expand this project. This decision was prompted by an agreement with DART and the National Roads Authority to place at least 12 new shelters along new roads.

The bus shelters are assembled, installed and maintained by our members in regular Saturday morning Work Parties, which have proven to become very rewarding social, fellowship events as well.

April,

2013

Any visiting Rotarians from the District are welcome to visit and learn about this great fundraiser – if you are ever in the Cayman Islands you are invited to join us! You might even have to get your hands dirty if you happen to be here on a Saturday morning! Contact PE Naude Dreyer rotaryshelters@gmail.com

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ROTARY CENTRAL SPONSORS A JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT COMPANY ROTARY CENTRAL has had major successes with the Junior Achievement program which has been run by the Club for 21 years and have seen thousands of high school learners enhance their business skills through the Company Program of JA. In 2012-13 we took it a step further and hosted the first school-based company in the new Clifton Hunter High School. Below the students proudly display their certificates:

Rotary Central continued its support for halfway houses by recently donating food vouchers to The Bridge Foundation, a non-profit foundation providing accommodation and support for recovering addicts at its campus in Hell, West Bay. The donation resulted from a recent visit to the site by Rotary District Governor 2012-13 Vance Lewis from Road Town BVI, who expressed his strong support for the work being undertaken for the Foundation. He was accompanied on that visit by representatives of the three local Rotary clubs, Central, Sunrise and Grand Cayman.

April,

2013

Below Rotary Central Director of Community Service Mike Pratt (left) and President Ravi Kapoor hand the food vouchers to Bud Volinski ot The Bridge Foundation.

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ROTARY CLUB OF ST. MAARTEN recognizes the importance of Literacy

…submitted by Maria Buncamper-Molanus

March 8 marks an important date on the Rotary International agenda as Rotary clubs around the world recognize the importance of this area of focus.

Rotary International lists Basic Education and Literacy as one of the eight areas of focus.

Literacy is reflected upon as a critical humanitarian issue which is being addressed by Rotarians worldwide. The Rotary Foundation enables Rotarians to ensure that all people have sustainable access to basic education and literacy by involving the community to support programs that strengthen the capacity of communities to provide basic education and literacy to all.

The Rotary Foundation, which is an essential part of Rotary International, also focuses on increasing adult literacy in communities, works to reduce gender disparity in education and supports studies for career-minded professionals related to basic education and literacy.

For most of us, reading and writing are as natural as breathing, but nearly 800 million adults worldwide lack the literacy skills needed to complete a job application, understand a child’s report card, or read a prescription. Rotary International and the International Reading Association know that literacy is an essential ingredient for reducing poverty, improving health, encouraging community and economic development, and promoting peace.

Since 2002, RI (Rotary International) and the IRA (Int'l Reading Association) have combined their resources and skills to advance literacy in communities worldwide by providing books and educational materials, building and supporting schools, mentoring students, training teachers and establishing literacy programs for children and adults.

Guidelines are available on the Rotary International website www.rotary.org designed to help Rotary clubs and IRA reading councils to select and carry out literacy projects that meet their community’s needs.

Whether through volunteering your time and expertise, providing financial support, or building awareness, everyone can empower people and communities through literacy.

The Rotary Club of St. Maarten recognizes the importance of literacy as it continues to carry out its annual literacy project of distributing dictionaries. All contributions towards literacy projects are appreciated and the community is encouraged to work together on increasing literacy in the local community as it is proven to alleviate poverty.

April,

2013

At left - Pierre Decelles (PP), Robert Judd (P), School Manager Mrs. Tessa Davis Marsham , Adjunct School Manager - Mrs. Juliana Hodge - Shipley, James Ferris (ADG and RYLA Taskforce Chairman)), Maria BuncamperMolanus (Secr/PE).

The presentation was made on behalf of RYLA 2013 as a token of our appreciation for allowing ROTARY to use the school for this event.

The Rotary 7020 Assistant District Governor, Mr. James Ferris, together with members of the recently held RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) task force and members of the Rotary Club of St. Maarten made a contribution of USD $1000 to the MAC: Browlia F. Maillard Campus as a token of appreciation for making the school available to host the youth leadership conference.

The conference was held from February 14 through 17 and hosted 124 students from around the Caribbean.

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CELEBRATING WORLD WATER DAY – MARCH 22 …submitted by Maria Buncamper-Molanus

According to water.org every 20 seconds, a child dies from a water-related illness, women spend 200 million hours a day collecting water, more than three times more people lack water than live in the United States, the majority of illness is caused by fecal matter, more people have a mobile than a toilet and lack of community involvement causes 50% of other projects to fail.

Rotary Clubs around the world observe World water day.

In Crossville — The Fairfield Glade Rotary Club and the three Rotary Clubs in Oak Ridge have collaborated to expand on a pilot program to provide biosand water filters for rural Haitian families that started in Leogane, Haiti.

“The pilot project produced and installed 103 water filters. The expanded project will add 630 more filters,” according to Pete Peterson, president of the Oak Ridge Breakfast Rotary Club.

Villages in four regions of Ghana are being equipped with ventilated pit latrines, showers, and boreholes featuring hand pumps and mechanized pipes through the efforts of dozens of Rotary clubs in Latin America, North America, and Ghana.

The effort is part of the The International H2O Collaboration, an alliance between Rotary International and USAID, a centerpiece of Rotary’s emphasis on water and sanitation issues.

Launched in 2009, the alliance works to implement long-term, sustainable water, sanitation, and hygiene projects in the developing world. The first phase of the partnership has focused on three countries: Ghana, the Philippines, and the Dominican Republic.

(Source www.orbrc.org/CleanWaterProjects.cfm)

The Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania, Ohio, recently received a grant for $4,680 from the Toledo Rotary Club Foundation to purchase portable water-purification devices for residents of Haiti in the mountains where the Catholic sisters minister.

Clean drinking water is an ongoing problem for the people of Haiti and is a major cause of death of children under the age of 5.

This grant will allow the sisters to purchase 100 water-purification units for residents in five villages above Pestel, 90 miles west of Port-au-Prince, where they have served since 2000.

And so on St. Maarten - While we are that this basic commodity is not as scarce as it is in many countries, The Rotary Club of St. Maarten continues to observe this day, and the fact that we too on St. Maarten can give content to this subject by providing water fountains to schools.

April,

2013

As such and as a result of a collaborated effort between the Ace/Liteline and the Rotary Club of St. Maarten, we are distributing and connecting 12 water coolers in several primary schools on the island.

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ROTARY CLUB OF ST. MARTIN SUNRISE …submitted by Angela Gordon

Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunrise, the Philipsburg Jubilee library, and the Readers are Leaders Board organized the annual ‘Black History Month Cultural Evening’ on Tuesday, February 19, 2013.

At left - President: Marcellia Henry addressing the students at the Readers are Leaders Black History month program Students from all high schools took part in the Black History Month Cultural Evening, where poems, dances, songs, drumming, and other cultural acts were performed.

For February ‘World Understanding month,’ we focused on the importance of promoting and understanding one’s culture, since this is essential for promoting peace and tolerance among the various cultural groups on St. Maarten

At left above - President Marcellia Henry and Rotaractor Natasha Samuel at the Registration Desk for the recent RYLA conference.

Above right A cross section of the students, parents, and teachers who attended the Readers are Leaders Black History month program.

April,

2013

At left- Rotaractors Norissa Anatol, Aswayan Cooks. Interactor, Sheldon Richards. Natasha Samuels. Rotaract President Elisia Lake Rotaractor Rennis Wilson and Tasha at RYLA St. Maarten.

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Below left - President Marcellia Henry, Interact Director Demoy Kerr, Secretary Angela Gordon, Past President Claret Connor and Interact President Philip Yapp

Above right – Celebrating Rotary’s 108th Anniversary - PP Cookie Bijlani, President: Marcellia Henry, PP Peter Dialani, PP Claret Connor, President Elect Angela Gordon, PP Irma Gumbs On Tuesday March 12, the Rotaract Club visited our Rotary Club, their sponsoring club.

April,

2013

The attended our weekly breakfast meeting and we had fellowship with one another.

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ROTARY CLUB OF LUCEA, JAMAICA ‌submitted by Dominica Pradere

The Rotary Club of Lucea launched a Water Safety /Literacy project for young children at the Hanover Parish Library on March 13, 2013. Below right - in maroon, PP Marvetta who is Senior Librarian at Hanover Parish Library, with school principal

The project consists of materials developed by the Joshua Collingsworth Memorial foundation, which was founded by the parents of Joshua Collingsworth, a little boy who drowned in 2008.

The materials consist of story books, colouring books and CDs which focus on water safety. The children and their teachers watched a video about water safety and each school received a package.

Schools which were represented at the launch were Elgin Town Basic, Esher Basic, Lances Bay Basic, Claremont Basic, Greenland Basic and Hanover Preparatory.

April,

2013

The Rotary Club plans to visit other schools in order to spread the water safety message.

Above left – Rotarian Dominica with school principal.

Right - PP Marvetta, right, who is a Rotarian and Senior librarian at the Hanover Parish Library with school principal and children District 7020 Newsletter - April, 2013

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Below – Rotarian Dominica with school principal and children

ROTARY CLUB OF NEW KINGSTON, JAMAICA

April,

2013

The Rotary Club of New Kingston, Jamaica, held their annual Corporate Celebrity Brunch on Sunday 24 March at the Boone Hall Oasis from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.

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ROTARY CLUB OF NASSAU SUNRISE

The Rotary Club of Nassau Sunrise invites you to "Jazz at the Gallery."

Indulge your senses as we have EVOLVED. We offer you Music, Culinary Art and the Gallery Art Exhibits.

Come out and join us on Saturday April 6 at the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. as we bring you sights, sounds and temptations!

The grounds of the Gallery will be transformed into an elegant soiree, flowing seamlessly from one attraction to the next.

Music will be provided by several artists known and emerging, with music styles of Jazz to Rhythm and Blues to Soca.

Be prepared to delight your culinary palate on treats and morsels prepared by the countries upcoming chefs.

The Gallery will also be open for your viewing pleasure.

Come and enjoy Bahamian artists in all forms.

Below left – Rotary Club of Nassau meeting. Middle Director Jeff speaks to the club on the importance of the Rotary Foundation. Right – New Rotarian Dario pinned by sponsor.

April,

2013

RCNS saw a direct benefit this year as grants from the Foundation were used to create the model classroom geared towards children with Autism here in the Bahamas this year. — at British Colonial Hilton Nassau.

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ROTARY CLUB OF GRAND CAYMAN Rotary Golf Tournament to Benefit the Bridge Foundation February 12, 2013 Unfortunately, no golfer’s experienced the coveted hole-in-one at this year’s Rotary Club of Grand Cayman’s Mardi Gras Golf Tournament. However, many players walked away with great prizes and bragging rights. The true winner was the Bridge Foundation – the benefactor of this fund raiser. The Bridge Foundation is a non-profit, non-denominational organization dedicated to helping recovering drug addicts and alcoholics through their transition from prison, or treatment, to community life. By establishing and operating an alcohol and drug-free halfway house, the Foundation provides a haven for individuals to gradually work their way back to a purposeful life.

At left – The winning DART team No Rotarians were able to make it.  "The tournament was a huge success with 72 golfers participating,” announced Tim Bradley the tournament organizer and Director of Fundraising for the Rotary Club of Grand Cayman. The winner of the Tournament was the Dart team who won by a staggering spread.

This year’s tournament was sponsored by over 21 individual companies. At the award presentation following the tournament, President of the Rotary Club of Grand Cayman Sebastien Guilbard thanked all business community sponsors for their continued support of the tournament and also the teams of golfers who come back to the event year after year. The tournament raised over $4,000.00 and will go towards the operations of this much needed organization.

ROTARY CLUB OF PORT AU PRINCE, HAITI …submitted by Malherbe Colas

Multiplies its humanitarians actions Thanks to the Rotary Club of Port-Au-Prince , the first Rotary Club installed in Haïti, many children with cardiac malformation benefit continually from medical and surgical appropriate cares. Legions are those who, since three decades, have been sent outside the country to receive those treatments, and God helping, they all return home with their youthful energy recovered.

The Gift Of Life Inc., whose Registered Office is located in New York City, does not spare its efforts around the world to relieve and definitively cure those ill-fated people. The high cost of travel, the stay at the welcome country, and the hospital cares given to these children compel the principals responsible to change their system by giving cure to those children in their own respective country.

So, since three consecutive years, infantile surgical cardiac technicians are welcome in Haïti and have operated on almost 50 young persons with heart trouble at the Clinic Lambert in Petion-Ville.

April,

2013

Those cardiac surgeons for children, nurses, lab assistants, instrumentalists, anesthesiologists are from several horizons (USA, France). Their presence on the native soil is facilitated by Matching Grants between different entities as the Rotary International, the

,

Districts 7250, 7260, 7020, 5510, 6840 the Rotary Club of Port-Au-Prince, KADO LAVI, a foundation of the Rotary clubs of the country, including the unconditional support of George Solomon and Florence Marc-Charles.

On January 12, 2011, Gift Of Life Inc. operated on Lovely Ajuste, a young Haitian girl coming from Haiti in order to commemorate the terrible heartquake of 2010. An unequalled publicity has been made on several newspapers of New York City with the photo of Lovely on the cover pages, hoping to raise sensitivities of international authorities in favour of the devastated island.

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The main goal of KADO LAVI is to possess its own medical center to teach infantile surgery to Haitian surgeons , nurses, technicians and so on, so they take over from those foreign benefactors who care so much about our own young fellow citizens.

A new medical mission led by the surgeon François Lacour-Gayet of Monte Fiore Hospital of New York city, accompanied by Robert Raylman, Director of Gift Of Life Inc., landed in Port-Au-Prince this March 14. 2013, for bringing again the well-being to our young patients. 

Long live the Gift Of Life Inc.



Long live the Districts 7250, 7020, 7260, Long live the foundation KADO LAVI Long live the Rotary club of Port-Au-prince.

 

5510, 6840

Eng. Malherbe Colas Rotary Club of Port-Au-Prince Coordinator KADO LAVI

April,

2013

The story as appeared in the Haitian newspaper follows:

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ROTARY CLUB OF LES CAYES, HAITI

April,

2013

CELEBRATES 35 YEARS

The garden of the Hotel Le Manguier des Cayes was resplendent with a festive dĂŠcor recently for a grand gala evening organized on the occasion of the 35th Anniversary of the Rotary Club des Cayes. A truly elegant evening. In the photo at left, President Rosa addresses the gathering. Robert Leger is in the background.

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Invited guests included notable professionals from the town of Les Cayes and representatives of 21 Rotary clubs across the country and beyond. The Former Minister of Finance, Gustave Faubert; Former Minister of Justice, Jean-Baptiste Brown; current mayor of Port-au-Prince, Mme Marie Joseph René; president of the Chamber of Commerce, Dr. Kyss Jean-Marie; former Director-General of the ULCC, Amos Durosier. In the photo above right, we can see PDG Diana White and her husband, Roger.

The evening of March 9 which followed the 24th General Assembly of the Rotary Club of Les Cayes was the best moment for friends to congratulate the club for its numerous successful humanitarian projects in education, health, agriculture through the 35 years of its existence. They have done extremely well in service to the community.

“A little club with a huge service record.” That’s how the current president, Rosa Leger, described her club. Dynamic and involved. Since the earthquake in 2010 they have focused on literacy, microfinance, and many other successful projects.

Paul Harris Fellowships were awarded to several members. Rotarian Gontran Constant received a Paul Harris Fellowship for his 33 years of service in the Rotary Club of Les Cayes.

The banquet was attended by close to 300 people. A raffle raised $300 US which was donated to the biomedical project. Thanks to a reporter of a very important newspaper in Port au Prince, Le Nouvelliste, who was a guest, this event became National. President Rosa spoke of Rotary and the Projects done by the club during 35 years. A pamphlet was distributed with this information.

24th INTER CLUB ASSEMBLY OF ROTARY CLUBS IN HAITI On March 9, Rotary Club des Cayes hosted the 24th Inter Club Assembly of the Rotary Clubs in Haiti. It was a great success since the 21 clubs were represented.

We were honored with the presence of our PDG Diana White and Haiti Liaison Roger White, PDG Amos Durosier, Haitian Task Force Chair Claude Surena, PDG of District 5890 Sunny Sharma and four other Rotarians who have the Biomedical Repair project in Pignon.

All ADGs were present and had a discussion panel to help with important issues.

A well planned and full agenda was prepared with interesting subjects.

Four PHF were presented by Roger on behalf of RC of ST Thomas to the 4 Clubs who participated in the District Project: Pignon , St Mark, Petion Ville and Les Cayes.

Awards were presented to Roger White and The biomedical Team for the great job in the projects they have done.

April,

2013

Pre-PETS was given by PADG Robert and PADG Caleb. Caleb also registered people for the conference in Tortola.

New Generations Award, given by RC Liguanea Plains, was presented to Pierre Evens by PDG Diana White. A Discussion Panel followed with PDG Diana, PDG Amos, and AGs on important issues.

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PROJECT VISIT – SUNDAY, MARCH 10 Rotarians and guest Rotarians visited the agricultural co-operative which was organized to receive funds from our District and Hosean International Ministries.

Our club, and Caleb who is the Director of HIM in Haiti, wanted to do something more durable and a co-op was formed to raise pigs and goats.

The people are proud and ready to work to help themselves. They thank Rotary and H.I.M. for the assistance, and promised to do their best to work towards economic development in their community.

PDG Diana and PADG Caleb, Director of H.I.M. visited the project and talked about Rotary to the people. They expressed congratulations to the participants and wished them success in working towards the development of their community.

April,

2013

Below – PDG Diana addresses the gathering at left. At right – Caleb and Rosa at the Co-operative.

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THE INTERACT CORNER

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Interactors at work. treasure Hunt! RYLA 2013 — at Philipsburg St. Maarten

INTERACT – ST. CROIX CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL President Valerie James-Laurent and the new inductees for the St. Croix Central High School.

April,

2013

Members are as follows - Patrice GumbsPresident; Satchel Francis - Vice President; Keniqua Christian – Secretary; Kareem Clarke – Treasurer; Yvonne Velez - Sgt. At Arms; Justin Davis- Historian; Ricardo Acosta – Technician; Ashanti Edwards – Member; Aliyah Joseph – Member; Nelisha Noelien – Member; Kayshla Encarnacion – Member; Bria James -Member.

Total Members 12

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THE ROTARACT CORNER The month of March marks Literacy Rotaract Club of St. Maarten Sunrise

2013

Rotary and Rotaract Sunrise 4 way Test Contest

April,

At the University of St. Maarten

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HAPPY ROTARACT WEEK, ROTARACTORS!

The Rotaract Club of St. Maarten Sunrise started off World Rotaract Week 2013 with showers of blessings and strength at the Christian Assembly Church in La Savane, Grand Case.

Pastor Jerome Thomas welcomed the group and encouraged them to keep up the good works and always put God first in everything they do. The congregation prayed over the Rotaract Club as they start the week with a weeklong of activities.

April,

2013

On Tuesday March 12th, they visited the Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunrise, their sponsoring club, for our weekly breakfast meeting and had fellowship with one another.

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Radio Interview on PJD2 Radio The Rotaract Club continued their campaign on Rotaract awareness and joined Wendell Moore on PDJ2 as the members of Rotaract were interviewed about the Rotaract program and its Rotaract week events. Moore encouraged the members and the youngsters listening to join the club and join in the fight of making St. Maarten and the world a better place.

Rotaract Fellowship The Rotaract Club of St. Maarten Sunrise and the Rotaract Club of Saint Martin Nord came together at the Hard Rock CafĂŠ for a time of celebration and fellowship. March 13 is World Rotaract Day and the both clubs decided to join together as we celebrate the hard work and dedication of both clubs of the island of St. Maarten/St. Martin. It was a great time together as the members of both clubs shared their upcoming events and planned joint projects for the coming months.

Donation of School Supplies The month of March marks "Literacy Month" for Rotaractors around the world and the Rotaract Club of St. Maarten Sunrise took the initiative of encouraging Literacy among the youngsters living at the Crystal Home on March 15, 2013.

April,

2013

The members of Rotaract Sunrise visited the Crystal Home and presented ample amount of school supplies to Miss Eva Williams; head person in charge of the Home. In addition to school supplies, the Rotaract members donated educational games, cases of poultry and clothing to the children staying at the Crystal Home.

Elisia Lake; President of the Rotaract Club of St. Maarten Sunrise, encouraged Ms. Williams to contact the club whenever she needs assistance as the members of the Rotaract Club are here to help. The members of Rotaract had pep talks with the youngsters on the District 7020 Newsletter - April, 2013

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importance of education and encouraged them to strive to excel in life. The children at the Crystal Home shared with the members of Rotaract their future aspirations and thanked the members of the club for their continuous contributions to the Crystal Home.

Literacy Session and 4-Way-Test Speech Competition Literacy Session at Library The Rotaract Club of St. Maarten Sunrise in collaboration with the Philipsburg Jubilee Library hosted a Literacy event under the theme "Today's Reader is Tomorrow's Leader", on Saturday, March 16, 2013.

In celebration of World Rotaract Week, March 11 through March 17, Rotaract members and PJL staffers combined forces to conduct two reading activities, simultaneously for both toddlers, ages 0-4 years and children ages 5-12.

Toddlers heard stories in the library's, Baby & Toddler Room using the Japanese Kamishibai. This form of storytelling originated in Japan in the 12th century and is a mixture of oral storytelling and performing drama, illustrated in art.

Along with storytelling, the older children completed arts and crafts projects.

The opening of the event was well attended.

Minister of Education Silveria Jacobs spoke to the audience on the importance of reading. Jacobs read a Dr. Seuss book in celebration of Dr. Seuss’s birthday, as all of the books read to the children were of Dr. Seuss.

The Rotaract Club of St. Maarten Sunrise had chosen to embark on this event and made it a yearly occasion, because they believe that literacy is one of the main building blocks of learning. Individuals who struggle to read will struggle to learn and this difficulty will be carried with them throughout their school years and into their adult lives.

April,

2013

This project is an effort to combat illiteracy and reach children from an early age, instilling in them a love of reading and learning. The children who participated in this event were treated to refreshments after the reading activities.

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4-Way Test Speech Contest 2013 The Rotaract Club of St. Maarten Sunrise and the Rotary Club of St. Maarten Sunrise hosted a Rotary’s 4-Way Test Speech Contest on Saturday 16th March 2013.

St. Maarten Academy walked away with two of the three top prizes in the Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunrise and Rotaract Club of St. Maarten Sunrise Four-Way Speech Contest on Saturday at the University of St. Martin.

Students were required to deliver a speech on an original topic incorporating the principles of Rotary's Four-Way Test: 1.

2.

3.

4.

Is it the truth?

Is it fair to all concerned?

Will it build goodwill and better friendships?

Will it be beneficial to all concerned?

Students had to use facts, statistics, stories, examples, quotations and could have added humour and personal touches to their speeches.

Academy's Manaar Mohammed impressed the three-panel judge with her insightful presentation on lying, and was named winner with 296 of a possible 300 points. She was presented with a plaque and a printer, and will be travelling to the next Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) conference in 2014.

Academy's Kadija Mclure, who spoke about honesty, won second place with 292 and was presented with a plaque and a DVD player.

St. Dominic High School's Mohit Nebhwani won third place with his presentation on social acceptance, with 275 points.

Honourable mention went to Learning Unlimited's (LU's) Harsha Parchani who came in fourth for her presentation on starvation, with 274 points.

Other competitors were Milton Peters College student Fatima Merrick, Sundial School's Prudence Williams, St. Dominic High's Pijush Tejawani, LU's Ruhan Bora, and Sundial's Jeanella Andrews.

World Water Day

April,

2013

The Rotaract Club of St. Maarten Sunrise recognized Word Water Day on March 22nd 2013 by distributing cases of bottled water to the 1st graders in all 20 primary schools on the island of St. Maarten.

International World Water Day is held annually on March 22 as a means of focusing attention on the importance of fresh water and advocating for the sustainable management of freshwater resources.

Rotaract Sunrise presented the cases of water to management, 1st grade teachers and students at the primary schools between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. The members presenting the water spoke about the importance of clean water and encouraged the students to spread the word of its importance to their family and friends.

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April,

2013

The primary schools that received cases of water were Charles Leopold-Bell, Leonard Connor, Montessori, Seven Day Adventist, Sister Regina, Learning Unlimited, Asha Stevens Hillside Christian, Oranje, Sister Borgia, St. Joseph, Marie Genevieve de Weever, Marie Laurence, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Helmich Snijders Hillside Christian, St. Dominic, Sister Magda, Prins Wilhem Alexander, Ruby Labega, MAC-John A. Gumbs Campus, and MAC Browlia F. Maillard Campus.

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ROTARACT CLUB OF ELEUTHERA, BAHAMAS FOUR WAY TEST ESSAY BY ASHLEY AKERBERY …submitted by Jacqueline Gibson

If the landscape surrounding your house were surrounded by fire, growing closer to your home with each gust of the smoke-filled wind, would your neighbor run at it with a bucket of water?

I picture my siblings’ homes in the United States. I think about their neighbors, those whom I know, there are many more that I don’t, and I know the answer. They would stay at a safe distance, saddened and praying for rescue, but glad it was not their own home, as they waited for the firemen to come—as they waited for someone whose job it was to take care of it.

Here, it is all of our jobs.

After two and a half years, two hurricanes and, now, an out of control bush wildfire, I have seen the communities of Eleuthera take immediate action, over and over, to support one another. And, I think this is something special.

I do not mean to over-glorify the power of communities when there are real resources we need. I am sure every single person that I passed a bucket full of water to today would prefer a professional infrastructure ready with the resources to handle the bush fire that was threatening the line of homes along the Queen’s Highway in Waterford.

Not one single person out there wanted his or her eleven-year-old son inhaling the endless clouds of pluming smoke. Not one of those community members wanted their friends and neighbors to be chasing the smoldering ground back with buckets of water wearing only sandals. We would all hope for the resources and means to fly in a professional wildland firefighting crew with the tools, knowledge, and skill to eliminate the threat.

And maybe one day there will be.

2013

As a member of our small, young Rotaract Club, I pledge “Service Above Self.” And, I think that is what it means to run at a burning bushfire with a bucket of water handed to you by your neighbor.

April,

We have already improved local emergency response. The South Eleuthera Emergency Partners (SEEP) have made great strides in rallying funding and local emergency response support. They envision safer communities supported by emergency operation centers. And like many of the other community-based organizations on-island, including the uniting forces of the One Eleuthera Foundation and Rotary Clubs, they hope for community growth, economic development, and a better future for Eleuthera. We all hope for this.

There is something special about that pledge on our small, rural, family island. Like I said earlier: with limited resources, funding, and infrastructure, it is all of our job to serve one another. We are the first responders. We are the after-school programs. We are arts workshops. We are the communities, but we are also the community service.

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As a member of Rotaract, we also apply the Four-Way Test. We pledge, in all matters, to make decisions based on four valuable questions: 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?

At our last Club meeting, in consideration of World Rotaract Week, Rotary President Jacquie Gibson asked us to consider the Four-Way test and what it means to our club.

In my twenties, every decision has felt four-way; with so many directions, opportunities, and possibilities in adulthood, it’s overwhelming to know which is the way forward. And in The Bahamas, for people our age, the four ways almost always lead away from the family islands.

I recently asked our Club Founder, Kalin Griffin, what inspired her to return to Eleuthera. Like so many young Bahamians, she traveled abroad to pursue educational opportunities. And why did she return to Tarpum Bay, Eleuthera? She said her “ancestors called her back.” Kalin was called back to serve.

In 2011, her leadership brought together the Rotaract Club of Eleuthera, an alliance of young professionals who are united by the Four-Ways: 1. To us, the TRUTH is that we are small but dedicated.

2. We believe the future of Eleuthera needs us to work together to make it a good, FAIR, and opportune place to both grow up and set down roots.

3. Together we share GOODWILL and better FRIENDSHIPS, and we seek to expand that feeling of belonging and connection across all 110 miles of Eleuthera and beyond.

4. We know, as young professionals on Eleuthera, of the four ways, of the many ways, and choices we make each day, the way forward is to be united in service. We are neighbors with buckets of water in hand, stepping bravely forward, who know that it is all of our jobs to serve one another. We all BENEFIT through “service above self.”

PICTURES FROM INTERNATIONAL ASSEMBLY, 2013

April,

2013

San Diego, California, U.S.A.

Above left - RI President-elect Ron Burton and his wife, Jetta, enjoy the International Festival Talent Night. Middle - RI General Secretary John Hewko and his wife, Marga, enjoy the International Festival Talent Night. Right - RI President-nominee Gary Huang takes part in the International Festival Talent Night (Photo credits: Rotary International/Monika Lozinska)

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April,

2013

ROTARY WISDOM

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********* REFERENCES

Adams, Randal. Speaking of Rotary. E.J. Press, U.S.A. 2007.

Chapman, Mary. Growing Rotary. A Personal Collection of Ideas That Worked.

Dochterman, Cliff. The ABCs of Rotary. Evanston, Illinois: Rotary International. (363-EN) Forward, David C. A Century of Service. The Story of Rotary International. (912-EN) Rotary History Fellowship - http://www.rotaryhistoryfellowship.org Rotary International. Honoring Our Past: The Words and Wisdom of Paul Harris. Evanston, Illinois: 1996. (925-EN) Rotary International. Rotary Basics. Evanston, Illinois. (595-EN) Rotary International News. Online.

Rotary Wisdom. Reflections on Service, Volume 2.

Submissions from District 7020 Clubs

April,

2013

Please send Club News and photos (with appropriate IDs) to Kitty at ladykitt@gmail.com For inclusion in the District Newsletter

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