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BEST VIEWED WITH INTERNET EXPLORER AT 600 X 800 RESOLUTION
Christmas Around the World
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December 11, 2003 (Thursday)
Riverbend Hotel, Marikina City
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Hawaiian
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Chinese
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DG Tony Puyat in Nigerian Costume
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Valley Wheel Vol. 39 No. 24
CHRISTMAS PARTY
President On Call 24/7
by Pres. Dindo Santos
At the outset, I had reservation on the choices of the countries that will be featured in our Christmas program. China, Japan and India being predominantly non-Christian, I wonder how one can possibly come up with an authentic presentation of our brothers� yuletide customs, mores or traditions in these parts of the globe. Of the five countries chosen, only Mexico has a traditional Christmas celebration.
But while surfing the net, I was surprised that there are Christmas Carols translated in different languages including Hawaiian and most in Japanese. I even found a website of the song Silent Night in 101 languages. These made me realize that Christmas has crossed boundaries, may it be a Christian or a non-Christian country. Christmas is the season to be merry and share one�s blessings.
Just like the Spirit of Christmas, the Spirit of Rotary has crossed 166 countries. This brings us to the fact that Rotary is not just a local or club affair. It is international. Its internationality is the essence of International Service�to enable the two basic by-products of Rotary � friendship and service � to extend to and from other countries and through international contacts, through programs and mechanisms provided by Rotary, such as our Rotary Christmas Program. Even if we differ in beliefs and practices, Rotarians are one in serving humanity to uplift the quality of life of the less fortunate, and in joining the whole of Christendom in celebrating the season�be it in China, Japan or India.
More than two thousands years ago, a baby was born to touch the lives of people. About a hundred years ago, Rotary was born to improve the lives of people. This year it is the time to LEND A HAND.
Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year!!
Rotary Information
by PP Roland Garcia
"FAMILY MONTH: BEGINNING THIS DECEMBER 2003"
As approved recently by the RI Board of Directors, beginning this year, December is designated as FAMILY MONTH in Rotary calendar. This will sit well to us Filipinos as December is the month that we always join together with our families as we celebrate the yuletide season. Below are the highlights from the message of President Majiyagbe in the December issue of The Rotarian:
..........December is a wonderful holiday month in which we recommit ourselves to spreading goodwill and working toward the ultimate goal of achieving peace on earth. Depending on your beliefs and cultural background, perhaps your family will celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, or Kwanzaa in the coming weeks. Or maybe you have just completed your Ramadan observances.
..........On Christmas Eve, after the family has enjoyed the traditional meal of lutefisk, the children will eagerly await a visit from the tomte, the gnome-like fellow who delivers the presents, much like Santa Claus or St. Nicholas in other countries. For that reason, I am especially proud that this particular December also marks the first time that Family Month appears on the Rotary calendar. This designation, recently approved by the RI Board of Directors, is intended to encourage Rotary clubs to Lend a Hand to families in their communities, particularly those in need of special assistance.
..........It also relates directly to this year�s Family of Rotary initiative, in which I have asked every club and district to form a family of Rotary committee to develop innovative ways to enhance the atmosphere of warmth and caring within our local Rotary families. One way to do this is to extend our caring reach to include the spouses and children of our fellow members, including the relatives of deceased Rotarians, in our many service and fellowship activities. By involving our family members, we make all of our endeavors more successful and enjoyable.
..........We also address the problem, often cited by younger members, that Rotary competes with family time. Once people realize that they do not have to decide between Rotary and family, they will be more likely to accept our invitations to join. And just as important, once they do join, they are much more likely to become and remain educated, productive Rotarians. This is critical because Rotary clubs depend on the participation and leadership of committed, knowledgeable, and seasoned members.
..........And we must remember that family members themselves also are potential
Rotarians. We see more and more examples of wives, husbands, sons, and daughters who
become members once they get a close look at what Rotary is all about. This also contributes
to the gender and generational diversity necessary for our clubs to grow and strengthen.
..........Now that Family Month is on the Rotary calendar and so many grassroots projects
are underway, I know that our own family of Rotary will become even stronger and more
effective as we unite to Lend a Hand in service.
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