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DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250506
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250507
DTSTAMP:20260617T123356
CREATED:20250615T082849Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250615T082849Z
UID:313-1746489600-1746575999@rotarylavalette.org
SUMMARY:Peacebuilding: Prospects and Challenges in the Age of Trump
DESCRIPTION:On 6 May 2025\, Rotary Club La Valette had the honour of hosting Professor Richard E. Rubenstein\, a globally recognised authority in peace and conflict resolution\, for a compelling talk titled “Peacebuilding: Prospects and Challenges in the Age of Trump.” \nProfessor Rubenstein\, Senior Fellow at the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution at George Mason University\, has spent decades challenging conventional views on conflict. Rather than treating conflict as a communication breakdown\, his work explores its deeper roots—moral\, societal\, historical\, and political. His scholarship\, which bridges law\, theology\, political theory\, and history\, has had a profound impact on generations of peacebuilders and academics. \nThe event brought together Rotarians from La Valette and Malta\, Rotaracters\, guests\, and former students\, all eager to engage with Professor Rubenstein’s insights. Although he humbly requested no formalities\, the evening was a fitting tribute to his enduring contributions to peace studies and his long-standing connection with Malta’s academic and civic communities—most notably through his close friendship with Professor Joe Inguanez. \nProfessor Rubenstein opened his remarks by extending greetings from the Carter School\, the oldest and largest conflict studies program in the United States. He highlighted his current visit to Malta to teach in the University of Malta’s joint Master’s program in Conflict Resolution and Mediterranean Security. This 15-year collaboration remains as relevant as ever. \nHe then spoke about a growing alliance between the Carter School and Rotary International. This collaboration is shaping practical peacebuilding efforts in regions such as Cyprus\, Sri Lanka\, Baltimore\, and the Russian borderlands. It also includes educational initiatives for Rotarians\, conferences\, and community engagement activities. These partnerships aim to devise sustainable and practical approaches to resolving intergroup conflict—methods grounded in both academic research and real-world experience. \nProfessor Rubenstein emphasised the growing importance of civil society in global peace efforts\, especially as traditional government-led “soft power” diplomacy has waned. The Trump era\, he noted\, has seen a shift toward power-based negotiation strategies\, which has reduced support for programs that address the root causes of conflict. In this context\, Rotary’s global network and ethos of service are more crucial than ever. \nHe warmly invited Rotarians in Malta to become more involved—both in supporting the local academic program in Conflict Resolution and Mediterranean Security and in joining international peace initiatives. His call to action underlined the vital role Rotary can play in nurturing the next generation of peacebuilders. \nThe evening closed with a deep appreciation for Professor Rubenstein—not only for his academic leadership and mentorship but also for his passionate advocacy of peace\, justice\, and collaboration across borders. \n  \nProfs Rubenstein delivering his talk\n  \nProfs Rubenstein flanked by Rtn.Gaby Doublesin and President Godfrey Swain
URL:https://rotarylavalette.org/event/peacebuilding-prospects-and-challenges-in-the-age-of-trump/
LOCATION:Marsa Sports Club
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://rotarylavalette.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Rubenstein-1.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250512
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250513
DTSTAMP:20260617T123356
CREATED:20250531T072006Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250531T072202Z
UID:254-1747008000-1747094399@rotarylavalette.org
SUMMARY:Maltese Rotary clubs visit the beehives in Safi
DESCRIPTION:In an orange grove protected from the winds by high rubble walls\, one finds a number of beehives which are tended by Jorge.  Two of these are dedicated to ‘Rotary International’ and to ‘PDG Gaetano De Bernardis’ because Rotary la Valette Malta and Rotary Malta have signed up as custodians of the Foundation for the preservation of the Maltese Honey bee. \nThis project is a consequence of the Maltese Rotary Clubs belonging to District 2110 Sicily-Malta.  Three years ago\, in PDG De Bernardis’ year\, the ‘SOS Api’ (SOS Bees) project was launched.  The Maltese clubs\, while participating to some of the activities launched in Sicily\, have opted to be involved in the protection of the Maltese Honey bee which is in danger off extinction. \nWe are honoured that recently\, through the efforts of the Foundation\, this insect has been declared the National Insect of Malta and we have committed to continue supporting this worthy organization.  In fact\, our visit to the beehives had the scope of us learning more about beekeeping.  This was very well explained to us by Jorge\, whose enthusiasm and dedication shone through his talk. \nWe learnt that the Maltese Honey Bee is small\, mostly black and has particularly powerful aerodynamic wings to help it navigate Malta’s windy climate.  Bees tend to choose a particular flower\, ex. Orange blossom\, and tend to continue pollinating those particular blooms.  There are three seasons roughly divided into Spring when Mille Fleurs honey is produced because of the variety of flowers around\, in Summer it is the garigue vegetation that feeds the insects whilst in Autumn the eucalyptus and Carob tree receive the pollinators’ visits. \nAn ancient beehive room\, in the garden still guards the old pottery hives.  This room is badly in need of repair.  Jorge hopes that this will be done so that he may revive the ancient system of bee husbandry\, reusing the Maltese ‘fuhhar’ pots. \nFor more info visit: https://maltesehoneybee.org/
URL:https://rotarylavalette.org/event/maltese-rotary-clubs-visit-the-beehives-in-safi/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://rotarylavalette.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Beehive-3.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250516
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250519
DTSTAMP:20260617T123356
CREATED:20250714T143807Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250714T143807Z
UID:345-1747353600-1747612799@rotarylavalette.org
SUMMARY:Rotary District 2110 Assembly 2025–2026
DESCRIPTION:Uniting Sicily and Malta to Do Good \nFrom 16–18 May 2025\, the Rotary District 2110 Assembly was held at the Four Points Sheraton in Catania\, Aci Castello\, marking a pivotal moment in preparing for the 2025–2026 Rotary year. Delegates from Malta’s Rotary Club La Valette — Brian Sullivan\, Clare Vassallo\, and Alessandro Liberto — proudly represented Malta in this dynamic international gathering. \nThe Assembly opened with anthems of Italy\, Malta\, the European Union\, and Rotary\, setting the tone for a weekend defined by unity and purpose. District Governor Elect (DGE) Sergio Malizia welcomed hundreds of Rotarians to a packed conference hall and unveiled the year’s inspiring theme: “Uniti per fare il bene” (United to Do Good). \nOpening remarks by leaders\, including Rosanna Aiello (President\, RC Aci Castello)\, outgoing Governor Giuseppe Pitari\, DGN Lina Ricciardello\, and DGD Casimiro Castronovo\, warmly highlighted the collaborative nature of the district. The international reach of District 2110 — bridging Sicily and Malta — was proudly acknowledged. \nOne of the Assembly’s most inspiring voices was that of Francesco Arezzo\, PRID and President of the Rotary Foundation Italy\, and Rotary International President for 2025–2026. Arezzo shared the remarkable early success of the Fondazione Rotary Italia\, which has already raised over $2.8 million\, with 25 major gifts positioning Italy among the top global contributors. Alongside Stefano Clementoni and PRID Alberto Cecchini\, he urged clubs to deliver impactful\, measurable projects and to embrace generosity as a cultural pillar of Rotary service. \nMalta’s Rotary Club La Valette was spotlighted during a presentation by Francesco Saccà\, Chair of the Governor’s Project Commission. Titled “Insieme con gioia nel Rotary”\, the initiative celebrates local excellence through a ten-stage\, cross-territory tour aimed at combining community engagement with fundraising. Representing Malta on the commission\, Alessandro Liberto will coordinate events scheduled for May 2026. \nIn addition to strategy and service planning\, the Assembly offered moments of cultural enrichment and fellowship. Attendees enjoyed “Notte di Donna”\, a mesmerising concert featuring Paola Caldarella (saxophone) and Cristina Gianino (piano)\, and a gala dinner at the scenic Grand Hotel Baia Verde — a setting as memorable as the friendships formed there. \nDGE Malizia laid out his three core focus areas: membership\, Rotary Foundation engagement\, and youth development. His program also introduces monthly Rotary breakfasts to encourage casual\, non-institutional connections among club members — a simple tradition with lasting impact. \nThree headline fundraising events will mark the music-driven spirit of the year: \n\nNoa in concert (2 August\, Teatro di Verdura\, Palermo)\nSei Ottavi a cappella (23 November\, Teatro Golden)\nHJO Jazz Orchestra (11 December\, Teatro Massimo Bellini\, Catania)\n\nA moving addition to the program is the Pet Therapy Project\, spearheaded by Angela and Sergio Malizia\, in memory of two beloved dogs\, Kiwi and Simba. Funds raised through solidarity postcards will support child- and elder-focused care associations across eastern and western Sicily. \nFinally\, PDG Attilio Bruno underscored the importance of nurturing membership with heart and vision\, encouraging clubs to prioritise meaningful relationships and create welcoming\, dynamic communities. \nThe 2025–2026 Rotary year is poised to be one of energy\, innovation\, and human connection\, grounded in Rotary’s enduring values and animated by the shared purpose to do good. \n  \nRotary Club La Valette Delegates (left to right): Rtn.Alessandro Liberto\, Rtn.Profs. Clare Vassallo and Rtn.Bryan Sullivan\n  \nSergio Malizia delivering his address\n  \nRtn.Profs. Clare Vassallo with Delegates at the Assembly\n  \nAll dressed up for the Gala dinner
URL:https://rotarylavalette.org/event/rotary-district-2110-assembly-2025-2026/
LOCATION:Four Points Sheraton Hotel\, Catania\, Aci Castello\, Italy
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://rotarylavalette.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/assemblea3.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250527
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250528
DTSTAMP:20260617T123356
CREATED:20250606T223517Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250606T224053Z
UID:278-1748304000-1748390399@rotarylavalette.org
SUMMARY:Fundraising Cocktail Party In Aid Of Sebh
DESCRIPTION:President Godfrey Swain and his wife\, Maryanne\, hosted members and friends at a fundraising cocktail party at their home in Lija on 27th May 2025. \nThe weather was kind\, and the evening ran smoothly\, with guests enjoying themselves throughout\, entertained by four outstanding artists from our Opera Nova project. The performance was directed by Soprano Gillian Zammit\, who kindly organised this event for our club in recognition of our support in the first year of this project\, which has already achieved considerable success and is set to move into its second year. \nMr Nicholai Grech also joined us from Mirachem Online Wine Shop\, our main sponsor for the evening\, who supplied excellent products in a very kind gesture towards the fundraising goal. A big thank you also goes to Farsons\, who provided the Prosecco\, water and soft drinks in another very kind gesture. \nA special mention to Ms Yvonne Mallia\, Director at Fondazzjoni Sebh and Kerry Hermitage\, the Family Services Senior Manager\, who touched our hearts with their impassioned speeches about the harsh reality of a darker side of life and the plight in which many victims of domestic violence find themselves. This gave our evening a special meaning and reflected the ethos of our club\, which is to support children and people in need from all walks of life. \nAfter deducting expenses\, we managed to raise EUR 2\,500 to support our EUR 10\,000 contribution to Sebh—a big thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to our event with generous donations. \nSpecial thanks to Godfrey and Maryanne\, who opened up their home for this marvellous event; to Sandra and David\, who organised the catering and managed the finances\, respectively; to Gillian Zammit and her Opera Nova team for providing quality entertainment; and to our generous sponsors. \n  \nKerry Hermitage and Yvonne Mallia from SEBH\, with President Godfrey Swain\n  \nThe four young singers\, pianist together with Club President Godfrey Swain and Soprano Gillian Zammit from Opera Nova\n  \nRotarians and friends at the SEBH fundraising event\n  \nCheers to having fun with Rotarian friends and guests
URL:https://rotarylavalette.org/event/fundraising-cocktail-party-in-aid-of-sebh/
LOCATION:President Godfrey Swain’s home\, Lija\, Malta
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://rotarylavalette.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Fundraiser-1.jpg
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