At this time of year parent's thoughts turn to school bills, including the cost of non provided stationary. The Lebanese website iloubnan.info highlights the dilemma many parents face in today's edition, which can be read on the Full Story page.

If you are an organisation in Zgharta Zawie which help parents in respect of school bills let us know.
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The Ambassador of Japan to Lebanon, Mr. Yoshihisa Kuroda, on Monday 18 August 2008, inaugurated the Industrial Kitchen Training Centre, at the René Moawad Foundation Centre at Mejdlaya.

Present were former Minister Mrs. Nayla René Moawad; Mrs. Rhonda Jawad Boulos; Mrs Marielle Michel Mouawad; Father Superior Nader Nader of the Monastery of Sts. Sarkis & Bakhous and members of the community.

The project, which cost US$70,047, is part of Japan's Grassroots Grants Programme, which since 1996 has provided assistance in financing development projects throughout Lebanon proposed and implemented by municipalities, NGOs, hospitals, private schools, research institutes, and other non-profit organizations. The grant provided equipment for a bakery section, industrial-size fridges, dish washing machines and cooking utensils.

The Minister in her welcome to the Ambasador said that the Training Centre was for the benefit of the whole Zgharta Zawie community regardless of their relgious and political beliefs.

Photographs of the opening can be seen on the Full Story page.
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The, El Marada, website carries today a news agency report concerning the problems being faced by industrial companies in Zgharta.

It refers to a recent visit by the President Fadi Abboud of the Lebanese Industrialist Association, accompanied by a number of Association members , who met Mr Edmund Dahdah, President of the Industrialist Association of Zgharta and Mr Joud Soutou, President of the Traders Association of Zgharta and other members of the business community.

Various topics were discussed such as the high cost of energy and the problem of its supply,as well as the difficulties in obtaining industrial licenses, finance and the question of minimum wages in the private sector.

The article can be read from the below links:

Arabic

English (Google).

The Lebanese Industrialist Association was founded in 1943, who advocates a policy of balanced industrial development for all Lebanese regions. It seeks to create and maintain an environment which is favorable to industrial investment, growth and development.

They visited a number of companies and organisations in the area including the René Moawad Foundation, agricultural centre; the Khoury olive oil production factory; the frozen potato company of Elias Youssef Hdayed.

It is sometimes overlooked that in addition to the summer tourist industry in Ehden there are industrial and commercial companies in Zgharta who provide local employment throughout the year.

In recent weeks Ehden has been like a movie set with three local and international television channels filming.

Next Friday night, ANB, (Arab News Broadcast), will feature a programme on Ehden which will contain interviews with: Gen. Joseph Maarrawi, President of the Zgharta Ehden Municipal Council; journalist and broadcaster, Robert F. Frangieh, who will be talking about Zgharta's immigration; author's and artist's Mohson Yammine, Sayed Abou Mehrez, Boulos Khawam and Karim El Koussa; and Sandra Koussa Saba, Manager of the Horsh Ehden Nature Reserve, who will talk about the Reserve. The programme will presented by Zgharta Zawie born, Olivia Dahdah, the daughter of Mershed Dahdah.

OTV, (Orange Television) will be showing in due course a programme on Ehden featuring interviews with: Georges Samaan Akleh, Vice President of the Zgharta Ehden Municipal Council; Robert F. Frangieh who will talk on Zgharta's cultural heritage and Sandra Koussa Saba, Manager of the Horsh Ehden Nature Reserve, on the Reserve; the President of the Kfarfou Municipal Council will also appear.

While, Al Arabiya, the television channel based in Dubai, filmed a documentary on the Horsh Ehden Nature Reserve. Both Robert F. Frangieh, as a member of the Reserve's Executive Commitee and Sandra Koussa Saba, talk about the forest and measures the Reserve is taking to preserve it.

We thank those who appeared on the programme and being Ehden's goodwill ambassadors.

Today, 28th August 2008, sees the start of, CINEMAIYAT, celebrating Lebanese cinema, and which runs until Sunday, 31st August 2008. There is a competition for the Best Short Movie with prizes:"Golden Apple", Trip to Hollywood for two; "Silver Apple", Trip to the Cannes Film Festival; "Bronze Apple", Professional Photographer's Camera.

It seems this year the Ehdeniyat has been more low key than in previous years. We have found little, if any, information, being released before or after an event, and found it diffcult to report events as they happened. Indeed we found ourselves cajoling our own sources for a sliver of information. The festival's own website and that of its own organisation, which should be the source, lacks up to date information or photographs of the programme. Having the means and resources its seems a pity that they were not used to their full potential.

What has to be decided next year is what is the festival for. If only for the locality then websites etc are not needed as word of mouth and posters are enough. If the festival has larger horizons then the organisers need to address how to reach a larger public.

As part of Ehdeniyat the Lebanese Paintball Tournament, in co-junction with Ehden Adventures took place last weekend in Ehden.

The organisers provided free camping facilities and the participating teams were given an guided tour of Ehden.

The winning team was Xtreme Paintball Forum of Beruit.

The main photographs shows Jad Hachem of Ehden Adventures (with logo) presenting the winning trophy. More photographs appear on the Full Story page.


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The Lebanese website, Now Lebanon, has reported today on an incident on Tuesday, 26th August 2008, at the village of Kfarsghab, where Member of Parliament for Zgharta Zawie, Jawad Boulos and Michel René Moawad were attending.

The report says, "The March 14 alliance branch in Zghorta-Zawieh on Wednesday said that during a religious ceremony in Kfar Sghab on Tuesday night, which MP Jawad Boulos and March 14 member Michel Mouawad attended, an individual accident occurred between two persons that had nothing to do with politics, as some media speculated.

During the conflict, one gunshot was fired, and three people were left with minor injuries. Three participants intervened to solve the fight, after which the ceremony continued.

On Wednesday, 27th August 2008 at 6 pm the newly completed second floor of the Ehden Municipal Building will be formally opened.

A plaque will be unveiled recording that Sarkis Yammine of Venezuela, under wrote the construction costs.

The main photograph is of Sarkis Yammine.

Photographs of the occasion can be seen in the Galleria from here.

An outbreak of vomiting and diarrhea in Ehden and the surrounding area is the subject of an article in the Lebanese newspaper, As Safir, today.

On average there has been three to four cases a day of vomiting and diarrhea in Ehden whose caused is said either to be the weather or the local water.

The report can be read from the below links.

Arabic

English(Google)

Zgharta born journalist, Robert F. Frangieh, has written in the Lebanese newspaper, Al Anwar, about the recent hike, which we reported earlier, organised as part of the Biiyat programme for this year's Ehden Festival, Ehdeniyat.

The report also mentions that Engineers Gloria Monarchi and Raymond Khoury, forestry fire prevention experts have been consulted by the Horsh Ehden Nature Reserve Committee. It appears that funding is being made available by, referred to as merely the French Agency, to implement such measures. In the meantime fire patrols are being intensified. Also the article says that, Dr Nabil Nimr, has been called in to inspect the condition of the trees and that she reported that they are disease free but are suffering the consquences of the summer drought.

The article can be read from here.

For only the second time a Zghartawien is being made an Papal Knight by Pope Benedict XVI, who is bestowing the Papal Order of Saint Gregory the Great, upon Michel Fouad Sayegh.

The ceremony will be held at St Maron Church, Zgharta, on Thursday, 28th August 2008 commencing at 6.30 pm. The Apostolic Nuncio to Lebanon, Archbishop Luigi Gatti, will attend, representing Pope Benedict, to bestow the knighthood and the insignia of the Order. The service will be officated by Bishop Samir Mazloum, Vicar General Patriarchal of Zgharta. The Parish of Ehden Zgharta is inviting parishioners to attend the ceremony and reception afterwards. A statue will also be unveiled of Michel.

It is fitting that the service is being held at Mar Maroun's as he was the principal benefactor for the construction of the Church. Michel was born in Ehden, his being parents Fouad and Wadad Salim (née Frangieh) Sayegh. At the age of 18 in 1949, Michel immigrated to Venezuela where he married and has four children.

In his recollection of his early days in Ehden he says, “I remember our childhood at school, we used to play football in front of the church, and go to pick crops with my father…I traveled to Venezuela, my brother Elias preceded me six months before. We had relatives there, my father agreed and encouraged me to travel… and most of my district friends went to Venezuela”

In the beginning in Venezuela Michel started working as a truck driver. Due to his hard work and business acumen he expanded his business and started to have contracts from the Venezuelan government.

The Papal Order of Saint Gregory the Great is recognised as the highest honour the Catholic Church bestows on a layperson in recognition of conspicuous service to the Church and society. It was founded by Pope Gregory XVI in 1831. Honours for the Order are made on the recommendation of Diocesan Bishops or Apostolic Nuncios for specific services. A Bishop wishing to recommend an individual for such an honour writes to the Nuncio detailing the candidate's life and charitable deeds. The Nuncio may consult with the Bishop and will then forward the recommendation to the Vatican Secretariat of State.

The Vatican's website says of Papal Knighthoods that, The Holy See has awarded the distinction of knighthood since the early medieval period. Such honours originally conferred nobility, personal or hereditary according to the rank, but today the Papal Orders are a means by which the Holy Father might personally distinguish those who have particularly served the Church and society. The crosses of the Papal Orders are visible marks of recognition and mirror the awards made by most states to their citizens and others for public and private services.

In 2007, Milad El Ghazel Mouawad, received the Papal Knighthood of the Order of Saint Gregory the Great.
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In Saturday's edition of the Lebanese newspaper, As Safir, it reports the finding of an ancient tomb in the village of Mazraat al Toufah on Friday.

The tomb was found by workers of the Municipality who were repairing the road near the Mar Doumit Church, next to the house of Antoine Francis. They initially saw an underground entrance with three stairs leading down to a cavern. It appears that the workers found the possible burial place of a family, as there were five skeletons one of which was a child. Near them was a stone jar for fragrances. It is thought the tomb dates back to the Romanian Byzantine era.

The Council notified the relevant authorities who are investigating the tomb and skeletons.

The village of Mazraat al Toufah is 900 metres above sea level and is some 29 kilometres from Zgharta.

The article can be read from here.

Larger versions of photographs can be seen on the Full Story page.
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The first Lebanese to climb to the top of Everest, the world's highest mountain, Maxime Edgard Chaya, will be the guest speaker of the Rotary and Rotaract Clubs of Zgharta Zawie at the Ehden Country on Friday, 22nd August 2008, 6 pm.

In an interview he said that he now uses his Everest success to," motivate the young, to build up their confidence and trust, to teach them that there is an Everest for everyone. There are many ways to 'climb one’s own Everest' and that doesn’t have to be a mountain..."

Maxime was born in Beirut. He asecended Everest in 2006

Its seems that in addition to historic Ehden, whose origins are lost in the mist of times, there is going to be built in the opening decade of the 21st Century a new development called "Ehden Village." As of the old, the creators of the new are a mystery.

As reported earlier this month we found a website under construction, called www.ehdenvillage.com since when it has added pages - About the Project - The Location - The View - Contact Us.

Of the project it says,

"Ehden Village” will take place on Ehden-Koura Highway, a nice and promising region, 2 minutes away from the city Center: Markets, Hospital, and Restaurants …

Situated at an altitude of 1400m, with a direct access to the main road, the project promises an outstanding scenery: The peaceful sea view from the west side and the famous mountains from the east. Upon one of these mountains, Saydet Al Hosn church imposes an almost heavenly picture not to be missed.

Furthermore, the project matches the green friendly conditions, since the built area constitutes only 600m2 out of the 2,200 m2 land. This 600 m2 will be distributed into 3 blocks; each consists of 2 duplex villas (having a shared wall which in consequence can be upgraded to form one larger location) and one flat. The villa is 205 m2, arranged into 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms … not to mention other luxuries such as a maid’s room & toilet, parking lots, chimneys, heating.

There are also plans and photographs.

There is no indication who are the developers other than the contact details are: sales@ehdenvillage.com phone ++ 961 6 660 888.

The Inner Wheel Club of Zgharta held its annual lunch at the Ehden Country Club, under the title, "The Mjadarra Dish," a popular dish of rice and lentils.

The guest of honour was Mrs. Marielle Michel Moawad, who is pictured in the centre of the main photograph in trousers, with Mrs Claudette Boulos Makary, widow of late Sheikh Alfred Boulos Makary, second left of her in black; Mrs Salma Moawad, the wife of Judge Harris Moawad, fourth from left and Mrs Ggeorgette Raffoul, former Director of the Public Elementary School for Girls in Zgharta, third from right.

Mrs Sanaa Yammine, a member of the Club spoke.

The first Inner Wheel Club, now part of Rotary International, was formed in 1924 England, by the wives of Rotarians. Over the years the organisation has expanded with over 100,000 members in about 101 countries and geographical regions worldwide. The objects of the organisation are: 1) To promote true friendship; 2) To encourage the ideals of personal service; 3) To foster international understanding.

The website of the North Lebanon newspaper, Attamaddon, features the lunch in its current issue, which can be read from here.

A larger version of the photograph can be seen on the Full Story page.
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There was a forest fire near the Horsh Ehden on Sunday evening, 17th August 2008.

The fire was at Chir El Skhour, along the Nebeh Jouite Road, near the holiday home resort known as, Reserve Ehden. owned by Alphonse and Remonda Yammine.

Fortunately the fire was spotted by Mrs Yammine who called upon the Civil Defence and Ehden Adventures.

The fire destroyed some 40-50 square metres of forest land.

The cause of the fire is believed to be fireworks.

After Sunday's near miss a plan of action is being put in place between the owners and Ehden Adventures to ensure a rapid reaction force and the necessary equipment to combat any outbreak of fires.

What is concerning is that there is a person or persons intent either to play the fool or to cause harm in the area. We are approaching the months where the combination of dry undergrowth and warm winds is lethal. Fires do not start on their own in the darkness of evening and cooler temperatures. If it's a case of irresponsible behaviour, then we have to look at ourselves and the acceptance that fireworks is somehow macho and is part of a young man's passage to adulthood to have easy access and use of such lethal toys.

On the Feast of Saydet Zgharta, Friday, 15th August 2008, Ehden received a group of Druze Sheikhs, who were travelling in North Lebanon as part of a friendship tour.

The group was met by the President of the Union of Zgharta Zawie Municipal Councils. Gen. Joseph Maarrawi; Presidents of other councils; and Fr. Estephan Frangieh respresenting the Parish of Zgharta Ehden. The tour included the Cedar's and a meeting with the Maronite Patriarch.

The visit has been reported in Sunday's issie of the Lebanese newspaper, Al Anawar, which can be read from here.

To learn more about the Druze's we provide a link to an article which appears on the website of the Institute of Druze Studies.

In Lebanon Druze's have official recognition as a separate religious community with its own religious court system. The Lebanese Constitution provides that Parliamentary seats are distributed according to religions and sects and they have eight. The total distribution is: Christian - Maronite 34, Greek Orthodox 14, Greek Catholic 8, Armenian Orthodox 5, Armenian Catholic 1, Evangelical 1, Minorities 1. Muslim- Shiite 27, Sunni 27, Druze 8, Alawite 2.

The five segmented star is the primary emblem of the Druze faith, using the colours - green, red, yellow, blue and white; symbolizing mind, soul, truth, will, and the material world.

It is heartening that local people, address local problems, and take local initiatives.

As we reported earlier, Ehden outdoor activity company, Ehden Adventures, with eco-activist, Sayed Morkos, organised, Ehden Big Clean Up, on Wednesday, 13th August 2008. The aim was to to clear rubbish from the beauty spots at Nwahir, the Ain Yahmoura Fountain and Al Salib and surrounding areas.

Some forty volunteers heeded the call and joined the enterprise at , Al Midan, and journeyed to the mountains. We are please to report that the Zgharta Ehden Municipal Council supported the initiative and provided a refuse vehicle and staff. As well , the local CAPS Youth Summer Camp took part, whose members enthusiastically helped.

At the end of the day all returned to, Al Midan, mission accomplish, showing to startled onlookers, the amount of rubbish collected in one day.

To see some photographs in the Galleria, click here

There is building activity on land along the express way between Ehden and Koura some 150 metres away from the crossroad for Ehden- Zgharta - Serhel. There is a sign displayed saying, Ehden Village, which incidentally also coincides with a "coming soon" website called, "www.ehdenvillage.com

Once we find out more we will let you know.

The Jouzour Simon Boulos Foundation's Dinner held last Friday was a great success with some 1100 guests attending. Among the guests were the Maronite Archbishop of Tripoli, Archbishop Georges Bou-Jaoudé; Michel René Moawad and Youssef Douaihy the great nephew of the late Fr. Semaan Douaihy.

The occasion has been reported in today's Lebanese French newspaper, L' Orient Le Jour, which can be read on the Full Story page in French and English.

We understand, that although invited, no member of the Zgharta Ehden Municipal Council attended. Notwithstanding the political affiliations of its members, once elected we believe that they and the Council represent the whole community. The community comprises of individuals with their own political affiliations, and it should be the case that their elected representatives honour all organisations, regardless of ties or associations, provided they are not overtly party political.

It is an common precept of democracy that elected members, whether of a municipal council or Parliament, represents each individual constituent, regardless that they did or did not vote for them. Attendance and support of such social activities, whether dinners, public events, festivals, should not be conditional on politics or family.

For readers comments go to the Full Story page.
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On Saturday, 2nd August 2008, the Jouzour Simon Boulos Foundation, opened a new office in the village of Toula, near Ehden.

It was officially open by Mrs Randa Jawad Boulos, the wife of the Foundation's Chairman and Member of Parliament for Zgharta Zawie, Jawad Boulos.

The office is located at the Assia Makdessi Building and is open daily between 4 p.m. and 11 p.m. The Foundation has provided ten computers with free access and internet connection. Later in the month the Foundation will provide classes for people to learn computer and software skills. This is part of the Foundation's programme to provide in the area, facilities for students and young people.

For further information about the office and classes call 7 0184042.

On Friday, 8th August 2008 the Foundation will be holding a fundraising dinner at the Ehden Country Club, starting at 8 p.m. Tickets are 50,000 LL per person and can be reserved by phoning the Foundation on 03 447 440 or 06 664 501. During the evening there will entertainment. There will be also be a tombola with star prizes. All proceeds of the Dinner will be used to finance the Foundation's ongoing work.

Two fires as a result of fireworks occured on Tuesday night.

There was a fire next to the Muscade Resturant in Moughtarabine Street, Ehden. The culprits run off leaving it ablaze until the Civil Defence arrived.

Some 6000 square metres of trees and herbs were destroyed by fire, once again caused by fireworks at Arbet Kozhaya, on land owned by Lebanese Maronite Order of Monks.

In this particular summer it is fortunate that there were no more forest fires. But why in the first place were fireworks allowed in such profusion. People said of Ehden that it was like a war movie with smoke and explosions. Last year a child lost his eye as a result of a firework.

Thanks to the local Civil Defence the fires were extinguished but again why put them under this added burden, especially at this time of year.

The Ehden outdoor activity company, Ehden Adventures, are organizing a much needed litter cleanup of parts of Ehden.

They have issued a public invitation for helpers to join them next week to clear rubbish from the beauty spot at Nwahir and surrounding areas.

The press release says,

Ehden Adventures calls all Ehdeniotes to join them on Wednesday, 13th August 2008 in the BIG EHDEN CLEANUP.

More so than in previous years, some of our summer visitors are leaving more than nice memories, they are leaving litter all over the place. This is especially the case at the beauty spot at Nwahir, the trail goes all the way down to Ehden. The amount of litter is such that it is visible from afar.

This initiative is in collaboration with Sayed Morkos, the eco activist and it is hoped that it will be a wakeup call to both offender and offended.

To help, join the cleaning squad in the Al Midan at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, with the convey up to the Nwahir departing at 9 a.m.

Ehden Adventures: Protecting Ehden's landscape and environment.



UPDATE: Times have change.