V O L U M E 0 4 - I S S U E 0 6 CHRISTMAS SPECIAL EDITION D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 2
Blessings by District Governor Greetings by Club President Christmas Nature Snowflakes Sports Hitting the puck Health 10 Best Ways to Stay Healthy In Winter Do You Know? Voice of Leos - Leo Encyclopedia Our Global Causes Roars of Leos A December to Remember JUMBLE PUZZLE Editorial Panel Editor's Note Reach Us 04 05 06 10 12 15 16 17 18 21 22 23 24 25 INSIDE
Hi Leos of Gampaha Metro, I am happy to see young energetic boys and girls make things happen in your club activities and Leo District. First and foremost my Congratulations! The quality of your newsletter and how much effort the team has put to present Voice of Leos. Good job by the Editor and the team. Keep up the good work. I am certain that with the guidance of Lion leaders of the Lions Club of Gampaha Metro, Leo Club of Gampaha Metro is performing at a satisfactory level. I learnt that during the past 6 months, Leos of Gampaha Metro have initiated meaningful service projects. Some of the signature projects like Athwela, Passing the light, Helping Hands would be really appreciated and through projects like Elevate, Light Up, A December to Remember and Lumiere you have proved the capacity of the young generation. I am proud and happy to have such an energetic team in my District which is a motivation to all Lions in the District. I would like to see you as Lions soon. I wish all of you and your families a Merry Christmas and wish all the success in the New Year 2023. Keep the unity and move in the right direction with the support of the Lions, you will never go wrong. Together we are one. Together We Can. Lion Gratien Fernando PMJF PMAF District Governor 2022-23 Lions District 306 B2 DISTRICT GOVERNOR Blessings by 04
CLUB PRESIDENT Greetings by It is my pleasure to pen a message for the official newsletter of Leo Club of Gampaha Metro, as the club president for the Leoistic Year 2022/23. First and foremost, I would like to thank Leo Nimasha Jayakody, the chief editor of the newsletter, for letting my mind speak through this message. Leo Hansa Ranasinghe Club President 2022/23 Leo Club of Gampaha Metro. As it says, “a smooth sea never made a skilled sailor”; it's about transcendence, transformation, overcoming obstacles and then the victory. I deeply believe that under the theme, “Unveiling Yourself Through Serving” of the admirable leadership of Leo Rahul Attanayaka PFLM, Multiple District President for the Leoistic Year 2022/23, we Leos can redefine the journey of Leoism by working towards rising above this tidal wave and achieving the peaks of success. Last but not least, I would like to appreciate all the generous contribution of time and energy to all the volunteer work done by Leos even under these difficult situations. Wishing you all the blessings of good health, prosperity and happiness! 05
Christmas is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in the world, commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ. It is a time of joy, love, and generosity, where people come together with family and friends to exchange gifts, share meals, and participate in religious ceremonies. The holiday has a rich and varied history, with different cultures and traditions contributing to its modern-day observance. The origins of Christmas can be traced back to ancient pagan festivals, such as the Roman festival of Saturnalia and the Germanic Yule celebrations. These festivals were held during the winter solstice, the time when the sun is at its lowest point in the sky and the days are shortest. They were a celebration of the return of the sun and the hope of spring. The birth of Jesus is considered a significant event in Christianity, as it marks the beginning of his life on Earth, and his mission to save humanity from sin. The celebration of Christmas is a major holiday in many parts of the world and is observed on December 25th to commemorate Jesus' birth. The story of Jesus' birth is narrated in the New Testament of the Bible, specifically in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. According to these accounts, Jesus was born to Mary, who was a virgin at the time, and her husband Joseph. According to the Gospel of Luke, Mary and Joseph traveled from their home in Nazareth to Bethlehem, where they were required to register for a census. While in Bethlehem, Mary gave birth to Jesus in a manger, as there was no room for them in the inn. Angels announced the birth of Jesus to shepherds in the nearby fields, who went to see the newborn baby. The Gospel of Matthew tells of wise men, also known as Magi, who came from the east to Jerusalem, asking about the location of the newborn king of the Jews. They were directed to Bethlehem, where they presented gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the baby Jesus. Jesus Christ was born in Bethlehem, in Judea, during the reign of King Herod the Great. According to the Christian tradition, his birth occurred on December 25th, although the exact year of his birth is not certain. 06
The celebration of Christmas varies widely across cultures and regions. In many Western countries, the holiday is associated with Santa Claus. Santa Claus is a legendary figure in western culture who is said to bring gifts to children on Christmas Eve. According to the myth, Santa Claus lives at the North Pole with his wife, elves, and reindeer. He is said to have a list of children who have been naughty or nice, and he delivers presents to the nice children while leaving coal for the naughty ones. The Christian celebration of Christmas began in the 4th century AD, when the Roman Emperor Constantine converted to Christianity. He declared December 25th as the official date of the birth of Jesus Christ, and Christmas gradually became a Christian festival. The word "Christmas" comes from the Old English "Christes Maesse", meaning "Christ's Mass". In other parts of the world, Christmas is celebrated in different ways. In Mexico and other Latin American countries, the holiday is marked by the "Posadas", a reenactment of Mary and Joseph's search for a place to stay in Bethlehem. In Eastern Europe, Christmas is celebrated on January 7th, according to the Julian calendar used by the Orthodox Church. The traditional colors of Christmas decorations are red, green, and gold. Red symbolizes the blood of Jesus, which was shed in his crucifixion; green symbolizes eternal life, and in particular the evergreen tree, which does not lose its leaves in the winter; and gold is the first color associated with Christmas, as one of the three gifts of the Magi, symbolizing royalty. The modern image of Santa Claus as a jolly, rotund man in a red suit with a white beard has been popularized by various media sources, including advertisements, movies, and books. The tradition of Santa Claus is based on the historical figure of Saint Nicholas, a fourth-century Christian bishop known for his generosity and kindness. The name "Santa Claus" itself is derived from the Dutch name for Saint Nicholas, "Sinterklaas." The legend of Santa Claus has become an integral part of Christmas celebrations in many countries around the world, and children eagerly await his arrival each year. Many families leave out cookies and milk for Santa Claus on Christmas Eve as a thank-you for his generosity. 07
One of the most important aspects of Christmas is the exchange of gifts. The tradition of gift-giving can be traced back to the Magi, the wise men who brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the infant Jesus. Today, gift-giving is a way of expressing love and appreciation for family and friends. Many people also donate to charities and volunteer their time during the holiday season. Another important aspect of Christmas is the food. In many cultures, Christmas is associated with feasting and special dishes. In the United States, for example, a traditional Christmas dinner may include roast turkey or ham, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce. In England, Christmas pudding is a popular dessert, while in Italy, a sweet bread called "panettone" is often eaten. Religious observances are also an important part of Christmas. Christian churches around the world hold services on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, with carols, readings from the Bible, and prayers. The religious observances of Christmas can vary depending on the denomination and traditions followed by different Christian communities. However, some of the common religious observances of Christmas include: Christmas Eve Services: Many Christian communities hold special church services on Christmas Eve to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. These services can include carol singing, candle lighting, and the reading of the Christmas story from the Bible. Nativity Scenes: Nativity scenes, also known as crèches or manger scenes, are a common feature of Christmas decorations in Christian homes and churches. These scenes depict the birth of Jesus in a stable with Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds. In some cultures, such as the Philippines, there are elaborate processions and reenactments of the nativity scene. The Christmas tree was first used by German Lutherans in the 16th century, with records indicating that a Christmas tree was placed in the Cathedral of Strasburg in 1539. When decorating the Christmas tree, many individuals place a star at the top of the tree symbolizing the Star of Bethlehem. It became popular for people to also use an angel to top the Christmas tree in order to symbolize the angels. Additionally, in the context of a Christian celebration of Christmas, the Christmas tree, being evergreen in color, is symbolic of Christ, who offers eternal life; the candles or lights on the tree represent the Light of the World, Jesus - born in Bethlehem. 08
Christmas Carols: Christian communities often sing Christmas carols during the holiday season to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. These songs can include traditional hymns like "Silent Night" and "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing," as well as contemporary Christian music. Mass on Christmas Day: Many Christian churches hold a special mass or service on Christmas Day to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. These services can include communion, singing, and the reading of the Christmas story from the Bible. In recent years, there has been some debate about the commercialization of Christmas. Critics argue that the focus on gift-giving and consumerism has overshadowed the religious and cultural aspects of the holiday. However, many people still find joy in the traditions of Christmas and see the holiday as a time to come together with loved ones and spread cheer. Christmas is a holiday with a rich history and diverse traditions. It is a time of joy, love, and generosity, where people come together with family and friends to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Whether you celebrate Christmas with gifts, food, religious observances, or simply spending time with loved ones, the holiday is a time to reflect on the things that matter most in life: faith, family, and community. 09
N A T U R E N A T U R E N A T U R E Snowflakes are some of the most enchanting and magical creations in nature. Every winter, they make their appearance, painting the world in shades of white and blue. But what exactly is a snowflake, and how does it form? A snowflake is a tiny, delicate ice crystal that forms in the atmosphere when water vapor freezes around a tiny particle, such as a speck of dust. When the temperature drops below freezing, water molecules in the air begin to cling together, forming ice crystals. As the crystal falls through the atmosphere, it grows and develops into its own unique shape. These crystals can then combine with other ice crystals to form a snowflake. Snowflakes Why are snowflakes unique? One of the most fascinating things about snowflakes is that no two are exactly alike. The shape of a snowflake is determined by factors such as temperature, humidity, and air pressure. Different combinations of these variables can result in a variety of snowflake shapes and sizes. Scientists estimate that there are over 10^18 (1 quintillion) different possible snowflake shapes, which means that no two snowflakes are exactly alike. This means that every snowfall is a one-of-a-kind event, with its own collection of individual snowflakes. 10
How are snowflakes able to maintain their structure? Despite their delicate appearance, snowflakes can actually be quite sturdy. Each snowflake is made up of countless ice crystals, which bond together in a strong and stable structure. This structure allows snowflakes to fall from the sky and settle on the ground without breaking apart. What is crystallography? The study of snowflakes is known as crystallography, and it involves the examination of the crystal structure of ice and other solids. Crystallography has many practical applications, such as in the development of new materials and technologies. As we see snowflakes fall and blanket the world in white, we can appreciate the remarkable beauty and complexity of these tiny, yet magnificent, creations of nature. “The message of Christmas is that the visible material world is bound to the invisible spiritual world.” 11
HITTING THE PUCK Misty, white fluffiness falling to the ground, bringing with it the cold of a thousand icecubes. All hail winter! And with it let’s welcome the… ice. When mentioning the season of Christmas and snow, ice is a must talk about. Cold to the touch but fun when put in an indoor drink. But what’s more fun is the games that we can play to stop this layer of hard glass-like form. Let’s start with a well known game that ranges on the top of the ice games played. The History of Ice Hockey If we’re being honest, Ice hockey wasn’t what existed at first. What existed where actually simple stick and ball games such as Bandy, a ice game quite similar to hockey but where a ball is used instead of a puck, Hurling, a outdoor ball game of Gaelic Iris origin, and Shinty, a outdoor Scotland originated game quite similar with lacrosse. The North American sport of lacrosse was also influential. These 18th and 19th century games in Britain, Ireland and elsewhere were what developed into Ice Hockey. Arguably the most influential games for ice hockey was Bandy, a sport distinctly different from ice hockey. After being brought to North America, several winter games with informal rules were created such as shinny and ice polo, which would later become a new organised game with strict rules known as ‘Ice Hockey’ 12
SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS Everyone knows that ice hockey is played on an Ice rink. During a normal game, there are six players on ice skates on the ice per side, one of them being the goaltender. The aim of the game is to score goals by shooting a hard rubber disc commonly known as the puck, into the opponent's goal net at the opposite end of the rink, with the players using their sticks to pass or shoot the puck. A professional ice hockey game consists of three periods of twenty minutes, the clock running only when the puck is in play. The teams change ends after each period of play, including overtime. However for games of a smaller scale, the time limit could be adjusted according to the preference of the officials. Players may redirect the puck with any part of their body. Players cannot hold the puck in their hand and are prohibited from using their hands to pass the puck to their teammates unless they are in the defensive zone. Players however are allowed to knock a puck out of the air with their hand to themself. Players are prohibited from kicking the puck into the opponent's goal, though unintentionally redirections from the skate are allowed. Using your hands to pass the pack into the net isn't allowed either. Hockey is an off-side, meaning forward passes are allowed, that is after the 1930s. Before that it was an on-side game, meaning only, Backward passes are allowed. With the arrival of off-side rules hockey transformed into a true team sport. The Rules of The Game While the rules remain a constant, the exact rules depend on the code of play being used. The two main events are IIHF and NHL. Both of these codes, and others, originated from Canadian rules of ice hockey of the early 20th century. The Players of The Game The six players on each team are typically divided into three forwards, two defensemen, and one goaltender. The term ‘skaters’ typically applies to all players except goaltenders. The forward positions consist of a centre and two wingers: a ‘left wing’ and a ‘right wing’. Forwards often play together as units or ‘lines’, with the same three forwards always playing together. The defencemen usually stay together as a pair generally divided between left and right. Left and right side wingers or defensemen are generally positioned on the side on which they carry their stick. A substitution of an entire unit at once is called a ‘line change’. The goaltender stands in a, usually blue, semi-circle called the ‘crease’ in the defensive zone keeping pucks out of the goal, with substitution permitted at any time of the game. When players are substituted during play, it is called changing ‘on the fly’. 13
The Three Major Rules of Ice Hockey Three major rules of play in ice hockey limit the movement of the puck: offside, icing, and the puck going out of play. A player is offside if he enters his opponent's zone before the puck itself. Under many situations, a player may not "ice the puck", which means shooting the puck all the way across both the centre line and the opponent's goal line. The puck goes out of play whenever it goes past the perimeter of the ice rink (onto the player benches, over the glass, or onto the protective netting above the glass) and a stoppage of play is called by the officials using whistles. It does not matter if the puck comes back onto the ice surface from outside of the rink, because the puck is considered dead once it leaves the perimeter of the rink. The referee may also blow the whistle for a stoppage in play if the puck is jammed along the boards when two or more players are battling for the puck for a long time, or if the puck is stuck on the back of any of the two nets for a period of time. Penalties come in three types. Minor penalties last for two minutes, major penalties last for five minutes, and a double minor penalty is two consecutive penalties of two minutes duration. A single minor penalty may be extended by another two minutes for causing visible injury onto another player. A two-minute minor penalty is often charged for lesser infractions such as tripping, elbowing, too many players on the ice, illegal equipment, hooking (as shown on the left), grabbing an opponent's stick, unsportsmanlike conduct (arguing a penalty call with referee, extremely vulgar or inappropriate verbal comments) to name a few. Five-minute major penalties are called for especially violent instances of most minor infractions that result in intentional injury to an opponent, or when a minor penalty results in visible injury (such as bleeding), as well as for fighting. Penalties 14
HEALTH HEALTH HEALTH Healthy Diet or Food: Eating a well-balanced diet including whole grains, lean meats, fish, poultry, legumes, nuts and seeds, herbs and spices as well as plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables are essential to the boost immune system. We can also have an optimum intake of foods rich in vitamin C, as it helps to strengthen our immune system and to keep our body healthy. Exercise: physical activity is an important aspect to keep one fit throughout the winter. Daily routine of yoga or any form of physical activity will help to keep you warm and boosts the immune system improving defence against seasonal ailments like flu and colds. Skin Trouble: Damaged skin is one of the perils of winter. Cold weather damages skin resulting in dry, and itchy skin, chapped lips, and cracked heels. Skin care in winter is a must include moisturizing, applying sun protection creams and increasing intake of water. Water: Drink required amount of water every day and stay hydrated. Water helps to clean our system and remove toxins, carry nutrients to the body cells and help balance body fluid. Sleep: A good amount of sleep helps to keep the body's immune system healthy, eliminates stress hormone cortisol and burns calories. Sleep is non-negotiable factor for maintaining good health. Hygiene: Maintain good hygiene, wash hands to keep the bacteria and viruses to stop spreads of germs. Checkup Your Health Regularly: Winter season precautions include keeping a check on health conditions by opting for a regular health checkup. As cold weather triggers health problems like asthma, flu, sore throat, painful joints, and increased risk of heart attacks as low temperature makes blood pressure to rise and puts more pressure on heart. Preventive health checkup is best way beat the winter diseases and to enjoy good health even in the chilled weather. Quit Smoking: Smoking makes individual susceptible towards respiratory infections in winter hence one should quit smoking. Vitamin D: Go outdoor and soak in the warm sun, our body requires vitamin D - which is essential for maintaining health and immunity, Vitamin D is also required to regulate the mood. 10 Best Ways to Stay Healthy In Winter Clothing: Wear woollen clothes to keep you warm when you go out. Now is the time to think about winter season health prevention, only if you want to avoid being sick and to avoid antibiotics and other drugs, follow above mentioned tips to have safe and a healthy winter. https://www.indushealthplus.com/best-ways-to-stay-healthy-in-winter.html 15
'Jingle Bells' was the first song played in space On 16 December 1965, the song 'Jingle Bells' made history by becoming the first song to be played in space during NASA’s Gemini 6A space flight. At-least… we think it was the first… It was Princess Charlotte who popularised Christmas trees in England Usually when we think about Christmas trees, we think about Prince Albert (Queen Victoria’s consort) popularising them in England, but the first known Christmas tree was set up at Queen’s Lodge Windsor in December 1800 by Princess Charlotte. Coca-Cola is not actually responsible for how we perceive Santa Claus The Coca-Cola company is often credited with creating the red coated modern image of Santa Claus we know and love today but this isn’t true! Most of his modern image was put together by Thomas Nast in the 1870s. Legend has it, candy canes were created to make choirboys quiet The legend tells that candy canes date back to 1670 when a choirmaster in Germany gave out sugar sticks to the choirboys to keep them quiet during services. The hook was meant to symbolise a shepherd’s crook for the Christmas occasion but other people think the hook exists so they can easily be hung from trees. The song 'We wish you a merry Christmas' was originally used as a threat The song was often sung by crowds of lower-class servants as they demanded alcohol from their masters during the festive period. The lyric 'We won’t go until we get some' was used to get their point across. Children who write to Santa Claus in the US have a good chance of getting a reply In the United States, campaigns such as 'Operation Santa' have been running for decades with hundreds of volunteers around the country having the responsibility of replying to letters from children that are addressed to Santa Claus. This allows children who write to Santa to get a response from old Saint Nicholas! Celebrating Christmas used to be illegal for 260 years in the US You might be aware that Oliver Cromwell banned the Pagan holiday of Christmas for 12 years from 1647 in the UK, but did you know that the ban was only lifted in Oklahoma USA in 1907? This means in some parts of the US, Christmas was banned for over 260 years! Queen Victoria sent the first official Christmas card Queen Victoria was the first official person to send a Christmas card, but the first commercial card came in 1843 when Sir Henry Cole produced 1000 and sold them for one shilling each. There are currently only 12 of these cards left in the world with one going up for auction a couple of years ago for £30,000. (https://www.hughbaird.ac.uk/blog/10-interesting-facts-about-christmas) DO YOU KNOW? 16
Our Global Causes Every journey begins with a single step. One act of service, one encouraging word, one gift of generosity is often all it takes to bring hope where it’s needed most. Over the last 100 years, the kindness of Lions and Leos has multiplied across borders, oceans, and continents. With over 1.4 million members, we now have an opportunity to truly change our world. That’s why we’re uniting our global service around five areas of need. These Global Causes present significant challenges to humanity, and we believe it’s our turn to meet them. VOICEOFLEOS-LEOENCYCLOPEDIA https://www.lionsclubs.org/en/explore-our-clubs/our-global-causes Diabetes We serve to reduce the prevalence of diabetes and improve quality of life for those diagnosed. Vision We serve to prevent avoidable blindness and improve quality of life for people who are blind and visually impaired. Hunger We serve to ensure all community members have access to nutritious foods. Environment We serve to sustainably protect and restore our environment to improve the well-being of all communities. Childhood Cancer Lions and Leos provide support for the needs of children and families affected by childhood cancer through impactful service activities. 17
R O A R S O F L E O S Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world. - Nelson Mandela - 18
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“A December to Remember” is a project which was initiated by Leo club of Gampaha Metro. Our aim was giving them some quality time with fun and gifts. For the month of December ”A December to Remember” team successfully completed at the children’s home. Leos of Gampaha Metro has spent time with little children on 31 December. It was an excellent opportunity. Unfortunately their mental health was affected by the current crisis in Sri Lanka. While other children used to have fun with their parents and their smart devices, team was thought of going to children’s homes and giving them some happiness to their lives. Under this project, we have selected two children’s homes to do some fun activities and distribute some gifts. The selected girls' home is located on Siyane Road, Gampaha, and the boys' home is located in Gampaha town. ‘A December to Remember’ team spent time with children and played games with them as well. It helped a lot to boost their mental health. They got a chance to have a break from monotonous life and have fun and engage in various activities. “A December to Remember” We love, because He first loved us. (1 John 4:19, NASB) 21
JUMBLE PUZZLE CanYouSpottheDifference? 22
Leo Nimasha Jayakody FLM Head of Voice of Leos Newsletter Team Chief Editor and Designer Leo Dakshana Salinda Senior Editor Leo Sandavie Dilanya Senior Editor Leo Lakshan Jayawardena Editor Leo Dinara Junali Editor Leo Rochelle Shahali Editor Leo Sanara Ganegoda Editor EDITORIAL PANEL 23
Dear fellow Leos, I strongly believe that being a Leo is an excellent way for anyone to make a positive change for themselves and society. I began my Leo journey in 2020 at the Leo Club of Gampaha Metro. I found a way to actively work by becoming the secretary for the "Helping Hands" project and taking online English classes through the "Athwela" project. I have come to realise that volunteering is more than just serving people in need. Leoism is about leadership, experience, and opportunity. Through Leoism, you can discover your potential and create a supportive family outside of your home that will groom you into a better person. I had very little experience as a newspaper editor, but thanks to my supportive team, I never felt out of place, and I always enjoy my work. I am grateful to everyone who has helped me and given me the opportunity to be a part of this team. The "Voice of Leos" is a platform where you can find many talents, especially showcasing the power of innovative youth. As a team, we always focus on giving our best in a productive manner. I would like to invite all our readers to join us every month. We look forward to continuing our successful projects as Leos of Gampaha Metro. Last but not least, wish you a merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2023. Leo Lakshan Jayawardane Editor 2022-23 Voice of Leos EDITOR'S NOTE 24
[email protected] Leo Club of Gampaha Metro leos_of_gampaha Voice of Leos LeoGampahaMetro leosofgampahametro Leo Club of Gampaha Metro REACH US 25
THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER LEO CLUB OF GAMPAHA METRO