St. Patrickʻs Day Feast with HOPE Services Hawaiʻi
St. Patrickʻs Day Feast with HOPE Services Hawaiʻi
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Stories
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Rotary Club of South Hilo Peace PoleCreator of the Peace Pole for the Rotary Club of South Hilo, David Kunert, discusses the carvings on the custom Peace Pole now on display at the Hilo International Airport, and the significance of the carvings thereon. The video quality is unfortunately not the best. |
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February 27, 2024Speaker - Brenda HoFellow Rotarian and CEO of Hawaii Care Choices, Brenda Ho, spoke about Hawaii Care Choices, the history of the organization, programs and services offered including palliative care - support that can begin at diagnosis, continuing alongside treatment, hospice care - support that can begin when cure is beyond reach, and bereavement care - support for those in the grieving process for all in the community for free. She also spoke of the organization's newest revitalized and repurposed endeavor, the Pōhai Mālama Care Home, which transferred from an inpatient service center last year to its current state as an Adult Residential Care Home or ARCH, offering a residential setting for the elderly who require some sort of 24-hour assistance. More information about Hawaii Care Choices and Pōhai Mālama Care Home can be found on their website: https://www.hawaiicarechoices.org/. |
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February 13, 2024Guest Speaker - Jen McGeehanAfter being inspired watching the incredible documentary, “Alive Inside” and learning about the wonderful national organization created by Dan Cohen called “Music & Memory,” Jen McGeehan launched Remember Thru Music, a community-based, no cost public program public program focused on improving the lives of individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia through the provision of personalized mp3 music players to eligible individuals that apply. Extensive research indicates that early damage to language and visual memory pathways in Alzheimer's disease and dementia can be mitigated by personalized music programs, which activate and calm the brain, facilitate muscle movement, and bring joy. As such, the music loaded on the mp3 players is tailored to represent the lives of the affected individuals when they were the most vibrant (20s through 40s). |
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January 24, 2024Guest Speaker - Chelsea Mack Chelea Mack, fellow Rotarian and Public Affairs Officer for the Hawaii Branch of the Veterans of Foreign Wars presented on the Wall that Heals project - a 3/4 sized replica of the Vietnam War Memorial along with a mobile education center, backed by Hawaii County. She spoke of the impact this commemorative exhibit has on the veteran community and importance of the project as a whole in the education of the youth regarding this moment in history, and touching on the disdain and hatred that greeted veterans of the Vietnam War compared to the homecoming of veterans today. The Wall That Heals will be displayed at Bayfront in Hilo through Sunday, January 28, 2024. Educational tours will be hosted during business hours while the wall will be on display 24-hours a day for all to view it. For information on volunteering, donating, and signing up for the educational tours, click here to go to the official website for The Wall That Heals - Hawaii County. Or, click the links below to view the Schedule of Events and Sign up for Educational on-site hosted tours. |
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January 09, 2024
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Dec 23 2023 Salvation Army Bell Ringing
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December 24, 2023 - Kupuna Kalikimaka
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November 28 2023 Frank Manley bio It is our great pleasure to welcome Frank Manley to the membership of the Rotary Club of South Hilo. Frank is the Program Director for Hawaii Island Adult Care in Hilo, Hawaii. Frank was born and raised in South Georgia to the parents of the Chief of Police and a school teacher. He is married with four beautiful children. He has followed in my parents' footsteps, who dedicated their lives to the service of the community. He has been a Licensed Practical Nurse for 27 years, with experience in Critical care, long-term care, and palliative care. Although this career has been rewarding, he felt something was missing. He returned to school at Colorado Technical University, earning his master’s in business administration with a concentration in Healthcare Management. Working as the Program Director and Nurse at Hawaii Island Adult Care is an excellent opportunity to give back to the community. He’s honored to be a member of the South Hilo Rotary Club so that he can be of service to Hawaii Island.
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December 7 2023 Christmas PartyThe link is up for our Christmas Party "Making Spirits Bright" on December 7th at the Fairway Grill Banquet Room, from 5:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. We have attached our Christmas flyer created by our talented member, Len! We have a wonderful program planned for this event. Please sign up and enjoy a wonderful evening with your fellow Rotarians and friends. Follow this link for details or scan the QR code below.  |
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Community Service OverviewService Above Self Community Service is an important concept which attracts many to Rotary. The idea that working both singly and in groups to selflessly help others in need without thought of recompense is a powerful driver behind many great projects. I suggest that there are two general types of Community Service. First is the "one time pau" in a given Rotary year. Examples of this would be the Rice Rally and Salvation Army bell ringing Second would be continuing throughout the year on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. Examples of this would be helping to feed the homeless several times a month, something that the Rotary Club of Hilo currently does. Both are great in that they allow for flexibility in Rotarian time schedules. I'm hoping for a good club discussion about this soon - DCH
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Oct 24 2023 Susan Kazama presentation |
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Nov 18 2023 Rotary Rice Rally KTA On Saturday morning, November 18, 2023 Rotary Club of South Hilo club members will gather at KTA from 8 AM to 1 PM to collect bags of rice. These bags will be then distributed by another organization to feed the needy in our community. This is an annual event for East Hawaii Rotary clubs.
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November 4 2023 Hilo Veterans Day Parade |
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Sept 2023 Marshallese Water Truck ProjectDuring COVID, there was an emphasis on handwashing and basic sanitation and the Marshallese leaders expressed their concern because of lack of access to clean water. The Oceanview community does not have water infrastructure and depends on individual water catchment systems to supply water to their homes. Most of the Marshallese homes do have catchment systems and depend on a County spigot that provides clean water to the area. Though the access to that water is open and free, the Marshallese do not have a way to gather and transport the water to their homes. The Marshallese community leaders expressed a need to have a reliable 4-wheel drive vehicle (because of the terrain in Oceanview), containers to transport water and water pumping equipment. The Rotary Club of South Hilo took on the project and coordinated the fundraising throughout District 5000. Several clubs and over 40 individual donors across District 5000 contributed almost $53,000 to purchase the truck, water tanks, transfer pump and the water hoses. The truck was delivered and dedicated in September of 2023.       |
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Sept 28 2023 Malama Maui FundraiserOn the evening of Sept 28, 2023 the combined East Hawaii Clubs held a fundraiser for helping to support recovery activities associated with the Lahaina and Upcountry Maui wildfire. The Mālama Maui Rotary "Friendraiser" was attended by nearly 70 East Hawaii Rotarians and their guests on September 28th at the Hilo ARC. Five Rotary Clubs participated including the Rotary Clubs of South Hilo, Hilo Bay, Hilo, Pahoa Sunset and Volcano Crater. District Governor Mark Merriam attended as well as past District Governors Randy Hart and Sandy Matsui. DG Mark reported that the District 5000 Foundation Maui Fires Relief fund has raised nearly $2,000,000 that will be distributed locally by the Rotary clubs on Maui. The Hilo event raised $1500 that will be donated directly to the Maui Fires Relief fund. The event also served as a showcase for Rotaryʻs activities in East Hawaii including the Oceanview Water Truck project (South Hilo), the Oktoberfest fundraiser (Hilo Bay), and School Supply Distribution (Hilo). Guests and non-Rotarians had an opportunity to learn more about Rotaryʻs work and meet many of the Rotarians who attended.   |
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Oct 3 2023 Dist Gov Mark Merriam talk story On October 3, 2023 after having been introduced in detail by Assistant District Governor Bev Heikes, District Governor Mark Merriam gave a great presentation about Rotary's response to the Maui wildfire disaster, how Rotary in general was doing and how we as Rotarians could move forward in a positive way. Within two days the three West Maui Rotary clubs had met and began planning ways to help everyone impacted by the fire. At the district level, a request for help in donations was sent to Rotarians worldwide. Within 2-3 weeks nearly 2 million dollars had been raised from 5000 donors from all over the world! A committee of Maui Rotarians and local leaders has been assembled to disburse funds. Nearly every day, Rotarians have volunteered to go to several locations in West Maui to set up Starlink stations so that local folks can use the internet to contact family and more. With respect to Rotary in general, the number of Rotarians is growing but slowly. And many clubs in Hawaii have reduced numbers of active members because of the Covid pandemic which basically crushed in person meetings. And we have members who although technically active are not active meeting attendees. Mark suggested that we each contact a few of those individuals and talk story with them to see if coming back to meetings on a more regular basis would work for them. Mark also talked about this being Polio month with October 24th being World Polio Day. Every donation given that day will be matched 2 for 1 up to 150 million dollars! |
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Rotary Foundation Donation FormRotary has made it easy to contribute to the Rotary Foundation. Here is the link to downloading a fillable PDF. An example of a blank form is shown below. There are many different areas within the Foundation to contribute to. Since October 24th, 2023 is World Polio day this would be a great time and group to contribute to. Also there are options for a variety of contribution plans - monthly or yearly, etc. South Hilo is club number 27. If you don't remember your Rotary ID number, Zeda or Benson can give it to you.  |
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Sept 26 2023 Ashley Kierkiewicz Na Leo TV On September 26, 2023 Ashley Kierkiewicz, President of Na Leo TV on Hawaii Island, gave a talk about all of the new events and possibilities happening in Na Leo TV. She is pictured above (right) with our club president Zeda Medina. Ashley Kierkiewicz was selected to lead Nā Leo, Hawai’i Island’s community media center, as President & CEO in June 2023. Her vision for the Public, Educational, and Governmental (PEG) TV station is to be a catalyst for positive change, where residents unlock their creative potential, increase connection, and tell stories that reflect the diversity of our community. With facilities in Hilo and Kona, residents are empowered with knowledge and tools to become certified Community Creators. Residents are also invited to share their thoughts with the broader community through in-studio tapings for the monthly broadcast of Hawai‘i Island Speaks Out. The Nā Leo team is producing compelling shows that celebrate Hawai‘i Island's people, lifestyle, and culture: from science, tech, and art exhibit features to kupuna talk stories, keiki engagement, and fitness programs, to hunting, diving, nonprofit, and sports features, there is something for everyone. Special in-studio events such as live music, immersive art showcases, and thought leader presentations provide additional opportunities to elevate local talent and perspectives. In 2024, Nā Leo will launch its new brand and its first annual Youth Film Festival to celebrate its 30th anniversary. Several opportunities to get involved include underwriting local programs, annual membership to enhance content creation skills, video/podcasting, and production services to showcase your organization are available. Ashley is building Nā Leo up to be a workforce incubator and storytelling agency, strengthening the island's creative media and tech scene. The actual Na Leo TV website is extraordinary with a huge amount of interesting material showing on three different channels: Channel 53, Channel 54 and Channel 55. There is also a Na Leo app for iPhones which is quite helpful and easy to use. |
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Sept 26 2023 Member shots        |
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October 28 2023 Walk a MileAs you saw, we’ve started a Walk a Mile in Her Shoes team “East Hawaii Rotary Clubs” team that each club can still have individual walkers but also be on the team. "Aunty Momi" already has a team and had big fun during her walk a mile with pals.   |
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October 20 2023 Compassion Workshop |
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Oct 27 All Rotary Monstah Mash |
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Peace Group Sept 16-23 2023* ~ Hawai`i Island Peace Week ~ * September 16 – 23, 2023 Saturday 16th - Peace Walk with the Mayor– Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium – 9 am – 10 am. Kicks off the Trek the Trail Health & Wellness ʻOhana Fun Event.—Sign-waving to support Unity for Maui Sunday 17th - Peace Pole Celebration - Puna Hongwanji – Kea’au – 9 am, Community Activity —celebrate the Peace Pole Installed last year Monday 18th – St. Joe’s Student Peace Celebration – County Building Atrium – 8:30 am —Rotarian and Interact Students—folded 1,000 origami peace cranes and prepared the “senbazuru” inspired by Hiroshima Atomic Bombing child victim Sadako Sasaki’s story. Students will present the 1,000 Origami Peace Cranes (“tsuru.”). "Sadako eventually passed away, but her story inspired others to fold paper cranes as a symbol of hope and resilience in the face of adversity. Today, paper cranes are a powerful symbol of shikata ga nai and are often folded and displayed in times of crisis as a reminder to stay strong and resilient.” Tuesday 19th - Peace Pole & Hula at Mo’oheau Bandstand – Hilo – 12 noon—Destination Hilo has their Hula performance and will point out the Rotary Club of Hilo’s 100th Year Granite Peace Pole. The pole was amazing work of love, planning, patience and peace—granite pole came from India and specially designed base. Wednesday 20th - Peace Pole Celebration - One Gallery - Hilo – 12 noon—Portable Peace Pole, Stain-Glass Peace Pole will be displayed. Deb Beaver will provide light refreshments. Senbazuru and origami Peace Cranes will be displayed. Thursday 21st - International Peace Day 9 am – Ring Your Bells for Peace Day – in person at Hilo Hongwanji or virtually HERE Peace Pole Sunrise to Sunset ~ Sponsored by Rotary Clubs of Hawai’i Island * See flyer for details. (See updated flyer prepared by Bev)
Friday 22nd - Peace Pole Dedication – North Hawai’i Hospice - 3 pm followed by Reception and Dinner 4 - 6 pm at Red Water Restaurant, Waimea ($30) RSVP jimb4good@gmail.com Saturday 23rd - Peace Day Festivity - Honoka'a Town -11 am – 5 pm * See website for details https://www.facebook.com/PeaceCommitteeHonokaa County of Hawaiʻi Peace Page - 2023 | Hawaii County, HI https://www.hawaiicounty.gov/our-county/peace#:~:text=September 16 – 23, 2023 |
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Peace Group Conflict ResolutionKakou Workshop for October 20th on International Conflict Resolution Day:  |
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Airport Peace Pole InstallationPeace Pole installation at the International Airport— The site preparation for the Carved Peace Pole —Airport Officials, Rotarians, Returned Peace Corps Volunteers, and the Carver Dave Kunert. Video by carver explaining the carving to follow Mahalo to Peter for coordinating.   |
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September 10, 2023 Kilauea eruptionI thought this would liven up the website a little... Kilauea Volcano Eruption Starts At Summit With High Lava Fountains |
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Rotary Causes - Promoting PeaceRotary International focuses on nine major causes: Promoting peace, Fighting disease, Providing clean water, sanitation and hygene, Saving mothers and children, Supporting education, Growing local economies and Protecting the environment. Withing this mantle Rotary has worked for many years to promote peace. The following videos show Rotarians engaged in this program program. |
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Rotary Causes - Supporting EducationRotary International focuses on nine major causes: Promoting peace, Fighting disease, Providing clean water, sanitation and hygene, Saving mothers and children, Supporting education, Growing local economies and Protecting the environment. Withing this mantle Rotary has worked for many years to promote programs for supporting education. The following videos show Rotarians engaged in these programs.
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Rotary Causes - PolioRotary International focuses on nine major causes: Promoting peace, Fighting disease, Providing clean water, sanitation and hygene, Saving mothers and children, Supporting education, Growing local economies and Protecting the environment. Withing this mantle Rotary has worked for forty years to eliminate the disease polio from the world. The following videos show Rotarians and recipients of the vaccine engaged in the program.
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Rotary Causes - Saving Mothers and ChildrenRotary International focuses on nine major causes: Promoting peace, Fighting disease, Providing clean water, sanitation and hygene, Saving mothers and children, Supporting education, Growing local economies and Protecting the environment. Withing this mantle Rotary has worked for many years to promote programs for saving mothers and children. The following videos show Rotarians engaged in this program
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Rotary Causes - Providing Clean WaterRotary International focuses on nine major causes: Promoting peace, Fighting disease, Providing clean water, sanitation and hygene, Saving mothers and children, Supporting education, Growing local economies and Protecting the environment. Withing this mantle Rotary has worked for many years to provide clean water to communities. The following videos show Rotarians engaged in this program.
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CIA Pictured here is our July 25 and September 12 2023, meeting speaker, former senior CIA operations officer John Atwell who delivered the second half of a presentation entitled, “Spies in Paradise.” Mr. Atwell, who is also the author of The Island Intelligencer (a monthly column in the Hawaii Tribune Herald about espionage and national security issues) and editor of the Weekly Intelligence Notes (an online magazine for the Association of Former Intelligence Officers), informed the audience about electronic and human intelligence collection activities around our islands over the past few years, to include: a Russian spy ship off the coast, Chinese intelligence balloons overhead, Hawaii-born-and-raised CIA ops officers who were arrested in Honolulu for working for Chinese intelligence, the flight from Hawaii (and defection to Russia) of NSA contractor Edward Snowden, and intelligence activities by our own government and adversarial nations affecting the recovery effort in Lahaina.
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Zeda Medina takes the helm At our July 11, 2023, meeting, our new president, Zeda Medina, at left, welcomed three new members, continuing from left to right, Claudia Wilcox-Boucher, Len Miyazono, and Amy Lee. |
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Presidential Installation On Tuesday, June 20, 2023, Rotary District 5000 welcomed the installation of 2023 - 2024 Presidents for, L to R, Rotary Club of Pahoa Sunset - Susie Osborne; Rotary Club of Hilo - Jeremiah Leonard; and Rotary Club of South Hilo - Zeda Medina.
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Changing of the Guard At our June 6, 2023, club meeting, we welcomed our incoming president, Zeda Medina (left) and sang the praises of outgoing president, Cat Rehberg (right). |
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Hawaii County Parks At our 5/2/2023 meeting, Hawaii County Parks and Recreation Director Maurice Messina, pictured here, was our guest speaker. Mr. Messina spoke of the current state of many parks and how they will be maintained and upgraded.
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Finance Our guest speaker for our 4/18/23 meeting was our very own Keith Marrack who spoke on the topic of finance. |
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Sexual Assault Awareness At our April 4, 2023, meeting, our featured speaker, shown here, was Lorraine Davis, Chief Operating Officer of the YWCA in Hilo. Lorraine is responsible for the Sexual Assault Support Services Program and the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Program at the YWCA and is also past president of the Rotary Club of Hilo Bay. Lorraine spoke of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Child Abuse and Neglect, Victim Rights, and Denim Day which takes place on the last Wednesday of April. This day of action and awareness is an event in which people are encouraged to wear denim to combat victim blaming and educate others about sexual violence. Governor Josh Green has proclaimed April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month in Hawaii. |
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Rotary Foundation On March 21, 2023, our guest speaker, seen here, was Rotarian Virgina Juettner who spoke about the Rotary Foundation. Virginia is a member of the Rotary Club of Hilo Bay, serves as club trainer, and is the Paul Harris Society Co-chair, for Rotary District 5000. She has been a Rotarian for 23 years, in three Rotary districts and has been a club president twice and chaired two District 5000 conferences. |
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Legislative Process At our March 7, 2023, meeting, former State Senator Laura Acasio and former legislative aide Micah Alameda, shown here with club President Cat Rehberg (center), discussed how legislative bills are introduced and the process they travel to get passed into law or rejected by the legislature. |
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Truth or Dare At our February 21, 2023, meeting, Club President Cat Rehberg entices members to be creative in an interactive game like Truth or Dare in which members engage with each other to answer questions from another or ask the creator to elaborate… great fun. |
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New Members At our February 7, 2023, meeting, District Governor Randy Hart inducts new members Micah Alameda, Pono Kekela, and Glenda Mitchell.
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Recycle Hawaii At our February 7, 2023, meeting, our guest speaker was Kristine Kubat, who was born and raised in Southeast Pennsylvania and has lived in Hawaii for the past 40 years. She feels blessed to live in close proximity to her two children and five grandchildren who reside in and around Hilo. Kristine brings a lifetime of experience as an environmental and social justice activist to her current position as Executive Director for Recycle Hawaii. She spends her downtime making art, gardening, and practicing yoga.
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Steven J. Santiago At our January 17, 2023, meeting, guest speaker Steven J. Santiago, recently retired from the Department of Transportation as the Hilo International Airport District Manager and with an impressive 25 years in the Hawaii Army National Guard as Master Sergeant of Operations, gave a presentation on the state of our airport.
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Dr. Kimo Alameda At our December 6, 2022, meeting Dr. Kimo Alameda, Vice President of Business Development with Hawaii Island Community Health Center, spoke of an alarming and deadly issue in our community, the rise in fentanyl use in Hawaii County.
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Rotary Meetings Move OnlineWith COVID-19 completely changing our world, our club meeting have now moved online. Our club meets online at our normal time (12 noon) every Tuesday. You can join the meeting with either your computer or phone, but you must register ahead of time using the following link. Our meetings are password protected, but once you register and receive the password, it's the same every week. When: Every Tuesday at 12:00 PM Hawaii After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. If you've already registered for a meeting previously, you do not need to do this again. Just use the same link every week. The Rotary Clubs of East Hawaii also have an online meeting every Thursday at noon. You can register for this meeting using the following link: When: Every Thursday at 12:00 PM Hawaii After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. If you've already registered for a meeting previously, you do not need to do this again. Just use the same link every week. Stay safe, stay in touch, stay positive! Hope to see you at a meeting! |
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Rotary Meetings Suspended Until April 7th.Following the suggested cancellation or postponement of group/social gatherings by our State and County governments, I am suspending our regularly scheduled Rotary club meetings until April 7th. We do have a service project scheduled for March 21st so please check with our website (www.rotarysouthhilo.org) for updates. I encourage everyone to stay in touch with each other via phone, text or email. Pass along information on any of our members who may need help or might fall ill. Please stay home if you are at risk, practice social distancing and wash your hands! Take Care All, Benson Medina President |
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Upcoming OpportunitiesWe have two volunteer opportunities: Saturday March 21st, Hawaii Wildlife Fund Beach Clean Up, learn more here or contact Keith Greer at kgreer@hawaiicarechoices.org Saturday April 18th, Special Olympics Spring Games. learn more here or contact jeanna Rimmer at jeanna4rotary@gmail.com Upcoming Vocational is March 24th and UH Hilo Bookstore with Margaret Stanley, details coming soon! There will not be a meeting on that day. March 10th Speaker is Susan Freeman talking about COH Food Security |
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Coronavirus Meeting Draws Huge Crowd With worldwide concern over the rapid spread of a novel coronavirus and a recent report from the State Department of Health that two confirmed cases traveled through our state in recent weeks, over 60 people attended a special meeting on Tuesday, February 18th. East Hawaii Rotary Clubs hosted Jason Dela Cruz from the State Department of Health and Chad Shibuya, Arthur Sampaga and Elena Cabatu from Hilo Medical Center. The group took us through a lively presentation that included the origin of the virus, measures that have been taken to arrest the spread and local precautions that are being taken to keep our citizens safe and prevent panic that can result from the spread of inaccurate information on social media. Dela Cruz and Shibuya both stressed taking the normal precautions to avoid getting the flu or colds (such as frequent handwashing) and that the spread of the virus throughout Hawaii is pretty small.  Over 60 people attended a special Rotary meeting to discuss the coronavirus in Hawaii.    Members from all East Hawaii Rotary Clubs were in attendance
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Mike Kaleikini Gives Us Geothermal UpdateHilo resident, Mike Kalekini, Senior Director for Public Affairs at ORMAT, Inc, gave us an update on the status of our local geothermal plant. ORMAT, an international company, owns and operates Puna Geothermal Venture located in lower Puna. The plant was surrounded by the May 2018 eruption that destroyed over 500 homes and displaced thousands of residents. The geothermal plant was producing roughly 30% of the electricity used on Hawaii Island at the time of the eruption. Though the plant was not destroyed by the lava, its transmission substation and connection to HELCO was demolished and is currently being re-built. Kalekini hopes to be back online sometime late in the first quarter.  President Benson, Dana Butler (Hastings and Pleadwell) and Mike Kaleikini (PGV)  Our members enjoy the presentation.  Marissa and Paulla enjoy a moment as they prepare to bring new Rotarians into the world!  Tom and Irene get ready to volley some questions at Mike
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Charter Member Jimmy Souza Passes at Age 90 One of the founding members of the Rotary Club of South Hilo, Jimmy Souza, passed away today at age 90. . Jimmy took ill on December 21st and had been convalescing at Life Care since then. He started to decline over the weekend and passed away peacefully this morning at 9:53 a.m. More information on funeral arrangements will follow, including how our Rotary Club will memorialize Jimmy. His daughter, Geri, expressed gratitude to Rotary for always being a special place for Jimmy since 1956.
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Five Year Leadership Line Established At our December 18th meeting, our Board of Directors approved a five-year "Leadership Line" that ensures the Rotary Club of South Hilo will have continuity and consistency in their leadership for the next five years. The leadership line starts with our current President Benson Medina (2019-2020), our President-Elect Maurice Goulding (2020-2021), President Nominee Keith Greer (2021-2022), President Designee Catherine "Cat" Rehberg (2022-2023) and President Successor Tracy Klask (2023-2024). Congratulations to new leadership! |
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Special Olympics - Foundation GrantWe were honored to have JaNeal Stevens with the Special Olympics at our weekly meeting on December 10th. The Special Olympics received monies from our matching foundation grant to allow local Olympians to complete in Oahu.  |
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Doug Adams - Paul Harris Fellow +6Doug Adam received his Paul Harris +6 pin (his first ruby!) at the weekly meeting on Tuesday December 17th.  Paul Harris Fellow recognition has been decorating our Rotary Foundation’s passionate supporters for many years. It is a proud tradition that honors the memory of our founder Past RI President Paul Harris. In order to be honored as a Paul Harris Fellow, someone must contribute sums of at least $1,000 to our Foundation’s Annual Fund, Polio Plus, or approved Foundation grant. These funds can be used to honor others while being applied to the amazing work that has distinguished our Rotary Foundation as an organization that provides hope, health, and peace around the world. Becoming a Paul Harris Fellow is a tremendous accomplishment and honor multiplying that generosity, multiples the community impact made with these contributions. So much good begins with these gifts: wells are constructed, children are vaccinated against illness, senior citizens are afforded meals and services, children and adults are educated and given professional opportunities. This work is vital to the children, families, and communities who benefit. Only when people’s basic needs are met, can they pursue the larger elements of human life including conflict resolution, community building, and peace. Paul Harris Fellows, in a very tangible way, provide stepping stones to a more harmonious world.
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Salvation Army Bell RingingA festive time was had by all that came out to Safeway on Saturday December 21st to ring the bell for Salvation Army. Cat stole the show with her tap dancing and mahalo to her father for being Jolly Saint Nick!   |
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The Last Week of Rotary for 2019It's the last week of Rotary activities for 2019 and we're going out with a bang! Here's the schedule for the coming week: Tuesday, December 17 - Our last meeting of the year featuring Vanessa Carlson from Big Brothers/Big Sisters. Please bring some cash as this is the meeting we present our happy dollars collection to our faithful servers who have worked hard all year to keep our lunches moving while we have our meetings. Please give generously! We'll sing a couple of Christmas Carols and end the year with holiday fun! Also, we have a Dictionary distribution at Kalanianaole School in Pepe'ekeo at 10 a.m. Please contact Irene Bender (808-936-4374 or jib96720@yahoo.com) if you're able to help. Wednesday, December 18 - last Board Meeting of the year. This will be an important meeting that will line up our leadership for the next year and solidify some of the systems we'll put in place after the New Year. Saturday, December 21 - 9:30a.m. - 7:30 p.m. SALVATION ARMY BELL RINGING AT SAFEWAY - Though we have two hour shifts starting at 9:30 a.m. feel free to come even if you can only stay an hour. Bring friends, family, neighbors. We'll have our Rotary tent up, snacks, drink and chairs when you tired so come and join the fun on Saturday. This is our last big service event of the year so lets come out in force! Call (808-464-5153) or email Zeda (zeda4rotary@gmail.com) and let her know when you'll be coming.  (We had a lot of fun at last year's bell ringing! We've had a great Rotary year so MAHALO to everyone. Have a Happy and Safe holiday season and we'll see you all at our first meeting of 2020 on Tuesday, January 7th! Happy Holidays, Benson |
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Dictionaries Getting Out Before Christmas!  Dictionary Distribution Chair Irene Bender has been hard at work getting Rotary dictionaries out to dozens of elementary school students in the Hilo area during the last month. With help from many volunteers including Paulla Speegle, Phoebe Lambeth, Benson and Zeda Medina, Pat Aiona Jr., Charlene Iboshi, Peter Boucher, Pat Aiona Sr., Kim Kobayashi and Tom English (among others), we have been able to distribute dictionaries to St. Joseph's, Keaukaha Elementary, Kapiolani, EB DeSilva and Kalanianaole schools so far. Rotary dictionary distribution is a worldwide Rotary project that promotes literacy around the world.
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The Art of NegotiationMark your calendars for the next Kakou Workshop, The Art of Negotiation"  |
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October Happenings   .jpg)   .jpeg)  |
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Paul Harris Fellow - Charlene IboshiCongratulations to Charlene Iboshi for becoming a Paul Harris Fellow. Charlene is an active member of our club serving as the Peace Committee Chair, volunteering her time to numerous service organizations in our community and always with camera in hand capturing all the special moments. Thank you for all you do for us Charlene!  |
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RCSH Foundation Donates $10,000 to Hilo Medical Foundation.jpeg) The second beneficiary of our Hilo Huli proceeds received a $10,000 donation from our Foundation. Lisa Rantz, Executive Director of the Hilo Medical Center Foundation (HMCF) attended our October 15th meeting to accept the check from Foundation treasurer, Wana Agasa. HMCF was one of 15 east side non-profits to apply for project funding from the Rotary Club of South Hilo Foundation. Rantz reavealed that the award would be used to assist the Rural Health Professionals rotation program. This program allows health professionals to move around our community to experience the many facets of our culture, livelihood and families. Our Foundation has donated nearly $100,000 to HMCF over the last 10 years.
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Mauna Kea Protectors State Their Case Kamaka Gunderson (left) and Linda Leilani Lindsey-Kaapuni (3rd from left) spoke on the behalf of the Mauna Kea Protectors at our October 8th meeting at the invitation of our member Lani Weigert (2nd from left). Sherry Bracken (right) from NPR was also at the meeting to cover the presentation. Gunderson and Lindsey-Kaapuni discussed their view that many of the agreements that were supposed to be followed regarding the management of Mauna Kea have been not been upheld by the State of Hawaii. They also shared the belief of many native Hawaiians that Mauna Kea has always been deemed as a scared space so that any building or construction of any kind constitutes desecration of a sacred Hawaiian site. Several club members participated in a lively question and answer period that followed their presentation. |
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South Hilo Rotarians Make a Difference at Special Olympics Another successful Rotary volunteer event was held on Saturday October 5th. Under beautiful sunny skies, 10 members of our South Hilo family handled the awards section of the annual Special Olympics Bocce Ball competition held on the baseball field at University of Hawaii-Hilo. Chairperson Jeanna Rimmer assembled an experienced crew who was responsible for making sure every participant was acknowledged for their achievement and participation. Besides Jeanna, other members of the RCSH 'ohana Tracy Klask and her daughter Tiana, Cat Rehberg, Lani Weigert, Zeda and Benson Medina and their granddaughters Zoe and Marissa and Shari Todd spent the better part of Saturday helping this very worthy cause.
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Volunteer OpportunityOnce again we will be assisting with the East Hawaii Special Olympics Fall Games. The Games will be held Saturday, October 5th at the UH Hilo baseball fields. Our Rotary will be responsible for the bocce ball event. It's alway a fund day watching the athletes compete and the taking part in the medal ceremony. Volunteers are needed from 8:45 am to 3:00 pm. If you can only be there a few hours we would love to have your participation. T-shirts and lunch will be provided. Please provide you t-shirt size and if you prefer a regular or vegetarian lunch to Jeanna Rimmer, jeanna4rotary@gmail.com, 808-209-0071, by September 30th.
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New Member, Kim KobayashiPlease welcome the newest Rotarian to the Rotary Club of South Hilo, Kim Kobayashi. Please reach out and introduce yourself to Kim! .jpeg) |
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Weekly MeetingsJoin us for our next Rotary of South Hilo meeting. Lunch meetings are held each Tuesday at 12:00 pm at the Hilo Hawaiian, Queen's Court Restaurant. Get there early for seating and placing lunch order .jpeg)   |
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Rotary Club of Kapolei - Scholarships for Nursing & Education StudentsThe Rotary Club of Kapolei is accepting scholarship applications for Nursing and Education students through October 1, 2019. Eligibility Criteria:
b. Anyone entering a U.S. Military Service Academy. c. Anyone receiving a multi-year scholarship or a full tuition scholarship. d. Anyone attending a university or college outside the United States. Criteria for Selection:
Scholarships Available:
The scholarship is non-transferable, cannot be deferred, and is a one-year grant that need not be repaid. Enrollment must be in January of the academic year the scholarship is awarded. Scholarships will be disbursed directly to the applicant’s college or university.The Rotary Club of Kapolei Scholarship programs are administered without regard to race, creed, color, age, religion, sex, national origin or physical disability. Applications and information can be found here: |
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RCSH Welcomes Catherine Rehberg as our Newest Member Charter member Jimmy Souza and 50-year Rotarian Val Cook welcome Cat Rehberg to the club On Tuesday, August 20th, the Rotary Club of South Hilo welcomed Catherine "Cat" Rehberg as the newest member of our club. Cat is the CEO of Lavaloha a chocolate producing farm outside of Hilo. Cat was born in New Hampshire and travelled extensively before settling in Hilo. She previously worked as an account executive for Creative Arts before founding Lavaloha. Cat will be serving on the principal planning group for next year's Hilo Huli fundraiser.  |
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August Service OpportunitiesThe following are the service opportunities available in August, click on the event name to sign up online. 8/22 Feeding Homeless Rotary Contact: Benson Medina 5 - 6:30 pm United Methodist Church 8/22 Special Olympics Cop On Top Rotary Contact: Jeanna Rimmer 5- 8 pm . Hilo Wal-Mart 8/31 Hawaii Wildlife Fund Rotary Contact: Keith Greer 8:30 am Bech Clean Up . - Na'alehu Milepost 65
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Brenda Ho & Wana Agasa - Paul Harris FellowCongratulations to Brenda Ho who received her Paul Harris +5 pin and Wana Agas who received her Paul Harris +6 with a Ruby stone pin. Rotary started with the vision of one man — Paul Harris. The Chicago attorney formed the Rotary Club of Chicago on 23 February 1905, so professionals with diverse backgrounds could exchange ideas, form meaningful, lifelong friendships, and give back to their communities. The Paul Harris Fellow program recognizes individuals who contribute, or who have contributions made in their name, of $1,000 to The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International. By giving from your heart each and every year, you’ll support families and change lives. Paul Harris Society gifts have helped provide:
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Hope Services DonationsThe Rotary Club of South Hilo recently donated of $300 in cash and school supplies for Hope Services keiki returning back to school. Thank you Charlene for coordinating.  |
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2020 Rotary International ConventionAloha Club Members, I am the Point of Contact for the 2020 Rotary International Convention Host Organization Committee, HOC for short, and my job is to keep the Club up-to-date on the convention and also the HOC activities. As a recap, the 111th international convention is well underway with about 18,000 already registered. Imagine Rotarians from all over the world coming to Hawaii to experience the Power of Rotary and enjoy our island hospitality! There will be lots of collaboration on projects and partnerships, lots to learn about Rotary and a lot of inspiration from awesome speakers. The convention will take place at the Hawaii Convention Center June 6 to 10, 2020. There will be great speakers, maybe 100 breakout sessions and several hundred booths in the House of Friendship. Rotary International is responsible for the convention logistics, the program, speakers, breakouts and the House of Friendship. The HOC is responsible for the local events, which includes 2 lunch cruises, a windward fishpond service project, a walk for peace in Ala Moana park, host hospitality and a fabulous concert at the Waikiki Shell. We have a website for registrants to sign up for the HOC events and also tours and activities. In order to cover the expenses, we need your help with donations and sponsorships. If you would like to donate or can reach out to your company contacts, it would be much appreciated. If the amount is $6,000 or higher, please let Sonya Mendez, the Sponsorship Chair know, because we need to get Rotary International’s approval first. We also need a lot of volunteers. If you would like to greet people at the airport, provide info at the Convention Center or just want to be in the thick of the action, sign up either on the HOC or District website. This is an initial volunteer registration. You’ll have a chance to choose your shift later this year. This convention is an opportunity for you to see the Rotary big picture without having to pay a lot for airfare and hotel rooms. It will bring a lot of attention to Hawaii, not to mention revenue for the State. So, what are you waiting for, register now before the price goes up in December. Here are web addresses for more information: The HOC website is: rotaryhonolulu2020.org The District website is: rotaryd5000.org The Rotary International website to register is: riconvention.org Thank you for listening and I hope you will take action to donate, volunteer and register for the convention. It’s going to be a memorable opportunity for us to share the Aloha spirit with Rotarians from around the world, make lasting friendships - and learn more about Rotary ourselves! |
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East Hawaii Clubs Come Together for PDG Del GreenA large group of East Hawai'i Rotarians gathered at the Hilo Hawaiian on July 29th to welcome PDG Del Green. Every eastside club was represented among the 65+ attendees. PDG Green took us through some of the legislative changes made by Rotary International at a recent conference in Chicago. He was also able to update us on the upcoming International Conventional to be held in Honolulu from June 6-10, 2020.  East Hawaii Presidents Junichi Noumaru (Hilo Bay), Lee Dombroski (WE Club), Anna Liu (Hilo), Benson Medina (South Hilo), Deb Nichols (Pahoa), Paul Field (Volcano) and AG Randy Hart welcome PDG Del Green    |
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RCSH Volunteers Help ManyJuly 20th and 25th marked our club's first two service projects of the new Rotary year. On July 20th, the American Cancer Society sponsored it's annual fundraiser "Relay for Life" that draws hundreds of people from east Hawaii and raises tens of thousands of dollars for the ACS. This year, our Rotary club assisted with the set-up, serving and clean up of the Survivor's Dinner, a major component of the Relay for Life event. The dinner paid tribute to dozens of cancer survivors.  .jpeg)  On Thursday, July 25th, RCSH started a regular service event with the "Peanut Butter Ministry", a non-profit group that serves meals to the homeless and hungry at the United Methodist Church on Waianuenue Avenue. Our club will cover the fourth Thursday of each month. joining with other volunteers to serve the 60-75 people who come looking for a hot meal. Please let Benson know if you are interested in helping.   |
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Summer SnapshotsIt's been a busy couple of months for the Rotary Club of South Hilo. We have numerous speakers, visitors from the mainland, John Fitzgerald speaking to u about the "moon landing", birthdays and special 90th for our Jimmy Souza, a new Rotary Board, Foundation giving, children leaving for college and children graduating from college, awards for your service and dedication. Thank you all for making this club special!                        |
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Volunteers Needed for Relay for LifeOur local chapter of the American Cancer Society is requesting volunteers from the Rotary Club of South Hilo and our Satellite club members at next weekend's (Saturday, July 20) Relay For Life at Francis Wong Stadium. We have traditionally supported the event by providing our local American Cancer Society the use of our 20X20 tents. But this year, they are requesting help with the Survivors Dinner, which takes place at Aunty Sally's from 2-4 p.m. We still need volunteers from 2-6 p.m. to serve food during the dinner period and then stay for the clean up and put away tables. The ACS will provide a crew leader, we need to provide the volunteers. All volunteers get a free meal and an event t-shirt. If you are able to help (friends and family also welcome), please email or text Benson (rcshnews@gmail.com or 808-286-6559) so we can get you on the list. Relay for Life is a major event in our community so it would be great for our Rotary Club to provide the volunteer power to make this event a success. |
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Fitzgerald's Host Mahalo PartyJune 22nd proved a great day for some ono Hawaiian food, horse and buggy rides and some good old fashioned Rotary fellowship at John and Karen Fitzgerald's ranch. Benson, John and Karen started the festivities Friday night by lighting the imu and roasting pork butts and sweet potatoes overnight. Twelve hours later, the sweet smell of kalua pork greeted our guests. Dave and Jeanna Rimmer were the first on the scene, followed by Peter Boucher and his family. Jimmy Souza and arrived with his daughter and her entire family. Benson and Zeda brought their usual entourage of grandchildren who took full advantage of the buggy rides John offered anyone brave enough to hop into the carriage. Randy Kurohara, Ka'iu and son Caleb also enjoyed the ride. The crowd also include friends of the Fitzgeralds and other Rotarians. Here's a few pictures from the event: .JPG) .JPG)    |
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June 1st Vocational Sign UpRegister for the upcoming Vocation on Saturday June 1st to Tom Yeh's Mango Farm in Kona. Bring bags for picking and containers for pickling mango. We will be carpooling from Hilo around 8:30 am and meeting at the farm at 10:00. Food will be provided, $15.00 per person to attend. Sign up here: http://portal.clubrunner.ca/7741/event/club-vocation-5. Last day to register is this Thursday! .jpeg) |
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South Hilo Rotary Week In ReviewImages from the District 5000 Conference on Oahu    Rosemary, Charlene and Paulla participating in the "Walk With A Doc" at Queen Liliuokalani Gardens .jpeg) Your East Hawaii Peace Committee in action! .jpeg) Tuesday Meeting Roundup: Wana brought Chocolate from Italy that was auctioned to the highest bidder Arabel. Big Mahalos to Randy, Margaret and the amazing .staff at Creative Arts for the banners, shirts for our Hilo Huli Elena gave happy dollars for HMC’s A grades for patient safety with two evaluators...also, a statewide first with the tiniest pacemaker inserted by HMC’s interventionist cardiologist. Jimmy was impressed! .jpeg) .jpeg) .jpeg)  |
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Volunteer OpportunityVolunteers are still needed to assist with the 15th Annual Celebration of Life on Saturday May 25th at Richardson's Beach Park. To volunteer please contact Keith Greer, kgreer@hawaiicarechoices.org or Lani Weigert, lani4rotary@gmail.com.  |
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Pahiki Eco-CasketsCourtney Gusick with Pahiki Caskets spoke with our club on Tuesday May 14th. Her sustainable caskets are now available at Dodo Mortuary. Learn more about the good works Courtney and her team are doing by visiting https://www.pahikicaskets.com/ PĀHIKI (Hawaiian): 'To pass quietly, go lightly, touch gently' Pāhiki came into existence after a series of deeply moving and intimate experiences with death. As we navigated the emotional & logistical complexities of funeral planning, we found a lack of continuity between eco-conscious living and sustainable burial options. The more we observed the more we realized our 'death denial' culture has the unintended consequence of perpetuating poor environmental stewardship. In the West we have defaulted to practices such as embalming; manufacturing caskets made of heavy toxins, metals, synthetic fabrics; and artificially making those who have passed appear animate. These gestures, though temporarily comforting to the living, are wreaking eco-havoc in perpetuity.
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May 14th MeetingThis past Tuesday was a busy meeting indeed! We had the pleasure of welcoming Gordon Shurtleff and his wife Penny from Torrey Pines (La Jolla) Rotary Club. Our guest speaker was Courtney Gusick founder of Pahiki Caskets on Oahu. We also had the honor of welcoming our Rotary Scholarship recipients.   .jpeg)   .jpeg) .jpeg)  |
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Rice RallyThank you to all cam out an represented Rotary at the annual Rice Rally on May 11th at KTA. .jpeg) .jpeg) .jpeg) |
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Hilo Huli Mahalo |
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South Hilo Charters Satellite ClubOn Wednesday night, May 8th, the Rotary Club of South Hilo chartered the first Rotary Satellite Club in the State of Hawaii. A Satellite Club is an affiliate club of an existing Rotary Club but meets at a different time and place. All members of the new Satellite Club are now members of the Rotary Club of South Hilo so we just added 11 new members to our club. The club meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month at Wiki Fresh on Kilauea Avenue. Meetings start at 5:30 and generally run for an hour. Margaret Stanley and Marissa Guerra will serve as the Chairperson and Secretary for the new club. Here are the charter members of the new Satellite Club and the newest members of the Rotary Club of South Hilo. Some are new to the area and some are very familiar names in our community:
Not everyone was able to join the charter ceremony but over 20 people attended the induction ceremony. Even our District Governor, Win Schoneman flew from Honolulu to preside over the ceremony. Please join me in welcoming our newest members:  Front Row (L-R) Win Schoneman (District Governor), Margaret Stanley (Satellite Chair), Mabyn Ganiron, Courtney Pachecano, Marissa Guerra (Secretary). Back Row: Jeff Calley, Shari Todd, Benson Medina (President). Kalani Kahalioumi, Kurt Kuipers, Marcie Saquing, Randy Hart (Assistant Governor). Missing: Lokelani Dahl, Tom Ivascanin, Nicole Gasperi, Darryl Oliveira. |
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Hilo Huli Great Success!In spite of high winds and rising tides, our 15th annual Hilo Huli fundraiser on Coconut Island was a rousing success. With over 20 well-stocked vendors and the sweet sounds of Mark Yamanaka, over 750 guests enjoyed a cool and pleasant afternoon thanks to the efforts of our Rotary Club members, friends, families and volunteers. Months of planning and a weekend of back-breaking work ensured our club would raise the funds needed donate to our two prime beneficiaries, The Boys and Girls Club of the Big Island and the Hilo Medical Foundation.  Arabel, Charlene and Claudia show off the sign that lets people know it's "Hilo Huli Time"  Thanks to the "Friends of Liliuokalani Park", the koi flew beautifully over Coconut Island .jpg) Pat Jr. and Justin P. get ready to make the big push  Troy gives Jimmy a ride over the bridge.  Justin Barrios is the coolest man on the island!  Near the end of the day, the crew takes a break to snap a picture
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Rotarians Make A Difference Doug Adams and our speaker, Deputy Director Ku’ulei Kekuewa with the Hawaii National Guard Youth Challenge  Celebrating Jimmy Souza's impeccable Attendance Record.    .jpeg) Charlene provided the inspiration, —Journey to the Universe —15 years of supporting our youth and STEM education and astronomy.  Peace Corps —Political Science Class and a PC Alumni Panel; Peace take many forms and historical context is important.  Mahalo Event for the volunteers and facilitators that made the 2019 RYLA event a success!
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2019 Hilo HuliTickets for the 15th Annual Hilo Huli are available at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/15th-annual-hilo-huli-tickets-58439409848 Tickets are also available at the following locations: Aiona Car Sales, Short 'n' Sweet and The Most Irresistible Shop in Hilo. .jpg) This year's beneficiaries of the Hilo Huli are the Boys and Girls Club of HAwaii Island and Hilo Medical Center Foundation. .jpeg) |
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Satellite Club MeetingJoin us for our next Satellite Meeting at Wiki Fresh this Wednesday, March 27th at 5:30 pm.    |
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Special Olympics Volunteer OpportunityWe will once again be volunteering with Special Olympics to help with their spring games being held at Keaau High School on Saturday April 13, 2019. There are several shifts that are available: Set Up - 6:00am - 9: 00am Field Events 8:00 am - 3: 00 pm Tear Down - 1:30 pm - 4:00 pm If you are able to volunteer please email or call/text Jeanna at jeanna4rotary@gmail.com or 808-209-0071. If you register online for the event I will reach out to you to schedule a shift to work. We will be in assisting in various activities, but primarily we will be handling the award ceremonies for the athletes. Register online here: http://portal.clubrunner.ca/7741/event/spring-games---special-olympics |
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Rotary Peace Fellow ApplicationEach year, Rotary funds some of the world's most dedicated and brightest leaders to study at Rotary Peace Centers. Through training, study, and practice, Rotary Peace Fellows become catalysts for peace and development. Many go on to careers with governments, NGOs, the military, law enforcement, and international organizations like the United Nations and the World Bank. Applications for the 2020-21 Rotary Peace Fellowship program are now being accepted. The due date for candidates to submit applications to their district is 31 May. Districts must submit endorsed applications to The Rotary Foundation by 1 July. Review district endorsement instructions.
Application process See the steps you need to take to complete your application process. Follow these steps to ensure that your application receives consideration.
Eligibility requirementsThe Rotary Peace Fellowship is designed for leaders with work experience in peace and development. Our fellows are committed to community and international service and the pursuit of peace. Candidates must also meet the following requirements: 
Eligibility restrictionsRotary Peace Fellowships may not be used for doctoral study. The following people are not eligible for the master's degree program:
Recipients of Rotary Global Grants Scholarships must wait three years after completing the scholarship to apply for Rotary Peace Fellowship programs. Rotary Peace Fellows who have completed the certificate program must wait three years to apply for the master’s degree program. Rotary Peace Fellows who have completed the master's degree program must wait five years to apply for the certificate program. Take the eligibility quiz. For more information contact PDG Lisa Foster ... lisaannefoster@hotmail.com |
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Rotary Youth Leadership Academy (RYLA)Another RYLA is in the books and the weekend's experience proved once again, we are so fortunate to have such an amazing group of Rotarians that are so committed to RYLA!! Rotary of South Hilo was responsible for Logistics this year and Zeda did an amazing job of stepping in and getting it done. Keith, Maurice and Arbel were not just great facilitators but also great teachers and examples for our kids. We are grateful for all the logistic efforts of Benson, Paulla, Jeanna, Charlene, Lani and Val. That experience will be forever cemented into the lives of those kids thanks to all your efforts! |
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Paul Harris FellowsCongratulations to Doug Adam and Brenda Ho who were both awarded their Paul Harris pins during the Rotary Foundation Dinner on January 29th. Doug is a Paul Harris +5 and Brenda is a Paul Harris +4 fellow. .jpeg) .jpeg) .jpeg) |
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Welcome Our Newest RotariansWe inducted two new Roatarian this past week, Margaret Stanley and Keith Greer, both sponsored by Lani Weigert. Margaret is the Bookstore Manager for UH Hilo and Keith is the Development Manager with Hawaii Care Choices. Please introduce yourself and welcome Margaret and Keith to South Hilo Rotary!  |
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Upcoming EventsTuesday 2/12 - Dark Wednesday 2/13 - Satellite Club Meeting at Wiki Fresh at 5:30 pm http://portal.clubrunner.ca/7741/event/satelitte-meeting Friday 2/15 through Sunday 2/17 - RYLA at KMC Tuesday 2/19 - Weekly Meeting at Queen's' Court Restaurant Tuesday 2/19 - Hilo Huli Planning Meeting at 1:00 pm at Queen's Court |
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Rotary Foundation Event.jpg) .jpeg) .jpeg)        |
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Final Dictionary DistributionThe final Dictionary Distribution was held at Na Wai Ola Charter School on January 31, 2019. Thanks to all the Rotarian that assisted and special thanks to Irene bender for taking on this service project for the club.  |
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Change in Meeting LocationREMINDER: Starting Tuesday, February 5th our meeting will move upstairs to the Queen's Court Restaurant. For those that would like to eat we will be ordering off the menu and paying the waitstaff directly. Please make sure to arrive prior to 12 to place your order.  |
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Dictionary DistributionAloha Rotarians: This is the last school on our list to provide with dictionaries: Na Wai Ola Charter School in Mt. View on January 31st. Please join me for this fun project. The kids are a blast and the teachers are very pleased to have us visit. This dictionary may be the first book these kids have ever owned and they are happy and proud to receive it. Mahalo nui loa, Irene To volunteer, sign up here: http://portal.clubrunner.ca/7741/event/dictionary-distribution |
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Evening Rotary Club MeetingHave friends and colleagues that have been interested in Rotary but can't make the lunch meeting? Invite them to Talk Story Thursday on January 17th at Wiki Fresh. In addition to our bi-monthly social we will be have an info session on our new evening satellite club. Satellite Club meetings start Wednesday, Feb 13. Club will meet twice a month, 2nd and 4th Wednesdays at the Waioli Room (Upstairs bar) at the Hilo Hawaiian from 5:30-6:30.
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Talk Story ThursdayRegister online here: http://portal.clubrunner.ca/7741/event/talk-story-thursday-4  |
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Rotary Foundation EventPlease join us for the Rotary Foundation event to be held on Tuesday January 29th from 5:30 until 7:00 pm at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel. This is an all club event and we will not be having our regular scheduled meeting on that day. Tickets are $25 in advance and can be purchased online or at our meetings. Tickets will be $30 at the door. There will be heavy pupu's, entertainment , silent auction and a cash bar. Brenda Creasey, Vice Chair of the Rotary International Foundation will be our speaker. Register online here: http://portal.clubrunner.ca/7741/event/club-vocation-3  |
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Next Meeting - January 8, 2019Just a reminder our next meeting will be January 8, 2019. Have a safe and happy holiday and a festive New Year. See you in 2019!
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Request For Funding ProposalsThe Rotary Club of South Hilo announces a Request for Proposals (RFP) from any non-profit organization serving East Hawai’i communities. The maximum request for funding shall not exceed $10,000 USD. Actual amount awarded will be determined by profits received from the Rotary Club of South Hilo’s primary fundraiser, HILO HULI, which will take place on Sunday, May 5, 2019.
Any questions or comments should be directed to: Benson Medina, President Rotary Club of South Hilo P.O. Box 6173 Hilo, HI 96720 808-286-6559 THE COMPLETE INSTRUCTIONS AND APPLICATION CAN BE FOUND HERE: |
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December 18th Meeting       .jpeg) |
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Boys & Girls Club DonationZeda and Ben went to the Boys and Girls club to present them with a $5000 check. The money was part of a matching grant that came from District 5000 and our Club Foundation. Chad Cabral is the Executive Director.    |
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Children's Christmas Party.jpeg) .jpeg) .jpeg) |
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Holiday Social     .jpeg) .jpeg)  .jpeg)  .jpeg)      .jpeg)     |
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Speaker: Paul Normann - Executive Director, Neighborhood Place of PunaJoin us Tuesday as welcome our speaker, Paul Normann. Paul is the Executive Director of Neighborhood Place of Puna, a non-profit working to eliminating child abuse and neglect in our community. Paul joined Neighborhood Place of Puna in 2009 and was promoted to Executive Director in 2011. He is passionate about collaborating in strategic, effective, and compassionate responses to poverty, privation, and social injustice.  |
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Talk Story ThursdayWe had a blast last Thursday at Talk Story Thursday! So much fun and fellowship over a few drinks and pupu’s. We played “Never have I ever.” Rotarians were asked many questions and answered with their very own custom paddled whether they “Have” or “Have Not.” Oh boy, did we learn a lot about each other! The night ended with each Rotarian telling a little story about themselves or background. Val made sure each of us spoke and it was so neat to see the varied . backgrounds we all have. All in all, another great night. Join us for the next Talk Story Thursday in January.        |
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Rice RallyOn November 17th, Lani, Lisa, Zeda, Rick, Maurice and Charlene participated in the Rice Rally at KTA. 130 bags (1950 lbs) of rice were delivered to the Food Basket.   .jpeg)  .jpeg) |
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Dictionary Distribution SuccessI am writing to let you know that we have successfully and joyfully distributed dictionaries to 5 schools. I want to thank all that volunteered to help on this project. Randy for making sure we got the dictionaries on time and organizing us to help put the Rotary labels inside. Jeanna for helping me with the ClubRunner email system to keep everyone in the loop. Benson, Zeda, Pat, Jeanna and Charlene for helping with 3 classes at DeSilva school. Nate, Paul, and Valerie for taking care of the students at St. Joseph's school. Doug, Paul, and Tom for assisting with 2 classes at Kapiolani school. And Lani and Paul for helping me at Keaukaha school. An extra thank you to Lani for being ready and willing to help me at Kalanianaole school even though I gave her the wrong info! We provided dictionaries to 241 students. They were all very excited to have their own dictionary and the teachers were very appreciative. For those of you who were unable to participate: if you haven't done this before keep it in mind for the future. It really is one of the funnest projects. The kids are so enthusiastic and the teachers are genuinely thankful. It is a real upper to your day! Mahalo nui loa to all, Irene .jpeg)  |
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Hawaii County Bar Association Honors Charlene IboshiCharlene Iboshi was honored by the Hawaii County Bar Association on Sunday, November 11, 2018 at the Annual Ku'ikahi Mediation Center Recognition Dinner. Mahalo to Charlene for her continued works in our community.  .jpeg) |
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Holiday SocialOur Holiday Dinner is on December 11th. LAST DAY TO SIGN UP IS DECEMBER 7TH BY 12:00 PM . Sign up here: http://portal.clubrunner.ca/7741/event/holiday-social  |
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Joint MeetingThere will be no meeting on Tuesday, November 13th. We will have a joint meeting on Friday, November 16th at 12:00 at the Hilo Hawaiian.
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Kris Speegle, AllState InsuranceMahalo to Kris for speaking with our club and congratulations to Rosemary for the winning the AllState basket.    |
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Surfer's HealingThe Rotary Foundation provide a $1000 gift to Kalani Kahalioumi and the Surfer's healing Foundation to support the surfing camp for children with autism and other mental disabilities. The event, in it's 10th year, took place on Saturday, November 10th at Richardson's Beach Park.      |
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Veterans Day ParadeThank you to all Rotarian who came out to show support at the Veterans Day Parade.     |
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Dictionary DistributionRotarians are needed for Dictionary Distribution on the following dates: Wednesday, Nov 14 Chiefess Kapiolani 10:15 & 10:45 Wednesday, Nov 14 Keaukaha Elementary 12:30. Contact Irene Bender with any questions. Thanks to the Rotarians that came out to distribute dictionaries at EB De Silva and St. Joseph's.  |
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Halloween Meeting Fun!   .jpeg) .jpeg) .jpeg)      |
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Advance Healthcare Directive |
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Service Project - Special OlympicsThanks to all that participated in the Special Olympics On Saturday October 21st. South Hilo Rotary managed the awards tent for the Bocce Ball Games.  |
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Walk a Mile In Her ShoesMaurice participated in the YWCA's Walk A Mile In Her Shoes on Saturday October 27th. The Hawai’i Island YWCA Walk a Mile in Her Shoes is a march that promotes an end to rape, sexual assault and family violence. The one-mile march features men in heels in an effort to raises money for Sexual Support Services. Thanks to Maurice and all the Rotarian's that supported this great cause!  |
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Charlene Iboshi Honored at Ku'ikahi Mediation Center Recognition Dinner |
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RYLA 2019 Student & Rotarian ApplicationsAS A REMINDER ALL VOLUNTEERS MUST FILL OUT AN APPLICATION, PLEASE DOWNLOAD VIA THE LINK BELOW RYLA Camp is scheduled for February 15-17, 2019 at KMC (Kilauea Military Camp, Volcano, HI). Please reach out to the High Schools in your area, send applications to these schools to recruit students for this well organized program. Attached are the applications for both Students and Rotarians. Transportation of students is the responsibility of our clubs. Rotary Club of South Hilo and their logistics team will arrange transportation for of East Hawaii Students. All Rotarians who plan to be involve in any way with RYLA requires a background check. District 5000 will be offering this via online on their website soon. I will alert you all on when that will be. Please email me for any questions or concerns. I look forward to hearing from you. Student Application: documents/en-us/018c508d-6d31-4ec6-897d-10f43084811f/1 Rotarian Application: documents/en-us/3b42782e-6e0f-4961-b0f7-cdaf11cb77e2/1 What To Bring: documents/en-us/b253cea5-0490-4310-83db-978d639ff1f3/1 Mahalo, Lisa Kwee New Generations Chair Rotary Club of South Hilo (808) 936-1556 |
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Weekly HappeningsMahalo to our speaker, Michele Carvalho with Hui Ho'omalu who talked to us about foster care in East Hawaii. There are 1400 children in foster care in the state and 1/3 of these children are on the Big Island. The majority of the children are between the ages of 1 and 2 years old whose parent are in drug treat and can not care for their children themselves. There is a crisis situation in East Hawaii because of the high case loads. Case workers average 40-50 cases per worker with multiple children per case. The state has paid millions of dollars to settle cases with families because of neglect. Foster families feel unsupported by the system. A bill was introduced to cap the caseload to 20 children per case worker. This bill did not pass but 4 new case workers were added. To learn more on how you can help contact Hui Ho'omalu at 808-987-5988, www.pidf.org  While on Oahu, Randy ran into former South Hilo Rotarian Rev Moki Hino at Pacific Club on Oahu. He sends his Aloha!  Starting in November, Rotarian will be able to buy a ticket for a drawing for fabulous prizes donated by our fellow Rotarians. You may buy as many tickets as you like and the drawing will be held at the end of each meeting. Kris Speegle is donating the first item , fabulous Allstate cooler with wine, coffee, mugs and an umbrella!  |
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Peace Update: United Nations Day Celebration
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November 10th - Surf Camp For Children With DisabilitiesA free Surf Camp for children with autism and other disabilities will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, November 10th, at Richardson Ocean Park in Hilo. Now in its eight year, the Surfers Healing Hawaii Chapter provides disabled children and their families with the unique experience of surfing with professionals under supervised conditions. Knowledgeable surfing instructors, surfboards and U.S. Coast Guard-approved life vests will be provided at no charge. Complementary drinks, snacks and lunches will be offered to participating children and their families. Surfers Healing is a national organization started 21 years ago in California to share the joy of surfing with the less fortunate. Surfers Healing Hawai‘i Island chapter is sponsoring this drug-, alcohol and tobacco-free event. Additional support provided through a partnership with the Hawai‘i County Department of Parks and Recreation, Rotary Club of South Hilo and The Eddie Aikau Foundation. An estimated 300 people, including approximately 100 keiki, are expected to participate in the Hilo camp. Surfers Healing Camps are held throughout the world, providing more than 3,000 children annually with the opportunity to try surfing. To register your child and learn more about the camp, please visit www.surfershealing.org. Space is limited, and spots fill up fast.  |
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November 15th - Talk Story Thursday |
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October 30th Meeting |
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Shelter Box Relief Efforts For IndonesiaThis week our Happy Dollars will be used to purchase Shelter Boxes for the Indonesia Tsunami.  |
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Congratulations BensonCongratulations to Benson and Hawaii Electrical Maintenance Services for winning the $5000 media award at the finals of the HiPlan Business Competition on October 27th.  |
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Healthy Me Book Distribution   |
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September 25th Meeting Highlights .jpeg)   .jpeg) .jpeg)  .jpeg)  |
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CarFit Event - October 20, 2018 |
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Kakou Let's Work It Out Workshop Series |
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World Polio Day - October 24, 2018.jpg) |
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Talk Story ThursdayTalk Story Thursday at the Grand Naniloa was a success! Rotarians and guests enjoyed delicious pupu's and a game of 1 Truth & 1 Lie in which we learned some interesting truths about our members. Some interesting truths we learned about our fellow Rotarians, see if you can guess who the Rotarians are:
It was a great networking event and met a couple individuals that are interested in coming to our meeting...Mardini we hope to see you on Tuesday!        |
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Ikaika Marzo and Gilbert Aguinaldo with Pu'uhonua o PunaIkaika Marzo and Gilbert Aguinaldo spoke to us about their experience in Leilani Estates with the recent eruption and efforts to help the community through Pu'uhonua o Puna. They will join us again on September 25th and continue the conversation on coming together as a community to serve.    |
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Peace Update.jpeg) Rotary Peace Mediation pledge winner for our Club was Pat Aiona, Jr. David DeLuz, Jr. was the HIlo Bay Club. Grand prize winner was Maureen Poirier from the Hilo Club. The East Hawaii Rotary Peace Committee provided a scholarship to UH Masters Student, Carlton Ruley to attend a 4 day Mediation Training Workshop conducted by Kuikahi Mediation Center.  UN International Peace Day is Friday, September 21st. Rotary Club of South Hilo continues to raise awareness and provide education about conflict resolution and respect. The Hawai`i E-Rotary Club with the help of UH HILO secured the seeds from trees that survived the Atomic bomb in Hiroshima in 1946 and grew our Legacy Peace. .jpeg) |
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Harold Ohata Day - September 18, 2018Harold Ohata Day was declared on Tuesday September 18, 2018 by the Rotary Club of South Hilo to honor Harold's 50 years of perfect attendance. Mahalo to Benson, Jack and Jim for sharing memories and stories.    |
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35th Anniversary Hawaii Care Choices |
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2019 RYLA Retreat PlanningRotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) is an intensive leadership experience organized by Rotary clubs and districts where you develop your skills as a leader while having fun and making connections. The Rotary Club of South Hilo will be hosting the 2019 RYLA retreat, February 15- 17, 2019 at Kilauea Military Camp. To be a participant or volunteer please contact Lisa Kwee at LKwee4Rotary@gmail.com What are the benefits? Connect with leaders in your community and around the world to:
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9/11 Meeting CancelledDue to Hurricane Olivia the weekly meeting scheduled for Tuesday 9/11 has been cancelled.
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Talk Story Thursday 9/20 |
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Speaker - Darryl OliveriaMahao to Darryl Oliveria for speaking at our club on Tuesday September 4th about the importance of community stepping up during times of crisis and the work done on the micro-housing units in Pahoa for lava evacuees.  |
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Happy Rotarians     |
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Hawai`i Island Adult Care’s Clean-Up CrewThank you to all that came out on Sunday, September 2nd to help clean up 30 + years of "stuff" in Hawaii Island Adult Care's basement. .jpeg)  .jpeg) .jpeg)  |
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Aunty Momi RecapFor those of you that missed Aunty Momi's visit, enjoy the following video clips! |
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Fitzgerald Ranch Social - Rescheduled
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Guest Speaker, Aunty Momi Souza Aunty Momi Souza will be our guest speaker on Tuesday 8/28 . Aunty will speak about the following: 1. HER EXPERIENCES AS AN ADVICE COLUMNIST IN HER BLOG, “FALSE CRACK, MEDIVAC” 2. NO ACT – HOW TO ACT LIKE ONE ROTARIAN 3. IF YOU GET PROBLEMS, NO GET STUPID, USE THE 4-WAY TEST This is will be highly engaging and informative, please plan on attending. |
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Hoʻōla Nā Pua: Sex Trafficking of Minors in HawaiiHo'ola Na Pua is offering another opportunity to learn about Sex Trafficking of Minors in Hawai`i. This presentation is suitable for tweens, teens and adults. We encourage everyone to share this flyer with your schools, teachers, counselors, sports clubs & coaches, representatives, Churches, fam REGISTER on Hoʻōla Nā Pua’s Event Page https://hoolanapua.org/  |
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East Hawaii - Fall District Training |
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Saturday 8/27 Kua O Ka La Workday CancelledDue to the weather the workday scheduled for Saturday, 8/27 at Nani Mau for Kua O Ka La has cancelled.
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Short N Sweet - Delicious DestinationsDon't miss Rotarian, Maria Short and Short N Sweet on Delicious Destinations airing Tuesday, August 21st!  |
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Paul Harris Fellows Tom Yeh (+4) and Kevin Wilcox (initial) received recognition from District Governor Win Schoneman as Paul Harris Fellows. Pictured are from L to R, DG Schoneman, Dr. Kevin Wilcox, Tom Yeh, and South Hilo President Benson Medina. Dr. Wilcox was also recognized by DG Schoneman as a 6-year member of Rotary.
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Rotary Club of Volcano - Downhome Country BBQ Volcano Rotary Down Home Country BBQ, Monday September 3rd at Cooper Center, Wright Road in Volcano Village. Food served from 11a-2p, music from noon-3p. Games for the kids and music from the Gone Country Band. $35 for half chicken or half rack of ribs, $10 for hot dog or hamburger. All meals include sides, dessert, drinks, and entertainment. Tickets available online at http://www.volcanorotary.or Email rotaryclubofvolcano@gmai |
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REMINDER: WEEKLY MEETING WILL BE 8/16Just a friendly reminder will will not have our normal meeting on Tuesday 8/14, rather we will host a joint meting with the Rotary Club of Hilo on Thursday 8/16 at noon at the Hilo Hawaiian. Our District Governor, Win Schoneman will be the guest speaker.
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Guest Speaker, Jim WybanMahalo to Jim Wyban with Hawaii Island Business Plan Competition (HIPlan) for speaking with our group. The deadline to enter this year's competitin and a chance to win $25,000 for your new business is September 8th. To learn more go to hiplan.biz.  Jack Stevenson, Harold Ohata and Jim Wyban |
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Kua O Ka La UpdateEast Hawaii Rotary clubs put forth another Herculean effort this weekend to get Kua O Ka La Charter school ready to open it's doors on Wednesday, August 8th at Nani Mau Gardens. Rotarians spent the weekend painting, power washing, hammering, spreading gravel, putting up walls, moving furniture and preparing classrooms for teachers and students. The weekend volunteeers also included District 5000 Governor Win Schoneman, who flew in from Honolulu to join the workforce. Kua O Ka La Charter school was destroyed by lava on July 13th and in less than a month, with a huge boost from eastside Rotary Clubs, the K-6 portion of the school will be ready to accept students at their temporary location at Nani Mau Gardens. "You guys literally saved our school," said Susie Osbourne, Head of the School. "We could have never pulled this off without Rotary's help." Rotary Club of South Hilo will also provide financial assistance for the relocation of Kua O Ka La's high school to the Boys and Girls club. Hawaii News Now story update can be found here   |
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Rotary Youth FoundationThe BEST and EASIEST way to give to HRYF is at Foodland during the “Give Aloha” campaign, September 1-30, 2018.  Your gift will be matched so that a $20 donation becomes approximately $24, a $40 gift would increase to around $48. The match comes from Foodland and Western Union (up to at least $250,000). Based on past years, the matches have provided at least an additional 20%!To make a donation, go to any Foodland, Sack N Save or Foodland Farms with your Maika`i Card or number, designate the donation to the Hawaii Rotary Youth Foundation (Org. Code - 77199) and request a duplicate receipt. Give your copy to your HRYF Representative to mail in so we can credit you and your club. Please write in your name and club. You can also scan the receipt and email it to: hryf@hawaii.rr.com. Your donations can count for the Per Capita giving award to be announced in the Spring. Suggested giving to HRYF is $40 per Rotarian. This level of giving will allow HRYF to continue with the $5,000 scholarship per club funding. Currently, HRYF receives about $225,000 from our Foundation investments each year but we need at least $260,000 to fund all of our clubs and the number of clubs keeps growing! Thank you for your support! |
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Rotary Friendship Exchange |
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Paul Harris FellowsA surprised Audrey Wilson, Jim Wilson and Jimmy Souza all received their Paul Harris +3 pin at the July 31st meeting . A generous gift of points accumulated throughout the years from former Rotarian, David Hurd allowed our Rotarian to reach the next level.  |
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A Message From Our PresidentBy the time most of you read this, our Club Runner website will be able to take credit card payments for annual dues, events, donations to the foundation and any other financial transactions that are necessary to keep us engaged and moving. Making the transition from just a website to Club Runner took us to a new level of interaction with District 5000, Rotary International and the thousands of clubs who use Club Runner as their main internet platform. All of our events can now be scheduled, promoted, paid for and planned on Club Runner. Each of us can check our donation history and attendance with just the push of a button. More importantly, we can keep statistical information that will help us to gage the depth of our engagement with club members, other Rotarians and of course, our community. This is a pretty big leap for some of us who don't use computers or don't have access to one. But no matter what your situation, there are club members who will help you to understand and receive the information that is important to our club. I'm committed to engaging every member of the club to help us better serve our community and make Rotary a more meaningful experience. Using Club Runner is the key to making this happen. Mahalo, Benson |
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Weekly RoundupWe celebrated our July Birthday's: Zeda Medina, LaniWeigert, Valerie Peralta and Irene Bender! Mahalo to Maria and Short n Sweet for the yummy cake!   Mahalo to our speaker, Lahaina Olsen-Kurioda. We learned how Workforce Solutions creates partnerships with business to develop employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.  Arabel, Club Secretary and Zeda, Club Treasurer are presented their pins.  Jimmy collecting Harold's Happy Dollars.  Elena gave a Hilo Medical Center Update, reminding us of the Diabetes Support Group that starts Tuesday, August 7th.  |
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Talk Story Thursday - September 20th |
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District Governor NominationsD5000 Rotarians and Leaders: Each year the clubs of Rotary District 5000 have the privilege and honor of suggesting candidates for District Governor from their membership. If your club has a qualified and willing member, we hope that you would support and honor that individual by submitting their name during this open window of nominations. Being considered is a memorable experience, as each candidate develops new and meaningful connections with Rotarians throughout the District. The nomination process for the 2021-2022 District 5000 Governor will be open from August 1, 2018 through midnight October 31, 2018. Please see the attached D5000 DG Questionnaire, and the Official Rotary International Nomination Form. Both forms must be completed and submitted to PDG Phil Sammer, No later than Midnight October 31, 2018. Our District Governor Selection Committee will hold interviews on November 3, 2018 beginning at 8 AM. Upon acceptance of your application, you will receive notification by email as to your interview time and location no later than November 1, 2018. Forms should be submitted to PDG Phil Sammer at: Email: philsammer@gmail.com Or mailed to: Rotary District 5000, PO Box 3325, Honolulu, Hi 96801 Frequently Asked Questions about the Nomination Process (RI Manual of Procedure):
Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns. I am more than happy to discuss them with you at any time! Aloha and Best of luck! Win Schoneman Rotary International District 5000 Governor 2018-2019 |
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Peace UpdateThe Hiroshima Rotary Peace grown from a seed of a survivor plant. Steve and Noko Yoshida and Lee Dombroski coordinated the Legacy Tree project at UH Hilo. The Rotary Hiroshima Peace Tree was loaned to the Hiroshima Fujinkai for their use next week. The camphor tree will be made into bonsai trees as “Peace Symbols” and assist teaching non-violent conflict resolution. The Hiroshima Fujinkai will have a Hiroshima Service at the exact same time as the dropping of the nuclear bomb over Hiroshima. The service will be at the Hawai`i Japanese Center, at the same time as the service in Hiroshima. The Rotary Peace Tree will be displayed at the Hiroshima exhibit all of next week. |
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District Governor August NewsletterAugust 2018 District Governor Newsletter Our District Governor, Win Schoneman sent out his monthly newsletter this week. Read what he has to say here. |
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8/7 Speaker - Jim Wyban with HIplan |
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July 24th Meeting    |
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Tuesday Speaker: Lahaina Olsen-KurodaLahaina Olsen-Kuroda will be our guest speaker on Tuesday July 31st. Lahaina will be speaking to us about Workforce Solutions.  Workforce Solutions (WFS) is a collaboration of service agencies and businesses that train, hire and support employees with a multitude of skills. Together we establish an environment where people with disabilities achieve their highest potential by engaging in meaningful/gainful employment while earning an honest paycheck. The objective is to develop a Win-Win for the business community and individuals served. Mission Statement: Workforce Solutions strengthens the Hawaii Island workforce by increasing employment opportunities for people with diverse abilities. We are committed to promoting inclusion through community & employer partnerships, education, outreach and advocacy. |
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Ike Kai Donation DriveMahalo to Maurice Goulding for coordinating and those that those that participated in the Ike Kai Donation Drive this past Saturday at Hilo Town Tavern.  |
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Kua Kala School Service ProjectThis past Saturday at Nani Mau Gardens all East Hawaii Rotary Clubs were assisting with repairs to siding and window frames for the relocation of Kua O Kala kindergarten thru sixth grade. This school was taken by the lava near Ahalanui beach park at Pohoiki and part of it intends to relocate to Nani Mau. The school year starts August 7th and there is a lot of work to do. The efforts for this past Saturday were repairing areas of siding including removing jalousie window hardware, remove window trim and frame, remove termite eaten T1-11 siding, replace siding with new, replace damaged parts of window frame, reinstall window frame, hardware and trim. There is another opportunity to serve on Saturday August 4th at 8:00. Please join other Rotarians as we work to prepare Kua O Kala for the new school year. http://portal.clubrunner.ca/7741/event/east-rotary-service-project-at-nani-mau
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Salvation Army School Supply DriveThe Salvation Army is collecting school supplies for our keiki. Please bring items or a monetary donation to our meeting this Tuesday, July 24th. The Salvation Army would like to have all items by the end of the week for distribution.  |
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Paul Harris FellowsChristine Waters received her Paul Harris pin and Brenda Ho received her Paul Harris +3 during our meeting on July 17th.   The Paul Harris Fellow recognition acknowledges individuals who contribute, or who have contributions made in their name, of 1,000 to The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International. The first Paul Harris Fellows include 1937-38 RI Director Allison G. Brush and longtime RI Treasurer Rufus F. Chapin, both for donations made in 1946. Mrs. Adan Vargas was the first woman to receive the recognition, for a gift made in 1953. Mrs. Harry L. Jones was the second, and one of only five people recognized for contributions made in 1957. Early Paul Harris Fellows received a certificate of recognition. In 1969, the Foundation unveiled the first Paul Harris Fellow medallion at the RI Convention in Honolulu, Hawaii, USA. Japanese metal artist Fiju Tsuda created the piece under the direction of then-past Foundation Trustee Kyozo Yuasa. Today, Paul Harris Fellows receive a certificate and pin. Rotarians have a tradition of supporting the Foundation by honoring others. Ida LeTulle Taylor became a Paul Harris Fellow in 1978 when her husband, then-District Governor Vann Taylor, made a donation in her name in honor of their 34th wedding anniversary. The gift also made her the 25,000th Paul Harris Fellow. At the International Assembly in 1979, then-RI President-elect James Bomar challenged each Rotary club to make one non-Rotarian a Paul Harris Fellow. The Rotary Club of Pikesville, Maryland, USA, responded by making a donation in the name of Mother Teresa in 1980. The entertainer Pearl Bailey also became a Paul Harris Fellow through a joint effort of the Rotary clubs in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Many other notable figures have been named as Paul Harris Fellows, including U.S. President Jimmy Carter, Russian President Boris Yeltsin, U.S. astronaut James Lovell, UN Secretary-General Javier Perez de Cuellar, and Jonas Salk. The number of Paul Harris Fellows reached the one million mark in 2006. |
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Talk Story ThursdayWe kicked off our 1st Talk Story Thursday with a potluck at Reed's Bay. Every other month, on the 3rd Thursday we will hold Talk Story Thursday as a membership mixer so we can get to know fellow Rotarians and guests. There will be a $10 fee to cover heavy pupu's at the locations. Upcoming dates and locations are as follows: September 20, 2018 Hula Hula's November 15, 2018 Liko Lehua on Pauhi January 17, 2019 Short & Sweet (BYOB) March 21, 2019 Wiki Fresh May 16, 2019 Wai'oli Lounge      
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Donation Drive for Ike Kai |
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Running For Grace Movie PremiereRunning For Grace, filmed in Hilo and featuring John Fitzgerald's horses, Ruby & Ehiku, will be playing at the Palace Theater July 27th-30th. John will have his horses at the Palace on July 29th at the 2:30 pm showing. Come show your support for this movie and John! Click the image below to watch the trailer.  |
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July 10th Meeting HighlightsBefore Benson called the meeting he made us get up and SING!  After singing and dancing, Benson rang the bell which lead the entire club to walk out! Welcome to your first meeting Mr. President!  Elena provided us with a Health Update  Ornishi Graduate and Vegetarian , Nate!  Brenda enjoying her time away from the podium. Proud Dad, Justin!  Benson getting comfortable behind the podium.  Baby Kai and Audrey  Brenda, Lani and Skye from the Hilo Club |
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Advance Health Care DirectivesCommunity First will help you complete an Advance Health Care Directive that documents your end of life wishes. It's free! RSVP for the nest session here.  |
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Talk Story ThursdayJoin us for our first "Talk Story Thursday" on July 19th from 5:30 - 7:00 pm at Reed's Bay. This will be a pot luck event. Guests are welcome! Click on the image below to sign up . .jpg) |
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Grand Opening of the NEW Hawaii Island Family Health Center |
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Hope Services - Micro Unit BlessingCharlene, Benson and Zeda were on hand for the blessing of the micro units for Puna evacuees on June 30th.     |
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District 5000 NewsPearl Haven Site Visit 7/21 Modern day human trafficking occurs daily under our very eyes. The average age of a child trafficked in Hawaii is about 13 years old. We have the opportunity to make a huge difference in the lives of, not only the children, but their families by partnering with Ho’ola Na Pua to create Hawaii’s first home, Pearl Haven, that will help survivors and their families rebuild their lives and become productive members of our community. Please join us for a site visit, to Pearl Haven, on July 21, 2018 at 9AM to see what is, not only possible, but will be the future. To ensure that the location remains secure we do not publish the address. Please, contact Mark Merriam for location information at mark.rotary@outlook.com or call 381-5504. Learn more about Ho'ola Na Pua here.  2019 Rotary Convention - Hamburg, Germany  Want to be inspired, learn more about Rotary, meet people from all over the world? Then Hamburg is the place to be in June 2019! DG Win would like you all to get the scoops. Find info on the RI website and sign up for the newsletter, if you are interested. Here's are the links: Registration: Click here Hotels: Click here Ticketed events: Click here 1. If you would like to reserve a room in the block we have secured, need your commitment asap. We are approved for the Radisson Blu Hamburg, which is walking distance to the convention site. There are no hotel shuttles, all transportation is via the public uses and rail. Being close by means you don't have to wait in line to get on the rail. If you want to get one of the rooms, please let me know your arrival and check out dates. Price is $275 Euro, inclusive of taxes and fees. Price is $275 Euro (about US$319), inclusive of taxes and fees for the Radisson. We need to make a commitment to accept this hotel and block of rooms this week and have the final count by October 1. By Dec 1, we need to collect from you 2 nights's deposit. This deposit is needed if we want to get a block of rooms in the same hotel. There is a $150 cancellation fee, if cancelled after Oct 1. By 2/25/19, we need to submit all names. You can reserve your room on your own, but if you want in on our block, here's Radisson's web address to check out: https://www.radissonblu.com/ 2. On the district website, Rotary is collecting info on what hotel and events you are going to. The list will be sent to all before the convention, IF you want to share your information. We will set up a communication system to let others know what good restaurants or shopping areas you've discovered. etc. To go to the website, CLICK HERE Hope to see everyone there! The HOC needs a lot of help to promote the 2020 Convention in Hawaii. (Booth volunteers needed) Naomi Masuno 808-492-0126 |
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Duane Kurisu -Kahauiki Village
When Hakalau local boy Duane Kurisu was successful in creating a Kahauiki Village, a public-private-partnership that built one of the most successful communities for homeless families with children in the country, he became a global star. But when Duane returned to his local roots to pledge his support for a similar project on Hawaii Island yesterday, we all listened. "It's about creating community, not about providing shelter. That's something that's unique to Hawaii and why it can't be duplicated anywhere else," he said, referring to experience growing up in a plantation camp. Get ready Hawai'i Island....we're on the way!!  Duane outlined five key components that makes a project like Kahauiki Village a success: 1. Emergency Proclamation - by having an emergency proclamation in place, infrastructure could happen at a quicker pace. 2. Public/Private Partnerships - government involvement is good but getting the buy in and cooperation of the private sector is critical for success. 3. Focus on a particular group, for Kahauiku Village it was families with children. 4. Create a sustainable off-grid community - Kahauiku Village it the first off grid community in the world according to Tesla. 5. Ensure city and county bring in off site improvements to the area - this includes utilities, internet, child care services. In Phase 1, thirty homes were built. Phase 2 will have 114 homes, housing over 600 adults and children. Learn more at Kahauiki.org. |
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June 26th Meeting
It was a full house as South Hilo Rotarians and guests joined together to celebrate Brenda Ho as she pounded the gavel for her last meeting as South Hilo President. It has been a great year. Mahalo to Brenda and her leadership! Duane Kurisu spoke to the club about building a community and his success with Kahauiki Village on Oahu. We celebrated June Birthday's and Anniversaries with a delicious strawberry cake from Maria Short. And lots of Rotarians were happy!         |
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Weekly RecapThe last two weeks we have inducted a new Rotarian, had two new members of the HMC team at our meetings, honored our Scholarship recipients, volunteered installing Rescue Tubes and building houses in Pahoa, check it out....
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Volunteers Needed - Salvation ArmyThe Salvation Army is currently in urgent need of help distributing goods to those impacted by the lava flow. Shifts are from 9 am – noon or 2 – 5 pm. Sign up here Contact Amy Takemoto, Community Development Coordinator with questions. p: 808.440.1860 c : 808.384.9680 |
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Out & About
Charlene patronizing businesses that helped with our Huli and have been impacted by the Lava, information on meetings about Puna Insurance claims and a free Legal Clinic.
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Hilo Medical Center Vocational
Art, Elena, Marissa and Dr. Nordling lead us on a tour through the new Family Health Center and Residency Program. Additionally we received an overview and tour of the Hui Pono, the Ornish Lifestyle Medicine Program.
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Hilo Huli Mahalo Party
A great time was had on Saturday, June 2nd as we socialized and feasted on roasted pig. Mahalo to Audrey, Jim, Brenda and Clyde for preparing the food. Special guest, Andrew Arakawa lead us in the blessing.
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May 22nd Weekly Meeting Summary
This week we had Gabriel Low speak to use about his upcoming ride across the country for rare diseases. We celebrated Rosemary and Val's birthday. Honored Cody's anniversary and he won a great hat in the auction. Our special guest were randy Hart and Steve handy. Steve reminded us to donate to the Rotary Fund for Pahoa Lava Relief. And Benson told us how Harold continues to inspire across the state!
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Jim Nakagawa’s Famous Fried Rice
10 cups rice cooled 1 lb regular bacon diced & cooked 1 can 25% less salt spam diced & cooked 1 lb KTA Mountain Apple Brand Portuguese Patties diced & cooked 1 tablespoon minced garlic 1 handful finely diced onions 1 dozen eggs cooked & diced 2 bunches green onions diced 1 bottle Lum Kum Kee Oyster Sauce 25% lower salt Aloha Shoyu Saute the onion & minced garlic, add ¼ of rice & mix, add ¼ of oyster sauce & shoyu to taste & mix, add ¼ of each meat, ¼ eggs & handful of green onions mix. Ready to serve. |
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Support our Hilo Huli Vendors
We want to thank all our vendors that supported the 2018 Hilo Huli. Let's return the favor and support their businesses as they struggle with a slow down in business due to the lava in Pahoa and closure of Volcano National Park. Mahalo! AJ & Sons Catering
Akamal Indian Kitchen Angry Bull Anheuser Busch/Kona Brew Any Kine Wontons Café Pesto Coca-Cola Bottling of Hawaii Hawaii Island Gourmet/Atebara ChipsHiga’s Specialty Products Hilo Bake Company Hilo Burger Joint Hilo Hawaiian Hotel/ Queen’s Court Restaurant Hilo Medical Center - People’s Choice Winner Hudie’s Hawaiian Kitchen La Casa Azul Mehana Brewing/Hawaii Nui Park Café Pepsi Beverage Co. Soontaree’s Deli Sweet Thunder Products Sombat’s Fresh Thai Cuisine The Seaside Restaurant Wiki Fresh Young’s Market Volcano Winery |
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2018/2019 Installation Dinner
All registrations for the Installation Dinner must be made by 10:00 am Monday June 18th. Last chance to sign up for Installation dinner, http://portal.clubrunner.ca/7741/event/2018-2019-installation-dinner What: 2018/2019 Installation Dinner When: Tuesday, June 19, 2018 5:30pm – 8:30pm Where: Imiloa Astronomy Center Moanahoku Hall Cost: $40 per person Guests welcome |
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Sign Up for the Rescue Tube Project, June 9thPlease join us for a day of community service on Saturday June 9 from 8 am to 12 pm to replace and repair Rescue Tubes which have been placed at East Hawaii beach parks over the past few years. Many of the tubes have been either taken or in need of repair. We will meet at Hilo Bayfront, divide up people and resources, get training, then dispatch from there. It’ll be a day of Rotary service to our community as well as fun and fellowship working alongside other rotarians. Sign up here: |
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Hilo Huli Mahalo Party
Join us for a Hilo Huli Mahalo party at Brenda Ho's house on Saturday June 2nd. Sign up for this FREE event. Food will be provided. Please bring a dessert to share. BYOB! |
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Brewfest Tickets & Volunteers Needed The Rotary Club of Hilo needs volunteers for their Brewfest being held June 23rd. You can purchase tickets and sign up to volunteer online http://www.hilobrewfest.com/volunteer-information/
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2018 Hilo Huli |
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Salvation Army Volunteers NeededSalvation Army needs volunteers at the Pahoa Community Center. Sign up at this link: https://volunteer.usawest.org/OpportunityDetail.aspx?ID=3195 Our club foundation donated $5000 to the Salvation Army to assist the victims of the Pahoa eruptions. |
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Peter Boucher receives his Paul Harris + 5 pin.
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Boyd Bond Brings His Hawaiian History Expertise to Rotary
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Cinco de Mayo Festival - Rotary Club of SunsetRotary Club of Pahoa Sunset is holding its 4th annual Cinco de Mayo Festival. When: May 8th 5:30 social, 6 dinner, music, presentation Where: Eagle Club 16-11Opukahaia Kea'au Why: The Fundraiser raises money for youth and community projects. What: This event includes a delicious Mexican dinner & Drinks, Musical entertainment and and dancing. Also check our our great Silent Auction which includes donations from the community and art work of Alan Lakritiz Tickets are only $35 purchase tickets from club member or Get your tickets on-line at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pahoa-rotary-club-4th-annual-cinco-de-mayo-festival-tickets-44279677708 |
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Paul Harris RecipientsPhoebe and Nate Receive Paul Harris Pins |
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Hilo Huli Just Around the Corner.jpg) Our annual fundraiser, HILO HULI will once again fill Coconut Island with food, drink and song on Sunday, May 6th. This year's chairman, Pat Aiona Jr. expects another large crowd. "We had almost a 1000 people last year and we'll probably have a similar size crowd this year," said Aiona. Once again, local food guru, Audrey Wilson will head an impressive group of over two dozen food vendors that will serve everything from spicy thai food to french desserts. Lots of liquid refreshment will be on hand for the thirsty throngs that will populate the island during the 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 window. Headlining the main soundstage will we Hilo's own multi-Hoku Award winning musician, Mark Yamanaka. This year's tickets are priced at $55 a person (same as last year) but children under two years old are free. There will be a free shuttle to help with the expected premium on near by parking spaces. Shuttles will run continuously from 10:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. between Civic Auditorium and Coconut Island. Tickets can be purchased from any Rotary Club of South Hilo member or online at www.hilohuli.org. Proceeds benefit the Rotary Club of South Hilo Foundation which donates the majority of funds raised to local community groups such as the Hilo Medical Foundation and the Keaukaha Community Foundation.
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South Hilo Moves to Club Runner Internet Platform At the March 13th Board of Directors meeting, the decision was made to move RCSH from our current internet platform (Wild Apricot) to the more widely accepted “Club Runner” platform that is in use by thousands of Rotary Clubs around the world. Club Runner is a software program that was developed by Rotary International to help clubs conduct their club business by engaging every member of the club with easy to use tools to track attendance, donations, event calendars, etc. “Moving to Club Runner was a no-brainer,” said President-Elect Benson Medina. “It allows all the different chairpersons and club officers to post information on the website. Every member gets a user name and password and they are able to track their activities, donations, club news and announcements. In the past, the set up and monthly charges were too expensive for many small clubs to participate, but now the set up fee is only $199 and the monthly charge is less than $50.” The transition to the Club Runner system will take place over April and May and will fully operational by the time the new Rotary year starts on July 1st. There is also a very easy to use mobile app that allows every member to access club information and communicate with members from their cell phones. |
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April is Tsunami Awareness Month.jpg) Local-born Talmadge Magno, our Hawai'i County Civil Defense Director, attended our last Rotary Club meeting to talk about disaster readiness. This was a joint presentation along with Marlene Murray (from the Pacific Tsunami Center) as part of a presentation for Tsunami Awareness Month. Magno talked briefly about the many different programs that come under his supervision: nuclear missle alert, hurricane preparedness, lava flow, earthquake and tsunami's just to name a few. Hawaii Island is susceptible to more potential natural disasters than any other location in the United States. Tsunami readiness means being alert to weather conditions, civil defense annoucements and alerts and accurate news and social media updates. Magno noted that tsunami evacuation usually dictates that you be a least a half mile from the shoreline and at 100 feet elevation or more.
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