Stories

Kyoto Youth Exchange update

We have 3 students that are planning to attend the Kyoto Youth Exchange Program this Summer. Richard Ing's twin, and Christi Chun's second son.

Ater Kyoto West Rotary Club's meeting on April 8, their sister club chair confirmed us that the visitation date is 7/18-7/30/2024. They are happy and look forward to receive our students.

Sister Club Invitation from Nagoya Airport

To: Suzuki, Glen [gsuzuki1@yahoo.com]
From: Rotary club of Nagoya airport Rie Muroi (office staff) [rongoapt@mta.biglobe.ne.jp]

Dear president Suzuki, I am glad that this season finds you in good health. Nagoya Airport RC, which was founded in 1974, will celebrate its 50th anniversary on July 29th of this year. Behalf of Rotarians I would like to thank you for your guidance and support that our club has been able to grow steadily for half century. Therefore, we would like to hold a 50th anniversary ceremony as bellow 1. Welcome Party… Sunday, October 6, 2024 2. Anniversary … Monday, October 7, 2024 (Golf and activities on the 6th and activities on the 8th… We will update the details as soon as decided) For preparation purpose, we would like to confirm the number of the members how many members will be able to attend golf on 6th October ? also how many members will be able to participate our 50th anniversary ceremony ? Due to the size of the venue, we would like to know as early as possible the number of people who will be able to attend. I would appreciate it if you could reply as soon as possible. Best regards. Hiroko Azuma President(2023-2024) Rotary Club of Nagoya Airport Kazuhiko Kondo President Elect Masato Nakabayashi Chairman of the Anniversary Committee.

If you plan to attend please let Glen know.

Christopher Han

Our speaker for the March 8th meeting at The Edge is Chris Han, a deputy at the Hawaii Department of the Attorney General. He is part of the Commerce and Economic Division and focuses on consumer protection. His work includes participating in multi-state litigation against national corporations such as Meta for violation of consumer protection laws and coordinating settlements with various distributors and manufacturers related to the opioid crisis. Before joining the AG's office, Chris worked as an attorney in private practice focusing on condominiums and homeowners associations, business litigation, and insurance defense for maritime and automobile accidents. Chris is a graduate of the William S. Richardson School of Law at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. He earned his bachelor's degree at Boston College and graduated from Punahou School.

Rotary Youth Leadership Awards

Each year, the District organizes a Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) camp. This year, at Camp Erdman, our club sponsored 4 Farrington Junior Class Council members, including the Class President. Hear from Farrington College Counselor Regan Honda: "The four students had a wonderful time at the camp! I have attached a photo of the four students upon their arrival back at Moanalua HS after the camp was done. I picked them up and brought them back to Kalihi and was able to hear their stories in the car ride LOL All four are part of the junior class council. The one on the right is the class president. In addition to the great camp experience, they were very appreciative of the dri fit shirts that they received! On behalf of the students, thank you!". Regan

RYLA is an intensive leadership experience organized by Rotary clubs and districts where young people can develop leadership skills while having fun and making connections. The cost is $250 per student, which is paid by the sponsoring Rotary club.

As this Saturday is WHRC Genki ball making service project please include this picture in the Pali View together with the following: Come one, Come All Play with mud, make Genki balls, and toss them into the Ala Wai Canal to clean sludge Saturday, February 24, 9AM Kapahulu Public Library Parking in the back of the library along side of road that leads to golf course

Rotary: 119 years of doing good in the world

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 and form meaningful, lifelong friendships. Over time, Rotary’s reach and vision gradually extended to humanitarian service. Members have a long track record of addressing challenges in their communities and around the world.

Whatever Rotary may mean to us, to the world it will be known by the results it achieves.
Paul Harris
Rotary founder

Our ongoing commitment: That commitment endures today through an organization that remains truly international. Only 16 years after being founded, Rotary had clubs on six continents. Our members now span the globe, working to solve some of our world’s most challenging problems. We’re not afraid to dream big and set bold goals. We began our fight against polio in 1979 with a project to immunize 6 million children in the Philippines. Today, polio remains endemic in only two countries — down from 125 in 1988.

Rotary and the United Nations

Rotary was present at the start of the United Nations in 1945. Rotary International was one of 42 organizations invited to serve as consultants to the U.S. delegation to the United Nations Conference on International Organization in San Francisco, California, USA (commonly called the UN charter conference). Additionally, many Rotary members and honorary members from around the world attended the conference as members of and consultants to their nations’ delegations. Rotary and the United Nations remain committed to creating lasting change that enhances international relationships, improves lives and communities, and creates a more peaceful world. Today, Rotary International holds the highest consultative status offered to a nongovernmental organization by the UN’s Economic and Social Council (UNESCO). The Rotary Representative Network, established in 1991, maintains and furthers this relationship with several UN bodies, programs, commissions, and agencies.

Meeting Speaker Dr. Zia Khan

Our speaker for March 15th is Dr. Zia Khan. He is the current Chief of the Queen’s Heart Institute and Division Chief of Cardiology at the John A. Burns School of Medicine. He also serves as the Medical Director of Enterprise Access for the Queen’s Health Systems and the Board President of the Hawaii Division of the American Heart Association. In addition, Dr. Khan has been a practicing general cardiologist at Queen’s and faculty member of John A. Burns School of Medicine for the past ten years.

In terms of his education, he completed his undergraduate training at the University of Florida where he graduated with a Major in Behavioral Neuroscience, then completed his Master’s in Public Health with a focus in Community Health Education, his Doctor of Medicine, and the entirety of his post-graduate training at The Tulane University School of Medicine.

Meeting Speaker Annette Pang

Our speaker for the March 22 meeting is Annette Pang.

Annette Pang is a mother, grandmother, married to the same husband for 53 years, a former schoolteacher licensed in California, Pennsylvania and Hawaii, where she taught at Hanahauoli School. She is an active licensed Realtor since 1973, and developer of a shopping center in Kapolei, self-storage facilities in Kapolei and Hawaii Kai – which was chosen as the International Overall Facility of the Year winner. Since 2001, she is co-owner of two licensed Adult Residential Care Homes - Living Manoa and Caring Manoa (ARCH Type II).

As a Life Coach, she helps families repair, rejuvenate and honor their relationships with proven systems backed by scientific research, so they are calm and confident and know what to say when they are at a loss for words during occasional misfires and misunderstandings.

Annette gives workshops on stage, on radio, tv, in private sessions and online courses so families can learn how to express themselves, talk freely without walking on eggshells and avoid the misery of falling out and permanent estrangement.

Some of her free and paid courses include:

Squabbles to Hugs: 5 Ways to Increase Family Harmony

The Bali Secrets For Adult Daughters (and their Moms)

The Priceless Gifts That Keep On Giving

How To Calm Your Inner Critic

Learn How to Apologize – It’s Good For Your Own Health and Wellness

Convert Your Stress into Celebration

Please contact Annette Pang for more information through her email address: ap@annettepang.com or via her website: www.annettepang.com.

Mar 1 Speaker is Aimee Chung

Aimee Chung, MSW, LSW has 30 years of experience in social work and academia. She is currently Faculty and a Field Education Coordinator at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, Thompson School of Social Work & Public Health. In her career she has worked as a practitioner and leader, primarily in programs supporting those who are survivors of family violence, underserved communities, and diversely-abled individuals. She has experience in both non-profit agencies and state departments. Although most of her work has been in Hawaiʻi, she has also lived and practiced in California and Colorado. Her areas of interest include field education, self-care, trauma-informed frameworks, wellness and wellbeing, power-based personal violence, diversity, interdisciplinary education, and culturally-grounded practice.

Feb 16 Speakers on Artificial Intelligence

You don't want to miss this! Our speakers for the February16th Noon meeting on Zoom are James Callahan and Shayna Katz. Their presentation title is "ChatGPT: What is it and how does it work". The presentation will take a broad approach looking at different types of Artificial Intelligence funneling toward Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen AI) and Large Language Models. We'll then move to ChatGPT, currently the most popular Gen AI platform. Finally, guidance will be offered for how to set up a ChatGPT account as well as basic prompt engineering writing skills.

James Callahan is a Senior Instructional Designer at the Nancy Atmospera-Walch School of Nursing at the University of Hawai’i (UH) at Mānoa. He also received his MEd in Educational Technology at UH Mānoa. Has worked in Higher Education Instructional Technology and Online learning for more than 20 years. His research interests are in online learning, online mentoring and technology adoption life cycles.

Shayna Katz is a world language coordinator for the Kailua-Kalāheo Complex DoDEA grant project, as well as a graduate assistant for the Multimedia and Instructional Design Team at the University of Hawai’i (UH) at Mānoa. She received her MA in Spanish and Latin American Culture and Literature, and a Graduate Certificate in Second Language Studies in Spanish Applied Linguistics at UH Mānoa, where she is currently a doctoral student in Learning Design and Technology (LTEC). Her research interests include the relationship between social, cognitive and teacher presence in online and hybrid language courses, project and task-based language learning, (multi/inter)cultural competencies, and student self-determination.

New Meeting Location - The Edge

We will be 100% in person meeting starting from February 23rd at "The Edge", located at 31 North Pauahi Street. You may have known it as Terry's Place or HASR Bistro. Go to the side door from the courtyard, turn left and go down the hall to the back room. Lunch is $25 for a soup/salad/sandwich buffet. Coffee, ice tea and water are included. We need to have a head count by Tuesday, so we ask that you sign up by the Monday before the meeting. If you didn't sign up by the date, you can still join us and get your lunch in the restaurant, off the regular menu.

Come and join the WHR fellowship every Friday at noon, with speaker and lunch.

Address: 31 North Pauahi Street, between Nuuanu and Smith

Parking: Municipal lot at 1-35 N Beretania St (underground). $3 for 2 hours. Enter on Beretania, exit on Pauahi

Please check the club website for meeting and speaker info. Feel free to invite guests! We will resume regular Friday in person meeting.

Website address: https://westhonolulurotary.org/

Google Sign up sheet: CLICK HERE

The Object of Rotary

The Object of Rotary is to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise and, in particular, to encourage and foster:

FIRST: The development of acquaintance as an opportunity for service;
SECOND: High ethical standards in business and professions; the recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations; and the dignifying of each Rotarian’s occupation as an opportunity to serve society;
THIRD: The application of the ideal of service in each Rotarian’s personal, business, and community life;
FOURTH: The advancement of international understanding, goodwill, and peace through a world fellowship of business and professional persons united in the ideal of service.

Peace, the Cornerstone of what Rotary Does

Rotary’s goal today is to create environments where peace can be built and maintained through sustainable and measurable activities in communities worldwide. Peacebuilding remains a cornerstone of our mission as a humanitarian service organization.

Each year, Rotary awards up to 130 fully funded fellowships for dedicated leaders from around the world to study at one of our peace centers. The Rotary Foundation partners with premier universities to offer master's degrees and professional development certificates in disciplines related to peace and development. Through academic training, practice, and global networking opportunities, the Rotary Peace Centers program develops the capacity of peace and development professionals to become effective catalysts for peace. The fellowships cover tuition and fees, room and board, round-trip transportation, and internship and field-study expenses. Clubs have the power to shape the next generation of peace leaders both by recruiting and recommending peace fellows, and by keeping them engaged during and after their fellowships. Applications are being accepted through May 15th.

Want to learn more about peacebuilding? Take the Rotary Positive Peace Academy course. Through this academy, you will strengthen your knowledge and identify concrete ways to enhance and engage in Rotary’s work in peace and conflict resolution and the Areas of Focus – all via a Positive Peace lens. CLICK here to go to the Positive Peace Academy.

Feb 9 Speaker - Hiro Nago

Our speaker for Feb 9 at Simply Sichuan is Hiro Nagao, President of EM Hawaii LLC. Hiro’s ancestral roots come from Gushikawa- Okinawa in Japan. His grandfather immigrated at a young age, moved his family to various islands, and finally settled in Kula, on the island of Maui. His father was raised on a vegetable farm, and after joining the service, he moved to Okinawa to take care of family matters. Hiro was born in Okinawa, but the family moved back to Hawaii at five years old, just before Okinawa reverted to Japan. Growing up in an environment of naturally grown foods and having fond memories of visiting the Maui farm led Hiro to change his major from engineering and earn a bachelor’s degree in horticulture from the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa.

After graduation, Hiro wanted to learn more about his Okinawan roots, so he lived and worked as an assistant English teacher for Intermediate and Elementary schools in a small rural town called Sashiki for five years. After attending several lectures in Okinawa and reading “An Earth Saving Revolution” by Prof. Teruo Higa, he was inspired. Hiro decided that promoting the benefits of EM® and getting away from the overuse of chemicals would be his life mission. He joined the EM Research Organization as a researcher in 1995 and opened the branch office (EMRO HAWAII), Inc. in 1996 to share the benefits of this amazing technology. Hiro then had the opportunity to take over and reorganize as a locally owned company, EM HAWAII, LLC, since 2006 and has over 24 years of experience with “Effective Microorganisms®.”

Genki Ball Project Feb 24

Who wants to play with mud! On Saturday, February 24th, we will making 600 Genki Balls. The Genki balls made for this Ala Wai project are mud balls that contain EM, and they will sink to the bottom of the canal to digest the sludge. Bioremediation is the use of living organisms (EM) to remove pollutants from soil and water. Nearly all organic compounds can be digested by bacteria. In Japan and Hawaii, there are multiple examples of the use of Effective Microorganisms (EM) in eliminating sludge. Meet at the Kapahulu Library at 8:30am, park in the lot behind the library. Sign up on the Google sheet by CLICKING here

Over the years, the Ala Wai canal has been a depository for mud, organic debris, trash and various pollutants. Sludge (rotten, organic material) forms and accumulates due to oxygen deficiency. In the sludge, putrefactive bacteria decompose organic matter, but also produce harmful gases such as methane, ammonia and hydrogen sulfide. These compounds produce a toxic environment in the canal. The Genki Ala Wai Project is a non-profit project under the Hawaii Exemplary State Foundation. We aim to use bioremediation technology to make the Ala Wai Canal fishable and swimmable within seven years. A systemic approach will be used to address flood mitigation in the watershed. Our goal is to empower all stakeholders in the ahupua`a to be involved – students, teachers, and the community working together to restore the Ala Wai ecosystem.

Vocational Service Month

The Rotary theme for January is Vocational Service. As one of the 5 avenues of service, we serve others by using our unique skills to address community needs, empower others through training and skill development and inspire others to act with integrity by following Rotary’s guiding principles. The concept of vocational service is rooted in the second object in the "Object of Rotary", which calls on Rotarians to encourage and foster: High ethical standards in business and professions, The recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations, The dignifying of each Rotarian’s occupation as an opportunity to serve society.

THE OBJECT OF ROTARY The Object of Rotary is to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise and, in particular, to encourage and foster: First The development of acquaintance as an opportunity for service; Second High ethical standards in business and professions; the recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations; and the dignifying of each Rotarian’s occupation as an opportunity to serve society; Third The application of the ideal of service in each Rotarian’s personal, business, and community life; Fourth The advancement of international understanding, goodwill, and peace through a world fellowship of business and professional persons united in the ideal of service.

This is how you can put your vocational skills into action: Talk about your profession in your club, and take time to learn about fellow members’ occupations. Use your skills and expertise to serve a community. Practice your profession with integrity, and inspire others to behave ethically through your words and actions. Help young people achieve their career goals. Guide and encourage others in their professional development.

Pacific Gateway Center Project

Our Rotary Gives Thanks project was to give $25 gift cards to 30 PGC clients that had challenges such as : a Ukrainian family with 1 child who lost everything in the Lahaina fires ( WHR already sent $20,000 to 3 Lahaina Clubs in Sept from the Foundation Unrestricted Fund) , disabled, Singles struggling without a support system, Asylum seekers, Domestic Violence single parents with children, Undocumented individuals, Single parents with children and Formerly incarcerated trying to rebuild lives.

Deputy Director Terrina Wong said this is a huge give that will be greatly appreciated. Terrina, was recently awarded a “Guardian of Immigrant Justice” recognition by the Legal Clinic for her work with refugees and immigrants.

Thank you to President Glen Suzuki, Wes Fong, Bill Loo and Naomi Masuno for stuffing the envelopes with a holiday message from our club and the gift card at the PGC Umi Street headquarters. And thank you to Community Service Chair Richard Ing who arrived early.

December is Disease Treatment & Prevention Month

Rotary Disease Treatment & Prevention Month is observed in December every year. This month is dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of disease prevention and treatment. Disease results in misery, pain, and poverty for millions of people worldwide. That’s why treating and preventing disease is so important to Rotarians. We lead efforts both large and small. We set up temporary clinics, blood donation centers, and training facilities in underserved communities struggling with outbreaks and health care access. We design and build infrastructure that allows doctors, patients, and governments to work together.

Our speaker on Friday, December 1 on Zoom is a representative from Straub to talk about the current COVID situation and how we can stay healthy.

2024 Community Service Project Lanakila Senior Center

Dear WHR members,

As you may recall, our Rotary Club recently participated in a community service project painting and filling planter boxes constructed for the Lanakila Multipurpose Senior Center ("LMSC") using grant money secured by a member from our Club. LMSC has secured a few more planter boxes and has asked our club for assistance once more to move, paint and fill the last of the planter boxes that were constructed and recently delivered to the center.

To meet LMSC's call, I have scheduled a community service project at LMSC next Saturday, January 13, 2023, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and would like to invite you and your family to participate in that event. Like the last project that was held at LMSC, we will be moving the planter boxes from the back of LMSC to the front, painting them and then filling them with soil that we purchase and delivered to LMSC the last time we were there.

Since this project entails painting, please wear clothes that you don't mind getting paint on and bring a hat to protect you from the sun.

If you are able to join us at the LMSC next Saturday January 13, 2024, kindly note your attendance by clicking on the following link and by noting your attendance in the attendance spreadsheet.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1YYrygMXCZFBn1Vu4Rk8SDCd2Lx5SQykju_keonDAWwk/edit#gid=1491043810

If clicking on the link above does not automatically send you to the club attendance sheet, please copy and paste the link in your browser and hit "return" to be directed to the website.

I look forward to seeing you next Saturday at LMSC.

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call or email me.

Yours in Rotary,

Richard Ing

Community Service Chairperson

808-228-8788

rai@ollon.com

Friday regular meetings on Zoom:

Zoom link for Friday: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81784510005?pwd=UTlqNDZtUGJuSXQvOTBETjM2OGgydz09

Meeting ID: 817 8451 0005,Passcode: 253649

November is The Rotary Foundation Month

November is The Rotary Foundation month. The Rotary Foundation transforms your gifts into service projects that change lives both close to home and around the world. Since it was founded more than 100 years ago, the Foundation has spent more than $4 billion on life-changing, sustainable projects. With your help, we can make lives better in your community and around the world. The Rotary Foundation helps Rotary members to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace by improving health, providing quality education, improving the environment, and alleviating poverty.

Club Foundation Chair Mike Kato has issued limited time incentives for members that contribute to PolioPlus in the month of October and November:

The West Honolulu Rotary Club will gift you 1 Paul Harris Fellow Point for each dollar of your contribution (up to $250 cumulative for PolioPlus and The Rotary Foundation). For example, if you contribute $50, you will earn 100 Paul Harris Fellow Points, instead of just fifty.
Any member that contributes in October and November will be entered into a special drawing to earn 200 additional Paul Harris Fellow points that I will gift to the winner (to be announced at our Annual Xmas Dinner).

Nov 3 Speaker - Del Green

Our Zoom speaker on Friday, November 3rd for The Rotary Foundation Month is Past District Governor Del Green. Del is the District's Rotary Foundation Committee Chair and oversees the Foundation subcommittees, including Annual Fund, PolioPlus, White Hats, Paul Harris Society, Endowment and Major Gifts, Stewardship, Triple Crown, Alumni, Rotary Peace Fellowship, Grant Audit, District Grants, and Global Grants. He is a member of the Rotary Club of Downtown Honolulu, a Major Donor, Paul Harris Society and White Hat Society Member.

Del as over 30 years of experience and concentrates his practice in the areas of business, commercial law, healthcare, and real estate, encompassing transactions, as well as litigation (including appeals) and alternative dispute resolution. Community Activities include: Pro Bono Arbitrator, State of Hawai'i, Court-Annexed Arbitration Program, 1999 to present, Pro Bono Volunteer, State of Hawai'i, Department of Commerce & Consumer Affairs, Business Action Center, 2006 to present, Member, Kuakini Health System, Ethics Committee, 2017 to present, Chairperson, Host Organization Committee, Rotary International Conventions 2020 (Hawai'i) & 2017 (Hawai'i), International Training Leader, Rotary International, International Assembly, 2022 & 2023, Chairperson, Rotary District 5000 (Hawai'i), District Rotary Foundation Committee 2021–24, Adjunct Professor, Chaminade University of Honolulu, Business Law and Ethics, 2020–21, Representative, Rotary International Council on Legislation, District 5000 (Hawai'i), 2017–2020, Instructor, Rotary International, Zones 25 & 26, GETS & GNATS Education Team, 2016 & 2017, District Governor, Rotary International, District 5000 (Hawai'i), 2015–16.

World Polio Day

World Polio Day on October 24th each year, is a time for Rotary members, public health advocates, and all who want a world free from polio to come together, recognize our progress in the fight to end polio, and talk about the actions we need to take in order to end polio for good. We observe World Polio Day to raise awareness of the importance of polio vaccination to protect every child from this devastating disease, and to celebrate the many parents, professionals and volunteers whose contributions make polio eradication achievable.

Please join our West Honolulu Rotary team and donate online to the Rotary PolioPlus fund. CLICK HERE to donate.

Rotary and our partners have made tremendous progress against polio, but eliminating all cases is going to take even more progress and perseverance. Afghanistan and Pakistan face unique challenges, including political insecurity, highly mobile populations, difficult terrain, and, in some instances, vaccine refusal and misinformation. With sufficient resources, the commitment of national governments, and innovations that improve access to remote areas, we are optimistic that we can eliminate polio.

Club Foundation Chair Mike Kato thanks you for your donation!

Oct 20 Speaker - Terrina Wong

Our speaker for October 20 is Terrina Wong, who is currently the Director of Social and Immigration Services and Accredited Representative at Pacific Gateway Center. Mrs. Wong has been acquiring first-hand experiences dealing with social justice issues and global priorities at Pacific Gateway Center and living what she had been teaching as a global educator for 25 years. She is accredited by the U.S. Department of Justice to assist clients in need of legal immigration services as a non-attorney. She serves as Chair of the Language Access Advisory Council of the State’s Office of Language Access. Ms. Wong earned her Master’s Degree in Education at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Ms. Wong lived and studied in France. Ms. Wong has been awarded Small Business Administration 2014 Home-Based Business Champion, State of Hawaii, for her work with small entrepreneurs and the 2016 Spark of Hope Award of the Interfaith Alliance of Hawaii for inspiring work in the community with the disenfranchised. Terrina’s native language is English and speaks fluent French.

Pacific Gateway Center (PGC) was founded in response to the mass migration of Southeast Asians to Hawaii’s shores following the Vietnam War by the Palama Council of Churches in Hawai‘i that included St. Elizabeth’s Church, Kaumakapili Church, and Aldersgate Church. Immigrants, refugees, and the economically-disadvantaged live under broad conditions of vulnerability, countless being displaced from their home countries due to political instability, war, and civil conflict. Upon arrival to the United States, risk factors include social and culture exclusion, stereotyping, poverty, lack of job and communication skills, limited education, financial opportunities, housing and food support services, and healthcare. Our programs mitigate these challenges by addressing these risk factors and critical needs of our targeted populations.

PGC’s services have expanded to include the community’s kupuna, another vulnerable sector of our population. Nā Kūpuna Makamae Center (NKMC), located at 653 Ala Moana Boulevard, Honolulu was launched in 2016. NKMC provides innovative, quality services, and programs dedicated to our seniors, their families, and community that will empower, educate, enlighten, and entertain. PGC programs include a culinary business incubator, farms in Kunia, Social Enterprise, affordable housing and a language bank. Pacific Gateway Center is committed to empowering the uprooted and helping to rebuild lives. PGC joins Maui in offering support and aloha. The limited English-proficient on Maui receive support of bilingual case managers, interpreters, and translators

Lanakile Garden Project

Thank you Community Service Chair Richard Ing and to all who turned up on Saturday, Sept 30 to help install the raised bed gardens at Lanakila Senior Center. These gardens will allow the center to harvest fresh vegetables. They are also offering 4 classes to the seniors on how to grow their own vegetables for health eating. The participants are able to take home a starter plant. This project was funded by Rotary and AARP. We were joined by Rotary members from Metro, Downtown Honolulu and 1 from Hickam Pearl Harbor. The 2nd to the last picture is of all the seniors who came out that day for the lesson on how to start a vegetable garden.

Oct 6 Speaker on AED Institute

The speaker for the October 6th Zoom meeting is Jacelyn Ho from the AED Institute, a local company driven to save lives. Since 2004, the mission of AED Institute is to promote the science and education of early defibrillation and CPR. They have decades of experience in the AED industry, selling and managing thousands of AEDs across the islands and is a woman-owned, small business.

They can assist you with everything you need to make your business, school, or home safe. We can assist with purchasing your AEDs, servicing existing AEDs, and annual training to ensure compliance. We also ensure your first aid and bleeding control kits are ready to go. Our goal is to prepare you in the event of an emergency.

Out of Darkness Walk Sept 9

Looking for walkers to join the Team Rotary Club of West Honolulu with Team Captain Grace Fujiyoshi! On Saturday, September 9, the walk starts at the Civic Center, registration 8am, program 9am. Walk route: Along South King to Richards St to S. Beretania to Alapai St. Approx 1.2 miles. Public parking free on weekends and there is one underground parking lot that can be used. I question free public parking on Sat; free on Sundays. To register and/or donate, CLICK HERE

The Community Walks, held in hundreds of cities across the country, are the core of the Out of the Darkness movement, which began in 2004. These events give people the courage to open up about their own connections to the cause, and a platform to create a culture that’s smarter about mental health. Friends, family members, neighbors and coworkers walk side-by-side, supporting each other and in memory of those we’ve lost. Now, more than ever, it’s important to be there for one another and take steps to safeguard our mental health and prevent suicide.

This year, one of the Rotary International's initiative is mental health wellness and there are many clubs that are supporting this walk. Wear your West Honolulu Rotary shirt, if you can!

Speaker Oct 13 - Bud Bowles

The October 13th meeting will be at Simply Sichuan (2nd floor). Dim sum for lunch! Please RSVP by Monday CLICK HERE to sign up.

Our speaker is Bud Bowles, MSW, CPRP, HCPS. He is the Executive Director of United Self Help and will talk about "How to stay Mentally Healthy." October 10 is World Mental Health Day and mental health is one of Rotary's initiatives this year.

RI President Gordon encourages Rotary members to make mental health a priority. Rotary has a unique ability to connect people and cultures, giving hope and receiving it through acts of kindness. Now is the time to expand this culture of care — both within Rotary and in the world at large. Providing care in such a way benefits not only the communities we live in and work with, but also our members as they take part in addressing mental health. Research shows that performing acts of kindness is the most effective way to protect our own sense of well-being and become more resilient.

United Self Help is a consumer run organization, since 1986 run by people who have had mental health challenges to provide education and support. They have been funded by Adult Mental Health Division, National Institute for Mental Health, Substance Abuse Mental Health Management Association, Honolulu Rotary Clubs, Weinberg Foundation. Currently our main grant is with the Alcohol Drug Addiction Division — where they pick up inmates who “max out” and peer mentoring them , for the last ten years. Bud has been the Executive Director since 1999 and has a Master of Social Work from the University of Hawaii.

Rotary International Convention is at Singapore 25-29 May 2024

convention.rotary.org/en-us/

The last day for early-registration discount is December 15, 2023. Hurry!!

RI Convention in Singapore May 26-29, 2024

The RI Convention will be Singapore, May 26-29. General sessions will be at The National Stadium. Events will be at the Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Center. Conventions usually start with the House of Friendship opening on Saturday and the Convention opening general session on Sunday and Closing session is usually on Wednesday. To register for the convention, go to : https://convention.rotary.org/

Accommodations: if you would like to get a room in the D5000 block, CLICK HERE

We have reserved a block of 25 rooms through RI at the Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel, located at Robertson Quay, 392 Havelock Rd, Singapore 169663. It is 2.2 miles from the Convention Center and 3.1 miles from the Stadium. Public transportation system is free with the convention registration. Nightly rate is SGD 350 (around US$260, including tax & fees)

Mar 31 Speaker 0 Dir Gen Richard Lin

Mr. Richard Lin is the Director General of Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Honolulu. he Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) is the representative office of the Republic of China (Taiwan) in Hawaii. On January 1, 1979, the Government of the United States established formal diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and severed the relations with the Republic of China on Taiwan. TECO in Honolulu is one of the 11 offices under the Washington D.C.-based Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office (TECRO), Taiwan’s de facto embassy in the United States in the absence of formal diplomatic ties. The jurisdiction area of the office covers the state of Hawaii, American Samoa and Palmyra Atoll. The staff of this office includes the dispatched officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and Ministry of Defense (MOD), totally 10 people headed by the Director General. Consular Services: Including the issuing of passports, visas, documents authentication, and the provision of emergency assistance to the Taiwan citizen overseas. Trade & cultural services, Oversea Chinese Affairs Services

Click Read more for his bio:

Happy Birthday Rotary!

Whatever Rotary may mean to us, to the world it will be known by the results it achieves. Paul Harris, Rotary founder

Rotary is a global network of 1.4 million neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves. Solving real problems takes real commitment and vision. For more than 118 years, Rotary's people of action have used their passion, energy, and intelligence to take action on sustainable projects. From literacy and peace to water and health, we are always working to better our world, and we stay committed to the end.

Dec 2 Speaker - Leigh Wai Doo

Subject: The Polio Life of Leigh Wai Doo -Adapting.

A Resume of Leigh Wai Doo -adapting to a life of Poliomyelitis , post polio and family fulfillment.

Thank you Rotary International for quashing polio worldwide , the first disease to be eradicated – almost. You Rotarians made a superb difference on saving millions of children and adults from the effects of polio myelitis . I greatly Mahalo you. Please keep it up. IMUA polio still is alive in small corners of our world and your Rotary international efforts keep that awareness of the world alive.

I relate and have compassion to people with polio, as I have had throughout my life. Here is my story.

From March of Dimes poster polio child to National March of Dimes board member which raised $76 million annually to save babies.
From Hawaiian teenage surfer to Punahou student body president, from Columbia College protester‘68 to Harvard Law School Juris Doctor ‘71 to bread baker in the Poor People’s Campaign organized by Dr. Martin Luther King for the summer of 1968 in Washington DC.   From the founding Assistant Dean and Director starting the University of Hawaii’s first and only law school to a Honolulu City Council member keeping the country country, starting the second city Kapolei and creating sister cities with the People’s Republic of China to build peace in our world. From marrying 5’ ‘3” Iowa farmer’s daughter with blonde hair from the Midwest to raising together three healthy beautiful kindly contributing children now good adult citizens.
And feeling fulfilled.
Leigh Wai Doo now 76 is a fourth generation, Kamaaina whose ancestors on both sides chose to be naturalized Citizens of the Kingdom of Hawaii: Doo Waising and Young Ahin. Leigh-Wai Was born normal, a big baby who started to talk and stand early at nine months of age.   Then he came down with a high fever , as he was told later, and couldn’t move from his neck down . Well his story goes on and on and it is a story of evolving, adapting and choosing values , priorities and goals .
You can hear him personally and directly on December 2, 2022 at high noon by zoom of the Rotary International- Hawaii chapter meeting. Ask him questions. He welcomes you with Aloha from Leigh-Wai DOO

HRYF donations - Foodland's Give Aloha

In the month of September, Hawaii Rotary Youth Foundation (HRYF) is participating in Give Aloha, Foodland’s Annual Community Matching Gifts Program. This program honors Foodland’s founder, Maurice J. "Sully" Sullivan, and continues his legacy of giving back to the community. If you would like to donate:

1) Go to Foodland and give the cashier your Maikai card and tell them to credit HRYF # 77199

2) Donate up to $249 to the HRYF

3) Write your name and West Honolulu Rotary on the receipt (important)

4) Email your receipt to office@hawaiirotaryyouthfoundation.org

Last year, HRYF funded $270,000 in scholarships. Our club received a $5,000 scholarship to award to a student of our choice.

Sep 16 Speaker Alex Silvert

The speaker for our Sept 16th meeting is Alexander Silvert on the Mail Box Conspiracy Story. Alexander was raised in New York City and Vermont. After graduating from UCLA and driving a cab in New York, and a year of post-graduate political science courses at New York University, he switched to Boston College Law School where he obtained his JD in 1984. He worked as a state and federal public defender in Philadelphia before moving to Honolulu in 1989 with his wife and three-week old son to work at the Hawai‘i Federal Public Defenders Office.

He served as the First Assistant FPD from 1992 to his retirement in October of 2020. During his tenure he handled numerous high publicity cases, including representing two defendants in potential federal death penalty cases. In 2000, he was one of several AFPDs named “Federal Defender of the Year” by the National Association of Federal Defenders.

In July of 2013, the author began his representation of Gerard Puana, who was charged with destruction of a mailbox owned by Honolulu Chief of Police Louis Kealoha and his wife, Katherine Kealoha, third-ranked City of Honolulu Prosecutor. The case continued for over seven years, with the author starting as defender and ending as the key instigator of the federal prosecution of the Kealohas in what has become known as the greatest public corruption case in the history of Hawaii.

In October of 2020 Silvert retired as a Federal Public Defender after 33 years. Silvert has written a book about the Puana/Kealoha case entitled “The Mailbox Conspiracy: The Inside Story of the Greatest Corruption Case in Hawaii History.” Silvert currently is a lecturer at the University of Hawaii Richardson School of Law and runs his own private federal criminal law consulting firm in Hawaii.

Kahu Kenny Makuakane

Kenny was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaiʻi. Kahu Makuakāne comes from a long line of Kahu (pastors). His great-great-great grandfather was Rev. Daniel Makuakāne who served as the pastor of ʻOpihikao Congregational Church from 1865 to 1873 and at Kalapana in 1877. He was described as the "kanaka kahu hipa o ke kuahiwi" or "the Shepard of the hills" and was renown for his humility and piety. His great grand uncle, Rev. William Kamau also served ʻOpihikao Church as well as others, and served at Kawaiahaʻo Church 1934 to 1940. His parents are the Reverend John and Reverend Violet Makuakāne--both of whom served ʻOpihikao Congregational Church 1987 to 2010. His uncle, Rev. William Kaina served churches around the islands and served at Kawaiahaʻo Church 1984 to 1997. His cousin, Kahu Curtis Kekuna served at Kawaiahaʻo Church 2004 to 2017.

In 2010, Kahu Makuakāne answered the call to authorized ministry and began working at the Hawaiʻi Conference of the United Church of Christ, first as an Associate for Church Vitality, then as an Associate Conference Minister and the Papa Makua (the head minister) for the Association of Hawaiian Evangelical Churches. On May 5, 2018, Kahu Kenneth Makuakāne was ordained and installed by Kawaiahaʻo Church as its twelfth pastor.

Before his ordination, Kahu Kenneth Makuakāne was (and is) a successful singer, song writer and producer. According to his biography posted by Kamehameha Schools: Kenneth is recognized as a successful innovator in producing and recording Hawaiian music. He has over one hundred albums to his producing credits, working with artists such as Na Leo, Hapa, Amy Hānaiali‘i Gilliom, Raiatea Helm, Obrian Eselu and Jeff Rasmussen.

A prolific songwriter, Kenneth's compositions have been recorded by local artists, as well as international artists. His songs have even been performed many times over at the annual Merrie Monarch Hula Festival. He produced a track on Kenny Loggins 2000 CD release More Songs from Pooh Corner. And his music has been on the soundtrack of major films like "Honeymoon In Las Vegas" and "Parent Trap In Paradise." He has received a total of eighteen (18) Na Hoku Hanohano Awards, the Hawaii equivalent of the Grammy Awards. Makuakane won Song of the Year honors in 2000 for his hit composition, I Miss You, My Hawai‘i. He has been recognized in the National Registry of Who's Who.

July 15 Speaker - Catherine Orlans

The speaker for Friday. July 15 is Catherine Orlans. The O‘ahu Visitors Bureau (OVB) appointed Catherine Orlans as destination manager in September 2021 where she will be responsible for implementation and oversight of the O‘ahu Destination Management Action Plan (DMAP), as well as O‘ahu’s Community Enrichment Program (CEP). Orlans lends extensive experience in the hospitality industry, sales and marketing, as well as sustainability to the position.
The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority, in partnership with the City and County of Honolulu and OVB, developed the O‘ahu DMAP with a 23-member steering committee and input from O‘ahu residents through community presentations and an online feedback form. With the goal of rebuilding, redefining and resetting the direction of tourism over a three-year period, the DMAP identifies areas of need and actionable solutions for enhancing the residents’ quality of life as well as improving the visitor experience.
Catherine is in charge of facilitating, implementing and managing the O‘ahu DMAP actions. Her role includes leading meetings and discussions with organizations and agencies involved in the DMAP, as well as engaging with the wider community on DMAP activities and updates.
Orlans holds a B.S. in travel industry management from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa with an emphasis in sustainable tourism and transportation management focusing on impacts to indigenous host cultures of destinations. Orlans, an O‘ahu native, is also an advocate for diversity and inclusion as a mother of a son with autism.

Rotary Fellowship to join

June is Rotary Fellowships month and Rotary members are encouraged to take advantage of the groups to enhance their Rotary experience. Want to be with members who share a common interest in recreational activities, sports, hobbies, or professions? These groups help expand skills, foster vocational development, and enhance the Rotary experience by exploring interests while developing connections around the world. OVERVIEW  Help participants make lasting friendships outside their own club, district, or country  Advance Rotary’s public image and identity  Serve as an incentive for joining Rotary and for maintaining active membership. Visit the webpage: https://www.rotary.org/en/our-programs/more-fellowships

Sunday, June 19th!

Healthcare project at Queens West

April is Maternal and Child Health Month

Rotary's theme for April is Maternal and Child Health. Rotary makes high-quality health care available to vulnerable mothers and children so they can live longer and grow stronger. We expand access to quality care, so mothers and children everywhere can have the same opportunities for a healthy future. An estimated 5.9 million children under the age of five die each year because of malnutrition, inadequate health care, and poor sanitation — all of which can be prevented. Last year, the Rotary Foundation funded 129 global grants in this focus area in the amount of $8.4 million.

Water, Sanitation & Hygiene Month

During March, Rotary Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Month, we’re celebrating our commitment to create healthier communities by supplying clean water and sanitation facilities to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Clean water, sanitation, and hygiene education are basic necessities for a healthy environment and a productive life. When people have access to clean water and sanitation, waterborne diseases decrease, children stay healthier and attend school more regularly, and mothers can spend less time carrying water and more time helping their families. Through water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) programs, Rotary’s people of action mobilize resources, form partnerships, and invest in infrastructure and training that yield long-term change. The Rotary Foundation has invested $148 million in water, sanitation, hygiene and water resource management interventions globally.

Rotary News

Help to Ukraine:

They are predicting as many as 12 million people may need humanitarian assistance
Four million refugees as a result of this crisis.

Here are some ways that you can help:

ShelterBox is committed to supporting families affected by the Ukraine crisis. Donate: https://www.shelterboxusa.org/the-ukraine-crisis-explained/
The Rotary Foundation, has designated its Disaster Response Fund as the main avenue for contributions. These expedited disaster response grants are being used to provide relief to refugees or other victims of the crisis including items such as water, food, shelter, medicine and clothing by designated Rotary districts that border Ukraine and the Rotary district in Ukraine. Donate: https://my.rotary.org/en/disaster-response-fund

View a video report from a person in Ukraine as relayed to a Rotarian in the WE Rotary Club in our District: : https://youtu.be/VCPvrzG079E

Three Men in Black

Remember this?

Makati West 50th anniversary Nov 23, 2019

Help to end polio now

Since Rotary and its partners launched the Global Polio Eradication Initiative 30 years ago, the incidence of polio has plummeted by more than 99.9 percent, from about 350,000 cases a year to just 22 cases in 2017. To sustain this progress, and protect all children from polio, Rotary has committed to raising US$50 million per year in support of global polio eradication efforts. Without full funding and political commitment, this paralyzing disease could return to previously polio-free countries, putting children everywhere at risk.

Your donation helps Rotary and its partners reach every child with the polio vaccine. Thanks to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, your contribution will be tripled, getting us even closer to a polio-free world.

This video is a 360 degree, non-VR version one. Move the picture with your mouse to see 360 degrees.

Rotary International's Vision and Mission

Our Vision : "Together, we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change — across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves." Rotary's vision statement adopted by the Board and Trustees in June 2017, reflects the impact Rotary aspires to have on the world and our members.

Our Mission : We provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through our fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders.

Sister Club Hong Kong Island West Anniversary

Our sister club, the Rotary Club of Hong Kong Island West, will be celebrating their 65th anniversary and our club is invited. If you would like to go (April 12-14, 2019), please let Roland Chun know at: rchun44@yahoo.com The celebration program follows:

Ending Polio - Zero Matters

Rotary has been working to eradicate polio for more than 30 years. Our goal of ridding the world of this disease is closer than ever.

As a founding partner of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, we've reduced polio cases by 99.9 percent since our first project to vaccinate children in the Philippines in 1979.

We've helped immunize more than 2.5 billion children in 122 countries. So far, Rotary has contributed more than $1.8 billion toward eradicating the disease worldwide.

Today, polio remains endemic only in Afghanistan and Pakistan. But it’s crucial to continue working to keep other countries polio-free. If all eradication efforts stopped today, within 10 years, polio could paralyze as many as 200,000 children each year. Your donation helps Rotary and its partners reach every child with the polio vaccine. Thanks to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, your contribution will be tripled, getting us even closer to a polio-free world. Donate to PolioPlus today.

Rotary partners with Mediators Beyond Borders

EVANSTON, Ill. (Aug. 17, 2018) — Preventing conflicts from escalating into violent crises is 60 times more cost effective than intervening after violence erupts, according to the Carnegie Corporation of New York. A recent partnership between the membership service organization Rotary and Mediators Beyond Borders International (MBBI) aims to bring community-based solutions to prevent conflict in more communities.

MBBI – an impact organization founded on the principle of people-centered peacebuilding – has been working with Rotary since 2013 to advance the common goals for peace. This new partnership will enable Rotary members to train with MBBI to sharpen their mediation, dialogue, and other conflict transformation skills. Rotary’s 1.2 million members, located in over 200 countries and regions, will help MBBI expand its network of trained mediators – potentially transforming conflict in communities not previously reached. MBBI’s members are at the center of a movement for global peacebuilding through advocacy, capacity building and consultations.

Rotary members take action to address underlying causes of conflict by providing access to clean water and sanitation, supporting education, preventing and treating disease, saving mothers and children and growing local economies. More than $221 million has been awarded over the past several years through The Rotary Foundation to support these programs. MBBI joins a list of Rotary service partners including Ashoka, Habitat for Humanity the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness and Peace Corps.

September is Basic Education & Literacy Month

Rotary's theme for this month is Basic Education and Literacy. Did you know that more than 775 million people in the world over the age of 15 are illiterate. That’s 17 percent of the world’s adult population. One in 6 adults in Hawaii cannot read or write even at a basic level . "There are over 150,000 people in Hawaii right now who are not reading and writing at the level considered literate. They're making a living, or raising children but that would be easier if they improved their reading and writing skills," said Suzanne Skjold, the Executive Director of Hawaii Literacy.

Rotary's goal is to strengthen the capacity of communities to support basic education and literacy, reduce gender disparity in education, and increase adult literacy. We support education for all children and literacy for children and adults.

Photo from 9/7/18 meeting

Picture from our Sept 7th meeting with Hannah Shipman, a Maui gal speaking on 100% Clean Energy on behalf of Blue Planet Foundation. Who is that guy in the middle that looks like the spot light is on him?

9/14 Mtg Doodle

RSVP to attend Friday, 9/14/18's meeting --- > CLICK HERE

Children's Day Sunday, Oct 7, 2018

Volunteers needed for the CHILDREN AND YOUTH DAY Event. It's on Sunday, October 7th, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm, at the State Capitol, Kalanimoku Building, Frank F. Fasi Civic Center, Hawaii State Art Museum, ʻIolani Palace, Kamehameha V Building (Supreme Court Building), Punchbowl Street, and Department of Health Mauka Parking Lot. www.HawaiiCYD.org.

Hawaii's 25th Annual Children and Youth Month kick-off event, Children and Youth Day, honors and celebrates our children and youth in Hawaii. Over 200 interactive, educational, fun activities for infants, toddlers, children, youth and the entire family. Free parking at neighboring State and City parking lots, Central Middle School, and Central Pacific Bank at the corner of King and Alakea Streets. Sponsored by HONOLULU Family, Kama‘aina Kids, McDonald's Restaurants of Hawaii, ‘Olelo Community Media, Pacific American Foundation, The Friends of ‘Iolani Palace, Tihati, KFVE, and Upspring.

Rotary Global Rewards

EVERYDAY EXPERIENCES MADE BETTER THAN EXPECTED - Discover a world of savings - Discounts and Specials
Rotary Global Rewards is the member benefits program designed exclusively for Rotarians and Rotaractors. The extensive collection of discounts and special offers covers the types of goods and services that members care about most — for getting a project completed or just treating yourself after a job well done. Categories include: • Entertainment • Business services • Dining • Travel • Insurance • Retail
Create your own offer
You can share discounts with other Rotarians. Help build the program by adding special offers from your own company to the growing portfolio of Rotary Global Rewards.
Give back to Rotary
By using Rotary Global Rewards, you have the opportunity to give back o Rotary.* Look for offers that include a percentage back to Rotary.

Explore Rotary Global Rewards today
Access Rotary Global Rewards using the URL below or the Rotary Global Rewards app available through the Apple App Store and Google Play.

VISIT rotary.org/globalrewards or DOWNLOAD the Rotary Global Rewards app.

5/25 speaker-Lorraine Mintoishi, historic buildings

Local-born and raised LORRAINE MINATOISHI, PH.D., AIA, LEED AP, is the president of Minatoishi Architects, an award-winning architecture firm specializing in historic preservation. Dr. Minatoishi produced an award-winning documentary entitled Aloha Buddha, which covered the history of Japanese immigration, religion and architecture in the Hawaiian Islands.

Business Architecture Firm Minatoishi Architects, Inc. is an award-winning architectural firm, with Secretary of Interiors (SOI) qualified Preservation Architects. We specialize in historic architecture and historic preservation. As dedicated preservationists, we are proud to integrate elements of Hawaii’s diverse history in our design. We work with private homeowners, commercial owners, and state and federal government agencies as preservation experts. Our primary work is building renovation and restoration. We also provide technical assistance by inventorying and assessing buildings at the front end of project design.

OUR MISSION is to work with the highest level of integrity, paying critical attention to detail, and creating works of the highest quality. We value spending significant time on historical and material research to fully and accurately analyze the architectural and cultural resource. We dedicate ourselves to projects that improve the environment of Hawaii and aim to share our findings and historical research with professional colleagues. We advocate for cultural heritage preservation, study, interpretation, and education. Treating our employees, clients, colleagues and our fellow citizens with Aloha is of the utmost importance in order to contribute to our clients’ success. We Specialize In Historic Preservation, Historic Nominations, Permit Processing, Modern Architecture, Renovations, Historic Tax Credits, Master Planning,Japanese Traditional Architecture.

Chinese New Year dinner social on Feb 17

The Chinese New Year dinner social on Feb 17 had a fantastic turn out. Total of 46 people attended, along with the signature 7 course dishes with complimentary wine, and have door prizes which were donated by Terry Lo and Elvira Lo, Edward Ane donated 2 home make rice cake for dessert as well. Mahalo to all WHR participants.

Doodles sign up for 3/2 Mtg.

Please sign up and click on Link:

https://doodle.com/poll/4zcyaud2bgbv3umr

Mar 2 Speaker - Dr. Jeff Wilson

Jeff Wilson is associate professor of religious studies and East Asian studies for Renison University College, at the University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada . He has written several books and numerous articles about the interaction of Buddhism and various aspects of North American culture, and published pioneering research in the history of same-sex wedding ceremonies. Jeff teaches courses on religion in North America, East Asian religion, and theory and method in religious studies at the University of Waterloo. He is active in the American Academy of Religion, and does media appearances and radio interviews to provide an informed perspective on issues of religion in contemporary society. He is the current Numata Scholar at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, and was the 2016 BSC Summer Session speaker.

Professor Wilson’s book, Mindful America, The Mutual Transformation of Buddhist Meditation and American Culture (2014) is the first comprehensive exploration of the practice of mindfulness in America. It outlines how Buddhism influences and is appropriated and adapted by non-Buddhist cultures in the United States and elsewhere.

DOE Speech Festival Judging April 28

Dear Fellow Rotarians,

It’s that time of the year again!

On April 28, 2018, Texaco is hosting this year’s DOE Honolulu District Elementary Speech Festival again. This will be the 30^th anniversary for the speech festival. Many of you remember last year’s festival and how much fun it was. Well now all of you will have the opportunity to show your support for our Keiki by coming out to watch them perform. There will be 480 student participants in grades 3-5. The students will participate in one of five categories: choral reading, group interpretation, interpretive reading, poetry and storytelling. The program is seeking the help of 120 volunteer judges who will help to judge and critique the students’ performance. This event is designed to help encourage students to develop public speaking skills and to gain self-confidence.

Registration starts at 7 a.m. and breakfast will be provided. Briefing for the judges will be conducted at 7:30 a.m.

If you would like to participate in this year’s speech festival, please be sure to sign up by clicking on the doodle link and by adding your name to the roster. If you have any questions about this event, please do not hesitate to contact me.

https://doodle.com/poll/224p4b8e7mk9nprt

Richard A. Ing (rai@ollon.com)

Community Service Chair

Wine and Chinese Food Social on Feb 17

We will be having our Chinese New Year dinner social at Maple Garden on Feb 17, Saturday evening, come early to enjoy networking with your fellow Rotarians at 5:30pm, dinner will start at 6 pm, bring your friends and family to celebrate the Year of the Dog.

The cost is $22 per person, 7 course Chinese cuisine specially created for our club, to name a few of the favorite dishes: Smoke Tea Duck, Walnut Prawns, Spareribs in Honey BBQ sauce. And each table will have a complimentary bottle of WINE, seats are limited, first come first serve...

To sign up please click: https://doodle.com/poll/2zsn3sdyki2dxfht