The speaker, thanks to Grace Fujiyoshi, for our April 8th meeting is Imelda Corpuz-Amano. She is originally from the northern Philippines and traveled to the islands in 1966 to settle in the peaceful plantation town of Waipahu. She is a product of Hawaii public schools: August Ahrens, Waipahu Middle and Waipahu HS. Imelda did her bachelor’s in Los Angeles and graduate work at UH Manoa, then retired as a secondary teacher and elementary school librarian (15 years upper ed and 15 years lower ed). She now enjoy traveling, food blogging, cooking, gardening, volunteering, reading and sharing children’s literature. She says "Kumusta! (Hi!) "
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.
Statement from Rotary International: It is a tragic and sad time for the people of Ukraine and the world. At Rotary, we are deeply concerned by the deteriorating situation in Ukraine and the escalating loss of life and humanitarian hardship there. Continued military action against Ukraine will not only devastate the region, but also risk spreading tragic consequences across Europe and the world. As one of the world’s largest humanitarian organizations, we have made peace the cornerstone of our global mission. We join the international community in calling for an immediate cease fire, withdrawal of Russian forces, and a restoration of diplomatic efforts to resolve this conflict through dialogue. In the past decade, Rotary clubs in Ukraine, Russia and nearby countries have transcended national differences and have actively engaged in peace-building projects to promote goodwill and to marshal assistance for the victims of war and violence. Today, our thoughts are with our fellow Rotary members and others in Ukraine coping with these tragic events. Rotary International will do everything in its power to bring aid, support and peace to the region.
On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a military operation on Ukraine, creating a devastating humanitarian crisis. As military activities continue and missile strikes rock the country, people are on the move, desperately trying to find safety. According to the UN, millions of people are fleeing the country, if they can.
They are predicting as many as 12 million people may need humanitarian assistance
Four million refugees as a result of this crisis.
Others are sheltering where they can, in places like metro stations. The situation is developing rapidly, and the death toll is rising.
Here are some ways that you can help:
ShelterBox We are deploying a team of highly trained operations and response team members to the region to carry out assessments. In coordination with local authorities and other aid agencies, our team will work to understand the type of emergency shelter the displaced people of Ukraine need and if our aid will be suitable. We are committed to supporting families affected by the Ukraine crisis.
The Rotary Foundation, in response to the deepening humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, has created an official channel for donors around the world to contribute funds to support the relief efforts underway by Rotary districts and has designated its Disaster Response Fund as the main avenue for contributions. With the United Nations High Commission on Refugees, we are responding to the needs of those being displaced in Ukraine and to neighboring countries. 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.
Every year in April, the clubs in the District do projects for Rotarians at Work Day. This year, we have 2 opportunities to present to you, both on Saturday, April 23rd, 8-11 am. Please indicate if you are interested in participating in either of these projects and feel free to bring the family to the beach cleanup.
1)This year's speech festival is a virtual event for
approximately 30 participating schools with about 210 student participants.About100 judges from various community/business partners are needed to support this fabulous event. The judge will need access to a device (laptop, computer, iPad) that has a working video camera, microphone, and strong internet connection, and all documents and rater sheets will be digital.
2) If you and your friends and family would like to do a hands-on, outdoor project, we can pick a beach and pick up plastics, rubbish as we did last year at Ala Moana Park. Of course, a picnic will follow for fun and fellowship. The location is TBD.
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