President Newton Chu called the meeting to order at a few minutes past noon.We had a full house. Newton again inspired us with his “dark and stormy night” tale of the founding of our club, 105 years ago.
The Pledge of Allegiance to our flag was led by Liana Katase.
Newton thankedJairus Iwasaki and Jacen Freis, the Lava Flow reporter and photographer who did the Lava Flow our last meeting. Today’s reporter and photographer are Susan Munro and Alex Rapoza.
Russ introduced today’s guests:Lorraine Shinbrought Ashley Ferrara.Brian Rileyintroduced his son Dylan. Meera DeCourt, one of today’s inductees, brought her parents Gretchen GroveandJack Jeffries, as well as Malee Raeand Grace Chow. Carlene Wolf brought DeeDee Aipolani (Miss Hula 1974!). DG Nancy Cabral brought two of today’s inductees, Judy Texiera and Charyse Emmons, as well as Sue LeeLoy.
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Happy Dollars
Marcia Prose announced some Palace Theater events in June: especially the live musical presentation of “Frozen” beginning June 19 -- tickets are going fast! Also, the Palace organ will accompany a classic film “Wings” with Clara Bow, on June 11. and many more! Donation to HRYF.
PP Jermiah Leonard had some very Happy Dollars because the Small Business Administration has named him as Hawaii’s Small BusinessPerson of the Year.The honor includes a trip to Washington D.C. Donations to Polio Plus for Newton’s ride and to the TRF Annual Fund.
Our new member, Judy Texiera, made her EREY donation to the Annual Fund, to commemorate her induction.
Carlene Wolf stood up to let everyone know that member Genie Phillips has had successful knee surgery. $ to Newton’s ride.Have a quick recuperation, Genie!💐
Liana Katase had $25 for the TRF Annual Fund.
Jen will make an online donation for Newton’s ride.
Randy Hart was recently on the mainland to meet his new grandson.$ to TRF.
Alberta Dobbe also wishes Newton well on his ride. Another a donation to Polio Plus!
George Applegate had a donation for HRYF and another for Newton’s ride.
Nancy had a $1000 donation for Newton’s ride (TRF Polio Plus).
New Member Inductions
Nancy inducted our three newest Rotarians:
Meera DeCourt, sponsored by Sam Willocks, works for Day Lum Hawaii LLC, and has been a member of the Lions, the Hilo JayCees, and the Japanese Chamber of Commerce.
Charise Emmons, sponsored by Nancy Cabral, works for the Hawaii Animal Control and Protection Agency. She’s lived in Hawaii for about eighteen years.
Judy Texiera, also sponsored by Nancy, is retired and has lived in Hilo with her husband Ronald for the last 42 years.
Other Announcements
Thursday “Go Cook Um” Lunch prep at the Hawaii Island Home for Recovery.To join, text Grace Manipol-Larson at 808-640-1540.
Monthly Reading in Kindergarten.Call Shirley Woods, 775-846-0627
Monthly Pet Therapy with Adult Care residents. No need to bring your own pet, but you can! Call Connie Ichinose 808-896-4926.
Yukio Okutsu Veterans’ Care Home. Donate items to be used as Bingo prizes. Bring to any meeting. Talk to new member Chay Johnson 702-344-4615 for details.
Kamehameha Day, June 11. Help with the Walk/Run or the Food Drive at the event in Kamehameha Statue Park. Talk to Wally Wong 808-987-3841 for details.
Installation of Officers, June 26. Attend the Installation of Officers for Jen and her board.At the Hilo Yacht Club, 5PM $65 -- details on the website.
2026 Hilo Brewfest, June 11. Sponsors and donors for the Silent Auction are needed! Call Jay Jarrett 808-437-4377 about sponsorship.Call Marcia Prose 808-756-1942 about the Silent Auction.
District Conference, August 21-23. In Oahu.Register at www.rotary5000.org.
Red Badges
Tara congratulated the recent new members who have completed all their “club familiarization” tasks.These folks can now remove the red sticker from their name badges!They are Steve Mosciatti, Jay Jarrett, Maile Luuwai, Mandi Fong, Megan Ameral, and Tom Brown.
Tara reminded all of us to take a moment to get acquainted with the red-badges we see at meetings.
Rotary Foundation Moment
Brian Riley, inducted into this club less than a month ago, was previously in a club in Las Vegas. He spent a few minutes telling us about his experiences as a Rotary exchange student when he was in high school. He’s still active with projects like Rotoplast – in fact he was going with them this year to an African hospital, but the trip was cancelled because of Ebola. In his words, “Rotary can your life.”
Guest Speakers: Rotaract and Interact Clubs
Editor’s note:
Rotaract clubs are for young adults aged 18 and older, primarily university students and young professionals.Local Rotary clubs "sponsor" and mentor Rotaract clubs, but Rotaract clubs are self-governing and manage their own funds and activities.
Rotary Interact is a youth service club for young people ages 12 to 18. Sponsored by local Rotary clubs, these student-led clubs bring together young leaders to develop leadership skills, give back to their local communities, and promote international understanding.
PE Jen Tanouye began the program by introducing members of our club’s Youth Committee, who manage various youth-related activities and projects: Alex Rapoza and Steve Pavao, Youth Service Co-Chairs; Gail Takaki, the chair for the annual RYLA weekend; and Wally Wong, Laupahoehoe’s Interact advisor. Wally spoke briefly about the Laupahoehoe Scholar-Athlete program. She then turned the mic over to the Rotaract and Interact members.
East Hawaii Rotaract at UH Hilo.Kennedy Moniz and Katherine Keizer, the president and vice president of the Rotaractclub, presented information about their club’s activities this year and talked about plans for next year. They thanked members of this club who have assisted this year: Jen Tanouye, the club’s advisor, and Terianne Brown.
Waiakea High Interact. Incoming Interact president Charity Ju and incoming vice presiden Joenica Sy-Rondaris shared photos and memories from the past year.Activities they assisted with included a canned food drive to benefit the Food Basket, the Alzheimers Walk, the KTA Haunted House, and the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA).
