August 20, 2025
Newsletter for Week of August 20, 2025
Tim Hansen, President
Call to Order: President, Tim Hansen
Pledge of Allegiance: Richard Cunningham
Inspiration: JoBee Balberde Kamalii – Shared a story that came to light, while her husband was getting wonderful care from the staff at Benioff Med. Ctr.
Trivia: What year did Mike Gleason join RCHB? Answer: 2000 Who was his sponsor? Answer: Carol Van Camp
Guests:
- Jessica Thompson – President & CPO at Hawaii Island United Way (and a future member of RCHB!)
- Guest Speaker: Mike Gleason – Chief Executive Officer, The Volcano Art Center, discussed the combination of Nature and Art at the Center
Birthdays:
- Allen Novak – August 18th
- Misaki Saito – August 19th
Anniversaries:
- JoBee & Richard Kamalii – August 17th
- Preston Barnes III & Eadean – August 20th
Mahalo’s:
- Pres. Tim thanked Past Pres Steven Sylvester for covering meetings while he was away.
Announcements:
Mary Begier announced our Club Social event will be held on Thursday, Aug. 28 at John & Mo Gapp’s House. Mary reminded us to bring pupu dishes for 4-6 people, Mead (honey wine) will be provided, or BYOB.
RCHB Board Meeting Thursday, August 21, 7am, Ken’s House of Pancakes.
Board Retreat Saturday, August 23, 11:30-3:30pm
Check your emails and our Club website for more details on all coming events.
25th Annual Oktoberfest: James Tyrin announced there will be another committee planning meeting soon. The sponsor letters have gone out and there are plenty of opportunities for table Sponsors & V.I.P. participation. The list of specialty craft beer companies: Lanikai Brewing Company, Ola Brew, Wailuku Brew Works, Big Island Brewhaus, along with wines from Kadota Liquor.
Foodland – Give Aloha in September! Save your receipts and say; #77199 at the cash register.
Happy Dollars:
$20 – Mary Begier – #1) Thank you to the County of Hawaii Liquor Commission, that were so timely – only 48 hours to approve & receive our liquor permit for Oktoberfest! Mahalo to Alan Okinaka, James Tyrin and Jonell Kuamoo for having the needed documents handy. The staff at the liquor commission send a “Big Hello” to Art Taniguchi. #2) Yoga Centered is offering Lagree Classes, a full body core focused workout-no strings attached. Free Open House Sat. 8/23/25, 11am-4:45pm. For more information, visit: www.yogacentered.com
$20 – Kumiko Usuda – invites us to the Mauna Kea Observatories for a Tanabata Block Party on Saturday, August 30, 2025, 4pm-9pm, North A’ohoku Place, Mauka of Imiloa in Hilo. Mahalo to Geoli for Waiakea Water donated for the staff members and participants!
$20 – David DeLuz – Visited the Marina da Horta in Azores, Portugal, where John Gapp once sailed. Also, Mahalo to the Oktoberfest committee!
$10 – JoBee Balberde- Kamalii – Mahalo for the beautiful flowers for our 38th wedding anniversary. What a gracious way to bring colors to a special day! 😊
$5 – Sandy Sakaguchi – Happy to see former RCHB President, Mike Gleason.
$3 – Anita Cunningham – Also happy to see Mike Gleason.
$5 – Miyuki Lee – Bought a new car – a red Toyota! Gives appreciation to David DeLuz. Appreciation to Anita Cunningham & Jonell Kuamoo, who purchased Kau Coffee!
$5 – Sharon Scheele – We are a soccer family. Their grandson-in-law, Greg, coaches 1-2 soccer teams every season. Usually young men but this season, 11–12-year-old girls. He has been hired by UH-Hilo as an assistant coach. Their 4-yr. old great granddaughter, Gabi, is now learning how to play soccer.
$5 – Masae Gomes – for 36 more weeks to the next summer break!!
Sad Dollars: $20 – Art Taniguchi - In memory of the passing of Dr. Genshitsu Sen, the 15th-generation Grand Master of Japanese tea ceremony, who passed away on August 14, 2025, at the age of 102. Known for his philosophy of “Peace through a Bowl of Tea.”
4-Way Test – John Gapp
Door Prize & Inspiration:(Sign up with Lorraine Davies to fill 2025 calendar!)
Sep 3 – Chester Cabral
Sep 10 – Virginia Juettner
Sept 17 – Mary Begier
Sept 14 – Patrick Bodell