Stories

Agenda -- 32nd Meeting of RCHB for Rotary Year 2020-2021

• Pledge of Allegiance  --  Mary Begier
• Words of Inspiration -- Barbara Hastings
• Introduction of guests
• Announcement by the President
• Announcements by the Director, Committee Chair and by the members
• Anniversaries
• Happy Dollars
• 4-Way Test -- Tim Hansen

Agenda

• Pledge of Allegiance  --  Deborah Beaver
• Words of Inspiration -- Geoli Ng
• Introduction of guests
• Announcement by the President
• Announcements by the Director, Committee Chair and by the members
• Anniversaries
• Happy Dollars
• 4-Way Test -- Paula Uusitalo

Agenda

• Pledge of Allegiance  --  Marlene Norton
• Words of Inspiration -- Richard Cunningham
• Introduction of guests
• Announcement by the President
• Announcements by the Director, Committee Chair and by the members
• Anniversaries
• Happy Dollars
• 4-Way Test -- Bob Juettner

Agenda

• Pledge of Allegiance  --  Tom Witthans
• Words of Inspiration -- Mike Carroll
• Introduction of guests
• Announcement by the President
• Announcements by the Director, Committee Chair and by the members
  • School Project -- Tim Hansen
  • Holiday Social -- James Tyrin
• Anniversaries
• Happy Dollars
• Guest Speaker -- Dr. Clare Schnurr
• 4-Way Test -- Paula Uusitalo

Agenda

• Pledge of Allegiance  --  Richard Cunningham
• Words of Inspiration -- Paula Uusitalo
• Introduction of guests
• Announcement by the President
  • Board meeting highlights
• Announcements by the Director, Committee Chair and by the members
  • Veterans Project -- Virginia Juettner
  • School Project -- Tim Hansen
  • Holiday Social -- James Tyrin
• Anniversaries
• Happy Dollars
• Guest Speaker -- Dr. James Gude
• 4-Way Test -- Art Taniguchi

Agenda

• Pledge of Allegiance  --  Mike Carroll
• Words of Inspiration -- Sandra Wagner-Wright
• Introduction of guests
• Announcement by the President
• Announcements by the Director, Committee Chair and by the members
  • Veterans Project -- Virginia Juettner
  • Rotary Foundation -- Junichi Noumaru
    • Sharon Sheele
• Anniversaries
• Happy Dollars
• Guest Speaker -- Geoli Ng
• 4-Way Test -- Bob Juettner

Agenda

• Pledge of Allegiance  --  Deborah Beaver
• Words of Inspiration -- Richard Cunningham
• Introduction of guests
• Announcement by the President
• Announcements by the Director, Committee Chair and by the members
  • Veterans Project -- Virginia Juettner
  • District Auction -- Mary Begier
• Anniversaries
• Happy Dollars
• 4-Way Test -- Paula Uusitalo

Agenda

• Pledge of Allegiance  --  Mike Carroll
• Words of Inspiration -- Preston Barnes
• Introduction of guests
• Announcement by the President
• Announcements by the Director, Committee Chair and by the members
  • Veterans Project -- Virginia Juettner
  • District Auction -- Mary Begier
  • Halloween with Boys and Girls Club -- Junichi Noumaru
  • Global Grants - Junichi Noumaru, Chester Cabral, Curt Sharp
• Anniversaries
• Happy Dollars
• 4-Way Test -- Sandra Wagner-Wright

Agenda

• Pledge of Allegiance  --  Curt Sharp
• Words of Inspiration -- Curt Sharp
• Introduction of guests
• Announcement by the President
• Announcements by the Director, Committee Chair and by the members
  • Veterans Project -- Virginia Juettner
  • District Auction -- Mary Begier
  • Halloween with Boys and Girls Club -- Junichi Noumaru
  • Global Grants - Junichi Noumaru, Chester Cabral, Curt Sharp, Jim Becker
• Anniversaries
• Happy Dollars
• 4-Way Test -- Geoli Ng

Agenda

• Pledge of Allegiance  --  Marlene Norton
• Words of Inspiration -- Mike Carroll
• Introduction of guests
• Announcement by the President
• Announcements by the Director, Committee Chair and by the members
  • Veterans Project -- Virginia Juettner
• Anniversaries
• Happy Dollars
• Guest Speaker -- Kalika Kastein
• 4-Way Test -- Yu Yok Pearring

Agenda

• Pledge of Allegiance  --  Deborah Beaver
• Words of Inspiration -- Lorraine Davis
• Introduction of guests
• Announcement by the President
• Announcements by the Director, Committee Chair and by the members
• Anniversaries
• Happy Dollars
• Guest Speaker -- Sharon Scheele
• 4-Way Test -- Sharon Scheele

Agenda

• Pledge of Allegiance  --  Preston Barnes IV
• Words of Inspiration -- Curt Sharp
• Introduction of guests
• Announcements by the President
• Announcements by the Director, Committee Chair and by the members
• Anniversaries
• Happy Dollars
• General Assembly
  • Rotary Moment
  • Board Decisions
  • Zoom vs. In Person Meetings
  • Oktoberfest
  • Door Prizes
• 4-Way Test - Preston Barnes IV

Agenda

• Pledge of Allegiance  -- Barbara Hastings
• Words of Inspiration -- Lorraine Davis
• Introduction of guests
• Announcement by the President
• Announcements by the Director, Committee Chair and by the members
• Anniversaries
• Happy Dollars
• Guest Speaker -- Mike Carroll on Rotary Meetings and Who Is Counting?
• 4-Way Test -- Tim Hansen

Agenda

• Pledge of Allegiance
• Introduction of guests
• Announcement by the President
• Announcements by the Director, Committee Chair and by the members
• Anniversaries
• Happy Dollars
• Discussion - Oktoberfest and 501(c)(3) foundation

Agenda

• Pledge of Allegiance
• Introduction of guests
• Vote of 2020-2021 officers, directors and committee chair
• Announcement by the President
• Announcements by the Director, Committee Chair and by the members
• Anniversaries
• Happy Dollars
• Guest talk by Chad Keone Farias, the superintendent for the Ka'u-Keaau-Pahoa complex

Agenda

• Pledge of Allegiance
• Introduction of guests
• Announcement by the President
• Announcements by the Director, Committee Chair and by the members
• Anniversaries
• Happy Dollars

Agenda

• Pledge of Allegiance
• Introduction of guests
• Announcement by the President
• Announcements by the Director, Committee Chair and by the members
• Anniversaries
• Happy Dollars
• Guest Talk by Julie Mitchell, Executive Director of Ku'ikahi Mediation Center

Agenda

• Pledge of Allegiance
• Introduction of guests
• Announcement by the President
• Announcements by the Director, Committee Chair and by the members
• Anniversaries
• Happy Dollars

Agenda

• Pledge of Allegiance
• Introduction of guests
• Announcement by the President
• Announcements by the Director, Committee Chair and by the members
• Anniversaries
• Happy Dollars
• Club Assembly

Agenda

• Introduction of guests
• Announcement by the President
• Announcements by the Director, Committee Chair and by the members
• Anniversaries
• Happy Dollars
• Guest presentation: Dr. Walter Dudley from Pacific Tsunami Museum

Agenda

• Inspiration
• Introduction of guests
• Announcement by the President
• Announcements by the Director, Committee Chair and by the members
• Anniversaries
• Happy Dollars
• Bring your idea: District Grant and Rotary International Disaster Relief Grant for COVID-19 Relief, and how to use $400 from D5000

Agenda

• Guest Speaker
• Guests
• Announcements by President
• Announcements, Director/Committee Chair report
• Wedding and Club Anniversaries and Birthdays through March 25
• New members
• Happy dollars
• Next meeting

  • Wednesday, April 1 from 7 a.m. 

Chief Paul Ferreira was named to the Police Chief’s position by the Hawaii County Police Commission on December 8, 2016, assuming the role on December 30, 2016.  He chose Kenneth Bugado, Jr. as his Deputy Police Chief.  We were honored to have them introduce themselves to our Club.  The Police Chief and Deputy are honorary members of the RCHB.  We offered our club as a source of assistance.

Rotary Foundation Month

St. Joseph's Interact

Vocational Service: John Furstenwerth
Small Business Development Center

John explained Wednesday this his organization provides professional level business advice to small and start up businesses. SBDC bridges business owners with information and services that they need—from financial and empolyee management to marketing and help with loan applications. 

Keiki Vision: Hilo Union School

Cedric Mitsui, Steve Jacunski, Anita Cunningham, Sandra Wagner-Wright, Mike Carroll and Barbara Hastings joined some of Cedric's staff to screen three classes at Hilo Union Thursday.  There are more opportunities to volunteer for keiki vision sessions in December.  Sign up online or at the registration desk Wednesdays.

WORLD POLIO DAY, OCTOBER 24, 2014

Help #EndPolio Forever social media video launch:
 
We are very grateful for William Gates Sr.'s participation in the groundbreaking made-for-social-media video developed in partnership with Rotary. The video, Help #EndPolio Forever is now complete and has been approved by all partner health organizations.
 
Video: http://bit.ly/HelpEndPolioForever
 
As World Polio Day approaches we are distributing this video far and wide across the internet and ask for your help. Share it where you can and especially on any FaceBook Pages between October 20th and October 25th with concentration on October 24th, World Polio Day if at all possible.
 
Check out the new video - share it with your friends!        
 
And join us for our Polio Fundraisers this weekend on all islands. 

Richard Ha on food security

Farmers are pro science, Richard Ha told Club members at Wednesday's meeting. 'Whichever way science says, farmers will go."  He and other crop producers, who represent 90 percent of the farm value on Hawaii Island, have filed suit against the County.  "It's not about GMO; it's about food security," he said.  In June, farmers, cattlemen and flower growers filed a suit to oppose the County's ban on genetically modified crops. 

Vocational Service Event: Cunningham Gallery

Thanks to Vocational Service Chair, Allen Novak, for organizing our first-of-the-year visit to a member's workplace Thursday, Aug. 28.  Richard Cunningham and spouse, Michelle Jodoi, were gracious hosts;  Richard demonstrated the skill and knowledge that his shop puts into its framework, clearly art pieces in themselves.

District Governor outlines RI goals for 2014-15

DG Laura Steelquist got to illustrate one of RI President Gary Huang's goals—to increase membership—at our meeting Wednesday when she inducted our newest member, Paul Agamata.  Paul is a principal of Xceptions Inter-Networking Solutions.

District 5000 is trying to do its part (with Gates Foundation matching every dollar with two), but selling novelty mugs that are black until filled with heated liquid; they then display a brilliant lava eruption.  ADG Charlene Meyers reported that already enough mugs have been sold to account of $10,000 in the polio battle, and more mugs are ordered.  (RCHB has sold one case and ordered another of the mugs, that sell for $20, with $10 going to fight polio."

Traveller. Historian. Writer

We know Sandra Wagner-Wright as a great Club member, dedicated to helping keep us on track with Rotary Foundation.  We may also know that she taught womenʼs and global history at the University of Hawai`i for more than 20 years and holds a Ph.D. in history.  We know she has an easy, warm manner in front of a group.

But many of us probably don't know that our Sandra is an avid blogger and writer on history and historical fiction.  You can see her blog by clicking here, and you can subscribe to her blog/letter so you don't miss her travel stories.  A recent one is about Nani Mau Gardens, its beauty, some history and a picture tour. For the full Nani Mau blog post, click here.

     At the July 9 meeting, Hawaii County Council Chair J Yoshimoto, who has served on Council for eight years, said citizens might be better served by four-year Council terms and by at-large voting for the Councilmembers.

     Yoshimoto, who cannot run for reelection to the Council due to term limits, said when we talk to elected officials, we should take note of how well they listen.  For him, that is a measure of effectiveness. Elected officials should "listen, listen" and "contemplate," he said.

     He said his big dream for the County remains unrealized, but that he intends to continue to press for it.  That is to replace the aged Civic Center with a larger venue that would better serve the community.

     Yoshimoto was first elected to Council in 2006.  He has practiced law since 1992, is married to Tracie Nakano-Yoshimoto, who operates The Most Irresistible Shop in Hilo. The couple has three children.  Yoshimoto is home grown and educated: EB De Silva Elementary, Hilo Intermediate and Hilo High, bachelor's degree from UH-Manoa and law degree from the Richardson School of Law.

At the July 9 meeting, Hawaii County Council Chair J Yoshimoto, who has served on Council for eight years, said citizens might be better served by four-year Council terms and by at-large voting for the Councilmembers.

Yoshimoto, who cannot run for reelection to the Council due to term limits, said when we talk to elected officials, we should take note of how well they listen.  For him, that is a measure of effectiveness. Elected officials should "listen, listen" and "contemplate," he said.

He said his big dream for the County remains unrealized, but that he intends to continue to press for it.  That is to replace the aged Civic Center with a larger venue that would better serve the community.

Yoshimoto was first elected to Council in 2006.  He has practiced law since 1992, is married to Tracie Nakano-Yoshimoto, who operates The Most Irresistible Shop in Hilo. The couple has three children.  Yoshimoto is home grown and educated: EB De Silva Elementary, Hilo Intermediate and Hilo High, bachelor's degree from UH-Manoa and law degree from the Richardson School of Law.

New officers and committee chairs have committed to carrying on the programs and projects of RCHB, as well as take on new challenges as part of new RI President Gary C.K. Huang's theme to Light Up Rotary. The first meeting of the year is July 9, 6:45 am at Hilo Yacht Club.

For Immediate Release

Allstate’s Speegle Nets Rotary Vocational Honor

Hilo, Hawaii—February 27, 2014—Kris Speegle, owner of Allstate Insurance Agency in Hilo, has been awarded the Rotary International Vocational Service Leadership Award for his work in advancing ethical business practices, collaboration and community service.

Speegle, a member of the Rotary Club of Hilo Bay (RCHB), was presented the award earlier this month by Rotary District Governor Phil Sammer.  Besides his service in Rotary, Speegle helped found and is the president-elect of the Big Island Referral Network.  The network is a referral-based vocational organization, which was built on Rotary values of community service.

Speegle, who served in the military in Kosovo and Macadonia, returned to Hawaii and joined Allstate in 2012.  He mentors his three full-time employees to develop goals and skills and to participate in community service.

Speegle worked through Allstate Insurance to help fund the Hilo Goodwill Industries with improvements. Speegle obtained a $4,500 grant from Allstate, which the Rotary Club of Hilo Bay matched with a $5,000 grant and he got an additional $1,000 from an Allstate counterpart.

Speegle also organized other Rotarians to speak to the St. Joseph High School Interact Club on vocational service.  Interact is a secondary school program built on Rotary values.

“Kris Speegle is a shining light for the future of Rotary and our community,” said Cedric Mitsui, president of RCHB.  “We are grateful that he was introduced to our club by Preston Barnes III, one of club’s charter members.”

RCHB was founded in 1988 and averages 50 members.  The group meets for breakfast on Wednesday mornings for fellowship and community speakers.  For more information, visit www.hilobayrotary.com

Kris Speegle, center, was awarded the Rotary’s Vocational Service Leadership award.  He is flanked by his sponsor, Preston Barnes  III and District Gov. Phil Sammer.

The following press release has been issued...

For Immediate Release                                                      

Rotary Club of Hilo Bay Donates Sweat Equity to Net $10,000 for the YWCA 

(HILO, HAWAII, February 25, 2014)—The YWCA of Hawaii Island received a $10,000 grant from the Harry & Jeannette Weinberg Foundation Friends Program, earned by the Rotary Club of Hilo Bay (RCHB) sweat equity. 

 Rotarians worked for four hours Saturday, Feb. 22, painting the YWCA’s preschool center in warm vanilla and bright persimmon, the YWCA’s signature color.  The work project was part of the Weinberg Friends requirements for hands-on community service in order to earn the grant for the agency. 

“For Hilo Bay Rotarians, the work day is more than community service,” said Cedric Mitsui, president of RCHB. “It affords members a different kind of fellowship and bond.”

The YWCA Preschool on Ululani Street in Hilo offers a safe place for youngsters to learn emotionally, intellectually and physically, to prepare for kindergarten.  Studies show that preschools with structured programs give children skills for school success.

“Preschool is expensive for many of our island families, said Kathleen McGilvray, CEO of the YWCA. “We intend to use the Weinberg grant money to help defray the cost for some families who need it, both for tuition assistance and for nutritious snacks. More than 70 percent of the families who use our preschool are at or below the federal poverty level.” 

The Rotary Club of Hilo Bay, chartered in 1988, averages about 50 members representing business, non-profit agencies and the professions.  The group meets weekly on Wednesday mornings for breakfast.  For more information, visit HiloBayRotary.com

###

Energizer Awards

District Governor Phil Sammer, far left, presented his  "Energizer Award" to four Rotary Club of Hilo Bay members for their efforts to energize our club and give back to the community.  

Kris Speegle (Youth Service Chair), Sharon Scheele (Membership Chair), Anita Cunningham (Newsletter/Octoberfest Chair), and Alan Okinaka (Past President/25th Anniversary Committee) received their awards on July 24, 2013 at the Hilo Yacht Club.

Congratulations on this well deserved recognition. 

The First in Hawaii Breakfast Clubs

The Rotary Club of Hilo Bay (RCHB) was chartered on June 22, 1988 as the first breakfast club in District 5000 (State of Hawaii). 

Founding president Pete Muller brought the early morning club to Hilo after experiencing them during a Rotary Group Study Exchange to Austria. 

RCHB averages about 50 members from business, non-profit, academic and professional sectors.  The club focuses on service above self and works to improve Hilo and the world. We're friendly and take joy in our Rotary network.

We contribute our treasure in the form of dollars to scholarships, international aid to eliminate polio and promote safe water and to local projects.  We contribute our time to bring children better learning, through keiki vision screening, library programs and introducing third graders to dictionaries. 

Each year, the Club takes part in the Weinberg Friends Program—the sweat equity of 25 members for one morning nets the nonprofit of our choice $10,000.  Over the course of our Weinberg projects, we have been responsible for more than $100,000 of grants to our community. 

The 2014-15 Weinberg project found 29 Rotarians and a few friends painting the exterior of HOPE Services' transitional housing for homeless families.  The 2013-14 Weinberg project brought a fresh coat of paid to the YWCA’s preschool buildings.