The Rotary Club of Hilo Bay: Meeting Notes – May 27, 2026
Call to Order
Past President Steven Sylvester called the meeting to order at 7:00.
Opening Activities
The meeting opened with Alan Okinaka leading the Pledge. This was followed by an inspirational moment from Mary Begier: “Miracles start to happen when you give as much energy to your dreams as you do to your fears.” Richard Wilkins
Trivia
The answer was the Three Little Pigs. I did not catch the question.
Guests, Birthdays, Anniversaries, Inductions, Special Recognition
- Birthdays: Barbara Hastings
- Anniversaries: None
- Inductions: ?
- Guests: None
Club Announcements PP Steven asked if there were any announcements from the members
- Alan Okinaka shared thank you notes from the kindergarten students. They really make you smile, he said while Kathleen Reardon distributed the notes.
- PP Steven announced that the first planning meeting for this year’s Oktoberfest would be tomorrow starting at 5 pm. The meeting will be held in Suite 101 if the Harbor View building.
- Virginia Juettner asked JoAnn Bakberde-Kamalii aka JoB to come forward to be recognized for her contributions to the Rotary Foundation. JoB is now a Paul Harris fellow.
- Art Taniguchi reported that the Friends of Children Justice Center diner was as success. The Steven Jacunski scholarship was awarded to a young man transitioning out of care.
- Kathleen Rowden reported that the lantern honor Steve Jacunski and Chester Cabral delivered and set upon the waves.
PE Jan will become P Jan on July 1st. Her installation will be held at the Hilo Women’s Club. Stay tuned for more information
Happy Dollars
$40- Brian Lyndsey for the 50th anniversary of the St. Louis School class 1976 which donated $2.5 million to the Class of 2026. And a mahalo to his late big brother George who did everything right and left Brian a pile of koa wood which Brian had turned into a canoe.
$10- Alan Okinaka shared the power of a kindergarten student who got him back on track with writing his book. The youngster asked if Alan made books.
$20-Mary Begier who found pictures of Roberta Mueller on the Peters Creek Retirement channel on you tube. Roberta is glowing again.
$16--Anita Cunningham to the Rotary Foundation on the behalf of Virginia Juettner who made ribbon lies for the graduating Interact students.
$5 -Art Taniguchi thanked the Jacunski family for their transition out of care scholarship. He also reported on a peace ceremony held at the site of the USS Arizona that was conducted by a group of peace ambassadors who were descendants of the Japanese and US politicians who were instrumental in WW II in the Pacific. As grandchildren of those leaders they promote peace!
$20-Mike Carroll for his dealing with Mehta to resolve a Face Book issue and for sharing two of the steps to being Swiss!
Guest Speaker—PP Steven asked Virginia Juettner to report on the Rotary Foundation and this year’s literacy project. Virginia went old school having prepared a story board on the Rotary Foundation from articles she found the monthly Rotarian magazine and photos of RCHB Rotarians doing good in the world.
- To illustrate the power of reading and the spoken word, she then read two books. The power in books is the story and the message we receive from them. Virginia Juettner wanted to acknowledge all of the reading heroes who participated in this year’s program and distributed boxes of appreciation.
Jo B presented Virginia and Alan with beautiful ribbon leis in royal colors.
Door Prize Winner: Brian Lindsey a universal gift card donated by Mary Begier
Closing Announcement:
- RI Convention is June 13-20
- D 5000 Conference is Aug. 21-23 in Honolulu
- Travel to Japan to visit our sister club will occur in May 2027
- Check your emails and the club website, www.hilobayrotary.com, for news and updates
Four Way Test: Brian Lindsey
Door prizes and Inspirations for June
Brian Lindsey June 3
Kevin Reardib June 10
Mike Carroll June 17
A Worthy Volunteer June 24
You can’t be a door prize winner without door prizes. Lorraine is looking for volunteers for door prizes and inspiration. Her calendar is in need of names and commitments.