NEW MEMBERS:
 
Cathy Gray -- Medical Technologist, Retired
 
Chris McNichols -- Solar Solutions
 
 
 
 
 
HONORING RUSS ODA -- 51 years of Rotary Service
 
Honoring our 51 year Member, Russ Oda
 
Our March 3rd noon-time meeting was a celebration of our distinguished member Russ Oda's 51 years in our Rotary Club!
 
If you open your eyes as you drive around Hilo and the vicinity, you're going to see many of the signature buildings that architect Russ designed.  Wailoa Center, Pana'ewa Zoo, Waiakea High School, The Joint Astronomy Center and Keck Observatory Headquarters, to name just a few.  Russ has also been an active member of the Rotary Club of Hilo as a past President of the club, and the founder of our sister Rotary Club of Hiroshima South, in 1970.  He is also an active member of the Sunao Wada Foundation that works to bring Japanese students to Hilo and Hilo students to Hiroshima. Russ' generosity and openhearted friendliness shows his many years of living a Rotary inspired life.  Thank you, Russ Oda for all you continue to do for all of us!
 
 
OUT AND ABOUT IN THE COMMUNITY
 
March 9 - Membership Mixer / Mardi Gras at Kenichi's Restaurant.  Fun (and games!) were on tap for club members, spouses and new visitors.
 
March 18 - Hawaii D5000 District Assembly Club members joined Rotarians from the four other East Hawaii clubs for a day of learning, sharing and, of course, good food.  Informative Roundtables and targeted Workshops made the day an intensive look at what Rotary is, what it is doing, and what our District plans to do in the future. Good turnout from our Club!
 
March 19 - Big Island International Marathon -- Club Rotarians and spouses helped to run one of the "Relief / Water" booths at this popular event.
 
March 23 - Our Annual Chili Cook Off--  How would you decide which is the BEST Chili from 15 to choose from?  And then there was the Dessert  Contest!  Good food, good fun, and plenty fellowship.