May 11 ~ Rotary Park in Hilo ~ Our "Golden Three"
   The meeting held on Thursday, 5/11/17, was no ordinary club meeting. It was a very special event that celebrated our distinguished “GOLDEN THREE” of the Rotary Club of Hilo, Bobby Fujimoto, Jimmy Yagi, and Russ Oda (seen here with President Randy Hart and Mayor Harry Kim standing behind one of the three loulu palm trees planted in their honor). These amazing gentlemen have given over 150 years in service through the Rotary Club of Hilo! The meeting venue was just as exceptional since it was held at the Rotary Park a.k.a. Kuhio Kalanianaole Park in Hilo.
   According to President Randy Hart, the Rotary Park was initiated 14 years ago, in 2003, when hard working members of the Rotary Club took the lead to invest sweat equity and clean up the once squalid park; hence its alias,
Rotary Park. In fact, most recently, club members took the time to tame the canopied hala tree that stands tall & proud overlooking the water’s edge. It is this kind of action that is reflective of the very heart and soul of the club and its collective theme of SERVICE ABOVE SELF.
   According to President Randy, Bobby Fujimoto’s monetary contributions allowed the club to extend its service and aid both locally and internationally. Jimmy Yagi’s basketball prowess has afforded him the opportunity to impress core values and work ethics upon the youth of Hawaii. As for Russ Oda, he was christened by President Randy as the “young one” in the group; however, don’t be fooled by his youth because Russ has architecturally put his stamp around Hilo town. Aside from designer talents, in 1970, Russ took on a key role in founding our club’s connection to the Rotary Club of South Hiroshima.
   After presenting the “Golden Three” with certificates of Appreciation, Mayor Kim noted that we all should leave this place that we call home a better place. These “Golden Three” have done just that.
 
May 5 ~ Club Members support the Friends!
The Friends of the Children's Justice Center of East Hawaii hold a special place in the hearts of our club.  Eight Rotary members sponsored a table at the Friends’ Gala. The "Friends" are one of the two beneficiaries of the upcoming 2017 Hilo Brewfest.
 
May 6 ~ Brewfest Ticket Sale Day

The public wants tickets to our annual fundraiser (coming up on June 24!), so club members held a TICKET SALE DAY at Mehana Brewery... tickets and free beer sampling!  Yeah!
 
May 19 ~ “Glam Bags” Report

About 60 bags (purses) were filled with toiletries and hygiene products and will be distributed through Hope Services to women in need in East Hawaii!
 
Rotary Supports College Scholarships!

Victoria Magana Ledesima (top photo) was our club’s 2017 $1000 UH Hilo Scholarship awardee.  
Nicholas Ohara (seen here with his parents)  was awarded a $5000 Hawaii Rotary Youth Scholarship towards his goal of a major in Mechanical Engineering. I mua Students!