Newsletter for Week of October 1, 2025
Tim Hansen, President
Call to Order: President, Tim Hansen
Pledge of Allegiance: Allen Novak
Inspiration: Jan Abundo – “Be the reason someone smiles. Be the reason someone feels loved and believes in the goodness in people.”
Guest Speaker: District Governor, Nancy Cabral
Guests: DG Nancy Cabral, Jessica Thompson & her husband, Al Luedtke, Al Santos with HIUW.
Trivia Question: Nearly 800 million people live on less than how much a day? Answer: $1.90
Birthdays:
Luana Gibson – September 26th
Sandra Sakaguchi – October 1st
Rotarian of the Month: James Tyrin
New Member Induction - Jessica Thompson, CEO, Hawaii Island United Way.
Sponsor: James Tyrin, Inducted by District Governor Nancy Cabral.
Club Related Announcements:
District Governor Nancy Cabral awarded the Past President Steven Sylvestor, with the Youth Service Award, First Place, Large Club, District 5000, 2024-25. This was in recognition of the M.E.D.I.C. Program, created by The Interact Club at St. Joseph High School.
East Hawaii Clubs Rotary Foundation Joint Meeting, Friday, November 14th, 2025, 12:00 Noon,
Grand Naniloa Hotel – Sandalwood Room, Buffet Lunch is $25
Polio Plus PIG – Goal $3,000 – we are at $2,757! When you donate to The PIG, you will receive an “End Polio Now” bracelet. And, when you fill out the tag on the pig, with your name and the donation amount, to receive Paul Harris Points.
Jr. Achievement Volunteers Needed to teach 1st & 3rd graders in October at Waiakea Elementary School. Sign-up sheet passed around at meeting. Contact Sharon Scheele for more info.
Literacy – Reading to Kindergarteners & first graders at three elementary schools in Hilo. Future date to be determined. See Virginia Juettner to sign up.
Monthly Meal Mixer – Past Pres. Stephen Sylvester has a sign-up plate circulated at the meeting. See him for details for the restaurant & date.
Oktoberfest – Wrap Up – James Tyrin reported the net proceeds are approx. $20k. There will be an Oktoberfest wrap-up meeting on Sunday, Oct. 5th at 2pm at James’ house. Email or text James any comments you may have on the event.
Happy Dollars:
$100 – James Tyrin – on new member Jessica Thompson’s behalf. Happy to welcome Jessica into Rotary!
$20 – JoB – A wonderful turnout of caring and hilarious people for Saturday’s Suicide & Prevention and Awareness sign waving. We are part of a compassionate and caring community. Also, for a wonderful first Oktoberfest experience on Friday! 😊
$20 – Jessica Thompson – We sold out for our Hawaii Island United Way 1st “Giver’s Gala” and are off to a great start on our workplace campaign! Thanks to our new Development Manager, Al Santos.
$10 – Anita Cunningham – Our 13-yr old got his thumb jammed, in the door, at the school cafeteria. School nurse iced it, and he continued going to his classes. After school, a visit to the E.R., x-rays determined his thumb was indeed fractured.
$10 – Allen Novak – Looking for a State Senator and a House Representative to sponsor the APRN jury duty exemption bill.
$10 - Art Taniguchi – Successful Memorial Service for a Great Rotarian, Dr. Genshitsu Sen, a 15th generation tea master, who shared bowls of tea with presidents, royalty, and everyday people, always as an offering of peace. District Governor Nancy Cabral attended the ceremony at Liliuokalani Gardens, representing Rotary.
Door Prize Winner: James Tyrin
4-Way Test: Pres. Tim Hansen
Door Prize & Inspiration:
Oct. 8, 2025 – Steven Sylvester
Oct. 15, 2025 – David DeLuz, Jr.
Oct. 22, 2025 – JoB
Oct. 29, 2025 – Art Taniguchi
Guest Speaker: Nancy Cabral, District Governor 2025-2026
Nancy Cabral has saddled up to take the reins of Rotary international District 5000 in July ‘25 as District Governor. Envision her with a lasso to unite our members to do good in the world, as she works hard to support clubs to make an impact on the projects we do, supporting the club experience we share and the friendships that tie us together.
Nancy joined the Rotary Club of Hilo on January 29,1988 as the first woman member.
She is a staunch supporter of Polio eradication, noting she supports the Polio Vaccination to end Polio Now. Polio exists in two countries. Afghanistan and Pakistan.
She will attend the Rotary International Conference, scheduled to be held in Taipei, Taiwan from June 13-17, 2026. She encouraged our members to book our tickets and attend.
The Hawaii District Conference 2026 will take place August 21-23 in Honolulu, Hawaii. She labeled it a “Family Event.”
Nancy, Mahalo for your bright energy and for all you do for Rotary!