Rotary Club of Honolulu Sunset Weekly newsletter

President's Message

Aloha fellow Rotarians and members of the RCHS,
 
What a great virtual meeting we had last week! Thanks to everyone who joined us, including many district Rotarians! It was a great presentation and an inspiring speech full of true stories of aloha! (Please read the recap of the meeting below).
 
I trust many of you enjoyed coming to our in-person meetings in the past.  Sharing a meal or drink, and engaging in social conversation with a fellow Rotarian was part of the experience.  Now in light of our current challenges amongst a global pandemic, we are forced to be more creative, innovative and flexible to recreate that sense of aloha and camaraderie for our club virtually. Although these times are strange and often frustrating, I invite you to view this also as a blessing in disguise.
 
We have a chance to start anew. It is a time to think differently, act differently, and create a different impact. Our virtual meetings give us flexibility to attend from anywhere, focus without distracting side conversation, and creative ways to share and communicate.  Virtual meetings allow us a restart and of course we will be back to our in-person gatherings as soon as we can.
 To those who haven't attended our meetings in awhile, my question is "Are you willing to start anew?"
 
If yes, join us for a meeting next week and/or for this month's special event,  "Rotary is Fun" Social Night on August 27th.
 
Let's reconnect, share some stories and enjoy the fellowship, especially during these challenging times. Don't forget to invite your friends! (See the details below).
 
 
Mahalo,
Ary Radnaeva
2020 - 2021 President of the RCHS

UPCOMING MEETING - AUGUST 13 - ZOOM ONLY!

As the number of COVID-19 cases in Hawaii is increasing, the RCHS, following City and County of Honolulu recommendations and guidelines, is offering only virtual Zoom meetings in August. We are committed to ensuring the health and well-being of our members, guests and the community.
 
Please join us for our weekly meeting on August 13th. This meeting will be only on Zoom! Our usual informal happy (half) hour begins at 6:00 pm, and the bell rings at 6:30 pm to formally start the meeting. 
 
Our speaker will be Edwin ("Ed") Hawkins, Executive Director of the Office of Economic Development (OED) on the staff of the Mayor of the City and County of Honolulu. OED is responsible for partnering with Oahu’s businesses, non-profit groups, and communities to support economic growth and enhance the quality of life for Oahu’s residents. OED also manages and promotes International and Sister City relations for the City. The Mayor’s Agricultural Liaison and the Honolulu Film Office are attached to OED. A retired Air Force Officer, Mr. Hawkins is a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, Harvard University (M.A., East Asian Studies), and Japan National Institute for Defense Studies; he speaks Japanese. 
 
To join the meeting via Zoom, please follow this link:
 

Meeting ID: 273 034 8799

Passcode: 1995

Dial by your location: +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma).

Last Week's Meeting - August 6

Our speaker last week was Jessica Lani RichPresident and CEO  with the Visitor Aloha Society of Hawaii. 
 
Jessica began and ended her talk with a quote from William Butler Yeats: There are no strangers here; Only friends you haven't met yet.
 
That phrase epitomizes the mission of VASH--to share aloha with visitors who have been victims of a crime or other adversities and to provide follow up and assistance in an effort to create a positive memory of their stay in Hawaii.
 
This non-profit organization was founded by the Rotary Club of Honolulu in 1997, and is now funded by the Hawaii Tourism Authority with funds raised through the Transient Accommodation Tax.
 
Jessica told us that in 2019, VASH assisted 1897 visitors, including several high-profile incidents involving deaths of tourists. The most common incidents that tourists face are thefts on the beach. VASH assists visitors in any way they can, providing such services as transportation to their hotels after visitors are stranded by a theft of their rental car, or providing food and clothing or travel assistance for people who have lost all their belongings. She said that her biggest reward for helping people who are hurting is the smile that she is able to bring.
 
The goal is admirable and perfectly in line with the aim of Rotary: turn a bad experience into a positive one. Show people friendship and aloha. She explained that she tries to find out what makes visitors happy, so that they can become friends.
 
With the advent of the pandemic, the activities of VASH have changed. Now their primary mission is to assist people who come to Hawaii with no place to stay. They arrange for transportation home. Their budget is used for air fare.
 
She told the story of 21 members of a cult who landed on the Big Island with no money and no place to stay, and who went straight to the beach. Some were arrested and spent time in jail. Through behind-the-scenes effort, VASH was able to arrange for all of them to get home safely.
 
VASH also helped unite a homeless veteran with his mother, who flew from Texas. The two went home together.
 
Jessica shared some travel tips that can help us all. First, always get travel insurance. Use the hotel safe. Never leave valuables unattended at the beach. Do not open your trunk to put away valuables in open view. 
 
Thank you, Jessica, for your most interesting and informative talk.
 

Rotary Moment

Rotarians, Rotaractors, and their guests have a unique opportunity to participate in the first all-virtual Zone 26/27 Institute, to take place on November 12-14, 2020. 
 
Zones 26/27 are commonly referred to as "Big West." The two zones together are comprised of thirty Rotary Districts.
 
The Institute will feature inspirational presenters from within Rotary and outside, relevant and thought provoking topics, and top-notch entertainment to enhance your Institute experience. There will also be special training sessions for many Rotary topics that are always evolving (especially during the pandemic). There will be fellowship activities, a House of Friendship, and group sessions for the various categories of leadership attendees.
 
Registrants can attend as few or as many of the sessions as they desire, all for a nominal fee of $49.
 
For more information, and to register, visit https://zone2627.org/2020-rotary-institute/

Member Spotlight

Aloha and Namaste: 
 
My name is Arjun Aryal. I grew up in a remote village in Nepal as a goat-herder. After my undergraduate degree in Nepal, I went to Cambridge University, UK, and Purdue University, Indiana for my graduate studies and later received a PhD in Geophysics from UH Manoa. My research focuses on understanding geologic processes such as landslides and earthquake cycles. I use geodetic observations from laser scanners, GPS and radar satellites to measure 3-D ground movements over time associated with the geologic processes. I use this kinematic information or the surface manifestation of the underlying geologic processes to constrain geophysical models. Currently, I am an instructor of geology at UH-HCC. 
 
Right after the devastating 2015 earthquake in Nepal, I initiated a program to support earthquake-orphaned kids to continue their education and now the program supports over 80 earthquake-orphaned kids to continue their education. I am also a founder of a charity to promote sustainable environment and education, particularly focused in Nepal. I joined Rotary two years ago, very shortly after I came to know about it. My good friend then Dr. James Ham introduced me to Rotary and asked if I would be interested to join. Being familiar with all the great works James has been doing all over the world and knowing him as an altruistic individual, I joined the Rotary without knowing much about it.  That probably was one of the best decisions I made in my life. Now, I feel like I have 100s of good friends just like James. More importantly, I feel like I am a part of an international organization that touches the lives of those in need all over the world. Therefore, I can’t not be a Rotarian.
 
I find that RCHS is one of the best clubs in many ways. The kindness and the support and the welcoming nature of our members are overwhelming. At RCHS, I had an opportunity to serve as Youth Service director and International Service director in the year 2019/20. This year, I am more excited to serve as a president elect thanks to great support and trust from our members. I am also a member of D5000 International Service team and primary contact for a global grant and a global scholarship through Rotary. I have also had chances to visit many other D5000 clubs as a speaker and certainly that was an honor and opportunity to meet great Rotarians in the district. 
 
In addition to this opportunity to serve from community level to internationally, Rotary has helped me in professional networking, personal growth and world understanding. More importantly, I find that Rotary is fun and I am looking forward to working with you in this fun-filled journey. 
 
Thank you.
 
Arjun
Please join us for the "Rotary is Fun" Social Night event on Thursday, August 27th, from 6 - 7:30 pm. This social gathering will be done via Zoom.
 

To join the meeting via Zoom, please follow this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2730348799?pwd=Q01kN3E3V1EwVTNQaHNEejI4aXI2UT09

Meeting ID: 273 034 8799

Passcode: 1995

Come, socialize, invite at least one friend who is interested in learning more about Rotary and seeking opportunities for service work and networking! It will be a night full of fellowship, humor, good conversations and FUN! 

Let's show what Rotary is all about! 

RCHS BOARD Secretary position is Open!

A club secretary is an important role and it helps to  run the club smoothly and effectively. The secretary also monitors club trends to help identify strengths and areas for improvement, and share this information with club leaders.

duties:

  • Maintain membership records - update club membership data

  • Record attendance at meetings and events 

  • Maintain minutes of club, board, and committee meetings.

  • Make required reports to RI.

  • Perform any other duties that usually pertain to the office of secretary.

We need you to continue to run our club successfully! Please reach out to our Club Trainer Beth at bhoban@primecarehawaii.com for more detailed information.

President Ary Radnaeva

Thought of the Week

“Patience is not the ability to wait, but the ability to keep a good attitude while waiting.

- Anonymous

Upcoming Events
RCHS Meeting with Edwin Hawkins
Zoom only
Aug 13, 2020
6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
 
RCHS Meeting with Megan Kau
Zoom only
Aug 20, 2020
6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
 
"Rotary is Fun" Social Night
Zoom only
Aug 27, 2020
6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
 
RCHS Meeting w/ Caroline K. & Younghee O. (AAUW)
WYC & Zoom
Sep 03, 2020
6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
 
View entire list
Executives & Directors
President
 
Immediate Past President
 
President Elect
 
Treasurer
 
Club Service Director
 
Community Service Director
 
International Service Director
 
Vocational Service Director
 
Youth Service Director
 
Foundation Giving Chair
 
Membership Chair
 
Club Trainer
 
Public Image
 
Sergeant at Arms
 
Social Media Director
 
Past District Governor
 
Past District Governor
 
More pictures from RCHS meeting on Aug. 6th.
 
 
 
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Honolulu Sunset
Thursdays at 6:30 PM
Waikiki Yacht Club
1599 Ala Moana Blvd.,
Honolulu, HI 96814
United States of America
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in August
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Ash Matar
August 1, 1992
28 years
 
Jim Hoban
August 2, 1989
31 years
 
Ben Eger
August 30, 2012
8 years
 
Glen Bailey
August 30, 2001
19 years
 
Beth Hoban
August 31, 2007
13 years
 
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