Rotary’s 4 Way Test Of the Things We Think, Say and Do

Is it the TRUTH?

Is it FAIR to all concerned?

Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?

Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?

(AND . . . Is it Fun??)

President’s Message Larry Kniffin

The Newsletter for Rotary Club of Kona Mauka Chartered in 1967

Kona Nightingale

September 2014

September is “Youth Service” month in the Rotary calendar. It is the fifth avenue of service in Rotary. It was adopted by Rotary International as an avenue of service in 2010. At that time, its name was “New Generations”. This new avenue of service recognizes the importance of developing the lead-ership skills of youth and of involving them in the community they live in and abroad. Interact Club. This is a Rotary Club for youth 12-18 and usually revolves

around a high school. Richard Harrison and Jared Crivello are working with an enthusiastic group of students at Konawaena and getting the Interact club back up and running. Normally, Interact Clubs complete at least two community service projects, one of which furthers international good will and understanding. This helps Interactors develop a network of friendships locally and overseas. It also helps develop leadership skills and personal integrity, demonstrate helpfulness and respect for others, understand the value of individual responsibility and hard work, advance international understanding and goodwill. It is the fastest grow-ing avenue of service.

This year our district Youth Services chair, Joanne Laird, will be offering a full day training that will

offer leadership, planning, and communication skills to the Interact students on each island. The Hawaii West session is scheduled for Wednesday, October 8 at the WH Civic Center. Students and advisors from Kealakehe, Konawaena and Parker High School are looking forward to this full day event. The Youth Services chairs from our Rotary clubs will be there as well.

Youth Exchange. This is a program in which a high school student lives with a host family in

another country for up to a year and attends school there. Our club can send or receive a stu-dent.

Rotaract Club. This is a Rotary Club for youth from 18-30. It is usually associated with a university or

Speakers Door Prize

September 2 Debbie Baker

Kailua Village

Sandee Crisp

September 9 Richard Creagan

State House District 6

Jared Crivello

September 16 Sarah Crawford

Friends of NELHA

Eric Curtis

September 23 Ann Kern

Kona Historical Society

Richard Harrison

September 30 En Young

Hawaii Island Food Basket

Dave Hiranaka Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (“RYLA”).

Programs for RYLA vary. On the Big Island, RYLA takes place at a weekend in the spring each year. Youth from all over our island are selected to attend the event held at Kilauea Military Camp. RYLA emphasizes leadership, citizenship, and personal growth, and aims to demonstrate Rotary's respect and concern for youth, provide an effective training experience for selected youth and potential leaders, en-courage leadership of youth by youth and recognize publicly young people who are ren-dering service to their communities

Page 2 What Has Kona Mauka Been Up To?

Jared Crivello exchanging flags at the Rotary Club of Reykjavik in Iceland

Henk Rogers Hydrogen Energy

Rotary Travels

They love our D5000 ‘Light Up Rotary’ mug in

Sumner, Washington!

Larry exchanging flags with Rotarian visitor from Thousand Oaks

Karen presented scholarship checks to 2 happy students heading off to college

District Governor’s Multi-Club Social

Commemorative wall celebrating 100 years of Rotary in Canada-seen while Dave &

Donna were bicycling in Victoria, BC

Rotary Stories Page 3

What is Your Rotary Story?

We all have one (or two, or fifteen). Laura Steelquist shared that her story involved a hot, dusty day in Ethiopia. While the polio vaccine workers were taking a brief rest, a young mother entered the area with a blanket over her shoulder. She said something to the Rotoplast worker, they both laughed, and he came to Laura and said ‘she wants the white lady to do it’. As the woman opened her blanket and revealed her beautiful baby, Laura re-sponded that she would be honored and administered the 2 life saving drops. She then learned that the woman had walked 2 hours in that searing African sun for her baby to receive a polio vac-cine. This experience has so touched Laura’s heart –and changed her life.

The theme of this year’s District Conference is Talk Story.

What is Your Rotary Story?

As many of you already know, we have replaced the former D5000 Leadership Academy with a new program called Poten-tial Rotary Leadership Seminars (PRLS). It has been the goal of your D5000 Leadership team to bring you new and excit-

ing options - and ultimately provide a new level of training for our potential and current D5000 and Club leaders. Want to enhance your leadership skills? The PRLS program offers practical training in a productive environment that can benefit you on both a personal and pro-fessional level. The PRLS program will be rolled out in the fall of 2014. District Governor Laura has graciously agreed to allow the roll-out to coincide with the traditional Foundation and Membership seminars that occur each year in September, October and November. Each participant that finishes the program will receive a certificate of completion and a spe-cial D5000 PRLS lapel pin. The Basic PRLS program is a 5-part curriculum including the following topics: 1. Basic Leadership Principles 2. The “DNA” of a Growing Club - Membership 3. Leading a Meeting Effectively 4. Rotary, Your Club & YOU – Rotary Basics 5. Electronic & Conventional Communication Strategies 6. Basic Public Speaking 7. Giving & Qualification - Foundation Once you have completed the basic program, you will be eligi-ble for an advanced PRLS (called Master PRLS) that will be announced later in the year.

Potential Rotary Leaders Seminars (PRLS) Coming to Kona October 25!

What was the club’s big project the year you were president? 1984-1985 Presidency: The club donated an Apple IIe computer system to Hookena School. This was Hookena School’s first computer, and probably the first one in the elementary schools in the Kona District. I do remember that our Big Fundraiser was selling Huli Huli Chicken in the Toyota Dealership parking lot (I think we raised $2500!!) Lots of sweat, lots of chickens, meager earnings… 2007-2008 Presidency: Nothing really jumps out as The Big Project. I think getting Emily to step up to the plate was our Greatest Accomplishment

What are you most proud of? 1984-1985: At the time, I was relatively young and new to the business community and was honored to be given the reigns of the club. Looking back, I can see that I probably was close to a last resort! 2007-2008: I knew Emily would shine in a leadership role and I just played support. The average age of our club dropped and our gender mix moved towards center; all good things for the club.

What is your strongest memory from that year? 1984-1985: My strongest memory of that year was the week-to-week fellowship that we enjoyed. I think the

Kona Mauka Rotary meetings were more like a Makule Gang meeting. I was the exception and was mildly toler-

ated.

2007-2008: We were a lot more serious about fundraising as we expanded our scholarships (under Richard’s

guidance). Our Harvest Moon Musical fundraising event was held in a private home and included classical music

by several very talented local musicians, along with a dance performance by Dr. Alex Walter. This affair was a

big success (thanks to Manuel).

Any advice you’d pass along to newer members? I joined Rotary to be a part of a group of local business leaders. After joining, I became aware of Rotary's impact

worldwide. It helped to expand my horizons and to consider circumstances beyond my day-to-day. Rotary has

allowed me to be a more compassionate individual.

Eric served in the role of president in two

separate terms. Eric's first presidency was served while he was a young

businessman fairly new to Rotary. The second term was as co-president

with Emily Mendez-Bryant. This was the second time our club experi-

mented with having 2 co-presidents sharing the role and responsibilities.

Share Moments. Share Life. Page 4

PAST PRESIDENT’S CORNER ERIC CURIS 1984-1985 &

2007-2008

Page 5

Rotary Means Business

Rotary Means Business - First Meeting a Wonderful Success!

What a fantastic opportunity for Rotarians and prospective team members to get to know one another better as we network, support one another’s

business, and have fun. Rotary was originally founded by Paul Harris to create a club of professional and business men for friendship and fellowship while completing philanthropic endeavors. Now the Hawaii West clubs have an opportunity to get together on a monthly basis and support the success of fellow Rotarians, network, continue to build camaraderie amongst the sister

clubs, and enjoy the wonderful Oceanside setting at Humpy’s Showroom. This is a fantastic opportunity to bring a friend and prospective Rotarian. Find yourself in North Hawaii on the 3rd Thursday? Check out the Rotary Means Business in Waikoloa Village at Banji’s Restaurant.

Mark Your Calendar for the 3rd Thursday of Each Month: 5:00 to 7:00 pm See you at Humpy’s Showroom!

Kona Mauka Page 6

Name: Stone Wolfsong

Spouse: Jim Manville

Children: Elizabeth Casswell, Carissa Casswell. Both my daughters live in Denver. My oldest, Elizabeth (OMG she turns 40 this year!) works for a non-profit, and my youngest, Carissa, is in sales.

Siblings: too numerous to mention

Where do you live: Kailua-Kona

Where did you grow up: Denver, Colorado and Washington D.C. Until I visited the Big Island, Denver was home.

Favorite thing to do: SNORKEL! I love snorkeling- try to do so every morning off the pier, if the waves aren't too big and I am not driving to Hilo. I love getting together with friends for movies, games, poker, pau hana and beach days.

Favorite Movie: I love musicals. Loved the Sound of Music, Fiddler on the Roof, Mary Poppins, West Side Story, Funny Girl, Grease.

Favorite Book: In a Different Voice by Carol Gilligan. I was in college, minoring in Psychology and began to believe I was an alien since I could not relate to the psychological theories I was reading that supposedly explained human behavior. I stumbled across this book in the late '60s. Carol Gilligan, in this groundbreaking work, demonstrated that female moral development and decision making processes are different from the white male processes that had informed psychology for centuries. It was an eye-opening and life-changing experience for me. My professors dismissed her work, but I could re-late to her theories and knew they coincided with my own experience. In reading that book, I learned that my own experi-ences were valid against the "proof" and "truth" of what the experts had to say. The second book that was as life-changing was Chalice and the Blade by Riane Eisler.

Occupation/Career: I am the Executive Director of Full Life. This Big Island non-profit provides support services to indi-viduals with developmental disabilities throughout Hawaii Island. Founded by Curt and Thelma Tyler, a long-time Kona family, so that their son could live a self-determined live, Full Life Direct Support Workers and our staff are working small miracles every day.

Why do you like being in Rotary? The people number one. I truly enjoy the connection it gives me to the island commu-nity.

Who inspired you in your life: Martin Luther King

Hobbies: Besides snorkeling? Watching the sunset with a glass of white wine and a friend.

Anything else you'd like to add about yourself? I co-authored a book for Early Childhood educators, "Guiding Children's Potentials by Opening Hearts to Joy" that is widely used in Colorado Community Colleges and by the Colorado Department of Early Education to train early childhood professionals. Early Childhood was my passion in a past life.

Favorite quote: "Don't ask yourself what the world needs, ask what makes you come alive and then go do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive." ~Howard Thurman

Member Spotlight: Stone Wolfsong Page 7

September is Youth Services Month in Rotary – a time when we celebrate the joys of working with our young people in all of the pro-grams of Rotary. Rotaract, Interact, EarlyAct, RYLA, Youth Exchange,

Youth Literacy projects such as the Dictionary Project and Keiki Vision – all are ways that Ro-tarians interact with young people and help improve their lives and engage them in helping our communities. Check out the messages in your D5000 newsletter from Youth Services Chair Joanne Laird, Literacy Co-Chair Gale Warshawsky, Youth Exchange Officer David Hurd, and Hawaii Rotary Youth Foundation. PDG Linda Coble also offers suggestions for how Ro-tarians and youth can work together in the newly rebranded We Vote Hawaii campaign. By September 1st, we will have had official DG visits with 44 clubs, including participating with PDG Phil and the Rotary Club of South Hilo (sponsor) in the Charter Ceremony for the new Rotary e-club of Dis-trict 5000. The club, informally known as We Rotary, was chartered on June 30, 2014. Great way to end the year, PDG Phil! And congratulations to Charter President Kat Haber and the 21 new Rotarians in District 5000. What an amazing experience the club visits have been. I knew our clubs were active but have been blown away by the num-ber of projects accomplished and planned by all of our clubs. And clubs are embracing the proven idea that clubs with lots of projects and lots of parties are strong, successful clubs!

Mahalo

Rotarians in District 5000 have epitomized Service Above Self in your response to the needs of the East Hawaii com-munities damaged by Hurricane Isele. A special thanks to the Hawaii Island clubs for their immediate response with water and manpower. The additional $4,000 food shipment which was sent when the Hawaii Food Basket was out of food and the need was greatest was fully funded by generous donations from our clubs, Club Foundations, and individual Rotarians. I’m PROUD TO BE A ROTARIAN in District 5000!

Kona Mauka

District Governor’s September Message Laura Steelquist

Page 8

The Kona Hospital Foundation funded the building of the Ra-

diation Oncology Center (ROC) and equipment at the Kona Hospital. This state-of-the-art facility offers treatments to cancer patients who previously had to travel to Hilo, Honolulu, or the mainland.

Now it is time for the next phase - They’re rais-

ing funds to enhance cancer services in the Oncology & Infusion Clinic departments for greater comfort, accessi-bility and professional care by renovating and enlarging the Cancer Center, which consists of The Radiation On-cology Clinic (ROC), The Oncology Department and the Infusion Clinic.

Please consider a donation, sponsorship and/or

tickets to the Gala Event

Help Us Help the Community

Community Support

Did You Know?

Page 9

Page 10

September New Generations Month

What’s Happening in Rotary This Month?

Rotary Club of Kona Mauka 2014-2015

President: Larry Kniffin

Treasurer: Eric Curtis

Secretary: Sandee Crisp

Vocational: Donna Hiranaka

Programs: Ken Obenski

Club Service: Rod Crisp

Newsletter: Donna Hiranaka

Youth Service: Kari Pietarila

Scholarships: Gary Rovelstad

Community Service: Sharon Taylor

Awa HuiHui-Graffe

Membership & Retention: Dave Hiranaka

Laura Kniffin

International Service: Bill Cliff

Foundation: Bill Cliff

Sergeant At Arms: Ken Obenski

President Elect: Sandee Crisp

Past President: Don Taylor

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

Bill Jones’ Birthday

2

Debbie Baker

Kailua Village

Gary’s Birthday

3

Frank Jung & Laura

Steelquist Birthday

4 5 6

7 8 9 Richard Creagon

District 6

Don & Sharon anniversary

10 11

Stone & Jim anniversary

12 13

14 15 16 Sarah Crawford

Friends of NELHA

17 18 Rotary Means

Business Humpy’s

5-7:00 pm

19 20

21 22 23 Ann Kern

Kona Historical

24 25 26 27

Elly Johnson’s Birthday

28 29 30 En Young Food Bank

Mark Your Calendar: Fri/Sat Oct 3 & 4: Women’s Shelter Work Project Fri, Oct 17: Theater Night at the Aloha (club social) Sat, Oct 25: Potential Rotary Leaders Seminar (PRLS)