April 2019 President’s Message
Aloha Lions, CIS and friends!
Our 46th annual Charter Night is right around the corner on Friday, April 19, 2019. We will be celebrating our Charter Member Lions – Delwin Ching, Bunny Lee, Chong Fook Leu, Richard Okamoto and Rick Yee and we will also induct our 2019 – 2020 Board of Directors. Thank you to Lion Committee Chair, Kazuaki Nakano for coordinating and Director, Ed Lee as Co-chair.
There were 15 Hawaii Kai Lions and family members who travelled to Japan in celebration of Nagoya Joto Lion’s 50th Anniversary. The welcoming experience we received from their members and at President Kawamoto’s restaurant was the most amazing and memorable one of my life. We enjoyed the delicious and exotic food, dancers who entertained us and the company, whether rekindling old friendships or making new ones. With our heartfelt gratitude and Congratulations to President, Kawamoto, Ryoichi and Nagoya Joto Lion members, our sister club since 1987 for their extraordinary warm welcome, friendship and milestone anniversary!
March was a busy month kicked – off by our Region V Zone 2 Social at Natsunoya Tea House. Thank you to Secretary Cynthia Chun who made a yummy crab spread and IPP Jeanne who conducted our clubs game. Zone Chair Gary Nip was a wonderful MC and host. We enjoyed his fun character and keeping the program light and engaging!
The HLF Walk for Vision and Hearing at Ala Moana Park was a beautiful day and the event and a few of our members were on the News. Our own Lion Peggy Oyama was in the Lion suit!
We also walked in the Honolulu Parade down Kalakaua Avenue and Lion Peggy was a hit in the Lion suit again. The kids and audience loved her energy and engaging them in a roaring contest against the other side of the street. If you haven’t participated in that parade yet, I would strongly recommend that you do. It was great hearing the crowds words of appreciation for all the Lions do for the community!
April will have lots for everyone to help in the community service of your choice. April 4, Kamiloiki Elementary School Sign Waving. April 6, Koko Head LC 72nd Charter & Installation Luncheon (Reminder: *If you signed-up the deadline has passed so you must pay whether attending or not.) April 7, Malama Ka Iwi Mauka Workday – trail cleaning. April 13, 30th Annual Hawaii Food Bank Food at Costco – 2 shifts. April 17, Citizenship Ceremony, Blaisdell – Pikake Room. April 19, FRIDAY 2:00 – 3:00 pm (*Note change in date) Hawaii Kai Library Visitation with Nagoya Joto Lions Club. April 19, Hawaii Kai Lions Club 46th Charter Celebration at New Otani Kaimana Beach Hotel – Our sponsored Hibiscus Club and about 13 Nagoya Joto Lion members and CIS will be joining us!
We rely on every ones’ support in raising funds at our only fundraiser of the year to help as many in need in our East Oahu Community. Lion members that still need to pick up your Father’s Day Breakfast Tickets or ready for more tickets please contact IPP, Jeanne Alices or myself and we will be happy to supply you. Also the Sign-Up is posted for canvassing &/or selling tickets at Safeway and Longs. Thanks to Lion Ken for preparing the canvassing and Lion David for securing the shopping center locations.
Thank you for sharing your suggestions and thoughts for the Club survey. We look forward to the results of our Clubs evaluation by our members in resolution to propel our Club forward.
Have a Happy Easter! Mahalo, Lion President Sandy Gomes