This week we learned of the recent passing of Sid Snyder, a loyal member of our Club for the past 55 years. Jim Harrow shared the news, as well as several memories of their time spent together. Bub Wo noted that Sid lived a full life and that we should be comforted by the fact that he was able to stay engaged until the end. Those of us attending the regular lunch meeting were able to sign a card which will be sent to Sid’s family, along with gifts of remembrance from the Club.
We also had a presentation from Matt Cox of Matson, who was invited by Erik Soderholm (now the third most senior regular member of our Club behind Rob Hale and Craig Robinson) to discuss the company’s history in Hawaii and the impact of tariffs on their business. Once again, we had a robust turnout and good opportunities for fellowship, for which I am grateful. Thank you to everyone who joined us, including the many guests.
As has been noted at the last couple of regular meetings, we currently have a group of members and friends of the Club (including Joanna Amberger, Liz Howard, Dave Shanahan, Dawn Marie and Clif Purkiser) in Vietnam for one of our two regular international projects. This opportunity for engaging with International Service (one of the Avenues noted in this week’s Rotary Minute) is a distinguishing feature of our Club. I know at least a couple of our members joined the Club specifically because of these projects. The next chance to join one of these incredible experiences will be our spring project in the Philippines, which Lucci Pinoliad spent time last week scouting out on her way to Vietnam. I encourage everyone to consider participating in an International Service project, if you are able. In addition to the current group, consider asking previous participants like Don Anderson and Michelle Dolan to share their experiences with you. Great memories and solid friendships are regular outcomes.
Remember that next week is Restaurant Week, so we will not have our regular meeting at the Pacific Club. I know that those who have signed up for any of the three venues will have an amazing time with great food and even better fellowship with other members of the Club. Everyone who has signed up should be getting a reminder, as well as specific details from each host, in the next few days. The following week, October 7, we will be back at the Pacific Club for a presentation by Camille Nelson, dean of the UH Law school, discussing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) at the university and the impact of current federal policy on that effort. I expect that there will once again be some “energetic” discussion generated by the topic, and I look forward to seeing many of you there.
Mahalo nui loa
Brian Dunkel
President
The Rotary Club of Honolulu
IN REMEMBRANCE OF
SIDNEY "SID" SNYDER, JR.
25 April 1931 - 21 September 2025
Rotarian: 1970 - 2025
Sponsor: Bob Robinson
Sid was a husband, father, and architect. October 15, 2024, Hawaii Public Radio interviewed Sid and Dean Sakamoto (who stated that Sid was "a walking treasure." Listen HERE.
Sid was a longtime design partner of the noted modernist Vladimir Ossipoff. His contributions to our community will be long-lasting!
On Saturday, look for the tables under the tents, with buckets of flowers. Club 100 organizers will assign you to a section, hand you a map, bucket of flowers and flags and off you go, into history, in search of 100th Battalion soldiers. Volunteers are advised to bring sunscreen, a hat, and please stay hydrated. We’ll have water. And no worries, there will be plenty of folks available to help you, so just ask, if needed.
After decorating on Saturday, then the program on Sunday, it is time to lend a hand in cleaning up the gravesites on:
The Rotary Club of Honolulu is partnering with the Rotary Club of Quang Tri to provide playground equipment and materials to enhance the school experience of children in six rural elementary schools in Central Vietnam.
Photo & information courtesy of Nancy Youngren
Today, Sep. 26, 2025 (time via email said 5 pm, Dist. Calendar shows 6:30 pm)
Decorate Graves at Punchbowl for WWII Nisei Veterans
All are invited to place flowers - a family friendly event!
Sunday, Sep. 28, 2025 @ 9:30 am
*The 20th Annual Joint Memorial Service*
Honoring the WWII Nisei Soldiers who served in the 100th Infantry Battalion, 442nd Regimental Combat Team, Military Intelligence Service, and 1399th Engineer Construction Battalion, who died in World War II or have since passed on, will be held on Sunday, September 28, 2025, at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl. The hour-long service will begin at 9:30 a.m. and is open to the public.
Monday, Sep. 29, 2025 @ 8:00 am - 10:00 am
Remove the Flags from the WWII Nisei Veterans Graves
Please join to help collecting the 2,000 American Flags from the graves. Many hands make light work.
Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025
Bobby Benson Center Open House
Everyone is invited to learn about this incredible program.
NAMIWalks is a nationwide day of mental health awareness, (optional) fundraising, and celebrating our community. NAMIWalks 2025 will be at the Frank F Fasi Civic Grounds on Oct 11th, from 9am-1pm.
If you have a project you'd like to present, please complete the Project Recommendation Form and email to our Director of Community Services, Nancy HERE.
Do you have a speaker recommendation? If so, please complete theSpeaker Recommendation Form and send it to RCOH Administrator, Lee HERE. She will submit all forms to the Speaker Committee.
.jpg)
