February 14th, 2025
David C. Livingston
http://www.ThingsWorthSaving.com
303 Kipukai Place
Honolulu, Hawaii 96826
808 542-4945 808 441-6836 Fax
NEW EMAIL ADDRESS
David@DavidLivingstonHawaii.com
“Things Worth Saving Vol 1160”
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Special Event for Navy League Members
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Sales and Marketing Executives Present
Anna Covert and Narshaun Nadeau
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Shared by Mary Kelley, Commander, USN, CSP, CPAE
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Make smarter decisions in uncertain times
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Rotary Club of Waikiki
Harvey and Fred
Enjoy the Photos!
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RYLA 2025
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RYLA 2025; The Oahu Story - By Rick Tabor
RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) is an annual Rotary sponsored program that helps high school students develop their leadership skills through team building activities and experiential group work. Each Hawaii County hosts a RYLA Camp. Rotary’s around the world have sponsored RYLA for 65 years. This is Oahu’s RYLA 2025 story.
Photos by David C Livingston – here’s the link
10:00am Friday, January 31, ‘Hello, this is Drew, from Camp Erdman. Hey Rick, our power went out around noon during yesterday’s storm. The HECO website says it might come up but maybe not, sometime this weekend. Do you guys still want to join us for the weekend?’ I ask, ‘do you have battery lights? Can you sort out how to feed us? Do you think it would be doable? I mean most of our program is outdoors anyway, Right?’ Drew replies, ‘We can cater in the food & we have battery powered lights, and the weekend weather forecast is supposed to be fantastic here. And, you guys have the entire camp to yourselves. The other party canceled. So, we’re good if you guys are up to it.’ I smile and say, ‘Let’s do it!’ Thinking, this is going to be an incredible weekend. After all, the best test of character is how a person responds to adversity. RYLA’s 2025 theme is ‘Be flexible, life is what happens while you’re busy making other plans.’ Case and point, we already had every scheduled presenter cancel due to various reasons. So the speaker search lights came on and in walked; Captain Kevin McCormick, Alan Silva and Caroline Bengston, Megan Lee and our Maestro, Brian Dunkel agreed to open our program with a rousing rendition of Hawaii Pono’i. With the packed my car I tossed caution tonthe wind and let the good times roll. Oh, by the way, that power outage lasted until 4:30pm on Friday. The fans and lights came on, on cue, when Brian said, ‘I guess I won’t need to set up the electronics this weekend.’ Let there be RYLA! Miracles happen! Mahalo to the Power Gods for shining your lights for us. We had a great turnout and a remarkable camp. Our speakers, previously sight unseen, were dynamic! Our youth were quiet at first. But once reminded of the point reward system, thought provoking questions poured in. Our RYLA weekend was a step by step leadership, team building, life skills series of experiential lessons and activities. Friday evening is dedicated settling into our 5 Ohana Teams of 10 members, program orientation, listening lesson, staff & youth leaders ice breaker, and coming up with the Ohana’s team name and team flag, with their Ohana’s theme or goal. Saturday started with us watching the sunrise, breakfast and then Sustainable Coastlines led us in a Ka’ena Point two hour beach cleaning service project.
Afterwards we gathered in Assembly Hall for Leadership and Values trainings from 3 speakers, Captain Kevin McCormick, Alan Silva and Caroline Bengston. Megan Lee and our Maestro, Brian Dunkel agreed to open our program with a rousing rendition of Hawaii Pono’i. Broke for lunch and then 30 courageous RYLArians went on the Odyssey Course. The Odyssey is a ropes course that instills leadership and team building while one gets in touch with themselves as they tight-rope their way strapped in their harness and helmet fifty-five feet off the ground, each person taking one step at a time, making their way across the sky.
And in the end, joy and sense of accomplishment fills the heart, mind and soul with feelings of relief and fulfillment, lessons learned, increased self-worth, with pride and so much more.
Time to take a swim, in the pool. Oh, so refreshing.
For the others, there was a low ropes course and archery, and then a quick swim and free time activities with their new friends. Next up, we gathered in the training room and I shared a lifetime of my Mental Health, Coping Skills, Leadership Self-Care strategic tools. We started with a progressive relaxation exercise. Each Ohana worked on a situation using one of the following tools; STOP Sign Technique, and 4-Way Test, Conflict Log, Feeling Charades, 9 Coping Skills, Rational Emotive ABC’s, and the Negotiation Triangle. After completion of the exercises, each Ohana reported on their experience. That took us to free time, dinner and the camp fire with the Rotary 4-Way Test Ohana Skits and smores. Thank you Nicole and Rotaract for lighting that fire! Sunday morning, many of us enjoyed another sunrise, in our new RYLA 2025 royal blue shirts.
Breakfast was followed by the incredible Marathon Relay Games; more teaming, skills building, screams and laughter. This activity is a Rotaract creation that has to be experienced to feel the incredible accomplishments. Anyone who’s played will tell you, there’s nothing like the Rotaract Marathon Relay Games at RYLA! So much fun!
Next up, we hiked up to the Crystal Cave and took another group shot with our new RYLA 2025 Royal Blue Shirts.
And finally, The Graduation Awards Ceremony. Past District Governor Mark Merrium joined the festivities. Nicole and the Rotaract RYLA Volunteers gave out awards, and we all had a real good time.
The bus arrived early, so by 1:00pm, on Sunday afternoon. And off we went… RYLA 2025 became a memory for a lifetime; Today’s Lessons Become Tomorrow’s Future. Friends Made, Forever Hugs, Laughter and Joy. Story and picture sharing time.
Meanwhile, the RYLA Team, reviews the RYLArian evaluations, think about this weekend’s experience, and start preparing for January 30 - February 1’s RYLA 2026. Please, watch our website for student and volunteer registration, around August 1, 2025.
Thank you for your support. It takes an Island to raise good leaders. And here in Hawaii, our Aloha Lifestyle makes for some of the best leaders in the world.
In closing RYLA 2025 was an incredible success because of the following team of volunteers: Our Rotaract Volunteers included: Nicole Baltazar Marisa Matsuo Evangeline Muyano Andrew Onofrietti Sabrina Hallabay Camille Danao Evan Miyahara Gabe Villanueva Rotary Volunteers included: Natasha Clarin Brian Dunkel Myself (Rick Tabor) Tracy Hargrave Cyndy Smith Kathryn Nicholson From PBA (Pacific Buddhist Academy) Megan Lee, Director of Advancement On Saturday, David Livingston took pictures from breakfast time to the campfire. Thanks Dave. Here’s the link - https://www.snapfish.com/share?via=link&lc=en_US&locale=en_US&token=WfcGp-ILsuszItO7PjeMLw/SFO/27954839757060/SNAPFISH/cBQEchAPBFbQ6fGZTJgOrX7Zjv7alHqOZADjyxS0fnE= To each and everyone of our RYLArian’s, Speakers, Volunteers and YMCA Camp Erdman staff, mahalo nui loa for making RYLA 2025 remarkable! We hope the highlights were mind blowing and we look forward to seeing you at a Rotary project real soon. Take Care. In August 2025, you’ll be able to register for Oahu’s RYLA 2026 at https://www.rylahawaii.org/oahu |
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Navy League Visits
USS Frank E Petersen Jr.
NL - USS FRANK E. PETERSEN JR. DDG 121 - Artistic Mindz
Photos by Tony Grillo www.Artistizmindzphotography.com
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Aloha Leadership Team, I am attending the International Assembly in Orlando with DGEs from around the world. Today, RI President-elect Mário César Martins de Camargo unveiled the annual Presidential Message. He calls us to Unite for Good. By using the power of human connection to welcome new members, collaborate on service projects, and build our global impact, Rotary members create positive change. He asked members to Unite for Good by embracing growth, service, and connection as he outlined a plan to expand “the best-qualified team of volunteers on the planet.” Click on this image for the video of Mario's message
Noting how quickly the world changes, de Camargo urged members to innovate. “Technology, social expectations, and economic conditions evolve constantly, and Rotary must evolve with them,” he said. “Innovation is how we adapt to this changing world." He says by embracing and promoting a variety of club models. Satellite clubs, cause-based clubs, enterprise clubs, and passport clubs offer people different ways to experience Rotary. “Future Rotary members are out there. We must meet them where they are.” De Camargo also emphasized the importance of leadership continuity. Continuity is not about uniformity. it’s about alignment. Let’s build a Rotary that unites for good and ensures a brighter future for all. The 3 principals he highlighted are: Innovation, Continuity and Partnerships. As you may know, in October 2023, the Board agreed to eliminate the creation of an annual presidential theme and logo starting in Rotary Year 2025–26. One of the most important things we can do to tell our Rotary stories in an effective, compelling way is to make sure we all use consistent and unified messaging. Using the presidential message in our communications helps to convey Rotary’s global impact and create stronger recognition of Rotary’s name in our communities and with potential service partners. It can help people understand who we are and what we do and might even inspire them to join us. Find the new messaging templates in the Brand Center at: Nancy Cabral, Rotary District 5000 Governor |
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Green Drinks at the White Sands
Enjoy the photos!
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Soroptimist Black & White Bling
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Follow Rusty Komori – An Inspirational Coach
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Rotary Thank You!
Dear Rotary Friends,
I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to each of you. You are receiving this message because YOU, YOUR CLUB, YOUR FOUNDATION, or YOUR AGENCY have made a generous monetary contribution to the Rotary District 5280 Los Angeles Wildfire Relief Fund.
Nearly a month has passed since the devastating wildfires broke out across Los Angeles. As we continue to adapt and respond to the aftermath, I’ve heard deeply moving stories from fellow Rotarians who, despite losing their homes, have found strength and hope through the outpouring of support from Rotarians worldwide. It's not just the financial assistance that has made an impact but the emotional support—your calls, texts, emails, and social media messages have provided a beacon of hope during these challenging times.
Thanks to your generosity, the funds we’ve received are already making a tangible difference. We have:
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Supported local organizations on the frontlines, providing shelter for displaced families.
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Distributed grocery store gift cards to families in urgent need.
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Funded community distribution events to deliver essential supplies.
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Provided gift cards to our courageous firefighters, many of whom slept in their cars for days to continue battling the blazes without pause.
While the fires have been contained, the path to recovery is long. We are approaching this journey in three phases:
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Immediate Needs: Addressing urgent necessities such as shelter, food, and basic supplies.
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Intermediate Needs: Supporting community recovery efforts and stabilizing affected families.
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Long-Term Needs: Assisting with the rebuilding of infrastructure and restoring communities.
Our District 5280 recent humanitarian mission to Maui taught us that physical rebuilding can take months, even years. However, the emotional support and human connection we provide can have an immediate, lasting impact.
We are profoundly thankful for your support. As we continue this journey, I am committed to keeping you informed about our progress. Your monetary investment in our recovery is invaluable, and as District Governor, it is my honor and responsibility to ensure you feel connected to the difference you are making.
Together, we are walking side by side on this path of recovery and hope. Thank you for being part of our Rotary family.
With deep gratitude,
Albert Hernandez
District Governor, Rotary District 5280
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Love your comments!
Fabulous photos Dave!! It looks like RYLA Oahu 2025 was a blast!
Mahalo for sharing,
Jen Tanouye
You REALLY DO TAKE GREAT PHOTOS - For lots of these folks, it's probably the most recent good photo they have.
And you never get anyone with their mouth open or chewing or eyes closed... or you do a great job at editing them out.
I know it is appreciated, even when people don't say thank you.
Nancy
Mahalo for sharing.
Best wishes to you and your 'ohana!
Me ke aloha pumehana,
Senator Mike Gabbard
Chair, Agriculture and Environment Committee
Hawai’i State Capitol, Room 201
Honolulu, Hawai`i 96813
Ph: 808-586-6830
P.S. Click HERE to check out my Senate webpage
A‘ohe hana nui ke alu ‘ia. “No task is too big when done together by all.”
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Richard Rankin <dickrankin@wwohana.org> |
Sun, Jan 5, 2025 at 8:52 PM |
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Happy Birthday and Merry Christmas, Dave from Tokyo.
Thanks always for the news from around …..always interesting and helpful for calendar planning for events to go to … or a recap and peak at events I missed and wished I had attended.
Nice wrap up on SME event and list of honorees. Nice update on Christmas in the islands. All good, always. Loved the Tesla joke!
Keep staying young my friend.
And Happy New Year to you!
MAHALO!
DAVE
Dave Erdman | Founder, CEO & President
808-469-4833| derdman@pacrimmarketing.com
Aloha and Mahalo Dave,
As always the photos are awesome, Mahalo for what you do. I'm glad you got to prove to your wife you were working.
Much Aloha
Warmest Regards,
Lis
Hi David,
Just sending you a note of aloha and thanking you for the many wonderful events, pictures, charities you have supported since we met back in 2007. Amazing!
Thank you for leading and setting a great example for everyone.
You truly are an "Artiste Extraordinare".
3 Cheers for you.!!!
Aloha
Carla von & Geoff Milford
Navy League event pals
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Award-winning American cartoonist, Stephan Pastis, recent strip of Pears Before Swine covered the subject of “What kind of funeral do you want to have?” His characters, Rat and Goat continued the discussion with Rat once again taking the negative approach. “I don’t care.” said Rat. A number of commenters agreed with Rat. However, Commenter scote1379 said, “Pre-arrangement will save you and your Family a world of Grief, Plus you don’t feel rushed making decisions!” g.p.hardy wrote, “I work in the area of bereavement. People ‘not caring’ about what happens when they die are a huge problem for the loved ones they leave behind.” g.p.hardy is correct. You do not want to wait until there is no time left. You’ll leave people in pain at your loss, trying to figure out what you wanted. Tell your Pre-Planning Advisor what you want now
A Pre-Plan is for you to decide whether you want a traditional/casket or cremation. You can make the decisions now as to where you will be buried, or whether you want to be cremated and your ashes scattered, or whether you want a niche, a family plot, or have your own mausoleum, etc. With a Pre-Plan, you will be able to give peace of mind to those close to you and to yourself. As they both said, being prepared is an important part of the life you are living. I can help you prepare yourself for the inevitable no matter when it might arrive. If you plan well in advance, you will prevent your loved ones from suffering and financial costs. Don’t know where to start? Give me a call. You will be able to give peace of mind to those close to you and to yourself. Please call me today. I can help you just like I have assisted more than 10,000 Hawaii families and individuals make their plans for cremation or burial. And, if you travel often, you can also purchase a lifetime travel plan for $599 that, in case you should die while away from Hawaii, will pay to bring your body back – a procedure that can cost thousands of dollars and occurs more often than you may think. This is something you can do that is positive.
Linda Rose Herman
Pre-planning Advisor
Hawaiian Memorial Park & Funeral Services/Borthwick Mortuary
(808) 864-3505
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Find out what’s happening in Hawaii
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If you have anything you'd like to share in "Things Worth Saving" please e-mail me your text to David@DavidLivingstonHawaii.com (Word Files can also be cut and paste into this document or JPEG – No PDF’s) - Many thanks to all of the contributors over the years. The editing is done Thursday evenings - we start broadcasting late Thursday Night to all 22,000 readers - If I get an article after Thursday it goes in the next issue (Unless it's outdated). To take yourself off the "Things Worth Saving" distribution list Hit the unsubscribe button on the Newsletter! To add your friends to this newsletter https://flowingblue.com/things-worth-saving-newsletter/
If you see something – do something!
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