Rotarian of the Month

 

 

Fun, kind, compassionate, caring, genuine, loyal, dependable, positive, warm, joyful, a friend to all, and a servant leader with a heart of gold are just a few words and phrases I would use to describe Kristy. A model Rotarian in every way, I’m grateful to say that she has become a good friend of mine in my five short years as a member of our club. 

Kristy leads by example by showing up consistently for our weekly meetings, is always willing to lend her time to join in on service projects, is a regular (along with her husband) at our social events, and is always inspiring us on Wednesdays with her motivational and inspirational emails filled with the most adorable memes. Where do you find the time, Kristy? 

As we all know, she has been fiercely loyal to our Rotary Club of Downtown Honolulu having been a member since 2007. This does not surprise me as Kristy has also been loyal to her employer First Hawaiian Bank which she joined in 2006 as an investment specialist in Private Wealth Management. In 2021, she was promoted to vice president and team leader in the Investment Services Department. You go woman!

It is with great pride and gratitude that I select Kristy Nishida as our Rotarian of the Month for February 2024. Thank you for all you do to make our club great and for inspiring us all to live our lives to the fullest.

Mahalo Kristy

We honored Derek Sayegusa as our January Rotarian of the Month. We reflected on his prior service to the club as President and his role in spearheading the E Paina Kakou dinner event, which raised $20,000. We also want to recognize more than his just his current involvement in Rotary, as Rotary extends beyond what we do each club meeting. Derek is extremely involved in the community as a coach on sports team, his work in continuing to build his business, his service mindset and reflexive nature to help others, and his leadership of the club's second annual Fantasy Football fundraising league. 

 

I first met Derek at my initial "get to know the club" meeting five years ago, in early 2019. Derak and everyone were so welcoming, made me quickly feel at home. My standout member from that time was Derek's role in putting together the February 2020 club fundraiser, the E Paina Kakou dinner. That was one of the most successful fundraising events int he club's history - raising about $20,000 of which half, went directly to KMS. A remarkable achievement and something I'll always remember. 

 

We thank him in particular for his stewardship of Fantasy Football as it is more than just a league - it brings fun and camaraderie for our club members, and raised about $1,000 for the club each year. In August, when our club was in a bind with an overabundance of donation & supplies at our Back to School Supply & Maui Fire Relief Drive, Derek was able to coordinate a flatbed to help us shuttle items from our donation pick-up location to the Pier. 

 

Derek's actions past and present embody the Rotary spirit of service and we are proud to honor him as our January Rotarian of the Month. This month's award isn't about being here every day, but instead is higher level, recognizing the mindset and actions that embody the Rotary spirit of service. I'm thankful to have met Derek, appreciative of his genuine nature to help other people and to help the club, and I'm proud to recognize him as this month's Rotarian of the Month.

 

It is with great pleasure that we honor a remarkable individual as our Rotarian of the Month. This distinction is bestowed upon none other than one of our Charter members, Mary Fastenau, whose journey from the heartland of Nebraska, to the shores of Honolulu is as inspiring as it is extraordinary.

 

Hailing from the humble Bertrand, Nebraska, Mary's adventurous spirit led her to set sail, quite literally, on a new chapter of her life over 30 years ago. A farm girl at heart, she embarked on a unique voyage to Hawaii with her husband, embodying the resilience and determination that would come to define her presence in our community.

 

Beyond her roots, Mary's infectious laughter and warm demeanor have made her a cherished member of our Rotary family. A journalism major from the University of Nebraska, she transitioned from covering the police beat in Indiana to becoming a Senior Partner at Anthology Marketing, a FINN Partner Group, showcasing her adaptability and prowess in the professional realm.

 

True to her family heritage, Mary has been a stalwart leader in the Lutheran Church of Honolulu, drawing strength and inspiration from her its values. Her connection to Doubting Thomas in the Bible serves as a testament to her unwavering faith and resilience in the face of challenges.

 

Mary's commitment to service extends far beyond our Rotary club. She willingly lends her time and expertise to various charitable causes, having served on the boards of Nā Koa football club, Patsy T. Mink Center for Business and Leadership, Hawaiʻi Public Radio, the American Heart Association, and the American Lung Association Lung Force Women’s Cabinet, where she is a founding member.

 

As a leader and mentor, Mary is known for giving those she guides the wings to soar. Her influence and impact reach far and wide, reflecting the very essence of what it means to be a Rotarian. Today, we celebrate Mary Fastenau, a beacon of inspiration, a dedicated community leader, and our well-deserving Rotarian of the Month.

 

 

I chose Wade as August's Rotarian of the Month for the many things he does for our club, many of which he quietly does in the background without any recognition. Wade is not only a past President that is still incredibly involved in the club, he is also involved with the Renaissance Program at Ke'elikolani Middle School, helps coordinate our club's annual Back to School Supply Drive, manages/coordinates our club "Rotarian at Work" t-shirts, and is involved & supports with many many other Rotary club & KMS initiatives and efforts. On top of all of this, Wade used to coach the After School basketball program... another great example of how Wade truly exhibits Service Above Self and his commitment to KMS and our community, day in and day out.

Mahalo Wade

 

This month I would like to honor Rose Chu. Rose has been a member of our club for 15 years – July is her Rotary anniversary month.  She’s is a past president of the club and a Paul Harris Fellow +5.

I chose Rose for this award because of her loyalty and support for our club and the unflagging enthusiasm that she brings to every Rotary event she participates in – often dancing in her famous Monkey Mask.  She is committed to our club’s success and can be counted to show up when there is a need. 

Rose's service extends outside of Rotary.  She is a loyal volunteer at the Pantry where she seems to have learned the entire operation and is happy to lend a hand for whatever needs to be done. 

Finally, we know that Rose has a caring spirit. Those of us who have been with the club for a while will remember her support of our late member Tom Knoll, helping him to attend our meetings and events and keeping him involved in our club. And the long distance care she provided to her cousin in New York who battled cancer. She sincerely cares about people.

In all aspects, Rose lives the Rotary 4 Way test and we are fortunate to have her as a member of our club.

Mahalo Rose