President's Message for December 2016

December is Disease Prevention & Treatment Month
As Rotarians we do such great things every day. One of
the most notable things that Rotary has ever done is to
undertake the fight against polio. This effort has been very
successful as polio ,in very small numbers , remains in only
2 countries, Afghanistan and Pakistan.

There are many more projects both internationally and locally
that contribute to the well being of others.

This is also the time of year when we celebrate with our families and give to
others. Our club once again acted as Secret Santa to 12 children through
Family Support Hawaii’s Kalikimaka No Na Keiki project. Bringing joy to these
children by making sure each one has presents to open represents the true
spirit of aloha and ‘ohana. Last week when Awa and I were shopping for our
two needy families, we were approached by a woman in Target. She was
overcome with emotion and with tears in her eyes said to us: "This is so wonderful
what you are doing, mahalo, mahalo". Needless to say, there were
tears and hugs all around. Of course, we told her that we'd were doing it on
behalf of the Kona Mauka Rotary. WOW! Folks really do appreciate what we
do!

I want to wish each and everyone of you and your families many blessings for
the holiday season and a 2017 filled with joy and good health.