Three decades of service

KAPAA — One of Neva Olson’s fondest memories with the Rotary Club of Kapaa is when she and fellow members participated in immunization day in India.

The Rotarian was hopeful she would experience more years of service.

“It’s a good organization made up of incredibly nice people who are trying to do good things in their community and around the world,” Olson said.

Olson and other members shared memories of the rotary club’s 30-year journey at Hotel Coral Reef on Friday with people from across Kauai, including members of the Rotary Club of Hanalei Bay.

Club members shared their experiences and saw a slideshow presentation by Rotarian Ron Margolis.

The Rotary Club of Kapaa was established on Feb. 11, 1985 to serve the community and develop projects that address issues such as poverty, hunger, the environment, literacy and violence.

Some of the club’s other projects include providing funding for clean water in Nigeria and supporting youth programs, educational opportunities and international exchanges for youth, teachers and other professionals.

Club president-elect Ron Lemay, whose term begins in July, said he was grateful to be part of the Rotary and to be able to be a part of the celebration.

“What I feel about the Rotary club in general is that it’s a great organization that does service in the community and that’s one of the things that’s really big for me,” he said.

Lemay, from New York, said he remembers having people from outside of the community come in to teach underprivileged youth like himself. It’s what drew him to the Rotary Club in 2012.

“What the Rotary plans to do in the future is attract more younger members with new technology and to help this organization to grow so that we can do as many local community projects and international projects,” Lemay said.

The club’s slogan for 2015 to 2016 is, “Be a gift to the world.”