It was an extremely proud moment to be a Lion and present at this past Wednesday night’s installation ceremony held to swear in and welcome new members representing the Mana Loa Nimitz Lions Club, Pearl City Lions Club, and Leeward Oahu Lions Club at the Michael D. Nakasone Performing Arts Center conference room in Pearl City.
District 50 Hawaii Lions District Governor Chris J. Kalopodes Jr. presided over the installation of new members along with Region IV Zone 2 Chair Raymond Nii (Pearl City). DG Kalopodes and Zone 2 Chair Nii also met with members present from all three Lions Clubs for 15 minute Q&A sessions with each club. It was a great opportunity for newly installed club members and current members to meet and get to know DG Kalopodes and learn more about Lion International history and how the worldwide service organization is moving forward into the future.
DG Kalopodes also presented his annual special recognition awards to several well deserving Lions club leaders for their outstanding service to their clubs and community.
As a member of the Mana Loa Nimitz Lions Club, it was exciting and very inspiring to witness newly installed club members; Scott Poomaihealani, Dr. Inam Rahman, Meranie Gadiana Rahman (2023-24 Mrs. Universe), and Karen Soberano take their Lion oath and officially join their fellow Mana Loa Nimitz Lions Club members and District 50 Hawaii Lions and their never-ending commitment to serving the community.
I would like to send a special mahalo to Mana Loa Nimitz Lions Club President Dexter Aoki, Secretary Brian Nitta, club officers, and club members, and Lions members and friends from other clubs who give from their heart and soul to serve the community on most Saturdays throughout the year. Tomorrow morning, club members who are available, will be cleaning and beautifying a portion of the Aiea Stream.
Sending a warm welcome to new Lion club members and their ohana from the Mana Loa Nimitz Lions Club, Pearl City Lions Club, and Leeward Oahu Lions Club.
Mahalo to DG Kalopodes and Zone 2 Chair Nii for volunteering their time to be with us all at Wednesday night’s installation ceremony.
Have a great weekend!
Lion Barry Villamil
Video and photos by Barry Villamil
