July 2019

On Saturday, July 27, 2019, I was fortunate to attend the Nisei Veterans Summer Special held at the 100th Infantry Battalion Veterans Education Center. There were some Nisei (second generation Japanese Americans) in attendance as well as their children, grandchildren, or other relatives and friends. As I toured the center and then sat down to listen to the speakers and the reading of “Okaasan”, I was struck by a similarity between the 100th Infantry Battalion and the Kiwanis. The Kiwanis Mission is that “Kiwanis empowers communities to improve the world by making lasting differences in the lives of children.” I think the 100th Infantry Battalion and the 442nd Regimental Combat Team “improved the world by making lasting differences in the lives of children” when they fought gallantly and became “the most decorated unit for its size and length of service.” These soldiers fought “...two wars, the war against the Germans in Europe and the war against racial prejudice in America.” These soldiers battled against all odds to improve the world for future generations, like ours, so we can live, work, and enjoy the freedoms that did not exist prior to the war. These soldiers truly made lasting differences and although we are not at war, we, the Kiwanis, continue tirelessly to “empower communities to improve the world by making lasting differences in the lives of children,” one community and one child at a time.

~ Judy Watanabe

June 2019

Service is at the heart of what it means to be a Kiwanis member. On the last Saturday of each month, our Kiwanis Club of Pearl Harbor and its sponsored Key Clubs are onboard the USS Missouri, affectionately known as the Mighty Mo, doing community service from turning original teak wood from the ship into bookmarks sold in the Battleshop, polishing silver in the galley or brass in the War Room, to sweeping, moving, or helping children with arts and crafts. I never tire of our community service on the Mighty Mo nor do any of our members, Kiwanis guests, and Key Club members.

Each time I disembark from the Roberts tour bus that shuttles tourists and volunteers to the Pearl Harbor Historic Sites, I am impressed with the view of the Mighty Mo silently and proudly resting at the end of the walkway lined by waving American flags. The flags are not waving every time we are there but on most Saturdays, they wave proudly honoring all of its visitors. This simple, yet meaningful sight reminds me of service, service to our country by the Mighty Mo and all her military personnel, service by the thousands of volunteers that came to remove barnacles, paint, and restore her upon her arrival in Hawaii, service by retired military personnel who lead tours onboard and provide a living history to all fortunate to take their tours, service by our volunteer coordinators Kevin and Nobue who ensure all who want to volunteer have meaningful jobs to do, service by volunteers like our Kiwanis Club of Pearl Harbor, and service by students, the future generation, who continue to maintain and serve the Mighty Mo.

~ Judy Watanabe

May 2019

The first Key Club Installation Banquet I ever attended was Waipahu High School’s, over a decade ago. I was impressed with the formality of the event, the number of proud families in attendance, and the excited and nervous Key Clubbers watching everyone arrive, ensuring their event ran as scheduled, and rehearsing their parts.

This year, I attended Waipahu High School’s Key Club Installation Banquet after years of missing their wonderful event. Fond memories of attending my first banquet rushed back as I walked through the decorated entrance. Tables were decorated throughout the cafeteria, Key Club family members dined on a delicious buffet of American and Filipino entrees and desserts, and Key Club officers were semi-formally dressed in black and white.

The event ran like clockwork, students were prepped and listening for their cues to walk on stage. Family members joined each Key Club officer on stage. Candles were lit and extinguished as each new officer was installed and each past officer was retired. Applause and an inspirational speech by the newly installed Key Club President closed the event. Another successful Waipahu High School Key Club Installation Banquet came to a conclusion, the passing of the torch was completed, and a new Key Club Board was ready to go.

Traditions and events such as Key Club Installation Banquets are essential to inform and inspire Key Club members to run for future officer positions. The Waipahu High School Key Club and its advisors do an excellent job of upholding this fine tradition.

~ Judy Watanabe

April 2019

A fellow Kiwanian and a junior at my high school walked into my classroom and plopped themselves down in front of me - sounds like the beginning of a good old-style joke. They both had huge smiles on their faces and the student began with “Hi Ms. Watanabe...,” I knew a request was coming and I knew the Kiwanian with her probably suggested the student ask me. All I could think of as I listened to her request was, “Kids need Kiwanis,” and so I said, “yes,” to her request with a stipulation, I had a prior commitment so I needed to leave at 11:00 a.m.

No matter how busy we are, we are there for the children. If we can squeeze their request in, we will. Kiwanis are all about service and the request for my assistance was because the Leo Club needed an advisor to accompany them on a service project. Without my presence, the Leos would have to cancel their service project and disappoint the Lions they were assisting. It was not the Key Club that was asking but it was the Leo Club. I did not hesitate and thought this would make a great article, especially because I wore my Key Club Komohana shirt to the Wahiawa Lions Club breakfast!

~ Judy Watanabe

March 2019

“Haru ga kita, Springtime has come!” The Japanese song, “Haru Ga Kita,” signals Spring has finally arrived. This has been the longest and coldest winter I can remember. Every day I look forward to warmer temperatures and I am sadly disappointed with each new day.

Spring signals the end of Winter and also signals the end and the beginning of the Key Club year. Additionally, the local Key Club Convention serves as the catalyst to usher in a new Lieutenant Governor and a new focus for the upcoming year. New officers, new activities, new members, and fresh new ideas abound in Spring!

Spring, a time of renewal, regeneration, remembrance, and rejoicing for the bitter cold of winter is gone and the warmer, fresh, Springtime weather takes over just like the incoming Key Club Officers who are ready to plan, prepare, organize, and carry out the activities for another exciting new Key Club year!

~ Judy Watanabe