Lana’i Culture & Heritage Center

Aloha Dear Lana’i ‘Ohana,

This message is important for all who love the rich cultural legacy that comes with being from and tied to Lana’i. The people of Lana’i have a special bond with the ‘aina and with one another, it draws people together.

Since opening its doors, the Lana’i Culture & Heritage Center has strived to ensure that your history and the legacy of your elders will not be erased or forgotten. (See tab on homepage titled “Visitor Comments” to see what people are saying about Lana’i CHC.)

I am happy to write that many exciting things are happening with the little heritage center. Among them is a special “Aloha Lana’i” benefit event to be held on O’ahu on March 25th, 2012 at Mamiya Theater (Saint Louis Campus, O’ahu). The information on the website provides readers with details on programs that have been funded through the generosity of OHA Grants, private foundations, island residents and visitors since we opened in October 2007. I invite you to take a little time to view the links below which highlight information about a new fundraising drive and the background history of the program accomplishments over the last 4 years. We are also embarking upon an endowment drive to ensure that the heritage collections which Lana’i ‘ohana have donated to the museum/center will always be safe and available. In these challenging economic times, Lana’i CHC need your help in building economic capacity to continue the work of documenting and sharing Lana’i’s history.

We hope that you will plan to attend the March 25th Aloha Lana’i event, and that you will share this information with everyone who you think would be interested. For generations the rich cultural heritage of Lana’i has been sort of out of sight and out of mind. And because of its unique situation, it remains a little known treasure of Hawai’i. The Lana’i CHC is working to document our island history and pass the legacy on to future generations. This can only be done
with the help and guidance of many hands.

To start, visit — www.lanaichc.org the home page sharing Aloha Lanai information with pdf flyer and other links. Then click: Program Schedule and Events http://www.lanaichc.org/lanai-chc-fundraiserprogram-2012/Aloha-Lanai-Program.html; and then,

Why Support the Lanai Culture & Heritage Center Fundraising Efforts? http://www.lanaichc.org/lanai-chc-fundraiserprogram-2012/lanai_fundraising_effort.html

Various links are noted on the pages for musicians (to their web-sites), Mamiya Theater and Four Seasons, etc.

We will add more information as it becomes available. Updates will be done as needed to website, Facebook, Twitter and by email and media also.

There are lots of exciting things happening and the site is filled with historical references to your families and island history. Mahalo a nui for
your time and consideration. I have been in contact with Donna and we hope to get the word out to all LACA members soon. If you have some additional ideas on how to get the word out, please let us know.

Me ke aloha a nui,
Kepa (and Onaona)

Foodland $2,000 Scholarship

Help Lanai High School earn a Foodland Shop for Higher Education scholarship which will be awarded to a LHS senior pursuing a full-time college education at a 4-year college or university. Shop at any Foodland, Sack N Save or Foodland Farms store from February 8-March 20 and designate Lanai High School. The same amount of
Maika’i points you earn, LHS will also earn. The more points earned, the more scholarships schools will receive. Be sure to tell show your Maika’i card to your cashier and say you want to designate Lanai High School (code 7563).

Class of 1952 Updates

The Class of 1952 met at MFC for its first 2012 gathering at 11:00 am on January 18th. Present were Stanley, David, Marcellino, Takeko, Mildred, Eddie, Mitsue, Richard and Evelyn with grandson Liam.

The following items were discussed:

• GOODIES TO SHARE…Stanley brought Arare, Mildred shared a Chocolate Cherry Bundt Cake, Eddie got some Chicken McNuggets, Mitsue had Strawberry-filled Candy, David brought a Fruit Cake, Takeko had a Large Fruit Platter and Marcellino shared Assorted Cookies and Tangerine and Orange fruits.

• BIRTHDAYS…We celebrated Eddie and Jane’s birthday with the delicious cake that Mildred baked which was still warm! We forgot to sing the birthday song, but Eddie remembered after we finished eating so he sang “Happy Birthday” to himself. Also, we sent out Happy birthday greetings to our classmates Hattie and Kenneth in Hawaii.

• HEALTH UPDATES: James provided Marcellino a ride to the meeting. He brought the “Good Housekeeping” magazine to give to Mildred. It featured Jennifer Hudson on the cover stating that she was 80 lbs. lighter. Mildred thought it was a hint for her to lose weight. He claimed it contained some good recipes. Oh dear! We had problems hearing each other today. Richard said his pills went from $3.00/month to $32.00/month after the New Year. He will speak with his doctor for a different prescription due to that huge cost increase.

• TRAVEL NEWS: Stanley will be going to Vegas next month for stress relief. Richard spent December 27th and 28 at Morongo with his family of eight. It was the busiest day of the year with the buffet line taking up to two hours of waiting from 11:00 am till closing time. The next morning there was no line for the breakfast buffet. Then it was on to the Cabazon Outlet stores next door. Takeko said he prefers the Harrah’s Casino.

• LACA/Maui Connection: Mainland classmates are not taking part this year. Evelyn mentioned the Pineapple Festival will also be held on July 4th at the Lanai Dole Park.

• OTHER NEWS: Barbara is enjoying her new Toyota Prius that promises 51 MPG. It has the navigation system with back-up camera and keyless starting and entry. She said it takes a little practice to get accustom to the new automobile technology. We missed Jane (also her birthday), Edith, Debi, Frank and Irene today. Hope to see them next month. Mark your calendar for the next meeting will be at MFC on February 15th. HAPPY NEW YEAR’S EVERYONE!

[As reported by Richard.]

Class of 1953 Get Together

When Helen Yamato Vaughn and her husband Roger started making vacation plans they decided to make it a cruise to the Hawaiian Islands. They settled to sail out in October. Helen is a graduate of Lanai High school —CLASS OF 1953 and really wanted to see some of her classmates so she contacted Rosita Hueu and Jean Piena who then began calling or emailing classmates. Jean made plans for a Luncheon get together and on October 18 everyone met at Tsukiji restaurant in Ala Moana shopping center. Also joining our group were special guests Trudy and Tom Akamine who are old friends of the Vaughns. It was really great getting together but before we knew it , it was time to say Aloha. Helen and Roger were on scheduled time and had things to do before going back to the cruise ship.

Click for a larger view of the photo.

We had fun talking about old times and wished more classmates could have joined us. Those who did attend are front row left to right; Robert Godinez, Earl Honda, Helen Yamato Vaughn, Rufina Rabbon Kula. Eleanor Bayron Ozoa, and Val Tanodra. Back row left to right; Nobuo Goshi, Jean Piena Marianne Teruya Higa, Alejandro Eligado, Roger Vaughn, and Janet Eligado.

Three Generations Working For You

(Soledad Obado, Gloria Obado Reyes, Donna Reyes Ching)

July 2011 preparing mailout of LACA Newsletter

Pictures taken by Donna Reyes Ching

 

From Left: Suzanne Damian, Bill Avery, Soledad Obado, Lorraine Saranillio Avery, Rita Nagamine Goshi, Gloria Obado Reyes, Randy Sanches, Myrtle Dalde Reponte, Marge Morita Asato, Coochie Tandora Cayan

 

Nickie Morita Oshira and Vincent Reyes

 

August 2011 Newsletter

The August 2011 issue of The Lana’i Connection is online! Browse our blog for individual articles, or if you prefer, download the PDF files below:

August 2011 Newsletter – The 12-page newsletter that you can view online or print.

Although these sign-up forms are available in the file above, here are links to the individual forms. Please download and complete the sign-up forms if you are interested in attending any of these upcoming events:

A New Chapter

by Rosita Viduya Hueu

My service to the Lana’i Alumni and Community Association as past president for seven years and advisor for two years has truly been an exhilarating and an enriching experience.  I hope I have served with humility and to your satisfaction. At this time, I bid you a fond aloha.  I have decided to add a new chapter in my Book of Life. I’m looking forward to blissful moments in journeying generation to generation with my ohana and a continuance of  purposeful service to God, family and friends.
The following are several noteworthy facts I would like to share with you.

  • At the first meeting in 1995, there were one hundred members.  As of February 2011, LACA has a membership of 1,157.
  • In closing our account with PSHF, Lana’i High and Elementary School is the beneficiary of the balance of $9,358.
  • The LACA scholarships and Kiyoshi Mana Minami awards program will now be administered by Lana’i High and Elementary School (LHES) as long as LACA members continue to help in sustaining the program through generous donations.
  • LHES will be responsible in maintaining record of donations as LACA ends its Contributory Club Categories.
  • LACA has existed for sixteen years because of the efficient implementation of guidelines for the various programs and activities by essential coordinators,  networks, member volunteers, and non-members.

LACA owes a debt of gratitude:

  • to past administrations and directors
  • to entertainers who unselfishly gave of their time and talents at events either at no charge, or at minimal cost in Las Vegas, Oahu, Lana’i and Maui.
  • to its members, Lana’i retailers and supporters (non Lanaians).
  • Lana’i Invitational Golfers for their LACA Fund annual donation derived from their Putting Contest.
  • to Robert Kinoshita, owner and president of Kula Sand, LLC, who has provided resources and the use of a modular building at 1064 Sand Island Parkway as “Home for the Lana’i Alumni and Community Association” and a sanctuary for Lanaians.

My heartfelt mahalo nui loa and love to my relatives and family for their unconditional support, personal sacrifices, and especially to my husband Jacob Hueu who has been my tower of strength from the 1980’s with the Lana’i Alumni Association which evolved in 1995 into the Lana’i Alumni and Community Association.

To each of you, thank you very much for your friendship, trust, and confidence through the decades! Best wishes, good luck, and much success to the board of directors and general membership in LACA’s future endeavors!

2011-2012 LACA Calendar of Events

2011

August
22    LACA Las Vegas Connection payment/sign up form due. General Chair: Suzanne Pascua Damian, phone (808) 292-7435

September
14    6:00 p.m. Board Meeting, 1064 Sand Island Parkway. Prospective directors invited to attend the meeting. Facilitator:  Suzanne Damian.

October
1    8:00-10:00 a.m Saturday, Pasta Pirate in Las Vegas. Contact Persons pick up table reservations

6:00-10:00 p.m. Saturday, Ohana/Maile Banquet Room – LACA Las Vegas Connection

November – December
No board meeting

2012

January
No board meeting
5    Deadline for newsletter articles

February
8    6:00 p.m. Board Meeting, 1064 Sand Island Parkway. Facilitator: Marge Asato.

March
14    6:00 p.m. Board Meeting, 1064 Sand Island Parkway. Facilitator: Monica Cockett.

April
Incoming directors
1    Deadline for sign up form/payment for Annual Membership Social

15    “Education Appreciation” social, Pearl Country Club: 10:00 a.m – 2:00 p.m. Chairman:  Jean Piena

May
6    6:00 p.m. Board Meeting, 1064 Sand Island Parkway. Facilitator: Bruno Oroyan.

Plans by the Maui Lana’i Connection network:
25    Waikapu Community Center. Chairperson:  Marian Ching

26    Maui Tropical Plantation
Co-Chairs: Nani Watanabe, Ricky Macabio
Golf:  Coordinators: Bill Ruidas, Tessie Desha
Araki

27    Lana’i Trip
Co-Chairs: Helen Tabura, Dorothy Tan

Our Latest LACA Fund Contributors

Many thanks for your continued support which pays for the association’s operational expenses.  Several donors have contributed in commemoration of significant milestones or in memory of loved ones, friends, or classmates.

Rodrigo & Esther Balderas
Hatsue Higa in memory of Suki Mary Ellen Nakoa and LACA Fund donation
Robert Kinoshita
Walter Manriki
Nona Armstrong Minami
Irene Masocol Pacol
Sueko Oyama Saki
*Kay K.  Hokama: in memory of classmate Alfred Leonillo
* Note:  Our apologies to Kay for overlooking listing in the February issue a memorial donation she made in loving memory of the class of 1946 classmates Ellen Tamura Watanabe and Tai Soon Lee
Willam Olsen in loving memory of Charlotte Olsen
Nancy Lantz
Sakae N. Loo
Setsuko Hashimoto
Gerarda Janowski
Rowena Jean Belez
Aileen Kuboyama in memory of late husband Edward Kuboyama, class of 1950 LHS Teacher in the 1960’s
Wayne Kim in memory of Nani Kanipae Wilson, class of 1963

Click for more information on how to contribute. We appreciate your support!

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