2010 LACA Las Vegas Connection

The following opening remarks and invocation delivered by Myrtle Dalde Reponte set the tone for the gala celebration on October 9, in the Ohana/Maile room at the California Hotel/Casino.

“The majority of us in this room are Lanaians and those who are not, can by association, relate to our lifestyle and habits.  God had a plan … a special plan to create a small island.  He hand-picked a precious few to live on this unique island and called it Lana’i. He tucked us away from big cities and modern conveniences to teach us how to depend on one another, to love one another and take care of each other.  He made Lana’i a safe, protected haven … then sprinkled it with golden pineapples, and taught us how to be home-grown and to live off the land.

Like the swallows that return each year to their nesting place at the famous mission of San Juan Capistrano, we Lanaians, like birds of a feather, return year after year to flock together and reminisce with joy and laughter of the good ol’ days of our nesting place through reunions and annually here in Las Vegas.  I was told that the pineapple is a symbol of friendship.  And tonight we’re here because of pineapples and friends. How cool is that!

At this time, let us bow our heads and thank Him …

Lord God, be among us so we can thank & praise you for the good graces you provided us  throughout the years.  Thank you for making us a part of your precious plan for the island of Lana’i.  We celebrate with you at this wonderful occasion, the rekindling of friendship and love, as we cherish golden memories of the good ol’ days.  Bless this food to nourish our bodies physically and spiritually.  We ask that you continue to be a part of our lives forever, amen.”

Kudos to co-chairs Suzanne Pascua Damian and Joy Maile Enfield for spearheading the enjoyable event. LACA is grateful to the Ninth Isle Serenaders: Lance Babo, Joe Basebase, Flash Jensen and Kimo Wong for the superb entertainment; to the entertainers for their delightful performances; to those who donated prizes; to the various committee members for their hard work, and from behind-the-scene volunteers for their assistance.  Our thanks and appreciation to: Marge Asato, Pedring Dugay, Joan Hanawahine,Rosita Hueu, Jeraldine Iba, David Lebby, Kay & Roy Okamoto, Cyndy Outhouse, Angie Perez, Linda & Ted Perez, John Repetti, Robert Rodrigues, Victor Sabino, Leatrice Suzuki, Jojo Timbreza, Jeff Whaley, Joan Yamanaka, Kathy Nemoto and the Cal’s catering staff.

“Lanai Folks”
 – Commemorating The Land and People of Lana’i

by Kepa Maly, Executive Director, Lana’i Culture and Heritage Center

This important photographic book, documenting a significant span of the “Pineapple” Islands’ plantation history, has been republished. Copies are now available for sale at $20.00 per book at the Lana’i CHC. “Lanai Folks,” originally published in 1982, was photographed and written by Robin Kaye, with supporting grants from the Hawaii Bicentennial Commission, the State Foundation on Culture & the Arts, the Hawaiian Historical Society, private Foundations and other organizations. The work has become a classic – a reminder of what has made Lana’i a unique place, worth caring for. Out of print for nearly 25 years, this publication of the Lana’i Culture & Heritage Center, has been made possible through a grant by the Trustees of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. The author is donating all proceeds to the Lana’i Culture & Heritage Center, to support the center’s programs and promote awareness about the rich history of Lana’i. Visit the Lana’i CHC.org or email info [at] lanaichc.org. For more information, people may call the Lana’i CHC at (808) 565-7177.

LACA & MLC Looking Ahead

by Rosita Viduya Hueu

Resurfacing after a hiatus, the Maui Lanai Connection (MLC) has emerged with enthusiasm, a positive outlook and as a revitalized LACA network. Lanaians were invited to attend a meeting that was held at Marian Recouerto Ching’s residence on Maui on February 5th. Presiding at the meeting was Nani Kwon Watanabe assisted by Gloria Obado Reyes, Bill Ruidas and Makani Tabura.

Topics discussed were on fostering fellowship, reconnecting Lanaians in Hawaii and on the mainland, the need to recruit new members, encouraging the younger generation to be active participants and the dwindling attendance at the LACA Las Vegas Connection. Under the assumption that a change in location and program will entice Lanaians to come together to rekindle friendships, next year’s event will be held in Maui. The annual LACA Las Vegas Connection will not be held in 2012.

The MLC Planning Committee has drawn up the following preliminary plans.

2012 LACA MLC RECONNECTION REUNION IN MAUI
Date: Option #1: May 25-28, Memorial Day Weekend, Option #2: May 4-6
Place: Waikapu Community Center, headquarters and gathering place for three days, Maui Tropical Plantation or Maui Beach Hotel, May 26
Optional: Visit Lana’i on May 27. Travel by ferry on the Trilogy
One way fare: $20, $10 for senior citizens
Direct inquiries to: Nani Watanabe, email noelaniw [at] gmail.com or Gloria Reyes, email reyesobado [at] yahoo.com

The MLC pledges its support to any class, group, or network, that coordinates a fellowship event locally or on the mainland. Donna Reyes Ching, class of 1979, volunteered to chair the 2013 LACA Las Vegas Connection. For details, she can be reached at donnaching [at] aol.com.

Save another date, July 2013 and return to Lana’i to unearth a Time Capsule that was buried in 1988 during the 50th Anniversary Celebration of Lana’i High and Elementary School. In the 1980’s (under the leadership of Thomas Nunotani), class representatives were the liaisons and vital links at meetings and in disseminating information to alumni. In accordance with your type of LACA membership (alumni, community, or supporter), we welcome volunteers to serve as representatives and will reactivate the role of representatives. Please contact Nani or Gloria if interested.

The best is yet to come. Let the good times roll!

In Loving Memory of Deceased Members

As of August 2010

Our heartfelt condolences to those of you who lost a loved one, classmate, or friend. May the departed rest in peace.

Josephine Kauwenaole
Julian Ruidas, class of 1933
Chogoro Oshiro, class of 1945
Alfred Leonillo, class of 1946
Jane Morita Higashi, class of 1948
Richard Watanabe, class of 1949
Leonard Lee, class of 1956
Hazel Maioho Tanigawa, class of 1958

Alumni News: Class of 1960

(Click for a larger image) (1st row l-r) Vic Pagente, James Fuchigami, Frank Soriano, Sally Sakoda Murray, Maggie Agonoy Luczon, June Matsuura Ching, Edith Vergara Quiray, Collin Tamashiro, Myrtle Dalde Reponte, Bill Ruidas (2nd row l-r) Carolyn Onuma Flood, Amy Oda Dalton, Janet Mizomi Miyashiro, Flora Dela Cruz Palumbo, Linda Daguay Recarte, Erma Mitsunaga Kawamura, Angie Perez, Rita Nagamine Goshi, Joy Maile Enfield (3rd row l-r) Lowell Lee, Bob Hobdy, Bob Park, Douglas Herolaga, Jerold Matsui, Vic Sabino, Lloyd Funada Missing: Melvyn Niibu

 

Wow, Class of 1960! We did it! All 27 strong. What a great 50th reunion we had in Las Vegas on October 8, 2010. We’ve had gatherings before, but this one took the cake. We had so much fun and it was worth all of the hard work, but we ran out of the talk-story time. That’s okay because all the class mates who attended, especially the first-timers, left with renewed friendships and promises to keep in touch more often as the years go flying swiftly by.

Special thanks to Pedring Dugay for his generous donation of his one of a kind ukulele which was raffled off and to Mr. George Ito and his wife Shirley who lovingly presented the ladies of 1960 with beautiful Koa bracelets and DVDs. Other donations were also appreciated from the upper and lower alumni. Gloria Reyes , Sally Cadiente, Helen Onuma (our official Class Mother) and classmates were an integral part of our reunion which made it all the more special.  Also in attendance were Toshio Mitsunaga, class of 1949, his wife Haruko and Tamo Mitsunaga, class of  1941.

Myrtle Reponte and Maggie Luczon did a bang up job of emceeing while the Chicken Hekka Group, lead by Glenn and Joice Alapag  lulled us with songs of the good old days. A big hand to our hula dancers Cyndy Outhouse, Doreen Hobdy, Sherry Ramaila, Linda Perez, the Caluya sisters, Carol Voss and Mona Buchanan who sang several songs.

Memorial candles were lit by Janet Miyashiro and Edith Quiray in memory of our deceased classmates while Angie Perez did her beautiful rendition of You’ll Never Walk Alone. We also want to thank Flora Palumbo for her help in getting us a huge discount on the onolicious feast that was served in The Main Street Social Club.

For all our concerted efforts, we were able to donate $910 to the LACA Scholarship Fund.  Our contribution has been deposited into the Public School of Hawaii Foundation which handles LACA’s restricted account designated solely for the utilization of scholarships, awards and grants to Lana’i High and Elementary School.

The evening came to an end too quickly. As kids growing up on Lanai, who  knew where mornings were fresh and dewy, the afternoons sunny or  balmy and the rich glow of golden sunsets, we departed with a warm and satisfied feeling.  For an hour or so we were just kids once more, enjoying what we do best, talking and eating.

We did it Class of 1960! We celebrated a half a century of togetherness and we look forward to our 70th birthday reunion.  God bless and Godspeed

Alumni News: Class of 1958

HAPPY 70th BIRTHDAY TO ALL OF OUR CLASSMATES!
by Jeannette Matsui Okada

(Back) Carol Ann Tsumura Fujimoto, Rosalinda Ballesteros, Bertha Pagay, Jeri, Jeannette Okada, Mae Takata, Irene Seawright Iba. (Front) George Higa, Ernest Pagay, and Nobu Takata

Thank you to our class reunion chairman, Jeraldine Hirayama Iba and her committee members, Carol Ann Tsumura Fujimoto, Monica Cockett, Robert Viduya, George Higa, Emidjio Jamero & Mae Morita Takata for an elegant sit-down birthday dinner for ten in a private room with classy waiters in black and white suits. It was nice to be served while we continuously chatted from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., in the Bronze Room at Fremont Hotel/Casino on October 8, 2010.

It was a wonderful setting for those who hadn’t seen each other since high school.  There was much laughter from olden-days stories, family jokes and of course, games that teased our brains (anyway, whatever is left!)

We solemnly remembered seventeen of our beloved classmates who have passed away:  Stanley Nunotani, Richard Masada, Geraldine Masicampo, Raymond Trugillo, Marlene Morita, Mercedes Gillacone, Kenneth Higaki, Yolanda Lopez, Naala Iona, Juanita Endrina, John Recouperto, Clarence Richardson, Joyce Higa, Eleanor Timbreza, Billy Tadios, Angel Allas and Clara Pahente.  In loving memory, George Higa rang a bell as Ernest Pagay read each name.

Thank you to all who donated such unexpected gifts, beautifully crafted items and delicious cookies. Donors were Jeraldine, Carol Ann, Mae, Ernest & Bertha, George, Irene, Emidjio & Robert. Like Rosalina said,”It feels like Christmas!”

Those who met this year were Jeri Hirayama Iba, Carol Ann Tsumura Fujimoto, from Oahu; Mae Morita & Nobu Takata, Ernest & Bertha Pagay, Irene Dalde Seawright, from California; Rosalina Tadeo Ballesteros from Kansas and Jeannette Matsui Okada from the Big Island.

For those who missed the reunion, please join the group next year.

Alumni News: Class of 1952, California Group

by Richard Kawakami

Note:  I just got back from a graduation dinner and am so full I can barely stay awake.  So this will be a brief report.

We met at Grand World Buffet at 11:00 a.m. on December 15, 2010.  Present were David Funada, Eddie & Mitsue Hokama, Mildred Tanaka, Jane Okimoto, Frank & Edith Gikiu and Richard Kawakami.

1.  Since it was a buffet, most of us didn’t bring our customary treats except for Mitsue and  Edith who brought candy treats.  No doggy bags this time.  We made up for that by eating a lot of food.  Thanks, David, for picking up the buffet tab for our group.  The place was packed with about 250 people for lunch.

2.  Happy birthday to Hawaii classmates: Helen Takenouchi, Rosendo Nacua and Ruth Nakasone.

3.  Next meeting will be on January 19, 2010 at Mitsuwa Food Court.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Alumni News: Class of 1945

by Mieko Shiroma Norr

The class of 1945 held a reunion on September 8, 2010 at Krazy Karaoke.

In the photo: (front) Miyoko Nishimura Shimoda, Sueko Oyama Saiki, Marie Pascua, Sueko Higa Dote. (back) Akira Yagi, Robert Hahn, George Lee, Hideko Kurashige Saruwatari, Mieko Shiroma Norr. Missing was Richard Ignacio Gabriel.

Next year, if possible, the class hopes to hold the reunion on Lana’i.

Krazy Karaoke has two locations (Pearl Kai and Honolulu) and is owned by Malcolm Shiroma whose father was a LHES graduate of 1944, Steven Seiyu Shiroma.

Class of 1952, Oahu

by Hattie Higa

Just returned from our Oahu based, Class of ’52 monthly gathering. As usual, it was great to be together. I must say that we are blessed that we are still able to get together. We gathered at the Cattle Company in Pearl City. Present were: Suzie, Henry and Teri, Richard, Kiyomi, Helen. Al, Ruth N. and Hattie. Ruth T. was to attend; but called in sick. Randy was nowhere to be seen. The most popular entree was salmon. I saw a steak, a burger, and French dip. The sweet potato fries were really good. I think that is what I will order the next time I go. These are the best I have had thus far. Ruth N was working today; so, she just stayed long enough to eat and run. Kiyomi was wearing a beautiful ginger lei. I believe Helen made it in honor of her birthday.

We received many  treats: Al brought his famous scallops (from Japan; none to be had around here),  Al also brought HUGE star fruit,talented Teri brought us all a crocheted Christmas tree, Richard brought us candy (I think from Mexico), Ruth N. brought us biscotti, and Suzie brought us 100% pure Kauai coffee.

Next month (Tues., Dec. 14, 2nd Tuesday) we will meet for lunch at the Cattle Company again. Do bring a $10.00 gift exchange.
Richard M. safely returned from his trip to Mexico. He was in the central area and the Yucatan. I wonder where the drug cartels were hiding when he went there. I think Al was talking about having gone to Texas to see his granddaughter play volleyball. Al , you should tell us all about it. It sounded like she is doing very well on a scholarship. Couldn’t hear all that was going on.

Teri has had reconstruction on her face as a victim of an attempted burglary. Her bite is not well aligned; so, she is  having difficulty eating all kinds of food. She is down to 78 pounds; and does need to put on weight; but, she still is her very pleasant self.