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