Veterans Corner

Monday, May 16th, 2011

Column by Jesse Church

Hello veterans, old Jesse here with all the veterans’ news and upcoming events. The Molokai Veterans Caring for Veterans hosted the sixth annual Cribbage Tournament on May 7, and we had a nice turnout in both players and spectators. There was more than enough food and drink, with a couple of raffles going on for prizes that were donated. The winner of the singles tournament was Tyler-man, and last year’s winner Billy young finished with a close second. The winners of the doubles tournament were Dobie Enoka and Jr. Habon, with second place going to Tracy Norling and Bobby Young. I’m sure that everyone would agree that Bo Mahoe deserves a big mahalo for the terrific job he did planning the tournament; this was his first year, taking over from Dobie Enoka. I think that Dobie deserves a big mahalo too for his work and years past. The veterans of Molokai would like to send a big mahalo to all the businesses and people that supported the MVCV tournament for their time and donations: Budweiser-Diane Duffy, Kumu Farms-Manu Vineigurerra, Coca-Cola Molokai-Alyce C, Capt Joe Reich, Big Daddy’s, Hotel Molokai, Paddler’s Inn, Molokai Pizza Café, Al Marciel, Yukon Clark, Clinton Akiona, Keanini Pfiefer, Bobby Young, Jenny Abshire, Jesse Dudoit, Earl Paleka, Kaipo Ramos, Jerry Johnson, Oliver Young, Mac Poepoe, Dobie/Earleen Enoka, Ted and Darlene Johns. Without these fine businesses and people the tournament could not have been the success that it was.

Commander George Harada has announced that the annual Memorial Day service will be held on May 28 at 9:30 a.m. at the Veterans Memorial Park in Kaunakakai. The program will have Harada emcee, VFW Post 3870 chaplain Adolphus Lankford pule, the national anthem and Hawaii Pono`i, roll call, Albert Pu ring the bell, and Michael MacDougall and James Brent play the bagpipes. I hope to see everyone there, if you have a question call Harada at 553-5730.

I’d like to remind everybody that the VA service officer Joe Thompson will be at the veterans’ center in Kaunakakai on May 27 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. He will be able to help with all veterans issues that you may have, whether it be filing a claim or change of address. Questions call the veterans’ center at 553-8387. I’d also like to remind everyone about the Memorial Day service at the veterans’ cemetery with refreshments and entertainment. The program starts on May 30 at 9:30 a.m.

If anyone has any news or stories or just want to talk about their experiences while in the service of this great country, give old Jesse a call at 553-3323, I’d love to hear from you. A big mahalo to all our veterans and the people of Molokai, you’re the best, I love you all.

Aunty’s Corner

Monday, May 16th, 2011

Column by Kathy 'Kapua' Templeton

Aloha, Aunty here…Ka Hula Piko was upon us! My friend, Bea, came from Hilo to see all the festivities.  She’s never been here before so she’s very excited.  I saw one of the Halau from Japan also arriving on her plane. Oh my goodness, have you heard Stan Hao sing? What a voice. We went to the concert put on by Halau Kukunaokala. Mr. Hao was John Kaimikaua’s first student.  I wish you were there. Tonight we’re going to see the movie on John’s life. I wish the festival was back at Papohaku.  It is so beautiful there and way more room.  Ah well, we’ll just cozy up to everyone.

My niece, Teri Waros, had a wonderful concert at Mahana Nursery.  I wish I could have gone but I understand there were lots of people going. Way to go my dear niece!

Okay, I’ve lived on the island for four years and have visited for over 25 years and never once have I gotten lost until I tried to go to the Ag Fair, using a short cut from Mahana Nursery to the fair.  I thought I knew the way there.  But when I had turned left and had gone way longer than 30 minutes I knew I was in trouble.  I was calling my neighbor, Maria, every five minutes while she’s standing on the road and in the hot sun getting really exasperated with me.  Our neighbor, Ludwig, happen to see Maria and she told him I was lost so now every time I see him, he asks me which is right and which is left when he shows me his hands.  I’ll never live it down.  How can you get lost on Molokai?  You turn left instead of right, that’s how! So there!

Have you been to Kamakana Gift Shop? Julie’s little dog can give you high fives.  He’s so cute you just want to hug him. Julie is an amazing woman.  She’s had knee surgery and you wouldn’t know it. While others that I’ve seen with knee surgery have a hard time, she’s walking all over without a cane or limp. Julie’s shop is so cool with items I’ve not seen before and her pua are wonderful. The best thing about her place is the bird that sings “I’m a pretty bird,” or at least that what it sounds like. Go out to Kamakana Gift Shop, sit in her great chair and listen to that bird. 

It was great to see all the young people at MCC the other day taking the Compass Test along with me.  I haven’t taken a test like that since 1962. I did okay on one, but I was shaky on the other one and I didn’t even take the math test.  I hope to take the Hawaiian Ohana class this fall quarter. 

Must be time for travel.  We’ve had lots of people come in to renew their passports.  Some are going to Tahiti and some to Switzerland.  Lucky you guys! Too bad you don’t need a porter or something.

DJ Pelekai is a friend of mine, and when I asked him to learn a mele with me so we could dance together he invited me to teach his whole Halau.  Woo hoo, what a great group of young women. Mahalo for inviting me to share my mele with you and your Halau, DJ.  I have never taught a class in Hawaii.  It was an honor.

Me ke aloha Pumehana and a hui hou, Aunty Kapua