Word was received regarding the death of another classmate.

Brian Chinn’s senior portrait as published in the 1974 Punahou Oahuan.

Brian Chinn died yesterday. Reports are that he succumbed to a heart condition, perhaps a genetic aneurysm that also took the life of his twin brother, Bruce.

Lynette Lo, another Punahou74 classmate, was their cousin. Sincere condolences are extended to her and to the rest of Brian’s family for their loss.

Obituary and funeral information will be reported here when/if they become available.

As always, please share your memories of Brian for a memorial post for all to enjoy, remember, and wonder. To do this please comment below or let me know via email what you have to share.

Movie night … now a part of the 40th reunion schedule.

Don’t recognize it? That’s because it’s a new building! The Manoa Public Library is located at 2716 Woodlawn Drive. Parking is on the ground floor; the community room is on the second floor. An elevator is available so it will be easy for anyone to attend this event.

The suggestion was made and the committee is delivering. Here’s your opportunity to enjoy a low-key night of popcorn and pizza as we celebrate the golden age of cinema: the 1970′s! $5 gets you in on the fun. Family members and friends are also welcome. Bring your own NON-ALCOHOLIC (that’s the rule so please abide by it) beverage and any other snacks that you want.

     Manoa Public Library (2716 Woodlawn Drive, Honolulu)

Wednesday, June 11, 2014, 6:30 p.m.

We’re meeting at the new Manoa Library which has a great community room. It’s air conditioned and has plenty of space. Best yet, it’s carpeted so, while chairs will be available, the room is comfort-ready if you prefer to bring your blanket and a pillow to snuggle on the floor. There’s also parking on the street level for 45 cars … and you’ll have an easy time of it because we’ll have the library to ourselves!

What’ll be playing? Well, that’s where you come in. The idea is to focus on a movie that we might have watched while we were students in the academy. Looking back, there were some great choices during those years! Remember them? Take a look:

Please vote for up to three of your favorites so we know what to bring for the showing. If you have a movie you’d prefer but isn’t on the list type it in the blank space on the poll. (Keep in mind that you might want to consider a movie that you can still follow even if a classmate interrupts with a quick “hello” or two.)

So come on down all you Punahou74 stars and starlets! Please let me know that you’ll be coming (it’s too late to get this on the reunion registration form) so that we’ll have plenty of popcorn for you. It’s movie time!!!!

As this is being held outside of Hawaii I will not be able to attend. But I hope that at least one classmate can represent the class at the service. If you are in the area, please do.

A message was received from Brian’s family saying that he had planned on attending our upcoming reunion to visit with all of us. Unfortunately, both they and we will have be content with our lasting memories of Brian moving forward.

For those of you who are or will be in northern California, you can join the family to celebrate Brian’s life. His services have been scheduled for Saturday, April 12 at 10 a.m. at the following location:

St. Clare’s Episcopal Church
3350 Hopyard Road
Pleasanton CA 94588-5105
(925) 462-4802

If you cannot attend Brian’s services, he will be recognized along with all other classmates–including his twin brother Bruce–who have passed away since graduation. A 40th reunion memorial service will be held just before our Class Cocktail Party on Friday, June 13. I look forward to joining you to share your memories of and prayers for Brian, and others, at that time.

Two months to go. Now it’s down to the details.

noun

March meeting minutes are posted and are available here for your reading pleasure.

We are still looking for some door prize donations. Please let me know if we can count on you for a donation. Prizes don’t have to be a weekend getaway or a diamond ring. Just something simple that will add the fun of the reunion.

To update from the minutes …  the Manoa library was secured for Movie Night. It’ll be a great low-key get together for classmates, friends, and family. Pizza, popcorn, and the moving pictures. What else do you need? Please let me know if you’ll be joining us. (This event is not listed on the registration form.)

Last week a pre-reunion facial recognition was included in the mahalo post for the Punahou74 Punahou Carnival 2014 shift. Now it’s time to see who you recognized. How well did you score?

To recap … here’s the scoring scheme:

• One point earned per classmate identified.
• Three points for indentifying both the first and last name of the mystery spouse shown in Picture H.
• Total possible points: 25

Scale interpretation:

• 20+ points: Reunion Ready! (Please, may I attend reunion with you? No. Really.)
• 13-19 points: You might want to pull out your copy of the Oahuan and take a look at it to brush up.
• 6-12 points: Consider attending reunion with a classmate who’s a social butterfly or upgrade your eyeglass prescription to “fast scope” the name tags from afar.
• 5 points and below: Are you sure you graduated or were even at Punahou with us? Heck, I even named one of the classmates shown in the “mahalo” blog to get you jumpstarted!

And, drum roll please, here are the answers:

Picture A: (L-R) Susan Seto Donlon, Fritz Rohlfing, Lynne Obatake Yorita, Haven Young Rafto

Picture B: Keith Kam, Galen Kitamura

Picture C: (L-R) Ken Sumida, Cindy Li Taga, Jeff Zane

Picture D: (L-R) Lee Ann Gullikson, Ralph Aona, Babs Miyano Young

Picture E: Wendy Wichman, Gene Lau, Nancy Dew Metcalf

Picture F: (L-R) Catherine Tompkison, Jeff Sia, David Parker

Picture G: (L-R) Suzanne Case and Coralie Chun Matayoshi

Picture H: (L-R) Craig Washofsky, Catherine Bye (mystery spouse), Pick Bye

How did you do? Are your reunion ready? We’ll see this coming June at our 40th!

With the reunion structure in place now it’s time to get the details right. Take a look at where we need help and let us know where you can fit in.

Babs shows a sample bag and how an embroidered class logo will show on it. The white bag shows a printed logo. Which do you prefer?

join

[join] Show IPA

verb (used with object)

to bring in contact, connect, or bring or put together: to join hands; to join pages with a staple.

The Punahou74 40th Reunion Committee looks for classmates to join it in bringing the upcoming reunion to fruition.

With the reunion schedule and basic events decided, it was time to flush out the details.

Now’s the time to raise your helpful hand. There is a big need for assistance with the Friday Night Cocktail Hour. Can you lend a hand?

Bruce Ashford sizes up a potential Punahou74 t-shirt.

Here are event subcommittees and the classmates who are overseeing the effort. Bold subcommittees are the ones where the greatest assistance is needed.

• Check-in table (Tom Farrell) — We hope to have at least six people for this spot so volunteers will not be tied to the table but can rotate their duties thus allowing time to enjoy the event.
• Emcee and sidekick (Paul Goto)
• Opening Prayer (Ralph Aona)
• Flowers Set-Up (Babs Miyano Young) — Need some help arranging the flowers at the party site on Thursday, June 12.
• Flower Donations (Babs Miyano Young) — Looking for flower and greenery donations. These will be needed the day before the event, Thursday, June 12. We ask that donations be dropped off at the party location site.
• Set Up and Take Down Supervision (Lynette Lo Tom)
• Door Prizes (Debbie Nogami Oyama) — Looking for door prizes to make the night more fun. Have something to advertise your business or a craft item to share? Now’s your chance to shine before your classmates!
• Directional Signage for Friday and Sunday (Bruce Ashford)
• Nametags (Scott Metcalf) — Need help with scanning, checking spelling, assembling, alphabetizing, etc.

Fred Hu looks pretty happy about this t-shirt possibility

To make things easy, please volunteer by email here (questions accepted at the same address). Your query will be forwarded to the subcommittee head.

Another highlight of the evening was merchandise evaluations. As you can imagine, the opinions were many regarding what would be sold. Hope we made some good choices for you!

The pictures here show classmates taking a look at what will soon be available for purchase. We have decided to keep the 35th reunion logo–with an updated year of course. Not only will this step enhance our branding efforts, but it will keep costs down (the embroidery plate is already made) and will make things easier for our loyal class artist, Babs.

Scott Metcalf knows a thing or two about t-shirts and thought this one was a-ok.

Another highlight was the announcement of a class service trip to Kahoolawe. This is a chance to see a rarely enjoyed island. Let us know if you will be traveling with us.

For more specifics and to review the meeting minutes click here: FebClassReunionMeeting, All available meeting minutes are archived under the 40th reunion tab (see above) for your review and consideration.

We are at three months and counting. Time to finalize your plans!

35th reunion flashback: Classmates gather to pose for a picture before entering the Alumni Luau tent on Middle Field.

The reunion activity schedule has just been posted under the 40th reunion tab. Please note that some events are still in flux … especially with regard to the fees that will be charged. You are advised to return for updates to ensure that you have the latest and greatest to guide your planning.

New to reunion this year are several hikes for those who want to get out and enjoy more of the island.

Registration emails and postcards will go out shortly. Online registration will go live on March 14. RSVP deadline is May 15. So get ready and let us know that you’re coming.

This is real now! We will be seeing you soon!

Online registration goes live on March 14. Will you be ready to register?

Unless you request paper documents, online registration will be the way to go for our 40th registration. To participate, you will need to be able to log on to the alumni site at punahou.edu.

Are you ready with your log in and password?

Better get those now. Here’s how to do it:

Did you receive your reunion postcard in the mail?

Reunion registration is now open and will stay open until May 15, 2014. We have a great schedule of events to attend and want to see you there!

Ready to register? When you get to this web page you’re at the right place. (Note: It looks like Stephen Chinn and Gail Mulholland Ringwalt beat me to the punch. They’re already registered!)

Click on the top blue box where it says “Register For Alumni Week.”

Message to the wise: Alumni Luau is always a sell out. If you want to attend it be sure to get your ticket now! Tickets for walk ups are simply not available.

Can’t get to this page? Follow the instructions here to get learn how to get your login access.

Want to register the old fashioned way? Call Punahou at 808-945-1351 or email them to request a packet via snail mail.

As they say on the postcard … See you there!

In 2002 Punahou74′s Mark Fukunaga posited that Punahou students would benefit from a course following the curriculum and teaching style of a typical MBA course. The result was a course–Business, Organizations, and Society–that’s given juniors and seniors a well rounded look at how organizations work.

A student gives a presentation to her BOS classmates.

Punahou.edu featured an article describing Mark’s class and how it impacts Punahou students. Led each fall by a cadre of four volunteer community instructors, fifteen to twenty students learn about entrepreneurship and what it takes to run a business or organization.

Former students are now out of college and making their mark on the world. How interesting to think of how this class may have planted the seed for tomorrow’s business in the minds of today’s Punahou students. Good job, Mark!

Read the Punahou.edu article here.

Word was received regarding the death of another classmate.

Brian Chinn’s senior portrait as published in the 1974 Punahou Oahuan.

Brian Chinn died yesterday. Reports are that he succumbed to a heart condition, perhaps a genetic aneurysm that also took the life of his twin brother, Bruce.

Lynette Lo, another Punahou74 classmate, was their cousin. Sincere condolences are extended to her and to the rest of Brian’s family for their loss.

Obituary and funeral information will be reported here when/if they become available.

As always, please share your memories of Brian for a memorial post for all to enjoy, remember, and wonder. To do this please comment below or let me know via email what you have to share.

Movie night … now a part of the 40th reunion schedule.

Don’t recognize it? That’s because it’s a new building! The Manoa Public Library is located at 2716 Woodlawn Drive. Parking is on the ground floor; the community room is on the second floor. An elevator is available so it will be easy for anyone to attend this event.

The suggestion was made and the committee is delivering. Here’s your opportunity to enjoy a low-key night of popcorn and pizza as we celebrate the golden age of cinema: the 1970′s! $5 gets you in on the fun. Family members and friends are also welcome. Bring your own NON-ALCOHOLIC (that’s the rule so please abide by it) beverage and any other snacks that you want.

     Manoa Public Library (2716 Woodlawn Drive, Honolulu)

Wednesday, June 11, 2014, 6:30 p.m.

We’re meeting at the new Manoa Library which has a great community room. It’s air conditioned and has plenty of space. Best yet, it’s carpeted so, while chairs will be available, the room is comfort-ready if you prefer to bring your blanket and a pillow to snuggle on the floor. There’s also parking on the street level for 45 cars … and you’ll have an easy time of it because we’ll have the library to ourselves!

What’ll be playing? Well, that’s where you come in. The idea is to focus on a movie that we might have watched while we were students in the academy. Looking back, there were some great choices during those years! Remember them? Take a look:

Please vote for up to three of your favorites so we know what to bring for the showing. If you have a movie you’d prefer but isn’t on the list type it in the blank space on the poll. (Keep in mind that you might want to consider a movie that you can still follow even if a classmate interrupts with a quick “hello” or two.)

So come on down all you Punahou74 stars and starlets! Please let me know that you’ll be coming (it’s too late to get this on the reunion registration form) so that we’ll have plenty of popcorn for you. It’s movie time!!!!

As this is being held outside of Hawaii I will not be able to attend. But I hope that at least one classmate can represent the class at the service. If you are in the area, please do.

A message was received from Brian’s family saying that he had planned on attending our upcoming reunion to visit with all of us. Unfortunately, both they and we will have be content with our lasting memories of Brian moving forward.

For those of you who are or will be in northern California, you can join the family to celebrate Brian’s life. His services have been scheduled for Saturday, April 12 at 10 a.m. at the following location:

St. Clare’s Episcopal Church
3350 Hopyard Road
Pleasanton CA 94588-5105
(925) 462-4802

If you cannot attend Brian’s services, he will be recognized along with all other classmates–including his twin brother Bruce–who have passed away since graduation. A 40th reunion memorial service will be held just before our Class Cocktail Party on Friday, June 13. I look forward to joining you to share your memories of and prayers for Brian, and others, at that time.

Two months to go. Now it’s down to the details.

noun

March meeting minutes are posted and are available here for your reading pleasure.

We are still looking for some door prize donations. Please let me know if we can count on you for a donation. Prizes don’t have to be a weekend getaway or a diamond ring. Just something simple that will add the fun of the reunion.

To update from the minutes …  the Manoa library was secured for Movie Night. It’ll be a great low-key get together for classmates, friends, and family. Pizza, popcorn, and the moving pictures. What else do you need? Please let me know if you’ll be joining us. (This event is not listed on the registration form.)

(Sorry! Forgot to put this post up earlier. Hope you still enjoy the story.)

It takes a lot of grit and determination to make it through a malasada shift. Oh, the hot oil, the smell, the hours afoot. All for the love of Punahou, malasadas, and classmates (not necessarily in that order, of course) but someone’s got to do it! Why not prepare for such  an effort than by fortifying oneself with the strength that is to be found through the companionship of one’s oldest and dearest friends.

Such was the case when a last minute invitation appeared online. Catherine Tomkison, David Parker, and Landis Lum were asking classmates to a Pre-Carnival Pot Luck Get Together at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. Catherine and David were in town from northern California and wanted to see if classmates could gather, enjoy some good food and times together. What a great idea!

Many who attended were already signed up for the Ewa Malasada shift so it was a great time to gather the team and start the hard work of strategizing for the following day. But first, a small detour to enjoy wonderful 25-year old wines from David-the-oenophile’s hand selected wines. Not to be outdone, Catherine had some French champagne for all to enjoy! Such is the benefit of age, I guess. No longer are we relegated to the world of Budweiser and screw cap wines.

Yours truly is anything but a drinker yet enjoyed a sip or two of the fine beverages and also enjoyed David’s explanation regarding why they were fine. And, of course, the drinks wonderfully complemented the expansive local food spread that was laid before us.

Enjoying the fun were (L-R) Catherine Tompkison, Babs Miyano Young, Tom Farrell, David Parker, Lynne Gartley Meyer, Mike Mikasa, Lisa Yamaguchi Bowden, Landis Lum, Bruce Ashford, Mike Yee, and Ken Matsui.

Tom Farrell then made an announcement that he “was not pregnant” (had the wine hit already?) but then segued on to the more serious issue of gathering pledges for our reunion gift. It seems that 15% have responded, thus nearly doubling our class’s endowed scholarship funding, but we have still not yet our goal. Remember. 40% for our 40th and that there is a challenge grant for those of you (unfortunately quite a few :( ) who have never taken the To-Punahou check writing plunge. (Learn more about reunion giving by clicking here.) Responding to Tom’s appeal yours truly dutifully filled out her pledge form and wrote out her checks for the reunion gift. Others also pledged. Pau! On to the party!

Picture taking commemorated the gathering and conversation continued until, it being a work night, individuals began leaving for home. I am happy to say that I had many offers for a lift home that were much appreciated and indicative of the aloha that permeated the evening. Landis ended up driving both Babs and myself up the long winding road up Pacific Heights although he, a resident of St. Louis Heights, was taken out of his way.

Will this become a repeat event next year? The hope is “yes.” It’s a great way to spend some time with little-seen mainland-located classmates and to reconnect in an intimate setting. Of course, there will be more time for that soon. Hope to see many of you for the big 40th reunion this June!

Thank you to the Punahou74 classmates who represented us at Brian’s service. From what they related, it was a heartfelt occasion.

Brian Chinn as pictured in the Pleasanton Weekly (4/9/2014)

Brian Donald Chinn, 57, of Pleasanton, Calif., an information technology manager, died in Palo Alto, Calif. He was born in Honolulu. He is survived by wife Eleanor; sons Michael, Jared and Griffin; mother Esther L.; brothers R. Alan and J. Douglas; and sister Diane J. Services to be held in Pleasanton. No flowers. (Honolulu Star-Advertiser, April 10, 2014)

When you have someone who dies at a relatively young age after coaching hundreds of youth and umpiring others through game after game it is not surprising that their funeral is well attended. Such was the case with Brian Chinn and his April 12 funeral.

As quoted in the Pleasanton Weekly, a fellow coach said that Brian was “one of those rare individuals that gave of his time, all the time to help the kids of Pleasanton have a coach and learn about sportsmanship and sports.”

The report also noted that he would have carnations ready for all he coached to give to their mothers on Mother’s Day. Shows you the thoughtful kind of guy he was.

Roy Alan Chinn sent along this note about his brother(s):

After graduating from Punahou in 1974 Bruce and Brian attended Cal State University at Hayward where they played on the baseball team for two years. They then transferred to the University of California at Berkeley and both graduated with degrees in computer science. Brian lived in Oakland, Montclair, and in Pleasanton. He was very active with youth baseball leagues. He worked for Clorox, Wind River, California Dental Service, and other companies in information technology. He was married and has three sons. He enjoyed tennis, skiing, cycling, and camping with his family, relatives, and friends.

Two classmates forwarded reports regarding the service. Rather than rewrite or summarize what they said, I thought it best that you hear directly from them.

From Maile Mobberly Williams:

I went to the funeral with my brother, Steve, class of ’75.

It was a beautiful service. It was obvious that Brian gave SO much to his community and he is dearly loved by his family and friends. His passion for baseball stayed with him from Punahou all of the way through his life. He was umpiring a little league game the afternoon before he died.

He has three incredible sons who all spoke at the funeral which is an amazing accomplishment. Two nieces (Bruce’s daughter, Amy, and Blair Chinn) also spoke. Vernon Yee was a pallbearer and also spoke at the funeral. Yuri Wellington drove up from southern California to attend the service.

My brother and I were so glad we were able to see Mrs. Chinn, family members, and Punahou classmates. We left the service feeling so very appreciative that we knew Brian. What an amazing person he was!

At the service were (L-R) Steve Mobberly ’75, and the following Punahou74 representatives: Maile Mobberly, Yuri Wellington, and Vernon Yee. Mahalo to Vernon for sharing this picture.

From Yuriko Wellington:

This morning’s service was standing room only. I got there just at 10:00 and couldn’t even get into the church! There were several dozen of us standing outside: a testament to how much Brian was loved and respected! Our class was well represented: Vernon Yee was one of the speakers and Maile Mobberly was there with her brother Steve. Afterwards we all got a chance to catch up a bit and reminisce. Vernon had some photos take of us. He mentioned that Brian had planned to attend the reunion in June and had already bought his tickets.

A life well lived. RIP Brian Chinn.

Time is getting short to make your reunion plans. Get online to sign up now!

Letters were again signed by committee members. These were sent to class members who have not yet responded to the class reunion gift appeal. Have you contributed?

The April meeting is pau (click here to view the April minutes). One more committee meeting to go before our 40th Reunion!

LOOK WHO’S COMING TO OUR 40TH REUNION!

Leslie Ching Allen, Jon Andersen, Bruce Ashford, Mary Madinger Balding, Richard Botkin, Gregory Boxold, Bryann Bromley, Edie Brown-Vieyra, Barclay Bullock, Michael Bush, Alvin Cabrinha, Renee Ahuna Cabrinha, Monica Del Piano Campanis, Pauline Chang Chin, Meredith Chuck Ching, Stephen Chinn, Shannon Crowell DeMaster, Susan Seto Donlon, Virginia Dennis Ewing, Barbara Carter Farrell, Tom Farrell, Lori Ranada Foley, Laurie Foster, Ross Fujimoto, Paul Goto, Cliff Halevi, Jud Haskins, Jay Higgins, Michael Hopfe, Linda deSilva Howe, David Howell, Doug Knowlton, Patty Ross Knowlton, Leighton Lam, Rosanne Mandel Levine, Jean Jacobi Longstreth, Warren Loui, Harvey Lung, Mary Jane Markoskie, Nancy Dew Metcalf, Scott Metcalf, Lynne Gartley Meyer, Babs Miyano-Young, Gaye Miyasaki, Mealani Dowsett Morgan, John Morgan, Derek Nakakura, Sheree Lum Orsi, Debbie Nogami Oyama, David Parker, Linda Peacock, Anne Hogan Perry, William Price, Deborah Rosen Ramo, Faith Sereno Rex, Gail Mulholland Ringwalt, Debbie Witthans Sawyer, Eva Segovia, Jimmy Simpson, Lynette Lo Tom, Linda Torres, Randy Tucker, Penny Van Neil, Yuriko Wellington, Connie Williams, Maile Mobberly Williams, Mike Woodward, Ann Yoshida (Note: Names registered as of April 28.)

Time is growing short before we celebrate our 40th Reunion starting June 11. If your name is not on the above list, register by clicking here. Don’t wait too long to click on that link though:

• Reunion registration deadline is May 15.
• Punahou74 reunion logo item ordering deadline is May 1.

MOVIE NIGHT ADDED TO REUNION SCHEDULE

Since the schedule was posted, a Movie Night (6:30 p.m. June 11 at the Manoa Public Library) has been added to the list of Punahou74 reunion events. We can’t add Movie Night to the registration form so it’s a “just come” event.

As we write MASH and American Graffiti are tied in the online movie preference poll so vote to be sure that your opinion is heard.

MORE HIKES?

Looks like there are quite a few of you with the urge to commune with the natural side of Hawaii. Because of the response, Bruce Ashford has kindly offered to put together additional hikes depending upon interest. Possibilities include Kuliouou Ridge and Tantalus. Please email Bruce ASAP if you are interested.

CLASS GIFT UPDATE

A big “MAHALO” to those who have (as of 04/21/2014) have generously donated to our reunion class gift.

Leslie Ching Allen, Bruce W. Ashford, Mary Madinger Balding, Richard S. Botkin, Sharon Loomis Botkin, Lisa Yamaguchi Bowden, Gregory M. Boxold, Bryann S. Bromley, Shannon M. Brownlee, Pauline Chang Chin, Meredith J. Chuck Ching, Stephen K. Chinn, Bruce D. Cornuelle, Mazeppa M. Costa, Randi Pittman Creamer, Tucker Anne Dacey, Brenda M. J. Dang, Cynthia Proskefalas Dell, Susan Seto Donlon, Virginia V. Ewing, Barbara Carter Farrell, Thomas D. Farrell, Teresa Chun Flory, Robyn S. J. Fong, Ross M. Fujimoto, Paul R. Goto, Michael J. Green, Heidi Hemmings Hall, Ann Harakawa, Arden Stewart Harrington, Sheilah K. Higa, James Higgins Jr., Sharon Himeno, Wendell E. Ho, Michael R. Hopfe, Linda de Silva Howe, David W. Howell, Frederic M. C. Hu, David L. Jones, Keith Kam, Lynette Lo Kanda, William M. Kawashima, Leighton S. Lam, Craig K. W. Leong, Rosanne Mandel Levine, Jean Jacobi Longstreth, Charles W. Loomis, Warren R. Loui, Dr. Landis W. L. Lum, Harvey J. Lung, Duane M. Maeda, Mary Jane Markoskie, Coralie Chun Matayoshi, Nancy Dew Metcalf, Scott P. Metcalf, Lynne Gartley Meyer, Mike Mikasa, Thora Tokioka Miller, James W. Mills, Gaye M. Miyasaki,  Marie M. Mookini, John M. Morgan, Derek Y. Nakakura, Cynthia S. Nakamura, Earl K. Nakaya, Deborah Nogami Oyama, David D. Parker, William S. Price III, Haven Young Rafto, Faith Sereno Rex, Gail Mulholland Ringwalt, Gail A. Ritch, Ian L. Sandison, Eva M. Segovia, Kenneth N. M. Sumida, E. Hyde Sumner, Cindy Li Taga, Taren S. Taguchi, Liane Nip Teramoto, Catherine M. Tompkison, Linda Sutton Torres, Lynne N. Tsuda,  Randall J. Tucker, Mrs. Maile Mobberley Williams, Wendell J. C. Wo, Marcia B. Wright, Mark Y. Yamane, Lynne Obatake Yorita, Ann M. Yoshida, Anonymous (2)

– List updated as of 04/21/2014. If you have already given your gift and your name does not appear above Punahou apologizes for the delay in processing. But Punahou74 can update the list on the blog post as time goes on. If you can make the effort we can too!

Keith Kam encourages all classmates to contribute towards the class gift.

The count is at 90 which means that we need almost the same number to reach our 40% participation goal. There is no minimum gift to get your name added to the list. Remember …

As desired, five-year pledges can be made and will dramatically increase your and our class giving total. Please consider pledging this way … especially if you are a regular giver who is going to be writing a check anyway. That’s easy money for our class reunion total!!

Also, if you are new to Punahou giving please take the pledge this year. All newbie pledges will be matched three-to-one because of the generosity of one of our own Punahou74 classmates. There’s never been a better time than the present to make your reunion pledge!

DONATIONS REQUESTED

Door prize donations are brazenly solicited! We’re not asking for amazing vacations to Alaska or dinners at Ruth’s Chris … just small prizes that can be given out throughout the weekend to make the event a bit more fun. If there’s anything that you can provide please let us know. We really need your help here!

And for those of you with a green thumb (or family/friends with a green thumb) … We need flowers for the Friday cocktail event. Email Babs Miyano Young if you can help with flowers.

THAT’S IT

To paraphrase George C. Scott, acting as Patton, “you know what to do” now so get going! We’re looking forward to counting you in as part of the best 40th reunion the Punahou School Class of 1974 will ever celebrate.

My son was (not too happily) working as a teller with a local bank when he went to his 5th reunion last year. He left it with a lead and a strong recommendation from a classmate for a new position. Two months later he ended up getting the job and, much to his mother’s relief, is now more gainfully–and happily–employed. Such is the power of reunion connections!

An auspicious beginning. Tom and Leslieas part of the team at the September kick-off meeting of the reunion committee.

You know the standard line about reunions: “Come back to reconnect … to reconnect … to reconnect.” After all, it’s not what you know but who you know. And, as with my son, knowing the right person can make a big difference.

Take the case of Leslie Ching Allen. As described in an earlier post, Leslie moved to Seattle as a University of Washington undergraduate and law school student and stayed in there to pursue her law practice. But a 2000 divorce, the attaining of majority by her children, and an aging mother eventually caused her to look homeward. A Honolulu job offer made the move possible and Leslie was on a one-way ticket to Hawaii in August 2012.

But the Hawaii job was not smooth sailing and Leslie left it just months later. Time to retrench. She downsized her apartment and belongings but upsized her outside life. Besides the inevitable job hunt, there was more time for soccer, hand stitching, and sighting the islands on foot while she hiked the mountain ridges.

On one of these quests Leslie joined the planning committee for the Punahou74 40th reunion in September.

Leslie and Tom are all smiles following one of their 40th reunion duties.

It was there that she reconnected with Tom Farrell. As described in an earlier post, Tom runs his own law firm: Farrell & Associates. His practice focuses on family law which includes divorce, paternity, custody, child support, and restraining orders.

So what does this have to do with Leslie who practiced as a commercial litigator and disciplinary counsel?

While serving on the committee both Leslie and Tom teamed up to lead our class reunion gift effort. In the course of this service they came to learn about each other and Tom found someone he liked. The offer was made and Leslie soon became a new associate in his firm. Leslie started working with Tom in November.

When asked about the partnership Tom had nothing but praise for what Leslie brings to the firm. Calling her a quick study in family law, he was effusive in his praise for the feminine influence that she brings to the male attorney cadre in his office. With none of them having gone through a divorce, Leslie’s experience is a plus which allows her to empathize and gently guide clients through the trying litigation process … all while keeping them aware of the needs of the children.

I could say more but refer you to the “About Us” page on the Farrell & Associates website. It has a great write up about each classmate that you’ll be sure to enjoy.

Goes to show you, reunion re-connections can make a difference. Hope to see you making yours in June at Punahou74 +40!

If you wanted to sign up for the Makapuu hike for reunion you’re out of luck. All openings are now sold out. But not to worry … Bruce Ashford has allowed to lead additional hikes for those who are still looking to enjoy the natural side of Hawaii.

A view from the top while on the Kuliouou Trail.

Mahalo to Bruce for this blog post.

Kuliouou Ridge – Thursday, June 10, 2014

This hike is strenuous and goes to the top of the Koolaus. Don’t try this if you’re not in quite good condition for our age. The elevation gain is 2,000 feet and the last 700 feet are a full-on cardio workout. But it’s worth it. The views are great along the way and the trail is well maintained. It’s sunny though so bring your sun screen!

Click here for more information regarding the trail.

Length: 5.5 miles round trip

Time: 2-3 hours up and fewer than 1.5 going down

Where to meet: The cul de sac at the end of Kalaau Pl. in Kuliouou Valley. You can park on the road. Remember to respect the neighborhood.

Tantalus/Kalawahine/Pauoa Flats/Manoa Cliff Trails – Friday, June 11, 2014

Bruce with a friend on the Tantalus trail.

The elevation gain is about 700 feet of gentle slope. But this is not a hike for those who are afraid of heights. There are steep drop offs along the sides of the trail. But the path is wide and well maintained. It’s Tantalus so expect muddy conditions but it might be dry in June. It’s a great shady forest walk with excellent views of both Manoa and Nuuanu valleys. The hike is easy on hills but kind of long. Mosquito repellant recommended.

Click on the individual trail name for more information: Tantalus, Kalawahine, Pauoa Flats, Manoa Cliff.

Length: 4.5 to 5 miles.

Time: 2.5 to 3.5 hours including dawdling time

Where to meet: At the Makiki Pumping Station on Makiki Heights Drive.

Lulumahu Falls – Monday, June 16, 2014

Lulumahu Falls make this a destination hike.

These falls are stupendous and always running on groundwater from a mountain crack. It may be muddy, it’s Nuuanu valley after all. We walk through a bamboo forest to a road, past the reservoir, then up the valley by the stream to the falls. There are a few places where you cross the river or climb upwards of six feet. You will need both hands there, plus nimbleness, but no worries.

For the more adventurous of you we can also go to the King Kamehameha III palace ruins, Kaniakapupu, just down the road off Old Pali Road. That’s another 1.5 miles and takes another hour.

Click here for more information regarding the trail.

Length: 3 miles

Time: 2-2.5 hours

Where to meet: The mauka end of Old Pali Road where the Pali flattens out.

Checklist for all hikes:

• Be ready to head out at 9:30 a.m.
• Bring water. Two bottles recommended for Kuliouou.
• Bring mosquito repellent for the Tantalus and Lulumahu hikes.
• Snacks are recommended.
• Sneakers are okay but hiking shoes are even better.
• Bring rain gear for possible rainy conditions but hope for sun.
• Please let me know that you’ll be coming before the hike so I can get a head count.

Soon you’ll be missing out on the big stuff so don’t procrastinate!

Only Five Days Left to Register
for the Punahou74 Reunion!

Time to get going. This is how to get your ticket to ride with us in June …

• Register online at www.punahou.edu/reunion
• Email: Complete forms with payment, scan and email to reunion@punahou.edu
• Fax: Complete forms with payment and fax to 808.955.5361
• Mail: Complete forms with payment and return to
  Office of Alumni Relations, Punahou School
  1601 Punahou Street, Honolulu, HI 96822

DEADLINE TO REGISTER IS MAY 15, 2014.

NO REFUNDS AFTER MAY 22, 2014.

Here’s who is registered as of May 10. 108 of Punahou School’s greatest graduates!

Don’t see your friend’s name on the list? Now that’s a problem. Don’t see your name on the list? Now that’s a catastrophe!

Get going and sign up now!

Anne Akana, Leslie Ching Allen, Jon Andersen, Bruce Ashford, Mary Madinger Balding, Eleanor Bell, Douglas Bolduc, Benjamin Bond, Sharon Loomis Botkin, Richard Botkin, Lisa Yamaguchi Bowden, Greg Boxold, Bryann Bromley, Edie Brown Vieyra, Barclay Bullock, Mike Bush, Alvin Cabriha, Renee Ahuna Cabrinha, Monica Del Piano Campanis, Suzanne Case, Pauline Chang Chin, Meredith Chuck Ching, Stephen Chinn, John Corbelli, Rosemarie Wong Crisologo, Sharon Crowell De Master, Cynthia Proskefalas Dell, Susan Seto Donlon, Virginia Dennis Ewing, Barbara Carter Farrell, Tom Farrell, Lori Ranada Foley, Laurie Foster, Ross Fujimoto, Paul Goto, Michael Green, Cliff Halevi, Jud Haskins, Regina Yarchever Heit, Jay Higgins, Mike Hopfe, Linda De Silva Howe, David Howell, Fred Hu, Fay Imamura, David Jones, Susan Yee Jong, Cathy Kam Ho, Lynette Lo Kanda, Doug Knowlton, Patty Ross Knowlton, Tony Kolonie, Alton Komori, Leighton Lam, Gene Lau, Anabelle Lee, Rosanne Mandel Levine, Jean Jacobi Longstreth, Charlie Loomis, Warren Loui, Harvey Lung, Leslie Slaughter Magno, Mary Jane Markoskie, Ann Martin, Bill McKillop, James Mee, Scott Metcalf, Nancy Dew Metcalf, Mele Meyer, Lynne Gartley Meyer, Mike Mikasa, Babs Miyano Young, Gaye Miyasaki, Richard Moore, Mealani Dowsett Morgan, John Morgan, Derek Nakakura, Sheree Lum Orsi, Debbie Nogami Oyama, Debra Chun Pang, David Parker, Linda Peacock, Anne Hogan Perry, Bill Price, Haven Young Rafto, Debbie Rosen Ramo, Fred Randolph, Faith Sereno Rex, Gail Mulholland Ringwalt, Ian Sandison, Debbie Witthans Sawyer, Eva Segovia, Jeff Sia, Jimmy Simpson, Heidi Smyser, Lynn Reisert Sultemeier, Taren Taguchi, Catherine Tompkison, Linda Torres, Randy Tucker, Penny Van Niel, Neal Higgins Walters, Yuriko Wellington, Maile Mobberly Williams, Connie Williams, Mike Woodward, Mike Yokoyama, Ann Yoshida

Look here for what happened during our 35th reunion. Even better things are planned for our 40th!

Mahalo if you have already registered and we’ll see you in June.