40th Reunion-2010
October 21 thru 23, 2010
Las Vegas, Nevada
So many friends ~ So much time to catch up on ~ So little time to do it ~ So Blessed to have had the time that we did have together again ~ So committed to staying connected!
And here we are 40 Years Later......
Anticipation, Apprehension, Excitement, Exhilaration, Appreciation, Sadness, Joy, Gratitude, LOVE! These are just a few of the feelings expressed during this 40-year reunion journey as everyone enjoyed the wonderful three days of events that were planned. The memories will always be on our minds and in our hearts forever! Thank you to everyone for making this a very special, wonderful, and memorable reunion.
Many great friendships have been renewed and new friendships and relationship gained. Your response by coming and enjoying the events and sharing your enjoyment in such caring and loving ways showed us how "Special" our class really is! It is amazing that after all the years and the journeys and trials we have been through, there is still that bond from our common background living in Hawaii and walking the road through the years at Radford High School together.“God was sure at work in this Reunion”.
May our Almighty Father in Heaven continue to walk with you and keep you in the best of health in every area of your lives, and May He Bless and Keep You Safe, Until We Meet Again.
Row 1: Dina (Cambe) Smith, Tracey Willis, Kathy (Talbott) Smith, Carmella (Tamayo) Durbin, Marie (Perez) Wilson, Darnell (Chung) Cole, Evangiline (Callejo) Stockbridge, Tanya (Villanueva) Dudoit, Christine (Zier) Donnelly, Doreen (Maligro) Kalaau, Keith Reyes, Ailsa (ader) Machado
Row 2: Lani (Jaictin) Joseph, Patsy (Ingle) Joiner, Ludivina de Castro, Cathy (Gutierrez) Wilmer, Christine Jones, Donna (Hedges) Albright, Peggy Hopkins, Diane (Lavoie) Espinosa, Jan (Stockton) Miller, Brian Hinde, Valerie (Craigwell) White, Chris (Clothier) Ehlers, Gwen Medeiros
Row 3: Vicky (Rosenbohm) Mottern, Elizabeth (Hanakahi) Wallace, Debbie (Hadley) Evans, Mark Barnett, MeeMee Davenport, Mitch Allen, Joseph Wildman, PaulaKay (Roberts) Lindauer
Row 4: Leroy Simms, Rebecca (Douglas) Robbins, Gary Rohmann, Gary Lechner, Bruce Wolbrette, Frank Wheat, Jneva (Andrews) Nakama, Jan (Becker) Stuth, DeeDee (Davenport) Tillery
Row 5: Ken Esperas, Randy Hurd, David Easson, Matt Kinimaka, David Kinimaka, Mark Borreliz, Davelyn (Abille) Gerhart, Rochelle (Oyamot) Yorong
Top Row: Gary Jewell, Dan Faulise, Wayne Braden
Row 2: Lani (Jaictin) Joseph, Patsy (Ingle) Joiner, Ludivina de Castro, Cathy (Gutierrez) Wilmer, Christine Jones, Donna (Hedges) Albright, Peggy Hopkins, Diane (Lavoie) Espinosa, Jan (Stockton) Miller, Brian Hinde, Valerie (Craigwell) White, Chris (Clothier) Ehlers, Gwen Medeiros
Row 3: Vicky (Rosenbohm) Mottern, Elizabeth (Hanakahi) Wallace, Debbie (Hadley) Evans, Mark Barnett, MeeMee Davenport, Mitch Allen, Joseph Wildman, PaulaKay (Roberts) Lindauer
Row 4: Leroy Simms, Rebecca (Douglas) Robbins, Gary Rohmann, Gary Lechner, Bruce Wolbrette, Frank Wheat, Jneva (Andrews) Nakama, Jan (Becker) Stuth, DeeDee (Davenport) Tillery
Row 5: Ken Esperas, Randy Hurd, David Easson, Matt Kinimaka, David Kinimaka, Mark Borreliz, Davelyn (Abille) Gerhart, Rochelle (Oyamot) Yorong
Top Row: Gary Jewell, Dan Faulise, Wayne Braden
*Missing in group photo: Runi Tafeaga
Hot Lava Production
Mark Borreliz, Class President & Runi Tafeaga, Class Vice-President (Mark's very first reunion attended)
Leroy Simms on having some fun on stage at our dinner banquet
And then there was our Aloha Night Karaoke....
Detail of Events
Thursday, October 21, 2010 - 9:00 a.m.
Golf
Where: Black Mountain Golf & Country Club
500 Greenway Road
Henderson, NV 89015
Cost: $50.00 per person
Golf Clubs Rental: $45 - Callaway (Set) / $30 - Callaway Copy (Set)
(Under your RSVP, please indicate if you will be renting or bringing your own set of clubs. If you are renting, indicate which set.)
Transportation: We would really appreciate whoever is driving to KOKUA in giving a ride to those that will need a ride to the golf course. If you need a ride, please contact Dina at 808-542-2270
Coordinator: Frank Wheat
500 Greenway Road
Henderson, NV 89015
Cost: $50.00 per person
Golf Clubs Rental: $45 - Callaway (Set) / $30 - Callaway Copy (Set)
(Under your RSVP, please indicate if you will be renting or bringing your own set of clubs. If you are renting, indicate which set.)
Transportation: We would really appreciate whoever is driving to KOKUA in giving a ride to those that will need a ride to the golf course. If you need a ride, please contact Dina at 808-542-2270
Coordinator: Frank Wheat
Our poll indicated 16 individuals interested in the golf day. If you haven't submitted your RSVP, please do so.
Thursday, October 21, 2010 - 6:00 p.m. till 10:00 p.m.
Let's Meet Up
Let's Meet Up
Where: Encore Resort & Casino
Eastside Lounge
3121 Las Vegas Blvd. South
Las Vegas, NV 89109
Bar: No-Host
Let's meet up for cocktails the night before the Reunion Banquet to just 'chit-chat' and do some catching up! This is a 'Dutch" event.
Eastside Lounge
3121 Las Vegas Blvd. South
Las Vegas, NV 89109
Bar: No-Host
Let's meet up for cocktails the night before the Reunion Banquet to just 'chit-chat' and do some catching up! This is a 'Dutch" event.
Friday, October 22, 2010 - 6:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m.
Banquet
Banquet
Where: California Casino & Hotel
Ohana Banquet Room (On the Mezzanine Floor)
12 East Ogden Avenue
Las Vegas, NV 89101
Cost: $75.00 per person - Class of 1970
$65.00 per person - Guest
Bar: No-Host (Cash Bar)
Dress Attire: Casual (No Shorts, Tank Tops & Slippers Please!)
Includes: A Scrumptious Buffet Dinner, Polynesian Entertainment provided by Hot Lava Production (Runi Tafeaga), DJ & Dancing, Great Door Prizes (everyone is a winner)...and a Gift Bag for each Class of 1970 Attendee!
Ohana Banquet Room (On the Mezzanine Floor)
12 East Ogden Avenue
Las Vegas, NV 89101
Cost: $75.00 per person - Class of 1970
$65.00 per person - Guest
Bar: No-Host (Cash Bar)
Dress Attire: Casual (No Shorts, Tank Tops & Slippers Please!)
Includes: A Scrumptious Buffet Dinner, Polynesian Entertainment provided by Hot Lava Production (Runi Tafeaga), DJ & Dancing, Great Door Prizes (everyone is a winner)...and a Gift Bag for each Class of 1970 Attendee!
Saturday, October 23, 2010 - 12:00 p.m. till 2:00 p.m.
Bowling
Bowling
Where: Gold Coast Casino & Hotel Bowling Center
4000 West Flamingo Road
Las Vegas, NV 89103
Cost: $15.00 per person (includes shoes - up to size 18 )
Includes: 2 hours of fun bowling, pepperoni or cheese pizza, and 20 oz. bottle of soda per person
Transportation: There has been a change in the transportation as there is no longer a complimentary shuttle. If you are renting a car, you may drive to the bowling center or elect to catch a taxi or take the city bus. Those catching the city bus can meet in the California Hotel Lobby at 9:45 a.m. and walk to the bus depot located on Fremont & Las Vegas Blvd. to get on the 10:00 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. bus. It is recommended that you purchase the Day Pass ($7 - $10) for the round trip (city bus runs every 10 minutes).
Even if you don’t plan on bowling, we would like everyone to come out and cheer on the bowlers while enjoying your favorite refreshments at the Bar & Lounge Area
4000 West Flamingo Road
Las Vegas, NV 89103
Cost: $15.00 per person (includes shoes - up to size 18 )
Includes: 2 hours of fun bowling, pepperoni or cheese pizza, and 20 oz. bottle of soda per person
Transportation: There has been a change in the transportation as there is no longer a complimentary shuttle. If you are renting a car, you may drive to the bowling center or elect to catch a taxi or take the city bus. Those catching the city bus can meet in the California Hotel Lobby at 9:45 a.m. and walk to the bus depot located on Fremont & Las Vegas Blvd. to get on the 10:00 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. bus. It is recommended that you purchase the Day Pass ($7 - $10) for the round trip (city bus runs every 10 minutes).
Even if you don’t plan on bowling, we would like everyone to come out and cheer on the bowlers while enjoying your favorite refreshments at the Bar & Lounge Area
Saturday, October 23, 2010 - 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Aloha Night - Karaoke
Where: Aloha Bar & Karaoke
2605 S. Decatur Blvd. Ste. 110
Las Vegas, NV 89102
Cost: $20.00 per person
Includes: ONO Grinds (favorites from Hawaii) Lumpia, Chicken Wings, BBQ Chicken, Kalbi, Tempura & Fried Shrimp, Fried Saimin, and Rice. DJ, FREE KARAOKE ALL NIGHT and a karaoke contest where the winners will receive a prize. Not to mention, Class of 1970's finest karaoke singers to entertain you all night long! Judges to be announced at a later date.
Bar: No-Host
2605 S. Decatur Blvd. Ste. 110
Las Vegas, NV 89102
Cost: $20.00 per person
Includes: ONO Grinds (favorites from Hawaii) Lumpia, Chicken Wings, BBQ Chicken, Kalbi, Tempura & Fried Shrimp, Fried Saimin, and Rice. DJ, FREE KARAOKE ALL NIGHT and a karaoke contest where the winners will receive a prize. Not to mention, Class of 1970's finest karaoke singers to entertain you all night long! Judges to be announced at a later date.
Bar: No-Host
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2010
Golf Outing - Day
Although golf was not the main event on the itinerary, about ten friends and classmates collaborated and enjoyed a round of golf at Black Mountain Golf & Country Club in Henderson, NV. As the weather news predicted thunderstorms to continue throughout the night, tension began to dwell within me, as I thought, “Oh No, this can’t be happening! What a bummer if golf have to be cancelled". However, 'Mother Nature' was on our side, the weather cooperated, and it turned out to be a nice day for golf. Everyone had a blast and an awesome time! And don't forget the 19th puka...where a few managed to enjoy some cocktails afterward, which almost made them late to our Let's Meet Up night that evening! Thank You Frank Wheat for taking over and finalizing the arrangements!
Let's Meet Up - Evening
Our Let's Meet up Night took place at the beautiful Encore Resort & Casino's Eastside Lounge. It was a sight and a night to remember. One by one, classmates began to arrive and as they entered the room, it was so emotional, yet gratifying to see everyone embracing, their smiles, and even tears. The room filled to full capacity and all you could hear was chatter and laughter throughout. One would have never believed that it was 40 years ago that we were all walking down the halls of our Alma Mater, Radford High School.
Although golf was not the main event on the itinerary, about ten friends and classmates collaborated and enjoyed a round of golf at Black Mountain Golf & Country Club in Henderson, NV. As the weather news predicted thunderstorms to continue throughout the night, tension began to dwell within me, as I thought, “Oh No, this can’t be happening! What a bummer if golf have to be cancelled". However, 'Mother Nature' was on our side, the weather cooperated, and it turned out to be a nice day for golf. Everyone had a blast and an awesome time! And don't forget the 19th puka...where a few managed to enjoy some cocktails afterward, which almost made them late to our Let's Meet Up night that evening! Thank You Frank Wheat for taking over and finalizing the arrangements!
Let's Meet Up - Evening
Our Let's Meet up Night took place at the beautiful Encore Resort & Casino's Eastside Lounge. It was a sight and a night to remember. One by one, classmates began to arrive and as they entered the room, it was so emotional, yet gratifying to see everyone embracing, their smiles, and even tears. The room filled to full capacity and all you could hear was chatter and laughter throughout. One would have never believed that it was 40 years ago that we were all walking down the halls of our Alma Mater, Radford High School.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2010
Our Banquet
Then, it was banquet night at the Ohana Room of the California Casino & Hotel.
The decor was kept simple, with black & white place settings, black, white, & red balloons, and a banner that read "Aloha, Class of 1970". On three easels, hung collages made by Lani Joseph (Jaictin). The one that was most special was the "In Loving Memory" collage of our classmates, friends, teachers, coaches, and mentors who are no longer here with us.
As everyone checked in, each was greeted and adorned with a beautiful orchid lei, and to each Class of 1970 alumni, a small gift. Once again, there were hugs, kisses, smiles and yes....tears. Chatter and laughter filled the room. Then I was given the queue, as it was time for me to stand at the podium to welcome everyone. What I wanted at that very moment was a STIFF SHOT to calm my nerves as I began to shake as if I was in minus degree weather and my knees began to weaken... especially when the applause and cheers began. Wow! What a gift that almost GOT to me however, as much as I could, I fought back the tears, until now, where no one can see me...LOL! You just don't know how wonderful the feeling was and still is, but I must say we did it "TOGETHER", from Lani Joseph (Jaictin) who worked so hard organizing and coordinating the details with the hotel Management and to each and everyone present in that room, you are the ones that should be applauded. If not for your presence, our reunion would not have been a success! Nevertheless, I do thank each of you, as the gift of love & appreciation showed, confirmed that you were all so happy to be there. Seeing and knowing that means much more than any prize or monetary gift could ever mean & therefore, we thank you for that.
There were flashes and video recording throughout the entire night as we were treated with the most wonderful gift presented to us by our very own Runi Tafeaga, his superb Polynesian Review Show by Hot Lava Production.
Door prizes, door prizes, and more door prizes! No one left without a prize in hand. Congratulations to our Grand Winner, Janet Stockton-Miller, who walked away with a 2-Night in Ocean View Accommodation at the Grand Wailea Resort & Spa on the island of Maui, Hawaii and DeeDee Tillery (Davenport) who received the Glenwood Springs Colorado Vacation Package donated by Chris Ehlers (Clothier). Our congratulations also, to the many winners of prizes such as the 4-night California Hotel Hawaiian Package for Two, a Fila Visor autographed by Female Tennis Star Kim Clijsters, a Sunday Buffet Brunch for Two at the Halekulani Hotel on the Beach at Waikiki, and so much more!
Mahalo to the Management & Staff of California Hotel & Casino, DJ Al Oliva who entertained us with the music throughout the evening, and Photographer Warren Wong and staff for the beautiful group pictures and for capturing pictures throughout the evening.
The wonderful food, entertainment, music, and prizes...now what more could we have asked for? Of course! We could not end the night without our Class President, Mark Borreliz who was present at his very first reunion after 40 years to give us a speech as he always did in high school! We would not let him get away with this one, and being the person that he is, he graciously stood up at the podium and spoke. As if we were all still in high school, we all sat and listened to his very enlightening message on "How Do You Measure 40 Years?"
The evening ended with the entire room singing our Alma Mater, Ahhh, and yes, the ending words so fitting, "With Pride and Loyalty". Whatever time remaining, everyone was ready with their dancing shoes. The DANCE FLOOR ACTION, none better than RHS FINEST, danced until it was lights out as it ended being a big hit "Home Run" event!
The most wonderful evening was had by all, one that will be talked about, remembered, and in our hearts for a long, long time.
There were flashes and video recording throughout the entire night as we were treated with the most wonderful gift presented to us by our very own Runi Tafeaga, his superb Polynesian Review Show by Hot Lava Production.
Door prizes, door prizes, and more door prizes! No one left without a prize in hand. Congratulations to our Grand Winner, Janet Stockton-Miller, who walked away with a 2-Night in Ocean View Accommodation at the Grand Wailea Resort & Spa on the island of Maui, Hawaii and DeeDee Tillery (Davenport) who received the Glenwood Springs Colorado Vacation Package donated by Chris Ehlers (Clothier). Our congratulations also, to the many winners of prizes such as the 4-night California Hotel Hawaiian Package for Two, a Fila Visor autographed by Female Tennis Star Kim Clijsters, a Sunday Buffet Brunch for Two at the Halekulani Hotel on the Beach at Waikiki, and so much more!
Mahalo to the Management & Staff of California Hotel & Casino, DJ Al Oliva who entertained us with the music throughout the evening, and Photographer Warren Wong and staff for the beautiful group pictures and for capturing pictures throughout the evening.
The wonderful food, entertainment, music, and prizes...now what more could we have asked for? Of course! We could not end the night without our Class President, Mark Borreliz who was present at his very first reunion after 40 years to give us a speech as he always did in high school! We would not let him get away with this one, and being the person that he is, he graciously stood up at the podium and spoke. As if we were all still in high school, we all sat and listened to his very enlightening message on "How Do You Measure 40 Years?"
The evening ended with the entire room singing our Alma Mater, Ahhh, and yes, the ending words so fitting, "With Pride and Loyalty". Whatever time remaining, everyone was ready with their dancing shoes. The DANCE FLOOR ACTION, none better than RHS FINEST, danced until it was lights out as it ended being a big hit "Home Run" event!
The most wonderful evening was had by all, one that will be talked about, remembered, and in our hearts for a long, long time.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2010
Bowling - Day
Our bowling event was held at the Gold Coast Casino and Hotels' Bowling Center. While not everyone participated in the bowling event, we had 40 classmates that signed up and quite a few that joined us at the ally to cheer on the bowlers. The bowlers did their own side bets and had a grand time competing with each other. Everyone enjoyed pizzas, sodas, and their favorite cocktails, of course. The event ended with prize giveaways in six categories, Best Male Bowler, Best Female Bowler, Highest Game, Most Strikes, Most Spares, and Lowest Game. Honors in the last category mentioned went to Carmella Durbin (Tamayo), Best Female was awarded to Dorena Kalaau (Maligro), Most Spares went to Terry Evans, Deborah Evans (Hadley) husband, and Frank Wheat who swept the last three categories, Best Male Bowler, Highest Game, and Most Strikes.
Our bowling event was held at the Gold Coast Casino and Hotels' Bowling Center. While not everyone participated in the bowling event, we had 40 classmates that signed up and quite a few that joined us at the ally to cheer on the bowlers. The bowlers did their own side bets and had a grand time competing with each other. Everyone enjoyed pizzas, sodas, and their favorite cocktails, of course. The event ended with prize giveaways in six categories, Best Male Bowler, Best Female Bowler, Highest Game, Most Strikes, Most Spares, and Lowest Game. Honors in the last category mentioned went to Carmella Durbin (Tamayo), Best Female was awarded to Dorena Kalaau (Maligro), Most Spares went to Terry Evans, Deborah Evans (Hadley) husband, and Frank Wheat who swept the last three categories, Best Male Bowler, Highest Game, and Most Strikes.
Aloha Night - Karaoke
Who said that we couldn't hit a "Home Run" two times in a row... or shall we call it a "Walk-Off Grand Slam"?
This was the night where we all would say our good-byes, but before we did, we all enjoyed a delicious 'Pupu Spread' consisting of Ono Local favorites: Kalbi, BBQ Chicken, Fried Shrimp & Shrimp Tempura, Lumpia, Noodles and Rice. Mahalo to Liza & Staff, and DJ Izzy. They did a wonderful job of taking care of us and filling our tummies and making our evening so much fun!
You would have thought that after eating all that delicious food, everyone would have a "Kanak Attack" and just want to go moi moi...ahahahaha! WRONG! Everyone was so full of energy that they all began to go up to sing. Bob Campbell (Tracy Willis' husband), Kathy Talbott-Smith, Janie Pelt (Talbott), Carmella Durbin (Tamayo), Mark Borreliz, Valerie White (Craigwell), Diane Espinosa (Lavoie), Patsy Joiner (Ingle) and more. What great talent, and so much fun, it was unbelievable!
Our Karaoke Contest was a hit with 10 contestants. While everyone was a winner, we had prizes only for the top two male and female singers, and the winners were Top Male and Female: '69-Michael Gradle and Karen Gurtiza (sister of Rochelle Yorong(Oyamot); Runner-ups: '72-Fred Callejo and '70-Rochelle Yorong (Oyamot). CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL WHO PARICIPATED!
The night ended as we gathered in a circle, tears in our eyes and voices crackling as we sang our Class Song "I'll Remember You" and was gracefully entertained by Class of '71 Pati McGaffigan (Rodriguez) with her hula rendition. After the closing songs, Hawaii Aloha and Aloha Oe, it all began....hugs, kisses, tears, and good-byes... (sob! sob!) ..... UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN!
Who said that we couldn't hit a "Home Run" two times in a row... or shall we call it a "Walk-Off Grand Slam"?
This was the night where we all would say our good-byes, but before we did, we all enjoyed a delicious 'Pupu Spread' consisting of Ono Local favorites: Kalbi, BBQ Chicken, Fried Shrimp & Shrimp Tempura, Lumpia, Noodles and Rice. Mahalo to Liza & Staff, and DJ Izzy. They did a wonderful job of taking care of us and filling our tummies and making our evening so much fun!
You would have thought that after eating all that delicious food, everyone would have a "Kanak Attack" and just want to go moi moi...ahahahaha! WRONG! Everyone was so full of energy that they all began to go up to sing. Bob Campbell (Tracy Willis' husband), Kathy Talbott-Smith, Janie Pelt (Talbott), Carmella Durbin (Tamayo), Mark Borreliz, Valerie White (Craigwell), Diane Espinosa (Lavoie), Patsy Joiner (Ingle) and more. What great talent, and so much fun, it was unbelievable!
Our Karaoke Contest was a hit with 10 contestants. While everyone was a winner, we had prizes only for the top two male and female singers, and the winners were Top Male and Female: '69-Michael Gradle and Karen Gurtiza (sister of Rochelle Yorong(Oyamot); Runner-ups: '72-Fred Callejo and '70-Rochelle Yorong (Oyamot). CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL WHO PARICIPATED!
The night ended as we gathered in a circle, tears in our eyes and voices crackling as we sang our Class Song "I'll Remember You" and was gracefully entertained by Class of '71 Pati McGaffigan (Rodriguez) with her hula rendition. After the closing songs, Hawaii Aloha and Aloha Oe, it all began....hugs, kisses, tears, and good-byes... (sob! sob!) ..... UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN!
The Program
Lyrics ~ Radford Alma Mater, Hawaii Aloha, Aloha Oe
The Banquet
The Events
Message from the Committee
The Honorees and their Guests in Attendance
Classmates & their Guests in Attendance
Click on the link below to open the PDF copy of the California Hotel & Casino's quarterly publication. Our Class photo is on Page 16; California - Celebrations & Reunions.
NEWS at the Cal Winter 2011; Volume 36
If you do not have an Adobe Reader installed on your computer, click on the link below to get your free download.
http://get.adobe.com/reader/
NEWS at the Cal Winter 2011; Volume 36
If you do not have an Adobe Reader installed on your computer, click on the link below to get your free download.
http://get.adobe.com/reader/