Friday, July 25, 2008

LINAKA LUAU ON SEPTEMBER 12TH

The 5th Annual Linaka Luau will take place Monte Verde Park 4626 Shadeway Road Lakewood, CA 90713, on September 12, 2008. Dinner will start at 5:00 p.m., follwed by a Show at 7:00 p.m.Come experience the Spirit of Aloha, featuring the Linaka Polynesian Dancers
Tickets Adult $25.00, $20.00 Pre-Sale Children $16.00, $15.00 Pre-Sale
(714) 718-1801 or (562) 805-0892

HO'OLAULEA HELD IN LAWNDALE, CA

The Ho'olaulea is always a favorite festival, due to its great organization and large representation of community based organizations. This was especially special, being my birthday on July 19, 2008. Our first stop is always to see Auntie Jane Pang, and to take our blood pressure at the health booth. I lined up the whole family for this annual tradition. It was good to see NPIEN friend Vaka Faletau, DCFS Social Worker at the I-Vote booth. Ukulele extraordinaire Uncle Henry Kamae and wife Liz were present, as well as Rita Scanlan of Pasifik Book. The highlight of the day was, of course, manapua, poke, and plate lunch.

OHANA HAWAIIAN BBQ FUNDRAISER A SMASH

Monday July 21, 2008, over 50 participated in NPIEN's own fundraiser at Ohana Hawaiian BBQ in Lakewood, CA. Falanai Ala, NPIEN President, was in attendance with his family. NPIEN Board Member Martha Donnenfield and husband Steve, and NPIEN Chief of Staff Tino Andres were also present, along with NPIEN accountant Rynette Labostrie-Barr and a large family contingent. Renee Bruno, Michelle Corpuz, and Hope Thompson entertained the guests. The restaurant fundraisers are a great way to network and see NPIEN's many friends.

LINAKA PERFORMS AT BARNES AND NOBLE

We visited the Linaka Polynesian School of Dance Fundraiser at Barnes and Noble on July 19, 2008. A percentage of the proceeds was donated by Barnes and Noble to Linaka. The dancers performed inside the store. Celebrity sightings included Manaia Petaia of Long Beach Unified School District, NPIEN Educator Award Winner in 2007. Unfortunately, I was selected by my daughter Hope to dance Tahitian. Luckily, I had a planned trip to the chiropractor. Not a good dance for old knees!