Posted by Bernadette (Heffner) Ahuna The weekend was spent just hanging loose and getting reacquainted with people whom we haven't seen in ages. We had loads of time to talk, talk, talk; sing, sing, sing; dance, dance, dance and gamble. We kept it simple and all enjoyed. Friday started with people gathering and catching up with the tales you just need to exchange after years of not seeing one another. The recognition of peoples' faces and names coming front and center, even though they hadn't been used in decades, they were brought forward with such ease to many peoples' surprise and delight. Talents were shared and participation freely brought forth. There is a lot of talent in this Class of '65. Pupu's galore! A well stocked bar, but would you believe the water, cranberry juice and soda consumption were the popular drinks of the evening while in the "hospitality" room. Our luncheon was in the "Maile Room" on the mezzanine floor. The room was set-up early for our arrival. The entrance to the room was identified with our FHS '65 Class Banner. The arrivals were early, anxiously waiting outside in the lobby to see the cue of an opened door inviting them in. We started on time. The day began with signing in and the receiving of gifts of "aloha" made by Charlotte 'Chali' Rodrigues and MayLei Johnson Barros; we went into the "Ohana Room" for our Group Photos (our late arrivals made it just in time to be included); a few formal acknowledgements by our fearless leader, Max Muraoka; a beautiful blessing of our gathering before our meal by Charletta (Kuheana) Batten; and music provided by our DeeJay, Greg Delos Santos. The luncheon was an absolute WINNER! We had many helping hands; door prizes galore, for everyone in attendance...(YES!!!!); food to die for; and nostalgic music that made your feet go tapping and faces light up with smiles. The nostalgia in the room was thick; taking many back to days treasured and memories of younger more exuberant physical participation. It didn't keep some of us from getting up and doing the stroll and electric slide thanks to our DJ. We kept the luncheon simple, allowing for lots of time to catch up with long lost friends. We played one game, "John Can Poo" Las Vegas style, causing a lot of rucous. The afternoon ended with the singing of our School Alma Mater and Class Song "Climb Every Mountain". Huggies, huggies, farewells, more words and exchanges of email addresses, telephone numbers, and/or addresses. Then the formal part of our gathering was ended. But it was not the end of our time together. Not by any means of measuring. Some went upstairs to continue their visiting in the "Hospitality Room." The casino beckoned many to their slots and tables and others went on tours or shopping. Yes, some went shopping!!!! Saturday started off with the Luncheon, but it didn't finish with our Luncheon. We had another scheduled activity, our two "Slot Tournaments." We filled all machines with anxious participants at $10 a player. Sign-in was pretty fast and the anticipation of play was pre-mature...our Slot Hostess, Hilda, had to re-set a few machines, our anxious players just couldn't wait to get started. Once the play was re-set on an even playing level, the tournament began. The tournament area was filled with pandamonium. Jubilent lilted voices were singing and talking encouraging words to their machines, right to the home stretch, asking their slot machine to provide them the winning score. The side-lined cheering from those who were not on the first list of players, only made the laughter and voices roar louder. Our fun spilled over into the casino drawing some added gallerie onwatchers. In otherwards, we had FUN!!! So much fun, that one of our machines got put out of commission. The player, who will remain anonymous, to protect the innocent, was allowed to play the second round free due to the inability to complete the game with full benefit of playing time. The winners were awarded their prizes in cash and our last place winner....yes, even last can come in with an award in our tournaments. The last place winners were given a small cash award with a bonus 45 Record, which added a little more nostalgia and smiles. After the excitement of the tournament, many went off to see the Electric Light display and/or gamble. Others decided to get some rest and still others found themselves back in the "Hospitality Room." Sunday we gathered early....10:00am....well, in Las Vegas, it is early. A whole group of people who couldn't join us on Saturday showed up to have a meal and more reminiscence and catching up, in the Main Street Station "Garder Court Buffet." A dish for everyone. The food was great, the company even better. Some of us had to begin our departure for home.....but it doesn't end here...it is only the beginning.
on 10/26/2004, 5:40 am
Message modified by board administrator 10/28/2004, 1:21 am
Just wanted everyone to know WE had a BLAST!!!!
Our "Hospitality Room" (Suite 2304), was filled with happy voices, food, and entertainment. You could hear them once you got into the lobby and turned toward the room. There was no excuse for missing the party, signs were posted throughout the California Hotel. Even the Desk Clerks and Porters knew FHS '65 was having a fun packed room upstairs in 2304. It wasn't a rumour or an exaggeration, it was fact!
Those returning to continue their visits were treated to the new faces of added classmates, more singing, dancing and talk, talk, talk. There was some really exciting stuff that took place, but it will be shared in another message.............m a y b e. Stay tuned. ;~))
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