News Dragon - April 2009

NewsDragon Volume 57, Issue 4 : : April 2009 The Voice of the Honolulu Chinese Jaycees 2009 HCJ Board * Jonathan Cook President

Lily Fung Chairman

Ryan Ng Executive VP

Anthony Sato 2nd Vice Pres.

Ken Sum

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Vice Pres.

Krystal Lee 4th Vice Pres.

Ramy So Treasurer

James Kanda Shirley Lam Daniel Cheung Michael Valiente Ross Lee Duc Nguyen

50th State Fair Food Booth Coming Up! Yes, it’s that time of year again. We need your help as we serve up the grindz at the 50th State Fair. We ask members and friends to come down and work with us to raise money for our great chapter! We’re asking that when you come down, you put in a 4-hour shift. Or even more, if possible! It’s a great way to learn to cook. No experience? No problem! HCJ has taught countless people the Food Booth Way over the years. Here’s the schedule for the 1st week, Memorial Day Weekend. What time can you make it?

_________________________________________ We’re celebrating HCJ Birthdays at ‘Farrell’s Birthday Bash’ – If you’re a January to April Baby, we’ve got some ice cream for you! All are welcome to come with us and wish our Birthday Boys & Girls the very best! It all happens @ Pearlridge on Weds, May 13th, 6:30PM.

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Directors

Jesse Hosaka Webmaster

Next GMM – Tuesday, May 19th @ 7PM

You’ll find us at Moiliili Community Center, Room 202. We’re having a speaker on ‘Skin Care & Beauty 101’ – for both men & women. Food is provided. Come talk story and get the details on what your chapter is doing. ______________________________________________________________________________ President’s Message…..…………………………………………………..……………………………… 2 Nat’l Convention Report...…..……………...…………………………………………………….………. 3 ‘Awa Drinking Recap…………………...….…………………………...…………………………………. 4 Upcoming Events!………..…………………………….....……...……………..………………………… 6 Pictures!……….……….……………………………………….………………………………..……….… 7

President’s Message___________________________________________ Aloha! First and foremost, I’d like to say ‘Welcome Home!’ to our HCJ family who represented us at the Nat’l Convention in Florida. A few quick highlights: Thayer Goya placed 3rd nationally in Jaycee Jeopardy! Your chapter, HCJ, won 2nd Place in the Harold A. Marks Memorial Award for Chapter Annual Report • Some of our CPG books won awards including a 2nd place in Individual Development for ‘Dragon Boat Festival’ The traditional, hugely popular ‘Banzai Party’ was a huge hit once again. In another tradition, it was shut down in under 2 hours by the authorities. Way to keep both institutions alive, guys! • •

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Longtime members know that this is the time of year when we especially get busy. We’re kicking off the annual 50 State Fair Food Booth on Memorial Day Weekend, so we need people to come out and help us run the thing. Sign up and give your chapter a hand – it’s how we make money for our 2nd half of the year so it affects us all. th

In addition to our Signature Projects we’re also filling the schedule with some opportunities to do service for our communities. April 25th sees us assisting as Course Marshals for the start of the March of Dimes’ ‘March For Babies’. The following Sunday, May 3rd, we’re gathering on Kuhio Beach. Why? To give some of our treasured keiki a day out in the ocean. We’re helping put on a fun time for children of divorce, foster children and orphans as well as their families. Come and make their day a special one with us at ‘Surf for the Soul’. We have also begun planning for the ‘Healthy Baby Contest’ – if you’d like to be involved with that, please let us know. It’s a great way to get started with on of our great annual events. What else do we have coming up? A lot! [See Page 6 for more upcoming events details]: • • •

Come out with us to Dave & Busters on April 29th for their 1/2 Price Wednesday for some fun! Try Moroccan food as we have another ‘Int’l Dining Out’ at Pyramids restaurant, Saturday May 2nd Plus, we’ve having our ‘Farrell’s Birthday Bash’ to celebrate HCJ January to April Birthday babies on Weds, May 13th!

Lastly, remember that this weekend is the 1st Trimester Convention (see page 4). We’ll be cheering on our WriteUp & SpeakUp participants as well as finding out our placement this year as a chapter. At least so far. Join us for the Friday Social, the Saturday trainings & the Saturday evening banquet. See you at the projects! Respectfully, Jonathan Cook 58h President, “Forging New Leaders” Phone: 342-2737 / Email: [email protected]

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Report From Nat’l Convention

by Ryan Ng

Crystal River, Florida — On March 17, 2009 the Hawaii Jaycees sent 10 delegates to the Year-End Convention to represent Hawaii in various national competitions, to celebrate the end of a successful 2008 and to usher in the new U.S. Junior Chamber of Commerce 2009 Board of Directors. The delegates, including members from the Honolulu Chinese Jaycees, competed in Speak-Up, Write-Up, Jaycee Jeopardy and Armbruster. Competing in Armbruster was HCJ’s own Ana Che, while Ryan Ng competed in the Write-Up competition. Thayer Goya represented us in Jaycee Jeopardy, placing nationally overall. Rebecca Soon, of Rising Phoenix Jaycees, made us all proud by winning 1st place overall in Speak-Up(!). HCJ garnered a national award as well, with Chairwoman of the Board - & Party Animal - Lily Fung (see left) accepting the 2nd Place Clarence H. Howard Memorial Award on behalf of the chapter. This award is given to outstanding chapters in the nation. “It was fun representing the state of Hawaii and, ultimately, the Honolulu Chinese Jaycees in the Write-Up competition,” said Ryan Ng. “You get to hone your communication skills and go toe-to-toe with some great competitors at the national level. You also get to meet a lot of people from other states as well.” There was ample time to meet other delegates as the convention transitioned from 1st day competitions to professional training and networking. One of the highlights was the “States Party”, where each state delegation had their own booth and got to share a slice of their culture. Hawaii exhibited dried mango, Kona coffee and chocolate covered macadamia nuts for other states to sample and eat. Among the offerings from other were Tennessee’s Jack Daniel Pulled Pork (tasted similar to Kalua Pork) and Iowa “Snoot Shooters” (alcohol shots), which were a big hit with HCJ member Ana Che.

The Banzai Party The final day of the convention featured an installation ceremony where the new national board was sworn in. After the formalities were over, the Hawaii delegation began to prepare for the much anticipated “Banzai Party.” This is a tradition where Hawaii hosts one of the most popular, fun and highly regarded after-parties. Needless to say, it was so popular the “authorities” shut it down early. “Whenever you go to convention, and people ask where you are from and you tell them you’re from Hawaii, they always ask, ‘When’s the Banzai party?’”, said Eddie Kam, HIJC convention chair. “It’s definitely a tradition that every Jaycee should experience. This is a time where everyone can let loose and cap the week off with a bang.”

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Meet Your Board & Convention!___________________________ Meet Ryan Ng, HCJ Executive VP

THE HAWAII JAYCEES PRESENT “REACH 4 THE STARS” SPRING STATE CONVENTION Dates: April 24 and 25, 2009 Location: Pagoda Hotel, 1525 Rycroft St. Friday Night, April 24 HIJC Social at Pagoda Hotel at HIJC Hospitality Room Saturday – April 25 Competitions – Write up, Speak Up, Jeopardy (Competitors who win 1st place will represent Hawaii at the USJC National Meeting in Pittsburgh, PA in September) Trainings - “Empower Me” By USJC National Vice President Brian Kavanaugh

Aloha fellow Jaycees! As we move past the cool of Chinese New Year and into the heat of summer we have a ton of projects lined up. From the 50th State Fair to Dragon Boat races, there are lots in store for everyone. I’m serving as this year’s Executive Vice President and I look forward to helping us achieve our goals throughout the rest of 2009. For those who don’t know me, I joined the Jaycees several years ago and have had a blast since then. I’ve had a chance to meet many great people and to be a part of many interesting, worthwhile activities. I hope to help plan and be a part of many great events to come. Keep those ideas coming! When not Jaycee-ing, I work in the Real Estate industry and I’m also a member of the Navy Reserve. I enjoy running, hiking, eating and traveling among many other things.

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- “Keeping The Momentum” By Nona Tamanaha, Regional Human Resources Director, Starwood Hotels and Resorts State Board Meeting New format! State board meeting for this convention will be on Saturday afternoon! Exciting Awards Dinner! At the Pagoda – Buffet Prime Rib spread! Costs (Ala-carte): • Delegate registration…………………………….$15.00 • HIJC Social at Pagoda………………...……...$15.00 • Lunch at Pagoda………………………...…….$25.00 • Dinner at awards banquet………...…………....$45.00 • Early Bird Registration Package (incl. registration, social, lunch & dinner).…$90.00

(Early Bird registration deadline: April 16, 2009) For more information: Contact HIJC Executive Vice President Stan Fichtman at [email protected] or by phone at 295-4630

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’Awa Drinking & Cookout At Lindley’s Saturday, March 21st was a full day for your chapter. HCJ was privileged to have John Cummings hold a workshop for us on ‘Awa Drinking. Known as kava in other parts of the world, it’s a part of Native Hawaiian culture that has reemerged in past years. John taught our group about ‘Awa drinking in both its formal and ceremonial uses throughout Hawaiian history. ‘Awa was central to rituals honoring the gods as well as to gathering of alii. Even in the alii’s social use of ‘Awa, it was customary to offer up a chant before drinking. The god Kane was often the one supplicated during these chants. We were treated to hearing one of these chants ourselves, given by John himself. For our gathering, we approached ‘Awa drinking in its informal role as the center of a social time. That means ‘talk story’, for you malihini. Many people wonder about the effect of ‘awa especially its famous relaxation effects. So, what’s the story? Here’s one opinion.

I can say that it does have a relaxed feeling overall, even numbing the inside of the mouth a little. This should have been no surprise. As John pointed out, its narcotic properties were put to good use throughout history, including for toothaches. It was a great time of learning some Native Hawaiian culture together in Kapiolani Park. We’re honored to have access to John Cummings and his wealth of knowledge. It would be good to do this all again – ‘awa is a great centerpiece for a time of bonding as we found out. Much mahalo to all who came and especially to our teacher, Mr. John Cummings!

Later That Same Day…. One great day outing was followed by a great night at the Low home. Lindley once again opened his house to his chapter and we made good use of it. Our members, and a few good friends, brought contributions to the feast that soon found a good home – the mouths and stomachs of all present. Kathy & Wes Kam once again made themselves very popular by bringing their Wii. It’s apparent why those things are so popular – they’re very addictive to say the least. Duc, as usual, made himself very useful by giving our members a lesson in how to play the time honored game of Mah Jong. Our players soon got the hang of things and we were off for the next hour. The strategy is complex, to say the least. But we intend to hold some more sessions and improve our play. The evening went on with a mixture of playing, talking story and, of course eating. Another great time together at the home of Lindley Low! Mahalo Lindley Low and all who came out!

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Upcoming!_________________________________ Saturday, April 25th, 6:30AM

Wednesday, April 29th

1/2 Off Wednesday @ Dave & Busters!

March of Dimes’ ‘March For Babies’

Dave & Busters, of course

HCJ VP Krystal has been talking up a trip to D & B’s for some time, so we’re heading over there for some Kapiolani Park Bandstand mid-week fun and games. Join us for 1/2-price games Come down early this Saturday morning and give the and show us what you got! If you got the guts. March of Dimes a hand! We’re stepping up as Course Marshals to make sure the walk gets underway safely and Saturday, May 2nd orderly.

Int’l Dining Out You get fed, you get a t-shirt and you get to lend a hand to the big fundraiser of a good cause. Call Jon @ 342-2737 for more info. ___________________________________

Sunday, April 26th

Hiking With Anthony!

Pyramids Restaurant

6:30PM Expand your taste horizons with us! This time we’re going to Pyramids Restaurant for a little Moroccan food. Never had any? Me neither! Let’s try it together! _____________________________________________

11AM

Sunday, May 3rd

The next hike will be at Wiliwilinui, which starts at the top of the Waialae Iki subdivision. You must go through security and get a pass before entering the upper end of the subdivision. Call Tony (554-3651) for more details. The hiking time is 3 1/2-4 hours. Call Anthony, 554-3651, with any questions.

Surf For The Soul Kuhio Beach, Waikiki

8:30AM – 3:00PM HCJ is helping the ‘Surf For Your Soul’ event. We’re providing a day of fun at the beach for orphans, foster children & children of divorce. Come and help us give them a great day out!

Honolulu Chinese Jaycees - Interested in joining HCJ? Contact us! Mail: Honolulu Chinese Jaycees, P.O. Box 957, Honolulu, Hawaii 96808 Email:

[email protected] Tel: (808) 342-2737

Online: MySpace.com/HonoluluChineseJaycees / Facebook: Search ‘Honolulu Chinese Jaycees’ Web Site: HcjHawaii.com 6

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Our Hikers On the Mariner’s Ridge Trail

Pictures Page

Our Convention Reps Prepare For The Party

Some Of Our HCJ Team At The MDA Soiree John Gets Coconut Milk For The ‘Awa

HCJ After Attending Wine Tasting

More Of Our HCJ ‘MDA Soiree’ Team

HCJers play Mah Jong @ Lindley’s Cookout

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HCJ Schedule of Events – APRIL / MAY Saturday, April 25th

Saturday, May 2nd

March of Dimes’ ‘March For Babies’

Int’l Dining Out @ Pyramids 758 Kapahulu Ave 6:30PM

Kapiolani Park Bandstand 6:30AM

Sunday, April 26th

Wednesday, April 13th

Hiking With Anthony!

Farrell’s Birthday Bash!!

Wiliwilinui Trail

Pearlridge Uptown

11AM

6:30PM

Call Anthony 554-3651

Wednesday, April 29th

Tuesday, May 19th

Dave & Busters 1/2 Price Weds

GMM + Beauty & Skin Care 101

Ward Center

Moilili Community Ctr 7PM

7PM

Thurs, May 21st – Sun, June 21st

50th State Fair Food Booth Aloha Stadium

Stay tuned for announcements on activities, projects & sports! Look for HCJ emails and check our website: HcjHawaii.com

Honolulu Chinese Jaycees PO Box 957 Honolulu, HI 96808