Letters for Monday, July 7, 2008

• Reunion a delight

Reunion a delight

On Saturday, my wife and I attended the Kaumakani Camp Reunion at the Kaumakani Ball Park.

I, being the one (between my wife and I) that was raised in Kaumakani Village, enjoyed it most.

There were music and entertainers, a food booth, an 18-minute slideshow, storytelling and old pictures of the different camps and Kaumakani New Village (which I was raised in). Also, earlier in the day there was a fishing contest and a golf tournament.

It was amazing to know people who still live there. People like my dad (Jaime Tolbe) and his wife (Marilyn), Mr. and Mrs. D. Lutao Sr., Mr. and Mrs. E. Igne, Mrs. C. Bonyaga and son (Patrick), Mr. and Mrs. R. Galicenio, to name a few.

Also, it was nice to see my third- grade teacher (Mrs. Minei) and my fifth-grade teacher (Mr. Stanley Dela Cruz, who I didn’t know has hidden talents. He plays saxophone for the Star Lighters and just recently found out at the Kaumakani Reuion that he sings, too.)

Councilwoman JoAnn Yukimura was there and I was introduced to her by Mr. B. Feurtis. She replied, “Oh, Clara’s brother!” I was very suprised that she knew a member of my family.

I’m glad to have seen a lot of the camps and village people (especially the ones who had to discipline me as I was growing up as a nauty, humbug bugga).

I’d like to thank those people (Pat Bonyaga, Percilla Gubaton, Becky Padilla and another person who I’m so sorry I can’t remember your name) who put this fun-filled and happy reunion together. Thanks to the emcees (Randall Fransico and Rhoda Libre) who told us of some of the old camp stories. Thanks to the cooks (Basilio Feurtis, Michael Cardinez, etc.) for the delicious stew and teriyaki sticks. And, of course, we all for bringing our potluck dinners to share with our families and friends.

Also, I’d like to mention, it was my dad’s (Jaime Tolbe) 81st birthday. Happy birthday, Dad, and thank you for raising me in the best camp/village on Kaua‘i.

Howard Tolbe

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