Pi Phi and Kappa Present "A Tantalizing Tasting"

The Honolulu Alumnae Club of Pi Beta Phi joined forces with the local alumnae from Kappa Kappa Gamma to host "Tantalizing Tasting: A Duo of Food and Drink." Members were encouraged to bring their significant other, along with a drink and appetizer pairing of their choice to share with the group. Guests were able to try a variety of pairings and learn about different flavors that compliment another.

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Pi Phi and Kappa, having both been founded at Monmouth College, are known as the "Monmouth Duo" - a history that has inspired partnership even between our local alumnae clubs.

Frances Kakugawa Speaks at Day of Service Luncheon

On March 16, the Honolulu Alumnae Club observed Pi Beta Phi's "Day of Service" with a literacy luncheon held in a private room at Outback Steakhouse. At the start of the luncheon, a donation was presented to Hawaii Literacy, a local non-profit organization who provides services focused on adult literacy, family literacy, learning the English language. It also operates a bookmobile in economically disadvantaged communities.

Above: Literacy Chair Nicole Matsuo presents a donation check on behalf of the alumnae club to Suzanne Skjold, Executive Director for Hawaii Literacy

Following this donation, the Club President introduced the guest speaker for the luncheon: Frances Kakugawa. Frances, a native of Hawaii who now lives in California, is the author of eleven different books. She has received numerous awards from Hawaii and California publishers' association for her adult and children's books, and is a nationally sought-after speaker for her presentations related to caregiving and writing.

Above: Guest Speaker Frances Kakugawa shares her personal inspiration and experiences with writing

Club members and guests enjoyed hearing Frances speak about being introduced to books as a 5-year old and how her love of reading was fostered by teachers reading aloud to students. These early literacy experiences inspired her childhood dream of becoming an author. She also shared some of the obstacles that she overcame to achieving that goal. Growing up in a poor community, being literate and well-spoken was not regarded as the norm in her neighborhood. She had decided that being "different" was something good and learned to listen to her own voice.

Frances also spoke about her current efforts to promote literacy. In addition to her personal writing and speaking engagements, she conducts workshops for adults and children about writing poetry, memoir writing, and writing in a journal.

Attendees found Frances Kakugawa's presentation to be entertaining and inspiring.

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