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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Pi Beta Phi Convention 2013

Our Honolulu Alumnae Club President attended the 2013 Pi Beta Phi Convention "Ocean to Ocean" this past weekend. Over 1,100 sisters attended the convention in San Diego and shared a weekend in sisterhood.

Various proposals were discussed and every delegate voted on behalf of her club or chapter. Delegates also were responsible for electing the new leadership of Pi Beta Phi (including our Grand Council members for 2013-2015)!

Alumnae Region 6 members at the Wine Carnation Banquet
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Convention lunches and dinners gave sisters an opportunity to get to know one another, whether they were sitting with their chapter, their alumnae region, or with friends.

Awards were presented to individuals, chapters, and alumnae clubs during meals and general session. This year, the Honolulu Alumnae Club was recognized as a "Club of Superior Excellence." Way to go ladies!

Convention highlights, by Pi Beta Phi HQ

The Honolulu Alumane Club chose to spend their Fraternity Day of service promoting literacy and sustainability to the children at a local Head Start center. The event began with a reading of Dr. Seuss's "The Lorax," which initiated a lively discussion about the importance of sustainability and taking care of our environment.

Just as the Onceler had given the young boy in the story a truffula seed to take care of, each student was given a small, False Heather plant. With assistance from members of the alumnae club, each child planted their own plant in a small pot to take home and were instructed to provide the plant with some water, air, and TLC (Unfortunately TLC in their minds kept translating to "tender loving cake").

Before leaving, each of them also received Seuss-themed pencils and notebooks and "The Lorax" book was donated to the classroom. This was a memorable event for both the children and alumnae members participating.

36th Annual Women's 10K

On Sunday, March 3rd, Pi Beta Phi alumnae members Gerry D., and her daughter Cassie S., participated in the 36th Annual Hawaii Pacific Health Women's 10k. Gerry has been participating in this race each year since it first began in 1978, which Cassie also happened to participate in while she was here for high school. Cassie had just returned the day before this year's race from being overseas in SE Asia, but despite her jet lag and recent arrival, she still managed to finish with a respectable 1hr 30min time.

Cassie Senner (left) and Gerry DeBenedetti (right) wearing their matching finisher t-shirts after completing the 10k race

Every year a t-shirt is given to the finishers. Gerry has collected hers and had them sewn into quilts, embroidering the finishing time into the corner of each year. After the race, Gerry, Cassie, and their friend Laurel enjoyed a delicious brunch, wearing their new shirts, enjoying their accomplishment and greeting other ladies who were doing the same with, "Hey, I like your shirt!"

The "Arrow" in the Apple

With our local "Monmouth Duo" sisters from Kappa Kappa Gamma, the Honolulu Alumnae club co-hosted a Kappa "Key" Ingredient Party featuring The "Arrow" in the Apple. Members attending were asked to bring an apple-type dish for the potluck, e.g. apple salad, apple pie.

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From Honolulu to Ohio

Club President, Jessica W., flew up to Ohio this past week to attend her sister's initiation ceremony and the installation of the Ohio Lambda chapter. Because of the special occasion, several members from Grand Council were in attendance - including Pi Beta Phi Grand President, Mary Loy Tatum!