Wayne Apuna is in the House! Meet and Greet at the Alumni Clubhouse Wednesday, September 1st at 7:30pm.

Crusaders of 1979,

Come down and say 'What's Up?' and have a beer or three with Wayne Apuna at the Saint Louis Alumni Clubhouse at 7:30pm after the Class of '79 Board meeting.  Pupu's are always welcome.  See you there.

Aloha,

Mel Pilien
Board President

Class of '79 Board Meeting September 1, 2010 7pm

Aloha Crusaders of 1979,

We will be having our bi-weekly class board meeting at the Crusader Lounge (Alumni Club House) on Wednesday, September 1, 2010 at 7pm. Please, if you can, come and join us in planning future events and activities for our class members and their families so that we can enjoy the fellowship of our brotherhood known as the Class of '79.

The August 19th meeting was attended by James Santos, Karlton Borges, Tony Souza, Tracy Mizota, Greg Perry, Russell Valente, Albert Nakanishi, and myself, Mel Pilien.

A date has been set for our first quarterly  Luncheon/Dinner.  Sunday, September 19th, 2010, at the Camellia Buffet (930 McCully St., between King and Algeroba Sts.) at 5pm.  All you can eat Korean BBQ (cook your own at the table) for about $22 per person.  Bring your appetite, and spouses and family are always welcome.  See you there.

The First Annual Chili Cook-Off has be rescheduled for Sunday, Sept. 26th, 2010 the Ke'ehi Lagoon Park from 11am to 2pm.  Event will be held regardless of weather.  Cook up a pot of your best chili and show us what you got.

Greg Perry was there to report that the goal of raising $2k a year towards our $50k gift is on track.  We wish Greg the best in his run to be a SLAA board member.

Russell Valente was there to report on changes happening up at the school, and he also had some information about fundraising opportunities that could be applied towards our $50k gift.  More information will be forth coming once it is fully sorted out.

It has been confirmed that Wayne Apuna will be in town for about three weeks in September.  A 'Meet and Greet' has not yet been coordinated, but keep your eyes and ears open for it.  Maybe before a St Louis football game at Aloha stadium, just like the old days?

Several classmates have expressed an interest in having a Poker game night coordinated.  This can be done.  If you are interested in playing, please call me (351-2862) or Karlton (286-8727).  We would like to have some firm commitments in order to proceed.

It has also been suggested that we check out our fellow classmate and entertainer Bryan Tolentino, who plays every Tuesday night with Weldon Kekuoha from 6-9pm at the Kane Ka Pila Grill at the Outrigger Reef on the Beach (where Cilly's used to be).  Looking to probably do this sometime in October.

Finally, we are still looking for nominees for softball coaches for the upcoming Alumni Softball Tournament held on Presidents Day weekend in February of 2011. So far, the only requirement is that the coach nominee had participated previously in the Alumni Softball tournament. Instead of selecting/electing one coach as done previously, all coach nominees will coach as a committee so that all willing to be involved can be involved

We welcome any comments or feedback you may have.  Please feel free to call us, post a comment via the blog or via email.

Memor et Fidelis

Mel Pilien
Board President

St Louis vs Kahuku Pre-Season Game at the Alumni Clubhouse. 7:30pm Kick Off.

Aloha Crusaders of 1979,

The 3rd ranked St Louis Crusaders take on the number 1 ranked Kahuku Red Raiders on Friday night August 27th  at 7:30 pm at Kahuku.  The game will be televised on OC16.  Come by the Alumni Clubhouse and help us cheer on new head coach Darnell Arceneaux and the Crusader football team as they try to rearrange the team rankings.  Sorry for the last minute announcement, but better late than never!  As tjhe ILH regular season approaches, watch for more football game get together announcements.

Memoir et Fidelis

Mel Pilien
Board President

Class of '79 Board Meeting August 19, 2010 7pm

Aloha Crusaders of 1979,

We will be having our bi-weekly class board meeting at the Crusader Lounge (Alumni Club House) on Thursday, August 19, 2010 at 7pm. Please, if you can, come and join us in planning future events and activities for our class members and their families so that we can enjoy the fellowship of our brotherhood known as the Class of '79.

The August 4th meeting was attended by Greg Frey, James Santos, Karlton Borges, Steven Soong, Tony Souza, Tracy Mizota, and myself, Mel Pilien.

A tentative date has been picked for our 50th birfday get together in Las Vegas. We are looking at October 6th-9th, 2011, Thursday through Sunday. We did not realize at the time that Monday, October 10th is Columbus Day. We will check to see if this will have an effect on airfares and hotel reservations. If it does, we will probably move it up a week earlier. We are trying as much as possible to keep costs reasonable so that more of us will be able to participate.

It has also been suggested that since a majority of our classmates are here in Hawai'i, we should plan some 50th birfday get together events for here in Hawai'i. All agreed that that is a good idea, so we will start looking into this.

It has also been suggested that we have quarterly luncheons/dinners at one of the many all you can eat buffets available to us. We will be selecting a date and location at the next meeting.

Next, we are looking for nominees for softball coaches for the upcoming Alumni Softball Tournament held on Presidents Day weekend in February of 2011. So far, the only requirement is that the coach nominee had participated previously in the Alumni Softball tournament. Instead of selecting/electing one coach as done previously, all coach nominees will coach as a committee so that all willing to be involved can be involved. The sports committee has already started looking into shirt/uniform purchasing and silk screening costs.

The First Annual Chili Cook Off still needs to be rescheduled. We are looking for a date and location sometime in September.

It has been rumoured that Wayne Apuna may be in town sometime soon, so keep an eye out for the 'Meet and Greet' announcement if the rumour becomes true.

Other suggestions/ideas that were brought up at the meeting were: the need for a photo sharing site link so that photos from our various events can be easily uploaded and shared by all; various fundraising possibilites; and a Paypal account for easier fundraising/donation collection.

Lastly, we are doing our best to plan events and activities to bring us, as friends together. We would greatly appreciate any feedback - yay or nay, or any other suggestions or alternatives that you may have. You can comment on the blog, reply via email, or even call me (808-351-2862) or Karlton Borges (808-293-9339).

Over all it was a good meeting with lively discussion and comradery over pupus and drinks.

Memoir et Fidelis

Mel Pilien
Board President

Class of '79 Board Meeting August 4, 2010 7pm

Aloha Crusaders of 1979,

We will be having our bi-weekly class board meeting at the Crusader Lounge (Alumni Club House) on Wednesday, August 4, 2010 at 7pm. Please, if you can, come and join us in planning future events and activities for our class members and their families so that we can enjoy the fellowship of our brotherhood known as the Class of '79.

The July 15 meeting was actually a 'Meet and Greet' for Bob Phillips who was supposedly visiting from the mainland. There was a nice turn out of guys for the 'Meet and Greet'. Grant Kashiwabara, James Santos, Dwayne Arrelliano, Greg Perry, Tony Souza, Greg Frey, Albert Nakanishi, Karlton Borges, David Agor, Andrew Medieros, Tracy Mizota, Mel Pilien, and out of seclusion, Roland LaPierre. Well anyway, Bob Phillips never made it, but that is his loss. Everyone there was glad to be there and happy to see each other and a good time was had by all.

The First Annual Chili Cook Off had been cancelled due to weather concerns and needs to be rescheduled and a date for our 50th birfday Las Vegas get together also needs to be picked.

Memoir et Fidelis

Mel Pilien
Board President

First Anual Chili Cook Off To Be Rescheduled Due to Weather.

The First Anual Chili Cook Off Contest to be held at Kualoa Beach Park on Sunday, July 18, 2010 from 11am to 2pm has been cancelled due to weather concerns. We will reschedule the Chili Cook Off to a later date yet to be determined. We are sorry for the inconvenience. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call me.

Aloha,

Mel Pilien
Class of '79 Board President
351-2862

Bob Phillips is in the House! Thursday, July 15, 2010, 7pm at the Alumni Club House

Bob Phillips is here visiting from the mainland, so join us Thursday, July 15, 2o1o, at 7pm for a 'Meet and Greet' at the St. Louis Alumni Club House. Stop by and say 'Howzit' and may be have a brew or two. Pupu's are always welcome.

First Annual Chili Cook Off Contest Sunday, July 18, 2010 at Kualoa Beach Park

The Class of '79 First Annual Chili Cook Off Contest will be held on Sunday, July 18, 2010 at Kualoa Beach Park from 11am to 2pm. Break out your best Chili recipie and cook up a pot and come on down and let us determine if it really is the BEST!

Rules are simple. The competitor's chilis will be place in small marked tasting sample dishes. Tasters then vote anonymouly for the chili that they consider to be the best. The board will provide rice, salad, bowls and utensils, and bottled water. Please bring a chair or two and you are welcomed to bring your own adult beverages if you want.

We will have a tent put up, so look for the Class of '79 Banner. Hope to see you there. If you have any questions, please contact me at 351-2862.

Aloha,

Mel Pilien
Board President

Class of ’79 Board Meeting July 15, 2010 7pm

We will be having our bi-weekly class board meeting at the Crusader Lounge (Alumni Clug House) on Thursday, July 15, 2010 at 7pm. Please, if you can, come and join us in planning future events and activities for our class members and their families so that we can enjoy the fellowship of our brotherhood known as the Class of '79.

Following the board meeting we will be having a 'Meet and Greet' get together for Bob Phillips who is here visiting from the mainland. Stop by and say 'Howzit' and may be have a brew or two with whoever shows up. Pupu's are always welcomed.

The July 7th meeting was attended by Tony Souza, Albert Nakanishi, Karlton Borges, James Santos, and myself, Mel Pilien.

A locaion for the First Annual Chili Cook Off has been determined, and we will be having the Chili Cook Off at Kualoa beach Park from 11am to 2pm on Sunday July 18, 2010.

Memoir et Fedilis

Mel Pilien
Board President

Happy Independence Day!

Have a Safe and Happy

4TH
OF
JULY!

Services for Justin Honda

Services for Justin Honda will be held next month at Diamond Head Mortuary and Memorial Park.

Visitation: Friday, July 16, 6 - 9 p.m.
Burial: Saturday, July 17, 10:30 a.m.

Casual attire.

On behalf of the family, many thanks again for all your thoughts and prayers.

Goodnight, Mako

Justin Honda
March 21, 1961 - June 19, 2010
RIP

Aloha, SLHS Class of 1979!

Our energetic and loyal class has begun to respond in earnest to my prior letter asking that each member of our mighty class “step up to the (Crusader) Plate” to become a vital member of the “50 Classmate Core” needed to fund, slowly and steadily, the 50^th year anniversary class gift of $50,000.00 to our Alma Mater, Saint Louis School.

Mahalo to so many of you who almost immediately filled-out the “count me in, Russell Valente” form, and returned it, each dedicated to donate a minimum of $40.00 per year, for the next 20 years, to help create and establish our Class of 1979 50^th Year Anniversary Gift of $50,000.00 to Saint Louis School. An extra Mahalo to those who choose to send in checks with your reply. For those of you who have yet to “jump-in,” it’s never too late. Join us, and become not only an essential and much needed part of our “Class Core,” but also a recognized and vital part of both our class and Saint Louis School history.

As our classmates continue to respond to our Alma Mater’s call for support, let me bring you “up to speed” re: the safe, secure and well managed infrastructure that has been set-up to maintain and account for monies our dedicated class has now begun and will continue to donate and build:

• Our Class of 1979 Trust Fund has been officially set-up at SLS, is now “up and running” and ready from now on to accept our donations.
• Our Class of 1979 Trust Fund has a current balance of about $1,000.00 which puts us well on our way to the $50,000.00 goal we will reach some twenty years from now.
• Tax deductible donations can be made to our Class of 1979 Trust Fund at anytime, by several different methods, to include automatic credit card contributions and cash payments.

Below you'll find a link to the easy to follow form to be used to deposit monies to our Class of 1979 Trust Fund, and remember to clearly write down on the form that the monies are to be deposited to our Class of 1979 Trust Fund.

Let’s keep the energy and positive momentum up, guys, by each taking a few moments to fill-out and send in the enclosed form to SLS (Attn: Ways of Giving). Let’s each pledge our first year commitment of $40.00 (or any amount you are willing to donate toward our $50,000.00 goal, whether it be more or less than the suggested $40.00) and let’s continue to do so year after year until our goal of $50,000.00 is reached. For added convenience, use the following link to print additional forms for future donations, and always remember to write, “Class of 1979 Trust Fund” on each donation form:

http://www.saintlouishawaii.org/pdf/SLSAnnualAppeal.pdf

Mahalo to each of you for your dedication to the “Red and Blue” of our great Alma Mater, Saint Louis (High) School.

Memor et fidelis,

RUSSELL VALENTE
Chair, Class Gift Committee
SLHS Class of 1979

URGENT: More Prayers for Justin Honda, Please

Another update, and the news is not good. Justin's sisters say he has taken a turn for the worse, and may not have much time. He is at Hawaii Medical Center East (St. Francis Liliha) room 558. They are allowing visitors, but Justin's family members say he may not be coherent enough right now to recognize anyone. You can visit anyway -- and once again, another call for prayers.

Mahalo.

Class of '79 Board Meeting June 17, 2010 7pm

Aloha Crusaders of 1979,

We will be having our bi-weekly class board meeting at the Crusader Lounge (Alumni Club House) on Thursday, June 17, 2010 at 7pm. Please, if you can, come and join us in planning future events and activities for our class members and their families so that we can enjoy the fellowship of our brotherhood known as the Class of '79.

The June 2nd meeting was attended by Greg Perry, Tony Souza, Scott Melendez, Albert Nakanishi, and myself, Mel Pilien.

A date has been set for the First Annual Chili Cook Off Contest. Mark you calendars for Sunday, July 18, 2010. The site was originally set for Ke’ehi Lagoon park, but it looks like OHCRA has a canoe regatta that day, so we are in need of an alternate site. Site needs are: lots of parking, somewhat centrally located, a fairly clean restroom, and be where adult beverages can be consumed (discreetly) without any bother. Your suggestions for an alternate location would be most welcomed.

Greg Perry is a member of the Spearheading committee for the ‘Drive for 50k’ fundraiser for the Class of ’79 trust fund and was there to report that there is about $1,000 currently in our trust fund. About $500 came from donations in response to the spearheading committee letter sent out earlier this year, and about $500 form the Ohana fair fundraiser that occurred several years ago that the school was holding for us. To refresh your memory, it has been a tradition that when a Saint Louis Class celebrates their 50th reunion, that class presents a gift of $50,000 to Saint Louis School. A letter was sent out earlier this year and Russell Valente also posted an explanation on the Class of ’79 blog site. In a nut shell, if the spearheading committee can raise at least $2,000 a year (basically $40 a year from 50 annual donors more or less) the goal of $50,000 is reachable and doable. Greg brought letters and envelopes to be stuffed so expect a follow up letter from the Spearheading committee concerning the fundraiser.

Stuffing letters took up most of our time so that is about all that really got really accomplished that night.

Memoir et Fidelis

Mel Pilien
Interim Board President

Justin Honda Video Update

Justin Honda has posted a video on his Facebook page, taken this afternoon, with an update on his condition. He's doing much better and thanks everyone for their prayers and support.

Justin Honda Recovering After Surgery

Justin Honda is resting after undergoing surgery Monday afternoon at Hawaii Medical Center East. There are no complications reported, and he may be able to have visitors as soon as Tuesday. However, please call ahead to make sure. Also, please, no flowers, fruit baskets and the like, as Justin is still in the ICU, where such items are not allowed.

Weʻll continue to keep you posted.

Justin Honda Update

Justin Honda has been ill recently, and has taken a turn for the worse. A sister has been maintaining his Facebook account for a while, to mantain it and keep it going, hoping that he gets better and gets back on again. He is gravely ill, so keep him in your thoughts and prayers for the next few days.

Mahalo,
The Family of Justin Honda

Pray For Justin Honda

Our classmate, Justin Honda, is currently in the ICU at Hawaii Medical Center (St. Francis) East in Nuʻuanu. His condition reportedly is not very good, and his spirits are down. Heʻd appreciate a visit, or at least a call, very soon. The phone number is (808) 547-6011. We also ask for your thoughts and prayers for him.

Mahalo.

Class of '79 Board Meeting June 2, 2010 7pm

Aloha Crusaders of 1979,

We will be having our monthly class board meeting at the Crusader Lounge (Alumni Club House) on Wednesday, June 2, 2010 at 7pm. Please, if you can, come and join us in planning future events and activities for our class members and their families so that we can enjoy the fellowship of our brotherhood known as the Class of '79.

Our May 5th meeting had a nice turn out of guys. Alex Ingel, fresh in from San Francisco was there, as well as Tony Souza, Ben Guiterez, Tracy Mizota, James Santos, Dwayne Areliano, and myself, Mel Pilien.

It had been decided that the first get together to be planned is a Chili Cook Off/Contest. So get your best/favorite Chili recipes out and get ready to get cooking! Target date is one of the Sundays in July. Most probable location at the moment is Ke'ehi Lagoon Park. Set up at about 10 til whenevers. Format will most likely be, cook a pot of chili at home, bring it to the Cook Off, and have everyone blind taste and vote on who has the best chili. The board will provide prizes, rice and salad, bottled water, tents, tables, plates/bowls, forks/spoons, and some means to warm up the chili so that it is hot and at its best. It has also been suggested that we have a dessert contest at the same time, so that those with a sweet tooth can get in the act too. Any comments or suggestions are warmly welcomed.

Everyone was in general agreement that the Las Vegas trip/get together to celebrate the majority of the Class of '79 's 50th birthday is a good idea. Planning is currently on going. We are looking at most probably a spring or fall date, when it would not be too hot or too cold to play golf. UH football game weekends will be avoided in order to keep the costs reasonable.

The next issue discussed was if there should be a second monthly board meeting, and it was agreed upon that there should be another board meeting. So the the second board meeting will be on the third Thursday of the month. Thursday was selected because it was pointed out that some have diffculty making the Wedneday meetings. The next meeting was set for May 20, 2010 at the same bat time at the same bat cave.

The May 20th meeting was poorly attended, just Tony Souza, James Santos, and myself, Mel Pilien. I take the blame for that, since I neglected to post an announcement on the blog or via email. Ben G. posted a small announcement on the blog, but it was too small and difficult to see.

We accounted for the known assets of the Class of '79. $601.32 has been forwarded from the previous administration to me. These funds will be placed in a (yet to be created) SLS Class of 79 board checking account and utilized for our future activities. Tony Souza is currently in possesion of our Class Banner, the Class of '80 has possesion of the softball perpetual trophy, and Aaron Manuel currently has possesion of the class First Aid Kit required for the softball tournament. Inquiries are being made to see if we have any other class assets to be accounted for.

Next, we decided that a quarterly newsletter should be mailed out, in an effort to reach those of our class who are not electronically connected. The SLS Alumni association would be able to assist with this. We just need to provide a original to Bob Takei, and he will make the required copies for us. We then need to stuff the envelopes or fold the newsletters, and the Alumni association will pay for postage and mail out the newsletters for us. We will attempt to get a newletter out in June.

Tony brought up that we need for an easier way to view and share pictures. A photo album site such as Photobucket, Snapfish, or Picasa needs to be set up and linked to our site. That would make it easier for everyone to upload and share photos from our various get togethers and events. Tony also brought up, that we need to get a link to our Class of '79 blogsite on the SLS Alumni site. That would make it easier for anyone at the SLS Alumni site looking for information about the Class of '79 activities. Other classes have links, so we will work on getting one too.

Finally, James Santos mentioned that there should be a way for us to remember our classmates who have unfortunately left us too soon. We will be working on ways to remember our late friends. We will also be working on ways to keep you updated on classmates who have health problems and/or other issues. We are not getting any younger and our thoughts and prayers go a long way in assisting them in their recovery.

Memoir et Fidelis

Mel Pilien
Interim Board President