On August 10, more than 150 pensioners from five ILWU pensioner clubs (Lihue Plantation, Kekaha Sugar, Gay & Robinson, McBryde Sugar, and Golden Years) gathered at the Kauai Division hall for their Annual Pensioners Picnic.
Although the number of pensioners attending the annual picnic has dwindled over the years, everyone who showed up that day was healthy, happy, and raring to join in on the fun
The pensioners got their blood flowing playing dart blackjack, minigolf, and “Portuguese horseshoes.” Pensioners tried their luck at all the games, hoping to win a prize package containing canned goods and paper towels. Even a sudden downpour didn’t stop them from jostling one another in friendly competition for the joy of winning.
Volunteers Stanley Dotario, Jesus Guirao, Ernie Domingo, Peter Rayno, Robert Girald, Gloria Girald, Rhonda Morris, Albert Carveiro, and the Corpuz ohana (Liberty, Cassandra, Kristin and Calvin Jr.) assisted FTOs Mike Machado, Pamela Green, Doreen Kua, and Calvin Corpuz to make sure that everyone had fun and plenty to eat.
No pensioner picnic is complete without speeches. The pensioners heard from Kauai Division Director Michael Machado, ILWU Memorial Association President Robert Girald, Local Secretary-Treasurer Guy Fujimura, Local Social Services Coordinator Joanne Kealoha, Councilmember JoAnn Yukimura, and representatives of Senator Mazie Hirono and Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard
After lunch, the pensioners settled down to serious rounds of bingo, called by Robert and Gloria Girald, and the requisite lucky number giveaways. Kauai Division is known for giving out bags of rice to bingo winners, and many pensioners were not disappointed.
On a hot, humid day, Kauai pensioners came to the ILWU hall on Kauai to participate in fun activities, talk story with one another, and be grateful for their health and good fortune. The ILWU pensioner program is alive and well on Kauai.
Kauai pensioner Dolly DeCosta with Local Secretary-Treasurer Guy K. Fujimura.
Over 150 Kauai Division pensioners took part in the picnic, including retired Kauai Division Director Dyna Namakoto (below, right).
Kauai Councilperson JoAnn Yukimura was one of several guest speakers at the pensioner event.
Oahu Division Labor Day Celebration postponed
Pensioners enjoyed games like horseshoes and darts and won prizes.
Oahu Division has postponed their Labor Day Celebration to honor and support the social and economic contributions of ILWU members.
The celebration was original scheduled for Labor Day, September 2, 2013, at the ILWU Hall on 451 Atkinson Drive in Honolulu. However, the building’s exterior is being repaired and painted. The project began in mid-July and is expected to be completed in late September.
Your Oahu Business Agent will post notices to announce the new date for the Labor Day event which will be scheduled after the painting is completed.
Look for stories on Labor Day celebrations in your Division in the next issue of the VOICE of the ILWU