Seventy-two members and guests of Da’ Hawaii Seniors Club gathered at Liberty Park in Cerritos on August 2, 2025, to enjoy the club’s Annual Potluck Picnic from 11:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The club’s President, Carmelita Tiongson, welcomed members and guests at 11:10 a.m. and asked David Ethington to lead the Pledge of Allegiance. Danny Chang and Calvin Kunimoto then led the singing of Hawaii Pono’I, and Edna Ethington read the names of August Birthday Celebrants. Edna led members in singing Happy Birthday in English and Hawaiian Birthday Celebrants David Ethington and Frances McCormick who were present.
Program Vice-President Loke Manetta invited members and guests to start the potluck lunch by going to the three tables that were filled with main dishes, salads, side dishes of sushi, and desserts that were prepared by members. While everyone was enjoying their lunch selections, the Raffle Committee, led by Liberty Santiago and Anne Ohara, presented drawing prizes to winners. There was so much food prepared that members took home leftovers at the end of the day!
After everyone had finished their lunches, Program V.P. Loke introduced the musically talented groups and individuals who had volunteered to provide entertainment for the day.
The first group to perform was the Hanabi Taiko Drum Group, led by Julie Koga. Hanabi Taiko has been together for six years and did an outstanding job of demonstrating three different styles of precision drumming with two, four, or all six members at different times.
The group posed for a picture after their performance.
Other groups that performed were club members of Na’ Kupunawahine who performed two hulas, Papalina Lahi Lahi and God Bless the USA. Members of the Angklung Group of Cerritos used their bamboo instruments to perform songs in Indonesian and in English, directed by their leader, Ann Kho. Ann also performed a solo singing the song Circle of Life.
Pictured are the Hanabi Taiko Drum Group showing their performance uniforms after their performance at Da’ Hawaii Seniors’ Club Potluck Picnic on August 2, 2025.
President Carmelita said a prayer of thanks to God and to all who donated food and drinks for the Potluck Picnic. She also asked all Picnic Committee members and people who helped to decorate the tables with tablecloths, plumeria, hibiscus flowers, and other decorations, to come to the stage. Carmelita thanked everyone for their help and presented 35 lottery tickets to members and guests, courtesy of Da’ Hawaii Seniors Club.
Carmelita reminded everyone that, instead of a club meeting on August 21, there will be a special meeting on Thursday, August 28, 2025, at the Cerritos Senior Center from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. There will be a guest speaker who will present information about Long Term Care with MEDI-CAL, which is different from MEDI-MEDI. It is an asset protection for those who qualify for Long Term Care. People who are interested in this meeting must make a reservation with Carmelita by calling 562-305-7995.