MEMBERS of Roosevelt High’s Class of ’49, who have turned or are turning 80 this year, decided to have an 80th birthday party instead of waiting for their 65th reunion. Some 120 people showed up, some from the mainland, for the Hale Koa party on Aug. 14 to reminisce and talk about the good old days on the Makiki campus. They also enjoyed fine food and good music. The organizers included retired Assistant Police Chief Orby Groves and his wife, the former Ruth Mesick, (both seen at right) a class beauty, and their children and grandchildren. After meeting Orby in the seventh-grade at Stevenson Intermediate, Ruth went home and told her late mom, Mary Mesick, “I just met the boy I’m going to marry.” Other key organizers were Laverne Fernandez Nimsger, Evelyn Loo Lee and Irwin “Yoka” Cockett. Music was provided by Island Splash, made up of Sam Puletasi and Bill Thompsen, Mihana Souza, former Miss Hawaii Delfin Poaha Luchinger, Wally Vincent and Estrella Luna Lariosa. The Groves’ daughters, Cindy Lopez, Jolyn Tenn and Kathy Nii, also sang, as did Kathy’s hubby, Derrick Nii, who also emceed. A good time was had by all. I can vouch for that as I am proud to be an RHS Class of ’49 member. …

BILLIE GABRIEL is spearheading the Hawaii Call for Photos, part of a national campaign to put a face behind all 58,272 names engraved on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. She wants to find as many as possible of the 276 photos of Hawaii’s servicemen killed in Vietnam. “We have collected 104 photos thus far,” said Billie, Hawaii liaison for the project. “Let us honor the brave who represent courage, honor and loyalty to their heritage and their aina.” Billie, whose brother, James Gabriel Jr., was the first native Hawaiian and Green Beret to be killed in Vietnam, believes a grassroots effort will help find these remaining 172 photographs. Visit www.vvmf.org/hawaii_cfp, or call 497-7264 for more info. “On Sunday at noon we’re having a small ceremony at the Korean-Vietnam Memorial at the state Capitol to honor Sen. (Daniel) Akaka for his support of the veterans,” Billie said. “The public is invited. We are giving Sen. Akaka an original piece of granite that was used to build The Wall in 1982.” … Billie’s daughter, Kona Carmack, is now working on casting for “Hawaii Five-0.” Kona was the former casting director for “Off the Map.” …

THAT WAS Chef Alan Wong delivering a nutritious meal to a Lanakila Meals on Wheels recipient, homebound senior Diane Kahanu, 66, Aug. 13 in Liliha. Alan met with Wheels director Lyn Moku and staff volunteers earlier in the day at Lanakila Pacific and assisted with packaging the meal he and Lyn delivered. The Good Table is a dining event that supports Lanakila Meals on Wheels and Alan is honorary chairman this year. The event is at 6 p.m. Oct. 6 at more than 50 of Oahu’s most popular restaurants. It is presented by HGEA and Island Insurance. Restaurants ranging from casual eateries, such as Zippy’s, to fine dining establishments, such as Alan Wong’s, will serve a special feast for prepurchased tables. For a list of participating restaurants visit www.thegoodtable.org. …

ISLE LAW enforcement officers served meals and bused tables at Ward area restaurants last week as part of the 21st annual Tip a Cop fundraiser to benefit Special Olympics Hawaii. Officers worked for tips at Dave & Buster’s, Kincaids, Old Spaghetti Factory, Ryan’s Grill, Wahoo’s Fish Taco and Big City Diner.