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Opening Ceremony

21 May 2015

Chapter 56 opened its annual exhibition, Splendors of Ikebana, with the theme of Dynamic Tension of Color.  Gail's opening remarks touched on how planning an event like this is much like planning a wedding every year.  The exhibition was then blessed with a Hawaiian oli (chant) and a Christian prayer, and all were invited inside. Dr. Hirai and two of her koto students, a brother and sister aged 15 and 11, serenaded us the rest of the evening.  To round out the event, we all tasted treats by eleven of our bakers who provided a delectable dessert buffet.   Dessert judge Darryl awarded them all blue ribbons.  After months of hard work and preparation, even planning committee chairman Earl was able to relax and enjoy the evening.


President Gail at the entrance

The crowd gathers

Opening remarks

Misty Kelai offers an oli (Hawaiian chant)

Koto players

Pastor Darren Galindo 

Earl opens the gallery

Watching the koto players

Koto players Dr. Bernice Hirai with brother and sister students Asa and Sakae

Teacher and student duet

Flute too

Studying the details

Bertha explains her arrangement to the Consul General

Consul General viewing an arrangement

Elaine with the Consul General's wife

Consul General inspecting another arrangement

Consul General and wife 

These are birch branches. No, they don't grow in Hawaii...

Consul General viewing the youth arrangements

Consul General viewing arrangement

The dessert contest gets started

The judge

Let the tasting begin!

Two down, nine more to go...

Everyone has a taste

Probably the cutest dessert!

Finally able to relax and enjoy!

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