The Hawaii Youth Symphony, celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, has received a well-deserved Na Hoku Hanohano award nomination for its "He Makana O Na Mele" concert album. The Youth Symphony 1, conducted by Henry Miyamura, called upon singer Jimmy Borges and Waitiki 7 to take part in the fundraising concert held at Hilton Hawaiian Village’s Coral Ballroom in October. Al Harrington was emcee. Backed by HYS 1, Jimmy sang Frank Sinatra hits (using Frank’s arrangements), Nat King Cole favorites and tossed in his version of "Little Grass Shack." The Waitiki 7 treated guests to Martin Denny‘s and Arthur Lyman‘s exotica sounds going back to the 1950s, performing "Quiet Village" and "Yellow Bird," complete with bird calls.
"He Makana O Na Mele" has been nominated for instrumental album of the year. HYS Executive Director Randy Wong said Jimmy was in the running for favorite entertainer of the year for the album but sadly did not make it into the final list, nor did the HYS, which was also considered for album of the year. The Hoku awards will be presented May 24 at the Hawai’i Convention Center. About 700 musicians throughout Hawaii, ages 7-18, belong to the Hawaii Youth Symphony ohana. HYS 1, which performed at the concert, was made up of 91 youngsters from Oahu, Maui and Kauai …
SENIOR STAR: Patsy Gibson, 85, has been honored as the Hawaii Salute to Senior Service winner for her dedicated community service, including her work with the Outdoor Circle. Patsy coordinated the planning and implementation of the North Shore bike path and the design and creation of Haleiwa Weed Circle, and has served in many other roles in the organization. She also worked closely with the city to identify trees that needed to be removed along North Shore roads.
As one of 50 state winners, Patsy earned $500 for her charity of choice, donated by Home Instead Inc., franchisor of the Home Instead Senior Care network and contest sponsor. Patsy also has been a judge with the Garden Club of Honolulu. She was so respected that the club named a flower award after her.
Patsy sent her thanks to Home Instead in a note reading: "I am greatly honored to have received the Senior Service Award. It is truly a nice surprise to receive such an honor. The North Shore Outdoor Circle, a branch of the Outdoor Circle, is pleased to have been chosen as the recipient of this monetary award. Our motto is ‘Keep Hawaii clean green and beautiful.’ This money will go a long way toward achieving that goal. While inching up to the age of 86 I have volunteered for more years than I can remember. Thank you so much for this recognition." You go, girl! …
RESTAURATEUR Randy Schoch and wife Cheri are headed into town next week for a short visit. Randy’s Ruth’s Chris Steak House Waterfront Plaza and Romano’s Macaroni Grill Ala Moana will be honoring administrative professionals next week. Ruth’s Chris will be open for lunch on Wednesday and Romano’s will celebrate Monday through Friday. All administrative professionals will receive a gift from the restaurants and will be eligible to win dining certificates …
Ben Wood, who sold newspapers on Honolulu streets in World War II, writes of people, places and things. Email him at bwood@staradvertiser.com.
