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Entries categorized as ‘Community Focus’

The Herald visits the new Nordstrom Store

March 7, 2008 · No Comments

If you haven’t already visited the new Nordstrom Store at Ala Moana Center . . . well then you aren’t one of the 1,000 shoppers who went there this morning - some as early as 5:30 a.m.

Our Managing Editor, Gwen Battad Ishikawa was invited to the media walk-through of the store on Jan. 31 and the grand opening gala that took place on Wednesday, March 5. So if you are sitting there at work, waiting for the clock to hit 5 o’clock so you can hit up Hawaii’s newest department store, maybe this will ease your mind:

NORDSTROM ALA MOANA CENTER OPENING GALA RAISES $400,000 FOR LOCAL NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS

Nordstrom Ala Moana Center introduced itself to Hawaii with a lavish gala event on Wednesday, March 5, two days before its public opening on March 7.

The gala was underwritten entirely by the Seattle-based company and helped raise more than $400,000 for the Bishop Museum, Hawaii Theatre Center and HUGS (Help, Understanding and Group Support).

More than 2,500 guests were the first to preview the new full-line store and enjoyed püpü by Chef Chai Chawasaree of Chai’s Island Bistro; Chef Donato Loperfido and Chef Philippe Padovani from Elua Restaurant and Wine Bar and desserts by JJ Pastry. Live entertainment by Puamama, Amy Hanaiali‘i, Matt Catingub, Jimmy Borges and Mihana Souza.

The highlight of the event was a runway fashion show featuring Nordstrom’s 2008 American and European collections for men and women. Featured designers included Diane von Furstenberg, Giambattista Valli, Michael Kors, Missoni and Phillip Lim.

Then of course, there was the shopping. Nordstrom originally started out as a shoe store and the Ala Moana location did not disappoint. The three women’s shoe departments were in full swing, offering hundreds of shoes to choose from. The cosmetics department was also bustling, where ladies took advantage of the complimentary makeovers and gifts with purchase.

Store manager Brian Tatsumura with assistant store manager Marisa Pomeroy.

The Nordstrom family with Brian Tatsumura. Al and Sue Landon (far left) were the honorary chairs for the gala event.

Amy Hanaiali‘i performs.

Nordstrom’s espresso bar.

Joseph Amigleo helps Nancy Hayashi with her shoe selection.

AJ Perez in the sunglass shop, featuring close to 40 different brands.

Sights from the fashion show

Categories: Community Focus
Tagged: ala moana, nordstrom

Community Focus: What’s happening in the community

March 4, 2008 · No Comments

INFO ON AJA RISK FOR COLORECTAL CANCER AT CANCER RESEARCH INFORMATION DAY

Japanese Americans’ increased risk for colorectal cancer will be among the subjects that Hawai‘i cancer specialists and researchers from the Cancer Research Center of Hawai‘i will address at the third annual Cancer Research Information Day on Saturday, March 8. Dr. Loic Le Marchand, M.D., will speak on AJAs and colorectal cancer. According to Dr. Le Marchand, Japanese in Hawai‘i — and now in Japan — have some of the highest rates in the world for colorectal cancer. Although Hawai‘i Japanese consume less fat, they eat more beef and processed meats than Caucasians in Hawai‘i. Dr. Le Marchand’s presentation will cover his research on the Japanese in Hawai‘i, Japan and Brazil as well as current prevention approaches.

The daylong program will also feature other cancer specialists and researchers from the Cancer Center and other organizations. Each presentation will be followed by a 10-minutes Q&A session. Other presenters will address complementary and alternative medicines in cancer, new radiation treatments for breast cancer, prostate cancer and diet, soy foods and breast cancer risk, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and chronic viral hepatitis and liver cancer. Health and cancer-related exhibits will also be open to the public. Participating organizations include the American Cancer Society, Cancer Information Service (CIS), Pacific region, and the Hawaii Comprehensive Cancer Control Program.

The program runs from 9 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. and will be held in the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai‘i’s Mö‘ili‘ili Room. Registration begins at 8 a.m. A light lunch will be provided and parking is free with validation. Reservations are recommended. For more information or to place a reservation, call 275-3011 or e-mail infoday@brightlightmarketing.com.

BAMBOO RIDGE PRESS TO “TOAST AND ROAST” EDITORS LUM AND CHOCK

Local literature publisher Bamboo Ridge Press will celebrate its 30th anniversary by toasting and roasting founding editors Darrel Lum and Eric Chock at its “4 the Love of BR” fundraiser on Tuesday, March 11, at the Manoa Valley Theatre. The wine and püpü reception will begin at 7 p.m., with the toasting and roasting to commence at 7:30. The toasters and roasters will include Lee Cataluna, Lois-Ann Yamanaka, Cathy Song, Cedric Yamanaka, Lee Tonouchi. The event is free to current Bamboo Ridge members and donors and a $30 donation for all others. The $30 donation also includes membership and free admission to other Bamboo Ridge 30th anniversary events. Tickets can be reserved by calling 626-1481, or online at www.bambooridge.com. Seating is limited so early reservations is recommended.

JAPANESE WOMEN’S SOCIETY FOUNDATION ACCEPTING GRANT APPLICATIONS

The Japanese Women’s Society Foundation (JWSF) is accepting applications for its 2008 grant awards. Individuals and nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations based in the state of Hawai‘i that are pursuing studies and goals related to the mission of the JWSF are eligible to apply.

The grant is aimed at promoting interest in and understanding of Japanese culture by the people of Hawai‘i and to foster appreciation of world cultures; enhancing understanding and good relationships between the people of Japan and the United States; and rendering services to the community by supporting worthwhile projects through activities and charitable contributions in the area of culture, education, gerontology and women’s issues.

Each grant is for $1,000 and is awarded on an annual basis. Projects needing additional funds may reapply. Grantseekers are asked to submit a letter of inquiry with a brief project outline, desired outcome and amount needed. If the inquiry meets the guidelines, the committee will ask the applicant to submit a full proposal.
Grantees will be required to submit an annual status report which will include how the funds were used and the most notable project outcome. Applications may be obtained online at www.jwsf.org. Send completed applications to: JWSF Grant Committee, P.O. Box 3233, Honolulu HI 96801.

Applications must be postmarked no later than April 30. The grants will be awarded in June. For more information, contact Pauline Sugino at 532-8751 or 383-9215.

Categories: Community Focus
Tagged: Community Focus