Milestone for Big Dog column – #500

My wife Randee wears this button to KMS and makes me proud

In life, if we stick with it and want it enough, we manage to hit milestones.

Milestones are constructed to provide us with a reference point on the road of life. This can be done to reassure travelers that the proper path is being followed and to indicate the distance traveled.

Chief Justice Earl Warren once said this about milestones: “I’m very pleased with each advancing year. It stems back to when I was forty. I was a bit upset about reaching that milestone, but an older friend consoled me. ‘Don’t complain about growing old – many, many people do not have that privilege.’”

For me, that milestone was hit on my journey through life as I am writing my 500th column today for the Hawaii Tribune-Herald.

No easy feat when I had lots of people tell me with my first or second column that I’d run out of people to write about in just a few weeks.

If I had listened to them I would have been discouraged and probably given up 9 years ago, but I didn’t and look where this has led me?

Of course, it all started with Ironman Joe Wedemann, and the marathoner Jason “Torpedo” Thorp and has since gone into the lives of swimmers, bikers, and just healthy people who find ways to stay healthy and fit.

My wife recently asked me what’s on my “bucket list” and I had to think what is really important to me.

Of course, topping my list is to live longer so that I don’t have to limit my bucket list and with that not being possible, I have a really modest list. Since being diagnosed with Gliobalastoma Multiforme stage 4 (brain cancer) in January 2011, writing this column has been extremely difficult. What once took me an hour now takes me several. Typing skills that were once mastered now are a struggle to connect the brain with the action of typing. While writing this column I have met and become friends with so many wonderful people.

Topping my list is to make it to Taiwan next summer to see my daughter, Jaclynn, graduate with her Master’s Degree.

Also, next summer is my wife’s daughter’s Sylas graduating with her Master’s degree in social work from the University of Washington in Seattle. I know this is opposite worlds apart, but if I can make it to both, I will.

To show that I am an optimistic person, I went and renewed my passport and more travel is hopefully on the horizon.

If things work out, I’d like to visit Brazil prior to the 2014 Olympics.

For 2013, I’d like to host the Big Island International Marathon and put on a couple more community runs while I still can.

My writing gives me great pleasure and I’d like to continue this for as long as people continue to read the various sports stories and especially this column, hopefully another 500 — but that would not be realistic.

The moral here is if I would have listened to those pessimistic readers who said I would run out of people to write about nearly 10 years ago, I would have stopped writing this column.

I’m glad I didn’t listen to them and I’ve continued to touch the lives of many people and inspire them to stay healthy and fit.

Also for 2013, I’d like to have in place the awarding of two scholarships worth $1,500 to be awarded to one male and one female who have participated in multiple high school sports in the Big Island Interscholastic Federation.

Yes that’s right, multiple BIIF sports (such as bowling and swimming, as an example).

Life is what we make it to be and I have made the most of my situation.

Right up to the time that I am expected to go I’d like to keep giving back to the community and I have scheduled a New Year’s Day Resolution Run/Walk with the price of admission being a canned good or monetary donation being made to the Hawaii Island Food Basket.

I could use a bunch of volunteers to pull this one off as my balance has been slowly deteriorating, but I will make the most with what I have remaining.

It is scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 30 at 8 a.m. and will start from the parking lot of Coconut Island and make its way around the coast line of beautiful Hilo Bay. I’ve made the most of what life has thrown at me. In the process I’d like to thank the many friends and family that have stood by me. I would like to take this time to express my gratitude to all my readers throughout the decade for your support.

Like President Ronald Reagan once said: “Some may try and tell us that this is the end of an era, but what they overlook is that in America every day is a new beginning, and every sunset is merely the latest milestone on a voyage the never ends.”

And someday when you happen to see a very blessed man thanking his lucky stars, remember to smile and say “woof” but never shy away from “Running with the Big Dog.”

Email the Big Dog at waiakeabigdog@aol.com.

 

 

Big Dog’s Veterans Day 5K run/walk on 11.11.11

Veterans Day 5K run/walk on tap

     Big Dog Productions will host a 5K (3.1-mile) fun run/walk on Veterans Day, Friday, November 11, starting at the entrance to Moku Ola (Coconut Island) in Hilo.

    Start time is set for 7:30 a.m. and the entry fee is a canned good item to be donated to the Hawaii Island Food Basket.

   Host Wayne “Big Dog” Joseph is a U.S. Army Veteran that is organizing the event as a way of honoring our military troops.

  Post race refreshments will be provided by State House Representatives Jerry Chang and Clift Tsuji.   Finishers will also receive Vidration sports drink provided by Keith Aoki of Anheuser-Busch Hawaii, while supplies last.

   For more information contact the Big Dog at 969-7400, email at waiakeabigdog@aol.com

Big Dog’s Lovers 5K run/walk on Feb. 6

Big Dog Family Hosting Lovers Day 5K

Entry fee for the event is one or more canned goods to be donated to the Hawaii Island Food Basket.

The 5K (3.1-mile) Run or Walk begins at 7:30 am from the parking area of Coconut Island in Hilo.

Post race refreshments provided by Marlene and Archie Hapai.   Just show up, sign in and have some fun.  Keith Aoki from Anheuser-Bush will give a Vidration sports drink to each finisher while supplies last.

For more information contact Wayne “Big Dog” Joseph at 969-7400 or email at waiakeabigdog@aol.com. 

Veteran’s Day Extra Special to Big Dog

Veteran's on hand for the Vet Day 5K run/walk in Hilo

Last year my wife, Randee, asked me how I wanted to spend my birthday.  “Should we take a trip, spend an evening at a five star hotel or go on a cruise?” she asked.

After thinking long and hard about what really makes me happy and a birthday occasion special, I replied, I’d like to put on a Veteran’s Day run/walk and have all the participants bring something for the Hawaii Food Basket.

Veteran’s Day is a special day to me not only because I’m a Vietnam Vet, but because Nov. 11 happens to fall on my birthday.

Last year more than 100 people showed up to pay tribute to the men and women who have made sacrifices to keep this country free. This year nearly 200 people participated in the run/walk and another 25 plus people came out to volunteer.

“This is a great event,” State House Representative, Jerry Chang said.  “We are here to honor those that served our country and to contribute to our Hawaii Island Food Basket.”

Dr. Joseph D’Angelo

Chang, a veteran himself, gave the opening remarks prior to the start of the race and was followed by Dr. Joseph D’Angelo, who returned last year from a tour of duty in the Middle East.

“Last year I spoke of running in an environment of freedom and not from mortar fire,” D’Angelo said.  “This year I speak about gratitude and the importance of continued family support.”

D’Angelo pointed out the appreciation the troops have of receiving care packages from home. He also spoke of the love for the soldiers when they are gone and upon their return.

“I extend my gratitude to all who support our men and women in uniform as well as supporting the families who remain back home.”

At the start of the 5K run a pair of University of Hawaii at Hilo cross country runners, Zach Johnson and Keoni Ucker, zoomed into the lead followed by Jason Braswell of the Big Island Running Company in Kona.

“I went out fast and tried to keep up with Zach (Johnson) during the first mile,” Ucker said.  “Once I took the lead I separated myself from everyone else as I pushed hard and was never seriously challenged.”

Ucker won in a time of 16 minutes 6 seconds, with Braswell trying to play catch up.

“My Dad is a vet and I wanted to honor him by being here today,” Ucker said.  “In fact both my parents came out to watch me run and this was a way to say thank you to my Dad.”

For Kona’s Jason Braswell and wife Melissa running the race was a good opportunity to be with likeminded people who share a common interest.

“We wanted to be part of this great event and show our support for our Veteran’s,” Braswell said.

Braswell was in the pack with Ucker and Johnson during the first mile and tried to catch Ucker once he separated.

“I was trying to stay with him (Ucker) but wasn’t making much headway,” he said.

Braswell also enjoyed the Hilo weather saying that it was a lot easier to run.

“The weather conditions here were perfect, with no wind, which made for great racing conditions,” Braswell said of his second place finish in 16:36.

Johnson hung onto third, 16:56; and was followed by Justin Pang, 17:20; and Chris Evans, 17:28.

For the women it was another pair of UHH harriers that pulled away from the rest of the ladies field.  Vulcan Kaylene Peric, 19:35; beat out teammate Krista Andrew, 20:01; and was followed by Robyn DeBenedet, 20:07; Melissa Braswell, 21:25; and Lory Hunter, 21:38.

“I wanted to see how well I could do today and to compare today’s time with my time when I last ran this course in August,” Peric said.

Peric finished almost a full minute ahead of her previous time and was pleased with her efforts.

“I’m especially pleased to be a part of this race that honored our Vets and to be able to donate something to the food drive,” she said.

Nine members of the Coast Guard Kiska

Nine members of the Coast Guard Cutter, Kiska, anchored in Hilo were on hand to run the 3.1 mile course.

“We are active duty service members and we have just returned from one year in Iraqi waters,” Lt. Commanding Officer Craig Dente said.  “We wanted to be part of this event that recognizes our military veterans.”

Following the run/walk participants were treated to a bananas, papayas and cookies supplied by Jerry Chang and his group of volunteers.

Hunter Bishop

Hunter Bishop from Mayor Billy Kenoi’s office read a message from the mayor which spoke of our observation of Veterans Day to honor the unselfish dedication of those who have honorably served the cause of freedom in our nation’s armed forces.

“Your ability to compete in this wonderful event is made possible by the sacrifices of those countless veterans whom we honor,” the mayor wrote.  “We recognize and salute the veterans among you, as we also honor our brothers and sisters, sons and daughters, and mothers and fathers, who continue to serve and protect our nation throughout the world today.”

Members representing a variety of labor unions were also on hand and included representatives from HGEA, UPW, ILWU, SHOPO, HSTA, the Carpenters Union and others in support of our Veterans.

The Hawaii State Teachers Association, headed by Rae Yamanaka, had the largest member group participating and won a special Big Dog award.

The event raised a total of 356 pounds of food and $293 in cash and checks for the Hawaii Island Food Basket.

Mahalo Hilo for your continued support of our troops.

And someday should you happen to see a proud vet come jogging around the Eastside of Hawaii Island remember to smile, say “woof” and never shy away from “Running with the Big Dog.”

Email the Big Dog at waiakeabigdog@aol.com.

Related Links:  https://waynejoseph.wordpress.com/2010/11/13/vet-day-5k-reaps-benefit-for-the-hawaii-island-food-basket/

http://www.hawaii247.com/2010/11/11/big-dog-5k-race-honors-veterans-and-helps-the-hungry/

https://waynejoseph.wordpress.com/2010/11/12/more-photos-from-big-dogs-veterans-day-5k/

https://waynejoseph.wordpress.com/2010/11/11/group-photos-from-big-dogs-veterans-day-5k/

Vet Day 5K Reaps Benefit for the Hawaii Island Food Basket

Staff & Family of the Hawaii Island Food Basket

Big Dog’s Veterans Day 5K produces Big results for the Hawaii Island Food Basket

The Big Dog’s Veterans Day 5K, held at Coconut Island on Nov. 11 attracted 198 participants and 30 volunteers in what was one of the most successful running/walking events on the island in 2010.

The event raised 356 pounds of food and $293 in cash and checks for the Hawaii Island Food Basket.

Some of the Food Basket Helpers

Many thanks goes to the Hawaii Island Labor Alliance, who supported the event, which saw the Hawaii State Teachers Association win the “most participant award”.

To Jerry Chang and his large group of volunteer staff who supplied all the refreshments, bananas, papayas, cookies and the like.

To Keith Aoki from Anheuser-Busch who made the banners and supplied the sports drinks for the event.

To Mrs. Big Dog for her tireless energy in helping in the days leading up to the event.

And to the Veterans who came and participated.

Mahalo to all as the Big Dog looks forward to making 11-11-11 even bigger and better, with all of your help.

 see video of the event:  http://www.hawaii247.com/2010/11/11/big-dog-5k-race-honors-veterans-and-helps-the-hungry/