Checkered
(& Pogo) pastAN awful lot of work went into "Checkers & Pogo Remembered," the one-hour special airing Thursday on KGMB-TV. This isn't just a paste-up of old shows and bits, but a real behind the scenes investigation of what went into the making of Hawaii's No. 1 kiddie's show for 15 years, and what has happened to the people who made it. Producer Lawrence Pacheco traveled far and wide tracking down the principals on the show, talking to Morgan White ("Pogo" on the show) in Utah, Jerry Cox ("Superspy") in New Orleans, Jim Hawthorne ("Checkers No. 1") in Colorado, Jim Demarest ("Checkers No. 3") in Chicago and his easiest target, "Checkers No. 2," Yours Truly, who did the role for a year before becoming the Star-Bulletin's three-dot columnist 30 years ago. Others include magician Professor Fun, "janitor" Rob Hearn and clown Lorena Smith. Another key player on the show, C&P producer/director Phil Arnone (now with KTVU in Oakland), also added his insights. There's the checkered Lincoln Continental, the Sky Slide and numerous pies in the face awaiting viewers. Parents who were fans of the show when they were kids, would do well let their own keiki see it when it airs Thursday at 8 p.m. ...
You think Ben's busy?
HISTORY was in the air at Washington Place last week, as Vicky Cayetano hosted former First Ladies and their husbands while filming a video honoring Hawaii's own "First Wives Club." On hand were Nancy & Bill Quinn, Jean & George Ariyoshi and Lynne & John Waihee. The video will be shown April 3 at the Hilton Hawaiian Village at the "First Ladies of Hawaii" celebration to benefit Bishop Museum. Ginger Peterson, whose Peterson Productions worked on location with films like "Waterworld" and "Godzilla," donated her time to produce the piece and it'll be added to the Museum's collection ...THAT'S not all that's on Vicky Cayetano's plate. She's also going to be a model at the "Swing into Spring" fashion show Sunday to benefit IHS, the homeless shelter. Also modeling and co-chairing with Mrs. Cayetano is the 1998 Mother of the Year, Patricia Lei Anderson Murray. Entertaining with swing music will be Loretta Ables, who'll also model clothing described as "real sizes for real women." Those attending the show at the Hilton Hawaiian Village are asked to bring a lightly used outfit that a homeless woman could wear to a job interview. Call 845-7150 for more info ...
THE local chapter of the American Association of University Women is presenting a program of monologues to elementary schools throughout March, which is National Women's History Month. Students are introduced to a plethora of women who have contributed to society. Among the best known are astronaut Sally Ride, humanitarian Eleanor Roosevelt, Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, writer Beatrix Potter and artist Georgia O'Keefe. To learn more about the program call AAUW at 537-4702 ...
Alum comes through
THERE'S been a quiet announcement at Punahou School of a donation of major proportions. It will allow the school to completely rebuild its kindergarten-through-eighth grade facilities, including new spaces for grades 5-8 as a middle school and the construction of a badly needed additional performance space. All music can then be consolidated into one building instead of scattered in five different areas as it is now. The time frame for all the additions is 5 to 8 years. Oh yes, the donor is the Class of 1973's Steve Case, billionaire CEO of America On-Line ...
Dave Donnelly has been writing on happenings
in Hawaii for the Star-Bulletin since 1968.
His columns run Monday through Friday.Contact Dave by e-mail: donnelly@kestrok.com.