Kupuna News A Magazine For and About Hawaii's Seniors (January-June 2024)

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f 1 :- = d-inate +�e s "or Eld� he,-rl ' .' , / '. Coran Kitaoka, EAD Operations Assistant Director, (809) 323-4320 �. ' ,Leihua Malani, East Hawaii (808) 961-8777, Kathi-Lynn Kam, West Hawaii (808) 323-432G COORDINATED SERVICES WELCOMES Congratulations Cynthia "Leihua" Malani on her recent promotion to the Coordinated Services East Hawaii Program Director III position. Leihua began her county career in 1989 as an emergency hire Community Service Worker I. Throughout her 34 years of service she has worked her way up the ranks holding various positions within the Coordinated Service program. In her free time Leihua enjoys traveling, sports, and spending time with family. Way to go Leihua! She is a spending weekends. Congratulations to Nadine Dela Cruz on her recent promotion to North/South Hilo's Community Service Program Assistant I. Nadine has spent the last eight years assisting the Coordinated Services Program as the Clerk III and then Account Clerk in Hiln. proud mother of two who enjoys quality time with her family on AARP IS OFFERING SENIOR TAX PREPARATION SERVICES Appointments for the 2024 tax season starts January 2, 2024 by calling Coordinated Services for the Elderly office Monday thru Friday from 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. at (808) 961-8777. Mahalo! East Hawaii West Hawaii East Back row L-R: Susan Labrenz, Evelyn Pacheco, Aileen Obina, Gail Crosthwaite, Glenn Hansen, Carolyn Murray, Helen Hemmes. Seated: Helena Hurd & Lucy Maloney. West Back row L-R: Eunice Saito, Helga Tossmann and seated Bernt Grundseth. Welcome aboard Gwendolyn Scott, Kona's new Community Service Worker I. Gwen joined our CSE team in September 2023. She was born in Honolulu and raised in Honaunau. She previously worked for Greenwell Farms for 16 years and Manago Hotel restau- rant. She always had the desire to help the Kupuna's and can do so now. Gwen is enjoying her new adventure working with the clients and staff. During her spare time, Gwen loves cooking and enjoys being with her grandchildren. JEFF GAETH RETIRED! First and foremost, a BIG MAHALO to an awesome EAD staff that will be missed by all who was touched by his kindness, assistance and his positive "mellow" vibe! Jeff ALJ started his career with the Elderly Activities Division in 2009 as a HCNP site manager in .19 Papa`aloa. He was well received and kept the program vibrant. In 2012 he joined the CSE �;.. team as a CSW I, in 2013 was promoted to CSW III and in 2016 was promoted to CSPA I in Lower Puna, where he retired from. He committed himself unwaveringly to the seniors. `- If you were to ask Jeff what was his most challenging experiences during his career, it is attested that it was being in charge of the shelter at the Pahoa Senior Center for the three major natural disaster events, not to mention the support he provided post event. Life changing experiences! Describing Jeff is easy as it is all the vocabulary in the Webster's Dictionary that reflects what an awesome decent human being should portray. He is kind, compassionate, diligent, loyal, honest, positive, calm and always willing to go beyond the call of duty. He did anything to assist the seniors and staff. When queried what his plans were after retiring he stated: "As far as I know, I'll be looking forward to spending time with family and friends, travel and continuing with my music projects...kinda cheesy but that is all I can come up with at the moment..." We know he will be just a phone call away and will sign up to be a RSVP volunteer!!! Congratulations Jeff and best wishes as you start your new chapter in life! Kupuna News 3 January -June 2024