HomeMy WebLinkAboutKupuna News A Magazine For And About Hawai`i's Seniors (April - June 2010)Elderly Activities Division's
A MAGAZINE FOR AND ABOUT HAWAI`I'S SENIORS
Vol. 12 No. 2 April-June 2010
RSVP: Hilo Town Recognition Luncheon, Sangha Hall, May 21
Senior Companion Luncheon, April 23
State Karaoke Revue, April 22
Ground Golf, April 28
Nutrition Program: Summer Produce
Casino Day, June 24
ERS: Big Island Senior Stars Talent Show, Kona, May 26
Your Direct Link to Services and Benefits
Information and Assistance
Phone (808) 961-8777
Published quarterly by the
County of Hawai`i
Department of Parks and Recreation
Elderly Activities Division
Billy Kenoi
Mayor, County of Hawai`i
Coordinated Services for the Elderly
CSE Awarded Chore Contracts
Coordinated Services for the Elderly has been awarded contracts with the state’s
Medicaid providers, EverCare and Ohana, to provide in-home chore services,
companion/escort services and also respite care relief for family caregivers.
Please contact CSE at 961-8777 if you are interested in these services.
As always our friendly and competent staff are eager to do whatever they can
to help keep you independent and in your home!
CSE West Hawai‘i’s Terry Terada, CSW III, shown
providing in-home chore services.
Extra Help for
Those Who Need it Most
In the coming months, CSE will be assisting seniors who qualify to access some
extra help. Staff are ready to assist you in applying for special benefits such as:
Senior Brown Bag and Senior Summer Produce programs though the Hawai‘i
Island Food Basket; and the Federal Food surplus, LIHEEP Energy Assistance
and the Free Solar Water Heater programs through Hawai‘i County Economic
Opportunity Council. Please contact your district CSE office or call our general
I & A Hotline at 961-8777 to learn more.
Have Questions About Your
Medicaid or Medicare Benefits?
If you have questions or concerns about your Medicaid or Medicare Benefits
you can always call your helpful Coordinated Services for the Elderly district staff.
You may also contact the state’s Sage PLUS Program at 1-888-875-9229. If you
are enrolled with EverCare or Ohana Health Plans you can contact them at
1-888-980-8728 for EverCare and 1-888-846-4262 for Ohana.
Kupuna News 2 Information and Assistance April - June 2010
For all your Information and Assistance needs,
just remember to call….
CSE staff reminded everyone about our I&A phone
number at our January 22nd EAD Senior Advisory
Council meeting in Waimea.
Senior Companion Program
The Senior Companion Program assists frail seniors who are 60 years plus to remain
independent in their homes through help of senior companions.
Senior Companions provide support services to home-bound seniors as well as respite
care to families. They commit to visiting up to 3 seniors on a weekly basis, spending time talking,
playing games or going out for a nice lunch. The Senior Companion may also help with shopping
or attending a special community event together.
To qualify as a Senior Companion, one must be 55 plus, be able and willing to serve up to twenty
hours per week. For other qualifications to become a Senior Companion please call CSE.
Senior Companions can receive a stipend of $2.75 per hour, obtain a free annual physical, mileage
and meal allowance, receive in-services training, free supplemental insurance, and attend an annual
recognition event. This year, the Senior Companion Recognition Luncheon will be held in Hilo on
April 23, 2010.
If you are interested in becoming a Senior Companion or if you are interested in having a Senior
Companion come to visit with you, please call 961-8777 (East Hawai‘i CSE) or 322-1812
(West Hawai‘i CSE). What a great way to help the seniors in your community!
L-R: Norma Koenig, Senior Companion Program Director, George Mueller, Shirley Stillman,
Elaine Ventura, Marcie Castaneda, Pilar Asia, Elizabeth Eugenio.
L-R: George Mueller, Elaine Ventura, Pilar Asia, Elizabeth Eugenio, Marcie Castaneda,
Shirley Stillman and Harold Bugado, EAD Director.
L-R: Shirley Stillman, George Mueller, Elaine Ventura, Pilar Asia, Norma Koenig, Senior
Companion Program Director, Marcie Castaneda, and Elizabeth Eugenio.
Kupuna News 3 April - June 2010
Emergency Evacuation
The tsunami threat generated by the 8.8 earthquake in Chile on February 27, 2010 tested the
Hawai‘i County Civil Defense response. Thankfully, the quake only generated surges in some
areas, with no damages.
The Elderly Activities Division, including Coordinated Services for the Elderly employees,
equipment, and vans were also activated in the evacuation of seniors and other residents.
If you are a senior, this is a good time to consider, if you would like to be included on the
Emergency Evacuation Assistance list. You can all CSE staff at 961-8777 in East Hawai‘i
or 322-1812 in West Hawai‘i.
East Hawai‘i’s Geri Lyman, CSW I, ready to transport seniors to safety.
West Hawai‘i’s staff L-R: Walter Fisher, Angie Onaka, Jill Sugiyama, Junie-Ann Kamoku, Terry Terada,
Fran Takamiyashiro, Program Director and Janice Klingenberg not pictured.
Foster Grandparents
At a recent Monthly-in-Service meeting, the Foster Grandparents were issued new uniform vests.
These can be worn while volunteering at each one’s site, out in the community during excursions, etc.
The bright green color stands out and makes the Foster Grandparents visible.
Mrs. Edna Baldado (pictured second to the right on the back row) addressed many questions of interest
to each one at another combined meeting. Edna is a case worker with Hui Malama No Oiwi, a Hawaiian
Health Agency. The information she shared was very relevant to the FG’s age group.
Dr. Fred Soriano, a retired Professor from UHH, spends much of his free time creating very special cultural
sculptures “housed” in the front yard of his home on Haihai St. in Hilo. The Foster Grandparents were treated
to a very special visit at which time he explained many of his pieces of art.
Kupuna News 4 Information and Assistance (808) 961-8777
Elderly Recreation Services
ELDERLY RECREATION SERVICES
A fond Aloha to CVE Office Assistant Kelly Miyamoto who graduated in Business Technology
and is currently pursuing a Elementary Education degree on Oahu. She was very efficient and
always very pleasantly accommodating to the seniors. We miss her and wish her well.
PICTURED: Roann Okamura, Kelly Miyamoto, Wendell Kelii, Malia Curtis and Charlotte Kawamoto.
Contact ERS at 961-8710 for more information about
our programs or visit us online at www.co.hawaii.hi.us
A long awaited Gateball Social was held on January 29, 2010 at Kamehameha Park in Kohala.
Hosts, Kohala Gateball Club and the Pasco Ohana did a stellar job!
GATEBALL IS BACK!!!
Kamana Ballroom Valentines Dance
Held with the Aunty Sally’s Nutrition Club on February 11, 2010.
Pictured in the foreground dancing is the longest married
couple, Mr. & Mrs. Hagio Kaya. What a beautiful day of dancing
to the wonderful DJ sounds of instructor David Lauro.
Kamana Hula Class & Kumu Maile Canario at the Laupahoehoe Music Festival on Feb. 20, 2010
Kupuna News 5 April - June 2010
Class & Senior Club Happenings.....
Christmas Lunch amongst friends!
The Honoka`a Senior Club gather annually for a
wonderful treat at the home of Mrs. Lois Wright.
A day filled with fellowship and laughter!
Hatsuko Yamashita and Haruko Akiyama are
embraced by “ELVIS” at the 8th Annual
Intergenerational Sweetheart Breakfast
at Kea`au High.
On December 16, 2009 the Paauilo Senior Club visited Hale Ho`Ola
Residents. They entertained and gave them a special treat with
Santa (aka Mary Lou Gomes) gifting them with scarves.
Pomaikai Senior Club entertainers at Hale Anuenue Restorative Care Center
doing a Christmas performance that was much appreciated from the residents there.
Charlie Sakamoto of the Kailua-Kona Senior Club was crowned
“The Valentines Day KING” amongst the Roses!
South Kona Senior Club President Eugene Gaspar teaching Line Dance
at Hualalai Elderly Housing.
Kupuna News 6 Information and Assistance (808) 961-8777
Special Programs
Hawai`i Kupuna Softball League
The 2010 Hawai’i Kupuna Softball League season will be starting on February 20, 2010,
at various fields around the island. This year, the league consists of twenty-two island-wide
teams, made up of men and women of all skill levels, aged 55 or older. The Hawai‘i Kupuna
Softball League is the largest league in the State of Hawai’i.
A split game format will be utilized this year with the twenty-two teams divided into East and
West divisions for the first round of play. In the second round of play, which will start in June,
teams will be seeded into three divisions according to their win/loss records and play games
island-wide.
Following the two rounds of league games, teams will be seeded for the 36th Annual Hawai’i
Kupuna Softball Tournament which will be held July 14-15, 2010 at Kailua Park. The finale of
the softball season will be the Hawai’i State Senior Citizens Softball Tournament held on Maui
at the War Memorial Park, August 3-5, 2010.
Come out and cheer on these athletic men and women as they compete for fun and fellowship
in the 2010 Hawai’i Kupuna Softball League.
For more information about the 55+ league, inquiries regarding the newly formed 68+ league,
or to participate on a team in your area, call the Special Programs office in Hilo at 961.8592
or Kona 322.1812.
East Division
1. Hilo Pomaika`i
2. Honomü Rockets
3. Hui O Nā Kolohe
4. Ku’ikahi
5. Kupuna Pride
6. Onipa`a Iron Birds
7. Onomea Rangers
8. Papa`ikou
9. Pu`uwai Opio
10. Team Sports
11. Team Sports
West Division
1. HK
2. Hāmākua Coast
3. Ka Nani O Honoka`a
4. Kohala
5. Kona Drysdale
6. Kona Gold
7. Kona Warriors
8. Local Boys
9. Pueo
10. Pu`ukapu
11. Waimea Paniolo
Onomea Ranger Ronald Crivello at this year’s opening game against Hui O Nā Kolohe.
Kupuna News 7 April - June 2010
Coaches & Umpires Clinic a Home Run
On Saturday, February 13, Special Programs and the Hawai‘i Kupuna Softball League (HKSL)
conducted the annual Coaches and Umpires Clinic at the Waimea Community Center.
More than two dozen coaches, players, and umpires attended the workshop to review new
and current league home rules, State, and Official Senior Softball-USA rules. Following the
review of rules by League Coordinator Nathan Suganuma, participants took to the field for an
umpire mechanics class conducted by HKSL umpires Ramon Rodero, Robert Kaupu and Robert Abran.
“Hana Hou” a Hit
Roughly 300 people brought blankets or beach chairs and enjoyed a FREE concert on the lawn of
Hale Halawai, dancing under the stars to the sounds of the U.S. Air Force Band of the Pacific “Hana Hou.”
The U.S. Air Force and the County of Hawai‘i, Department of Parks & Recreation-Elderly Activities
Division with support from Agape Ventures, LLC., provided a FREE concert open to the public
January 22, on the North lawn of Hale
It’s Hula Time Again!
The 28th Annual Hawai‘i Kupuna Hula Festival will take place September 15-16 at the Sheraton Keauhou Bay
Resort & Spa. This year’s theme is “Nā Pua O Nā Mokupuni” or The Flowers of the Islands. Tickets for each
evening are just $10 per person. For more information about tickets, discounted room rates at the Sheraton,
or craft fair information, call Special Programs at 322.1812 or 961.8592.
Senior Golf Tourney
The Big Island Candies Senior Golf Tournament will be held Friday, May 14, at the Waikoloa Kings Course.
Call Special Programs for more details 322.1812 or 961.8592.
Kupuna News 8 Information and Assistance (808) 961-8777
Retired and Senior Volunteer Program
RSVP Recognizes West Hawai`i Volunteers
The County of Hawai`i and the Corporation for National and Community Service recognized
volunteers from the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program at a luncheon held at the King
Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel on February 19, 2010. Seniors were recognized for their
contributions to their communities from Kohala to Hawaiian Ocean View Estates. Services they
provided helped volunteer stations such as Kona Adult Day Care, Hospice of Hawaii, North Hawai`i
Community Hospital, Kona Hospital, Kohala Hospital, AARP, the Hawai`i County Nutrition Program,
Elderly Recreation Services, etc. If you would like to be a part of this special program which benefits
the community as well as the individual volunteer please call us at 322-2427 or 961-8730.
20 Years Volunteers: L-R: Sadako Kiyota, Suga Suzuki and Meimi Tauriainen. Back row:
Mayor Billy Kenoi, Councilman Pete Hoffmann, Councilman Guy Enriques, CNS State Director
Laurie Cannady and EAD Director Harold Bugado.
25 Years Plus Volunteers: Rose Rosimo(28), Fumiko Sugiyama(27) and Misae Tokunaga(26).
20 Years Plus Volunteers: L-R: Joe Asai(24), Scott Asai(23), Dolores McMann(21), and
Marjorie Spencer(23).
15 Years Volunteers: L-R: Mina Switzer, Shinse Kise, Nancy Asai, Tepa Fase, Sachiko Oka,
Dr. Theodore Leaf, Ruby Ann Kaho`onei, Mary Iwanaga. Front: Dolores Kong.
Kupuna News 9 April - June 2010
10 Years Volunteers: Vivian Moku, Edita Melchor, Robert Tauriainen, Frances Provance,
Yisrael Gorali, Teruko Kaneshiro, Peter Hoffmann.
5 Years Volunteers: Rose Mary King, Catalina Morales, James Mitchell, Elaine Mitchell,
Florence Babbitt, Erma Hendricks, Rose Butler, Thomas King, Juana Mejia, Margaret Wood.
Sunny Schultz volunteers as a professional barber at Hualalai Elderly Housing. Mahalo Sunny!
Volunteer Elaine Coats provides services for the Salvation Army Thrift Store in Kailua-Kona.
Great job!
Kupuna News 10 Information and Assistance (808) 961-8777
Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service
Mahalo Volunteers: 899 lbs. of food and $2113.47 donated
to the Hawai`i Island Food Basket!!!
Left: Evangelina Laurel wo"mans" the RSVP booth at the West Hawai`i Wellness Fair.
Computer whiz Liddy Slejmar volunteers for Habitat for Humanity in West Hawai`i
Volunteer Katherine Sasaki helps as a professional massage therapist at the Hualalai
Elderly Housing Project. Thanks Katherine!
Right: RSVP volunteer Isobel Donovan is the Restore coordinator for the West Hawai`i
Habitat for Humanity. Pictured also is Steve Haney, manager for Restore.
Kupuna News 11 April - June 2010
Blood Bank volunteers are recognized at a luncheon
held in their honor at the Police Station recently.
Right: Hawai`i County Building Information
Booth volunteers are treated to a ride on
the new Hele-On bus that was just put into
service. The volunteers are supervised by
the staff of the Mayor’s Office under station
supervisor Char Shigemura.
Hawai`i Heart Walk Volunteers! Below L-R: Vickie
Calica, Mercy Baxa, Clarita Corpuz, Dennis Zrout,
Cora Maneja & Helen Zrout.
Helping with the Hawai`i Heart Walk were L-R:
Teresita Palacol, Helen Zrout, Leonie Valledor,
Mayor Kenoi, Cora Maneja, Clarita Corpuz, Mercy
Baxa & Vickie Calica.
Volunteers share their experiences, knowledge and love
for the betterment of their communities. No job is too small.
West Hawai`i Advisory Council members get together with Linda May of the
Food Basket to present their gift. L-R: Laverne Clark, Bob Green, Pat Lewi,
West Hawaii secretary Beverly Aikele, Linda May, RSVP Director Charles
Ikeda, Nancy Tanaka, West Hawaii Vice-Chair Shirley Hary and Community
Service Program Assistant Mark White
Kupuna News 12 Information and Assistance (808) 961-8777
Nutrition Program Highlights
Front row: Wendell Kelii, Joan Kawakone, Steve Yamami, Mel Nakao.
Middle row: Ed Grantz, Mike Au, Earl Fujishige. Back row: Debra Funai,
Lauren Nishimoto, April Bautista, Carla Carpenter Kabalis.
"MEALS ON WHEELS"
Over 500 frail seniors receive "Meals on Wheels" through the Nutrition Program
each year. These meals are lower in sodium and sugar than regular meals - and
contain 1/3 of the nutrients needed for the day.
We could not deliver these meals, island wide, without the help of our many caring
volunteers. In Hilo, long time volunteers Mel Nakao, Lauren Nishimoto, and Steve Yamami
deliver meals every Monday, rain or shine.
Wendell Kelii drives meals out to Ka‘ū on Wednesdays, just making it back to Hilo in time
for his golf game!
If you know someone, 60 and older, who needs "Meals on Wheels", give us a call at 961-8726.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Ms. Doris Araki celebrated her 96th birthday last November, with friends from the
Kealakekua Nutrition Site.
What is her secret to enjoying life? Ms. Araki says "keep active". Since retiring as a lauhala
weaver, Ms. Araki enjoys music, dancing hula, and gives her lucky friends massages!
AUNTY SALLY'S BUFFET
What a spread! Serving up a delicious holiday buffet are, front to back, Blanche Kutsunai,
Kats Kojiro, Mits Ushijima, Kay Arakawa and Ayame Okazaki.
Kupuna News 13 April - June 2010)
Honoka`a Nutrition visited Lois Wright's beautiful home. From left, seated: Andrea Abacar, Naty Agpaoa,
Alice Cypriano, Mabel Bugado, Sylvia Leong, Lois, Ray Saito, Mel Ah Ching, Herbert Leong, Bernadette
Johansen. Standing: Carol Hart, Violet Oketani, Jodi Kini and Betty Jose.
Congratulations! Sue and Gene Reis are the newest couple at the Waimea Nutrition Site - they were married
in November in Las Vegas!
Ms. Fumie Vasquez celebrated her 99th birthday with a walk around the Pāpa‘aloa Nutrition Site in November.
Pa‘auilo Nutrition toured the Hilton Waikoloa. Front: Yoshiko Kidani, Chizuko Honma, Irene
Angot, Emi Iwashita, Lourdes Agtang, Clara Cruz. Back: Vicente Cruz, Doris Chinen, Gladys
Takeya, Margaret Ynigues, Violet Carvalho, Jane Matsumura, Julia Kaneshige, Yaeko Fujino,
Pat Ebreo, Jessie Rodrigues, Joe Ah Choy, Antone Gomes, Mary Lou Gomes, Darlette Miguel.
Kupuna News 14 Information and Assistance (808) 961-8777
Senior Community Service Employment Program
Congratulations Joyce Cohen for being hired by TJ Gardening and Landscaping. Good Luck!
STEP enrollees at Liliuokalani Park with their supervisors. From left: Michael Brown, Park Caretaker II,
enrollee Storm Smith, enrollee Chiko Arakawa and Thomas Mattos, Tree Trimming Crew Supervisor.
STEP enrollees training at the County’s Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) with Arline Kabasawa,
Supervising Motor Vehicle Registration Clerk. Clockwise from left: Arline Kabasawa with enrollee
Norma Panela, Eva Reyes, Bernadette Awana and Bella Bautista.
Kupuna News 15 April - June 2010
Harold Bugado, EAD Director
Vacant, Program Director II, ERS N/S Hilo
Margaret Yafuso, Program Director II, ERS Puna/Ka‘ū
Coran Kitaoka, Program Director II, ERS W. Hawai‘i
Vacant, Program Director II, Senior Employment
Roann Okamura, (T/A) EAD Assistant Operations Director
Carla Carpenter-Kabalis, CSPA II, HCNP
Mary Chun, CSPA, CSE N. Hilo
Linda Eblacas, CSPA, CSE Puna
Junie-Ann Kamoku, CSPA, CSE Kona
Darlette Miguel,CSPA, CSE Hāmākua
Christine Namahoe-Loo, CSPA, CSE S. Hilo
Darryl Noda, CSPA, CSE Waimea
Shari Ann Rodrigues, CSPA, CSE N. Kohala
Terry Saito, CSPA, CSE Ka‘ū
Clarita Corpuz, CSPA, RSVP E. Hawai‘i
Mark White, CSPA, RSVP W. Hawai‘i
APRIL CALENDAR OF EVENTS
2 Good Friday Holiday
22 ERS: Hawai‘i State Senior Karaoke Revue
Sangha Hall, 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
Roann Okamura, (808) 961-8710
23 CSE: Senior Companion Recognition Luncheon
Hilo, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Tim Hansen, (808) 961-8777 (East Hawai‘i)
Fran Takamiyashiro, (808) 322-1812 (West Hawai‘i)
28 ERS: Ground Golf
Nā‘ālehu Community Center, 9:30 a.m.
Puna & Ka‘ū Senior Clubs and Nutrition Sites, Cost $3.00
Margaret Yafuso, (808) 966-5801
MAY
7 Older Americans Month Award Luncheon
Hilton Waikoloa Kona Ballroom, 10:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Office of Aging, (808) 961-8600
14 SP: Big Island Senior Golf Tournament
Kings Course Waikoloa
Nathan Suganuma, (808) 961-8592
21 RSVP: Hilo Town Recognition Luncheon
Sangha Hall, 9:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Charles Ikeda, (808) 961-8730
26 ERS: Big Island Senior Stars Talent Show
Old Kona Airport Pavilion, 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Coran Kitaoka, (808) 323-3190
31 Memorial Day Holiday
JUNE
11 King Kamehameha I Day Holiday
24 ERS: East Hawai‘i Casino Day
Aunty Sally’s, 9:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Roann Okamura, (808) 961-8710
APRIL APRIL SENIOR ID CARD SCHEDULE
05, Mon. Kohala Kohala CSE/Courthouse 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
05, Mon. S. Hilo Kamana Senior Center 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
07, Wed. Kona Kealakekua Ranch Center 10:00 – 1:00 p.m.
07, Wed. S. Hilo ADRC 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
09, Fri. Puna Kea‘au Community Center 10:00 – 12:00 noon
09, Fri. Kona West Hawai‘i Senior Center 10:00 – 1:00 p.m.
13, Tue. Waimea L. Yoshimatsu Senior Center 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
16, Fri. N. Hilo Pāpa‘aloa Elderly Housing 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
26, Mon. Honoka‘a Hale Hau‘oli Senior Center 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
MAY
03, Mon. S. Hilo Kamana Senior Center 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
03, Mon. Kohala Kohala CSE/Courthouse 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
05, Wed. Kona K-Mart, Kailua-Kona 10:00 – 1:00 p.m.
05, Wed. S. Hilo ADRC 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
10, Mon. Ka‘ū Pāhala HI Housing Center 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.
10, Mon. Ka‘ū Nā‘ālehu Community Center 11:00 – 12:00 noon
11,Tues. Waimea L. Yoshimatsu Senior Center 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
13, Thu. Puna Volcano Cooper Center 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
14, Fri. Kona West Hawai‘i Senior Center 10:00 – 1:00 p.m.
17, Mon. HOVE St. Jude’s Church 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
24, Mon. Honoka‘a Hale Hau‘oli Senior Center 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
JUNE
02, Wed. Kona Walmart, Kailua-Kona 10:00 – 1:00 p.m.
02, Wed. S. Hilo ADRC 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
04, Fri. Puna Kea‘au Community Center 10:00 – 12:00 noon
07, Mon Kohala Kohala CSE/Courthouse 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
07, Mon. S. Hilo Kamana Senior Center 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
08, Tue. Waimea L. Yoshimatsu Senior Center 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
18, Fri. N. Hilo Pāpa‘aloa Elderly Housing 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
25, Fri. Kona West Hawai‘i Senior Center 10:00 – 1:00 p.m.
The County of Hawai‘i does not discriminate on the basis of disability in the admissions or access to, or treatment, or employment in its programs or activities.
Should you require any special needs, contact the respective program at least 10 days prior to the event. If you are unable to provide the advance notice, the
Elderly Activities Division staff will attempt to make a reasonable accommodation to satisfy the request as long as it does not impose an undue hardship.