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HomeMy WebLinkAboutKupuna News A Magazine For And About Hawai`i's Seniors (October - December 2009)Elderly Activities Division's Kupuna News A MAGAZINE FOR AND ABOUT HAWAI‘I’S SENIORS Vol. 11 No. 4 October-December 2009 Primetime Wellness Fair, Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort, November 6 Halloween Ground Golf Tournament, Greenwell Park, October 30 West Hawai‘i Volunteer Luncheon Yano Hall, October 28 East Hawai‘i Volunteer Luncheon Kamana Senior Center, November 13 West Hawai‘i Seniors Christmas Party, Kona Old Airport main Events Pavilion, December 3 Teacher & Volunteer Luncheon, Nani Mau Garden, December 10 Your Direct Link to Services and Benefits Published quarterly by the County of Hawai‘i Department of Parks and Recreation Elderly Activities Division Information and Assistance Phone (808) 961-8777 Billy Kenoi Mayor, County of Hawai‘i Coordinated Services for the Elderly East and West Hawai‘i CSE Volunteer Recognition Luncheon To honor our valuable volunteers, Hawai‘i’s Coordinated Services for the Elderly (CSE) will be holding its annual Volunteer Recognition Luncheon. West Hawai‘i will celebrate on October 28th, 2009 at Yano Hall with a luncheon theme of celebrating our “50th Anniversary of Statehood”. The East Hawai‘i celebration will take place on November 13th, 2009 at Kamana Senior Center and will have the theme of “Lunchtime at the Plantation”. Of course both events will include good food, entertainment, and plenty of prizes will be the order of the day as we celebrate the priceless contributions of our volunteers. CSE volunteers assist with answering phones, filing, assisting staff with Senior ID cards, driving, providing companionship to frail homebound seniors and in many other countless ways. A big Mahalo to our wonderful volunteers! PROVIDING INFORMATION & ASSISTANCE The Coordinated Services Program provides individuals 60 years and older, the direct linkage to many vital services and benefits available in Hawai‘i County. Staff will assist older individuals and their caregivers by providing adequate INFORMATION about the agencies and organizations that provide the services. CSE staff conduct interviews and assessments in order that REFERRALS can be made to the appropriate community resources that can best meet the individuals needs/problems. Staff will FOLLOW-UP to ensure that linkage between the older individual or their caregiver was made with the appropriate service, and when the needed services are not being adequately provided by an organization CSE will ADVOCATE in behalf of the individual. OUTREACH services are also provided in reaching out to identify older persons & appraise them of the nature and availability of I&R services. Coordinated Services for the Elderly has a total of 9 district offices islandwide ready to serve you and your needs. INFORMATION & ASSISTANCE CALL: 961-8777 CSE’s “ Information & Assistance “ Office/Center is located @ the new ADRC Complex, in Hilo, with a branch office/center located at the EAD Kamana Senior Center also in Hilo & at the Haleki‘i Complex in Kona. 2 Frequently Asked Questions about Swine Flu The Hawai‘i State Department of Health has put out information to frequently asked questions about the Swine Flu. The Swine Flu is a new flu virus. There have been cases reported in Hawai‘i. The virus can be spread from person to person much like other flu viruses. A person may catch the swine flu by contact with infected, contagious persons (through coughing or sneezing). Another means of transmission would be touching something the virus is on then touching ones mouth, nose or eyes. An additional way is by contact with infected pigs or environment contaminated with the virus. The symptoms are fever, chills, cough, sore throat, fatigue, body and headache; some may experience diarrhea and vomiting. If an adult shows rapid/difficult breathing, pain/pressure in the chest or abdomen, sudden dizziness, confusion, severe/persistent vomiting they should see a doctor immediately. An adult with the virus may be contagious one day before showing symptoms and seven days after becoming sick. There are antiviral medications available to treat swine-origin flu, but not everyone may need to be treated with these medications. Scientists are working on a vaccine, but a vaccine for the virus is not yet ready. Flu Season is Here! The flu season is here! Please take precautions to stay healthy and prevent the spread of germs. The Center for Disease Control has suggested ways to stay healthy. Get a lot of rest, stay physically active, keep stress under control, drink plenty of water and eat well-balanced meals. Wash your hands. Keep away from people who are sick. Cover your nose and mouth with tissue when sneezing or coughing; or cough into your upper arm. Cleanse shared items (such as phones, keyboards, doorknobs, and handles) with alcohol. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Flu virus can be spread through contact with contaminated surfaces then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Stay home when you are sick. TAX SEASON FAST APPROACHING CSE will be partnering with AARP once again to provide assistance for seniors in filing taxes for the 2009 tax year. Last year 1,150 people were served by Certified Volunteer AARP Tax Counselors. Almost half of the taxes were filed electronically which results in receiving faster refunds for seniors. This free service is for individuals who have simple taxes to complete and meet other qualifications. Priority is given to seniors 60 and over. You can begin calling to schedule appointments on Monday, January 4th. Please call CSE at 961-8777 in East Hawai‘i to schedule appointments or AARP Information Center in West Hawai‘i at 334-1212. Sets Fukushima, seated far left, coordinates the AARP Tax Assistance Program with the help of her Certified Volunteers in assisting many seniors in getting their taxes done before the April 15th deadline. “Mahalo!!!” Questions about your Medicare or Medicaid Provider Network? The state of Hawai‘i has contract with EverCare and Ohana Healthcare plans to coordinate Medicare and Medicaid services. We thought it might be helpful to provide our seniors with the contact phone numbers for these two healthcare plans. If you have questions about the services you are receiving please call: EverCare – 1-888-980-8728 or Ohana 1-888-846-4262. Or call CSE’s Information and Assistance Hotline at 961-8777. 3 CSE staff gather in June for End of the Year Workshop at KMC Coordinated Services for the Elderly held their annual End-of-the-Year Workshop at the Kīlauea Military Camp from June 3-5, 2009. The workshop focused in on Contracts, Goals & Objectives, Policies & Procedures/Standards, I&A, Outreach, Transportation & Other Support Services, etc. Special guest speaker was Suzanni A.L. Hopp, Employee Development Specialist, Department of Human Resources. Foster Grandparent Recruitment Surge Recently the Foster Grandparent Program (FGP) Director Derrick Ariyoshi (pictured number 5 standing to the left in the picture) set up special presentations around the state in collaboration with Alu Like congregate meal sites. This is a group photo of seniors at the Pāhoa site along with several current FG’s and Big Island program supervisor Pat Kalili. This type of presentation resulted in recruiting 30+ new FG’s across the state. The Big Island FGP is happy to welcome 2 new FG’s from this group who will be volunteering in a local school this fall. FGP Big Island Annual Recognition In May of this year, the Big Island FGP presented its annual recognition. Pictured above are 9 of the 10 FG’s recognized. This occasion offers the FG program as well as representatives from schools where FG’s serve to acknowledge their great service and assistance in class rooms with students. As is shown, these deserving people were thanked is royal style. A 25 Year ‘Veteran’ Michie Nishimoto, pictured in the center of the photo, was recognized for 25 years of service with the FGP during the annual 2009 recognition. Mahalo, Mahalo Grandma Alice, as she is affectionately called by the children in her classroom, for gracing us with your presence and service for all these years. A Special Mahalo The Big Island FGP was recently highlighted with a feature article in the local Hilo Tribune Herald newspaper. Pictured is Grandma Hilda DeCosta as she goes about her daily routine in her classroom. Mahalo to Editor David Bock and reporter Bret Yager for this great PR for our program. 4 ELDERLY RECREATION SERVICES RECREATION is the root of all HAPPINESS!!! Just ask Sue Suzuki, a long time devoted senior of the ERS programs in Hilo who recently moved to Kona. Relocating from your home after a lifetime is difficult. You leave behind family, friends and fond memories that have made you who you are. Uncertainties lie ahead and you hope for the best…… Sue found happiness that she thought was to be elusive in Kona. With the assistance of West Hawai`i ERS Program Director Coran Kitaoka, she was able to transition into ERS programs in Kona. Her week is filled with Senior Bowling, Kailua Nutrition, Imin—Mah Jong and Yano—Kona Karaoke Club. She is meeting people and making new friends. On a recent visit back to Hilo, she still had her sweet smile and kind spirit. She has found happiness in Kona…... Contact ERS at 961-8710 for more information about our programs or visit us online at www.co.hawaii.hi.us NEW CLASSES The Kamana Senior Center classes will be expanding in partnership with the UH Hilo CCECS—Life Long Learners program. Classes will be geared for the “mature” learner in areas such as technology, writing and lectures. Classes are to begin in the Fall session with registration starting on September 14, 2009. Class Registration fee will be $20.00 and a additional assessment may be necessary for material. Classes are posted in the Fall Quarter Schedule. For more information, please call the ERS Office at 961-8710. A BIG MAHALO to Line Dance Instructor Elaine Jones for coordinating the Line Dance Social held on July 30, 2009 at the Aunty Sally’s Luau Hale. Seniors from around the island joined in to share and learn. A day filled with fun and exercise! Horseshoes…. CONGRATULATIONS! Big Island Horseshoe Pitcher Club members Enrique Madera and Lucie Hopp who won the 2009 State Championship A Class Division. Overall Championship Title Waimea Ground Golf Social 1ST PLACE WINNERS!!! Waimea: Dolly Baquiran, Chris Baquiran, Suzie Guzman, Narcie Blaire and Flora Riggen. GROUND GOLF HOLE-IN-ONE GANG…. Enrique Madera, Gabe Saberon, Sadako Kato, Tomiko Fujitani, Rick Schultz, Chris Baquiran, Narcie Blaire with Waimea Club President Pat Lewi. 5 Class & Senior Club Happenings……. Happy Chinese New Year! Chinese cooking class Qi Kuong instructor Li Ching Kuo head chef at Kea`au Learning Center. On the menu: Ginger Fried Rice, Salt & Pepper Shrimp, Pake Loco Moco and Eggplant. The talented members of the Honokaa Senior Club perform for the residents at Hale Ho`ola in Honokaa. These dedicated performers entertain and bring joy into the lives of many in their community. We applaud them!!! Kea`au Intergenerational Valentines Breakfast. Annual breakfast sponsored by the Kea`au High School Student service Club. A time spent sharing stories of the past and vintage games. Highlighted in the picture are the seniors doing their dance moves; Keum Soon Lauer, Gladys Nakamura, Barney Campos, Ed Fenwick and Veryl Grace. 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION The Seniors of the Laupahoehoe Senior Club came out in patriotic colors as they celebrated our country’s birthday. Pictured are David Garza, Norma Garza and Charlie Atiz upon completion of their parade that was complete with firecracker sound effects at the end of their route. 6 2009 West Hawai‘i PrimeTime Wellness Fair There is something for everyone at this year’s West Hawai‘i PrimeTime Wellness Fair. This event, co-sponsored by Special Programs and First Hawaiian Bank, will be held on Friday, November 6 at the Keauhou Sheraton Resort & Spa from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Admission to the event is FREE. Organizations and agencies from around the island will be present to provide information and services to all that come to the fair. The Wellness Fair is open to the public and geared toward adults aged 50+. Visitors to the Fair can do everything from getting various information, testing, listening to speakers, and much more, all before lunch time! Blood pressure screening provided by the Hawai‘i County Fire Dept Flu shots will also be available to participants for a nominal fee. A healthy lunch can be pre-ordered by signing up with your club or by calling 322-1812 or 961-8592. Bus transportation will be available from Pa‘auilo, and as far south as Ocean View. Pick up times and locations will be available closer to the date of the Wellness Fair. For more information about the West Hawai‘i Wellness Fair contact the Special Programs office at 322-1812 or 961-8592. 7 2009 Hawai`i Kupuna Softball and State Senior Citizens Softball Tournaments The 35th Annual Hawai`i Kupuna Softball Tournament was held on July 14-16, 2009 at Kailua Park. A brief opening ceremony attended by Mayor Billy Kenoi, State Representative Cindy Evans, County Councilmen Peter Hoffmann and Dennis Onishi, P & R Director Bob Fitzgerald, and other dignitaries and sponsors opened the tournament at 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 14, 2009. The next three days were filled with many exciting games with newcomer Onipaÿa Iron Birds who lead the charge in Division I and defeated the Honomü Rockets in a thrilling championship game. Kuÿikahi and Hui O Nä Kolohe went undefeated to capture first place in Division II and Division III respectively. The following are the final results for the 2009 Hawai`i Kupuna Softball Tournament: Division I: 1st Place: Onipa`a Iron Birds 2nd Place: Honomü Rockets 3rd Place: Hilo Pomaika`i 4th Place: Kona Gold Sportsmanship: Honomü Rockets Division II: 1st Place: Ku`ikahi 2nd Place: Ka Nani O Honoka`a 3rd Place: Pu`ukapu 4th Place: West Side Sportsmanship: Kupuna Pride Division III: 1st Place: Hui O Nä Kolohe 2nd Place: Kipu`upu`u 3rd Place: Päpa`ikou 4th Place: Kona Warriors Sportsmanship: Waiakea After the award ceremonies at the completion of the Hawai`i Kupuna Softball Tournament, all the teams were ranked according to their combined win/loss records for both the season and tournament and seeded for the State Senior Citizens Senior Softball Tournament. The 34th Annual Hawai`i State Senior Citizens Softball Tournament was held August 4-6, 2009 at the Patsy T. Mink Central O’ahu Regional Park. Twenty-one of the league’s teams participated in this years’ six division, fifty team tournament. There were many competitive games but in the end the outcome just seemed to go the other way. Yet, our teams showed class, respect, and had a great time while playing the game they love. The following teams placed in their respective divisions: A Division: 4th Place – Kona Gold B Division: 3rd Place – Honomü Rockets D Division: 4th Place – Ka Nani O Honoka`a E Division: 4th Place – Hämäkua Coast F Division: 2nd Place – Kona Warriors 4th Place – Päpa`ikou Let’s show our pride and congratulate our athletic senior men and women for a tremendous effort at both the 35th Annual Hawai`i Kupuna Softball Tournament and the 34th Annual Hawai`i State 8 Retired and Senior Volunteer Program Hawaii County Volunteer Recognition Luncheon 25 year honorees: L-R; EAD Operations Director Harold Bugado, County Council Chairman J Yoshimoto, Mayor Billy Kenoi, and Parks & Recreation Director Bob Fitzgerald with the late Sulpicia Raquel, Fujie Matsunami and RSVP staff Clarita Corpuz. This recognition honored volunteers from Puna, Ka’u, Hamakua, North and Rural South Hilo and the Ke Ola Pono No Na Kupuna Program. 20 Year Volunteers: Shizue Asato, Anne Yanazaki, Akie Kajiyama and Robert Koga. 20 Plus Year Volunteers: Front L-R: Harue Kaneshiro(24), Haruko Akiyama(24), Marcelino Querubin(23), Catherine Harast(23), Chizuko Honma(23), Satsuki Funai(23), Aiko Fukunaga(22), Dolores Sumibcay(21), and Takamari Fukunaga(21), Back row: Elsie Stevens(24). 9 Above, 15 Year Volunteers: Rosalina Tolentino, Matsuyo Tanoue, Miyuki Nekoba, Naokichi Nozaki, Erlinda Marzan, Helen Botelho, Lourdes Agtang, Fusae Nakano, Lillian Aratani, Doris Sumida and Shinkichi Oshiro. Below ,10 Year Volunteers: Umeyo Hayashida, Kawaihona Poy, Verna Young, Georgianna Woo, Mercy Baxa, George Cabral, Grace Sequin, Joseph Ah Choy Sr., Juana Mendoza, and Herbert Rapoza. Left: 5 Year Volunteers; Front Albert Kualii. Standing: Lillian Russo, Victoria Calica, Josephine Yokoyama, Josephine Cox, Della Matsubara, Caridad Ancheta, Carlina Galimba, Yoshino Nagasako, and Carmen Manes. On Stage: Ethel Viveiros, Patricia Yamamoto, Harold Fernandez, Mary Ann Dela Cruz, George Matsubara, Beatrice Cabral, Maria Monette, Hanako Sakai, Laureta Ka’awaloa, Maria Soriano,Robert Chenoweth, Theresa Ching-Saito, Donald Baxter, Minerva Chenoweth, Melvin Ah Ching, Rosita Gumayagay,and Helen Kai’awe. 10 Mahalo to our Senior Produce Volunteers Volunteers Carmen Barreras, Elizabeth Asuncion and Kenny Matias provide services at the Anuhea site in Captain Cook. Volunteer Ed O’Hara distributes the produce with a friendly smile at the Kailua HCNP Hualalai Elderly Housing Complex in Kailua-Kona. South Kona Senior Club President, Barbara Duke, helps with the unloading of the produce from the delivery van. Volunteers Wanda Sanders, Barbara Duke and Estella Baoy sort produce for distribution at the South Kona Senior Center. 11 Above: Marilyn Sakata and Daisy Sasaki check the produce delivered by Julian Beck of the Food Basket. Left: Volunteer Bernice Elam helps with registration for the West Hawaii Golf Program. Volunteer instructors Lona Warner and Janice Patterson teach hula at the Kailua HCNP Hualalai Elderly Housing site in Kailua-Kona. Right: Hale Ho’okipa volunteers Edita Melchor, Dolores Carvalho, Isabel Gomes, Esquiela Vasquez and Caroline Nobriga distribute produce efficiently at their site. Above: Volunteers Kay Sugai, Gladys Nelson and Laura Yano distribute produce at Yano Hall. Police Department Recognition of Volunteers; seated L-R: Cecilia Polikapu-Samson, Myra Aina-Paul, Agnes Pung, Momi Bell, George Yamasaki, Hifumi Yoneda, Janet Hamada and John Kai’ewe Jr. Standing: Officer Michael Riviera, RSVP staff Clarita Corpuz, Cecilia Torres-Kai’ewe, Susan Chen, Sandra Todd, Dot Matsui, Reiko Masutomi, Alyce Lopez, Shirley Kawamoto, Beth Ehu, Leonora Baligad, Patsy Adachi, Thelma Akeo, Pearl Tengan, Juanita Konanui, Marilyn Hasegawa, Shirley Golden, Kikuo Hasegawa, and Officer Patrick Menino Above: Roselyn Victorine was recently honored for her 20 years of volunteer service at the Hilo Medical Center. Congratulations Roselyn! 12 Hawaii County Nutrition Highlights From left: Community Service Workers Helen Lindsey (20 years in Feb), Julie Pasquale (20 yrs), Beverly Carvalho (30 yrs) and Program Director Joan Kawakone (15 yrs). Nutrition Makes 35! This year, the Hawai‘i County Nutrition Program celebrated its 35th anniversary! All nutrition sites planned special activities, with, of course, special luncheons. We also congratulate our long time staff, shown above. Missing from the "20+" photo above is CSPA Carla Carpenter Kabalis (24 years) and Van Driver Calvin Tsugawa (21 years). OCEAN VIEW ENJOYS "SKY GARDEN" To mark the Nutrition Program's 35th anniversary, the Ocean View seniors planned an outing to Hilo, and had a great time at the Sky Garden Restaurant at the Imiloa Astronomy Center. From left are Brian and Ginger Stewart, Phyllis Laymon, Bob and Aiko Pennington. Sharing a laugh are Erma Hendricks, Jo Ann Hearn, Wanda Sanders, Rose Butler. 13 CSPA Carla Carpenter Kabalis receives a $1,000 donation of Tesoro gift cards from Jack Clayton, Terminal Operations Supervisor for the Tesoro Hawai‘i Corporation, to be used by the Meals on Wheels program. Introducing Saramae Landers, here with Pāhoa CSW Priscilla Hocson - she is 103 years young, and has been to every continent with “Friendship Force”, founded by former President Jimmy Carter to promote world peace. The Pāpa‘aloa site welcomed CSW Jeffrey Gaeth in May, shown here with Rosalina Tolentino and Elsie Stevens. Pa‘auilo also joined the party - from left, Emiko Iwashita, Margaret Ynigues, Jane Matsumura and CSW Jessie Rodrigues. Helping with produce in Kea‘au are, from left, Bernice Tanioka, Ruth Galloway, Erlinda Marzan, and Toshiko Sasaki. Helping in Pāhoa were Herbert Rapoza, Sarah Aniban, Felisa Hanohano, Leinaala Brady and Mei Ling Green. 14 AMERICAN RECOVERY AND REINVESTMENT ACT FUNDS PUTTING OUR SENIORS TO WORK Norma Panela receiving training as a clerical aide for CSE at the ADRC. Donna Tuck, circulation aide at the Hilo State Library reading to students on the Summer Reading Program. Clyde Takahata, Cafeteria Manager at Waiakeawaena Elementary School training Paahana Mukai in the fine art of preparing meals for students. Raymond Kerns receiving training in building maintenance from supervisor Trent Hata at the Komohana Agricultural Complex Herbert Ikeda receiving training as a swamper for CSE from Jun Ishimine, CSW I. Joel Tuck, circulation aide at the Hilo State Library reading to students on the Summer Reading Program. 15 Photographs of Harold Bugado, EAD Director Patricia Dunn, CSE CSW I, Hilo Sophia Iaukea, CSE CSW I, Hilo/Ka‘ū Jun Ishimine, CSE CSW I, Hilo Geri Lyman, CSE CSW I, Hilo Reyn Maeno, CSE CSW I, Hilo Vacant, EAD Operations Assistant Director Leihua Malani, CSE CSW I, Hilo Arlene Ohara, CSE CSW I, Hilo/Puna Janice Klingenberg, CSW I, Kona Terry Terada, CSE CSW I, Kona Kathleen Azevedo, Van Driver, RSVP Hilo Calvin Tsugawa, Van Driver, Nutrition Bernadette Johansen, Van Driver, Nutrition Michael Au, Meals on Wheels, Nutrition April Bautista, Meals on Wheels, Nutrition Alfred Fernandez, Meals on Wheels, Nutrition Earl Fujishige, Meals on Wheels, Nutrition Edward Grantz, Meals on Wheels, Nutrition Jennifer Hofpar, Meals on Wheels, Nutrition Nathan Suganuma, Recreation Technician II, Special Programs East Hawai‘i Kelly Hudik, Recreation Technician II, Special Programs West Hawai‘i CALENDAR OF EVENTS OCTOBER 28:CSE: West Hawai‘i Volunteer luncheon Yano Hall 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Fran Takamiyashiro, (808) 322-1812 30: ERS: Halloween Ground Golf Tournament Greenwell Park 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Coran Kitaoka, (808) 323-3190 NOVEMBER 6: SP: Primetime Wellness Fair Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Lynne Kunitake, (808) 322-1812 13: CSE: East Hawai‘i Volunteer Luncheon Kamana Senior Center, 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Tim Hansen, (808) 961-8777 11: VETERAN’S DAY - HOLIDAY 27: THANKSGIVING - HOLIDAY DECEMBER 3: ERS: West Hawai‘i Seniors Christmas Party Kona Old Airport Main Events Pavilion 9:30 a.m. Coran Kitaoka, (808) 323-3190 10: ERS: Teacher & Volunteer Luncheon Nani Mau Garden, 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Roann Okamura, (808) 961-8710 25: CHRISTMAS DAY - HOLIDAY 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.