HomeMy WebLinkAboutKupuna News A Magazine For And About Hawai`i's Seniors (July - September 2009)Elderly Activities Division’s
Kupuna News
A MAGAZINE FOR AND ABOUT HAWAI`I’S SENIORS
Vol. 11 No. 3 July-September 2009
Aloha Sidney Kanno and Lynne Kunitake
Mahalo for the Outstanding Years of County Service
Kupuna Softball July 14-16, Kona
State Softball Agusut 4-6, O`ahu
Line Dance Social Hilo, July 30
Kupuna Hula Festival Kona, September 16-17
National Employ Older Workers Week, September 20-26
Puna Circus Kea‘au Community Center, September 25
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
Congratulations Retirees
Sidney Kanno and Lynne Kunitake
EAD Deputy Operations Director Sidney Kanno and Special Programs Director, Lynne Kunitake retires
after an outstanding 36 years and 26 years with the County of Hawai‘i, respectively. We especially
want to thank Sid and Lynne for the many years of valuable service and contributions to the Kupuna of
the County of Hawai‘i. Sid started his career with the County in 1973 as the Senior Activities Assistant
assigned to West Hawai‘i planning and coordinating senior activities at the West Hawai‘i senior
centers. Sid was promoted in 1993 to the EAD Assistant Operations Director position that oversees
the Coordinated Services Program, the division’s safety and training program. Sid has always been a
“behind the scenes” person, hardworking, dedicated, conscientious, with a positive “can do” attitude
that makes for a great team player assisting EAD staff in all six programs with their events.
Lynne was hired as a clerk steno for the Coordinated Services program on January 2, 1983 and in 1992
was promoted to the Data Processing Coordinator for CSE. In 2002, Lynne was selected Program
Director to oversee the Special Programs and did an outstanding job in planning and coordinating
EAD’s island-wide/statewide events, such as the Kupuna Hula Festival, Senior Olympics, County/State
Softball, Golf, Wellness Fair, etc. serving over 2,000 seniors annually.
The division has achieved much success in serving seniors in Hawai‘i County. It is indeed “Second to
None” in carrying out its mission and accomplishing the goals and objectives established in order for
the big island Kupuna to receive the services and activities they can enjoy and need. These two
veterans have played a key role, as with other outstanding veterans who have left us, in contributing
and establishing what we have today.
We thank Sid and Lynne for their valuable time, expertise, hard work, commitment and dedication in
providing services and activities for our seniors. Mahalo for making our communities a better place to live.
Best Wishes and good luck, especially in Vegas, as you start off in another chapter in your lives. Press On!
Kupuna News 2 Information and Assistance (808) 961-8777
Senior Companion Recognition Luncheon
In appreciation for all of their compassionate care for the Kupuna of Hawai`i, the Senior Companion
Program held its annual Senior Companion Recognition Luncheon at the Ocean Seafood Chinese
Restaurant at the King Kamehameha Mall in Kona on 0412412009. The senior companions were
treated to a buffet luncheon, gifts, certificate of appreciation, and leis from Ms. Norma Koenig, Senior
Companion Program Director with assistance from EAD Operations Director, Mr. Harold Bugado and
EAD Assistant Operations Director, Mr. Sidney Kanno. "Mahalo to our Senior Companions who
provide tender care to our frail and elderly Kupuna!!!"
Group photos of South Hilo, Papa`aloa, Puna, Honoka`a, Ka`u and Waimea
Kupuna News 3 July - September 2009
Betty Shikada with her new Senior ID Card.
SENIOR ID CARD SCHEUDLE
JULY
01, Wed. ADRC Conference Room 1:00–3:00 p.m.
01, Wed. Kealakekua Ranch Center 10:00–1:00 p.m.
06, Mon. Kamana Senior Center 1:00–3:00 p.m.
10, Fri. Kea‘au Community Center 10:00–12:00 p.m.
10, Fri. West Hawai‘i Senior Center 10:00–1:00 p.m.
13, Mon. Pāhala HI Housing Center 9:00–10:00 a.m.
13, Mon. Nā‘ālehu Community Center 11:00–12:00 p.m.
14, Tues. L. Yoshimatsu Senior Center 9:00–11:00 a.m.
24, Fri. KTA Puainako 10:00–12:00 p.m.
27, Mon. Hale Hau‘oli Senior Center 3:00–4:30 p.m.
AUGUST
03, Mon. Kamana Senior Center 1:00–3:00 p.m.
05, Wed. K-Mart, Kailua-Kona 10:00–1:00 p.m.
05, Wed. ADRC Conference Room 1:00–3:00 p.m.
07, Fri. Kea‘au Community Center 10:00–12:00 p.m.
10, Mon. St. Jude’s Church 9:00–11:00 a.m.
10, Mon. Kohala CSE/Courthouse 10:00–12:00 p.m.
11, Tues. L. Yoshimatsu Senior Center 9:00–11:00 a.m.
14, Fri. KTA Puainako 10:00–12:00 p.m.
14, Fri. West Hawai‘i Senior Center 10:00–1:00 p.m.
14, Fri. Pāpa‘aloa Elderly Housing 3:00–4:00 p.m.
SEPTEMBER
02, Wed. Walmart, Kailua-Kona 10:00–1:00 p.m.
02, Wed. ADRC Conference Room 1:00–3:00 p.m.
04, Fri. Kea‘au Community Center 10:00–12:00 p.m.
08, Tues. L. Yoshimatsu Senior Center 9:00–11:00 a.m.
11, Fri. KTA Puainako 10:00–12:00 p.m.
11, Fri. West Hawai‘i Senior Center 10:00–1:00 p.m.
14, Mon. Pāhala HI Housing Center 9:00–10:00 a.m.
14, Mon. Nā‘ālehu Community Center 11:00–12:00 p.m.
21, Mon. Kamana Senior Center 1:00–3:00 p.m.
CSE Expands Services
In April 2069, CSE began to offer our full range of
services at the Hawai`i County Aging and
Disability Resource Center-ADRC in Hilo. Many will
recognize the location of the new ADRC as the old
Sun Sun Lau Restaurant site at 1055 Kino`ole
Street. We are offering our complete services
including Information and Assistance, Chore and
Transportation services. Staff are enjoying the new
office space that gives more privacy for interviewing
clients, more space to organize resource materials
and room for each staff to have their own desk and
work area. ADRC also provides meeting and
training room space which has been very helpful in
scheduling such things as Senior IDs, AARP Tax
Preparation Assistance and other services for
seniors. Please stop by and visit when you can!
Also please note that CSE is continuing to staff an
Information and Assistance center at the Kamana
Senior Center Monday - Friday. We are always
here to serve you.
Emergency Evacuation Update List
CSE is part of the Hawai`i County Civil Defense
response team. We have been working hard to
make sure our Emergency Evacuation Assistance
list is up to date. We don't want to miss you if you
are in need of transportation assistance in the event
of a natural disaster or civil defense emergency. Be
sure to call CSE staff at 961-8777 in East
Hawai`i or at 322-1812 in West Hawai`i if you need
to be on our Emergency Evacuation Assistance list.
Kupuna News 4 Information and Assistance (808) 961 -8777
ELDERLY RECREATION SERVICES
A BIG MAHALO to all the Seniors of our programs who
have been participating in the events, clubs and classes.
We are successful when we hear all the laughter and see
all the smiling faces. To all our dedicated ERS Volunteers,
we couldn’t have done it without you. Thanks for your immense
support that enabled us to reach our fiscal goals.
To all the seniors on the big island, join a senior club or class and be one of the gang!
ERS Is The BEST!!!
Contact ERS at 961-8710 for more information about our programs or visit us online at www.co.hawaii.hi.us
The GRAND FINALE at the Hawai`i State Senior Karaoke
Revue held at the Sangha Hall on April 23, 2009. Kamana
Karaoke Club President Stanley Iwashita in the foreground
leading the performers in the closing number.
Casino Day was a “JACKPOT” at the Old Kona Airport Main
Events Pavilion held on March 20, 2009. Gamers from the Senior
clubs from Hawai`i Oceanview Estates to Paauilo joined in! Momi Shontell
shooting the dice! Getting that Las Vegas Fever!!!
The Ka`u Circus was in town at the Na`alehu Community
Center on April 29, 2009. Pictured are the “Ring Leaders”
from Hawai`i Oceanview Estates, Na`alehu and Pahala.
Strongman Zachery DeBernardi, Emily Keohuloa, Tita
Tayamen, Ginger & Brian Stewart, Marge Callen, Eunice
Hashimoto, Sally Dela Cruz and Mary Spencer.
Celerine Lumanlan from Kailua-Kona just won on the Wheel! Yipee!!!
Linda Eblacas & Sally Dela Cruz, Clowning around!!!
Kupuna News 5 July - September 2009
Class & Senior Club Happenings……
Kea`au Seniors at Kea`au High School for the Annual Intergenerational
Breakfast. The seniors were hosted with games, dancing and reminiscing of olden days.
The GENEROUS women from Kona Regional Club
working on their craft donation for the American Cancer Relay for Life.
Pictured Lita Taguchi, Hisae Masaki,
Janice Ohara and Elaine Kai with
their baskets of Organic Produce from Kekela Farms. HEALTHY!
Kamana Senior Center Cooking Semi-Homemade class outing to Waimea.
Mealani Experimental Station—Tea Farm
Want to be fit like these seniors???
Join Dana Lawler’s Thursday Line Dance / Aerobics
class at Hale Halewai in Kailua-Kona.
Mahalo! Carol Kuwaye from Goodies Galore and our Silk Ribbon Instructor at Kamana
Senior Center for all your support at our events.
Li Ching Kuo’s Qi Kuong class was held outside
under beautiful Spring skies at Kamana Senior Center.
Join one of her classes at Kamana or Kea`au Senior Center.
Kupuna News 6 Information and Assistance (808) 961 -8777
Special Programs
The 27th Annual Hawai‘i Kupuna Hula
Festival will return to the Sheraton Keauhou Bay
Resort & Spa, September 16th and 17th. Doors will
open at 5 p.m. and performances begin at 5:30 p.m.
Tickets are just $10 per person per night in advance
and $12 per ticket at the door. Solo performances and
the International Ho‘olaule‘a are scheduled for Wednesday
night and the Royal Court appearance will precede the Kane,
Wahine, and Mixed group competitions on Thursday night.
Photo of 2009 3rd Place Tutu Kane; George Kaikana
Competition has increased from last year, 21 halaus including 6
from Japan have entered the festival to date. This year’s theme
“Na Mele Makamae” (Songs that are Precious), encourages each
halau to choose a song that has special meaning, or is precious, to
them and perform it in ‘auana style. With such a broad range of songs
to choose from, the performances will surely be something special.
Not to be missed at the Hawai‘i Kupuna Hula Festival is the craft
fair. The craft vendors will be set up in the Keauhou ballroom foyer and in
the Keauhou III & IV rooms adjacent to the ballroom. Check out the tables
displaying everything from t-shirts, lauhala hats and jewelry, to leis and lavosh.
The craft fair is a great place to find something for everyone on your gift list.
Tickets for the festival can be purchased at the Special Programs office
located at 81-951 Haleki‘i Street in Kealakekua. This year’s festival t-shirts
will also be available at the Special Programs office before the festival and
at the admission door during the event. For more information about the 27th
Annual Hawai‘i Kupuna Hula Festival call Special Programs at 322.1812 or 961.8592 in Hilo.
Photo of Overall 2008 Winners Hula Halau Pua O Loke
Kupuna News 7 July - September 2009
2009 Hawai‘i Kupuna Softball and State Senior Citizens Softball Tournaments
The 35th Annual Hawai‘i Kupuna Softball
Tournament will be held on July 14-16, 2009 at
Kailua Park. Following the first and second
round of the regular season the twenty-two
kupuna softball teams will be seeded into
three divisions by their season win/loss records. A
brief opening ceremony will open the tournament at
8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 14, 2009 and then, there
will be a “whole lot of softball going on” for the next
three days. After the award ceremonies at the completion
of the Hawai‘i Kupuna Softball Tournament, all the teams
will be ranked according to their combined win/loss records
for both the season and tournament and be seeded for the
State Senior Citizens Senior Softball Tournament, which will
be held at the Patsy T. Mink Central O‘ahu Regional Park on August 4-6, 2009.
More than forty eight senior teams from Hawai‘i, Kaua‘i, Maui, and O‘ahu will be
competing for six divisional titles at the State Senior Citizens Softball Tournament.
Last year, on Kaua‘i, Hawai‘i island teams had their best tournament and brought
home three first place finishes (HiIo Pomaka‘i, Honomū Rockets, and Hāmākua Coast),
four second place finishes (Kona Gold, Waimea Paniolo, Big Island Iron Birds, and Kipu‘upu‘u),
and two fourth place finishes (Onomea Rangers and Kohala).
Let’s show our pride and come out to support
our athletic senior men and women as they
compete in the Hawai‘i Kupuna Softball and State Senior Softball Tournaments.
Kupuna News 8 Information and Assistance (808) 961 -8777
Retired and Senior Volunteer Program
Our 25 Year Honorees: Front row: RSVP staff Clarita Corpuz, Ethel Yonemitsu, Waichi Ouye, RSVP Director
Charles Ikeda. Back row: Council Chairperson J Yoshimoto, Mayor Billy Kenoi, EAD Director Harold Bugado,
P&R Director Bob Fitzgerald.
Our over 25 Year Honorees: Violet Ma’e (33 years) and Yukie Kashimoto (26 years)
Our 20+ Year Volunteers: Helen Young (23 yrs.), Lei Tsuji (23 yrs.), Sawayo Ono (23 yrs.),
Roselyn Victorine(23 yrs.), Michiko Asai (23 yrs.), Dorothy Williams (22 years), and Maxine Nathaniel (21 yrs.)
Kupuna News 9 July - September 2009
20 Year Volunteers: Front: RSVP staff Clarita Corpuz,
Nancy Yamada, Terue Sumida, Sue Ota, Carole Okiuye,
Pauline Leong and Samie Goya. Back: Council Chairperson
J. Yoshimoto, Mayor Billy Kenoi, EAD Director Harold Bugado,
P&R Director Bob Fitzgerald.
15 Year Volunteers: Miye Watanabe, Miyoko Tanita, Michiko Ryan,
Leatrice Ogata, Sam Leong, Asae Kumiji, Evelyn Kagawa, Malia Curtis,
Shimomi Araujo and Alice Andagan.
10 Year Volunteers: Lois Zimmerman, Sandy Zane, Helen Uyeda,
Ludloff Oliveira, Ayame Okazaki, Mildred Kataoka, Helen Matsui,
Sylvia Kishimoto, Bea Iwamoto, Kazue Kaide, Kay Arakawa, Marie Hanaumi, Rosalia Agliam.
5 Year Volunteers: Mary Jane Peleholani, Marilyn Werner,
Jane Murayama, Nancy Phillips, Eleanor Larson, Marie Kuramoto,
Shirley Kawamoto, Lucy Maloney, Mildred Murakami, Seijin Hokama,
Sets Kanayama, Lillian Fujimoto, June Knell, Shigeko Kiyojima, Janet Chow Hoy,
Shirley Figueira, June Kawashima, Chiyoko Kinoshita, Dr. Ruben Casile, and Martin Alconera.
Kupuna News 10 Information and Assistance (808) 951 -8777
Below: Volunteer Dianne Bruce volunteers in the AARP Information Center in Kailua Kona.
Left: Karaoke instructor, Rose Onaka,entertains the crowd at the Kona Adult Day Care.
Below: Everyone joins in on a dance to entertain the clients at the Kona Adult Day Care.
Above: Irie Nagai volunteers as a dance instructor for the Yano Senior Karaoke Club.
Below: Kona AARP coordinator Shirley Shumway takes questions from Jimmy Tohara
during a RSVP Advisory Council volunteer station visit.
Providing Services at East Hawai`i Cultural Center: Seated: Sue Matsubara and Hisako Sakamoto.
Standing: Masa Shimabukuro, Gerald and May Otomo and Fay Nako.
Volunteers at Chamber of Commerce: L-R: Helen Nagai, Amy Matsukado, Bella Bautista,
Mary Basque, Miyoko Yoshida, Nobu Oshiro and Karlen Ono.
Kupuna News 11 July - September 2009
Below: Volunteering at the Muscular Dystrophy Walk. Mahalo to you all.
Above: George Ikeda and Nathan Suganuma help at the Big Island Marathon.
Above: Arlene Waugh, Nobu Oshiro and Helen Matsui distribute CFL bulbs.
Right: Linda Bacdad and Pat Engelhard. Below: Helen Matsui, Mieko Asato, Sam Leong
and Harold Bugado lend a hand to the Big Island Marathon.
Disabled Parking office volunteers Andy and Maty Narido with supervisor Sandy Arriola.
Below: Helping at the marathon are Lyn Kagawa and Amy Bugado.
Mahalo to all our volunteers that helped with the Big Island Marathon.
Volunteers helped with registration, assembly of the runners’ packets, food distribution and also at the finish line.
Volunteers are priceless!!!!!
Keep up the good work.
Kupuna News 12 Information and Assistance (808) 961 -8777
Nutrition Program Highlights
Congratulating Aunty Sarah Togashi
were Pete Velasco, on the left, and
Community Service Worker III Adel Velasco, on the right.
Congratulations
Aunty Sarah!
"I was stunned!" said Aunty Sarah
Togashi when it was announced that
she was the overall female Outstanding Older American for 2009.
Aunty Sarah is our Nutrition Site President in Kea‘au, and was
nominated by Nutrition CSW Adel Velasco for her helping hands and warm heart.
Congratulations also to Shizue Asato, our former Nutrition Site President in
Pāpa‘aloa, who was awarded the female Senior Activities award.
Also recognized were Alfred Galiza from Pāhala and John Hanog from
Pepe‘ekeō. Mahalo for your help with our program!
Happy 97th Birthday
To "Grandma" Kato
A special birthday party was held for
Shizue Kato of Kohala - she is 97 years young! Above, she is congratulated by
CSW Jeannine Mattos, who made arrangements for the party at Arnie's at the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel.
Standing, from left, are Domiciano
Villena, Mark Nakashima, Ron Smith, Edna Watanabe, Suse Soares, and Bill Haena.
Seated are Edward Watanabe, Grandma Kato, Jeannine Mattos,
Toshiko Murakami and Beatrice Chau.
Kupuna News 13 July - September 2009
Seniors of the Pahoa Nutrition Site
enjoyed their day at the Imiloa Astronomy
Center, especially the delicious buffet at the
Sky Garden Restaurant.
For many, it was their first visit to the
Astronomy Center - here they are gathered
for a group shot in the beautiful lobby, right
outside the planetarium.
Taking a break from their Rummikub game
in Na`alehu are from left, Margaret Callen,
Philip Barro, CSW Edie Manzano
Frazier, Mabel Kaipo, Sally Della Cruz,
Bert Nishimoto and Helen Tayamen.
The Hawai`i County Nutrition Program has
moved to the Aging and Disability Center
(ADRC) in Hilo.
Welcoming you to their new office are
Nutrition Director Joan Kawakone, Van
Driver Calvin Tsugawa, Community
Service Program Assistant Carla
Carpenter Kabalis, and Clerk Charline
Blanco (missing Debra Funai).
On the other side of the room, playing a
friendly game of (oops, hide the chips) are
Mary Spencer, Eunice Hashimoto, Edie,
(queen Akiu, Irene Kohara and
Prudencio "Andy" Tayamen.
Kupuna News 14 Information and Assistance (808) 961-8777
Senior Community Service Employment Program
National September 20-26, 2009
Employ Older Workers Week
The County of Hawai‘i Senior Training & Employment Program (STEP) received $76,844 in Federal funds
channeled to the State of Hawai‘i Department of Labor and Industrial Relations’ Workforce Development
Division. The funds are made available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA),
signed by President Barack Obama on February 17, 2009. The ARRA funding will be used to support
additional training and employment opportunities for an additional nine (9) unemployed low-income seniors.
Pictured on the front cover, sitting is Arna Goldstein who was hired using the ARRA funding. She will be
placed at the Hilo Public Library’s children's department as a circulation aide. Standing next to Arna is her
supervisor Mona Tavares.
Enrollee Judy Ruppel says, “Come and visit us at the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) at:
1055 Kino‘ole St., Suite 107, Hilo, HI 96720.”
Charles Apodaca with supervisor Glenn Arakawa, hired using ARRA funding, on his first day of work up
at the Stanley Costales Waiākea Uka Gym.
Training as a Facility Maintenance Aide up at Volcano-Cooper Center enrollee Pierre Pepin on the right
standing with Melinda Souza Park Caretaker I.
Nelson Iga, training as a Janitorial and Grounds Beautification Aide at Kamana Senior Center is standing next to
Program Director Roann Okamura.
Kupuna News 15 July - September 2009
EAD COMMUNITY SERVICE WORKERS III
Coordinated Services for the Elderly (CSE)
Harold Bugado, EAD Director
Alexander Grantz, Hilo
Karen Kotaki, Hilo
Vacant, Hilo
Walter Fisher, Kona
Anginette Onaka, Kona
Vacant, Kona
Vacant, EAD Assistant Director
Hawai`i County Nutrition Program (HCNP)
Roger Pflum, Hilo
Michael Batrber, Pepe`ekeo
Jessie Rodrigues, Pa`auilo
Vacant, Papa`aloa
Sylvia Leong, Honoka`a
Linnea Reid, Waimea
Jeannine Mattos, Kohala
Christy Kitaoka, Kailua-Kona
Beverly Carvalho, Holualoa
Helen Lindsey, Kealakekua
Dick Hershberger, Ocean View
Julie Ann Pasquale, Pahala
Edie Manzano-Frazier, Na`alehu
Adelaide Velasco, Kea`au
Priscilla Hocson, Pahoa
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
JULY
3: INDEPENDENCE DAY HOLIDAY (OBSERVED)
4: INDEPENDENCE DAY HOLIDAY
7: I&A District Team Meetings
9:30 a.m.
Hamakua, Waimea & Kohala
8: I&A District Team Meetings
9:30 a.m.
North /South Hilo & Kona
9: I&A District Team Meetings
9:30 a.m.
Puna & Ka`u
14-16: SP: 35th Annual Hawai`i Kupuna Softball Tournament
Kailua Park, (Old Airport) Kailua -Kona
Nathan Suganuma, (808) 961 -8592
30: ERS: Line Dance Social
Aunty Sallys
Coran Kitaoka, (808) 323 -3190
AUGUST
4 -6: SP: 34th Annual Hawai`i State Senior Citizens Softball Tournament
Regional Park, Oahu
Nathan Suganuma, (808) 961 -8592
21: STATEHOOD DAY HOLIDAY
SEMPTEMBER
7: LABOR DAY HOLIDAY
16-17:SP: 27th Annual Hawai`i Kupuna Hula Festival
Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort and Spa
Nathan Suganuma, (808) 961 -8592
25: ERS: Puna Circus
Kea`au Community Center
Margaret Yafuso, (808) 966 -5801
20-26: STEP: National Employ Older Workers Week
Clyde Yoshida, (808) 961 -8750
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.