Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutKupuna News A Magazine For And About Hawai`i's Seniors (July - September 2012)Elderly Activities Division's Kupuna News A MAGAZINE FOR AND ABOUT HAWAI`I'S SENIORS Vol. 14 No. 3 July-September 2012 38th Annual Kupuna Softball Tournament, Kailua Park Complex, Kona, July 11-12 `Imiloa Astronomy Center - Kupuna Day, Hilo, August 24 30th Annual Hawai`i Kupuna Hula Festival, Kona, September 12-13 Employ The Older Worker Week, September 16-22 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 Coran Kitaoka, EAD Deputy Director, (808) 323-4320 Tim Hansen, East Hawai`i (808) 961-8777, Fran Takamiyashiro, West Hawai`i (808) 323-4320 Welcome Aboard Jodie Torres! Mahalo Maile Marquez Welcome Aboard Jodie Torres! A warm welcome to Jodie Torres, Coordinated Service’s Kohala Community Service Program Assistant who started working with CSE in March. Jodie was born on O‘ahu, the eldest of three sisters. She moved to the Big Island in 1984 with her mother and sisters. She attended Kamehameha Schools on O‘ahu; in 1991 she moved back to the Big Island and graduated from Kohala High School. Jodie also attended UH West Hawai‘i where she studied Human Services. She has worked for Dr. Patrick Sui’s office in Kohala and more recently, Kohala Family Health Center before she joined the CSE team. Jodie is married to James Torres and they have three children, Britney, Brayden and Brennan. She loves working with and helping people. She finds assisting the Kupuna of Kohala rewarding. Please stop by the Kohala CSE office and welcome her to the CSE team! Mahalo Maile Marquez Much Mahalo to Maile Marquez for all of her help in Kohala. Maile has been such a blessing to CSE and the Kupuna of Kohala when the Kohala CSE Community Service Program Assistant position was vacant. Maile worked with Coordinated Services for 26 years and retired in May 2007. As she reflected, over the years, she remembers the changes in the operations of CSE. Improved newer vans, a better system of communication (from old radios to two way radios to today’s van radios). Even in her retirement, Maile has helped CSE when we were in a bind. She volunteers with Kupuna Hula and has assisted CSE with medical transporting. Maile is enjoying her retirement catching up with things she has put aside over the years. She enjoys spending time with her husband and taking care of her great grand children. Thank You Maile! You are an angel! Kupuna News Page 2 Information and Assistance (808) 961-8777 Annual Senior Companion Recognition Luncheon This year for the Senior Companion Recognition Luncheon we journeyed down to the lower Puna district to explore the historic town of Pāhoa. Volunteers and staff first gathered at the Pāhoa Town Museum to walk through the history exhibit and enjoyed a relaxed atmosphere of coffee and tea (and some had ice cream for breakfast!) The group then went a few blocks through the town of Pāhoa to have lunch at Kaleo’s Restaurant. We were joined by Suzanne Hull, Director of the Senior Companion Program, who flew in from Honolulu with fellow staff member Alex Rodero. Also joining the group were Roann Okamura, EAD Director and Coran Kitaoka, EAD Deputy Director. The food was wonderful and each volunteer received a certificate of appreciation and a new resource folder from Suzanne. The event was topped off with a delicious haupia MAHALO cake. Back row L-R: Terry Saito, Darlette Miguel, Linda Eblacas, Tom Hennema, Adoracion Agregado, Edith Miller, Violet Loo, Odetta Peralta, Shanna Moore, Pilar Asia, Tim Hansen, Roann Okamura, Christine Namahoe-Loo, Suzanne Hull, Junie-Ann Kamoku, Coran Kitaoka. Front row L-R: Darryl Noda, Patricia Soares, Elizabeth Eugenio, Fran Takamiyashio, and Jodie Torres. Kupuna News Page 3 July-September 2012 CSE Using Technology To Serve You Better Coordinated Services recently received a grant that allowed us to purchase portable laptop computers, printers and scanners.  These computers will enable CSE staff island-wide to increase outreach efforts to seniors as we offer information, assistance, counseling and referrals for Medicare, Medigap, Medicare Advantage  and other related senior health insurance options.  The computers will be equipped with remote internet access allowing seniors to complete applications from most locations on the island.  Please contact CSE if you have questions about your Medicare or Medicaid plans or if you think you may qualify for additional benefits that you are not currently receiving.  We will be happy to help you learn more.  Please call CSE in East Hawai‘i at 961-8777 and in West Hawai‘i at 323-4320. This Medicare Outreach program is supported in part by a grant from Hawai‘i County Office of Aging and the Executive Office on Aging using Federal Medicare funds. Congratulations to Joseph Ah Choy and Rodrigo “Rudy” Peralta Congratulations to Joseph Ah Choy for his awards as Outstanding Older American and the Golden Years Award at the HCOA Older American Luncheon. Joseph has assisted Mary Chun, CSPA in Pāpa‘aloa, for many years with medical and shopping transportation as well as helping many of the seniors in Pāpa‘aloa. “Rudy” Peralta was also recognized with the Senior Activity Award. Rudy is actively involved with the Laupāhoehoe Senior Club. He also assists Mary with medical runs. Congratulations Joseph and Rudy for their Awards at the HCOA Older Americans Luncheon!!! Kupuna News Page 4 Information and Assistance (808) 961-8777 Elderly Recreational Services & Special Programs Program Directors Margaret Yafuso, Puna/Ka‘ū (808) 966-5801, Kelly Hudik, West Hawai‘i (808) 323-4330 ERS/SPECIAL PROGRAMS EVENT CALENDAR July–September 2012 JULY 2-SEPT. 07: ERS SR. SUMMER SESSION CLASSES JULY 11 & 12 - 38TH ANNUAL HAWAI‘I KUPUNA SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT, Old Kona Airport Fields AUGUST 24 - ‘IMILOA KUPUNA DAY, ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center, 9:30am - 1:30pm SEPT. 12 & 13: 30TH ANNUAL HAWAI‘I KUPUNA HULA FESTIVAL, Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort, 5:30pm; CRAFT FAIR: 8:00am For more information, please call (808) 961-8710 (Hilo), (808) 966-5801 (Kea‘au), (808) 323-4340 (Kona) HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE! JACKPOT WINNER! Jitsuo Ishimoto of Aunty Sally’s Nutrition (center) Highest Chip Count Kupuna News Page 5 July-September 2012 SENIOR CLUB HAPPENINGS…... 2012 Hawai‘i State Senior Karaoke Revue was held on April 26 at Sangha Hall, sponsored by the Kamana Karaoke Club and the County of Hawai‘i Elderly Recreation Services. 41 talented participants from O‘ahu, Maui, Kona and Hilo filled the stage for the finale, “Ue O Muite Arukoo” lead by Masa Hirayama. (L-R) Janis Walker-Kona; Norman Nakano-Hilo, James Mitchell-Kona and Yoshiko Shimada-Hilo (L) Pomaikai Seniors water balloon toss at their Annual Easter Party at Wailoa State Park. At right, 97 yr old Ethel Yonemitsu smashes the piñata as others stare in awe. Mah Jong, Rummikub, Scrabble to name a few on Fridays, Mt. View Seniors Game Day. Come and smell the coffee… Pāhala Seniors at Ka‘ū Coffee Mill in Wood Valley. Seniors of Paradise’s Halau Pua Kea proudly presented their Annual Open House by their own Halau Pua Kea. A mini Merry Monarch in front of 120 friends and family held on April 12 at the HPP Activity Center under the direction of Tesse Tinker. On their recent outing to sunny Ka‘ū, Papa‘ikou Seniors enjoyed a day of basking in the sun at Punalu‘u after enjoying a cup of coffee from Ka‘ū Coffee Mill in Pāhala. Lunch at Honu‘apo and lastly a visit to Akatsuka Orchids. Honomu Seniors on the move. A fun filled day visiting Emma’s Big Island Mexican Foods in Kea‘au, Akatsuka Orchid Garden, Volcano Winery and The Coffee Mill in Mt. View. Ground Golf Challenge! West Hawai‘i Seniors were in for a treat, thanks to the Kona Regional Rotary who sponsored the event held at Greenwell Park on April 27. BIG ISLAND SENIOR GOLF TOURNAMENT On May 11, 2012, at Waikoloa Beach Resort's King’s course, 144 avid golfers hit the fairways at the highly awaited Big Island Senior Golf Tournament sponsored by BIG ISLAND CANDIES. Imagine golfing with views of volcanoes, palm trees, and tropical foliage, on a course that resembles a layout found along the coast of Scotland. Congratulations to all of our winners at this year’s golf tournament and a big MAHALO to Allen Ikawa from Big Island Candies for your continued sponsorship of the event! Women 55-64 1st Place Stephanie Bello 2nd Place Joan Shimoda 3rd Place Irene Silva Men 55-64 1st Place Gerald Ueyama 2nd Place Alex Antonio 3rd Place Lance Okamura Women 65+ 1st Place Carol Ah Yo 2nd Place Annette Fujii 3rd Place Akiko Lundstrom Men 65+ 1st Place Ralph Sallee 2nd Place Jerry Whitaker 3rd Place Joseph Goldscharek Kupuna News Page 7 July-September 2012 BIG ISLAND SENIOR STARS TALENT SHOW Group Winners! 1st Place Honoka‘a Seniors-I Wanna Be a Cowboy 2nd Place Pa‘auilo Senior Club-The Flag of the U.S. 3rd Place Volcano Senior Club-It’s Raining Individual Winners! 1st Place Carla Orellana-Belly Dancing 2nd Place Penny Madamba-Singing 3rd (Tie) Errol Ishimine-Singing; Dorothy Williams-Hula 30th Anniversary Hawai‘i Kupuna Hula Festival The 30th Annual Hawai‘i Kupuna Hula Festival will return to the newly renovated Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa, September 12th and 13th. Doors will open at 5 p.m. and performances begin at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are just $10 per person per night. 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. 19 halau have entered the festival to date. This year’s theme “Eō e Lanakilakeikiahiali‘i” is a tribute to the music of George Lanakilakeikiahiali‘i Naope. Each halau chose a song that was written, performed or taught to the halau by George Naope. With such a broad range of songs to choose from, the performances will surely be something special. Tickets for the festival can be purchased at the Special Programs office located at 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy., Bldg. B. For more information about the 30th Annual Hawai‘i Kupuna Hula Festival call Special Programs at 323.4340. Eddie Yokoyama, Program Director, (808) 961-8730 Clarita Corpuz, East HawaiÒi (808) 961-8730, Mark White, West HawaiÒi (808) 323-4333 HOVE, North & South Kona & North and South Kohala 2012 Recognition 5 Years Volunteers Mayor Billy Kenoi, Deputy Managing Director Wally Lau, Lavaina Ferreira, Margaret Contento, Laverne Mayzlik, Julia Bailado, Bernice Elam, Mamie Kahawai, Helen Ikeda, Elizabeth Lee, Barbara Mahi, Eleanor Rodrigues, Nobu Asai 10 Years Volunteers MayorÓs Office Executive Assistant Bobby Command, Councilmember Chairperson Dominic Yagong, Alyce Yamaguchi, David Gomes, Patsy Kupuna News July-September 2012 HOVE, North & South Kona & North and South Kohala 2012 Recognition 15 Years Volunteers Council Chairperson Dominic Yagong, MayorÓs Office Executive Ass cilmember Pete Hoffmann, Betty Shikada, Saeko Sato, Mayor Billy Kenoi, Marilyn Sakata, Rose Onaka, Phyllis Nakamura, Kiyoshi Nakamura, Wally Ichishita, Aiko Ichishita, Chizuko Nakamura, Mararet Kestner, George Kestner, Mitsuo Nagai, Irie Nagai 20, 22, 23 Years Volunteers Council Chairperson Dominic Yagong, MayorÓs Office Executive Assistant Bobby Command, Sadako Kiyota (22), Meimi Tauriai- nen (22), Suse Soares (21), Councilmember Pete Hoffmann, Eve- lyn Solomon (20), Mayor Billy Kenoi, Zachary DeBernardi (20), 25 Years Volunteers Suga Suzuki (22), Deputy Managing Director Wally Lau Council Chairperson Dominic Yagong, Mayor Billy Kenoi, Marjorie Spencer, Councilmember Pete Hoffmann, Scott Asai, Deputy Managing Director Wally Lau Kupuna News rmation and Assistance (808) 961-8777 HOVE, North & South Kona & North and South Kohala 2012 Recognition 26 & 29 Years Volunteers 30 Years Volunteers Council Chairperson Dominic Yagong, Councilmember Pete Council Chairperson Dominic Yagong, Councilmember Pete Hoffmann, Mayor Billy Kenoi, Joe Asai (26), Fumiko Sugiyama Hoffmann, Mayor Billy Kenoi, Rose Rosimo, Molly Moniz, Dep- (29), Deputy Director Wally Lau uty Director Wally Lau Hilo Town 2012 Recognition 5 Years Volunteers RSVP CSPA Clarita Corpuz, Satsuki Muneno, Mel Miyasaki, Alice Kaneko, Pauline Matayoshi, Yaeko Koizumi, Mayor Billy Kenoi, Councilmember Dennis Onishi, Thelma Kawate, P&R Director Robert Fitzgerald, Kay Fukuda, Council Chairperson Dominic Yagong, Mary Figueroa, Councilmember J. Yoshimoto, Kimiko Chinen, Ben Ho 5 Years Volunteers RSVP CSPA Clarita Corpuz, Mayor Billy Kenoi, Arlene Waugh, P&R Director Robert Fitzgerald, Grace Tomita, Councilmember Den- nis Onishi, Lucille Takemoto, Councilmember J. Yoshimoto, Madeline Silva, Council Chairperson Dominic Yagong, Carol Oshiro, Nancy Okinishi, EAD Director Roann Okamura Hilo Town 2012 Recognition 10 Years Volunteers 15 Years Volunteers RSVP CSPA Clarita Corpuz, Robert Young, Rosario Savella, RSVP CSPA Clarita Corpuz, Mayor Billy Kenoi, Councilmem- Theresa Partridge, Councilmember Dennis Onishi, Gail Nishi-ber Dennis Onishi, Fusaye Murayama, P&R Director Robert Fitz- mura, Mayor Billy Kenoi, Tamayo Nagami, P&R Director Robert gerald, Ruth Okamoto, Edward Madamba, Councilmember J. Fitzgerald, Stella Morita, Council Chairperson Dominic Yagong, Yoshimoto, Shigeno Kawamoto, Sumiko Kajiwara, Council Satomi Hiura, Elizabeth Martin, Nora Maeda, Councilmember J. Chairperson Dominic Yagong, Sachiko Imaizumi, EAD Director Yoshimoto, Gary Maeda, Janet Fujimoto, EAD Director Roann Roann Okamura Okamura 21Î23 Years Volunteers Councilmember Dennis Onishi, RSVP CSPA Clarita Corpuz, Mayor Billy Kenoi, Nancy Yamada (23), Sue Ota (23), Chiyono 20 Years Volunteers Okiuye (23), Terue Sumida (23), Pauline Leong (23), Gladys Mayor Billy Kenoi, RSVP CSPA Clarita Corpuz, Councilmem- Nakamura (22), Seet Lau (22), Council Chairperson Dominic ber Dennis Onishi, Fumiko Takahashi, P&R Director Robert Yagong, Sue Nakamura (22), Beatrice Isemoto (22), Annie Aoki Fitzgerald, Doris Sumimoto, Morris Nakanishi, Council Chair- (21), Councilmember J. Yoshimoto, Patricia Abe (21), Kirino person Dominic Yagong, Yae Kunishige, Councilmember J. Yo- Muroka (21), EAD Director Roann Okamura, P&R Director shimoto, EAD Director Roann Okamura Robert Fitzgerald 24, 26, 27, 28 Years Volunteers RSVP CSPA Clarita Corpuz, Councilmember Dennis Onishi, 36 Years Volunteer Ethel Yonemitsu (28), Roselyn Victorine (27), Makiko Ohashi EAD Deputy Director Coran Kitaoka, Mayor Billy Kenoi, RSVP (27), Mayor Billy Kenoi, Helen Chong (26), George Yamamoto CSPA Clarita Corpuz, Councilmember Dennis Onishi, Violet (26), Dorothy Williams (26), Council Chairperson Dominic Mae, Council Chairperson Dominic Yagong, Councilmember J. Yagong, Mary Yamada (24), Virginia Maeda (24), Councilmem- Yoshimoto, EAD Director Roann Okamura, P&R Director ber J. Yoshimoto, EAD Director Roann Okamura, P&R Director Robert Fitzgerald Robert Fitzgerald Kupuna News rmation and Assistance (808) 961-8777 Joan Kawakone, Program Director, (808) 961-8726 Carla Carpenter Kabalis, Community Service Program Assistant II, (808) 961-8726 HonokaÓa is Blessed In May, the HonokaÒa seniors held a Grand Re-Opening of their senior center at Hale HauÒoli senior housing (see photos on page 14). Kahu Kalani Souza blessed the senior center, and the renovated apartments. EAD Director Roann Okamura then untied the maile lei with Mark Sayers of Urban Realty. Mahalo to all who helped to make this event so special, especially all of our senior volunteers, Nutrition President Alice Cypriano, Senior Club President Carol Hart, and Susie Tamashiro and the HonokaÒa Ukulele Strummers for great Shown from left are Jeannette Maa, CSW Maggie Evans, entertainment! Nora Takashiba, Betty Blair and Mildred Oda (foreground). Kailua Welcomes Maggie Ms. Margaret ÐMaggieÑ Evans has been hired as the new Community Service Worker for the Kailua Nutrition Site, located at Hualalai Elderly Housing. Maggie has a wealth of experience working with individuals and community groups, and is looking forward to working with seniors in her new position. Since March, she has been busy planning BAMBOO PARTY activities, classes, and outings for the summer. Shown above, everyone celebrated MotherÓs Day with a special luncheon. KohalaÓs seniors enjoyed lunch at Bamboo. Seated from left: Evelyn Solomon, Sachiyo Along with the great food, seniors reminisced Hirano, Spongie Murakami, Suse Soares, about the Moms in their life, and many shared Beatrice Chau. Standing from left: Jeanette touching personal stories. Welcome aboard Yamamoto, Winnie Gonsalves, Jeannine & Maggie! Wendell Mattos, and Ed & Edna Watanabe. Kupuna News July-September 2012 HonokaÎaÏs Grand Re-Opening Kupuna News rmation and Assistance (808) 961-8777 Clyde Yoshida, Program Director, (808) 961-8750 September 18-24, 2012 will be National Employ Older Workers Week. An annual event sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, National Employ Older Workers Week is a call to action for employers and employees alike to recognize the value and necessity of experienced workers in our nationÓs workforce. By 2014, 41% off Americans 55 or older will be employed, making up over 21% of the U.S. labor force. The Committee on Economic Development indicates that employers give older workers high marks on characteristics such as judgment, commitment to quality and work A success story: Katherine Moffit was recently hired by the ethic. Department of Parks and Recreation as a Park Caretaker I. Assigned to the Downtown Improvement Association, STEP enrollee Carlos Parisi with Alice Moon, Executive Enrollee Margaret Pang receiving food preparation training Director. at St. Joseph kitchen with host agency supervisor Dennis Wheeler. Standing in front at the West HawaiÒi Civic Center enrollee Susie Kobayakawa with DMV Supervising Motor Vehicle Kathy McGonigle working at her host agency KeaÒau Registration Clerk Arline Kabasawa and Motor Vehicle Public/School Library with her supervisor Maxine Aki. Registration Clerk Lani Hoomanawanui. Kupuna News July-September 2012 Coordinated Services for the Elderly CSW III’s (961-8777 Hilo / 323-4320 Kona) Roann Coran Jun Karen Leihua Angie Terry Vacant OkamuraKitaokaIshimineKotakiMalani OnakaTerada Kona EAD Director EAD Deputy Hilo Hilo Hilo Kona Kona Hawai‘i County Nutrition Program CSW III’s (961-8726 Hilo) Roger Vacant Jessie Jeffery VacantLinnea Jeannine Margaret PflumRodriguesGaethReidMattos Evans Honoka‘a Pepe‘ekeō Pa‘auilo Pāpa‘aloa Hilo Waimea Kohala Kailua-Kona Beverly Helen Dick Julie Ann Edie Adelaide Priscilla CarvalhoLindseyHershberger PasqualeManzano-Frazier Velasco Hocson Nā‘ālehu Kea‘au Hōlualoa Kealakekua Ocean View Pāhala Pāhoa CALENDAR OF EVENTS JULY AUGUST 24: ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center - Kupuna Day 4: INDEPENDENCE DAY HOLIDAY 9:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. 6: FURLOUGH FIRDAY Margaret Yafuso, (808) 966-5801 11-12: SP: 38th Annual Hawai‘i Kupuna Softball Tournament 17: STATEHOOD DAY HOLIDAY Old Airport Fields, Kona Roann Okamura, (808) 961-8710 SEPTEMBER 24: I&A District Team Meetings East Hawai‘i 3: LABOR DAY HOLIDAY 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., ADRC Training Room (Hilo) 7: FURLOUGH FIRDAY Covers Hāmākua through Ocean View districts 8: RSVP: Read To Me, 9/11 Day Of Remembrance 26: I&A District Team Meetings West Hawai‘i Prince Kuhio Plaza, 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Eddie Yokoyama, (808) 961-8730 WHCC County Council Chambers, Bldg. A (Kona) Covers N/S Kohala through South Kona districts 12-13: SP: 30th Annual Hawai‘i Kupuna Hula Festival Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort and Spa AUGUST Doors open 5:30 p.m., Craft Fair 8:00 a.m. 3: FURLOUGH FIRDAY Kelly Hudik, (808) 323-4340 7-9: SP: 37th Annual Hawai‘i State Senior Citizens 16-22: STEP: Employ The Older Worker Week Softball Tournament (Kaua‘i) Clyde Yoshida, (808) 961-8750 Roann Okamura, (808) 961-8710 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.