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HomeMy WebLinkAboutKupuna News A Magazine For And About Hawai`i's Seniors (April - June 2014)Elderly Activities Division’s Kupuna News A MAGAZINE FOR AND ABOUT HAWAI‘I’S SENIORS Vol. 16 No.2 April-June 2014 ERS: Big Island Senior Stars Talent Show Old Airport Main Pavilion, April 11 ERS: Big Island Senior Golf Tournament Waikoloa Kings Course, May 23 Hawai‘i State Senior Karaoke Revue Sangha Hall, April 17 CSE: Senior Companion Recognition Luncheon (East & West) ERS: Big Island Senior Line Dance Workshop/Round-Up, June 5 & 6 Published quarterly by the County of Hawai‘i Department of Parks and Recreation Elderly Activities Division Information and Assistance Phone (808) 961-8777 William P. Kenoi Mayor, County of Hawai‘i Coordinated Services for the Eldedrly Coran Kitaoka, EAD Operations Assistant Director, (808) 323-4320 Christine Namahoe-Loo, East Hawai‘i (808) 961-8777, Fran Takamiyashiro, West Hawai‘i (808) 323-4320 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 conducts interviews and assessments in order that REFERRALS can be made to the appropriate community resources that can best meet the needs of the individuals. Staff will FOLLOW-UP to ensure that linkages between the older individual or their caregiver was made with the appropriate service, and when the needed services are not adequately meeting the needs provided by an organization CSE will ADVOCATE in behalf of the individual. OUTREACH services are also provided in reaching out to identify older persons and appraise them of the nature and availability of I&R services. Coordinated Services for the Elderly has a total of 11 offices island wide ready to serve you and your needs. Coordinated Services “Information & Assistance” Office/Center is located at 1055 Kino‘ole Street, Suite 106 in Hilo, with a branch office at the West Hawai‘i Civic Center, Building B in Kona. East Hawai‘i S. Hilo 961-8777 N. Hilo 962-2101 Puna 966-5800 Pahoa 965-2705 Na‘alehu 939-2504 Pahala 928-3100 West Hawai‘i Kona 323-4320 Kohala 889-6502 Waimea 887-3008 Honoka‘a 775-7503 CSE Satellite Office Reopened The CSE satellite office at Yano Hall, recently re-opened. Celebration of the completion of the Yano Hall renovations took place on January 28, 2014. Among those in attendance were Glenn Yano, (the brother of Rodney Yano, whom the Hall is named after), Mayor Billy Kenoi, Managing Director Wally Lau, P&R Director Clayton Honma, Reverend Jiko Nakade, Sharen Bangay, and Council members, Brenda Ford and Dru Mamo Kanuha, and Former South Kona Councilwoman Virginia Isbell. CSE staff, Terry Terada, welcomes Kupuna to stop by his recently renovated office at Yano Hall. Kupuna News 2 Information and Assistance (808) 961-8777 EMERGENCY EVACUATION UPDATE LIST CSE is part of the Hawai‘i County Civil Defense response team. We are updating our Emergency Evacuation Assistance List to be ready to respond and swing into action. If you are in need of transportation assistance in the event of a natural disaster or Civil Defense emergency, please call our CSE staff at (808) 961-8777 in East Hawai‘i or at (808) 323-4320 in West Hawai‘i to get more information. You may also call the nearest district CSE office for your convenience. Let’s get prepared!!! Four New CSE Vans Good news! With the assistance of Hawai‘i County Office of Aging and CDBG Grant Funds CSE recently acquired four new lift vans. Two of the vans are in Hilo; one in Kona, and one in Hamakua. Kona’s CSPA, Junie-Ann Kamoku, stands in front of Kona’s recently acquired van. Travelling Tips for a Safe Vacation With travelling season approaching, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website has suggestions for seniors to help make their trips safer. Seniors should visit their doctor for pre-travel visit 4-6 weeks before trip. They should tell their doctor about their illnesses and medications taken. Seniors should have information about their destination that could impact their health. They should also be aware if an area is susceptible to natural disasters. Seniors should also be current on their vaccinations; and seniors over 65 should consider getting a tetanus booster. Seniors should also receive suggested vaccines for the county they are visiting. Food and water precautions should be followed. Seniors should also pack enough of their medications to last the duration of their trip, plus a few extra days. Seniors can minimize their risk of serious injury by: • Always wearing their seatbelt. • Don’t ride in cars after dark in developing countries. • Avoid small, local planes. • Don’t travel at night in questionable areas. In addition, seniors should consider purchasing supplemental travel health insurance in case of injury or illness while overseas. Many health plans will not pay for services received outside of the US. For more information visit www.cdc.gov/travel. Kupuna News 3 April-June 2014 Senior Companion Program Mary is an 81-year-old Senior Companion volunteer who spends up to 20 hours per week helping frail seniors with daily living tasks that have become difficult or impossible for them to do alone. She also provides respite to care givers allowing them to have much needed time off. Caregivers and the seniors who receive services from Mary express praise and are grateful for all that she does. They don’t know how they would get by without her. 81 year-old Senior Companion volunteer, George, has been giving his time to the Senior Companion Program (SCP) for fourteen years. George provides much needed transportation services to seniors in the Pahoa area so they can get to appointments or pick up groceries and other necessities. The seniors that receive help from George appreciate all that he does and looks forward to their visits with him. The SCP has been quietly at work in communities across Hawai‘i since 1978. The program is sponsored by the Corporation for National and Community Service, and is administered locally by the Department of Human Services, Adult Protective and Community Services Branch. The goal of the program is to engage individuals age 55 and older, particularly those with limited incomes, in a high quality volunteer experience. The SCP also provides a cost effective option in the continuum of care available to Hawai‘i’s aging population. Services provided by Senior Companion volunteers help frail seniors maintain independence primarily in their own homes. SCP Volunteers can assist with daily living tasks such as grocery shopping and bill paying. They offer friendship, companionship and emotional support. Senior Companion volunteers can also accompany seniors to doctor’s appointments and encourage exercise and mind stimulation. Senior Companion volunteers also provide respite to caregivers who are often family members. Care giving can be physically and emotionally demanding as well as stressful. Many caregivers report feeling isolated and lack support. Senior Companion volunteers are a resource that allows the caregiver to take a needed break. The SCP volunteer becomes a lifeline to the family and also gains satisfaction by helping others. This mutual benefit is one of most positive aspects of the program. Senior Companion volunteers receive a non taxable stipend that does not affect their current benefits. They also receive meal and transportation allowances, supplemental accident and liability insurance, physical exam at no cost, and paid training, vacation, and sick leave. The SCP isn’t just a win-win – it’s a triple win for senior volunteers, for frail elders, and for communities everywhere looking for a cost effective way to care for their aging population. Please contact Coordinated Services for the Elderly in Hilo (808) 961-8777, Kona (808) 323- 4320 or the SCP Office in Honolulu at (808) 832-0340. Kupuna News 4 Information and Assistance (808) 961-8777 Eldelry Recreation Services Special Programs Iris Higa, Program Director (808) 961-8710 Randell Kokubun, N/S Hilo 961-8710 Margaret Yafuso, Puna/Ka‘u 966-5801 Kelly Hudik, West Hawai‘i 323-4330 ELDERLY RECREATION SERVICES We would like to give a big “MAHALO” to all of our dedicated Teachers and Volunteers that made our 2013 year a success! We appreciate all of your hard work and continued support for all activities. Call our offices at: Hilo 961-8710, Kea‘au 966-5801 and Kona 323-4330 for more information about our programs, or visit us online at www.hawaiicounty.gov ERS Christmas in Vegas Teachers & Volunteers Recognition Luncheon On Friday, December 13, 2013 at Aunty Sally’s Lu‘au Hale we acknowledged over 80 teachers and volunteers for their continued support and hard work. Over 275 Seniors from Kamana, Kailua-Kona, Kea‘au, Mt. View, Pahoa, and Pomaikai came out to enjoy the Vegas themed event. The day was filled with a variety of fun games with prizes, entertaining performances from our very own senior classes/clubs and a delicious buffet style lunch. Thank You! Kupuna News 5 April–June 2014 Senior Class Fun Annual Hawaiian Wreath Making Workshop with Seniors from Kea‘au. Kea‘au Student, Patricia Piciione holding her beautifully finished wreath. Kamana’s Instructors Calvin Enoki (Ukulele) and Bonnie Aceret (Keyboarding/Chorus) with Santa. Kamana Senior Center’s Watercolor (Pictured Right) and Plein Aire/Studio (Pictured Left) Art Classes displaying their beautiful paintings. Watercolor’s painting (Pictured Above) and Plein Aire/Studio’s artwork (Pictured Below) were magnificent and showed the talent our Seniors have. Gentle yoga classes at Hale Halawai Kamana Senior Center’s Hanafuda Class Kamana Senior Center’s Semi-Homemade Cooking Class Excursion to Restaurant Kenichi. Owner Michael Inouye demonstrated how to make gyoza. Lina Abe’s Lauahala Class at Kamana Senior Center Kupuna News 6 Information and Assistance (808) 961-8777 Senior Club Happenings... Honaunau Senior Club High Tea Time with Seniors of Paradise. 2014 slate of officers adorned with hats and tea dresses. Kea‘au Senior Club members making Christmas Crafts. Beverly Shiflett’s Beginner Line Dance Class entertaining at Pahoa’s Christmas Celebration. Pahoa’s Christmas Celebration. Senior club members singing Christmas Carols. Ka‘u Holiday Celebration. Derek Kurisu & George Yoshida entertained the Seniors with a New Year’s food demonstration. Na‘alehu Seniors showing their Holiday Cheer. Seniors of Paradise Christmas Celebration at Nani Mau Gardens. Hula Entertainment provided by The Ladies of Pua. Annual Valentines Breakfast sponsored by the Kea‘au High School Students for Kea‘au Seniors. An intergenerational event with student entertainment, Elvis impersonation, dancing, and games. Kupuna News 7 April–June 2014 2013 Casino Day Over 260 Seniors from around the Island came together to participate in our Annual Casino Day that was held at the Old Kona Airport Pavilion. The Seniors came to try their luck at playing Black Jack, Roulette, BINGO, Craps and Poker. Favorite Games for many was Wheel of Fortune and the Slot Machines. Lucky Winners for the day (Pictured Top Left): L-R David Downs 2nd Place winner from Mt. View, David Klein 1st Place winner from Ocean View and Zachary De Bernardi 3rd Place winner from Ocean View. 2013 Ka‘u District Ground Golf Turkey Trot winners (Pictured Right): Ramon Arreguin (Phala, 2nd Place), Connie Somera (Phoa, booby prize), David Klein (HOVE, 1st Place). January marked the re-opening of Yano Hall after it underwent renovations in 2013. Mayor Billy Kenoi, Mr. Glenn Yano, Sharen Bangay, Reverend Jiko Nakade, Brenda Ford, Dru Kanuha, Wally Lau and Virginia Isbell joined the blessing and rededication of the Hall. Happy 90th Birthday Millie Kataoka! Kamana’s dedicated Physical Fitness Instructor celebrated her 90th Birthday in January. She always has a positive attitude and continues to motivate our Seniors to stay active and healthy. Thank you Millie for all that you do! Kupuna News 8 Information and Assistance (808) 961-8777 Retired & Senior Volunteer Program Kaui Paleka-Kama, Program Director, (808) 961-8730 Kathleen Azevedo, East Hawai‘i (808) 961-8730, Mark White, West Hawai‘i (808) 323-4333 Ken Guerra, Shirlee Shumway assist with the Social Security Administration in Kona on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month. Doris Raabe reads to one of the youngsters at the Martin Luther King Day Read to Me activity at Walmart. RSVP In Action: Jacqueline Koscil volunteers her clerical duties with Waikoloa Village Association. Christine Johnson is pictured in the background. Na‘alehu, Pahala, Hamakua, Puna, North Hilo, Rural South Hilo, and Ke Ola Pono No Na Kupuna volunteers recognized. Kupuna News 9 April-June 2014 Mamie Bramlett and Bernice Elam man the RSVP Booth at the Prime Time Wellness Fair. Patricia Dunn shows some of the books available to readers who participated in the “Read to Me” activity. In Memoriam Mr. Charles Kalahiki of Kamana Senior Housing, was a volunteer of 13 years at Kamana Center; helping homebound seniors, collecting bags, and delivering produce. He will surely be missed. Kaui Paleka-Kama Director Gerri Isa Account Clerk Brent Kailimai Van Driver Kathleen Azevedo CSPA, East Hawai‘i Mark White CSPA, West Hawai‘i Photo of RSVP logo Kupuna News 10 Information and Assistance (808) 961-8777 Na‘alehu, Pahala, Hamakua, Puna, North Hilo, Rural South Hilo, and Ke Ola Pono No Na Kupuna Volunteer Recognition Luncheon at Sangha Hall January 24, 2014 Photos of the event Kupuna News 11 April-June 2014 HOVE, N&S Kona, N&S Kohala Volunteer Recognition Luncheon at Maka‘eo (Old Kona Airport) February 21, 2014 Photos of the event Kupuna News 12 Information and Assistance (808) 961-8777 Nutrition Program Highlights Joan Kawakone, Program Director, (808) 961-8726 Carla Carpenter Kabalis, Community Service Program Assistant II, (808) 961-8726 Ms. Mildred Oda, 96 years young, tries her hand at something new – breaking open a handmade piñata at the Kailua Nutrition Site. Spring is in the Air Spring is a great time to try new things, tour new places, meet new friends. Come down to your local nutrition site and get involved in the many different activities being offered. Besides special party activities (see above), there are year round activities such as going “holoholo” on group outings and planting container gardens (at right). For information on the nutrition sites in your district, and the activities they offer, call the Nutrition Program at 961-8726. Toodlin’ in Ka‘u CSW Jessie Rodrigues and the Pa‘auilo seniors toured beautiful Ka‘u – taking a break at the famous Punalu‘u Bake Shop. It’s Planting Time … Avid gardener Pat McDonald cares for his container garden in Kailua. Ask him about his unique bag gardens. In Memoriam Ms. Priscilla Hocson, our Pahoa Community Service Worker, passed away in December. She was with the Nutrition Program from 2003. Our deepest sympathy goes out to her family. Kupuna News 13 April-June 2014 Big Island Holidays Photos of events Kupuna News 14 Information and Assistance (808) 961-8777 Senior Training & Employment Program Clyde Yoshida, Program Director, (808) 961-8750 Buddy Kamehaiku, applied to the STEP in September 2012 and was placed at the St. Joseph Kitchen as a kitchen helper aide. After a year on the program Buddy decided to leave STEP and enroll in the Hawai‘i Community College Culinary Arts Program. Buddy is being trained in rolling sushi which is then packaged and sold in the cafeteria. Pictured in the lower right hand corner with Buddy is Allan Okuda, Professor, Culinary Arts Program Coordinator and George Yoshida, Producer of Seniors in Paradise. IT’S NEVER TOO LATE TO GO BACK TO SCHOOL! GOOD LUCK BUDDY! Kupuna News 15 April - June 2014 Roann Okamura EAD Director Coran Kitaoka EAD Operations Assistant Director Kelly Hudik Program Director II ERS W. Hawai‘i Randell Kokubun Program Director II ERS N/S Hilo Margaret Yafuso Program Director II ERS Puna/Ka‘u Carla Carpenter-Kabalis CSPA II, HCNP Linda Eblacas CSPA, CSE Puna Junie-Ann Kamoku CSPA, CSE Kona Karen Kotaki CSPA, CSE N. Hilo Leihua Malani CSPA, CSE S. Hilo Vacant CSPA, CSE Hamakua Darryl Noda CSPA, CSE Waimea Jodie Torres CSPA, CSE Kohala Terry Saito CSPA, CSE Ka‘u Kathleen Azevedo CSPA, RSVP E. Hawai‘i Mark White CSPA, RSVP W. Hawai‘i CALENDAR OF EVENTS APRIL 11: ERS: Big Island Senior Stars Talent Show Old Airport Main Pavilion, Kona 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Kelly Hudik, (808) 323-4340 17: ERS: Hawai‘i State Senior Karaoke Revue Sangha Hall 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. Iris Higa, (808) 961-8710 18: GOOD FRIDAY - HOLIDAY MAY 2: Outstanding Older Americans 2014 Awards Luncheon Hilton Waikoloa Village, Kona Ballroom 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Office of Aging, (808) 961-8600 TBA CSE: Senior Companion Recognition Luncheon (East & West Hawai‘i) Date/Location: TBA Christine Namahoe-Loo, (808) 961-8777 21: RSVP: Blood Drive Aunty Sally’s Kaleohano Lu‘au Hale Time: TBA Lurlyne “Kaui” Paleka-Kama, (808) 961-8730 23: ERS: Big Island Senior Golf Tournament Waikoloa Kings Course Check in 7:00 a.m. Shotgun Start 7:30 a.m. Kelly Hudik, (808) 323-4340 26: MEMORIAL DAY HOLIDAY JUNE 5: ERS: Big Island Senior Line Dance Workshop Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium 1:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Margaret Yafuso, (808) 966-5801 6: ERS: Big Island Senior Line Dance Round-Up Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium 9:30 a.m. Margaret Yafuso, (808) 966-5801 11: KING KAMEHAMEHA I DAY HOLIDAY 16: ERS: Summer Class Registration Begins Summer Classes begin July 7 Hilo (808) 961-8710 Kea‘au (808) 966-5801 Kona (808) 323-4340 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.