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HomeMy WebLinkAboutKupuna News A Magazine For And About Hawai`i's Seniors (April - June 2015)Elderly Activities Division's Kupuna News A MAGAZINE FOR AND ABOUT HAWAI‘I’S SENIORS Vol. 17 No. 2 April-June 2015 ERS: Hawai‘i State Senior Karaoke Revue Aunty Sally’s Lu‘au Hale, April 16 ERS: Big Island Senior Stars Talent Show Aunty Sally’s Lu‘au Hale, May 6 ERS: Big Island Senior Golf Tournament Waikoloa Kings Course, May 15 Photo of Aloha Joan Kawakone Mahalo and Best Wishes! CSE: Senior Companion Recognition Luncheon (East & West), May 15 RSVP: Blood Drive Aunty Sally’s Lu‘au Hale, May 28 ERS: Senior Line Dance Workshop/Round Up Oahu, June 4 & 5 Published quarterly by the County of Hawai‘i Department of Parks and Recreation Elderly Activities Division Information and Assistance Hilo (808) 961-8777 Kona (808) 323-4320 William P. Kenoi Mayor, County of Hawai‘i Coordinated Services for the Elderly 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 County of Hawai‘i Offers Home Repair Loans The Office of Housing and Community Development is currently accepting applications to its’ Residential Emergency Repair Program (RERP). The RERP is designed to make low interest loans available to low-and moderate-income homeowners who are interested in repairing and improving their primary residence. The RERP loan can be used for, but not lim- ited to, roof repairs, electrical and plumbing work, sewer improvements, termite treatment, repairs to damages caused by termites or wood rot and the installation of a solar water heating system. In addition, it could be used for home modifications to meet the needs of a person with disabilities. Loans range from $2,500 to $25,000 at 3% simple interest. Loan payments are deferred for 15 years, at which time full payment will be due. Applicants 62 years or older or with persons with a disability, may be eligible to have 30% of the principal balance of the loan forgiven at end of the loan period. Applications and program information may be found on-line at http://www.hawaiicounty.gov/ office-of-housing. For more information or an application packet contact Brandi Ah Yo, Special Programs Coordinator at (808) 959-4642 or by e-mail at ohcdloans@hawaiicounty.gov. What’s New at CSE! Our newest Community Service Worker III is Billie Keawekane-Beere. She brings with her a wealth of knowledge, finesse and maturity which is an asset for the South Hilo office located in the Aging and Disability Resource Center. Please stop by to say “Hi” and welcome her as she starts a new journey with Coordinated Services. AARP Tax-Aide L to R: Margaret Fuchino, Susan Grant, Frank Fuchino, Kim Hilliker, Helga Tossmann, Mike Hannah, Eunice Saito During the past tax season, AARP Tax-Aide, in conjunction with the IRS, provided free, tax preparation with a focus on moderate to low income taxpayers, in particular, seniors who are 60 years and better. There were 5 sites islandwide with 53 volunteers. Last year AARP Tax-Aide assisted with 1,900 tax preparation and e-filing which resulted in more than $1,029,782 in tax refunds for the Big Island. A big Mahalo to AARP tax volunteers/ counselors for providing such a wonderful service to the community, their dedication and commitment is truly appreciated! Photo of Diane Smith AARP tax counselor CSE Celebrates Annual Volunteer Recognition on the move!!! “Holo Holo Ka‘a” was the theme of this year’s East Hawai‘i Annual CSE Volunteer Recognition. On December 10, 2014, our volunteers traveled from Laupāhoehoe through, Hilo, Kea‘au, Volcano, Pāhala and Nā‘ālehu to visit some familiar and never seen before locations. Kawamoto Bentos, certificates, leis, gifts and games were enjoyed at the Punalu‘u Beach Park on that beautiful sunny day! We even got a glimpse of the green turtles, not to mention the shopping bags of goodies. Thank-you for all that YOU do and for enriching the lives of others!!! Kupuna News 3 April-June 2015 Staying Hydrated During the Hot Summer Days With summer fast approaching, it is a good time to remind Kupuna of the importance of staying hydrated during the hot summer months. Information from the website of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, regarding water intake provides some good, basic information and suggestions. Water is needed to replace what your body loses through your usual everyday functioning; you lose water when you use the bathroom, sweat, even when you exhale. You need to replace water loss to prevent dehydration. Water helps regulate your body temperature; lubricate and cushion your joints; and protect your spinal cord and other sensitive tissues. It also helps the body eliminate waste. Most people can drink enough fluids to meet their water needs, however, if you are outside in hot weather for most of the day or doing vigorous activity, or running a fever, having stomach flu, you may need to increase your fluid intake. Here are some tips to help maintain hydration: Carry a water bottle for easy access when you are at work or running errands. Freeze some freezer-safe water bottles; take one with you for ice-cold water all day long. Choose water instead of sugar-sweetened beverages. This can also help with weight management; substituting water for one 20-ounce sugar-sweetened soda saves you about 240 calories. Add a wedge of lime or lemon to your water to help improve the taste and you just might drink more water than you usually do. Have a fun filled and safe summer!! Annual EAD Senior Advisory Council Meeting Elderly Activities Division held it’s annual Senior Advisory Council Meeting at the Aupuni Center Conference Room in Hilo on January 30, 2015. Senior and Nutrition Club Presidents and RSVP council members attended the annual event to get the latest updates for 2015 on Elderly Activities Division. Special guest speaker was Horace Farr, Acting Executive on Aging. Kupuna News 4 Information and Assistance (808) 961-8777 Elderly Recreation Services Special Program Iris Higa, Program Director (808) 961-8710 Randell Kokubun, N/S Hilo 961-8710 Margaret Yafuso, Puna/Ka‘ū 966-5801 Kelly Hudik, West Hawai‘i 323-4330 ELDERLY RECREATION SERVICES On behalf of our staff at ERS, we would like to thank all of our teachers and volunteers that make our program such a big success. Throughout the State our program continues to stand out as one of the best senior programs and it is all contributed to the dedication and support of our seniors. We are so grateful to have support from so many seniors in the community. 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 Our “Under the Sea” themed 2014 Teachers and Volunteers Appreciation Luncheon was held on Friday, December, 12 at Aunty Sally’s Lu‘au Hale. Over 250 seniors attended the event to show appreciation and recognize the teachers and volunteers for their outstanding service for our program. There was fun filled entertainment, delicious food and lots of giveaways for seniors to take home and enjoy. We look forward to another wonderful year working with all of our talented teachers and volunteers Senior Club Activities Laupāhoehoe Senior Club visiting the County Building Pāhala seniors at Hakalau Jodo Mission Miyo's provided delicious lunches Volcano senior club's annual birthday outing at Kaleo's in Pāhoa and visited Lava Tree Park. Louis McGuire’s Tuesday sewing class at Kea‘au Community Center on their 7th annual quilt shop hop at Kimura's Fabric in Kainaliu. Honoka‘a Senior Club showing off their crafty handmade cards. Ocean View Christmas craft workshop making Santa ornament & wreath pin. Santa’s crafting workshop at Seniors of Paradise meeting Pāhoa Seniors visited the lava at Apa‘a Street transfer station before it closed. Senior Class Fun Kamana’s Creative Gardening class showing off their flourishing garden of vegetables and herbs that they grew during their winter quarter. Rena Rainbow hosted over 60 line dancers at her Oldies but Goodies social at Hale Halawai. Dancers from Kona, Waimea, Hilo and Volcano danced away the afternoon. Thanks for a hootin’ hollerin’ good time! Kupuna News 6 Information and Assistance 961-8777 Casino Day Seniors from around the island spent the day at the Afook Chinen Civic Auditorium trying their luck to hit the big one at all of the fun games. There was crap tables, BINGO, Wheel of Fortune, Roulette, 21 Black Jack and Poker games for everyone to enjoy. The seniors had a great time and everyone had fun. Rhythm & Life classes from Kamana, Kea‘au, and Aunty Sally’s Lu‘au Hale performed for Mr. Toyoda, President and Founder of this exercise program, and Matsumoto Sensei, one of the original instructors, at Aunty Sally’s during their annual Christmas visit. Kupuna News 7 April-June 2015 2014 Karaoke Recital The Kamana Senior Karaoke Club had 20 of their members perform at their annual Karaoke Recital that was held on October 29 at Hilo Daijingu Mission. The talented singers performed a variety of songs and entertained the filled hall. Hiroshi Suga performing Sen No Kaze Ni Natte Sachi Imaizumi performing Shinobu Ron Takahata perfoming Otoko No Kobushi The beautiful stage decorations by Kamana Karaoke Club member Norman Nakano and his crew. (Pictured Left) Kamana Karaoke Club members singing Shina No Yoru to close the event (Pictured Above) Participants for this year's Senior Strut 1-mile race and the Golden Gallop 5k had cool weather and overcast skies for their run down Alii Drive. Winners in the 1-mile and 5k races were treated with cookies donated by Big Island Candies. Congratulations to everyone who came out! (Pictured Below and Right) Kupuna News 8 Information and Assistance 961-8777 Retired and Senior Volunteer Program Kaui Paleka-Kama, Program Director, (808) 961-8730 Kathleen Azevedo, East Hawai‘i (808) 961-8730, Vacant, West Hawai‘i (808) 323-4333 Na‘alehu, Pahala, Hamakua, Puna, North Hilo, Rural South Hilo & Ke Ola Pono No Na Kupuna 5 yrs Service Award L-R: Elsa Yoshioka, Filomena Bautista, Alice Edwards, Carol Bento, Connie Somera, Robert & Virginia Gonsalves, Tomiko Fujitani, Rosita Valledor, June Domondon, Harriet & Lawrence Ichinotsubo Kupuna News 9 April-June 2015 10 Yrs Service Award L-R: Donald Respicio, Ellen Kainoa, George Kaikana, Mary Kekuewa, Rosita Ebero & Bert Nishimoto 15 Yrs Service Award L-R: Lucy Siu, George Paul Jr. Jean Funai, Flo Soares, Paula Buckner, Irene Kauwe & Mae Eclipse 20 Yrs Service Award L-R: Sadako Kato, Momoe Yamamoto, Caroline Hart, Elizabeth Eugenio, Harumi Koga & Mitsuye Toma 21-25 Yrs Service Award Front (L-R): Sueno Saruwatari, Irene Takahara, Hatsuko Yamashita & Hanako Yugawa Back (L-R): Maria Yano & Lillian Aratani 26-29 Yrs Service Award L-R: Catherine Harast, Takamari & Aiko Fukunaga, Mieko Soken, Sumie Takeguchi, Shizue Asato & Anne Yanazaki Kupuna News 10 Information and Assistance (808) 961-8777 Thank You! To everyone who helped make the Na‘alehu, Pahala, Hamakua, Puna, North Hilo, Rural South Hilo & Ke Ola Pono No Na Kupuna’s Annual Recognition Luncheon a great success!! To the following for their generous donations of door prizes: *RSVP ADVISORY COUNCIL* *KTA SUPER STORES* *PUNALU‘U BAKE SHOP* *RISING SUN COFFEE* *MAEBO NOODLE FACTORY* *HFS CREDIT UNION* *HAWAI‘I COMMUNITY FEDERAL CREDIT UNION* *KEN’S HOUSE OF PANCAKES* *POND’S* *CAFÉ 100* *JUNE DOMONDON* *AUDREY KAGAWA* *BIG ISLAND DELIGHTS (IN MEMORY OF ARLENE YAMAGATA)* Clayton Honma - Director of Dept. of Parks & Recreation & Roann Okamura - P & R - Elderly Activities Division Operations Director Ann Ebesuno - Sen Maize Hirono’s Hawai‘i Island Representative Ikaika Mahoe - Sen Brian Schatz’s Hawai‘i Island Representative Dwayne Mukai - Rep Tulsi Gabbard’s Hawai‘i Island Representative (not pictured) Mayor Billy Kenoi Augie T Kupuna News 11 April-June 2015 RSVP In Action Aupuni Center Information Booth Trinidad Abelaye and Geldine Namahoe Hawaii Island United Way Mass Mailing Project Back row l-r: Celeste Terry (HIUW staff), Kathleen Azevedo (CSPA), Susan Torres, Sasha Payao (HIUW staff) Front row l-r: Rachel Yamashita, Patricia Arima, Annie Aoki Kupuna News 12 Information and Assistance (808) 961-8777 Nutrition Program Highlights Vacant, Program Director, (808) 961-8726 Carla Carpenter Kabalis, Community Service Program Assistant II, (808) 961-8726 Joan Kawakone Retires as Nutrition Program Director For the past 22 years, Joan Kawakone has enjoyed working with the seniors of Hawai‘i County, helping to plan major events such as EAD’s annual Primetime Wellness Fair, as well as smaller events such as district volunteer recognition luncheons. Although she will be officially retiring on March 31, she is planning to come back on April 1 as an RSVP volunteer, helping out with the Meals on Wheels program! Joan also plans to keep busy as the President of the Akaka Falls Lions Club next year. She will miss seeing the seniors from Hilo to Kona, Kohala to Ocean View, and all points in between, and wishes everyone good health and FUN! The Nutrition Program could not run without our Community Service Workers, that oversee the nutrition sites in each district. Above, left to right, seated, are Adel Velasco (Kea‘au), Julie Ann Pasquale (Pāhala), Joan Kawakone (Program Director), Maureen Denning (Hilo), Jessie Rodrigues (Pa‘auilo). Standing are Mailelaulani Canario (Pāpa‘aloa), Kristina Izutsu (Pāhoa), Catherine Luthe (Honoka‘a), Helen Lindsey (Kealakekua), Dick Hershberger (Ocean View), Jeannine Mattos (Kohala), Florian Veillet (Waimea), Edie Manzano-Frazier (Nā‘ālehu), and Kanoe Lee (Pepe‘ekeō). Kupuna News 13 April-June 2015 NUTRITION ACTIVITIES Julie Pasquale “jams” on ukulele with Jessie Ke, Gus Dayap, Carol Javar, Mary Peralta, and Fely Villegas. Pāhala’s “blue bonnets”: from left, Mary Peralta, Rosita Valledor, “DD” Davis, Fely Villegas, Perfecta Garcia, Irene Takahara. Helen Lindsey demonstrates “lovely hula hands” to Mildred Oda (left), Andrea Alaniz (right) and Kona seniors. Zachary DeBernardi leads the Oceanview seniors at the Nutrition Program’s 25th Anniversary Celebration. Nakoa Goo, of the Mokupapapa Museum, shows Edie Manzano Frazier and the Nā‘ālehu seniors their canoe. Mailelaulani Canario leads the Pāpa‘aloa seniors in stretching exercises at the Laupāhoehoe swimming pool. Kupuna News 14 Information and Assistance (808) 961-8777 Senior Training & Employment Program Clyde Yoshida, Program Director, (808) 961-8750 Congratulations Peggy Pang for being hired by Dr. Doug-las Capogrossi, President of Akamai University. Peggy received training as a clerical aide before being hired. Grant Oie, second from left, standing between Rene Rimando, Sheila Cadaoas and Wendi Tuliao of the IT Dept. Grant is training as an IT Help Desk Aide. Marty Miguel standing to the right of Mark Akine Cafeteria manager at Chiefess Kapiolani School. Standing on the left next to Clyde Takahata, cafeteria manager at Waiakeawaena School is Henry Wilson. In the middle is the HCC instructor Marjorie Fishman teaching the Basic Computer class to Thomas Dela Cruz, Kathy Gaiser Licht, Elaine Lyons, Derek Morishita, Samuel Nathan, Rodolfo Pacris, Pamela Page, Nancy Pearson, Margaret Sevilla Shim, Donna Turner, Edith Valentine, and Henry Wilson. Kupuna News 15 April-June 2015 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 Lorrie Akina 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 Vacant CSPA, RSVP W. Hawai‘i CALENDAR OF EVENTS APRIL 3: GOOD FRIDAY - HOLIDAY 16: ERS: Hawai‘i State Senior Karaoke Revue Aunty Sally’s Lu‘au Hale 12:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m. (Doors open at 11 a.m.) Iris Higa, (808) 961-8710 MAY 6: ERS: Big Island Senior Stars Talent Show Aunty Sally’s Lu‘au Hale 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Iris Higa, 961-8710 8: Outstanding Older Americans 2015 Awards Luncheon Hilton Waikoloa Village, Kona Ballroom 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Office of Aging, (808) 961-8600 15: CSE: Senior Companion Recognition Luncheon (East & West Hawai‘i) Location: TBA Fran Takamiyashiro, (808) 323-4320 15: 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 25: MEMORIAL DAY HOLIDAY 28: RSVP: Blood Drive Aunty Sally’s Kaleohano Lu‘au Hale 8:00 a.m.-2:15 p.m. Kathleen Azevedo, (808) 961-8730 JUNE 4: ERS: Big Island Senior Line Dance Workshop Palladium on Oahu Margaret Yafuso, (808) 966-5801 5: ERS: Big Island Senior Line Dance Round-Up Palladium on Oahu Margaret Yafuso, (808) 966-5801 11: KING KAMEHAMEHA I DAY HOLIDAY 15: ERS: Summer Class Registration Begins Summer Classes begin July 6 Hilo (808) 961-8710 Kea‘au (808) 966-5801 Kona (808) 323-4340 17: CSE: East Hawai‘i Volunteer Recognition Luncheon Location TBA 10:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Christine Namahoe-Loo, 961-8777 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.