HomeMy WebLinkAboutKupuna News A Magazine For And About Hawai`i's Seniors (October - December 2016)Elderly Activities Division's
Kupuna News
A Magazine for and About Hawai`i's Seniors
Vol. 18 No. 4 October-December 2016
ERS: FHB Primetime Wellness Fair
Edith Kanaka‘ole Multi-Purpose Stadium, October 14
ERS: Ground Golf Spooktacular
Yano Hall, October 28
ERS: Kamana Karaoke Recital
Aunty Sally’s Lu‘au Hale, November 2
ERS: Casino Day
Aunty Sally’s Lu‘au Hale, November 17
ERS: Ground Golf Turkey Trot for Ka‘ū District
November 18
RSVP: Brown Bags Food Distribution, November
Christmas Giftwrapping, December
ERS: Teacher & Volunteer Recognition Luncheon, December 9
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
“You are the Sun in our beach fun”
East Hawai‘i Volunteers celebrated its annual recognition luncheon on June 15, 2016.
Good food, lots of games and special prizes were shared along with a Special “CSE Sun
Award.” Volunteers shared their childhood memories of ole’ fishing places, beach
activities and concerns about the future generation. We even got a secret about the
yellow bikini. Thank you Volunteers for all that you do!!!
Kupuna News 2 Information and Assistance (808) 961-8777
On the Road with CSE Puna …
Lower Puna increases Transportation services to Mondays and Thursdays. Upper
Puna has also increased services to Tuesdays and Thursdays. Routes have been
structured to be more efficient and to increase ridership for seniors utilizing the service.
It is recommended to call in early as priorities will be given in the following order:
medical care, access to resource agencies to qualify for benefits/services and essential
shopping assistance. For more information on services available in the Puna District,
please call our Pāhoa Office at 965-2705 or our Kea‘au Office at 966-5800. Your
friendly staff taking the spotlight this month are Karen Kotaki, Wendy Souza and Jeffrey Gaeth.
WELCOME ABOARD ARLENE OHARA, WAIMEA’S NEW CSPA
Welcome aboard Arlene Ohara, Waimea’s new CSPA. Arlene may be a familiar face;
Arlene has been working in the Hilo CSE office since 2007. She has also been assisting
in Waimea CSPA position several days a week for the past several months.
Arlene has a daughter, who is attending college. She enjoys crafts and journal making.
Arlene feels her years at “CSE has taught her the true value of helping kupuna maintain
their independence and she enjoys being part of their lives.”
Arlene can be reached at the Waimea CSE office located at Lily Yoshimatsu building in
Waimea, phone 887-3008.
Welcome aboard Arlene!..............
Kupuna News 3 October-December 2016
Suggestions for Handling Diabetes During the Holiday Season
With the Holidays’ celebrations fast approaching, here are some suggestions from the CDC on dealing with diabetes during the holidays:
Be physically active.
When attending a potluck lunch/dinner, bring a healthy dish.
Cut back on carbs during a meal if you plan on eating a dessert.
Don’t skip meals to “save up” for a buffet. It will affect your blood sugar and you are more likely to overeat.
If you over indulge on a meal, get back to healthy eating on your next meal.
When at a buffet, take a small plate of your favorite dishes.
Start your meal with vegetables to taper off your appetite.
Eat slowly and savor your meal.
Avoid/limit alcohol. If you consume liquor, have it with food. Note: Alcohol can lower blood sugar and interact with diabetes medication.
Check your blood sugar more frequently and adjust your medication if needed.
Try to get 7-8 hours of sleep per night. Lack of sleep can make it harder to control your blood sugar. People tend to consume more and favor high fat and sugar foods.
For more helpful holiday tips from the Center for Disease Control, you can go to www.cdc.gov.
May you have a wonderful and safe holiday season!
Is there a Right Time?
Is there a right time to review any of your important documents? No, but NOW would
be a good time to start. Life continues even if we all wish it would slow down and at
times the tomorrows never come. Start to look at your documents one by one to see
if it still meets your needs and reflects your wishes? For some of us this might be
easier said than done. This might be one of the hardest thing we do, not to say the
hardest discussion we may have. But imagine if nothing is done, what would that look like…
Coordinated Services for the Elderly
East Hawai‘i
Hilo (808) 961-8777
Kea‘au (808) 966-5800
Pāhoa (808) 965-2705
Nā‘ālehu (808) 939-2504
Pāhala (808) 928-3100
West Hawai‘i
Kona (808) 323-4320
Kohala (808) 889-6502
Waimea (808) 887-3008
Honoka‘a (808) 775-7503
Kupuna News 4 Information and Assistance (808) 961-8777
Eldelry Recreation Services
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
Congratulations to all of our seniors softball players who
participated in our Island Tournament in Kailua-Kona as
well as the State Softball Tournament that was held in Kaua‘i.
It was an awesome season and everyone had a great time.
We’re looking forward to another exciting season next year!
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
Line Dance Roundup
The 14th Big Island Senior Line Dance Roundup was held Friday,
June 03, at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium. This year’s event
was called “Can’t Stop Dancing” and featured line dancing
performances by our senior classes from Captain Cook, Waimea,
Hilo, Kea‘au, Pāhoa, Mt. View, and senior groups from Oahu and Maui.
You couldn’t keep the 175 seniors and many audience participants
from filling the dance floor when they heard good ‘ol foot stompin’ music.
All groups performed well and had lots of fun.
Kupuna News 5 October-December 2016
Senior Club Activity
The lovely ladies of Kohala show off their new flower hairpieces.
Winners of the Kohala Brain Game Olympics with their winning medals.
The Painted Church ladies concentrating hard on their new floral hairpieces.
Pomaika‘i Senior President Dorothy Williams receiving a proclamation and cake from
the Mayor for her phenomenal performance on the hit TV show “America’s Got Talent”.
Pāhoa Seniors visiting Dr. Jagger’s Volcano “Vault” lead by Dick Hershberger reenacting
scenes from 1916.
Ocean View Seniors visits Hulihe‘e Palace.
Nā‘ālehu Seniors at Mokupapapa learning about our precious ocean.
Pāhoa Seniors at Ka‘ū Coffee Mill learning how the local farmers harvest, wash, roast and brew
delicious Ka‘ū coffee.
Nā‘ālehu Seniors visits the Abalone Farm (Pictured Above & Below)
Laupāhoehoe Seniors displaying their pasta arts & crafts.
Pepe‘ekeō Seniors enjoying Chair QiGong Exercise.
Pepe‘ekeō Senior Club member, Hanako Yugawa celebrating her 90th Birthday.
Bread baker Glenn Grace demonstrated a no-knead bread to the Kea‘au Seniors. (Pictured Left)
Kohala Civic Center and Intergenerational Building Grand Opening Ceremony.
Kupuna News 6 Information and Assistance (808) 961-8777
Senior Class Fun
Kamana’s Gardening Class Excursion to Big Island Coffee Roasters in Mountain View.
Kea‘au’s Kumihimo class had a workshop on wire wrapping of cabochons with Glory Kirkland.
Mt. View Senior Mah Jong Class, Gary Neurauter with a limit hand and left the others crying for revenge.
Kamana’s Bonsai Class volunteering to clean Kamana’s Japanese garden.
Social Media Workshop at the Kea‘au Community Center led by Urs Evora, computer engineer.
Senior Bowling Tournament
100 seniors from around the island came to have fun and play in Annual ERS bowling tournament at
Kona Bowl. They enjoyed a delicious lunch provided by Chubby’s and had their own “Cookie Strike”
celebration table.
Big Island Senior Golf Tournament
Congratulations to all of our winners at this year’s Big Island Senior Golf Tournament and a big
MAHALO to Allan Ikawa & Malcolm Murasaki from Big Island Candies for your continued sponsorship
of the event!
Men 55-64
1st Place Darryn Yamamoto
2nd Place Andrew Higa
3rd Place Ted Toriano
Women 55-64
1st Place Irene Silva
2nd Place Sharol Awai
3rd Place Stephanie Bello
Men 65+
1st Place Donald Komatsu
2nd Place Thomas Haraguchi
3rd Place Gerald Ueyama
Women 65+
1st Place Annette Fujii
2nd Place Sonoko Chikara
3rd Place Susan Madeisky
Kupuna News 7 October-December 2016
2016 Hawai‘i Kupuna Softball League
The 2016 Hawai‘i Kupuna Softball League came to an end on July 15th at the 42nd Annual
Hawai‘i Kupuna Softball Tournament that was held in Kailua-Kona at the Old Airport Park complex.
A total of 26 teams participated in this years league and it was a very exciting year. The overall
Champions for East Hawai‘i was Hilo Pomaika‘i and West Hawai‘i was Kona Legends. Thank you
to all the seniors that help make the Hawai‘i Kupuna Softball League a huge success!
A Division 1st place: Kona Gold
A Division 2nd place: Kona Legends
A Division 3rd place: Kohala Seniors
B Division 1st place: Honomu Rockets
B Division 2nd place: Ku‘ikahi
B Division 3rd place: Jackie Rey’s
C Division 1st place: Kupuna Pride
C Division 2nd place: Pu‘ukapu
C Division 3rd place: Kua‘aina
D Division 1st place: Tsunami
D Division 2nd place: Kona Warriors
D Division 3rd place: Hui O Na Kolohe
East Hawai‘i League Champs: Hilo Pomaika‘i
West Hawai‘i League Champs: Kona Legends
The 41st Annual Hawai‘i State Senior Softball Tournament was held on the Island of Kaua‘i and
games were played in Hanapepe. 21 of the Big Island teams played in this year’s tournament.
This year Big Island brought home 2 first place winners and 1 third place winner. In the A Division
for the first time, claiming the victory was Kohala Seniors and Hilo Pomaika‘i took 3rd in the A division.
In the B Division Honomu Rockets won the championship game. The games were so exciting and the
Big Island crowd knew how to bring it to make the games more exciting.
Kupuna News 8 Information and Assistance (808) 961-8777
Retired and Senior Volunteer Program
Kaui Paleka-Kama, Program Director, (808) 961-8730
Kathleen Azevedo, East Hawai‘i (808) 961-8730, Joy Foster, West Hawai‘i (808) 323-4333
RSVP In Action
March Happenings
American Heart Associations Annual Heartwalk—March 5, 2016
RSVP volunteers assisted in the Refreshment Tent (cutting up fruits and serving refreshments to the participants.)
Serving popsicles at the end of the walk and distributing water at the finish line.
L-R: Vicky Calica, Gerald & Margie Abiley, Louis Azevedo & Diana Miyaji—Refreshment Tent.
Rachel Yamashita & Diana Miyaji serving popsicles.
L-R: Vicky Calica, Diana Miyaji, Margie & Gerald Abiley, Rachel Yamashita, Clarita Corpuz,
Pat Arima, Louis Azevedo, Nancy Yamada & Cora Maneja.
Gerald Yamada, Ed Madamba, Louis Azevedo & Gerald Abiley
Big Island Marathon—March 18-20, 2016
Prepackaging of goodie bags, registration of runners,
preparation and serving of refreshments.
VOLUNTEERS PREPACKAGING RUNNERS’ PACKETS
REGISTRATION: Danny Padilla, Arlene Waugh, Mieko Asato, Helen Matsui & Laura Padilla
REGISTRATION: Elsie Iida & Marie Kuramoto
REGISTRATION: Arlene Yonamine, Vivian Ueyama, Bertha Mashiyama, Fumi Maeda &
Richard Mashiyama
REGISTRATION: Marie Kuramoto, Friend of RSVP, Carol Denis, Trudy Ozaki, Sal Hagiwara & Friend of RSVP.
REGISTRATION: Ilene Hara, Vicky Calica, Pat Arima & Raymond Miyashiro
Macy’s Swim/Health Event—March 12, 2016
Blood Pressure Screening by RSVP Volunteer
RSVP’s retired RN’s volunteering their expertise: Audrey Kagawa, Ann Kanahele & Priscilla Carvalho.
Kupuna News 9 October-December 2016
Kuikahi Mediation—March 31, 2016
Mass Mailing for Annual Fund Drive
Kuikahi Mediation staff, Laura Padilla, George Ito, Cheryl Odani, Maile Tashiro, Karlen Ono & Shirley Ito
Math Night at Kealakehe Elementary
Diane Corcoran
May-June Events
Police Week—May 16, 2016
Ke Ola Pono No Na Kupuna-Hilo entertained for Police Week
Harriet Ichinotsubo, Ruby Malani, Richard Tangaro,
Cecelia Torres-Kaiawe & Friend of RSVP
Friend of RSVP & Larry Ichinotsubo
Lovi Toki, Charlotte Mae-Lyons, Nani Bien, Roberta Gacusan, Friend of RSVP, Myra Aina-Paul
Kuikahi Mediation
2016 Puna Homeowners Association
Conference—June 25, 2016
RSVP volunteers served refreshments
Joe & Rosaline Ellul, Diana Miyaji, Kathleen Azevedo (CSPA), Annie Kaaukai,
Connie Somera, Sarah Aniban, Douglas Yap
OUTSTANDING OLDER AMERICANS 2016 RECOGNITION LUNCHEON
May 6, 2016—RSVP VOLUNTEERS NOMINATED:
Eric Mukai, Daniel Reimer, Pauline Shinshiro, Doreen Henderson,
Shirley Ann Kauhaihao, Claire Inman & Filomena Miyamoto
Kupuna News 10 Information and Assistance (808) 961-8777
Senior Produce 2016
June—September
RSVP Volunteers Island-wide contribute their time and energy to distributing
fresh produce for The Food Basket’s Senior Produce Program.
Hualalai Elderly
Sr Produce Participant, Lillian Choy, Barbara Smith & Rhonda Adams
OCEANVIEW
Bill & Lisa Shock, Lora Akase-Nagel, Aiko Pennington, Marshall from the Food Basket.
naalehu
MAHALO TO THE MANY VOLUNTEERS THAT HELP MAKE THE SENIOR PRODUCE A SUCCESS!!
HILO TRIATHALON July 9-10, 2016 Volunteers assisted with registration and refreshments at Kealoha Beach Park
REGISTRATION:
Marie Kuramoto, Friend of RSVP, Anna Honda, Kathleen Azevedo (CSPA), Sal Hagiwara, Trudy Ozaki, Arlene Yonamine, Mieko Asato & Helen Matsui
REGISTRATION: Friend of RSVP, Marie
Kuramoto, Ed Madamba, Clarita Corpuz, Laura & Danny Padilla, Vivian Ueyama, Fumi Maeda & Kathleen Azevedo (CSPA)
2015 Finish Line
REFRESHMENTS:
Friends of RSVP, Louis & Kathleen Azevedo (CSPA),
Kyle Ancheta, Diana Miyaji, Vicky Calica, Pat Arima & Winona Tahara
Kupuna News 11 October-December 2016
RSVP W HI Blood Drive County of Hawaii's Blood Drive
Pat Aarhus & Cathy Rapoza
Arlene Waugh, Leticia Augustin, Irene Okamura, Grace Tanaka, Bertha Mashiyama, Clarita Corpuz, Friend of RSVP, Kathleen Azevedo (CSPA) & Judy Ah Chin
Hawaii Island Adult Care
Annual Golf Tournament
July 20, 2016
Raymond Miyashiro, Masa Shimabukuro, Itsue Yamasaki, Annie Aoki,
Doreen Usui, Friends of RSVP & Harold Uyeno
RSVP VOLUNTEERS
Signup for Holiday
Giftwrapping at Prince
Kuhio Plaza will begin on Monday, October 3, 2016.
Sign up at
Kamana Senior Center
127 Kamana Street, Room 5 Phone: 961-8730
**Note: there will be a
MANDATORY gift wrapping training/overview. Details TBA.
Walk Wise Hawaii
August 5, 2016 @ Mcdonald's of Hilo
August is Pedestrian Safety Month
Learn the “Seven Steps to Safety” and the
importance of BEING SEEN AT NIGHT.
**Still available**
RSVP T-shirts & bags
Bag = $8, T-shirt = $15
Purchased Together: Bag AND Shirt = $22
Kupuna News 12 Information and Assistance (808) 961-8777
Nutrition Program Highlights
Carla Carpenter Kabalis, Program Director, (808) 961-8726
Michael Au, Community Service Program Assistant II, (808) 961-8726
The Nutrition Program welcomes
new staff.
Jeri Kunzer is our new Account Clerk
Aloha to Charline Blanco our Clerk III since 2008, she is now our new
CSW III at Nā‘ālehu Nutrition Center
Teresa Anderson is our new CSW III at Ocean View Nutrition Center
The Meals on Wheels staff from the Nutrition Program says
Aloha to Ed Grantz & Mahalo for 7 years as he retires.
Best Wishes...
Kupuna News 13 October-December 2016
Waimea Nutrition
Gets ready for Christmas by making wreaths and door hangers. Maile Canario our CSWIII from Papa‘aloa taught the group theses crafts.
Pahala Nutrition Enjoys lunch at Miyo’s.
Nā‘ālehu Nutrition goes to the Abalone Farm in Kona
Kupuna News 14 Information and Assistance (808) 961-8777
Senior Training & Employment Program
Mark Kunzer, Program Director, (808) 961-8750
Here's The News
The Senior Training & Employment Program (STEP) assists eligible, unemployed, low-income job seekers age 55 and over in getting
temporary but current work experience.
STEP helps Seniors receive training to allow them to return to the workforce at large. It provides
temporary, paid, part-time work
experience in community service.
PARTICIPANT ELIGIBILITY
-Must be 55 years or older and unemployed at the
time applying for enrollment.
-Must meet low-income federal guidelines.
-Must be a resident of the County of Hawai‘i.
ENROLLEE BENEFITS
-Enrollee's gain current work experience and references.
-Enrollee’s receive training to make them more
employable.
-STEP helps Enrollee's get on their feet in getting a job in the workforce at large and to be independent.
-Enrollee's get to earn wages while receiving
valuable on the job training.
A Big Island Workplace Connection Partner
Pictured above is the newest
addition to our STEP staff;
Program Director, Mark Kunzer.
Welcome Aboard Mark!
STEP
1055 Kino‘ole Street Suite 107
Hilo, HI 96720-3872
Telephone: (808) 961-8750
Fax: (808) 961-8752
E-mail: senioremployment@hawaiicounty.gov
Kupuna News 15 October-December 2016
Pictures of Elderly Activities Division's staff
Roann Okamura, EAD Director
Milford Anthony, CSE CSW I, Hilo/Ka‘u
Geri Lyman, CSE CSW I, Hilo
Reyn Maeno, CSE CSW I, Hilo
Ruth Prasad, CSE CSW I, Hilo
Coran Kitaoka, EAD Operations Assistant Director
Wendy Souza, CSE CSW I Hilo/Puna
Vacant, CSE CSW I, Hilo
Ben Santiago, CSE CSW I Kona
Bernadette Urban, CSE CSW I Kona
Brent Kailimai, Van Driver, RSVP Hilo
Stanford Regidor, Van Driver, Nutrition Hilo
Bernadette Johansen, Van Driver, Nutrition Honoka‘a
Kelsye Curry, Meals on Wheels, Nutrition Hilo
Onan Masaoka, Meals on Wheels, Nutrition Hilo
Cyd Shiroma, Meals on Wheels, Nutrition Hilo
Vacant, Meals on Wheels, Nutrition Hilo
Alfred Fernandez, Meals on Wheels, Nutrition Kona
Jennifer Hofpar, Meals on Wheels, Nutrition Kona
Calendar of Events
OCTOBER
14: ERS: East Hawai‘i Primetime Wellness Fair
Edith Kanaka‘ole Multi-Purpose Stadium
9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Margaret Yafuso, (808) 966-5801
28: ERS: Halloween Ground Golf Spooktacular
Yano Hall, 10:00 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Kelly Hudik, (808) 323-4340
NOVEMBER
TBA: RSVP: Brown Bags Food Distribution
Kathleen Azevedo, Hilo (808) 961-8730
Joy Foster, Kona (808) 323-4333
2: ERS: Kamana Karaoke Recital
Aunty Sally’s Lu‘au Hale, 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Iris Higa, (808) 961-8710
8: General Election Day
11: VETERANS’ DAY - HOLIDAY
17: ERS: Casino Day
Aunty Sally’s Lu‘au Hale, 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Randell Kokubun, (808) 961-8710
NOVEMBER
18: ERS: Ground Golf Turkey Trot for Ka‘ū District
Nā‘ālehu Community Center, 9:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Margaret Yafuso, (808) 966-5801
24: THANKSGIVING DAY - HOLIDAY
DECEMBER
TBA: RSVP: Christmas Giftwrapping
Kathleen Azevedo, Hilo (808) 961-8730
Joy Foster, Kona (808) 323-4333
9: ERS: Teacher & Volunteer Recognition Luncheon
Aunty Sally’s Lu‘au Hale, 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Iris Higa, (808) 961-8710
12: ERS: Winter Class Registration Begins
Winter Classes begin on January 3, 2017
Hilo (808) 961-8710
Kea‘au (808) 966-5801
Kona (808) 323-4340
26: CHRISTMAS DAY - HOLIDAY OBSERVED
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.