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HomeMy WebLinkAboutKupuna News A Magazine For And About Hawai`i's Seniors (January - March 2017)Elderly Activities Division's Kupuna News A MAGAZINE FOR AND ABOUT HAWAI`I'S SENIORS Vol. 19 No. 1 January-March 2017 February 9 SP: Home Safety Fair February 23, RSVP Volunteer Recognition for HOVE, N.S. Kohala and N./S. Kona March National Nutrition Month April 23, State Senior Karaoke Revue May 17, CSE: Senior Companion Recognition Luncheon June 29-30, Hilo Kupuna Softball Tournament July 26 1st Annual Bon Dance, Hilo Senior Training & Employment Program September 13-14, Kupuna Hula Festival, Kona October 20, FHB Primetime Wellness Fair, Hilo November 9, SP: Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans December 13, ERS Teacher & Volunteer Luncheon Published quarterly by the County of Hawai`i Department of Parks & Recreation Elderly Activities Division Information and Assistance Phone Hilo (808) 961-8777 Kona (808) 323-4320 Harry Kim 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 WELCOME TO BERNADETTE URBAN, NEW CSW I IN KONA Bernadette “Berni” Urban joined our CSE Kona team on October 3, 2016. Berni is a born and raised Kona girl, daughter of Tante Urban Sr. and Marella Hakkei, granddaughter of Herman and Julia Kunewa and Daniel and Felicitas Urban. She has 2 beautiful daughters Kealin, 25 and Savana, 19 and 2 precious granddaughters Uihelotu, 9 and Ualani, 6. Prior to employment with CSE, she worked for her family restaurant for 17 years. Besides working with CSE, Berni is taking classes at Palamanui to complete a degree. Berni brings to our team, a positive ”go get um” attitude, a warm and caring demeanor and a “you can count on me persona.” One of her favorite motto’s she lives by is, “Be the Aloha you want to see in the world.” In her spare time, she loves to shoreline fish, read, and spend countless hours with her family. Welcome aboard Berni. KONA CSE WELCOMES BEN SANTIAGO, KONA’s NEW CSW I Ben Sanitago started working as a CSW I at the Kona CSE office on October 17, 2016. He was born and raised in Hilo and has served in the National Guard as a medic. He has an extensive background as a security guard, Licensed Practical Nurse, driver of various types of vehicle such as tow trucks, flat bed trucks, and is studying for his Commercial Drivers License. Ben has a beautiful daughter named Jasmine. He enjoys swimming, walking, watching movies, and spending quality time with his family. His hobbies include auto body painting and mechanics. Ben will be assisting in the West Hawai‘i districts of Kona, Waimea, Kohala and Honoka‘a CSE districts. Welcome aboard Ben! Kupuna News 2 Information and Assistance (808) 961-8777 It’s That Time Again… CSE and AARP collaborates once again to offer Tax Preparation Services to our Low Income Seniors who need help in filing their 2016 tax returns. Coordinated Services will assist in scheduling appointments at the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) starting January 03, 2016. Seniors living in the East Hawai‘i districts are encouraged to call our CSE Hilo office at (808) 961-8777 to schedule an appointment or contact your nearest CSE district offices to assist you. 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 CSE Welcomes Aboard ~ Milford Anthony, Robblyn Yomes & Cherine Pai Welcome our Community Service Workers to the South Hilo office. Milford comes to CSE with 17 years of County experience and transferred from the Finance Department in July 2016. Robblyn a.k.a. “Missy” has worked for the County Nutrition Program in Kona and recently transferred to CSE in October. Cherine has worked in the Customer Service arena for the last 8 years and is the newest addition to our CSE family since November 16. Kupuna News 3 January-March 2017 On the Lookout for Falls Prevention: Office of Aging Expands Community Paramedicine Program HCOA and the Hawai‘i County Fire (HFD) Department Community Paramedicine Program need your help in identifying seniors who are at high risk of falling (or "vulnerable")  and don't have the necessary support to live safely and who frequently rely on EMS and the Emergency Department as their access to health care.  Our HFD's Community Paramedics have the ability to identify these kupuna better than anyone and will provide them with the following services: Scheduled and unscheduled home visits. A comprehensive assessment of their overall situation (medical/physical, psych/social, home  environment, etc.)  in an effort to identify their vulnerabilities and gaps in services. A home safety assessment. Education on falls prevention and equipment when applicable. Education on when best to use the EMS system, and when it's best utilize support services such as those provided by the County of Hawai‘i Office of Aging, State of Hawai‘i Public Health Nursing, Adult Mental Health Services, Veteran Affairs, and other providers such as their pharmacist for medication reconciliation. Connect them with their medical case manager to discuss methods to reduce dependence on Emergency Services. Connect them with the aging and disability resource center (ADRC) and/or their Medicaid service coordinator for additional services as needed. In West Hawai‘i please contact FMS III Vern Hara at (808) 339-5882 and in East Hawai‘i please contact FMS III Jesse Ebersole at (808) 747-1043 with your referrals.  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 Elderly 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 Happy New Year!!! 2017 is going to be a year of new and exciting adventures. This year we look forward to improving our program and expanding our events and classes we offer to the seniors. It is our promise to promote fun and enjoyable events and activities for all to participate in. Have a safe and wonderful New 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 2016 Prime Time Wellness Fair This year’s Wellness Fair sponsored by First Hawaiian Bank and the Elderly Recreation Services was held October 14 at the Edith Kanaka‘ole Tennis Stadium. Over 600 came thru to see forty-nine vendors showcasing health, and wellness from pedestrian safety, health insurance, financial, consumer security, senior assistance, document shredding, healthy eating and more. Augie T emceed the event, door prizes, bingo and 3 grand prizes were given away. First Hawaiian Bank logo Kupuna News 5 January-March 2017 Senior Club Activity The 2016 Ground Golf Spooktacular was held at Yano Hall and included seniors from around the island. Our team of ladies and gentlemen from Kohala nudged out the competition by 2 strokes and took 1st place (Pictured Above). They were great friendly competition for our 2nd place winners also from Kohala (Pictured Bottom Right). It was a great turn out and everyone enjoyed the event! Waimea Senior Club started their "Blue Zone" walking "MOAI" team in Sept 2016. In the quest for a healthy lifestyle, the group walks every Monday morning for an hour in a ten week course. Aunty Sally’s Nutrition and Pomaikai Senior Club’s Annual Halloween Party. Hawai‘i Five Star McDonald’s along with Elderly Recreation presented their annual “Senior Walkabout” on September 22. Seniors exercised by walking around the EK Tennis Stadium, ate a delicious lunch provided by McDonalds, played BINGO and enjoyed a “Trash Fashion Show”. Waimea Seniors enjoying a cooking demonstration by “Seniors Living in Paradise’s” Derek Kurisu and George Yoshida. Kupuna News 6 Information & Assistance (808) 961-8777 Senior Class Fun Zumba’s Annual Halloween Bash at Aunty Sally’s lead by instructors Faith Elarionoff and Harriet Rocha. Maile Canario’s Hula Halau Mailelaulani performing at the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo’s Hawaiian Cultural Day Lori Lei Shirakawa’s First Timers Ukulele Class at Kamana Senior Center. Kamana’s Ukulele For Fun Class and Line Dancing Class performing at the Kupuna Day at the Annual Hawai‘i County Fair. Charlene Ogawa from Feather Lei Making Class winning a brooch contest, Pictured with Instructor Doreen Henderson Kamana’s Bonsai Class Kamana Karaoke Recital The annual Karaoke Recital was held at Aunty Sally’s Lu‘au Hale on November 2nd and included 30 talented singers from Kamana’s Karaoke Club and from Kailua-Kona. It was an fantastic event with great entertainment. Kupuna News 7 January-March 2017 34 Years of Music Hula and Memories Kupuna Hula Festival 16 halau, from Japan, Okinawa, California, Maui, Oregon, O‘ahu and the Big Island, gathered to celebrate this year’s theme “Na Lei Hiwa No Kalakaua” Celebrating King Kalakaua. The Sheraton Kona Resort and Spa hosted both the competition and craft fair on September 14-15th. Over 1,000 people attended the two day festival to watch the 16 halau compete for top prizes in 6 categories. The individual Tutu Wahine and Tutu Kane dances took place on Wednesday night, followed by the group competitions in the Mixed, Wahine, Kane and Overall categories on Thursday night. During each performance, 5 judges rated the dancers on overall appearance, presentation, hand gestures and costumes, among other categories, using a 5-10 point scale. The top three winners in each of the competitions received prizes generously donated by local sponsors: First Hawaiian Bank, Big Island Candies, Kukio Resorts, LLC., Akamai Photo, Hawai‘i Island Festivals, County of Hawai‘i Parks and Recreation Elderly Activities Division, and the Kupuna Hula Festival. This year’s individual winners included; third place in the Kane category Ron Ebert, Hannah’s Makana Ohana second place; Bob Smith dancing with Na Kupuna O Ka‘u, and first place individual Kane winner from Halau Hula Ka Pi‘o O Ke Anuenue; Kenika Apilada. The individual Wahine winners were; third place Nola Joy H. Boy performing for California’s O Ka Hale Lokelani, second place; Kailua Kona’s Leimomi Santana from Halau Kala‘akeakauikawekiu. First place Wahine dancer from Kailua Kona was Halau Hula Na Pua U‘i O Hawai‘i Jeanne Kunis. Third place in the group Wahine division was, Hula Halau O Kawananakoa from Hilo. Second place awards went to Maui’s Na Hula Kupuna O Kaunoa, and first place winners from Kailua Kona, Halau Hula Na Pua U‘i O Hawai‘i. The two winning halaus in the mixed group competition were; second place; Na Kupuna O Ka‘u, and the overall mixed group winner, Halau Hula Ka Pi‘o O Ke Anuenue. The title of overall group winner was awarded to first time entrants from Ashland Oregon, Halau Hula Ka Pi‘o O Ke Anuenue. The 35th Annual Hawai‘i Kupuna Hula Festival is tentatively scheduled for September 13-14, 2017 at the Sheraton Kona Resort and Spa. 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 Hawai`i Island United Way Mass Mailing Annie Aoki & Doreen Usui assist HIUW with their mass mailing project. With help from Itsue Yamasaki & Lillian Watanabe Itsue Yamasaki, Lillian Watanabe, Kenneth Chun & Annie Aoki Annie Aoki & Doreen Usui Dress A Girl Around the World "Dress A Girl Around the World" volunteers supplied over 100 dresses to four local groups. Look at all these happy faces... Kupuna News 9 January-March 2017 Special Olympics East Hawai`i COP ON TOP Cop on Top Police offices are on the roof of Walmart to help raise money for SPECAIL OLYMPICS EAST HAWAII DONATIONS GRATEFULLY ACCEPTED HERE! MAHALO! Kay Fukuda, Arlene Yonamine, Helen Matsui, Mieko Asato Felisa Hanohano June Brady Annie Kaaukai One of the many generous donors! Sarah Aniban RSVP VOLUNTEERS HELPED RAISE OVER $17,000 FOR EAST HAWAI‘I SPECIAL OLYMPICS Kathleen Azevedo (CSPA), George Ito, Ray Koshi, Shirley Ito, Diana Miyaji, Fumi Maeda & Doris Koshi Pomai (KWXX), Kathleen Azevedo (CSPA), Connie Somera, Douglas Yap, Shirley Namaau & Vicky Calica August 9th & 10th @ Hilo Walmart RSVP Volunteers cheer on walkers! OVER $37,000.00 OF DONATIONS RECEIVED. RSVP Volunteers helped out in the t-shirt booth and the “Promise Garden” Kathleen Azevedo (CSPA), Karlen Ono, Fumi Maeda, May Murakami, Gerald Abiley, Vivian Ueyama, Trudy Ozaki, Margie Abiley, Emi Kawamura, Ed Madamba, Vicky Calica, Pat Arima, Ilene Hara & Marie Kuramoto Front: Fumi Maeda, Emi Kawamura, Pat Arima, Vicky Calica & May Murakami. Back: Vivian Ueyama, Ilene Hara, Gerald & Margie Abiley, Kathleen Azevedo (CSPA), Marie Kuramoto, Trudy Ozaki, Karlen Ono & Ed Madamba September 17, 2016 Walk to End Alzheimer's Kupuna News 10 Information and Assistance (808) 961-8777 Volunteers Carol Denis & Elsie Iida intaking “jailbirds” RSVP volunteer Mel Honda took “mug” shots. RSVP volunteer judge, Susan “Grandma” Feldner reads the “verdict”. October 6, 2016 MDA Lockup At East Hawai`i Cultural Center RSVP volunteer Carol Ah Yo escorts a “convict” to lockup. RSVP’s Program Dir., Kaui Paleka-Kama LOCKED UP! Together, volunteers raised over $44,000.00! WEST HAWAI`I CIVIC CENTER Eleanor Rodrigues, one of the many RSVP Volunteers that mans the West Hawai‘i Civic Centers’ information booth. KUIKAHI MEDIATION MASS MAILING October 6, 2016 Kay Fukuda, Charles & "Hats" Kamimura KONA HISTORICAL SOCIETY RSVP Volunteer Stuart Murray sits on a 1800’s bench he refurbished for the Kona Historical Society. Built originally with square nails, he varnished it and made it usable. FHB Primetime Wellness Fair October 14, 2016 Judy Ah Chin & Vicky Calica manning the registration table distributing pamphlets. Bea Iwamoto passes out information at the Walkwise Hawai‘i booth. Harold Uyeno & Ed Madamba manning the registration table distributing pamphlets. Kupuna News 11 January-March 2016 BLOOD BANK TRANING WEST HAWAI`I Renato & Leilanie Pagalilauan, Friends of RSVP, Melanie Carr, Janet Yanagi, Cathy Rapoza, Irene Kauwe, Ruth Liwai, and Friend of RSVP. Blood Pressure Screening Blood Pressure Screening is available at Kamana Senior Center. Every 1st & last Wednesday of the month. Do I Need to Worry About Blood Pressure? Beatrice Toutai (in the spirit of Halloween) doing Blood Pressure checks @ Kamana Senior Center. 2016 Senior Produce ~~Civic Center Pick Up Site~~ Kupunas received fresh produce for 4 months Kealoha Sugiyama Kealoha Sugiyama, Chairperson of the RSVP Advisory Council was honored and presented with a certificate of appreciation from the County Council on November 16, 2016. VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE ~~The LEGACY Hilo Rehab (formerly Regency): greeters, snack shop cashier, activity assistance, special events ~~East Hawai‘i Cultural Center: office aide, gallery preparation, special events, museum store, grant writer ~~Hospice of Hilo: greeter at Pohai Malama Care Center Contact East Hawai‘i CSPA @ 961-8730 for this and other opportunities ~~Kona Literacy Center: assist adults in learning to read ~~VASH (Hawai‘i Island Visitor Aloha Society): drivers, visitor reassurance when in crisis ~~Kona Historical Society: exhibit greeters, learn to make Portuguese bread Contact West Hawai‘i CSPA @ 323-4333 for this and other opportunities 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 Nutrition Welcomes New Staff Lovely Simonson, Clerk III Meals on Wheels Staff Stacy Padaken & William Lowden The Nutrition Program is wishing everyone all the best this New Year 2017, may it be full of happiness, good health and cherished moments. At this time we want to thank all our volunteers that helped at the Congregate sites and with Meals on Wheels. We couldn’t have done it without you. You give your valuable time, always loyal, trustworthy, sincere, share happy smiles, very special and just wonderful!..That’s what you are! Mahalo, The Nutrition Staff Meals on Wheels Volunteers Missy Yomes Is Promoted Will be working for Coordinated Services in Hilo. Kupuna News 13 January-March 2017 Nutrition Sites around the island Kulaimano Nutrition Augie T. visits seniors at Kulaimano. The site also has music and hula activities for the participants. Seniors at Kulaimano make leis for Veterans’ Day. Kailua & Hōlualoa Enjoys entertainment by Alu Like. Hawaiian Medicine Classes were held at Pāpa‘aloa Nutrition, also attending Pa‘auilo & Kulaimano. Marilyn Sakata of Hōlualoa celebrates her 85th Birthday. Kupuna News 14 Information and Assistance (808) 961-8777 Senior Training & Employment Program Mark Kunzer - Program Director, (808) 961-8750 HERE'S THE NEWS On September 30, 2016 The Hawai‘i County Office of Aging presented Malama Kakou a Caregiver’s Conference at ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center in Hilo. STEP participants attended Sessions such as Elder Abuse Issues by Kupuna Alert Partners; Financial Education by Hawai‘i First Community Resource Center; “What are we going to do about mom?” by Dr. Michael Cheang. On October 27, 2016 the Big Island Workplace Connection Job and Resource Fair was held at Edith Kanaka‘ole Tennis Stadium in Hilo . The job fair attracted over 30 applicants to the STEP program and referrals to many other services. 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 January-March 2017 Roann Okamura EAD Operations Director Coran Kitaoka EAD Operations Assitant Director Iris Higa Elderly Recreation Carla Carpenter-Kabalis Nutrition Program Kaui Paleka-Kama RSVP Mark Kunzer STEP Christine Namahoe-Loo CSE East Hawai‘i Fran Takamiyashiro CSE West Hawai‘i Loriann Udo EAD Account Clerk Nadine Dela Cruz CSE Clerk III Jill Sugiyama CSE Account Clerk Loverly Simonson HCNP Clerk CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2017 JANUARY 2 New Year’s Day - Holiday Observed 3 AARP Tax Appointments Begin CSE, (808) 961-8777 9 ERS: Winter Classes, January 9 to March 17 Last Day of Winter Registration, January 20 Hilo (808) 961-8710 Kea‘au (808) 966-5801 Kona (808) 323-4340 16 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - Holiday 25 EAD: Advisory Council Meeting Aupuni Center Conference Room, Hilo 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Loriann Udo, (808) 961-8708 27 RSVP:  Puna, Ka‘ū, Hāmākua, Rural N/S Hilo, and Ke Ola Pono Recognition Luncheon Nani Mau Gardens 9:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Kaui Paleka-Kama, (808) 961-8730 28 ERS: Hawai‘i Kupuna Softball League Begins Randell Kokubun, League Coordinator (808) 961-8710 FEBRUARY 4 ERS: Senior Strut 5K/ 1-Mile Fun Run/ Walk West Hawai‘i Civic Center, 8:00 a.m. Kelly Hudik (808) 323-4340 9 SP: Home Safety Fair Aunty Sally’s Lu‘au Hale, 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Roann Okamura, (808) 961-8708 14 ERS: Disco Night “Oldies but Goodies” Aunty Sally’s Lu‘au Hale, 4:00-7:00 p.m. Randell Kokubun, (808) 961-8710 20 Presidents’ Day - Holiday 23 RSVP: Kona Recognition Luncheon King Kamehameha Kona Beach, 9:30-1:00 p.m. Kaui Paleka-Kama, (808) 961-8730 MARCH TBA National Nutrition Month Carla Carpenter-Kabalis, (808) 961-8726 8 ERS: 2nd Annual Hawai‘i Senior Ukulele Festival Sangha Hall, Iris Higa, (808) 961-8710 17 RSVP: Hilo Town Recognition Luncheon Sangha Hall, 9:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Kaui Paleka-Kama, (808) 961-8730 20 ERS: Class Registration for Spring Spring Classes, April 3 to June 9 Last Day of Spring Registration, April 14 Hilo (808) 961-8710 Kea‘au (808) 966-5801 Kona (808) 323-4340 27 Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalaniana‘ole Day - Holiday For Senior Citizen Information and Assistance Call Coordinated Services for the Elderly Hilo (808) 961-8777, Kona (808) 323-4320 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.