OAM Flyer Template Layout 1 - Kauai Agency on Elderly Affairs

County of Kaua‘i
Older Americans Month 2014
Recognition Ceremony & Luncheon
Kaua‘i Beach Resort Hotel
Jasmine Ballroom
Thursday, May 8, 2014
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Safe Today, Healthy Tomorrow
MESSAGE
Aloha,
When Older Americans Month was established in 1963, only 17 million living Americans had
reached their 65th birthdays. About a third of older Americans lived in poverty and there were
few programs to meet their needs. Interest in older Americans and their concerns was growing,
however. In April of 1963, President John F. Kennedy's meeting with the National Council of
Senior Citizens served as a prelude to designating May as “Senior Citizens Month.”
Thanks to President Jimmy Carter’s 1980 designation, what was once called Senior Citizens
Month, is now called “Older Americans Month,“ and has become a tradition. Every President
since JFK has issued a formal proclamation during or before the month of May asking that the
entire nation pay tribute in some way to older persons in their communities. Older Americans
Month is celebrated across the country through ceremonies, events, fairs, and other such
activities.
In Kaua‘i County, designation of May as Older Americans Month and the recognition of
Outstanding Older Americans in our county began in 1969 when Katsuyo Takata and Paul
Akama, Sr. were honored as Outstanding Older Americans. This annual celebration recognizes
older Americans for their contributions and demonstrates our nation’s commitment to helping
them stay healthy and active.
This year’s theme for Older Americans Month is “Safe Today. Healthy Tomorrow.” The theme
focuses on injury prevention and safety to encourage older adults to protect themselves and
remain active and independent for as long as possible.
Unintentional injuries to this population result in at least 6 million medically treated injuries and
more than 30,000 deaths every year. With an emphasis on safety during Older Americans Month,
we encourage older adults to learn about the variety of ways they can avoid the leading causes of
injury, like falls. We are extremely grateful that Rachelle Bachran is with us today and share
some practical tips in preventing falls.
We at the Office of the Mayor and Agency on Elderly Affairs thank
you all in joining hands with us recognize and appreciate our island’s
living treasures – our outstanding kupuna.
Kealoha Takahashi
Executive on Aging
O
2013 Kaua'i Outstanding Older Americans
2013
Dr. Lucy Miller
William Neil Rapozo, Sr.
2012
Nancy Fuertes Fuller
David Walker
2011
Tillie Viniegas
Stu Burley
2009
Janice Bond
Dr. Arnulfo Diaz
Ramona Nakaahiki
Herman Paleka
2006
Evelyn Laureta
Alfred Laureta
2005
1984
Gloria Pereira
Americo Morris
1999
Lucia Valentin
Alfonso Garcia
1983
Margaret Sam Fong
Shizuo Hamamoto
1998
Kimie Hiraoka
George Mukai
1982
Isabel Medeiros
Robert Riola
1997
Donna Shulze
Federico Cuaresma
1981
Julia Pacheco
Seichi Akagi
1996
Hilda Cannon
Adelino Valentin
1980
Misao Kawakami
Walter Scott
1995
Audrey “Molly” Rowe
Alvin “Gene” Bullock
1979
Odelia Duarte
Gabriel I
1994
Lilian Takiguchi
Charles Scharsch
1978
Mary Ventura
Ernest Victorino
1993
Hilda Inouye
Clifford Arinaga
1977
Florence Morinaga
Charles Kaneyama
1992
Elena Atkins
George Susterich
1976
Yoshi Minami
Narciso Ver
1991
Maxima Morris
Frank Perreira
1975
Fude Sueoka
Hiromo Choriki
1990
Lena Mendonca
George Kruse
1974
Masayo Takaoka
Charles Oyagi
1989
Kay Gamage
Alfredo Villanueva
1973
Hawayo Watanabe
Basilio Fuertes, Sr.
1988
Joyce Tashima
Chyozo “Joe” Shiramizu
1972
Alice Wedemeyer
Paul Naganuma
1987
Luka Allen
Abel Medeiros
1971
Josifina Cortezan
Henry Wedemeyer
1986
Florence Katahara
Yoshio Inouye
1970
Esidra Maglinti
Kazuso Miyake
1985
Daisylani Rapozo
Catalino Suero
1969
Katsuyo Takata
Paul Akama, Sr.
Millie Wellington
James Okada
2004
Gladys Okada
Frank Watanabe
2003
Naoko Ogata
Takeshi Fujita
2002
Kazue Taniguchi
Paul Douglas
2001
Jennie Yukimura
James Cassel
H
Betty Moore
Robert Rask
Naoko Ho
Richard Kashiwabara
2007
A
2000
Lola Cruz
Basilio Fuertes, Jr.
2010
2008
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Program
Music by Paul Togioka
Na Hoku Hanohano Award Winner & Grammy Nominee
Welcome
Julie Souza, Emcee
Opening Remark
Kealoha Takahashi, Executive on Aging
Mayor’s Message
Governor’s Message
Wanda Kau-Shibata, Governor’s Representative
Practical Tips on Falls Prevention
Rachelle Bachran, Health Educator
Introduction of 2014 Outstanding Older Americans Nominees
Nadine K. Nakamura & Kealoha Takahashi
Announcement of Kaua‘i’s 2014 Older Americans Awardees
Male & Female Recipients
Special Presentations
State of Hawai‘i Legislators
County of Kaua‘i Councilmembers
Lunch
Hawai‘i Aloha
2014 Outstanding Older Americans Nominees
Retired Social Worker. Asako prides herself in her long and productive involvement with
Asako Iwamoto
Lihue
the Kaua’i Government Employees Credit Union. In her 36 years as a dedicated member
of the credit union’s marketing committee, she has contributed countless volunteer hours
in projects such as the Scholarship program, Farm Fair, Adopt a Highway and the Visitor
Industry Charity Walk. Asako continues to volunteer in the area of her professional
career serving as Secretary of the Samuel Mahelona Memorial Auxiliary since 1982. She
is closely involved in the operations of the Thrift shop. Asako is also the treasurer of the
HGEA retiree unit and a member of AARP, Zonta Club, 4H Club Leaders and the KEO
board. Asako was nominated by Lisa Murphy Allison of the Kaua’i Government Employees
Federal Credit Union.
Retired Manager – Kaua’i Branch State Employment Services (now known as
Workwise Hawai‘i). Deloros was also nominated by Lisa Murphy Allison of the Kaua’i
Deloros Kaauwai
Anahola
Employees Government Union. Like Asako, she too is an invaluable member of the credit
union’s marketing committee since 1978. She has worked with many community events
including Adopt a Highway, Visitor Charity walk, Farm Fair and Scholarship program. She
has served as secretary for the State Council of Hawai’ian Churches, Kaua’i Council of
Hawai’ian churches, Kapaa 1st Hawai’ian Church, as secretary and treasurer of the HGEA
retiree unit and as a member of AARP and KEO board.
Retired Registered Nurse. When JoAnne moved from Iowa to Kaua’i, she brought her
JoAnne Machin
Kalaheo
humanistic passion of helping those who are less fortunate as demonstrated in her
medical volunteer works with Project Hope reaching as far as Indonesia, Ghana, Papua
New Guinea, Micronesia and Haiti. She also volunteered with Aloha Medical Mission
where she helped provide medical help to the people of Sanchez Mira, Cagayan
Philippines. Her invaluable volunteer work in the health field has made her a
distinguished recipient of President’s Volunteer Service Award for four years and as an
honored guest at a White House reception with President Bush in 2005. JoAnne currently
volunteers at Waimea’s Nana’s House, Koloa Union Church, Lawai International Center
and Sanctuary Ocean Count, and Lions Club International among many others. JoAnne
was nominated by Momi Machado of Child and Family Service Nana’s House.
Retired Administrative Assistant to the Director of Kaua’i Veterans Hospital. In
Marilyn Matsumoto
Lihue
addition to being an acclaimed musician, Marilyn has spent over 20 years of her post
retirement years coordinating, producing and arranging recreational and cultural activities
for seniors and other groups at nine Kaua’i senior centers, the Salvation Army and other
groups. She is currently the President of the Na Kupuna Council of which she led for nine
consecutive years in the same capacity as president. Marilyn was also a volunteer and
delegate to the 2006 White House Conference on Aging where older individuals
throughout the country provided meaningful input to congress in the re-authorization of
the Older Americans Act. Marilyn was nominated by Paula Green and Herman Paleka of
Lihue Senior Center.
Originally from Homer, Alaska, Loren has redefined the
meaning of aging on his own terms when he picked Kaua’i as his second home and in his
journey to active aging. He co-founded Adventure Club four years ago and has since
made hiking a key ingredient of his active, healthy lifestyle. When he is not guiding or
organizing a hiking activity, Loren volunteers his time with Kaua’i Habitat for Humanity,
the National Tropical Botanical Garden, the NOAA Hawai’ian Islands Humpback Whales
National Marine Sanctuary and the Waipa Foundation where he diligently helps in weeding
taro farms. In addition to being a stalwart steward of our environment, Loren also
volunteered delivering meals to homebound seniors. Loren was nominated by Jessica
Clabo of Kaua’i Habitat for Humanity.
Retired School Teacher.
Loren Johnson, Sr.
Kalaheo
2014 Outstanding Older Americans Nominees
Retired Kaua’i Care Center Supervisor.
Florentina epitomizes that special quality of
a down-to-earth volunteer leader who makes certain that the safety and well-being of
her fellow seniors are first and foremost. Her more than 12 years of unselfish,
longstanding, dependable and dedicated volunteering at the Kekaha Senior center have
kept members of the club successfully completing their worthwhile projects and
activities. Florentina has a knack for great arts and crafts projects. Sometimes she
would surprise many home bound seniors by giving them her handmade crafts.
Florentina also volunteers as a meal server during meal distribution of nutritious meals
to participants of the congregate meals program. Florentina was nominated by Lourdes
Domingo of the Kekaha Seniors club.
Florentina Moreno
Kekaha
As a Foster Grandparent Program volunteer, Aida has been a
regular sight helping students from other countries learn English to help them adjust and
succeed in the classroom. Her love for children coupled with her bilingual skills and
ability, Aida serves as a language interpreter/translator for the teacher and the English
Language Learner (ELL) to facilitate understanding and comprehension of daily lessons
and class assignments. Her daily presence in the ELL classroom brings comfort and a
feeling of security among ELL students and teachers she works with. Aida was
nominated by Anne Miyamoto of the Foster Grandparent Program.
Retired Hotel Employee.
Aida Rajel
Lihue
Retired Secretary. Yukie has a long, meaningful history of serving as a volunteer
secretary for over 50 years. In the past, she was Secretary for Waimea Community Hall
Association, Waimea Educational and Cultural Association, the Church Council of the
Waimea United Church of Christ and, currently with the Waimea Senior Center. She
maintains her healthy lifestyle by walking daily with friends and participates regularly
with the EnhanceFitness program offered in her community. Yukie was nominated by
Kay Hill of the Waimea Senior Center.
Yukie Okino
Waimea
Retired School Teacher. A transplant from Arkansas and Seattle, Washington, Robert
did not take much time to find his natural calling of continuing his service to humanity
through the E Ola Mau Na Leo O Kekaha and the YMCA’s East Kaua’i Y’s Mens
Organization. Since his move to Kaua’i, he has been very busy getting involved in the
planning, organizing and carrying-out projects in the community such as the Waimea 4th
of July and Waimea Town celebrations and the annual Carnival held at St. Theresa
School in Kekaha where his wife works as the School Principal. Robert was nominated by
Jiro Yukimura of East Kaua’i Y’s Mens Organization.
Robert Sims
Waimea
Retired Dietary Worker. In a short time after retirement, Roy was a recipient of the
“Spirit Award” given by the Waimea Alumni and Friends Foundation to an individual who
made outstanding contributions to the community. Roy became the neighborhood
“handyman”- always helping those in need from yard work to general repairs, etc. As
an avid photographer, he was instrumental in capturing wonderful memories for
families, groups and the community. Having a positive outlook on life, he always wears
that cheerful smile in all of the good things he does. He continues to be active with AJA
baseball, West Kaua’i Midget/Little League, Hui Alu (Okinawan) Club, Kaua’i Soto
Mission, Buddhist Association, 4th of July and Waimea Town celebrations, and many
others. Roy was nominated by Naoko H. Ho of the Waimea Senior Center.
Roy Miyashiro
Eleele
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
MUSIC
Paul Togioka
EMCEE
Julie Souza
PUBLICITY/PUBLIC RELATIONS
Mayor’s Office
Cyndi Ayonon
Mary Daubert
AWARDS SELECTION COMMITTEE
Naomi Hamamura
Joe Neil
Julie Souza
SPEAKER
Rachelle Bachran, Health Educator
KAUAI BEACH RESORT
Tom Lund, Catering & Events Staff
PHOTOS
Dennis Fujimoto
AEA ADVISORY COUNCIL
Joe Neil
Naomi Hamamura
Betty Matsumura
Kaui Castillo
Betty Moore
Karen Davis
Julie Souza
El Doi
AGENCY ON ELDERLY AFFAIRS STAFF
Mahalo
The Agency on Elderly Affairs, a designated Area
Agency on Aging and recently functioning as an Aging
and Disability Resource Center has been providing
critical and essential eldercare services to Kaua‘i’s
kupuna so they can continue to live a dignified life in
the community or environment of their choice.
Through a service provider contract or AEA staff, the
agency provides the following eldercare services:
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Information, Assistance & Referral
Outreach
Senior ID
Transportation
Legal Assistance
Home Delivered Meals
Congregate Meals
Case Management/Care coordination
Personal Care
Homemaker
Adult Day Care
Caregiver Respite
Caregiver Counseling, Group Support &
Information
Civic Engagement & Volunteer Opportunities
Health Promotion & Disease Prevention
EnhanceFitness Program
Better Health, Better Choices Training
Options Counseling
Long Term Support Services planning
For more information,
call (808) 241-4770
or visit www.kauaiadrc.org
Safety Tips:
Talk to Your
Healthcare Provider
Discuss physical activities that are
appropriate for you. Regular exercise
helps to improve endurance, strength,
balance, and coordination.
Have your vision checked regularly.
Your sight plays a large part in
preventing injuries at home, on the
road, and in the community.
Learn more about
safely managing
your medications,
activities, and
lifestyle.
Manage Medications
Be aware of how your medications
interact with other prescription and
over-the-counter drugs, certain foods,
alcohol, and other medical conditions.
Learn how medications may make you
unsteady on your feet or impact your
ability to operate a motor vehicle.
Create a medication schedule or use a
scheduler box to make sure you take
no less or more than prescribed.
Ask your pharmacist for help. Largeprint labels, medication-tracking
devices, and easy-open containers
may be available.
Prevent Falls
Install handrails and grab bars
wherever they are helpful, especially
around stairs and in bathrooms.
Ensure ample lighting inside and
outside of your home, particularly
around frequently used walkways.
Add one or more nightlights between
your bedroom and bathroom.
Choose shoes with non-slip soles that
provide support without bulk that could
cause you to trip.
Use a walking aid, if needed to
improve balance and stability.
Prevent Fires and Burns
Set your water heater to 120 degrees.
You can also install anti-scald devices
on sinks, tubs, and showers.
Test smoke detectors regularly. Be sure
you have a smoke alarm in or very near
your cooking area. Alarms should also
be installed in all bedrooms.
When cooking, wear snug-fitting or
short-sleeve clothing and high-quality
oven mitts that cover the lower part of
your arms.
Do not smoke in your home, especially
if oxygen therapy is used.
Drive Wisely
Plan your route before you drive and
use the safest routes that are welllit, familiar, and offer easy parking.
Daytime driving in good weather
conditions is best.
Wear your
seat belt,
even during
short trips.
Eliminate distractions inside the
vehicle and stay focused on the road.
Know when it might be time to limit
or stop driving, and learn how to get
around town without driving.
Live a longer, healthier life by taking
control of your safety today!
Learn more about Older Americans Month and find additional
resources at http://acl.gov/olderamericansmonth
Agency on Elderly Affairs Staff
RHONDA LIZAMA
JUNE RENAUD
Administrative Assistant
Program Planner
KEALOHA TAKAHASHI
Executive on Aging
LITO ASUNCION
CHARLYN NAKAMINE
KATHY COIL
CELIA MELCHOR-QUESTIN
GRACE DELOS REYES
Program Specialist
Program Specialist
Program Specialist
RSVP Director
Program Support Tech
IRIS PARONGAO
EDITH ABIGANIA
TERESA CAIRES
DONNA OLIVAS-KAOHI
JOHNNY YAGO
Program Specialist
Program Support Tech
Accountant
Accounting Technician
EF Program Coordinator
ROSE MANAGO
PATRICIA GONSALVES
GALE KASHUBA
JULIE KAJIWARA
EMRIDS KIAMZON
Community Service
Program Assistant
Community Service
Program Assistant
Community Service
Worker
Community Service
Worker
Community Service
Program Assistant
This event is supported with funding from the
County of Kaua‘i and
Title III of the Older Americans Act through the
State of Hawaii Executive Office on Aging.