Recognition Ceremony & Luncheon Kaua‘i Beach Resort Hotel

Jasmine Ballroom

Thursday, May 8, 2014

County of Kaua‘i Older Americans Month 2014

O A MSafe 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 O A H

2013 Kaua'i Outstanding Older Americans

2013 Dr. Lucy Miller

William Neil Rapozo, Sr.

2012 Nancy Fuertes Fuller

David Walker

2011 Lola Cruz

Basilio Fuertes, Jr.

2010 Tillie Viniegas

Stu Burley

2009 Janice Bond

Dr. Arnulfo Diaz

2008 Naoko Ho

Richard Kashiwabara

2007 Ramona Nakaahiki

Herman Paleka

2006 Evelyn Laureta

Alfred Laureta

2005 Millie Wellington

James Okada

2004 Gladys Okada

Frank Watanabe

2003 Naoko Ogata

Takeshi Fujita

2002 Kazue Taniguchi

Paul Douglas

2001 Jennie Yukimura

James Cassel

2000 Betty Moore

Robert Rask

1999 Lucia Valentin

Alfonso Garcia

1998 Kimie Hiraoka

George Mukai

1997 Donna Shulze

Federico Cuaresma

1996 Hilda Cannon

Adelino Valentin

1995 Audrey “Molly” Rowe

Alvin “Gene” Bullock

1994 Lilian Takiguchi

Charles Scharsch

1993 Hilda Inouye

Clifford Arinaga

1992 Elena Atkins

George Susterich

1991 Maxima Morris

Frank Perreira

1990 Lena Mendonca

George Kruse

1989 Kay Gamage

Alfredo Villanueva

1988 Joyce Tashima

Chyozo “Joe” Shiramizu

1987 Luka Allen

Abel Medeiros

1986 Florence Katahara

Yoshio Inouye

1985 Daisylani Rapozo

Catalino Suero

1984 Gloria Pereira

Americo Morris

1983 Margaret Sam Fong

Shizuo Hamamoto

1982 Isabel Medeiros

Robert Riola

1981 Julia Pacheco

Seichi Akagi

1980 Misao Kawakami

Walter Scott

1979 Odelia Duarte

Gabriel I

1978 Mary Ventura

Ernest Victorino

1977 Florence Morinaga

Charles Kaneyama

1976 Yoshi Minami

Narciso Ver

1975 Fude Sueoka

Hiromo Choriki

1974 Masayo Takaoka

Charles Oyagi

1973 Hawayo Watanabe

Basilio Fuertes, Sr.

1972 Alice Wedemeyer

Paul Naganuma

1971 Josifina Cortezan

Henry Wedemeyer

1970 Esidra Maglinti

Kazuso Miyake

1969 Katsuyo Takata

Paul Akama, Sr.

O A M

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 Administrative Assistant to the Director of Kaua’i Veterans Hospital. In

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.

Retired Social Worker. Asako prides herself in her long and productive involvement with

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

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

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.

Deloros Kaauwai Anahola

Asako Iwamoto Lihue

JoAnne Machin Kalaheo

Marilyn Matsumoto Lihue

Retired School Teacher. 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.

Loren Johnson, Sr. Kalaheo

2014 Outstanding Older Americans Nominees

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.

Retired Hotel Employee. 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 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.

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.

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.

Florentina Moreno Kekaha

Aida Rajel Lihue

Yukie Okino Waimea

Robert Sims Waimea

Roy Miyashiro Eleele

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:

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

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

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. Large-print 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 well-lit, 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

LITO ASUNCION Program Specialist

KATHY COIL Program Specialist

IRIS PARONGAO Program Specialist

KEALOHA TAKAHASHI

Executive on Aging

RHONDA LIZAMA Administrative Assistant

JUNE RENAUD Program Planner

CHARLYN NAKAMINE Program Specialist

EDITH ABIGANIA Program Support Tech

CELIA MELCHOR-QUESTIN RSVP Director

GRACE DELOS REYES Program Support Tech

DONNA OLIVAS-KAOHI Accounting Technician

GALE KASHUBA Community Service Program Assistant

EMRIDS KIAMZON Community Service

Worker

ROSE MANAGO Community Service Program Assistant

PATRICIA GONSALVES Community Service Program Assistant

JULIE KAJIWARA Community Service

Worker

TERESA CAIRES Accountant

JOHNNY YAGO EF Program Coordinator

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.