Category: Column

Remember Our Veterans

I’m honored to write a column about “veterans,” a word that brings tears to my eyes. My brother, Capt. Edwin Hayashi, was killed in a C-130 plane crash during the Vietnam era. He didn’t make it back to be a “veteran.” Veterans are survivors.

Kathleen Hayashi and Dr. Takashi Manago, a
WWII veteran, celebrated his 101st birthday.

When I spoke to the Vietnam Veterans of America – Chapter 858 recently, they sobbed as I shared how villagers in Italy and France still remember, after more than 80 years, how the Japanese American units of the 100th Infantry Battalion/442nd Regimental Combat Team liberated them during WWII. These heroes were a segregated army unit comprised of second-generation Japanese Americans, mostly from Hawai‘i.

Vietnam veterans say all they want is to be remembered with honor, as well. Veterans from every war ask to be remembered for the sacrifices they made — for themselves, and for those left behind.

My father was a member of the 100th Infantry Battalion Veterans from Hawai‘i. It’s our organization’s mission to keep their legacy alive and honor the few still living — like 101-year-old Dr. Takashi Manago, one of only six known living veterans of the 100th Infantry Battalion. My next column will honor him.

100th INFANTRY BATTALION VETERANS
520 Kamoku St. Honolulu, HI 96826
For more information:
info@100thbattalion.org | 808-946-0272

I’m honored to write a column about “veterans,” a word that brings tears to my eyes. My brother, Capt. Edwin Hayashi, was killed in a C-130 plane crash during the Vietnam era. He didn’t make it back to be a “veteran.” Veterans are survivors. When I spoke to the Vietnam Veterans of America – Chapter…
Remember Your College Days?

When we talk with family and friends, we often think back when we were younger! It’s not too hard for our immediate family to keep in touch; but it is my hope that friendships with those you met in school are still alive and vibrant. In my November/December 2024 issue, I wrote about my Tennis Ohana, sharing a photo of the women.

My college girlfriends of over 50 years have spent birthdays with a dinner and movie three times a year. When we were younger, we would play games at Dave & Buster’s, have fun at Glow Putt, go shopping in a mall, and we even shared a hotel room to celebrate one of our milestones. When there wasn’t a good movie playing, we just spent hours eating, talking and laughing. I’m sure many Generations’ readers can remember their “Happy Days” with classmates too.

After a dinner and movie last September, we were walking back to our cars when one of my girlfriends forgot that we didn’t take a picture. She took out her phone and tried to take a selfie of the three of us. We just kept laughing while trying to get a good photo. A group of young women stopped to help us take a photo; and I said “stay together so when you’re 71, you’ll have as much fun as us!”

If you have a story you’d like to share or a topic you’d like to read, contact Sherry Goya.
808-722-8487 | sgoyallc@aol.com

When we talk with family and friends, we often think back when we were younger! It’s not too hard for our immediate family to keep in touch; but it is my hope that friendships with those you met in school are still alive and vibrant. In my November/December 2024 issue, I wrote about my Tennis…
My Dream Came True

A poem by Linda Warne

As a teen, I had a dream.
It might seem common to some,
yet not to others.
It seemed so vivid.
I was a bride,
standing in a long wedding gown
and there he was,
a tall young man standing next to me.
All I could see were our backs.

While at college at the age of 20,
I met someone unexpectedly.
A young man,
tall, dark-haired and handsome,
with beautiful blue eyes.
I wondered to myself,
“Is he the guy I’m going to marry?”

We talked, dated for six months,
and then he proposed to me
on notebook paper
as we sat inside his car
in front of my home.
We eloped and went to Vegas.
We have been married for
over four decades.
My dream came true.

Linda Warne was born and raised in California and attended Cerritos Community College before falling in love and marrying Joseph. At age 38, she returned to the same community college to study Early Childhood Education. She worked temporarily as a preschool teacher’s aide but found her niche as a private elementary school-age tutor. Joseph and Linda, now seniors, moved to O‘ahu in 2001. She currently leads paper crafts at two assisted living facilities: Ilima at Leihano in Kapolei and The Plaza in Pearl City. Writing poetry has been a meaningful way of self-expression since she was a teenager. She picks up her copy of Generations Magazine at Longs. If you have a poem, thoughts or a story to share, email the editor: debra@generations808.com. It may be published in Generations Magazine, Facebook or our website.

A poem by Linda Warne As a teen, I had a dream.It might seem common to some,yet not to others.It seemed so vivid.I was a bride,standing in a long wedding gownand there he was,a tall young man standing next to me.All I could see were our backs. While at college at the age of 20,I…
Thank You

I cannot believe that the holidays are already upon us, so let me step back and take a moment to reflect and thank each of my clients for allowing me to be part of their life. Please know that each of you have had and continue to have a tremendous impact on my life.

As an estate planning attorney, I have the unique privilege of being invited into each of my clients’ lives. Some clients I have known for decades, while others I have only known for a short period of time. Wherever they are in their lives, I do my best to meet them there.

The stories and experiences clients share are varied and colorful. Some clients have experienced immense and unspeakable tragedy, while others have reaped success and accomplishments. I learn so much about myself from each of you. I especially value the life lessons and wisdom you impart. Thank you for reminding me how resilient and compassionate people are, and how important it is to give people grace.

To all my clients and future clients, thank you for trusting me and allowing me the privilege to walk alongside you. It is because of you that I go to sleep thankful and wake up grateful. I wish you all the happiest of holidays.

Stephen Yim and Monica Yempuku are attorneys at law specializing in estate planning, drafting wills and trusts, providing supplemental needs-planning for the disabled, navigating estate and gift taxes, and administering estates.

I cannot believe that the holidays are already upon us, so let me step back and take a moment to reflect and thank each of my clients for allowing me to be part of their life. Please know that each of you have had and continue to have a tremendous impact on my life. As…
Poem: Wobbly

My legs are a bit wobbly.
My balance is off.
My thinking was hazy,
so I just took a nap.
And now I must tell you,
I’m still feeling lazy
and that makes me cross.

I still move with ease.
When told to touch toes,
I flatten my hands on the floor.
While others may groan,
I try for one more.
But when told to stand on one foot
with eyes firmly closed,
I find I now look
for something to hold.

It’s also my eyes.
Things look a bit fuzzy,
but still not that bad.
Doc says, “20/30, you’re really quite lucky.”

So here’s what I do.

A tool threads my needle.
Drops clear my eyes.
I use larger print and turn up the light.
It’s not really a problem, so far I’m alright.

Now all of a sudden I really must pee.
I thought I could hold it,
I thought I could wait.
Oh, how can I manage
this problem I so hate.

Sorry, what did you say?
Please tell me again.
My hearing aids are new,
yet sounds seem to blend.
Repeat it now loudly.
I didn’t quite hear.

My hands have a tremor.
My feet, how to say, either they feel crawly
or else they’re asleep.

In two years I’ll be 90.
Oh my God, can it be?
A number so ancient I never did count it.
But now I can see that I dare not discount it.

I’ve now lost my keys.
I’ve forgotten your name.
Oh well, who hasn’t?
I’m hardly to blame.
Now I pocket my keys,
jot down your name.
But my writing’s a scribble.
At times I can’t read it — so I talk into my phone.
Now there’s a solution.
I really do need it.

They say, “You’re so young for your years.”
It’s always been so.
I answer, “I have good fortune, good genes.”
And although it is true,
my legs are still flighty.
I still lose my keys.
My eyes still see fuzzy.
I’m not sure what to do.

Will exercise delay this endgame that looms?
Experts do say so.
I certainly hope so.

But today is my problem. I feel a bit wobbly.
And I’ve forgotten your name.

“It was on the Big Island while watching the fiery Kīlauea Iki eruption that I first saw her,” Glenn says about his wife, Mary, who are both Kāhala Nui retirement community residents. “She was riding her Vespa, her blond ponytail flying.” They married and have had adventurous lives together living around the world. Mary has been a Girl Scout professional, a manuscript editor, an Austrian tour guide, a Victorian dressmaker, a potter and a literacy tutor. For years, she edited the text books Glenn wrote. “I’ve been after her to start writing for herself. This is a recent piece she wrote for Generations Magazine.”

If you have a poem, thoughts or a story to share, email the editor: debra@generations808.com.

My legs are a bit wobbly.My balance is off.My thinking was hazy,so I just took a nap.And now I must tell you,I’m still feeling lazyand that makes me cross. I still move with ease.When told to touch toes,I flatten my hands on the floor.While others may groan,I try for one more.But when told to stand…
Having the Time of My Life!

When my position as the vice president of operations for a large real estate franchise was eliminated, I created my own business consulting company in August 1993. It was also in 1993 that I took over the ownership of a real estate referral company. I have enjoyed over 30 years of being self-employed. All of this has been with the enormous support of my husband of 47 years.

All of my clients are like family to me, and I take great satisfaction knowing that some have been with me for as long as 20 years. I offer a variety of services to keep their clients, friends and family thinking of them, while saving money with bulk mail postage. I also do marketing for a shopping center and am the executive director for three nonprofit associations.

Generations Magazine’s art director and I have worked together since its inception in 2010. Now I’m happy to be working for my daughter. The staff respects each other’s talents, enjoys working together and takes pride in what we do for Hawai‘i’s kūpuna. We look forward to many important issues that are enjoyed, appreciated, and shared with family and friends. Our readers live in Hawai‘i and on the Mainland.

As you can see, I like keeping busy because it makes me happy. Hope you are also enjoying your life, no matter what you’re doing.

Mahalo for being a valued reader of Generations Magazine, some of you since 2010 and some who are new readers. It is my pleasure to be a part of this informative magazine.

When my position as the vice president of operations for a large real estate franchise was eliminated, I created my own business consulting company in August 1993. It was also in 1993 that I took over the ownership of a real estate referral company. I have enjoyed over 30 years of being self-employed. All of…
Disaster-Proofing Your Documents

A fireproof safe may not be 100% effective, as evidenced during Maui’s wildfires last year. In parts of Lahaina, the heat was so intense that safes were found melted.

The Moloka‘i Public Health Nursing staff worked with the Kupuna Care Program and the community to create the Book of Life or Nā Palapala Ko‘iko‘i, a portable organizational binder for important documents. The binders, sheet protectors and cardholders were distributed to 200 senior families during a senior baseball tournament on Maui just before the fire. But families who weren’t prepared lost everything, including vital documents.

Families can better expedite services for their kūpuna who have all their important documents in one place. Therefore, the Moloka‘i Public Health Nursing staff encourages the public to use the Nā Palapala Ko‘iko‘i binder, or an accordion folder or a bag to hold important documents that is kept in an easily accessible location.

It is highly recommended that everyone start a similar portable binder in which to keep important documents. Documents can include but are not limited to legal, tax, medical and insurance records. This grab-and-go binder could be invaluable in lessening the stress during an emergency that forces you to flee from your home quickly.

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Moloka‘i Public Health Nursing
P.O. Box 2007, Kaunakakai, HI 96748
808-553-7882 | F: 808-553-7888

A fireproof safe may not be 100% effective, as evidenced during Maui’s wildfires last year. In parts of Lahaina, the heat was so intense that safes were found melted.
The Language of Emotion

Addendum to the Royal Hawaiian Band feature story

Many may feel that it’s somehow “too late” and that there is some sort of an expiration date for starting to learn an instrument. Both Royal Hawaiian Bandmaster Clarke Bright and Eric Kop, assistant administrator and principal horn, emphasize that it is never too late to get into music, in whatever form it takes. Eric, for one, has calabash aunties and uncles who never played an instrument in their lives, but are now in retirement attending ‘ukulele classes and singing in various groups for enjoyment. “It’s brought satisfaction for them in ways that they didn’t even realize until they started doing it. Whether you do it as a hobby or as a profession — again, music is an emotional language, so if you’re able to tap into that language, it really connects to so many aspects of living a full life. So, if anybody has any inkling at all, I would say the most important thing is to not be afraid to try.”

Additionally, for those who have difficulty with playing an instrument, whether due to mobility, being busy or for other reasons, some may feel that simply enjoying music does not involve them at all. But, if music is a language like Eric says, language and conversation require two parties to be complete. Clarke reflects on this sentiment further. “Even if you don’t think you can, at least be part of the listening environment of music, and that will allow you to be able to feel what music can do. Not everyone can create it, but if you can listen to it, you are really part of music, because it doesn’t make sense for us to play music if nobody is there. We can work on our craft in practice rooms — which we all have done — and we can rehearse for ourselves, but when we share that with others, that becomes the revolving door that really makes music something I think seniors, especially, should be a part of. Never shy away from that.”

Many may feel that it’s somehow “too late” and that there is some sort of an expiration date for starting to learn an instrument. Both Royal Hawaiian Bandmaster Clarke Bright and Eric Kop, assistant administrator and principal horn, emphasize that it is never too late to get into music, in whatever form it takes.
Let the Games Begin!

Competition at the annual Senior Classic Games is pretty brisk between the 32 O‘ahu senior clubs that participate.

Since the creation of the Senior Classic Games in 1980 by Herbert Yasuhara, the City and County of Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) senior clubs have held games in March at the Halawa District Park. The clubs practiced to compete in peg ball, lawn pin ball, nine gates and tunnel vision games. They have two age divisions: 69 and under, and the Masters Division, which is 70 and over. The Masters Division team entries, with approximately 200 to 275 participants, have doubled in the past few years. In addition to exercise, this event enables island-wide social interaction among seniors.

In 2012, Generations Magazine became a major sponsor of the event by purchasing medals for the winners. The competition is pretty brisk between the 32 senior clubs that come from all parts of O‘ahu. The winners really love getting their medals in front of the whole crowd of participants.

To join a senior club, individuals age 55-plus can go down to their local Honolulu City and County District Park or community park and inquire with the director.

CITY & COUNTY OF HONOLULU, DEPT. OF PARKS & REC.
1000 Ulu‘ōhi‘a St., Ste. 309, Kapolei, HI 96707
808-768-3030 | ssantiago@honolulu.gov
honolulu.gov/parks/program/senior-citizen-program

Since the creation of the Senior Classic Games in 1980 by Herbert Yasuhara, the City and County of Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) senior clubs have held games in March at the Halawa District Park.
Love is Here!

The November/December 2023 “Ask a Kupuna” column posed this question: “Do you have a favorite Valentine’s Day story to share?”

Marlene wrote, “After a disappointing experience the year before at an upscale downtown restaurant, we decided to never go out to dinner again on a popular occasion. Instead, we had a nice quiet candlelit dinner at home on Valentine’s Day in 2014.

“We purchased lobster tails and side dishes at our local market and enjoyed a delicious dinner in the comfort, quiet and convenience of our little rental cottage on a cattle ranch in California.”

Marlene and her husband have returned to Hawai‘i and enjoy all our local foods. They are also looking forward to attending this year’s Annual Senior Valentine’s dance. “See you there.”

CITY AND COUNTY OF HONOLULU
DEPT. OF PARKS & RECREATION
1541 Kalākaua Ave., Honolulu, HI 96813
808-768-6895 | honolulu.gov/parks
DPRseniorcitizens@honolulu.gov

The November/December 2023 “Ask a Kupuna” column posed this question: “Do you have a favorite Valentine’s Day story to share?” Marlene wrote, “After a disappointing experience the year before at an upscale downtown restaurant, we decided to never go out to dinner again on a popular occasion. Instead, we had a nice quiet candlelit dinner…
Senior Dating: It’s All in the Delivery

Valentine’s Day is coming up — a good time to talk about dating as a 70ish, single senior male.

You were married for 45 years and now you’re alone because your lovely wife passed a while back. You’re wanting companionship and thinking even about dating. Your health is good, you’re active and your cognitive abilities are still relatively intact. You play golf, go for long walks, sip on an occasional glass of wine and love to watch classic movies. So how does one find companionship in the Final Frontier of Life — just someone to hangout with? You’re past the bar scene, so where do you go? Here are my thoughts.

The best place I think would be Whole Foods. Lots of ladies of means (it is Whole Foods, after all) are filling their carts with all sorts of healthy goodies. So if you see someone who attracts you, just bump her cart with your cart. After that gentle nudge and in a casual way, say, “Oh, I’m terribly sorry.”

Then, quickly scan her cart items and make a comment: “Oh, I love that kind of quiche. Along with a fresh salad and a glass of crisp white wine, it’s my fav.” And if she responds by saying “Oh, I love that combination, too!” well then, the door has just been opened. You can then respond by saying something to her in a non-creepy way: “Is your name Cholesterol, because you send my blood pressure skyrocketing!” And if she laughs out loud and says that’s the funniest darned pickup line she’s ever heard, boom, you’re in!

What about this line after a brief conversation with a “bumpee?” “Your company is so delightful, I’m contemplating putting a new battery in my hearing aid.” That’s a keeper. Garans ballbarans, she’ll love it.

Last one: Again, when delivering your line don’t rush it and don’t be too serious. Be playful and wear your best non-lecherous smile. “My teeth and I no longer sleep together, but you and I definitely should!” Security! Too much? My bad.

If Whole Foods isn’t your scene, try making the pharmacy at Longs a part of your day. You’re bound to meet a charming woman while she’s waiting for her Warfarin.

Just remember, while you are shopping for some “chow fun” with these priceless pickup lines, its all in the delivery — because if she calls for security, you’ll be hustled out of the store and asked never to return. It may even go on your permanent record. So don’t be too over-confident in the delivery of your line. Wear a sweet smile. (Make sure your dentures are in.)

Be adorable, innocent and childlike… like me.

Valentine’s Day is coming up — a good time to talk about dating as a 70ish, single senior male. You were married for 45 years and now you’re alone because your lovely wife passed a while back. You’re wanting companionship and thinking even about dating. Your health is good, you’re active and your cognitive abilities…
Opening a Window of Opportunity

You think you are young at 40 years old, right? But what if your intended life-long job was terminated and you’re not ready to retire? What do you do when a door closes on you like that?

All good questions that I had to ask myself back in 1993, when my position with a small company was terminated due to the downward spiral of Hawai‘i’s real estate market. I interviewed with five companies, but it didn’t take long to realize I couldn’t see myself spending the rest of my life working for any of them. Instead, I serviced them as an independent contractor.

Working with my CPA, I followed his tax requirements to start my own company and also became an LLC (Limited Liability Company). I was quite excited at the prospect of being my own boss.

I soon had the opportunity to purchase outright the real estate referral company I co-founded that was connected to the franchise company that closed the door on me in 1993. My agents and I have connected clients to realtors throughout Hawai‘i, as well as on the mainland. Because I have held a real estate license since 1985, I am proud to consider this company as my legacy.

My grandchildren Tanner and Alexis, give me joy in my life.

However, could I “be more” and do something meaningful? Using my business background, I am currently the executive director of three nonprofit associations. I also do the marketing for a small shopping center just outside of Waikiki, and service small companies who rely on me to consistently produce their newsletters, postcards, calendars or other marketing pieces. I love being helpful.

And this year, I am also very happy to be back with Generations Magazine, where I worked from 2010 to 2020.

The best part of being your own boss is that you can schedule your own work time, family time and fun time. When I started consulting, my daughters were in preschool and high school and my son was in elementary. I remember when I drove my son to school, he would ask “Mommy, what are you going to do today?” Wow! When I think back, he was the one person who made me account for my day!

For the past 30 years, I’ve gone all out to mix quality work time with quantity family and fun time. Because of my daughters’ love of tennis, I volunteered as an assistant coach at their school. They, too, became coaches, as well as my husband, making it a real family affair. Nowadays, I have two active grandchildren to have fun with!

Many people have tough decisions to make when it comes to work. My advice for when a door closes, is to see it as an invitation to open a window of opportunity into a fulfilling life you create on your own terms.

You think you are young at 40 years old, right? But what if your intended life-long job was terminated and you’re not ready to retire? What do you do when a door closes on you like that?