Column – Page 9 – Generations Magazine

Chef Michi’s Recipe: Waldorf Salad

Salad:

1 head romaine lettuce
1 bunch local watercress (3 cups chopped)
2 whole Fuji apples or ripe pears
¾ cup walnuts
4 oz. crumbled feta or Gorgonzola cheese
½ cup dried cranberries
2 Tbs. honey or pancake syrup
1 Tbs. brown sugar
Parmesan cheese
Fresh ground black pepper, to taste
Non-stick spray

Dressing:

¼ cup balsamic vinegar
1 cup prepared light ranch style dressing

To prepare “candied” walnuts, pre-heat oven to 325 °F degrees. In a small bowl, combine walnuts and syrup, toss in brown sugar to coat. Line a baking sheet with foil, spray with a nonstick spray and layer the prepared walnuts in a single layer. Bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown. Set aside to cool.

Cut romaine into bite-size pieces, chop watercress into 1-inch pieces and toss together in a large salad bowl. Slice apples and/or pears into bite-size pieces, and add to salad. Add feta or Gorgonzola, candied walnuts and cranberries.

For the dressing, combine ingredients to make the creamy balsamic vinaigrette. Take care to lightly dress the salad and toss gently. Season with fresh ground pepper and sprinkle generously with Parmesan cheese. For an attractive presentation, use a vegetable peeler to scrape wide curls of Parmesan and place on top of tossed salad.

Chef Michi has more than 12 years of experience as a “casual gourmet,” cooking for family and businesses. Her catering company, Michi’s Fresh Cooking For You, was founded three years ago. Since then, Chef Michi has become a recipe developer for KTA Superstores on the Big Island. All recipes center on healthy yet easy to prepare dishes that are packed with flavor. Visit www.cookingfreshforyou.com or contact Michi at cookingfreshforyou@gmail.com or (808) 286-6484

Here are all the ingredients and the directions to make a yummy Waldorf salad. Enjoy!

Elderhood Project

In early February, seniors enjoyed the company of each other and a number of middle school students at the annual Senior Valentine Dance at Blaisdell Exhibition Hall. Oh, and by the way, there were some celebrities on hand to take a spin or two around the dance floor. I have had the pleasure in the past of taking part in this frivolity.

The people who organize this event every year stress that it’s more than just a get-together. The seniors need the socialization that happens when they gather with their peers—and the younger people as well.

Over the years, on the Elderhood Project, we have discovered many things. But one of the most important things we found out is that inter-generational activities benefit everybody.

At the Valentine Dance, there were at least four generations of people laughing, dancing, talking, socializing. If you are fortunate, you have lots of family and friends who are concerned about your welfare on a daily basis. But not everybody is that lucky. That’s why it’s so important for all of us to look after one another. The more generations, the merrier.

Whether it’s Meals on Wheels or any of a hundred other volunteer projects, think about the few minutes you could spend that would make a difference to those seniors who don’t have someone to check in on them.

I want to take a moment to thank everyone who does volunteer, and a special thanks to Percy Ihara and the crew at Generations Magazine for their efforts on behalf of all of us … whatever generation you belong to.

Elderhood Project airs on KHON TV2 Morning News every Thursday at 5:30 a.m. and on the afternoon segment at 5 p.m.—topics range from medical to senior life care and tips. Visit us at www.khon2.com/content/elderhood/default.aspx

In early February, seniors enjoyed the company of each other and a number of middle school students at the annual Senior Valentine Dance at Blaisdell Exhibition Hall. Oh, and by the way, there were some celebrities on hand to take a spin or two around the dance floor. I have had the pleasure in the…

Elderhood Project

Mrs. Matthews, Linda Coble, and I just celebrated our birthdays. I’m not going to say how old we are but I will say that we’ve had our AARP cards for quite a while. We are boomers and our generation has often been referred to as the “Me” generation. That may have been appropriate at some point in our lives and it may still be an apt description for some, but I get the feeling that more and more of us are looking for ways that we can give back to a community, a society that has done so much for us.

Many of our heroes have gone so we have to look to each other for inspiration. I find it each week in the people I get to talk with on the Elderhood Project. The people from the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), Project DANA, Meals on Wheels, SCORE and countless other organizations rely on the efforts of volunteers to continue their good work. I applaud them all.

During the past weeks on the Elderhood Project, we have focused on providing seniors with the tools they need to “age in place,” to remain active members of their communities while living at home. Ke Ola Pono, a chronic disease self-management program is a perfect example of that. The program offers a free six-week workshop called Better Choices, Better Health that helps people living with any ongoing health problem.

In the coming weeks, we also will learn more about Sage PLUS and its efforts to encourage seniors to be pro-active in their health care. What’s new in affordable housing for seniors in ‘Ewa? And February is National Heart Month, an important topic for all of us—regardless of age.

I hope you’ll join us for the news every Thursday at 5:30 a.m. or 5 p.m. on KHON2 TV. Tune in to find out the latest information of importance to seniors and their caregivers. And happy birthday to Mrs. Matthews! Though we were born on the same day in the same year, somehow she got to be 10 years younger. Go figure!

Aloha ~ Kirk Matthews

Mrs. Matthews, Linda Coble, and I just celebrated our birthdays. I’m not going to say how old we are but I will say that we’ve had our AARP cards for quite a while. We are boomers and our generation has often been referred to as the “Me” generation. That may have been appropriate at some…

Talk Story with Lisa

As we all are lining up for the holiday season, our question to everyone, and to ourselves, is this: What are you grateful for?

Roy Yonashiro, Hawai‘i Bone Marrow Donor Registry Coordinator, Musician I feel fortunate to be working for an organization like the Hawai‘i Bone Marrow Donor Registry. It’s great to have a job that I’m passionate about. Being a witness to a match is so moving, I get to see first hand how the kindness of strangers helps so many to have a second chance at life.

Dorothy Hayden, Patient Advocate, Caregiver I am happy and healthy, raised a lovely daughter, have great friends, meaningful work and on top of that I am blessed to live here in beautiful Hawai‘i. I enjoy going to the many interesting events around town and also keep busy by volunteering at Family Promise and at The Hawai‘i Theatre for Youth.

Lisa McVay is our on-the-road reporter — talking story with friends and neighbors, and sharing her many encounters. Mahalo to all that “Talk Story” with Lisa

As we all are lining up for the holiday season, our question to everyone, and to ourselves, is this: What are you grateful for?

Elderhood Project

One of our guests on the Elderhood Project reminded me that at some point in time everyone will be either a caregiver or a caregetter. I am learning the truth of that statement.

Last week, Mrs. Matthews—Linda Coble— had back surgery. The doctor was pleased with the results and four days later, she came home from the hospital. The doctor said to me, “This will be tougher on you than it is on her.” In some ways, he was right. I watch her like a hawk so she won’t do anything she’s not supposed to do during recovery. I bring home the groceries, vacuum, do the dishes, laundry. But in another way, the doctor was wrong. It has been a meaningful experience.

There is a kind of intimacy Linda and I haven’t had before. We always trusted each other, but there is a different kind of trust happening now.

She will be fine. The doctors and nurses who took care of her did a wonderful job and I learned a lot. And there will come a time when the shoe [which I have to put on for her because she can’t bend over yet] will be on the other foot.

We are into the holiday season, Thanksgiving just past. Care receivers are grateful for their caregivers, but caregivers in turn are grateful for the opportunity to look after their loved ones. I leave you with this quote:

To speak gratitude is courteous and pleasant, to enact gratitude is generous and noble, but to live gratitude is to touch Heaven. ~Johannes A. Gaertner

Peace and Aloha — Kirk Matthews

Elderhood Project airs on KHON2 every Thursday morning on the morning news and Thursday afternoon at the 5 p.m. segment — topics from medical to senior life care and tips.Visit us at www.khon2.com/content/elderhood/default.aspx

Last week, Mrs. Matthews—Linda Coble— had back surgery. The doctor was pleased with the results and four days later, she came home from the hospital. The doctor said to me, “This will be tougher on you than it is on her.” In some ways, he was right. I watch her like a hawk so she…

Talk Story with Lisa

Sonya Mendez, Entertainer, Founder of The Well of Hope How do you live your life? I live in the moment, because tomorrow is promised to no one. I approach my life and each project with energy and passion. When I helped bring clean water to 10,000 people in Ethiopia for generations to come, I felt that I’d finally made my rent on earth.

Val Doctolero, Florist What keeps you youthful? I think its a positive attitude toward all things in life. I try to find the good in everything. And I have a great marriage, I have never had an argument with my wife Edith, we are always able to work things out. We laugh all the time, and laughter is the best preventive medicine.

Lisa McVay is our on-the-road reporter — talking story with friends and neighbors, and sharing her many encounters. Mahalo to all that “Talk Story” with Lisa.

Sonya Mendez, Entertainer, Founder of The Well of Hope How do you live your life? I live in the moment, because tomorrow is promised to no one. I approach my life and each project with energy and passion. When I helped bring clean water to 10,000 people in Ethiopia for generations to come, I felt…

Elderhood Project

The late, great Groucho Marx once said, “If I had known I was going to live this long, I would have taken better care of myself.”

It’s a funny line, but the fact is, we are all living much longer than the generations before us. In Hawai‘i, our life expectancy is 80 years old. It’s among the longest in the nation (and the world). Living longer is a good thing. However, it also places a new burden on each of us to stay healthy longer. It behooves us to take care of ourselves.

Recently, on the Elderhood Project, we featured a story about a couple that spends more than $1,000 per month, which is a substantial portion of their budget, on medications. With fixed incomes, many seniors find themselves in a similar predicament. Needless to say, the fewer medications you need, the less money you will have to spend on them. That requires paying attention to your health year after year, during each stage of life.

Exercise is one of the best ways to extend your quality of life into “elderhood.” If you can, exercise 30 minutes a day, even if it means just walking around the block a couple of times.

Next, notice the little things—a twinge that wasn’t there before, a blemish that won’t go away, indigestion after every meal. Finally, see your doctor about these types of changes in your body. Also, don’t miss your annual check-ups. While you’re at the doctor’s office, request a preventative health screenings schedule. These screenings are often covered by your insurance and can save your life. The screenings detect diseases early— before you see or feel any symptoms.

I’m not a doctor, but I know a lot of them. They all say the same thing. Hawai‘i has the reputation of being the healthiest state in the nation. There’s a reason for that. You are listening to your health care providers. Contrary to what Groucho said, it’s never too late to take better care of yourself.

In Hawai‘i, our life expectancy is 80 years old. It’s among the longest in the nation (and the world). Living longer is a good thing. However, it also places a new burden on each of us to stay healthy longer. It behooves us to take care of ourselves.

Talk Story with Lisa

Sharon Hayashi, Interior Designer What are some of the things that’s fulfilling in your life? I joined the Rotary Club of Metropolitan Honolulu in 1989 for its local and international projects. I have enjoyed renovation projects at Princess Kaiulani School, Hale Kipa Youth Housing, and Clubhouses for the Hawaii Adult Mental Health Hawaii Division. And I serve on the board of Friends of the Library of Hawaii.

David Behlke, Artist, KCC Koa Gallery Director, Instructor What inspires you at this time in your life? What brings me into the world each day is my passion for my work, my personal creative fire along with my desire to share my knowledge. We all wait for the teacher to appear and I try to make myself available for those who need a little creative nudge now and then, the teacher in me comes through, I just can’t help it.

Lisa McVay is our on-the-road reporter — talking story with friends and neighbors, and sharing her many Talk Story encounters. Mahalo to all that “Talk Story” with Lisa.

Sharon Hayashi, Interior Designer What are some of the things that’s fulfilling in your life? I joined the Rotary Club of Metropolitan Honolulu in 1989 for its local and international projects. I have enjoyed renovation projects at Princess Kaiulani School, Hale Kipa Youth Housing, and Clubhouses for the Hawaii Adult Mental Health Hawaii Division. And…

Elderhood Project

My mother just got her first cell phone. It doesn’t take pictures or play music — it just makes phone calls. It took her a while to get used to the idea — she would talk into the wrong end of the phone in the beginning. But she’s got the technology figured out and now she can call me any time. ANY TIME. But I’m glad about that.

Sometimes, we forget that technology is just a tool. If it gets in the way of what we’re trying to accomplish — communication, for example — then it’s no longer a tool. It becomes a *&$*/% waste of time and money.

The Elderhood Project will use whatever technology we have available to get important information to our kupuna and their caregivers. We broadcast our reports on television and put them on the internet. Now, Generations Magazine gives us another avenue to spread the word. We are grateful.

When our newsroom first started using computers some years back, a reporter friend of mine quit, saying he would never type his stories on “one of those things.” He is still working, of course, in another field. And using computers every day. Never say never. We are thrilled to be a part of Generations Magazine. It’s portable and doesn’t need batteries.

In the past month on the Elderhood Project, which airs on KHON2 every Thursday morning on the morning news and Thursday afternoon at the 5 p.m. segment, we have covered subjects such as cataract awareness with Dr. Jorge Camara, palliative care (dealing with pain), homeless seniors and tips on how to avoid medicare identity theft. Much more in the weeks ahead.

Gotta go. Mom’s on the phone.

My mother just got her first cell phone. It doesn’t take pictures or play music — it just makes phone calls. It took her a while to get used to the idea — she would talk into the wrong end of the phone in the beginning. But she’s got the technology figured out and now…

Veterans & Auxiliary – Serving All Ages

The 2020 State of Hawai‘i VFW Voice of Democracy (VOD-HI) winner is Alexandrea Wong (holding certificate), a high school senior at St. Andrews Priory, for her four-minute audio essay on “What Makes America Great.” She was awarded a $500 check, VFW certificate and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., to compete nationally for a $30,000 VFW first-place scholarship paid directly to a university, college or technical/ vocational school. Also pictured (L–R) are George Barlett, chair, VOD-HI; James Kahalehoe, commander, Windward O‘ahu Post 10154; Ron Lockwood, VFW-HI acting commander; Gerri Enos, VFW-HI Auxiliary VOD chair; and Take Shiroma, president, VFW-HI Auxiliary.

Like our friends at PBS, the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the VFW Auxiliary work to be relevant to all ages with early childhood through end-of-life programming.

“Patriot Pen” and “Voice of Democracy” programs are available to all public and private middle school and high school students. Building off of lessons learned early in life through shows like “Sesame Street,” “Conjunction Junction” and other PBS offerings, our VFW programs utilize their writing skills to earn scholarship money at the local, state and national levels. For middle schoolers in the upcoming school year, “What is Patriotism to Me?” will be the theme. For high schoolers, “Is This the Country the Founders Envisioned?” will be the topic. All the details can be found in each county through any of our 21 VFW Posts and through the VFW Auxiliary or at www.vfw.org.

Like our friends at PBS, the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the VFW Auxiliary work to be relevant to all ages with early childhood through end-of-life programming. “Patriot Pen” and “Voice of Democracy” programs are available to all public and private middle school and high school students.

Finding GOOD in the COVID-19 Pandemic

Many of us are affected by the anxieties that come with the COVID-19 pandemic. But my boss once told me, “In chaos there is opportunity.” That quote resonated deeply in my heart. How can this be true for a pandemic?

I soon learned that some positive things are happening around the world and here in Hawai‘i.

For example, the unprecedented absence of the 3,000 daily visitors to Hanauma Bay beginning in mid-March has caused coral reefs and fish to rebound and flourish in the bay’s now clear waters.

Local distilleries are producing hand sanitizer. People have stepped up to sew thousands of face masks to support hospital staff and others. More importantly, business and nonprofits are making special accommodations for seniors. Senior centers have ramped up sanitation in an effort to protect residents and guests from COVID-19.

Grocers are dedicating special shopping hours for seniors and those with special needs.

I think the best part is that seniors and their families have a renewed appreciation of each other and the time they get to spend together.

Focus on the good as the pandemic passes.

ISLANDS SKILLED NURSING & REHABILITATION
205 Alexander St., Honolulu, HI 96826
Kelika Ishol, Director of Community Relations
808-284-0003 | kishol@islandsnr.com
www.islandsnr.com

Many of us are affected by the anxieties that come with the COVID-19 pandemic. But my boss once told me, “In chaos there is opportunity.” That quote resonated deeply in my heart. How can this be true for a pandemic? I soon learned that some positive things are happening around the world and here in…

Before Retiring, Prepare with an ‘Exit Plan’

Cliff and his daughters, Cathlene and Cynthia, sell plants at the Pearlridge Saturday Market. Cliff just loves sharing his cactus and succulent expertise with new and repeat customers.

When my husband told me in early 2019 that he wanted to retire, my first reaction was, “No, you’re still young and can work until you’re 70.” When we had a serious conversation a few months later, I agreed with his desire to retire, but said, “You need to have an exit plan because I have a home office and don’t want to see you sitting on the couch watching TV.”

Wow, written out, that sounds mean (hahaha); however, he had a little (a lot of) help from his two daughters — thus, the creation of a small business called “Cactus Cliff.” My husband, Cliff, as you probably figured out, has been an outdoor/yard person since we purchased our Kane‘ohe home almost 35 years ago. Right away, he planted a mock orange hedge (now a croton hedge) and a Meyer lemon tree, to name a few. For the past 25 years, Cliff has taken an interest in cactus and succulents. Fast-forward to spring 2019, when our youngest daughter asked and received 300 potted cactus and succulents for her December wedding favors.

Cactus Cliff began in January 2020 with a variety of pots, cups and bowls, etc., filled with an assortment of cactus and succulents. Cliff continues to make decorative arrangements and centerpieces, and cultivates a wide variety of plants from seeds and cuttings. His daughters found ways to feature these products for retail and at open-market venues — something they all enjoy doing together.

My advise to anyone looking to retire is to be prepared so that you can have many years of pleasure. Make a checklist, not a honey-do list, of what you want to do after retirement in order to have control of your life. That list is never set in stone because it is your life and you can change anything any time you like. As for my husband and me, we moved a desk into our guest room and made it into Cliff’s office.

Our house now has two offices — everything is going well in this household!

CACTUS CLIFF
808-722-1520 | cactuscliff96744@gmail.com

When my husband told me in early 2019 that he wanted to retire, my first reaction was, “No, you’re still young and can work until you’re 70.” When we had a serious conversation a few months later, I agreed with his desire to retire, but said, “You need to have an exit plan because I…

Category: Column