Category: Editorial

The Joy of Retirement

I was tired yesterday and I’m tired today. So I guess I’m re-tired. It’s an old joke, but one that sort of fits my situation.

At the end of September, I left KHON2 after 27 years. It was time. I will miss my friends at the station, and I will miss having the chance to meet people all over our state who have wonderful, heart-breaking, spirit-lifting stories. But there comes a time when you have to say, “I owe more to my family and my community.” There are many ways to do that.

I will find ways to volunteer. I will find ways to have fun and share aloha. When you see me at Long’s, be sure to say hello.

There is something else that happens when you retire. You have more time for your friends. Linda and I went to Maui on a one-day trip to visit my best man and his wife. She and Linda have known each other since grade school. Maui is a beautiful place — we sat on their lanai and looked at the bay and talked for hours … just talked.

Toward the end of my television career, I found I was caught up in the day-to-day “work,” paying little attention to the joy life has to offer. Now it’s time to rediscover that.

I hope Generations magazine will continue to offer me and the rest of the contributing authors the opportunity to voice our feelings about retirement and the experiences it has to offer. I also hope you all will continue to take care of each other, which is an important part of what makes life beautiful and worthwhile.

Peace and Aloha

KHON2 TV personality and journalist Kirk Matthews, a boomer, who speaks from the heart on issues concerning seniors and soon-to-be seniors. Post your questions or comments to Kirk at his column on Generations808.com.

I was tired yesterday and I’m tired today. So I guess I’m re-tired. It’s an old joke, but one that sort of fits my situation. At the end of September, I left KHON2 after 27 years. It was time. I will miss my friends at the station, and I will miss having the chance to…
5 Spice Pork Tenderloin with Baby Bok Choy
This Asian-inspired dish is perfect served by itself or with fragrant, nutty brown Jasmine rice. It’s hard to believe something so satisfying could be healthy, but the lean pork tenderloin and abundance of veggies and heart healthy edamame make this dish a healthful superstar!

Ingredients:

1 lb. pork tenderloin

2 Tbsp. canola or vegetable oil

6 Asian shallots, sliced thin

1 Tbsp. low-sodium soy sauce

1 garlic clove, minced

1 Tbsp. agave (substitute honey)

1/2 tsp. 5 spice powder

1 inch piece of fresh ginger (peeled and minced)

1 cup low sodium chicken stock

3-1/2 cups sliced button mushrooms

1 bunch baby bok choy

1 cup shelled edamame

salt & fresh ground black pepper to taste

Directions:

Heat a large skillet on medium high, brush pork with oil, season with salt and pepper and sear all sides to a golden brown. Add shallots and sauté until just soft.

Mix together soy sauce, garlic, agave, 5 spice, and minced ginger and pour over pork, turning to coat with sauce. Add the chicken stock and bring to a boil; reduce heat, cover and simmer pork gently for 20 minutes, turning every five minutes. Remove meat and set aside. Check for doneness — cooked through with only a hint of pink in the center. Bring the liquid back to a boil and add mushrooms, baby bok choy and edamame. Simmer 3 – 4 minutes until vegetables are tender.

Slice pork on the diagonal. Serve over a bed of the vegetables and drizzle sauce on top. Serve with healthy brown rice.

Serves: 4 | Time: 35 minutes

Wine pairing: Chardonnay

_______________________________

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This Asian-inspired dish is perfect served by itself or with fragrant, nutty brown Jasmine rice. It’s hard to believe something so satisfying could be healthy, but the lean pork tenderloin and abundance of veggies and heart healthy edamame make this dish a healthful superstar! Ingredients: 1 lb. pork tenderloin 2 Tbsp. canola or vegetable oil…
Message from The Editor – December / January 2015

Manoa Heritage Center red ‘Ohi‘a lehua blossoms — another gift!

“Giving” flows through every page of this issue of Generations Magazine. We feature Sam and Mary Cooke, who preserved an ancient Hawaiian earthwork and created Manoa Heritage Center for our community. This educational site and beautiful native Hawaiian gardens are close by, but a world away from modern Honolulu — a ‘must see’ for your family.

A companion story about retired dermatologist, Dr. Dan Palmer (click here), shows how big a simple hobby can become. His collection of Hawai‘i ferns is now the standard book botany students and conservationists use to identify ferns. He donated all his work to UH.

Volunteers are always givers, like 83 year-old Irene Oficial, who provides transportation for other seniors through Na Hoaloha neighbor-to-neighbor services on Maui (click here). Every Caregiver provides for the needs of others. Our professional contributing authors give us the benefit of their training and expertise so we can make better decisions on Medicare, Social Security, health care, financial planning, retirement and improving our homes. Giving is the foundation of our community.

Take a moment to recognize how much time and resources YOU give your own family, friends and community. Our Generations Team applauds you! Whatever you give — a tune to lift the spirit, a hot meal to fill an empty belly, or greeting your grandchildren home from school every day — you are an honored “giver,” and this issue is for you.

Maintain a Normal Pace

The holiday bustle can be very stimulating, but it disrupts the healthy routines that keep us rested and strong all year. I have to remind myself that it’s okay to say “no” to some invitations, and forego that second helping of a treat that only comes once a year. Let’s all stay healthy and make sure we get sufficient rest and quiet time. Check out two cultural traditions in Hawaii (click here) that are daytime events and don’t involve alcohol — Japanese Mochitsuki and Hawaiian Makahiki.

The holidays are also great times to curl up with a good book. Our resource page (click here) lists all the libraries in Hawai‘i and their hours.

May the joy of giving be yours!

Every Day is New!

Katherine Kama‘ema‘e Smith, Associate Editor

Corrections:

Aug./Sep. issue, “Senior Discounts” Resource Guide: Longs Drug/CVS does not offer daily senior discounts; their current CVS programs and offers are a benefit to all Hawai’i shoppers.

Oct./Nov. issue, “When Hiring Private Caregivers…” by Kathy Newkirk Leong, RN, CEO Kahu Malama Nurses Inc. The acronym RICO stands for Regulated Industries Complaints Office in Hawai‘i. We apologize for the misquote.

“Giving” flows through every page of this issue of Generations Magazine. We feature Sam and Mary Cooke, who preserved an ancient Hawaiian earthwork and created Manoa Heritage Center for our community. This educational site and beautiful native Hawaiian gardens are close by, but a world away from modern Honolulu — a ‘must see’ for your…
KHON2 & Moon Physical Therapy Presents

They taught us, cared for us, sacrificed and continued to share so much with us throughout our lives. As a way to say thank you to all our Kupuna who have given of themselves so freely over the years, KHON2 and Moon Physical Therapy have partnered to bring you “Celebrating Our Kupuna.” It’s our way to honor and share their wonderful story with the whole community.

The program is open to all who have celebrated their 80th birthday, and above. If you’d like to honor your Kupuna, all you need to do is send a photo, and their information to kupuna@khon2.com. If chosen, your Kupuna will be featured on Wake Up 2day, weekday mornings.

We are all fortunate to have had their influence in our lives. By living well, and making good choices, they have come this far and can continue to be an important part of our lives. We strive to follow in their footsteps, to teach those who come after us, care for them, and to be a guiding light. That, above all else, is how we can truly celebrate our Kupuna.

They taught us, cared for us, sacrificed and continued to share so much with us throughout our lives. As a way to say thank you to all our Kupuna who have given of themselves so freely over the years, KHON2 and Moon Physical Therapy have partnered to bring you “Celebrating Our Kupuna.” It’s our way…
You’re The Love Of My Century

“I always tease him that I am the oldest,” says Adele Rickstrew, wife of Vernon. “And he laughs.” They are Hawaii Kai Retirement Community’s 100 years old couple.

She was born in Nevada on June 1913, and he in Colorado on February 1914. Both came from large families, did chores and helped with younger siblings. Recreation was dancing, ice hockey and horseback riding. “Crack shot” Vernon hunted deer and bear to feed the family.

Adele went to business college and became a secretary. When her first employer, a car dealer, asked her to do “showroom housework.” She quit, saying, “I didn’t go to business school to do dusting.” Later, she worked for a financial firm and the federal government.

In the depression, Vernon worked on a ranch from 7 am to 6 pm for 10 cents hourly. After work, he sold firewood he cut and bundled.

During Vernon’s 23 years in the Army. He trained recruits in pistol use. While in India, he was hired to hunt “man-eating tigers.”

Vernon said they stay healthy because “We eat good food, enjoy champagne and are not smokers.” She added, “We enjoy reading, television, napping and eating breakfast in our pajamas.”

The Rickstrews are getting into the holiday spirit: he with a Santa hat and she in Christmas colors. Together they will savor holiday festivities and their longtime love.

If you know a centenarian, send us a photo and something about him/her. We’ll help you write their story! Contact Sherry Goya:

808-722-8487 | SGoyaLLC@aol.com

“I always tease him that I am the oldest,” says Adele Rickstrew, wife of Vernon. “And he laughs.” They are Hawaii Kai Retirement Community’s 100 years old couple. She was born in Nevada on June 1913, and he in Colorado on February 1914. Both came from large families, did chores and helped with younger siblings.…
Two Traditional New Year Celebrations

Treat yourself and the grandchildren to a cultural New Year celebration this year — one of the big benefits of living in Hawai‘i.

Japanese Mochitsuki

Courtesy of Shimbashi Izakaya Restaurant, San Diego

Mochitsuki is a Japanese New Year tradition of getting together to make ceremonial mochi. Ancient Japanese warlords with the most laborers and rice won wars, so rice came to signify power. Pounding turns sticky Mochi rice into a tough, elastic paste, teaches us that when we stick together, we are strong. Rice also nurtures and fills the belly.

Mochitsuki begins with soaking rice overnight, cooking slowly and pounding by hand to a paste. Pounding hot mochi rice takes at least two persons: One slings a huge wood mallet; another reaches in with a wet hand to turn the hot sticky rice wad before the mallet strikes. Ouch! Everyone joins in the fun of rolling pieces of dough into large and small patties. A few are eaten — most are placed joyfully in the home for a blessing of strength and prosperity for the coming year New Year.

Rev. Shinkai Murakami at Wailuku Hongwanji Mission, Maui, invites the public to Mochitsuki on Dec. 27. Pre-ordered mochi patties may be picked up on December 28. For further information call 808-244-0406.

Hawaiian Makahiki Games

Courtesy of Turtle Bay Resort

Makahiki celebrates the new annual cycle with ceremonies over a period of four months. Breaking of a coconut shell in October starts the kahuna vigil for the appearance of Na Hiku o Makali‘i, or Pleiades constellation on the eastern horizon at sunset. On the following new moon, Ku retires from the heiau and Lono reigns — a god of peace, fertility and winter rains. War is prohibited, certain kapu are lifted and routine work ceases. While Lono softens the soil for spring planting, fishing kapu allow winter varieties and big projects are undertaken: repairing heiau, building canoes or digging new ‘auwai (irrigation ditches).

Harvest and handiwork were received by the King’s entourage, who traveled clockwise around each island. Every ahupua‘a celebrated with a merry feast and competitive games, like ‘ulu maika (lawn bowling), ‘o ‘o (spear throwing), hukihuki (tug of war) and ke‘apua (dart thowing).

The public is invited to Turtle Bay Resort’s Makahiki Kuilima on Jan. 17, 2015. For details, call 808-293-6000.

Treat yourself and the grandchildren to a cultural New Year celebration this year — one of the big benefits of living in Hawai‘i. Japanese Mochitsuki Mochitsuki is a Japanese New Year tradition of getting together to make ceremonial mochi. Ancient Japanese warlords with the most laborers and rice won wars, so rice came to signify…
Life In Focus

This article will start with the ending results … “everything is so beautiful.” I recently underwent cataract, astigmatism and lasik eye surgeries. I never realized that what I was seeing was not how things actually appear to others. My eye doctor has been monitoring me for a few years and told me when it was time for eye surgery.It was a given that my surgeon had to be experienced, reputable and highly recommended by people I know. I put my trust in a doctor who was a pioneer in lasik surgery, and I’m glad I did.

Preparing for the surgery was very easy, except I could not wear mascara from three days before surgery and four weeks after. The only no-no for the day of surgery for each eye was “no driving and no making any decisions.” That was hard to do because my eyesight was so clear, crisp and 20/20 on the day of my second eye surgery. The only treatment I had after the surgery was eyedrops. I received a chart that I taped to my bathroom wall to check-off which eye drop was put in which eye… and the color of the eye drop cap matched the color on the chart. That was helpful.

I appreciated the staff’s attention and thoroughness. They walked me through the whole process, saying, “Sherry, you’ll see a great light show.” I was never in any pain, I was awake, it took only about 15 minutes and I saw “life in focus” as soon as I walked out the surgery room.

Dr. Jenkins, Sherry and Mimi

This article will start with the ending results … “everything is so beautiful.” I recently underwent cataract, astigmatism and lasik eye surgeries. I never realized that what I was seeing was not how things actually appear to others. My eye doctor has been monitoring me for a few years and told me when it was…
Aging In Place Workshop Bigger Than Ever

The 8th Annual Aging in Place Workshop at the Ala Moana Hotel on August 23rd had attendees waiting to go into the exhibit area by 7:30 am. They could see 60 agencies and companies busily setting up their displays and were anxious to visit them. Workshop sessions were “standing room only” and organizers were very pleased with the response throughout the entire day.

“So many seniors want to stay in their homes as long as possible, and every day more services and great strategies become available to help them do just that,” said Michael Yee, an O’ahu financial planner and contributing author for Generations Magazine. Yee and 20 other experts presented ‘aging in place’ strategies, and made themselves available for questions at the workshop sessions.

More seniors need to hear this information. Even though an estimated 1200 seniors attended the Aging in Place workshops, more seniors need to come next year. Attorney Stephen Yim said in his workshop that only 30% of seniors have done adequate financial and health planning. Fall prevention expert David Nakamaejo of Comforting Hands Senior Care said that even though falling is a major cause for seniors to lose their independence — most falls are still preventable. Tell your friends and neighbors to attend next year.

The 8th Annual Aging in Place Workshop at the Ala Moana Hotel on August 23rd had attendees waiting to go into the exhibit area by 7:30 am. They could see 60 agencies and companies busily setting up their displays and were anxious to visit them. Workshop sessions were “standing room only” and organizers were very…
Editor’s Note

As we enter the fall season we are so happy to bring you the wonderful story of a true gentleman and caring Director of the Hawai‘I County Office on Aging, Alan Parker. Alan “talksstory” about the people who mentored him and the plantation values that allowed him to be successful. We are grateful to Alan Parker and his whole office for their support and the many dedicated volunteers who assist all our seniors on Hawai‘I Island. A special mahalo to Jolean Yamada, Nic Los Banos and Pauline Fukunaga who were efficient point persons for our magazine staff.

Several other stories focus on Hawai‘i Island seniors giving back to their community: the very popular “Seniors Living in Paradise” TV show hosts, George Yoshida and Derek Kurisu (pg. 24), The Kona Rotary (pg. 28), and Senior Outreach volunteers in Paho (pg. 20). We also report on our visit to Hilo’s prestigious Lyman Museum (pg. 27). Generations Magazine just grew to 58 pages, with resource guides, and more spot-on educational topics by our contributing writers.

With this issue, I am also honored to introduce you to our new Associate Editor Katherine Kama’ema’e Smith from Maui. She brings so much energy, heartfelt feelings for our culture, stories of the islands and love for life and for our seniors. Katherine is a baby boomer on Medicare, who managed her mom’s last years and knows both the challenges and joys of caregiving.

Thank you for stopping by the Senior Fair to chat and fill out our questionnaire, which helps us pick topics for upcoming issues. I hope you enjoyed meeting our advertisers and learning more about their services. Big congratulations to Amy Itagaki of Aiea, who won our sweepstakes prize — an all-expense-paid Vacations Hawaii Las Vegas package for two at the California Hotel. It’s good to be lucky!

Many of you are veterans who put their lives in harms way to protect our freedoms. We thank you for serving our country — and the families of veterans who suffered loss. We ask all our readers to reach out to veterans and families of active military this Veterans Day.

And October also starts the time to review our Medicare plans. Many people just received notice that they must choose a new plan for 2015. We invited Martha Khlopin to give us details and timeframes for changing Medicare plans (pg. 34), as well our regular Medicare column from Hawaii SHIP (pg. 32), as a service to you.

Live well,

Percy Ihara, Editor/Publisher

As we enter the fall season we are so happy to bring you the wonderful story of a true gentleman and caring Director of the Hawai‘I County Office on Aging, Alan Parker. Alan “talksstory” about the people who mentored him and the plantation values that allowed him to be successful. We are grateful to Alan…
It’s Not A House – It’s HOME

In 1992, when Hurricane Iniki hit the islands, my mother-in-law refused to leave the house. Both Linda and I were working and we called her over and over, trying to get her to go to a shelter. She wouldn’t leave her beloved dog behind and at that time, not many shelters accepted pets. Fortunately, she rode out the storm, in the dark, hugging the pup.

This brings us to Puna on the Big Island. Neighborhoods there took a serious hit from tropical storm Iselle. I know this much about Puna side of Hawai‘i Island: there are families kupuna who have lived there for years and would react just like my mother-in-law. They would NOT leave their homes. It’s not just a house — it’s a HOME. It may be because of a pet. It may be because of a koa rocker in the living room. It may be because of photo albums that keep their memories alive.

Experts tell us that aging in place — even during a storm — is a vital concept when it comes to our seniors. The longer they can stay in comfortable familiar surroundings, HOME, the better off they will be — physically, emotionally, spiritually, financially.

It is important to remember, we need to think about the needs of our seniors, not just on a day to day basis, but especially during times of emergency. They may experience confusion, stress — but if that senior relative or neighbor has your arm to lean on, you can make all the difference in the world. And if they have a pet, scoop that baby up and take it with you.

The Elderhood Project airs on KHON2 News Friday mornings at 5:45 a.m. And Thursday afternoons at 5 p.m.

In 1992, when Hurricane Iniki hit the islands, my mother-in-law refused to leave the house. Both Linda and I were working and we called her over and over, trying to get her to go to a shelter. She wouldn’t leave her beloved dog behind and at that time, not many shelters accepted pets. Fortunately, she…
It’s Not A House – It’s HOME

In 1992, when Hurricane Iniki hit the islands, my mother-in-law refused to leave the house. Both Linda and I were working and we called her over and over, trying to get her to go to a shelter. She wouldn’t leave her beloved dog behind and at that time, not many shelters accepted pets. Fortunately, she rode out the storm, in the dark, hugging the pup.

This brings us to Puna on the Big Island. Neighborhoods there took a serious hit from tropical storm Iselle. I know this much about Puna side of Hawai‘i Island: there are families kupuna who have lived there for years and would react just like my mother-in-law. They would NOT leave their homes. It’s not just a house — it’s a HOME. It may be because of a pet. It may be because of a koa rocker in the living room. It may be because of photo albums that keep their memories alive.

Experts tell us that aging in place — even during a storm — is a vital concept when it comes to our seniors. The longer they can stay in comfortable familiar surroundings, HOME, the better off they will be — physically, emotionally, spiritually, financially.

It is important to remember, we need to think about the needs of our seniors, not just on a day to day basis, but especially during times of emergency. They may experience confusion, stress — but if that senior relative or neighbor has your arm to lean on, you can make all the difference in the world. And if they have a pet, scoop that baby up and take it with you.

The Elderhood Project airs on KHON2 News Friday mornings at 5:45 a.m. And Thursday afternoons at 5 p.m.

In 1992, when Hurricane Iniki hit the islands, my mother-in-law refused to leave the house. Both Linda and I were working and we called her over and over, trying to get her to go to a shelter. She wouldn’t leave her beloved dog behind and at that time, not many shelters accepted pets. Fortunately, she…
Kupuna For Common Grace

Jay Jarman and Kevon

“Matching the kindness of a neighborhood church with the needs of a kid in a public school,” is the motto of Common Grace, created in 2002. This homegrown organization partners members of neighborhood churches and service clubs with elementary school students at breakfast, lunch or after-school time to offer kindness to kids. Many seniors volunteer with Common Grace.

It all started with the Principal of Queen Lydia Lili‘uokalani Elementary telling Jay Jarman and Pastor Ron Arnold of Kaimuki Christian Church that they have lonely children on their campus. She asked, “Would any of your church family members like to come once in a while to sit and talk and make friends with our kids?”

Today, Common Grace partners with twenty-one elementary schools, interacting with approximately 150 students. They are supported by the State of Hawai‘i Department of Education Superintendent, and received the 2007 Partnership in Education Award. Jay Jarman, Executive Director, received the 2009 Outstanding Advocate for Children and Youth Award from the Hawaii State Legislature.

If you want to be a friend to a lonely little kid, you may contact Common Grace: 808-282-6194. Mentors complete a two-hour training session and pass a background check and work in teams to offer mutual support and built-in back-up in case you are not able to be with your child at your regular meeting time. For more information visit: www.commongrace.org.

“Matching the kindness of a neighborhood church with the needs of a kid in a public school,” is the motto of Common Grace, created in 2002. This homegrown organization partners members of neighborhood churches and service clubs with elementary school students at breakfast, lunch or after-school time to offer kindness to kids. Many seniors volunteer…