Category: Living Life

Making Our Souls Blossom

Ella Moncrief with Bella Campos and her grandmother on Kūpuna Day.

Assets School makes a difference in the lives of gifted and dyslexic students through a strengths-based learning environment. We place a strong emphasis on the importance of family support to help to build confidence and resilience in each child.

“Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.” — Marcel Proust

I remembered this quote on Kūpuna Day, one of my favorite days on the school calendar. This year, we welcomed 150 guests to campus: grandparents, parents, grand aunts and uncles, as well as aunties, uncles and family friends. We are excited to meet the many different adults and elders who make a positive impact on our students’ lives. As we shared breakfast together, two classes greeted us with a song and dance. Then, we had fun making arts-and-crafts and moved to the classrooms where children and ku¯puna engaged in all kinds of fun activities. As I listened to ku¯puna sharing stories about their school-aged years, I couldn’t help but wonder who had more fun, the children or the adults?

“I was thoroughly entertained and so glad I made the effort to attend on both days for both of my grandchildren,“ said Susan Lee, grandmother of Zak Campos, grade 3 and Bella Campos, grade 5. “Visiting Assets gives me a unique perspective on Zak and Bella’s world and brings us closer together.”

ASSETS SCHOOL
1 Ohana Nui Way, Honolulu, HI, 96818
 808-432-1356 | www.assets-school.net

Assets School makes a difference in the lives of gifted and dyslexic students through a strengths-based learning environment. We place a strong emphasis on the importance of family support to help to build confidence and resilience in each child. “Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who…
Kūpuna Can Grow Readers

Justin loves reading with his Tu¯ tu¯ Helen, as much as she does with him.

Justin was in kindergarten when Kalihi Kai Elementary School began Golden Moment Hawai‘i, a collaboration between Kristy Yamaguchi’s Always Dream Foundation (ADF) and Hawai‘i P-20 to bring “Always Reading” into Hawai‘i public schools. It’s a very simple program: it offers kindergarten children a wide variety of books, which parents commit to read to their children — a little every day.

Each week, Justin’s teacher handed out “little red bags” for students to take home — each bag contained three different books to take home so their parents could read them the stories.

Like many retired seniors, Tu¯ tu¯ Helen De Castro helps raise her grandson, so she began reading to Justin, every day for 15 or 20 minutes, before dinner or bedtime. The children liked the little red bags more than the school library. The parents loved the quality time, and Justin looked forward to getting “my books” every week.

“Reading is so important,” says Grandma Helen. “In math you have to read the problems. When something goes wrong with a computer, you have to read the directions to fix it. Reading opens the whole world to kids. ‘Always Reading’ opened up Justin’s world, too.”

Kindergarteners sponge up everything that comes their way. “Justin listens to a story a couple of times, and by then he has it memorized. He counts to 10 in Spanish, and memorizes all the dialogue on his Leap Frog DVDs. I wish he would memorize Grandma’s shopping list!” says Helen.

Now Justin is a first-grader and little red bags are only for kindergarten kids, but he and Helen still read together every day. “Finding new books to read to my grandson is always on my shopping list,” says Helen. She likes Walmart, the Library and Savers for books on all reading levels. She also gets bargains on used books at some branches of the Hawaii State Credit Union.

“A funny thing happened,” adds Helen, “Justin has started writing his own stories. His classmate draws nice illustrations, and I get to staple the ‘book’ together. With just a pencil and a piece of scratch paper, he is happy to amuse himself. When we go to the grocery, he rides in the cart and reads his book.”

Helen offers this advice: “Grandparents can do a lot to support the literacy of their grandchildren ; if you read to them every day, they take to it.”

ALWAYS READING PROGRAM by Always Dream Foundation For inquiries, email: info@alwaysdream.org www.alwaysdream.org/programs HAWAII STATE PUBLIC LIBRARY SYSTEMS www.tinyurl.com/HSPLS-LibraryBranches

Justin was in kindergarten when Kalihi Kai Elementary School began Golden Moment Hawai‘i, a collaboration between Kristy Yamaguchi’s Always Dream Foundation (ADF) and Hawai‘i P-20 to bring “Always Reading” into Hawai‘i public schools. It’s a very simple program: it offers kindergarten children a wide variety of books, which parents commit to read to their children…
Yes! A Memoir of Modern Hawai‘i

Politicians must join ranks with leaders from business, labor and community groups to accomplish common goals. Crafting many of these alliances in modern Hawai‘i are public relations and marketing professionals like Walter A. Dods, Jr., former chairman of First Hawaiian Bank, Alexander & Baldwin and HawaiianTel, and a campaign organizer for governors and senators.

In Dodd’s new book, Yes! A Memoir of Modern Hawai‘i, he shows how dreams and schemes become a reality for corporations like First Hawaiian Bank, and state officials like governors Cayetano and Ariyoshi and U.S. Sen. Inouye. It’s a fascinating view of events we only know from the outside — the savings and loan disaster or Ariyoshi’s journey from, “who’s he?” to a household name. Dods’ candid account of the 2008 HawaiianTel bankruptcy and First Hawaiian’s debut venture in Japan define the high stakes he faced. Sober analysis and backing up his “Yes!” with results is an important lesson for all executives.

Yes! is more than Dods’ personal account of his many accomplishments. Pull quotes reveal the deep relationships Dods forged with champions of Hawai‘i business, government and community service, proving again that all deals, are between people. Like his other achievements, this beautiful memoir is a collaboration with two Honolulu Advertiser journalists — Gerry Keir and Jeff Burris — who covered Hawai‘i politics and business for decades.

Yes!, A Memoir of Modern Hawai‘i is available in local bookstores and directly from Watermark Publishing, 808-587 7766 or www.bookshawaii.com. The price is $19.95, and all proceeds go to Aloha United Way.

Politicians must join ranks with leaders from business, labor and community groups to accomplish common goals. Crafting many of these alliances in modern Hawai‘i are public relations and marketing professionals like Walter A. Dods, Jr., former chairman of First Hawaiian Bank, Alexander & Baldwin and HawaiianTel, and a campaign organizer for governors and senators. In…
Each Other – A Book Club’s Greatest Benefit

Photo courtesy of Honu Media, LLC

We age like a book and advance, hopefully, toward maturity through the rise and fall of the turning pages of our lives. Consequently, when members of the West Maui Book Club come together to discuss a novel, we’ll often share\ relevant chapters of our personal stories. For us, this is the greatest benefit of all.

Kelli Lundgren, a member since 2013, says, “Since joining, I’ve listened to stories of personal travel to South America and Malaysia. Members shared accounts of being stranded in politically tense areas of the world and in compelling cultural and political experiences.” It “stirs the soul.”

Mihaela Stoops, a member since 2011, adds, “This book club satisfies my need to have an intelligent conversation. It stimulates and challenges me, makes me learn new things and gives me new perspectives.” It’s “awesome.”

Victoria Caputo, a member since 2010, says that at any age, a book club provides brain wellness through conversation and critical thinking.

And according to Diane Pure, an original member in 2005, the West Maui Book Club creates a sense of community and support for one another. She enjoys sharing social time with talented women from different life and work experiences.

Yes, we love to read and discuss our book selections, but sharing relevant wisdom gained through the saga of our lives is the greatest benefit of any book club. So why not join one and experience how your gained insights can help others? In return, expect your life to be enhanced by other members in new and thought-provoking ways.

“There are no faster or firmer friendships than those formed between people who love the same books.” — Irving Stone

WEST MAUI BOOK CLUB
www.westmauibookclub.com
Info@westmauibookclub.com

We age like a book and advance, hopefully, toward maturity through the rise and fall of the turning pages of our lives. Consequently, when members of the West Maui Book Club come together to discuss a novel, we’ll often share\ relevant chapters of our personal stories. For us, this is the greatest benefit of all.…
It’s Never Too Late to Take the High Road

Four mature Native Hawaiians, including two retirees, recently were ordained as deacons of the Episcopal Diocese of Hawai‘i. In the spring, “God willing and the people consenting,” they will become Episcopal priests.

(L–R) Phyllis Mahilani “Mahi” Beimes (in front, among the lei), L-R: Malcolm Keleawe, Paul Nahoa Lucas, John Hau‘oli Tomoso, Episcopal Deacons

Phyllis Mahilani “Mahi” Beimes is the first Native Hawaiian woman to be ordained in the worldwide Anglican communion. After she retired as a Pearl Harbor submarine electrician, her congregation called her to enter the priesthood. She and her husband live in Kane‘ohe; their children live nearby. She is a member of St. Johns-by-the-Sea in Kane‘ohe, as is Paul Nahoa Lucas, who answers his call for the priesthood from his position as a compliance lawyer for Kamehameha Schools. He and his family live in Ka’a’awa, and his youngest son is a college freshman on the mainland.

Malcolm Keleawe Hee comes from a Buddhist upbringing. He excels as a special education teacher, and instructs teaching majors at Chaminade University. Malcolm, his wife and their two daughters’ faminies reside in Palolo. He is a member of Good Samaritan Church.

John Hau‘oli Tomoso is executive director of Tri-Isles Conservation and Development Council Inc. His life has been deeply connected to social work in the Hawaiian community and he serves as kahuna pule for the Royal Order of Kamehameha. A member of Good Shepherd Church, he lives in Wailuku with his wife and mother; grandchildren are nearby.

In Hawai’i, seniors who are called to serve the church as clergy undertake rigorous study and spiritual formation without either moving to a mainland seminary or disrupting familes and careers.

These four deacons are completing a three-year formation program on O‘ahu, meeting for 10 weekends a year. Meetings include academic courses, monthly exams, practical workshops, spiritual development and worship. Each candidate has completed two years of church fieldwork.

When ordained as priests, they will join a regional clerical team or a congregation; later, they may be called to serve any Episcopal church in Hawai‘i; some may even get a salary. Nine more students are preparing for ordination in 2018.

Mature deacons and priests bring to their ministries valuable lifelong experience with Hawai‘i’s varied cultures and their deep roots in the community. Native Hawaiian priests honor the tradition of Queen Emma and Kamehameha IV, who in 1862 invited the Church of England to be established in Hawai‘i.

For further information, call Reverend Linda Decker on Maui at 808-244-4656 or email her at office@goodshepherdmaui.org.

Four mature Native Hawaiians, including two retirees, recently were ordained as deacons of the Episcopal Diocese of Hawai‘i. In the spring, “God willing and the people consenting,” they will become Episcopal priests. Phyllis Mahilani “Mahi” Beimes is the first Native Hawaiian woman to be ordained in the worldwide Anglican communion. After she retired as a…
Stay on Your Feet in 2016

This Na Hoaloha Team-4-Assessment includes high school students who want to “keep Tutu safe.” Since September, they have profided workshops and falls asssesments to residents of four senior housing facilities on Maui.

Maui Na Hoaloha has made their falls prevention program, Stay on Your Feet, part of their regular service to clients. Teams-4-Assessment are trained to implement complete falls risk assessments, engage clients in falls prevention training and help clients physically make their living quarters safer. The need is great. Na Hoaloha is seeking more volunteers.

Na Hoaloha currently services 440 home-bound clients with 200 trained volunteers. Their intergenerational approach allows young people to work with Stay on Your Feet assessment teams. Falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries in seniors, so this progran can decrease hospitalizations and deaths due to falls.

Persons who have fallen once are at risk to fall again so the Team assesses fall history, medications, fitness, balance and vision. Teams also provide clients with nightlights, ensure pathways are clear and safe, and help clients plan for grab bar installation.

“Na Hoaloha serves the highest risk seniors who wish to stay in their own homes and live independently,” says Candice Carter, executive director. “For a complete falls assessment, please call us.”

NA HOALOHA
P.O. Box 3208-61 N. Church St., Wailuku, HI 96793
808-249-2545 | info@nahoaloha.org
www.nahoaloha.org

Maui Na Hoaloha has made their falls prevention program, Stay on Your Feet, part of their regular service to clients. Teams-4-Assessment are trained to implement complete falls risk assessments, engage clients in falls prevention training and help clients physically make their living quarters safer. The need is great. Na Hoaloha is seeking more volunteers. Na…
Cops, Killers and Corruption in the Aloha State Sunny Skies, Shady Characters

If truth is stranger than fiction, then this book is the strangest you will ever read. James Dooley, a former investigative reporter for The Honolulu Advertiser, KITV 4 News and Hawaii Reporter, details public corruption and criminality in Hawai‘i during the 70’s and 80’s. A lot of Dooley’s sleuthing formed the basis of the original essay called “Broken Trust,” printed in the old Honolulu Star-Bulletin and later published as a book. Dooley’s gripping memoirs of ties among celebrities, Teamsters, politicians and judges weaves a broad web of “how things were done in Hawai‘i.”

Advertiser readers will remember crime stories about Kukui Plaza, Bishop Estate Trustees and a gangland hit on the son of Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney Charles Marsland, Jr., but Dooley’s editors scrubbed some of his stories, and information, connections and associations he reveals is this memoir might be surprising. As Dooley puts it, “The stories stood on their own, but like stands of bamboo, there was a dense root system underneath that stretched over time and distance, producing new shoots in surprising places.”

This very well written book will grab your attention. Don’t pick it up until you clear your calendar — it’s a page-turner! Available for $18.99 from UH Press; paperback and Kindle from Amazon.com.

If truth is stranger than fiction, then this book is the strangest you will ever read. James Dooley, a former investigative reporter for The Honolulu Advertiser, KITV 4 News and Hawaii Reporter, details public corruption and criminality in Hawai‘i during the 70’s and 80’s. A lot of Dooley’s sleuthing formed the basis of the original…
Book Review: A Nutritional Approach to Alzheimer’s Disease

When it comes to Alzheimer’s disease, anything that offers hope gets attention. Dr. Blake analyses the latest scientific information and results from his clinical trials with Alzheimer’s patients at Hawaii Pacific Neuroscience Institute on O‘ahu, and dishes us up a simple diet — berries, green vegetables, nuts and beans — to prevent and slow the progression of Alzheimer’s and related dementia. The subject is rocket science, but his book is easy to understand. Learn how powerful flavonoids in plant foods preserve brains cells and keep them active. See how how antioxidant vitamins protect our brain cells.

One indicator of Alzheimer’s disease is the presence of amyloid plaques, little fuzz balls that get stuck in the brain and kill off brain cells. He explains ways to reduce these brain plaques, including taking vitamin B12 (little tabs that melt under your tongue, not pills) and eating plenty of green vegetables.

Clogged brain arteries and tiny strokes cause trouble too. If we eat fewer animal fats, blood flow to our brains will increase. If you need a reason to improve your diet, this is it.

A Nutritional Approach to Alzheimer’s Disease details 15 easy nutritional changes to help delay memory loss. Softcover book ($25) or PDF download ($9.95) are available at www.drsteve.com. Or by calling Lifelong Press, 808-280-6865.

When it comes to Alzheimer’s disease, anything that offers hope gets attention. Dr. Blake analyses the latest scientific information and results from his clinical trials with Alzheimer’s patients at Hawaii Pacific Neuroscience Institute on O‘ahu, and dishes us up a simple diet — berries, green vegetables, nuts and beans — to prevent and slow the…
Leeward Y Offers Something for Every Senior

Are you a social butterfly, chess master, water aerobics nut or work-out queen? Health and fun await everyone at the Leeward Y!

Laughter, potluck snacks, and fresh coffee are the mid-morning, sounds, sights and smells at the YMCA of Honolulu’s Leeward Y Branch, in the heart of Waipahu. Comfortable chairs and tables in the brightly lit community lounge host yummy potlucks, spirited board games, craft activities and friendly socializing. This “reward” time follows senior health and fitness programs, carefully designed for every age and ability. What’s popular? Aerobics in the heated pool are easy on the joints. Zumba Gold and tai chi maintain cardio health and balance. Ai-chi is the best of both worlds — tai chi class in our heated pool!

Seniors also love our newest classes — MOSSA Group Power™ and Enhanced Fitness.™ These fun, high-energy group exercise classes provide a very efficient workout at every pace and level. Motivated by great music, up-beat instructors and positive physical results, seniors excel in these classes.

For those suffering from arthritis, evidencebased Enhanced Fitness is designed to help reduce painful symptoms. Seniors see improved strength, mobility and agility — all while having fun and making new friends. One senior’s physical therapist asked what she was doing. He was amazed at how much flexibility she gained in her spine!

The Y offers special senior membership rates and financial assistance based on income. Some Medicare plans offer a free Y membership as a benefit. All new memberships include a complete orientation and one free personal guided workout with a trainer. Call for more information.

YMCA OF HONOLULU, LEEWARD BRANCH
94-440 Mokuola St., Waipahu, HI 96797
808-671-6495 | info@ymcahonolulu.org
www.ymcahonolulu.org

Laughter, potluck snacks, and fresh coffee are the mid-morning, sounds, sights and smells at the YMCA of Honolulu’s Leeward Y Branch, in the heart of Waipahu. Comfortable chairs and tables in the brightly lit community lounge host yummy potlucks, spirited board games, craft activities and friendly socializing. This “reward” time follows senior health and fitness…
A Happy Day in the Park

As my friend and I searched for interesting activities near the blue jungle gym in Ala Moana Beach Park, we spotted a group of women making dance formations and speaking Chinese. Upon closer investigation, we discovered a happy, healthy dance group.

Judy Wu coordinates and teaches a healthy, happy dance class that meets every week at the Hawaii Chinese Culture & Education Center. When the center is closed, they dance in the park.

Judy Wu, dance class coordinator, along with thirty women and her husband, were gathered in the park for a three-hour-long senior dance class on the grass. The group meets every week at the Hawaii Chinese Culture & Education Center, but the senior center was closed for a state holiday. The focus of this free dance group is exercising and celebrating good health and happiness.

Judy Wu is the teacher and choreographer for the group. She writes the articles, takes pictures, and says that the class is like a full-time job that she enjoys. Her husband, Steve Wu, is her biggest supporter. He quietly stood on the side, watching his wife teach the other dancers.

Judy says, “When we come to the park and dance together, it is as if we are bringing ourselves back to our childhood. The beach park is our stage; there is no pressure because we are doing this for our happiness and health. It is not for show.” Judy gives her students her patience and her heart. The dancers kindly shuffled between being interviewed and dancing.

Her dancers smile and get in their formations as she runs back to the table to play the next song. They use their hands to make movements, and later in the performance they use Chinese fans. The colorful fans move together gracefully and the group dances as one.

A regular participant, Kil Dong Koh, joined the dance group because it benefits her physical health. She said, “I have diabetes, so I have to exercise. Dance brings my sugar level down and keeps me slimmer. Ever since I began exercising, my leg cramps have gone away. I also love that this class is free.”

Judy explained that exercise releases the endorphins that make people happy. She doesn’t advertise, but membership has grown from two to thirty-two a year and a half. “This dance class has become a healthy cycle. I believe that whatever you give is what you will get. I have given these students happiness,” Judy smiled and immediately was off to plan the next dance routine. What a wonderful, happy day in the park!

As my friend and I searched for interesting activities near the blue jungle gym in Ala Moana Beach Park, we spotted a group of women making dance formations and speaking Chinese. Upon closer investigation, we discovered a happy, healthy dance group. Judy Wu, dance class coordinator, along with thirty women and her husband, were gathered…
Lifelong Learning, What’s Stopping You?

Senior citizens can attend classes on University of Hawaii Manoa campus through the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. For 10 years OLLI has been offering non-credit, college-level courses and other activities to encourage older individuals to engage their minds, enrich their lives, and serve the community. While the institute primarily serves mature learners aged 50+, the only true requirements for participation are maturity, life experience, and a desire to learn.

OLLI currently serves nearly one thousand senior learners in their membership program. The fee is $60 per year, which entitles the learner to participate in three college level courses or community projects. Professors and project leaders are all volunteers and subjects center around social sciences: art, science, history and community service.

OLLI is now enrolling for the spring semester online at: www.osher.socialsciences.hawaii.edu/ or at their office on Manoa campus Krauss Hall, Room 113. The courses are very popular, and there is often a waiting list, so apply early. For further information, call Rebecca Goodman at 808-956-8224.

Ellen Yasuda, a 79-year-old resident of Waikiki will be signing up online for classes at University of Hawaii Manoa campus

Ellen Yasuda, a 79-year-old resident of The Plaza at Waikiki, shares her UH experience. She retired at age 61 as a claims examiner for Hawaii Medical Service Association. A world traveler, Yasuda has toured most parts of Europe, South America, Japan and China. Ellen has enjoyed taking a variety of classes at UH, such as history of world civilizations, Japanese history, art history, and language courses.

UH also offers non-credit college courses for a small fee, at the UHM Outreach College website, www.outreach.hawaii.edu/. Seniors and learners of any any age may enroll now for spring semester standard college-level courses. For outreach students, UH issues no college credits and keeps no transcripts. Is there something you always wanted to learn? What’s stopping you?

Rebecca Goodman, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute
(808) 956-8224 | rgoodman@hawaii.edu
Dr. Patrica Masters, UHM Outreach College
(808) 956-9317 | pmasters@hawaii.edu

Senior citizens can attend classes on University of Hawaii Manoa campus through the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. For 10 years OLLI has been offering non-credit, college-level courses and other activities to encourage older individuals to engage their minds, enrich their lives, and serve the community. While the institute primarily serves mature learners aged 50+, the…
A Leeward Legacy

Rosemarie Dungca has been working for the City and County of Honolulu since 1978. In 1983, Whitmore Village asked her to teach hula classes. Her popularity grew and soon was teaching throughout the Leeward area.

Now seniors from the Mililani, Wahiawa, Pearl City and North Shore areas may learn how to dance hula and play the ‘ukulele. These talented men and women provide community service, which includes entertaining the elderly at care homes, centers, hospitals, shopping centers, as well as public and private events.

Na Leo Nahenahe o Na Ku puna performs a repertoire of multi-cultural hula renditions. The nonprofit promotes longevity through dance, music and exercise.

Na Leo Nahenahe o Na Kupuna is a nonprofit organization that promotes longevity and encourages members to function as long as they can through dance, music and exercise. Weekly classes are held for beginner, intermediate and advanced levels. Their performances are very entertaining, with costumes as versatile as their songs and repertoire of ethnic hula, with Filipino, Japanese and Chinese renditions. I was very impressed when I watched them dance at the Helemanu Plantation wellness fair. With the holidays in full swing, watch for their performances!

NA LEO NAHENAHE O NA KUPUNA
808-625-2849, Pauline Kamisato

Rosemarie Dungca has been working for the City and County of Honolulu since 1978. In 1983, Whitmore Village asked her to teach hula classes. Her popularity grew and soon was teaching throughout the Leeward area. Now seniors from the Mililani, Wahiawa, Pearl City and North Shore areas may learn how to dance hula and play…