Category: Articles

Loose Teeth May Damage Your Health

If your teeth are tight, you can floss and brush bacteria away. Loose teeth trap bacteria, allowing infection to flow into the blood stream, affect other organs and compromise overall health.

Reasons for Loose Teeth

Gum disease: The No. 1 reason people lose their teeth is not age, but periodontal disease. Bacteria on the roots of your teeth may cause the gum to swell, turn red and bleed. If left untreated, the bone will corrode and the tooth loosens. Often, gum disease causes no pain.

Trauma: Getting hit in the mouth can loosen teeth. If a dentist can stabilize the teeth, they will tighten up again. However, if the top and bottom teeth are not connecting properly and the bite is off, the teeth may loosen more.

Partial dentures: Denture wires that don’t fit properly may cause teeth to loosen or shift, resulting in a bad bite and more problems.

Symptoms and Treatment

Bad breath
Red, inflamed gums
Bleeding gums on brushing or flossing
Front teeth beginning to separate, leaving spaces that were not there before
Looseness of any or all teeth
For health reasons alone, pick up the phone and call your favorite dentist.

Hawaii Center for Cosmetic & Laser Dentistry
808-526-0670 | www.smilepower.net

If your teeth are tight, you can floss and brush bacteria away. Loose teeth trap bacteria, allowing infection to flow into the blood stream, affect other organs and compromise overall health. Reasons for Loose Teeth Gum disease: The No. 1 reason people lose their teeth is not age, but periodontal disease. Bacteria on the roots…
Social Security Turns 80

Eighty years ago, on Aug. 14, 1935, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act into law. The new law guaranteed a basic income for retirees and, at the time, the unemployed.

Over the years, Social Security has expanded its safety net beyond retirees to provide benefits for people with disabilities and the chronically ill, and spouses and children of deceased workers. The agency has evolved to serve the needs of a changing America. This year, we celebrate our past successes and look down the path to an even brighter future.

Social Security is there for you during all stages of life. We issue a unique Social Security number to most newborns when an application is taken at the hospital. We track income over your working career and accurately calculate your retirement benefit. We provide disability benefits to injured and chronically ill workers and their families. We provide survivors benefits to widows, widowers and minor children of deceased workers. We also provide Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to those with low income and resources, and Extra Help with Medicare prescription drug costs for people who qualify.

Social Security evolves to meet the demands of our digital world. “My Social Security account” lets you view your Social Security Statement, verify the accuracy of your earnings record, and get estimates of future monthly benefits — all online. Once you begin receiving Social Security benefits, you can use your online account to manage your record, including changing your address and phone number, checking your benefit information, changing your electronic payment method, and obtaining an instant benefit verification letter or replacement SSA-1099/1042S. If you don’t have one, sign up for a my Social Security account at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount.

Our safe and secure online services allow you to apply for retirement, spouse’s, Medicare and disability benefits from the comfort of your home. Visit https://www.ssa.gov/applyonline.

Looking to the future, we recently released our Vision 2025, a strategic plan to help us shape the future of Social Security services and maintain clear communication with you. For more information about our vision for the next ten years, visit https://www.ssa.gov/vision2025.

We look to the next 80 years to proudly serve- Social Security customers throughout their lifetime, when and where you need us. See how Social Security has evolved over the years at www.socialsecurity.gov/history.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Social Security 80th Anniversary Webinar

Friday, Aug. 14, 2015, 9 –11 am

Sponsored by

State of Hawai‘i Insurance Assistance Program

(SHIP, formerly known as Sage Plus)

Speakers:

Jane Yamamoto-Burigsay, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist in Hawai‘i

– Retirement, Spouse’s and Disability benefits

– How to file, Social Security’s online tools

Pamela Cunningham, SHIP Coordinator

–Medicare A, B, C and D

For more information and to register, please visit online at
www.hawaiiship.org.

Questions, online applications, or to make an appointment to visit a Social Security office, contact:
1-800-772-1213 (toll free) |1-800-325-0778 (TTY)
www.socialsecurity.gov

Eighty years ago, on Aug. 14, 1935, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act into law. The new law guaranteed a basic income for retirees and, at the time, the unemployed. Over the years, Social Security has expanded its safety net beyond retirees to provide benefits for people with disabilities and the chronically…
Are You Golf-Ready?

Golf is a popular sports activity. Unlike most sports, it can be played throughout the golden years, if you can avoid injury and stay in shape. The American Physical Therapy Association says that older golfers often forget that while their passion for the game remains high, their bodies have aged. As we age, we lose flexibility, muscle mass and strength. Because the golf swing’s extreme bending and twisting movements are not natural for the body, senior golfers are at a greater risk of injury. Correct body mechanics on and off the course (lifting golf bags, etc.) play a larger role in preventing injuries. Warm-up exercises before starting a game are essential to prevent injury, and continuing with these exercises during the game will help muscles recover faster and maintain muscular balance. Keeping yourself in shape with year-round conditioning, balance, strength, endurance and flexibility training ensures an injury-free game.

Essential Warm-Up Exercises to Prevent Injury

Wrist Stretches: Increase flexibility. Start with one arm held outward horizontally, elbows straight, palms down. Use your other hand to bend your wrist downward. Hold it for 20–30 seconds. Then turn palms upward and repeat. Do 2–3 sets.

Trunk Rotation:

Increases trunk ROM. Stand in the golf posture. Place your club behind your neck, on your shoulders and grasp each end. Rotate your upper body back and through in a slow and controlled motion, simulating a golf swing. Feel a stretch at the trunk region. Repeat 10 times.

Anterior Shoulder Stretch:

Increases range of motion (ROM). Standing, hold your golf club behind your back with palms outward. Raise the club upwards until a stretch is felt in the front of your shoulders and chest. Hold 20–30 seconds. Do 2–3 sets.

Trunk

Extension: Increases trunk ROM and prepares muscles for your golf swing (reduces back injury.) Stand holding your golf club with both hands (palms outward), rest your club on the small of your back. Bend backwards slowly. Hold for 2 seconds and return. Repeat 5–10 times.

Hamstring and Groin Stretches:

Improves ROM at the hips and groin, allowing for better movement during the golf swing. Starting with one side, stand in front of a bench holding the golf club as a cane to maintain balance. Place your heel on the bench seat with the standing leg straight. Keeping hips facing forward, point your toes back toward you, hold 20–30 seconds. Next, rotate your body toward the club side and feel a groin stretch. Hold 20–30 seconds. Alternate position and repeat 2–3 times.

Moon Physical Therapy, LLC

320 Ward Avenue, Suite 107, Honolulu, HI 96814

Aquatic, Land-based and Manual Therapy

Golf is a popular sports activity. Unlike most sports, it can be played throughout the golden years, if you can avoid injury and stay in shape. The American Physical Therapy Association says that older golfers often forget that while their passion for the game remains high, their bodies have aged. As we age, we lose…
Senior Foodbox Program: Good & Healthy
What if there was an easy, affordable way to get necessary nutrients for good health, without having to figure it all out yourself? Hawaii FoodBank on O‘ahu is taking applications for the Senior FoodBox Program, an ongoing supplemental food program in addition to the current Hawai‘i FoodBank food voucher program. Each Senior FoodBox provides about 32 pounds of nutritious USDA foods, including canned meats, fish, juice, peanut butter, beans, nonfat milk, and ready-to-eat cereal. This federal Commodity Supplemental Food Program is managed by the Hawai‘i State Office of Community Services and distributed monthly at nine Hawaii Foodbank locations.

O‘ahu Senior FoodBox Program Locations:

Kokua Kalihi Valley Elderly Services — Kalihi: 1846 Gulick Avenue, Kuhio Park Terrace Community Center

Hale Ola Ho’opakolea — Nanakuli: 89-137 Nanakuli Avenue

Dynamic Compassion — Waimanalo: Waimanalo District Park, 41-415 Hihimanu St.

Sts. Peter & Paul Church — Honolulu: 800 Kaheka Street (across Don Quijote)

Waipahu United Church of Christ — Waipahu: 94-330 Mokuola Street

Once A Month Church — Haleiwa: 66-434 Kamehameha Hwy.

St. Jude Catholic Church — Kapolei: 92-455 Makakilo Drive

Sacred Hearts Church — Waianae: 85-786 Old Government Road

Requirements:

You must complete an application every year and re-certify after six months. Applications are accepted at any time. Once maximum caseload of 2400 seniors is met, a continuous waitlist will be maintained at each site.

You must be at least 60 years of age and show a photo ID confirming age and residence on Oahu.

Your gross income must be at or below 130 percent of Federal Poverty Income Level (FPIL)

How it Works:

Apply at your nearest FoodBox location. You must pick-up your monthly FoodBox from the same site where you applied.

Because the boxes are heavy (32 lbs), participants are highly encouraged to bring their own carts with wheels in order to pick up the food, or assign a proxy to pick up the box for you.

After six months, you will be asked to re-certify your qualifications in order to continue the program for the remaining six months of the year.

Hawaii Foodbank
2611 Kilihau St., Honolulu, HI 96819
808-836-3600 x 238 | www.hawaiifoodbank.org
View similar neighbor island programs online at:
www.foodpantries.org/st/hawaii
What if there was an easy, affordable way to get necessary nutrients for good health, without having to figure it all out yourself? Hawaii FoodBank on O‘ahu is taking applications for the Senior FoodBox Program, an ongoing supplemental food program in addition to the current Hawai‘i FoodBank food voucher program. Each Senior FoodBox provides about…
Creamy, Lemony Pasta with Jumbo Shrimp

A golden rule: no cheese with seafood in Italian cooking. But a little cheese does so well with this lemony cream sauce!

Ingredients:

1 lb rigatoni or spaghetti, cooked

1 lb jumbo shrimp, deveined, shelled and baked

Garlic salt to taste

Juice and zest of two lemons

3/4 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup white wine (or low sodium chicken broth)

1 Tbsp butter

1/4 cup chopped fresh flat leaf parsley

1/4 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions:

Try baking shrimp! Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare a rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray and pour in 1/2 cup water onto the pan — creating a shallow bath. Place the shrimp onto the pan, season with garlic salt and bake for about 8 –10 minutes (while pasta cooks). When done, set aside shrimp and cooked pasta while you prepare lemony, fresh-tasting sauce.

Zest both lemons. Squeeze juice and pulp into a cup. Set aside. In a 12” skillet or sauté pan, combine cream, white wine and butter,.a bring to a boil. Turn down heat and gently stir until the sauce starts to thicken (about 8 minutes). Stir in lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Add shrimp to sauce and heat through; then toss with pasta. Sprinkle with parsley, lemon zest, Parmesan and red pepper flakes (optional). Serve.

Serves: 4 | Time: 30 minutes

Chef Michi’s Cooking FRESH

www.cookingfreshforyou.com | 808-286-6484 |cookingfreshforyou@gmail.com

Kona Bean Café at Hilo Hattie – 700 Nimitz Hwy. | Queens POB I – 1380 Lusitana St. & POB III – 550 S. Beretania St.

Cooking FRESH Food Truck: Follow us on Twitter: michi@cookingfresh4U

A golden rule: no cheese with seafood in Italian cooking. But a little cheese does so well with this lemony cream sauce! Ingredients: 1 lb rigatoni or spaghetti, cooked 1 lb jumbo shrimp, deveined, shelled and baked Garlic salt to taste Juice and zest of two lemons 3/4 cup heavy cream 1/2 cup white wine…
Peace & Love. Not War.

Peace. That’s a word we hippies used for “goodbye.” (Yes I was, and yes, I had hair down to my shoulders.)

Peace is easy to say. As a concept, it may be harder to understand. It’s not just the absence of war. I first learned about worldwide peace when I was 16 and had the opportunity to spend a week at the United Nations. I grew up in a small town in Oregon, so you can imagine the culture shock when I saw New York. Multiply that shock a hundred times when I walked through the U.N.

There were people from countries all over the world wearing their native garb. They walked those halls with a single purpose — to represent their countries. They were looking for ways to get along with their neighbors — near and far.

Many organizations are busy trying to foster peace. Rotary comes to mind. Rotary International sponsors exchange programs for teens and peace fellowships for college students. Local Rotarians were responsible for one of three Peace Forums in the world. The work never stops.

Peace is like a good marriage. It’s working hard at communication, trust and faith. Nations find peace the same way — everyone working at it.

During this International Year of Peace, you will see the newspaper filled daily with conflicts among nations. It could be and often is discouraging. But as Bishop Desmond Tutu once told me, “Peace has to start with the individual.”

Please don’t think I’m a namedropper. I hate that. In fact, as I said to Prince Charles just the other day…

Retired Broadcast Personalities and Journalists Kirk Matthews and Linda Coble speak from the heart on issues concerning boomers and seniors. Post comments for them on below.

Peace. That’s a word we hippies used for “goodbye.” (Yes I was, and yes, I had hair down to my shoulders.) Peace is easy to say. As a concept, it may be harder to understand. It’s not just the absence of war. I first learned about worldwide peace when I was 16 and had the…
Oh What a Month

Looking back, the month of July seemed to just fly by (they say time does that as we “mature”). Many of us don’t realize what a monumental month July is.

We all enjoy the Fourth of July and celebrating Independence Day or just sleeping in and then relaxing by the grill, but let’s take a moment to look at some of the historical legislation that has been passed in the month of July and has impacted our aging and disabled communities.

July 2, 1964, the Civil Rights Act was signed into law by President Lyndon Johnson. This act outlawed segregation in businesses, banned discriminatory practices in employment and ended segregation in public places. President Johnson invited hundreds of guests to a televised signing ceremony in the East Room of the White House, and, after using more than 75 pens to sign the bill, gave away those pens as mementoes of the historic occasion.

July 14, 1965 the Older Americans Act was signed into law by President Johnson. It established the Administration on Aging within the Department of Health, Education and Welfare, and called for the creation of State Units on Aging. This law was passed in response to policymakers’ concerns about the lack of community social services for older persons (defined as 60 and older). This act authorizes funds for the states and territories to provide a wide array of service programs — from home delivered meals to transportation assistance. Funds are also provided to 244 tribal organizations and two Native Hawaiian organizations.

July 26, 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law by President George H.W. Bush. The ADA is considered one of the most comprehensive pieces of civil rights legislation ever written. It prohibits discrimination and guarantees that people with disabilities have the same opportunities as everyone else to participate in all the activities that many take for granted. Like the Civil Rights Act the ADA is an “equal opportunity” law for people with disabilities. The ADA was the act of thousands of people across America who spoke up in many different ways to reverse the injustices faced by people with disabilities.

July 30, 1965, President Lyndon Johnson traveled to the Truman Library in Independence, Missouri, to sign into law the Social Security Act Amendments of 1965, (Medicare/Medicaid). Actually, the proposal to assist retirees with pensions and insurance was not a new idea at all. Congress first held hearings on government insurance in 1916 during the Progressive Era. At that time President Franklin Roosevelt felt that it was a better strategy to first pass the “old age pension” provision (we know that as Social Security). (Note: The Social Security Act was signed in 19 years later, in 1935). Medicare has seen many changes since 1965, including the addition of benefits for individuals with disabilities, the Medicare Advantage program (managed care) and prescription drug coverage.

Yes, indeed, July is a landmark month in which to celebrate our freedom and all the benefits of living in America.

If you would like more information on Medicare or to volunteer in your community, please call the Hawai‘i SHIP.

Hawai‘i SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program)
1-888-875-9229|808-586-7299
help@hawaiiship.org | www.hawaiiship.org
facebook.com: Hawaii SHIP -Sage PLUS Program
This SHIP project was supported, in part, by grant number 90SA0004-02-00 from the U.S. Administration for Community Living, Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C., 20201. Grantees undertaking projects under government sponsorship are encouraged to express freely their findings and conclusions. Points of view or opinions do not, therefore, necessarily represent official Administration for Community Living policy.

Looking back, the month of July seemed to just fly by (they say time does that as we “mature”). Many of us don’t realize what a monumental month July is. We all enjoy the Fourth of July and celebrating Independence Day or just sleeping in and then relaxing by the grill, but let’s take a…
Senior Housing – Can I Afford It?

There are a lot of housing options available for seniors in Hawai‘i, but they all have their own rules, costs, types of services and levels of care. The most common housing options are retirement communities, assisted living, nursing homes, CCRCs and ARCHs. It can get a bit confusing and time consuming to visit all of these facilities; therefore, you may want to narrow your search before tackling site visits.

After a little bit of research, you will soon learn about the exorbitant costs of long-term care and senior housing. Most people realize they do in fact need a financial plan. The three most common ways to pay for senior housing and/or long-term care is, personal monies, Medicaid/SSI and long-term care insurance. Educating yourself on senior housing options and planning are the two most important ways you can prepare for a comfortable move and be able to afford it.

For more information on senior housing options, Medicaid, Medicare, long-term care insurance, and other topics related to seniors and real estate, consider attending a free seminar hosted by LIST Sotheby’s Senior Concierge:

August 29, 2015 — Medical & Healthcare Options Workshop –Healthcare Laws, Medicare, Medicaid & Long-Term Care

October 24, 2015 — Senior Housing Options & Case Management –Retirement Communities, Assisted Living, Nursing Homes, CCRC & ARCH

For more information, registration and a 2015 schedule of free senior seminars, please call 808-282-1399.

List Sotheby’s International Realty
808-282-1399 | Seniors@LaneyRE.com
www.laneyre.com

There are a lot of housing options available for seniors in Hawai‘i, but they all have their own rules, costs, types of services and levels of care. The most common housing options are retirement communities, assisted living, nursing homes, CCRCs and ARCHs. It can get a bit confusing and time consuming to visit all of…
A Conversation About Life

This past year, our office established the Heartfelt Legacy Foundation™, which in turn, purchased the right to associate with Honoring Choices®. This national group is raising awareness about making end-of-life choices, encouraging family discussions so that loved ones’ choices may be honored and respected.

In the coming months, Honoring Choices® Hawaii plans to bring awareness to the Hawai‘i community by providing free seminars, engaging community leaders and training advance care facilitators to engage in planning with individuals to begin the advance care planning dialogue.

In order to bring to the Hawai‘i community a uniform, systematic, normalized process, we look for everyone’s support. Honoring our loved one’s intentions at the end of life, to me, is such a universal desire, that it transcends cultural, economic and social differences; the conversation resonates with every individual.

What’s at risk if we do not engage in these conversations? Needless suffering by the individual and their family members; unknown intentions and choices that cannot be honored and respected; dying in an isolated and lonely place surrounded by strangers (caring strangers, but strangers nonetheless). Stress and guilt, felt by surviving family members, can linger a lifetime.

You will hear more about Honoring Choices® Hawaii. Right now, we can all help by starting the conversation with our own families.

_____________________________
Stephen B. Yim, Attorney at Law
2054 S. Beretania St., Honolulu
808-524-0251 | www.stephenyimestateplanning.com

This past year, our office established the Heartfelt Legacy Foundation™, which in turn, purchased the right to associate with Honoring Choices®. This national group is raising awareness about making end-of-life choices, encouraging family discussions so that loved ones’ choices may be honored and respected. In the coming months, Honoring Choices® Hawaii plans to bring awareness…
Getting to Know The Greatest Generation

Our oldest seniors, members of “The Greatest Generation,” remember Great Depression and World War II. By facing fear and surviving hardship and loss, they grew strong and confident. They don’t flaunt their accomplishments, even though we may call them heroic.

Popular News Commentator and NBC News Anchor Tom Brokaw coined the name “The Greatest Generation” as the title of his 1998 best seller. If you have never read this classic, check it out at your local library or look it up on Amazon. It’s a collection of profiles and historical commentary about people whose lives and moral fibers were tested by the great upheavals of the early 20th century. Their stories are riveting.

As a child in the ’40s, Brokaw recalled, “The grown-ups all seemed to have a sense of purpose … Whatever else was happening in the neighborhood, there was something greater connecting us all, in large ways and small.” In our fast-paced “communication age transpose connectedness is often mistaken for socializing on Facebook. The Greatest Generation shared high ideals — sacrificial commitment to family, community and nation. Personal gain and entertainment were low priorities. Brokaw beautifully describes a generation drawn together by a sense of duty to and responsibility for the common good. Challenges and sacrifices pulled together a nation, and the nation pulled as a team.

Brokaw actually describes values like respect and fortitude the “right stuff”— the characteristics we see in our Hawai‘i seniors. Our state politics may be liberal, but our way of life is conservative. Families are multigenerational and tight-knit. We nurture relationships. Making a living in Hawai‘i is hard, and cost-of-living is high, so everyone must sacrifice a little of the American dream to “live Hawai‘i.” Everyone in the canoe paddles.

Brokaw admits he holds a “missionary zeal” for this generation that birthed more than its share of public heroes — Sen. Daniel Inouye, President Dwight D. Eisenhower and Admiral Chester W. Nimitz. But Brokaw also writes about people we never heard of: soldiers who came home and never said much about the war, and men and women who worked civilian jobs that were crucial to the war effort.

Seniors tell of hard times, when life was unsettled— making “do” with a little rice and fish, nightly blackouts and barbed wire on the beaches. In 1941, four men of the Adams/McCabe family in Kaneohe were killed by a Japanese rocket on Pali Highway, as they drove to work at Pearl Harbor. These civilians are heroes too.

During the month of August, take your grandchildren to visit a kupuna in their ’90s and listen to their stories, like Brokaw did. Or pick up a copy of The Greatest Generation at your local book store or at www.amazon.com/books. If you are in the greatest generation, like my Mom and Dad, don‘t be shy about sharing your story!

Our oldest seniors, members of “The Greatest Generation,” remember Great Depression and World War II. By facing fear and surviving hardship and loss, they grew strong and confident. They don’t flaunt their accomplishments, even though we may call them heroic. Popular News Commentator and NBC News Anchor Tom Brokaw coined the name “The Greatest Generation”…
Senior Golf Summer Pick

Against the clear sky, Waianae mountains and happy clouds — at our feet, the fairway stretches out to an undulating green reflecting in a mirror lake — it’s the 397-yard, par 4 ninth hole of the “A” nine at the fabulous Hawaii Prince Golf Club in Ewa. Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay designed it to challenge and delight golfers at all levels of play. Now, in retirement, you get to tee off here.

It’s not a daydream — throw your clubs in the car! Hawaii Prince Golf Club kama‘aina greens fees are $59 every day; but Mondays and Tuesdays, seniors over 60 can make advance tee times and play for just $39. Have lunch or breakfast at the Bird of Paradise while you are there.

Director of Golf Ted McAneeley told us, “All three nines are fairly open, with many ways to the hole, so everyone can have fun. There is no better instruction than Brian Mogg’s Golf Academy, right here at Hawaii Prince. PGA teaching professionals will sharpen your game or share the basics in private or group lessons.” If golf is on your bucket list, check it off now.

McAneeley knows sports. He played hockey for the Edmonton Oilers in Canada and the Seibu Ice Hockey Team in Japan. The Seibu Company recruited him in 1986 to open Prince Resort properties in Hawai‘i. After that, he became GM of Hawaii Prince Hotel Waikiki, and later, Mauna Kea and Hapuna Beach resorts. Eventually, Ted found his way back to the Hawaii Prince Golf Club. For all his success, McAneeley is a humble man who lives aloha. At Hawaii Prince Golf Club, he offers seniors and golfers of every age a friendly, world-class golf experience.

Hawaii Prince Golf Club

91-1200 Fort Weaver Rd., Ewa Beach, HI 96706

Teetime: 808-944-4567 | princeresortshawaii.com

Against the clear sky, Waianae mountains and happy clouds — at our feet, the fairway stretches out to an undulating green reflecting in a mirror lake — it’s the 397-yard, par 4 ninth hole of the “A” nine at the fabulous Hawaii Prince Golf Club in Ewa. Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay designed it to…
Barbara J. Service, Citizen at Work

(L–R) Carlos Brandenburg, regional volunteer director, AARP; Barbara Service, nominee, AARP Hawaii Andrus Award for Community Service; Barbara Kim Stanton, state director, AARP Hawaii; Gerry Silva, state president, AARP Hawaii. Photo courtesy of AARP Hawaii.

Democracy relies on ordinary citizens like us to define needs and find solutions to improve our community. We interviewed Barbara Service, a passionate, yet mild-mannered community volunteer, who has no government post or fancy title, but makes a difference by being a deeply engaged citizen.

“I worked in child welfare for many years,” says Barbara. “I know how government works, so now I help out on community issues that I think are important. I help advocacy groups prepare testimony and work on community fairs and workshops in my spare time. On the AARP steering committee, I work with others to promote needs, well-being and interests of kupuna in Hawai‘i.”

Barbara enjoys her work. “Public testimony is such a privilege in Hawai‘i. Our legislators actually listen to every citizen who comes before them. If you lived in California, Sacramento could be a 100-mile trip, and when you get there, the meeting rooms are not open to everyone. We are really very fortunate to have access to government.”

Barbara comes from a family of volunteers. In 1947, her great aunt Ethel Percy Andrus started the National Retired Teachers’ Association, and in 1960, founded AARP. Since Barbara retired as child welfare supervisor for the State of Hawai‘I Department of Human Services, she has been working “from the community side” through Keiki Caucus and Kupuna Caucus, headed by Hawai‘i State Sen. Suzanne Chun Oakland. The caucuses consist of 30 house and senate members, and 150 advocates from every corner of our community who all try to find solutions to community problems.

“I thought that after the legislative session was over, our legislators took a vacation, but they are hard at work with their constituents all summer, and that really impresses me,” says Barbara. “In the caucus, anyone can voice an idea or comment. Issues and solutions we work out during the summer are presented to the full legislature in January. It is American democracy in action.”

Barbara is also a member of Kokua Council, one of Hawai‘i’s oldest advocacy groups. The council invites leading speakers to their public forums at Harris Methodist Church. This summer, Virginia Pressler, M.D., director of health, and Rachael Wong, Department on Human Services Director, will speak and entertain questions. “It’s a wonderful forum and I am eager to hear the fresh perspectives these new Ige appointees bring to our community,” says Barbara.

Anyone may get involved in community affairs. We have the freedom to discuss, deliberate and debate community solutions — in our neighborhoods, counties and state. With so many needs, it takes plenty of citizens to figure out solution.

Democracy relies on ordinary citizens like us to define needs and find solutions to improve our community. We interviewed Barbara Service, a passionate, yet mild-mannered community volunteer, who has no government post or fancy title, but makes a difference by being a deeply engaged citizen. “I worked in child welfare for many years,” says…