Category: March – April 2025

Gateball Revived

Having completed 80 orbits around the sun, I was part of a tour to the Blue Zone Village, Ogimi, Okinawa, last spring. Researchers have found that Blue Zone areas share nine lifestyle habits that contribute to extraordinarily long lifespans. But when we asked the village elders about the secret to their well-known longevity, they replied with only one word: gateball. They play daily.

Although gateball was on our schedule, we were rained out. We researched the game and learned it was invented in Japan in 1947 and is now played by 8 million gateballers in 15 countries. It was very popular in Hawai‘i with the first and second generations (of mostly Japanese descent), with hundreds of players on all the islands. The state even hosted the world championship at Ala Moana Park in 1998, with a thousand players from all over the globe. But there are far fewer players in the state today.

I found a small group on O‘ahu that plays Sundays at Ala Moana Park. Gateball only requires a flat grassy space. Startup costs are very low using mallets and balls in two colors — five odd-numbered red ones and five even-numbered white ones — three gates and one goal pole. Two teams with five players on each team compete against each other. Each team is assigned to play with either red or white balls. A ball through each gate is awarded one point; striking the goal pole earns two points. Defense can be played to “spark” balls off the field.

Friends and others soon joined me and the Lanakila Senior Center started its own program. During several months of gateball, I have played with men and women — some in their 90s.

Gateball is a highly strategic sport, similar to playing chess. Winning is only possible when players work cooperatively. It is an intergenerational sport and fun for the whole family, with grandparents, parents and even children playing on the same — or opposing — teams.

Find a gateball game near you:
O‘ahu
Ohana Gateball Ma Ke Kai, Art Kimura
ohanagateball@gmail.com
Lanakila Senior Center, Suzanne Chun-Oakland
suzanne.oakland@catholiccharitieshawaii.org
Maui
Kula Gateball Club, Art Ventura
808-283-0987
Hawai‘i Island
Kamana Center, Roann Okamura
roan.okamura@hawaiicounty.gov

Having completed 80 orbits around the sun, I was part of a tour to the Blue Zone Village, Ogimi, Okinawa, last spring. Researchers have found that Blue Zone areas share nine lifestyle habits that contribute to extraordinarily long lifespans. But when we asked the village elders about the secret to their well-known longevity, they replied…
Talking Story on Moloka‘i

One of the most treasured traditions in Hawai‘i is “talking story.” This Pidgin phrase can refer to something as simple as chatting about life events and the news of the day, or as complex as passing on generational wisdom and sharing concerns and hopes for the future.

The Purdy family shares a favorite mele in the garden of
the Molokai History Project. PC: Rosa Barker

The Molokai History Project (MHP) has held several Talk Story events since its opening in October 2023. Besides sharing local and Hawaiian history, these events foster a great sense of community. Housed in a storefront in Kaunakakai, MHP was envisioned by its founders — Judy Mertens and Nora Espaniola — as a place for locals to recall and reconnect with the people and places that make the Friendly Isle so special.

‘Inherited Legacy’

In November last year, six generations of the Purdy ‘ohana gathered in the garden behind the MHP storefront to present “Inherited Legacy”— a talk story about their family’s history. The award of Hawaiian Homestead lands brought Emma (Lindsey) Purdy and her husband, Harry Purdy Sr., to Moloka‘i from Waimea in 1924. The Lindsey and Purdy families worked for Parker Ranch on Hawai‘i Island as paniolo (Hawaiian cowboys).

The fun event was enlivened by family reminiscences linked to the mele that Frank Sr.’s grandchildren performed. Several tales were about the misunderstandings that arose because Frank Sr. spoke only ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i, which they didn’t understand. They also didn’t realize that the “weeds” in his yard were used for his calling as a practitioner of lā‘au lapa‘au (Hawaiian medicine One time, the two oldest, Waipa and Fay, cleaned up his yard by pulling them all out!

Many of his descendants actively promote the learning of Hawaiian language and traditions. As his great-granddaughter, Wailana, said, “Hearing the stories, when we get older we understand that we gotta go back to the roots. All the Hawaiian ‘ike, that’s how we were raised. And from generation to generation, we try to gather all the time.”

What a wonderful gathering the Purdy ‘ohana shared — full of laughter and song and love.

MOLOKAI HISTORY PROJECT
808-283-0792 | info@molokaihistoryproject.org
molokaihistoryproject.org
Talk Story videos: molokaihistoryproject.org/events

One of the most treasured traditions in Hawai‘i is “talking story.” This Pidgin phrase can refer to something as simple as chatting about life events and the news of the day, or as complex as passing on generational wisdom and sharing concerns and hopes for the future. The Molokai History Project (MHP) has held several…
Hawai‘i’s Dancing Queen

“You are the dancing queen, young and sweet, only 17,” say the lyrics of ABBA’s signature hit of the ’70s. Claire Groom, a 75-year old student at Aloha Ballroom Company, has rewritten those lyrics by dancing her way to victory at the Holiday Dance Classic, a prestigious national ballroom dance competition held at the Luxor Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas in mid-December of last year. Competing against hundreds of dancers from across the country, Claire’s win is an inspiring testament to the joy of lifelong learning, passion and perseverance.

Claire, a resident of Moanalua Valley, dazzled the Holiday Dance Classic judges with her poise, technique and infectious love for dance. Her hard work and dedication in preparing for the competition paid off, earning her top honors among a field of talented dancers.

She and her partner, Keith Michael, age 40, swept the competition, earning first place in cha-cha, rumba and swing.

Reflecting on the experience, Claire shared that she was indeed, “having the time of her life.” “I had many memorable and first-time experiences at Holiday Dance Classic,” she says. “It was a blast! Aloha Ballroom Company has taught and guided me in the true art of dancing, and I am totally grateful for that. It was a wonderful experience to be with other dancers from all over the country and hear about their background.”

The annual Holiday Dance Classic is one of the largest and most competitive ballroom dance events in the country, attracting participants of all levels and styles. Claire’s remarkable success is not only a personal triumph but also a shining example of how ballroom dance can enrich lives at any stage.

Claire’s journey also underscores the health benefits of dancing at any age. “Dancing at any age elevates your flexibility, balance, mood and mental acuity,” says Claire. “I would recommend anyone even with two left feet to give dancing a try!”

Study after study — including research from Stanford University — has shown that dancing is the only physical activity proven to significantly lower the risk of dementia. Beyond its mental acuity benefits, ballroom dance strengthens the body, promotes coordination and creates meaningful social connections, all while bringing immense joy.

Aloha Ballroom Company is proud to celebrate her outstanding achievement. “Claire’s achievement is truly inspirational,” says Keith Michael, Claire’s Aloha Ballroom Company dance instructor. “Her energy, dedication and enthusiasm for dance remind us all that it’s never too late to pursue your passions. We’re thrilled to be a part of her journey and celebrate this well-deserved victory.”

“Keith is an excellent teacher — warm, kind, patient and knowledgeable — with a great sense of humor!” says Claire. “And being coached by Tony Meredith was icing on the cake!”

Aloha Ballroom Company continues to empower students of all ages and abilities to experience the artistry and beauty of ballroom dancing by promoting connection, confidence and community through movement.

Aloha Ballroom Company is a ballroom dance company founded in January 2024 by world-renowned choreographer Tony Meredith.

Aloha Ballroom Company provides certified professional dance instructors to teach students a variety of dances including waltz, tango, foxtrot, merengue, swing, salsa, cha-cha and much more.

To learn more about Aloha Ballroom Company and how to begin ballroom dancing, visit alohaballroomcompany.com, email info@alohaballroomcompany.com or call 808-282-6819. The dance studio is located at 770 Kapiolani Blvd. in Honolulu. Hours of operation are by appointment, Monday through Friday.

To learn more about the annual Holiday Dance Classic, visit holidaydanceclassic.com.

“You are the dancing queen, young and sweet, only 17,” say the lyrics of ABBA’s signature hit of the ’70s. Claire Groom, a 75-year old student at Aloha Ballroom Company, has rewritten those lyrics by dancing her way to victory at the Holiday Dance Classic, a prestigious national ballroom dance competition held at the Luxor…
Local-Style Kalo Chowder

I “invented” this kalo (taro) chowder during the COVID shutdown, a time when we were trying to support the local farmers who were struggling to move their produce. My daughter knows a farmer who gave us a lot of his kalo. At one point, we had so much, I had to find a creative way to use it all!

I found a corn-potato chowder recipe and substituted kalo in place of the potato. All the veggies can be locally sourced at your local farmers’ market. Get two raw kalo (taro) roots about the size of your fist. Pressure cook them for 45 minutes, then peel off the skin when the kalo is cool enough to handle. Or, you can find kalo in supermarkets in the frozen food section packaged in 12-ounce bags (pictured above), already cooked, cleaned and ready to use.

I experimented using different amounts of salt and spices… a little of this and a little of that. I think this final recipe is the best. It’s a great chowder for those cold Hawai‘i winter days!

Ingredients
1 small/med. yellow onion (chopped fine)
1 celery stalk (chopped)
1 clove garlic (diced)
½ Tbsp. olive oil
½ tsp. table salt or Hawaiian salt
½ tsp. ground thyme
¼ tsp. coarse ground pepper
2 cups chicken broth
2 cups corn, fresh or canned
1-1/2 cups kalo root (chopped in small cubes)
3/4 cup milk
2 Tbsp. corn starch

Directions
In in a large soup pot, sauté the onion and celery in the olive oil. Stir in the garlic but don’t brown it. Add the spices and stir constantly while adding the broth. Bring to a slow simmer, then add the corn and kalo cubes. Simmer for 20 minutes. Mix cornstarch and milk until smooth, then add it to the corn and kalo pot. Continue simmering for 20 minutes or until thickened. Prep and cooking time: under one hour.
Serves: 4

Do you have a favorite recipe and story to share? For consideration in the next issue, include a photo and mail them to Generations Recipe, PO Box 4213, Honolulu, HI96812, or email them to Cynthia@generations808.com.

KALO CHOWDER RECIPE NOTE: Make it vegan by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and almond milk instead of milk.

I “invented” this kalo (taro) chowder during the COVID shutdown, a time when we were trying to support the local farmers who were struggling to move their produce. My daughter knows a farmer who gave us a lot of his kalo. At one point, we had so much, I had to find a creative way…
Celebrating the Hawaiian Culture

Kānaka Maoli (Native Hawaiians) have welcomed immigrants from every corner of the globe for over 1,500 years, cultivating and perpetuating a tapestry of diverse cultures. In this second article in our series about the many cultures that comprise Hawai‘i, we will focus on how the Kānaka Maoli got here and from where, their culture and one event that epitomizes the Hawaiian culture, the Merrie Monarch Festival.

The Early Hawaiians

Sailing on wa‘a kaulua (double-hulled canoes), Polynesians primarily from the Marquesas Islands in the South Pacific navigated 2,000 miles, landing upon the shores of Hawai‘i over 1,500 years ago. The population was well-established when, about 800 years ago, Polynesians from the Society Islands arrived. Contact with southern Polynesia then ceased for about 400 years and a distinctive Hawaiian culture developed.

Culture and Tradition

Kānaka Maoli worshipped akua (gods) such as Pele and Haumea and passed down historical mo‘olelo (stories). Mo‘olelo were told through mele (song), oli (chant) and hula (dance). Mo‘olelo are insights about how the world came to be, and how relationships between people and ‘āina (the land) should be honored. These traditions hold strong today. In the early to mid-20th century, Kānaka Maoli adopted the ‘ukulele and guitar from Portuguese, Spanish and Mexican settlers, creating their own unique musical styles and instruments — the ki¯ hō‘alu (slack-key guitar) and kīkākila (steel guitar). Kānaka Maoli communicate with the world through oli, stressing the significance of voice/community. Hula, originating in Hawai‘i, derives from Polynesian dance forms. The two forms of hula today are kahiko (traditional) and ‘auana (contemporary).

The Merrie Monarch Festival

The Merrie Monarch Festival (MMF), a weeklong celebration held every year in Hilo on Hawai‘i Island, honors the legacy of the Merrie Monarch, King David Kalākaua — his love for his people and his vision for perpetuation of all things Hawaiian.

The MMF was conceived in 1963 after the collapse of the sugar industry. George Na‘ope, Gene Wilhelm and Helene Hale organized the first MMF in 1964. This first incarnation included a King Kalākaua beard look-alike contest, a relay race and a ball. In 1968, when festival popularity was declining, Dottie Thompson became executive director and focused the MMF around hula. Three years later, Dottie and George hosted a hula competition. Events included Miss Aloha Hula, group hula kahiko and group hula ‘auana. Today, the Merrie Monarch Festival is internationally renowned for its historical and cultural significance. In 2025, it takes place from April 20 to 26.

Visit MMF’s website at merriemonarch.com as well as Generations Magazine’s FaceBook page (facebook.com/genmag808) and website calendar (generations808.com/calendar) for community events and opportunities.

The next article in this series will feature the influences of Japanese culture in the Aloha State.

Kānaka Maoli (Native Hawaiians) have welcomed immigrants from every corner of the globe for over 1,500 years, cultivating and perpetuating a tapestry of diverse cultures. In this second article in our series about the many cultures that comprise Hawai‘i, we will focus on how the Kānaka Maoli got here and from where, their culture and…
Remember Our Veterans

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Artist Allyn Bromley met with Honolulu Museum of Art
Curator Katherine Love at the opening of her Allyn
Bromley: At the Edge of Forever exhibition in January.
The exhibition is on view at HoMA through June 15, 2025.

Artist Allyn Bromley is an inspiration. At 96, she continues to go to her Nu‘uanu studio to create every week. An influential figure in Hawai‘i arts, she taught generations of students at Leeward Community College and at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, where she was director of the printmaking department. She retired in
2000 as professor emeritus.

Now on view at the Honolulu Museum of Art through June 15 is work she created over the past eight years. The exhibition, Allyn Bromley: At the Edge of Forever, features mixed-media print-based works that are intricately assembled from hundreds of hand-printed paper elements (many were torn down or cut from previous prints), as well as components such as plastic boxes, wire, wood and cord. These works explore themes such as memory, loss and the environment. The show also includes a work comprised of charred pieces of wood fencing, a grim reminder of the power of natural forces as well as the hope that resilience brings.

Just as Bromley gives new life to used materials, she is also inspired to find fresh meaning in familiar subjects. “I like to see if I can take something as trite as a flower and turn it into a provocative, more universal or larger idea,” she says.

She is also a great supporter of the arts community. She recently used some of her assets to create an endowment for a visiting artist program at the Honolulu Museum of Art. In the 1970s, she attended workshops at the museum with two well-known visiting printmakers. The experience was so gratifying and impactful that she wanted to make a gift that would enable future generations of Hawai‘i artists to have similar opportunities.

HONOLULU MUSEUM OF ART
900 S. Beretania St., Honolulu, HI 96814
808-532-8700 | honolulumuseum.org

Artist Allyn Bromley is an inspiration. At 96, she continues to go to her Nu‘uanu studio to create every week. An influential figure in Hawai‘i arts, she taught generations of students at Leeward Community College and at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, where she was director of the printmaking department. She retired in2000 as…
Remember Your College Days?

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

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

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

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

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

The Feeding Our Keiki and Kupuna program by the Peace Committee of the Honoka‘a Hongwanji began as an effort to feed about two dozen children in a small Hawai‘i Island town.

Miles Okumura and Lynn Higashi, retired attorneys, noticed children in their community who were going hungry.

“We started off with the keiki and when someone pointed out that there are kūpuna in our neighborhood in a similar situation, we added them to our program — and then we added the grocery bags,” says Miles.

From feeding a few children in the temple’s basement more than five years ago, the program has expanded into a community effort with more than 150 volunteers packing grocery bags and preparing meals for about 550 people a week, including food deliveries to kūpuna who are shut-in and isolated.

AARP Hawai‘i has recognized Miles and Lynn for their outstanding contributions to their community with its top honor for kūpuna volunteers, the 2024 Andrus Award for Community Service and a $1,000 donation to a charity of their choice. Recipients are recognized as examples for others to follow.

AARP HAWAI‘I (nonprofit)
1001 Bishop St., Ste. 625, Honolulu, HI 96813
808-545-6000 | hiaarp@aarp.org | aarp.org/hi
facebook.com/aarphawaii
2025 Andrus Award: aarp.org/andrus

The Feeding Our Keiki and Kupuna program by the Peace Committee of the Honoka‘a Hongwanji began as an effort to feed about two dozen children in a small Hawai‘i Island town. Miles Okumura and Lynn Higashi, retired attorneys, noticed children in their community who were going hungry. “We started off with the keiki and when…
Dorothy Mau, Super Kupuna!

Medical science and our own observations tell us that engaging in physical and mental activities are the keys to aging well. This is a short story about a wonderful woman who is a testament to that concept.

A lifelong Hawai‘i resident, Dorothy Mau, 97, of Kaimuki is a super kupuna who is known for her years of volunteer community service. She is a positive communicator who converses with poise, grace and aloha. The retired special education teacher was dedicated to her keiki, offering her students an educational foundation for success through the teaching skills she acquired at the University of Hawai‘i.

After retirement, she devoted herself to volunteering within the community and was recognized in 2023 as the Outstanding Volunteer of the Year by Lanakila Multi-Purpose Senior Center. At the center, Dorothy immerses herself in the activities she enjoys. Singing and playing the ‘ukulele with the Happy Senior Serenaders brings her happiness as an accomplished musician and warms her heart to see listeners smiling, singing along and reminiscing about the songs’ stories. Dorothy encourages other participants to join the group and helps to organize senior care home visits.

While she enjoys being a doer, on many occasions she has stepped up as a leader. She is known as a servant leader. Of Chinese American heritage, Dorothy serves as the president of the Chinese Cultural Club. She rallies club members in celebrating events such as Chinese Lunar New Year and the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival, as well as year-round Chinese cooking demonstrations and many other activities.

Dorothy walks the talk and encourages others to participate in activities and projects, but at the same time, is always there to work alongside her fellow seniors.

Dorothy learned how to operate her Rambler at a mature age, but her driving days came to a halt about a year ago, when she was caught speeding. But not known for slowing down in any area of her life, Dorothy decided it was best to simply stop driving altogether for safety’s sake.

But Dorothy continues to be a very active senior. Daughters Blossom and Beverly say, “We try hard to keep up with mom.” Dorothy socializes as much as she can and enjoys making lei and tending to her garden.

Dorothy’s super kupuna secrets to aging well are simple: “Have love in your heart all day, be happy, eat well and sleep well.”

CALVIN HARA, a Kaimuki resident, began his life of community service and helping others through Cub Scouts and Key Club at Kalani High School. He attended UC Davis, then settled in Sacramento and started a 30-year career in senior care management. He returned to Hawai‘i and is now active in various community volunteer roles.

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

Medical science and our own observations tell us that engaging in physical and mental activities are the keys to aging well. This is a short story about a wonderful woman who is a testament to that concept. A lifelong Hawai‘i resident, Dorothy Mau, 97, of Kaimuki is a super kupuna who is known for her…
Mar-Apr-2025

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The November/December 2024 issue of Generations Magazine features a cover story on multigenerational travel adventures with Road Scholar, emphasizing the importance of shared experiences between grandparents and grandchildren. Other articles include discussions on the significance of travel insurance for seniors, effective case management in caregiving, and strategies for maintaining oral hygiene as one ages. We…