Category: Date

Picture Bride: A Historical Novel

Picture Bride is a remarkably engaging read, and from a historical sense, a body of research that brings to the forefront something that has escaped attention — Japanese-American culture. Everyone in Hawai‘i should read it!

The immigration experience of Issei Japanese workers at the turn of the century has been documented, as well as the valor of their Nisei descendants, the 100th Infantry Battalion, 442nd Regimental Combat Team, 552nd Artillery Battalion and 232nd Combat Engineer Company.

Author Mike Malaghan’s wife, Tomoko, helped him interpret Japanese cultural values of the first immigrants —attributes that later made them American patriots integral to the U.S. and Allied war against the Nazi’s in Europe and the Japanese Imperial Army in Asia.

The protagonist, Haru, narrowly escapes sexual servitude in Amakusa, Japan, before becoming “picture bride” to a Buddhist priest, ministering to workers at Parker Ranch in Waimea on Hawai‘i Island. Mild and polite, but intelligent and strategic, Haru delicately navigates her community through plantation strikes and government opposition to Japanese language schools.

She supports her family with her passion for American freedom, noble aspects of Buddhism, and Japanese respect for knowledge and mastery. Her three sons honor her legacy as Nisei soldiers.

The book is available at:
– Local bookstores ($19.95 for softcover, prices may vary)
– www.Amazon.com (Kindle version is $8.99)
– Legacy Isle Publishing (an imprint of Watermark Publishing):
 www.bookshawaii.net
 808-587-7766 | toll-free: 866-900-BOOK

Picture Bride: A Historical Novel by Generations Magazine Staff from the Oct-Nov 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
The Sons & Daughters of the 442nd RCT

The Sons & Daughters was established in 1993 as a chapter of the 442nd Veterans Club, which is made up of Nisei veterans who fought two battles in World War II.

“We will never forget the dedication, sacrifice and courage of our fathers,” the Sons & Daughers website states. “It is through their accomplishments that we are here today.”

The nation’s highest award for combat valor, the Medal of Honor, was conferred upon 21 members of the 100th Infantry battalion of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team of World War II.

On Oct. 5, 2010, the Congressional Gold Medal was awarded to the 442nd Regimental Combat Team and the 100th Infantry Battalion, as well as the 6,000 Japanese-Americans who served in the Military Intelligence Service during the war.

In 2012, the surviving members of the 442nd RCT were made chevaliers of the French Légion d’Honneur for their actions contributing to the liberation of France during World War II and their heroic rescue of the Lost Battalion outside of Biffontaine, France.

Sons & Daughters Honolulu club President Grace Fujii said that their work involves supporting Nisei veterans and helping preserve the history of the 442nd RCT, the most highly decorated unit in U.S. military history.

This past year, they assisted at the 73rd annual banquet of the 442nd veterans and began planning for a memorial boulder at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl. They are now exploring the possibility of reinstating the docent program at Punchbowl and will participate in events this December for the 75th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Regular membership is for all lineal descendants of a World War II soldier of the 442nd RCT and associate membership is available to those who are interested in the 442nd.

“We welcome new members at any time,” said Grace. “It’s a great way to become involved in community activities, remember our veterans and learn about our World War II history.” To learn more, email or call the club.

442ND VETERANS CLUB
933 Wiliwili St., Honolulu HI 96826
808-949-799 | sons-daughters@442SD.org

The Sons & Daughters of the 442nd RCT by Stephanie Kim, Generations Magazine Intern from the Oct-Nov 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
Walking on an Underwater Treadmill

Underwater treadmills (UTM) are revolutionizing physical therapy and fitness. Top athletes are utilizing UTM or treadmill pools for peak performance or speedy recovery after an injury. Underwater walking is very different from land-based walking, especially regarding shock absorption, energy expenditure and muscle activity.

Those with chronic conditions like osteoarthritis (OA) often avoid walking for exercise due to increased pain. In a study at Utah State University, OA patients reported a 140 percent increase in pain during land treadmill exercise compared to pain experienced during UTM sessions.

UTM users can exercise much longer against water resistance, increasing oxygen consumption and calorie burning.

Muscle activity is also higher, leading to greater hip, leg and foot strength, as well as improvements in core muscle groups throughout the body.

Many physical therapy clinics and athletic training rooms offer these systems — either self-propelled or motorized.

MOON PHYSICAL THERAPY, LLC
320 Ward Ave., Ste. 107, Honolulu HI 96814
Aquatic, Land-based and Manual Therapy and  Cardiopulmonary Rehab Programs
808-597-1005 | www.moonpt.com

Walking on an Underwater Treadmill by Julie Moon, Physical Therapist from the Oct-Nov 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
Secret Money for Veterans

Many veterans believe that they have to have suffered an in-service disability to qualify for U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ monetary benefits. This is a common misconception.

Depending on their health status, income and assets, many senior veterans and their dependents or surviving spouse can qualify for not only basic “Improved Pensions” based on low income, but also for supplemental benefits. The supplemental benefits are called “Housebound Benefits” and “Aid & Attendance Benefits.”

PENSION BENEFITS

To qualify for any of these pension benefits, the veteran (or surviving spouse, based on the veteran’s military service record) must satisfy the following general criteria:

• The veteran must have served at least 90 days of active duty.

• At least one of the 90 days of active duty must have been during wartime. Dates have been officially defined for the beginning and end of World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam conflict. The Gulf War, which began Aug. 2, 1990, is not concluded yet.

• The veteran must have received a discharge other than dishonorable.

• The claimant and household must have limited income and assets.

• The claimant must have a permanent and total disability at the time of application (note that a surviving spouse can qualify for a basic low-income pension without being disabled, but the veteran must be disabled — although the disability does not have to be related to wartime or military service).

• The disability must have been caused without the willful misconduct of the claimant and must not have been due to alcohol or drug abuse.

HOUSEBOUND & A&A BENEFITS

As the name implies, Housebound Benefits are payable when the claimant is substantially confined to his or her home because of permanent disability. To qualify for Aid & Attendance Benefits, the claimant must:

• Require the aid of another person in order to perform personal functions for everyday living  (such as bathing, eating, dressing, toileting, transferring from bed to a wheelchair or dealing with incontinence), OR

• Be bedridden, in that he or she must remain in bed apart from any prescribed course of convalescence or treatment, OR

• Be a patient in a nursing home due to mental or physical incapacity, OR

• Be blind or have very poor vision.

Applying for these supplemental benefits is not a quick or simple process, and you may want to enlist the help of a veterans’ assistance organization or a specially-trained individual. Note that whoever assists with the application cannot charge a fee for that service. However, if the individual or organization performs other services, fees may be incurred.

SCOTT MAKUAKANE, Counselor at Law
Focusing exclusively on estate planning and trust law.
www.est8planning.com
O‘ahu: 808-587-8227 | maku@est8planning.com

Secret Money for Veterans by Scott A. Makuakane, Counselor at Law, Est8Planning Counsel LLLC from the Oct-Nov 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
Bindi: A Therapy Dog for Veterans

Bindi and Rona marched with Vietnam Veterans of America on July 4th. Photo by George Barlet, VFW.

Meet my nine-year-old American Champion Italian Greyhound, Blanerne Utoroonga, called “Bindi,” a therapy dog who visits wounded warriors at Tripler Army Medical Center (TAMC) in the Red Cross Human Animal Bond (HAB) program. She passed the AKC Canine Good Citizen® (CGC) test, a temperament evaluation by a military veterinarian, and evaluation by a senior HAB handler and her dog. She proudly wears her HAB bandana with patches and Bindi Adams ID card when working at TAMC. She’s a smart cookie, and fully certified to help patients with medical, mental and social problems.

Patients love Bindi. She’s a cuddler and her sleek fur is smooth to the touch. She has sad eyes that bring out the best in people and she’s a very good listener. She politely accepts healthy snacks — but secretly prefers chicken nuggets.

Bindi also belongs to Tails of Aloha (TOA), an all-volunteer, animal-assisted therapy organization that offers comfort and de-stressing in schools, hospitals and libraries. To volunteer with your pet, visit the websites below.

RED CROSS HAB PROGRAM | www.redcross.org
TAILS OF ALOHA | www.tailsofaloha.com

Bindi: A Therapy Dog for Veterans by Rona Adams, RN, Vietnam Veteran, U.S. Army Nurse Corps from the Oct-Nov 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
Prepare for Retirement Milestones

Aging investors face eight milestone decisions dictated by Social Security, Medicare and the IRS, that will likely impact their retirement savings and investment portfolio. Take steps now to prepare.

Age 50: IRS rules for 2016 allow those 50 and older to increase their retirement savings by investing an additional $1,000 per year (for a maximum of $6,500) in each IRA, and another $6,000 per year (to a maximum of $24,000) in a workplace retirement plan such as a 401(k).

Age 55: If you retire in the year you turn 55 or later, this is your first opportunity to take penalty-free withdrawals (income taxes still apply) from employer-based qualified retirement plans. While tapping into your retirement income may make sense for you, before taking action, consider the impact early withdrawals will have in later years.

Age 59½: You may begin to take penalty-free distributions from IRAs and potentially from qualified work plans (check with human resources to see what rules apply to you). Again, early withdrawals from your nest egg put your long-term financial stability at risk. Taxes are due on distributions attributable to pre-tax contributions and earnings.

Age 62: You may start receiving Social Security (SSA) benefits, or wait until a later age and receive a larger benefit. If you begin benefits at age 62 and are still employed, your SSA check may be reduced until you reach full retirement age (defined below).

Age 65: You qualify for Medicare coverage. You’ll automatically be enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B if you’re receiving Social Security at this time. Otherwise, you need to apply for Medicare during the three months before or after your 65th birthday month. Medicare is complex, so take time to learn all your options.

Age 66–67: Depending on your birth year, Social Security “full retirement age” is 66 or 67. Visit www.ssa.gov/planners/retire/retirechart to learn which age applies to you. If you waited until now to receive Social Security benefits, you’ll have more ways to structure your benefits. Married couples have many options, so be sure to coordinate your decisions with your spouse.

Age 70: If you haven’t claimed Social Security yet, there is no advantage to waiting beyond age 70. You may consider donating your benefit amount if you have other investments that cover your expenses.

Age 70½: By April 1 of the year after you turn 70½, you must take a Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) from your traditional IRA accounts and workplace retirement plans. Instructions for calculating your RMDs can be found in IRS Publication 590 at www.irs.gov. Distributions must be taken from every account subject to this rule, or penalties (50 percent of the amount of the RMD) will be incurred.

To make these milestone decisions with confidence, consider hiring a financial advisor to look over your current financial position and retirement goals and help you navigate the best route.

There’s never a better time than now.

MICHAEL W. K. YEE, CFP
1585 Kapiolani Blvd., Ste. 1100, Honolulu HI 96814
808-952-1222, ext. 1240 | michael.w.yee@ampf.com

Michael W. K. Yee, CFP®, CFS®, CLTC, CRPC®, is a Financial Advisor, Certified Financial Planner ™ practitioner with Ameriprise Financial Services Inc. in Honolulu, Hawai‘i, with Na Ho‘okele Financial Advisory Team, a financial advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services Inc. He offers fee-based financial planning and asset management strategies and has been in practice for 29 years.Investment advisory products and services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services Inc., a registered investment adviser. Ameriprise Financial Services Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC
© 2016 Ameriprise Financial Inc. All rights reserved. File #1552807

Prepare for Retirement Milestones by Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner from the Oct-Nov 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
October – November 2016

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Brothers in Arms
Older Americans Month Awardees

Older Americans Month 2016 Honorees
(L–R, front row) Shirley Simbre-Medeiros & Edward Kawamura (Kaua‘i), Gail Yuen & Jimmy Lee (O‘ahu), Kathleen Phillips & John Tryggestad (Maui), Claire Inman & Roy Haslip (Hawai‘i County), (back row) Kealoha Takahashi (AAA, Kaua‘i), Nalani Aki (EAD, O‘ahu), Kimo Alameda (AAA, Hawai‘i County), Gov. David Ige, Debra Stone-Walls (AAA, Maui), Caroline Cadirao (EOA), Joy Miyasaki (PABEA chair), Rep. Gregg Takayama (emcee).

On June 3, the State of Hawai’i honored eight citizens over 60 years of age who are making a difference in their communities. The governor and state officials honored the awardees at a luncheon at Kahala Nui Living Center. Every year, as a part of celebrating Older Americans Month, the state recognizes the contributions of two community volunteers (over age 60) from each major island: O‘ahu, Hawai‘i, Maui and Kaua‘i. Each Area Agency on Aging (AAA) receives dozens of nominees from community groups, senior centers and churches. State offices and agencies, led by the Executive Office on Aging, host the award luncheon, which is organized by the governor’s Policy Advisory Board for Elder Affairs, (PABEA).

(L–R) Nalani Aki, director, Elderly Affairs Division, Honolulu; Rev. John Tomoso, PABEA, Maui; Adele Rugg, PABEA, Maui; and Leonard Fabro, EAD, Honolulu.

Ernest Harada entertains on stage, accompanied by Lorna Kaeck and keyboardist Don Conover.

Older Americans Month Awardees by Generations Magazine Staff from the August-September 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
Team Huddle and Huckleberry Pie

As family caregivers lovingly cater to their ill or dying elders, they could make three mistakes that might harm themselves and their family. Alone and exhausted, they cannot sleep. Stress leads to illness and 60 percent of caregivers end up in the hospital before their parents — some even predecease their parents.

One of the quickest ways to lighten the load is to share the work. Form compassionate support teams by inviting others to join a common goal to carry out tasks, laugh, cry and groan together.

Annette Pang’s “Magical Moments Workshops” have reached over 1,000 caregivers and found family teams with can-do attitudes quietly sacrificing for their elders. Do you consistently invite and enroll teammates to join you and roar in unison like a football team (chanting “strawberry shortcake, huckleberry pie,”) or are you all by your lonesome, working endless shifts?

The Jackson, Carol and Dr. Cass Nakasone family —“Team Shirley”— deserves a trophy for courageously caring for their sister/aunt. How did they do it? They asked for help.

Please join “Team Annette” to support the three-mile Alzheimer’s Association Walk on Sept. 3 at Magic Island. I am a wimp, but I will keep up with you so we can all cross the finish line together.

Visit www.annettpang.com for more information and sign up today. Bring your elders — wheelchairs, rolling walkers, canes and all!

And… it’s my 70th birthday — another great reason to cheer!

LIFE COACH VILLAGE, LLC
Annette is a Relationship Coach and founder of  Life Coach Village, LLC.
808-372-3478 | www.annettepang.com

Team Huddle and Huckleberry Pie by Annette Pang, Relationship Life Coach from the August-September 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
Summer Tips for Senior Travelers

1. Arrive at the airport three hours before departure during the busy summer months. If you’re 75 or older, you do not have to take your shoes off at the security checkpoint. If you need assistance, ask for a wheelchair when you make your reservation. When you arrive at the airport, tell the skycap that you ordered a wheelchair. Be sure to read all the latest airline rules when you buy your ticket.

2. For free drinking water, just pack an empty bottle in your carry-on and fill it from a water fountain on the secure side of the checkpoint.

3. Bring snacks: trail mix, chips, dried fruit or candy. All foods must be wrapped or in some kind of container that can be opened for inspection.

4. Bring a washable travel pillow and light travel blanket if your airline does not provide them. In your carry-on, pack a hooded jacket or scarf and a light travel blanket to keep your head, neck and legs warm during or between flights.

5. Bring reading material, games or movies to watch on your iPad. When you buy your ticket, ask how to use the airplane’s WiFi system.

VACATIONS HAWAII
1585 Kapiolani Blvd., #900, Honolulu HI 96814

Kevin Kaneshiro, Sales and Promotions Manager  808-591-4777 | www.BoydVacationsHawaii.com
For further traveling information, visit  www.tsa.gov/travel/special-procedures

Summer Tips for Senior Travelers by Kevin Kaneshiro, Vacations Hawai‘i from the August-September 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
Grandparents Educating Grandchildren

Grandparents hold important positions as educators here in Hawai‘i as an increasing number of them pitch in to provide pertinent learning for their grandchildren not necessarily taught at school. Grandparents may not hold special degrees, but plenty of on-the-job experiences make them experts in keeping the family together and on the right track.

Thanaphon Schmidt, Grandma and Pamela Lee, passing on a joy of reading.

We talked with Pamela Lee and Sam Kim at Sylvan Learning Center, Kahala, who say they are seeing more grandparents enrolling their grandchildren in Sylvan programs to help them catch up, maintain their grades and get ahead in school.

Sylvan Learning programs offer support help to students in all areas, including reading, writing, math, homework help, study skills and test preparation. STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) programs have also been added to the many curriculum choices.

On national achievement tests, Hawai‘i public school students score below average in most categories, including language and STEM skills. Our state educators are trying to fix that, but in all likelihood, not before your grandchildren graduate from high school.

For 30 years, Sylvan Learning Center has provided generations of Honolulu students — all ages and grade levels — with supplemental education. This year, Sylvan is also providing free afterschool classes to about 400 children across the islands, which are administered by Boys and Girls Clubs and funded by a federal grant.

Kiley Tanimura, Mikela Agno and Grandma — looking  forward to learning.

“Parents are really burdened with multiple jobs while maintaining a home that may house three or four generations,” said Kim. “Grandparents who grew up in Hawai‘i got an excellent public education, so they can see when their grandchildren need help. The easiest way to help is to supplement their schooling.”

Sylvan Learning tests students to identify missing skills. If a student feels confused by math, testing will show which math skills are lacking and close the gap by helping the student master them. Filling in these gaps and catching up gives the child confidence to tackle math homework, and learning becomes fun again.

“Supporting your grandchild’s education is the best way to stay involved,” said Lee. “Students with family members supporting and encouraging them at home just do better in school overall.

Seth Heller, Aia Heller and Grandma on the road to  academic success.

“Grandparents bring us their mo‘opuna and we teach them exactly what they need to learn in order to succeed in school.”

Educators recommend that when the opportunity arises, seniors get involved in their grandchildren’s education.

It is a gift that will keep giving and an opportunity for you to know that you had a hand in your grandchildren’s  future success.

SYLVAN LEARNING SYSTEMS
4211 Waialae Avenue, Ste. 30, Honolulu HI 96816
808-735-8811 | www.sylvanlearning.com/kahala

Grandparents Educating Grandchildren by Generations Magazine Staff from the August-September 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
Uncle Roberto: Love Life and Live It!

Persons with the will to endure and turn adversity to success inspire us. Meet Uncle Roberto Deuriarte from Maui. From his soft voice and amiable manner, you would never guess his story. He comes from a fine family in Mexico City. In second grade, polio nearly killed him. He missed two years of school and never regained feeling in his right leg. “I learned early that you can endure a lot more than you think you can,” Uncle said with a smile. In his teens, surgery to stimulate his bad leg was tortuously painful. “Running marathons is nothing, compared to that,” he said.

(L–R) Kenny Moore, Olympic marathoner and biographer of Bill Bowerman, founder of Nike Inc.; Roberto; and Dr. Jack Scaff, Honolulu Marathon founder.

After college in Mexico, Roberto won a scholarship to study architecture at Stanford, which required that he first work in Honolulu for six weeks. Later, he returned to Hawai‘i and helped Dr. Jack Scaff, famous cardiologist and organizer of the Honolulu Marathon, prepare folks for long-distance running, according to the book Your First Marathon. “I was a great motivator, said Deuriarte. “They watched me run and said, ‘If he can make it from Aloha Tower to Kapi‘olani Park, so can I.’”

In 1980, Roberto finished his first of three Iron Man Triathlons and ran the Honolulu Marathon. He and Dr. Duncan MacDonald (now coaching at Punahou School) were featured on the cover of Northern California Running Review. MacDonald passed mile 24 on his way to victory and touched hands with Roberto, still headed out at mile six, with five more hours to go. The article said,“… Deuriarte was paying the same athletic dues as MacDonald, and both of their times made them champions.”

Since then, Roberto finished 36 marathons, a 169-mile bike race and the Waikīkī Rough Water Swim. He represented Mexico at the 2008 Paralympic Games. He is a heavy equipment operator, carpenter, mechanic, pilot and land crew for Hawai‘iloa and Hōkūle‘a. He’s also a fabulous cook, a fan of beer and Bob Dylan music, and faithful to the love of his life, Maui artist Emily Ball. If you ever need a lift, a few minutes of Roberto’s optimism will get you back on track!

Uncle Roberto: Love Life and Live It! by Katherine Kama‘ema‘e Smith from the August-September 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life

Category: Date

PENSION BENEFITS

HOUSEBOUND & A&A BENEFITS