“Sweethearts” Sharon and Larry Tulba dancing up a storm at the Dept. of Parks and Recreation’s Annual Senior Valentine’s Dance at the Blaisdell.

“Sweethearts” Sharon and Larry Tulba dancing up a storm at the Dept. of Parks and Recreation’s Annual Senior Valentine’s Dance at the Blaisdell.

I love reading and writing. And, so do you probably or you wouldn’t be reading this issue of Generations Magazine. There are times though when words on a page cannot convey what is going on around us. I recently traveled to the Lanakila Senior Center for a KHON Elderhood Project story. Dozens of seniors were involved in all kinds of classes. They were learning how to play the ‘ukulele, how to prepare tax returns, learning how to hula.

I watched the kumu of the hula class who was about the same age as some of her students. She would face the class, raise her left arm and give instructions, “Raise your right arm.” She was the mirror image for her students. Her left was their right. Can you imagine the skill and practice that it takes?

Day after day I see that kind of dedication and passion on the part of and in behalf of our seniors. It could be with Lanakila or with any of the dozens of City & County Parks and Recreation programs or other community groups.

When I saw the smiles of the seniors in the hula class, the ongoing learning curve of those playing ‘ukulele, the grins of satisfaction of those completing their taxes preparation class, I realized how important these activities are — not just for the seniors but for all generations.