Tag: Kapiolani park

  • Meet Joan Packet at 94

    She works on her health and fitness every day with Diane Cadinha.
    She works on her health and fitness every day with Diane Cadinha.

    Our friend Joanie Packer says she doesn’t worry about things she can’t do anything about — so she lives in the present, works at being as healthy as possible and tries to show appreciation to those around her.

    At 94, how is your life different than when you first retired?

    (left) Joan Packer at 49 yrs. and (right) at 94 yrs.
    (left) Joan Packer at 49 yrs. and (right) at 94 yrs.

    Joan: Back in Missouri, I used to rise at six a.m., spend my days teaching high school English and dream about a life of leisure when I could sleep late. But when I did retire, I was bored and depressed. In my 70s I moved from my farm to a condo in Waikiki. When I saw how physically fit and healthy everyone looked walking around Kapiolani park, I decided I wanted to be like that, too. Now, 28 years later, I exercise six days a week and I’m no longer bored and depressed.

    Six days a week sounds like a lot. What kind of exercise classes are you taking?

    Joan: It didn’t happen overnight. At age 77, I started an exercise plan. We began with tubing and light weights, and worked up to the stability ball and balance work to prevent falls. Strength training keeps my muscle mass and bone density, so I don’t get frail and weak. The better I feel, the more I want to try other classes like Pilates and Yoga. In class we all encourage each other.

    Believe me, I am inherently lazy and do not really relish working out. So going to classes and having a trainer to ride herd on me and hold me accountable is important. I figure my health and independence are worth the effort.

    What else you do to stay fit?

    Joan: I think walking is really important. On the days I don’t walk to class, I walk around the park, the zoo and sometimes up Diamond Head Road. That 40- to 60-minute trek never fails to make me feel better than when I started out. Socializing is also healthy and fun. Two days a week, my group does tai chi in Kapiolani Park.

    Besides exercise — do you have any other recommendations?

    Joan: Food! I gave up my starchy Midwestern farm fare for fruits, vegetables, fish and poultry, soups and lentils. Now I crave healthy foods. I also recommend a positive mental outlook — that makes life fulfilling at any age.

    Shaping Up Fitness Studios
    Mililani and Downtown: 250 Ward Ave., Suite 206
    808-221-3905 | shapingup@hawaii.rr.com
    www.shapingup808.com

    Our friend Joanie Packer says she doesn’t worry about things she can’t do anything about — so she lives in the present, works at being as healthy as possible and tries to show appreciation to those around her. At 94, how is your life different than when you first retired? Joan: Back in Missouri, I…

  • Art on the Zoo Fence

    Generations Magazine - Art on the Zoo Fence - Image 01
    Artist Lavonne Baldwin at the fence with her art.

    Since 1953, some of Hawaii’s best local artists have displayed and sold their art on the fence of the Honolulu Zoo along Monsarrat Avenue across from Kapiolani Park.

    Many artists have come and gone; including young artists just getting started in the art world, older artists that picked up art as a hobby after retirement, artists that have become very successful and a few artists that have been regular members for many years.

    The artists gather every Saturday & Sunday from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm, rain or shine under the beautiful trees along Monsarrat Avenue, offering shade, a welcome reprieve from sunny Waikiki beach across the street.

    As you stroll along the zoo’s fence line, you will find these artists showcasing a wide variety of art and photography; you are sure to find something you will like.

    Visitors come from all over the world to view and purchase art from these artists, and many have customers who return each year.

    Currently there are about 25 regular artists and spaces available for stand-by artists as well. The organization is non-profit, and each year a donation of art supplies is given away to schools and other groups.

    If you are interested in displaying your art or would like more information, visit our website, www.artonthezoofence.com. And “like” us on our Facebook page, Art On The Zoo Fence.

    We look forward to seeing you in beautiful Waikiki!

    Since 1953, some of Hawaii’s best local artists have displayed and sold their art on the fence of the Honolulu Zoo along Monsarrat Avenue across from Kapiolani Park. Many artists have come and gone; including young artists just getting started in the art world, older artists that picked up art as a hobby after retirement,…