Dear Lanakila Senior Center Members, Friends and Family:
On behalf of our staff, Program Specialist Riva Torno, Membership Specialist Iris Hiramoto, Program Support Assistant Cookie Irvine, Custodian Lodi Tapawan and myself, we want to wish all of you a special Veterans Day and a very Happy Thanksgiving ! Words cannot express the deep gratitude we feel for your commitment, generosity, and friendship.
Me ke aloha pumehana (with warmest love),
Susie Chun Oakland Program Director
Wei Ling Cheung
Corazon “Cora”
Hanapi
Amber Larson
Betty Lou Larson
Janet Lyle
Raymond Seid
Tieu Kim Tran
Janet Tsui
Judine Wing
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA
A big mahalo to Lanakila’s Children and Youth Day goodie bag volunteers!!
Our last Show & Sell of the year! Hope everyone found treasures at great bargains!
Our members volunteer at Children and Youth Day 2025
Don Don Donki Excursion in Kapolei!
The Mau’s at the Aloun Farm Excursion
Aloun Farms 2025
Cultural Club Reports
OKINAWA
NENCHOSHA CLUB UPDATE
By Diana Kawaguchi
KINROO KANSHA NO HI (LABOR THANKSGIVING DAY)
The American style Thanksgiving is not celebrated in Okinawa, instead this is a day to respect labor, celebrate productions, & thank one another for their contributions Schools organize events where children make thank you cards or gifts for community workers, like police officers, fire fighters & hospital staff. People enjoy the day off to relax or enjoy the cultural activities. There are lots of U.S. military bases on Okinawa, so the American service members & their families will celebrate the traditional U S Thanksgiving
September 25th: Entertainment by the Dana Project Dancers was a variety of singing & dancing of American, Hawaiian & Japanese They even did a group Broadway production, wearing black hats singing & dancing “New York, New York” This group of twelve ladies sang “America the Beautiful”, carrying & waving the American flag, walking among our members. We appreciate their hard work & efforts to give us a morning of enjoying a spectacular performance!
October Events: October 2nd: Group Shiyukai with Nobuko Yamauchi sensei, who entertained us with singing of a variety of Japanese songs. There were traditional Japanese dancing with their beautiful kimonos & stunning fans, mixed with a comical dancing with masks. The finale was a duet of a Japanese love song. Yamauchi sensei sang & when her male student sang, she accompanied with a Japanese dance
.October 9th: Fun lively day of Okinawan Taiko (use of 2 drums), performance from Terry Higa sensei & group, Hawaii Taiko Kai. Their opening number was “Miruku Mu Nari” to symbolize Peace & Prosperity, followed by more Taiko numbers. May Asato danced an Okinawan dance in memory of her mother-in-law, Tsuruyo Asato, who was a member of our club over 30 years ago! This was followed by Judy Di Bianco who went through the lyrics of “Let’s Sing Uchinaguchi” with the audience, to have them learn some basic Uchinaguchi (Okinawan words). Then the Hawaii Taiko Kai ladies together with some of the audience did a fun dance to this song More Taiko numbers were played, ending with “Kachashi”
.October 16th: Singing performances by Marion’s Karaoke class with MC, Jenny Yoshimura. Many of today’s singers are also our club members, who may have been nervous singing in front of their peers, but they showed confidence, singing on stage with a poised presentation We were thrilled & honored to see their efforts & hard work with their melodic singing of various Japanese & Okinawan songs. We commend, & thank all of the thirteen singers for a great job! Singing is good for our lungs.
.October 23rd: Japanese Taiko drum playing from High School students of the Pacific Buddhist Academy accompanied by teacher, Jay Toyofuku. MC was Head of School, Joshua Hernandez Morse, who introduced each of the Taiko numbers. This group, calls themselves “Hyaku Sen Ki Kai”, which means “1,000 Rivers floating into the Ocean”. These talented youngsters, beat the Taiko drums with such energy & gusto, that you could feel your own heartbeat racing with the sound of the Taiko drums! The male students beat with such gusto, that he developed a blister on his hands! You could see the coordination & deep concentration as they looked at one another to be on the same beat! Such teamwork & effort. The entire room was filled with such energy, & a deafening beat from the Taiko drums We had a very exhilarating morning with these very talented high school students We wish them continued success Umaribi-kariyushi yaibiin (Happy Birthday) to: Jeanette Akamine, John Awakuni, Thomas Duvauchelle, Nancy Gakiya, Elaine Gushiken, Janice Ige, Dessie Kiyabu, Doris Takara, Betsy Tamanaha, & Dorene Toma We wish all of you & your family a very happy & blessed Thanksgiving.
Cultural Club Updates
JAPANESE CULTURAL CLUB UPDATE
By Clarice Kumura
Let’s Gather and Give Thanks
Cheers to family members and good friends Here are some quotes of gratitude: Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgiving, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings
The struggle ends when gratitude begins The roots of all goodness lie in the soil of appreciation. Write down what you are grateful for_______________________________________________
Wishing you hope, joy, peace, good health and love this Thanksgiving
NOTICE: TICKETS ARE ON SALE FOR LMPSC XMAS PARTY ON FRIDAY, DEC. 12 AT THE ALA MOANA HOTEL. COST IS $65.OO. PLEASE SEE CLARICE FOR MORE INFO
November Events: 03 - Spot-A-Scam/Interactive Scam Detection
10 - Madoka No Kai Shamisen Group
17 - Birthday/Happy Senior Serenaders
24 - Elsie’s & Simon’s Karaoke
October Recap - On Oct. 6. Brian Suzuki shared a video about his Japan stories and captured everyone's attention discussing Misora Hibari's performances in Hawaii. On Oct. 13, members of our Japanese Culture Club put on a variety show that show-cased singing, hula and a magic show So much talent among us. On Oct, 20, the Palolo Hongwanji Karaoke put on a show of talented singers who sang songs such as Kassai, Onna Minato Machi, Sukiyaki and also oldies medley.
Omedetou Gozaimasu to: Doris Takara (90+); Thomas “Kalani” Duvauchelle; Beverly Mau; Dorene Toma; and Amy Toyama. Happy Birthday on your Special Day!!
Cultural Club Updates
FILIPINO CULTURAL CLUB UPDATE
By Beth Miguel
Aloha to all of the members and newly elected officers of the Filipino Cultural of Hawaii. Love, understanding and trust are the few traits we are looking for in any organization We are all here at the center to experience comraderies and to learn the different cultures and senior activities to prevent stress and to maintain a smarter brain. Thanks to the center for sharing their funding to all of us participating in different clubs and activities, most especially to our director, Susie Chun Oakland.
On 10/18/25, we attended the Tarlac mutual club of Hawaii at Golden Coin, Waipahu where we enjoyed lots of dancing. The FCCH club dancers were one of the performers. We enjoyed their yummy foods. We also talked about the upcoming Thanksgiving party which will be held on 11/19/25 and every member who attends will be given free lunch
The Xmas party on 12/12/15 will be at Ala Moana Hotel for lunch and decoration the center of X-mas will follow at a later date
Hoping everybody is enjoying their participation as a member in any club and that FCCH will flourish as an outstanding club at LMPSC
Lastly, thanks to our devoted FCCH president Ms. Wilma Ibay, God bless everybody. Hoping to have a lasting memorable memories from the center itself Again, from the bottom of our heart, FCCH staff and members would like to extend our deepest gratitude to LMPSC.
HAWAIIAN CULTURAL CLUB UPDATE
By Roland Manuel
We had an election of officers. No volunteers.
President.: Rolando Manuel
VP: Carol Burrows volunteered replacing Jane Morreira
Treasurer: Sharon Tulba
Secretary: Jeanette Pang
Hau'oli La Ho'omaika’i means Happy Thanksgiving. Happy Thanksgiving to all. Eat all the turkey, gobble gobble. We love you all!!! ALOHA MAKOU'IA OUKOU. ALOHA Nui Loa means all my love. Be thankful, Be grateful, Be Blessed.
PORTUGUESE CULTURAL CLUB UPDATE
By Puna Frank
Bom dia- 2025 was a challenging year for some of us Here’s wishing you all a Feliz Navid and Feliz Anno Novo. Obrigado to all members and friends who supported us spiritually and physically…for without your support and concern the club existence would be nil & void!
Take care… 2026 ushers in the “horse” so saddle up and come ride with us!
CHINESE CULTURAL CLUB UPDATE
By Dorothy Mau
November is a month full of celebrations and gratefulness.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone! “ Gan Jan jie kwai le”! Traditional Chinese do not celebrate Thanksgiving Day, however, their Mid-Autumn Festival is similar to our Thanksgiving, being grateful for bountiful harvest. Today the American Chinese people enjoy the roasted turkey, pumpkin pie and other delicious dishes served during Thanksgiving celebrations. The first thanksgiving began in 1621 with the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag tribe but it was not until President Lincoln issued a proclamation that the fourth Thursday in November be the national Thanksgiving. Why did the turkey join the band? Please ask my son Byron. What do the turkey say to the real estate agent? Answers by Beverly in next month’s kupuna news Did you know that the on Chinese in China celebrate Singles Day on Veterans Day? It’s because November is the 11th month and the day is 11, making so many ones 11/11. It’s an exciting fun day for singles!
Club members with birthdays in July to December will celebrate at Jade Dynasty on November 21, 2025 at10:30am to 12:30 pm.! It’s Happy Birthday “Sang Yat Fai Lok” In closing, may the Lord send you many many blessings ! Until next time,Xie xie Joy ghin joy ghin! Thank you and see you again!
Glenn Ahuna
Jeanette Akamine
Ah Lan Alameida
Anthony “Tony” Alcover
Lani Amarino
John Awakuni
Bonny Bannister
Richard Barrett
Amador Buenavista
Guy Cabral
Severa Cacal
Emelita “Emmie” Campos
Florence Chan
Eldora “Dee” Chang
Gloria Chang
Yuet Kuen Chang
Susan Chee
Vivian Chee
Cheryl Chin
Daryl Ching
Dennis Ching
Verna Chow
Sumie Consillio
Ellen Cruz
Jane’e Crystal
Paulette dibibar
Thomas “Kalani” Duvauchelle
Nalis Esepwak
Sandy Feng Mahnaz Firouzmandy
Kuniko Frandsen
Gail Fujikawa
Nancy Gakiya Chun-Hwan Gaul Tomi Griffin
Lenora Gum
Elaine Gushiken
Belinda Hanson
Elsie Hasegawa
Paulette Helton
Wendell Hershman
Robert Higa
Irene Hino
Frances Hokama
Carol Ige
Eleanor Ige
Janice Ige
Melvin Inamasu
Charles Inatsuka
Diane Inouye
Mayumi Ito
Ann Kaauamo
Annette Kam
Peter Kam
Shizue Kaneshiro
Steven Kaneshiro
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Mildred Kanja
Yu Ling Ke
Savina Kim
Alyson Kimura
Susan King
Mary Kitsu
Dessie Kiyabu
Naomi Kobayashi
Stanley Koki
Myra Kon
Violet “Leimomi” Kondo
Nancy Kono
Veronica Ku
Irene Kuhns
Gail Kuranishi
Stanley Kuraoka
Shiling Lee
Susan Leigh
Sonny Leong
Gail Levy
Hui Chan Li
Lin Zhen Li
Jean Lin
Guo Mei Liu
Michael Loo
Anthony “Tony” Lui
Audrey Lum
Dennis Maekawa
Akiko “Ange” Matsuo
Beverly Mau
Yoshiko Mier
Rosario Miguel
Mie “Anna” Miura
Leila Miyano
Akiko Miyasaki
Toshiko Miyazato
Gayle Mizukami
Claudia Morikawa
Renee Morioka
Lei-Jayne Moy
Penny Munson
Faith Muraoka
Junko Murphy
Judy Nakamura
Pauline Naumu
Mieko Nhomi
Alva Nomura
Shunro Okamoto
Jeanette Okamura
Evan Omoto
Faith Osurman
Supattra “Patty” Priest
Leonarda “Leonie” Ramirez
Rosieta “Rosie” Ramiro
Dan Ream
Chanara Richmond
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
(continued)
Shirley Riley
Sandra Shawhan
Janet Shigemura
Young Nyun Shin
Michael Shockley
Young Sik Sim
Jane Smith-Martin
Barbara Stanton
Randall Stone
Burt Sugiki
Kirk Sullivan
Doris Takara
Emiko Takemoto
Laurie Taketa
Patricia Takeuchi
Betsy Tamanaha
Susan Tamura-Boyd
Sharon Tanaka
Teri Anne Teramoto
Mariko Tolliver
Dorene Toma
Sandra “Sandy” Toma
Tsugunori Toma
James Tomi
Christine Tong
Estrella Tongpalan
Donald Touchi
Amy Toyama
Janet Toyama
Kacy Troy
Karen Usui
Linda Uyechi
Carlos Vergabera
Clemente Villanueva
Saspen Wan
Charlene Watanabe
Kim West
Karen White
Randall S.J. “Randy” Wong
Judith “Judi” Yogi
Eileen Yoshimoto
Alwyn Yoshimura
Jenny Yoshimura
Alan Young
Amy Young
Linda Young
Rowena Young
Jin Suk Yu
Thank you so much for your generosity!
PIKAKE ($1000+)
Yamaguchi, Ethel
OHI‘A A LEHUA ($500)
KAHILI GINGER ($250+)
Ho, Brenda
HIBISCUS ($100+)
Arakaki, Pauline
Asato, May
Chang, Nancy Cobb, Ruby
Fujiwara, Sylvia
Higa, Grant Higa, Jane
Maruno, Elsie
Ping, Abigail
BIRD OF PARADISE ($50+)
Anzai, Carol
Furukawa, Judy
ANTHURIUM ($49 & under)
Loo, Tom
Morimoto, Akiyo
Ramos, Winerfer Yamasaki, Glenn
IN-KIND DONATION
Batula, Joan Bratt, Amy Brown, Rose
Goodbody, Angela Hong, Mae Hung, Roy Ikegami, Darlene Isekawa, Marilyn Kaneshiro, Lisa Kaneshiro, Lisa Ladrillono, Meriam Lee, Jadine Lee, Marge Maruno, Elsie Morioka, Greta Morriera, Jane Nagamine, Sandra Nakamoto, Litheia Nakamoto, Mary Nakamura, Joyce Nishimura, Rhonda Nishiyama, Soon Wha Orinion, Cora Padilla, Mary Ann Sakagawa, Steven & Amy Sakumoto, Atsuko Shigetani, Kate Sugiyama, Jean Tachikawa, Wendy Tominaga, Sunny Wong, Valerie C. Yamaguchi, Ethel
November 2025
Class & Club Schedule
*Most classes and clubs are an hour long, unless noted otherwise below.
Day
Monday
Tuesday
Time Class
Facilitator
Location
8:30 AM Picking Ukulele Nishiyama, Young Sewing Room
8:30 AM Intermediate Ukulele G. Olayan Dance Room
8:30 AM – 10:30 AM Victor’s Kapakahi Group Tangonan Library Annex
9:00 AM – 10:30 AM Japanese Cultural Club Sueda Lanai
10:30 AM Basic Japanese Sasaki Sewing Room
10:30 AM Strumming For Fun Olayan Library Annex
10:30 AM – 12:00 PM Hula Makolo Dance Room
10:45 AM Yoga (on break until end of Nov.) Hasegawa Lanai
12:00 PM Ping Pong Ream Lanai
12:30 PM – 2:30 PM Cribbage Tom Patio
12:30 PM – 2:30 PM Samulnori Lee Sewing Room
8:00 AM – 11:00 AM Needle and Thread Oshiro Sewing Room
8:00 – 11:00 AM Mah Jong Sugihara Library Room
8:30 AM Beginner Guitar Dacoscos Lanai
9:00 AM Core with Carol Miyasato ONLINE
9:00 AM Hawaiian Cultural Club (1st & 3rd Tues. of the month) Manuel Activity Room
9:15 AM – 12:00 PM Pickleball Lardizabal, Tsubaki Lanakila Gym
9:30 AM Music Lovers Group Espeleta Library Annex
9:30 AM – 11:00 AM Hula Makolo Dance Room
10:00 AM & 11:00 AM Beginner’s iPhone Class* Kawasaki Patio
10:00 AM Sahm Bo Dahn Higuchi Lanai
11:15 AM Beginning Hula Makolo Dance Room
11:30 AM Japanese Calligraphy Usami Sewing Room
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM Line Dance Matsunaga Lanai
Wednesday TBA (day & time varies) Gardening Group* Nakamura TBA
8:00 AM Tai Chi* Koike ONLINE
8:30 AM – 9:45 AM Fit & Flexible Mayeshiro Dance Room
9:00 AM Stretch & Tone Werle Lanai
9:30 AM Portuguese Cultural Club (2nd & 4th Wed. of the month) Frank Activity Room
9:45 AM – 12:00 PM Sewing by Nakasone Nakasone, Ito Craft Room
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Korean Dance Cultural Club Hasegawa Dance Room
10:30 AM Happy Senior Serenaders Ojiri, Ramiro Sewing Room
November 2025 Class & Club Schedule
Day Time Class Facilitator Location
10:30 AM – 12:00 PM Shigin Tokugawa Library Room
10:45 AM Yoga Fujii Lanai
12:00 PM Crafts by Janet* Miyashiro Sewing Room
12:15 PM – 1:45 PM Chinese Traditional Dance Feng, Hou Dance Room
