Dear Members and Friends of Lanakila Multi-Purpose Senior Center,
I am delighted to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Lanakila Multi-Purpose Senior Center on the remarkable occasion of your 55th anniversary and long standing commitment to enriching the lives of seniors in our community.
For over half a century, Lanakila Multi-Purpose Senior Center has been a beacon of support, engagement, and joy for countless individuals. As we celebrate this milestone, we honor the vital role that Lanakila Multi-Purpose Senior Center plays in advocating for independence, dignity, and respect for our kupuna. The Center has long fostered a welcoming environment where kupuna can continue to learn, grow, and connect with others.
Congratulations to all the wonderful members who participate in the activities at Lanakila Multi-Purpose Senior Center. Your passion and commitment to playing, learning, and serving are truly inspiring. It is through your active involvement and kokua that the center continues to thrive as a vibrant hub of activity and aloha.
May Lanakila Multi-Purpose Senior Center continue to thrive and inspire for many more years to come. I look forward to witnessing the continued positive impact that you will undoubtedly have on our community. Congratulations on this remarkable achievement, and best wishes to all.
Sincei:ely,
TINA N. ANDRADE CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
We, the staff at Lanakila Multi-Purpose Senior Center, would like to thank the thousands of seniors that make LMPSC a wonderful place to work. We look forward every day to the stories and laughter that we hear throughout the center. We look forward to many years ahead!
Susie Chun Oakland PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Elizabeth “Cookie” Irvine PROGRAM SUPPORT ASSISTANT
Riva Torno PROGRAM SPECIALIST
Iris Hiramoto MEMBERSHIP SPECIALIST
Cyan Lau, MSW, LSW CASE MANAGER
Lourdes Adame, MSW, LSW CASE MANAGER
Lodi Tapawan CUSTODIAN
Center Goals
• To support continued healthy activity, personal growth and enrichment vital to keeping the mind, body, and spirit thriving. This is achieved through exercise, recreation, health promotion, health screening, education, volunteerism, cultural clubs and special events.
• To be a link between seniors and service providers and to make information easily accessible (i.e., free tax preparation, Medicare information updates, pedestrian and fire safety presentations).
• To provide early intervention aimed at keeping seniors healthy and preventing premature institutionalization.
• To encourage volunteerism that carries the talents of our kūpuna back into the community. The Center’s seniors provide thousands of hours of free entertainment, cultural education and community service to dozens of hospitals, nursing homes, adult day care centers, care homes, and community events.
Cultural Clubs
Chinese Cultural Club
Filipino Cultural Club
Hawaiian Cultural Club
Japanese Cultural Club
Korean Cultural Club
Okinawa Nenchosha Club
Portuguese Cultural Club
Events, Activities
The number of events, activities and presentations exceed those listed here. What follows is a representative sample of what the Center has offered.
EVENTS PROGRAMS
Candidates Fair
Christmas Program
Cinco de Mayo Fiesta
Fourth of July
Grandparents Day
Halloween Party
Health & Wellness Fair
Lunar New Year Celebration
May Day
Memorial Program
Saint Patrick’s Day
Show & Sell (fundraiser)
Thanksgiving Program
Valentine’s Day
Veterans Day Celebration
EXCURSIONS
Aiea Orchid Show
Active Seniors Day
American Savings Bank
Campus Tour
Byodo-In Temple
Cathedral of St. Andrews
Chinatown Historical Tour
Dole Plantation
Hawaii United Okinawa
Association Senior Health Fair
Honolulu Orchid Show
Kamaka Ukulele Factory
Lyon Aboretum Tour
Sakura Tour
Sun Flower Tour
Waiahole Nursery
GAMES, EXCERCISE
Bayview Mini Golf
BINGO
Magic Island Walk
Pearlridge Walk & Shop
Waikele Outlets Walk & Shop
Walk & Shop at Windward Mall
PRESENTATIONS
10 Tips to Reduce Your Energy Bill
Active Shooter
Advanced Healthcare Directives
Affordable Housing
AED (automated external
defibrilator) Training
CPR Training
Crime Stoppers
Cybersecurity for Seniors
Dementia and Caregiving
Digital Technology
Estate Planning
Fall Prevention
Food Handler Training
Grief Counseling
Kidney Care
Kupuna Program at UHM
Legacy Planning
Library Services
Long-Term Care Insurance
Medicare
Medication Management
Pedestrian Safety
Powers of Attorney
Real Property Tax Credit
Rent and Utility Assistance
Retire Wiser
Senior Fraud Awareness
Simple Wills
Social Security
Taxes in Retirement
Veteran Benefits
SERVICE PROJECTS
AARP Tax Preparation
Children and Youth Day
Computer Fix-it
Going Green
Genki Ball Throw
Pop-up Legal Advice Clinic
Classes,
AARP Driver Safty Class
Advanced Enka
American Calligraphy
American Sign Language
Android Technology
Balance Exercises
Basic Japanese Language
Body & Brain Beginning
Tai Chi & Yoga
Beginner Mac Computer Class
Beginner iPhone Class
Beginner Oldies Karaoke
Brain Exercises
Brian’s Karaoke Class
Chess
Chinese Traditional Dancing
Chinese Traditional Medicine
Cheng Man Ching Tai Chi
Chuan Tai Chi
Composting Wormies Group
Cooking Demonstrations
Crafts by Janet
Cribbage
Diabetes Self-Management
Digital Technology
Enka (Japanese songs)
French (Beg. & Inter., conversational)
Fusion Exercise
Garden Group
Guitar
Hanafuda
Happy Senior Serenaders
Hula
Intermediate Ukulele
Introduction to Yoga
Japanese Calligraphy
Ken Koike’s Healthy Tai Chi
Korean Culture and Cuisine
Korean Conversational
Language
Korean Dance
Raised Gardens Project
Ti Leaf Lei Making
WORKSHOPS
Brain Health
Breathing Workshop
Composting Workshop
Flower Origami Workshop
Genki Ball Workshop
Honohono Workshop
Kokedama Workshop
Lights-in-a-Bottle
Mandarin Dance Workshop
Milestones Book Workshops
Pest Control Workshops
Pickleball Safety Workshop
Pikake Propagation
Repotting Orchids
Succulent Party
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Udon Making Workshop
Vegetable Planting
Worm Composting
Groups
Kupuna Aikido
Lei Making
Line Dance
Mah Jong
Making Jai Mom’s Way
Mandarin Language Classes
Mei’s Tech Class
Music Lovers Group
Needle & Thread
Nutrition Education Class
Online iPhone Class
Okinawan Dance
PC Computer Class
Personal Tech Class
Picking Ukulele
Pickleball
Ping Pong
Qi Gong
Sahm Bo Dahn (Korean Excercise)
Salmunori (Korean percussion)
Sewing by Nakasone
Shigin (poetry recitation performed in Japanese)
Sing for Your Life
Spanish Language
Special Events Group
Strength Training
Stretch & Tone
Strumming for Fun
Tai Chi for Health and Fall Prevention (chair-based)
Taisho Koto
Tap Dance
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Travel Club
Victor’s Kapakahi Group
Yoga
Yui Buyo (Okinawan dance)
Zumba Gold
HISTORY
Above: News brief of the senior center’s dedication appeared in The Honolulu Star-Bulletin on Tuesday, October 21, 1969. [Online source: Newspapers.com]
Correction: The dedication date was not on Thursday, October 23, but the following week Thursday October 30, 1969.
Lanakila Multi-Purpose Senior Center was built by the State of Hawai‘i in 1969 and is Hawai‘i’s largest senior center. Catholic Charities Hawai‘i has operated Lanakila since 1981. Today it serves over 2,000 seniors age 60 years and older living primarily between Ward Avenue and Fort Shafter, but includes others across Oahu. The Center helps seniors to remain healthy, independent and living in the community by providing a place for exercise, recreation, health promotion, health screening and volunteer activities.
“I think the success of a center is the spectrum of services it can offer. We plan to offer as many as we can.”
CHARLIE AMOR, OCTOBER 1969
Left, above and below: Sections from a full-page story reporting on the services and
1961 A federal grant was awarded to Honolulu Community College in 1961 to establish a “model multi-purpose senior center.” It was conceived as a research and demonstration project with a range of educational, recreational, and social services.
1966 Act 38, SLH 1996 appropriated $181,000 to finance the construction of a “Senior Opportunity Center in the Lanakila Area, Honolulu.”
1968 The Center was constructed by the State of Hawaii and named the Hawaii State Senior Center.
The Hawaii State Commission on Aging awarded a matching grant using declining Federal Older American funds with State funds to Honolulu Community College for a model multi-purpose senior center to serve the elderly in Kalihi-Palama, a Target Model Cities area.
1969 The facility was completed in May and accepted by the State Department of Accounting and General Services (DAGS). The Hawaii Commission on Aging awarded Federal Title III Older Americans Act fund to Honolulu Community College for the operation of a “model multi-purpose senior center”.
The targeted population and area: 55 years and older, residing in the Kalihi-Palama area. Older persons (55+) who reside outside of the target area were offered “associate membership”.
A Dedication and Open House is held on October 30th for the Center, then named “Hawaii State Senior Center”.
The Center opens its doors on November 1, 1969.
By the end of its first year, the Center’s membership totaled 639, exceeding the projected capacity of 500.
The Chinese Cultural Club was created in November 1969 by Kai Tong Young. Member of Lanakila, Audrey Young, is the daughter-in-law. Subsequent presidents include Ruth Chow, Anna Pang, Violet Holeso, Richard Leong, and Ruth Pang. Dorothy Mau is the current president and has served since 2000.
Hawaiian Cultural Club, Japanese Cultural Club, Korean Cultural Club, and Portuguese Cultural Clubs were formed.
Dr. James H. Tengan, with the help of a handful of seniors of Okinawan ancestry, form the Okinawan Social Club, now known as the Okinawa Nenchosha Club.
1970–1974 John DeMello, Founder of the Center, is honored by the Commission on Aging at a ceremony attended by 300 people, including many prominent politicians.
The facility expands with a covered lanai and a craft room.
The research conducted by Dr. Gerald Meredith showed that the Center made a significant positive impact on the lives of the participants.
The State Legislature appropriated 100% State funds to continue the Center. The funds were appropriated to the Commission on Aging, which then contracted with Honolulu Community College to manage the program.
1975 The Commission on Aging began channeling funds for senior programs through each county’s Area Agency on Aging (AAA). On Oahu the AAA is now known as the Elderly Affairs Division (EAD), which is part of the City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Community Services.
Honolulu Community College decided that operation of a senior center was not within its mission. The Elderly Affairs Division began seeking a new provider to manage the Center. After one other provider was unable to meet RFP requirements, Catholic Charities Hawaii (formerly known as Catholic Social Services) was asked to submit a bid for operation of the Center. CCH felt that running the Center fell within its mission of helping seniors remain independent in the community.
1981 CCH (formerly Catholic Social Services) began operating the program, which was then renamed Lanakila Multi-Purpose Senior Center.
The Center continued to receive funding for some classes via Honolulu Community College and DOE/ Adult Education.
1986 The State Foundation on Culture and the Arts provided additional funding to the Center to expand its ethnic music and dance classes.
1989 Additional State funding through Elderly Affairs Division funded a part-time social worker to provide counseling services and develop a Peer Counseling Program.
1993 A Federal Older Americans Act Title IIF grant was received to develop the Health Neighbors Project, to expand its programming to five neighborhood housing projects.
The Center reached an all-time high of nine staff as a result of above additional funding sources.
55 years of supporting Hawai‘i’s kūpuna towards vibrant, healthy, and independent living. Lanakila Multi-Purpose Senior Center LOOKING BACK AT 55
The Participant Advisory Board (PAB) adopts the motto, “We Play, We Learn, We Serve.” Under Dr. James Tengan, the PAB established ethnic clubs and initiates the Center’s Volunteer Program.
1996 State funding for most senior programs was drastically cut. The Center’s budget was reduced by nearly fifty percent.
In addition, State funds for classes through The State Foundation on Culture and the Arts and Honolulu Community College were lost; State DOE/ Adult Education class funding were reduced.
Staff positions, hours of operation, and services such as the International Kitchen, were cut in order for the Center to survive. In order to maintain basic programming, membership donations and class suggested donations were implemented.
Early 2000’s Despite a growing elderly population, the State DOH/Executive Office on Aging notified the two State-funded senior centers (Lanakila and Moiliili) that a policy shift necessitated the end to State funding of programs for well seniors by June 2003. Funding priorities shifted to focus on programs that served frail elders.
2002 In July, then Governor Cayetano extended the state’s funding of the center for one year to allow the next administration to make a decision.
In December, newly elected Governor Lingle pledged her support for the seniors.
2003 In December, Governor Lingle promised that the Center would be funded as long as she is in office.
2004 When its State purchase of service contract via the City and County Elderly Affairs Division ended in June 2004, a 3-month extension of funding was secured. The Center was funded through a Grant In Aid for a period from October 1, 2004 to June 30, 2005.
2005–2007 Partial State funding ($123,722) restored in DOH/ Executive Office on Aging budget for Center effective FY06 (Jul 05–Jun 06).
GIA funds approved in 2005, 2006 and 2007 Legislative Sessions. Late release of GIA funds lead to some program deficits.
2008 GIA request ($170,000) NOT approved in 2008 Legislative Session.
2007 GIA ($134,000) finally released and contracted in May 2008. Portion of funds used for FY2008 budget; balance being used in current FY2009 (7/1/08-6/30/09).
• Deficit for FY2009 is projected at nearly $100,000. Program will begin to go into deficit, December 2008.
• State informs Catholic Charities Hawai`i that funding for senior centers (both) in the DOH/Executive Office on Aging budget “was a mistake.” When asked regarding implications for future funding, no response provided.
Due to concern that future funding for the Center appears to be at risk, CCH staff and board had various meetings with State and City & County officials. CCH also approached various private sources, including foundations, regarding possible funding. One local foundation advised that there needs to be a commitment by the State for ongoing funding in order for a funding request for the Center to be considered.
Growing concern amongst senior membership regarding the possible closure of their Center. The 18-member Participant Advisory Board (PAB) of the Center approved a motion to ask the Governor to come to the Center to inform members regarding what the State intends to do regarding the Center. PAB also approves establishment of an ad hoc committee to focus on advocacy efforts.
• PAB Chair and other Center leaders hand deliver the letter to the Governor’s office on 10/15/08.
• Committee to Save Lanakila Senior Center begins meeting. Initial action steps include:
+ Members begin a petition to express their support of continued State funding for the Center. Petition currently has several thousand signatures of concerned members and community supporters.
+ Committee members write personal letters to Governor requesting State to continue Center funding.
+ Committee members ask others to write letters in support of the Center.
+ Committee members and staff begin to attend Neighborhood Board meetings to request support for the Center. Several Neighborhood Boards are preparing resolutions or signing petitions in support.
2009 By end of January, Center receives donations to cover the anticipated $100,000 deficit for current FY2009 to keep Center going to FYE on June 30, 2009.
CCH receives notification of award in amt of $123,722 per year for Lanakila Multi-Purpose Senior Center for FY2010 and FY2011, subject to available funds.
Catholic Charities Hawai`i was issued a one year contract to operate the Center for FY2010 (July 1, 2009 – June 30, 2010) in same amount of $123,722. With no additional State funds via GIA, CCH projects deficit of over $200,000 in order to operate program safely.
2010 2010 Legislature passed Senate Bill 2469 (Re Emergency and Budget Reserve Fund), i.e. the Rainy Day bill, which had $350,000 GIA for the Center.
By end of May, Center raises enough funds, largely through donations, to cover the majority of the $200,000+ deficit for FY2010.
Governor Abercrombie signed Senate Bill 2469 as Act 191 to release funding for multiple human service programs.
2011 GIA (Act 191) contracted via State EOA provides supplemental funding for 2 years, FY2011-2012.
2012 2012 Legislature appropriate $175,000 GIA for the Center for FY2013 as part of Senate Bill 2320, Relating to Aging. Governor signed bill as Act 238 and funds released October 2012. GIA funds from Act 238 were retroactive to date of Governor’s release of funds, unlike previous years when GIA contracts were retroactive to the start of the FY, July 1. Contract received April 1, 2013, retro to October 30, 2012.
2013 2013 Legislature appropriated $175,000 GIA for the Center for FY2014. Governor released funds in January 2014. Contract was issued in May 2014, effective January 2014 through June 2015.
2014 CCH submitted GIA request for $185,000. 2014 Legislature appropriated $100,000 GIA for the Center for FY2015. Governor released the funds in March 2015 less 10% (GIA amount of $90,000). Contract received in July 2015, effective March 25, 2015.
2015 CCH submitted GIA request for $185,000. 2015 Legislature appropriated $100,000 GIA for the Center for FY2016. Due to continued budget deficits, CCH eliminated a 40% SW/CM position effective August 31, 2015. Case management service was removed from the 2014 GIA ($90,000).
2017 In January 2017, a focus on the physical improvement of the Lanakila Multi-Purpose Senior Center took place. The Library Room, Library Annex, Go Room, storage closet spaces, roof over the Activity Room, Go Room, the air conditioning, carpeting, water fountains, the concession room, green house, and gardens were tended to, cleaned, organized, and fixed.
Continued focus on physical improvements to the Center took place, including the outside. Storage Room, Craft Room, Small Kitchen. Large Kitchen, Staff Parking Lot, perimeter fencing, Lanai, Thrift Shop, Men and Women’s Restrooms, and Center gardens. The number of classes increased in two years from 32 to 44. The unduplicated count of seniors attending the Center on a monthly basis increased from 400 to 800 seniors. The My Senior Center software program was implemented fully to capture data and statistics more efficiently. Wi-fi is now available throughout the entire Center.
2019 Continued focus on physical improvements to the Center took place, including raising funds to repair the facility’s gutter system and pro bono work from members of the Oahu Contractors Association was offered to repair the reception area that was sunken in. A large tree was removed to avoid the lifting of the main water pipe system and the cracking of the pipe system. Center members continued to ask for more classes, special events, excursions, and expansion of some of the more popular classes to take place more than once a week. Space constraints, especially in the morning hours, were of concern. The State Department of Accounting and General Services provides the Executive Office on Aging the final Structural Analysis Report, which provides three recommendations. Two recommendations involved renovation of the existing building and the third recommendation involves the demolition and rebuilding of LMPSC. DAGS staff recommends the demolition and rebuilding of the Center.
2020 LMPSC conducts its annual Leadership Training Conference. A portion of the Conference begins a visioning process to help inform the planning and design of a new Center. The Hawaii State Legislature appropriates $6.8 million to demolish and rebuild the Center. From March 17, 2020 to May 2023, the Center was closed to its members due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
At the time of closure, LMPSC offered 51 classes, the seven cultural clubs were actively engaging their members, and over 20 major special events was offered to senior center members. With the closure of the center, a significant shift in operations occurred. Staff, instructors, and members explored online classes to keep members healthy and engaged socially through social computer applications. Initially, 7 types of classes were offered online with a total of 11 classes offered per week.
Robocalls to the Center’s membership of 1,638 seniors were made monthly to keep them informed of the closure of the center and collection of email addresses from its members took place. Additionally, personal phone calls were made by staff to each center members to assure that members well-being was good.
Catholic Charities Hawaii made the decision to keep the senior center closed until the State of Hawaii reached Phase 3 of the Center on Disease Control’s recommended phases in the reopening of a State in the COVID-19 pandemic environment. Phase 3, in part, would lift the “Stay at Home” order of the Governor for older adults in the community.
A decision was made to partner with the Hawaii Public Housing Authority to have the senior center built with the HPHA administrative offices located on top of the new senior center in order to save time and money that would be spent on doing a separate Environmental Assessment and Environmental Impact Statement.
2023 Lanakila Multi-Purpose Senior Center offered over 60 classes per week; hundreds of excursions, educational workshops, and special events and has seen a growth in membership over the past 6 years of over 1,000 new members. New class offerings like digital technology, pickleball, ping pong, a variety ukulele classes, cribbage and other board games, many arts and craft classes, line dancing, music and performing arts offerings have attracted many new members and created a renewed interest in Lanakila activities. The seven cultural clubs, under their respective leaderships, have weathered the pandemic successfully and the members are returning to enjoy one another’s company. The attendance at many special events, like Chinese New Year, Valentine’s Day, Volunteer Appreciation Day, May Day, Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas have significantly increased. The number of volunteers have also increased from approximately 300 volunteers to over 700 volunteers. Community partnerships are growing resulting in new opportunities for seniors and the community.
A decision was made, through the consensus of the senior center members, that the Center develop a new senior center independently of HPHA after receiving news that the Office of the Attorneys General informed HPHA that LMPSC could not move forward without a separate Environmental Assessment being doing through OEQC. DAGS is exploring with DOH the demolition and rebuilding of LMPSC in the next few years.
The Council on Accreditation (COA) reviewed over 40 programs of Catholic Charities Hawaii, one being Lanakila Multi-Purpose Senior Center, and the final outcome of their review was very positive. The staff, volunteers and members of Lanakila Senior Center contributed so much to the quality of programming and services offered by the senior center.
2024 It is Lanakila Multi-Purpose Senior Center’s 55th Anniversary. The seven cultural clubs continue to hold meetings and events that provide meaningful experiences, fun and educational opportunities, and social activities for many LMPSC members. The number of class offerings continues to grow with additional classes like French, Mandarin, and Spanish language classes, traditional Chinese medicine and dance classes, strengthbased and balance-related exercises, and more. Special events, including a diverse array of excursions, educational workshops, and many community service projects, performances, etc. provide much fulfillment. Seven years ago there were 32 classes per week. Today, over 65 classes are offered a week, with over 4,000 activities offered within a year’s time.
As of June 2024, Lanakila Senior Center has over 2,000 active members. There is need to upgrade the senior center facility to improve the health and safety of the 55-year-old facility. We look forward to working with the State to make this a reality.
2024 Cultural Club Officers
Chinese Cultural Club
President: Dorothy Mau
Vice President: Cindy Choy
Secretary: Blossom Mau
Treasurer: June Ng
Sergeants-at-Arms:
Channing Ching
Chow Fook Choy
Tommy Duvauchelle
Raymond Miyashiro
Advisor: Beverly Mau
Filipino Cultural Club
President: Wilhelmina “Wilma” Ibay
Vice President: Corazon Orinion
Secretary: Evelyn Ambrocio
Treasurer: Leonie Ramirez
Auditor: Renilda Cordero
Sergeants-at-Arms:
Sergia Ababa
Josephine Aguilar
Emelita Guillermo
Board of Directors:
Letty Dolor
Doris Maielua
Aurelia Sonson
Aurelia Tiburcio
Club Adviser:
Rodolfo Ibay
Hawaiian Cultural Club
President: Roland Manuel
Treasurer: Sharon Tulba
Japanese Cultural Club
President: Mary Sueda
Vice President: Clarice Kumura
Secretary: Clarice Kumura
Treasurer: Jeanette Shiohira
Asst. Treasurer: Jean Sugiyama
Auditor: Franklin Toma
Assistant Auditor: Teresa Sasaki
Sergeant-at-Arms: Alicia Nagasawa
Technical Engineer: Richard Tada
Assistant Technical Engineer: Franklin Toma
Advisor: Richard Tada
Korean Cultural Club
President: Suzie Hasegawa
Vice President: Suzie Hasegawa
Secretary: Sheila Nishimura
Treasurer: Sheila Nishimura
Okinawa Nenchosha Club
President: Jane Higa
Vice President: Richard Tada
Secretary: Diana Kawaguchi
Treasurer: Diane Kawakami
Assistant Treasurers: Janet Ito Phil Uyehara
Auditors:
Franklin Toma Flora Nakasone
Membership: Nancy Gakiya
Entertainment: Flora Nakasone
Audio-Video Technicians: Frank Toma
Richard Tada
James Toma
Special Events: Richard Tada
Diane Kawakami
Attendence: Jane Fujii
Mona Bernardo
Portuguese Cultural Club
President: Elouise “Puna” Frank
Vice President: Elizabeth “Betty” Schoeppner
Secretary: Jane Morreira
Treasurer: Roseline Ho
Sergeant at Arms: Madeleine Lum
Sharon Isa, Na Wahine Hula O Lanakila
MAHALO
Sponsors and advertisers of the 55th Anniversary Souvenir Booklet:
Front row (L–R): Iris Hiramoto, Membership Specialist; Puna Frank, Portuguese Cultural Club President; Suzie Hasegawa, Korean Cultural Club President; Dorothy Mau, Chinese Cultural Club President; Diane Kawakami , Enka Class Representative; Janet Ito, Sewing by Nakasone Class Representative; Riva Torno, Program Specialist. Back row (L–R): Roland Manuel, Hawaiian Cultural Club President; Sharon Tulba, Hawaiian Cultural Club Treasurer; Wilma Ibay, Filipino Cultural Club President; Mary Sueda, Japanese Cultural Club; Richard Tada, Program Committee Chairperson; Cookie Irvine, Program Support Assistant; Jean Sugihara, Mah Jong Class Representative. Photo: Suzanne Chun Oakland, April 2024.
Former Senior Center Executive Directors and Program Coordinators
Charles Amor
Helen Richardson
Jill Takaezu
Diane Terada
Drusilla Tanaka
Karen Takemoto
Kristy Watanabe
Florence Calderon
Sally Joyce
Mila Julian
Diana Kawaguchi
Yoshiko H. Kaneshiro
Sharon Kim
Yoshiko Kumura
Ester Lansangan
Evelyn Leroux
Josie Llaneza
Lolita Lucas
Florentina Lumabao
Linda Maballo
Doris Maielua
Beverly Mau
Blossom Mau
Dorothy Mau
Yasuko Miyazawa
Hiroko Nishihara
Masako Oda
Nobuko Oshiro
Estrella Pablo
Elizabeth Pham
Faye Rainey
Leoni Ramirez
Ana Rarangol
Lynn Sekiya
Angie Sera
Joy Shimizu
Sharon Shiraki
Fely Tabula
Ellen Tajima
Aurelia Tiburcio
Estrella Tongpalan
Amy Ige Toyama
Luvimina Valentin
Nieves Vargas
Erline Waiau
Lily Weidman
Aileen Wong
Midge Wright
Janice Yokooji
2024 PROGRAM COMMITTEE
Richard Tada, Chairperson
Diane Kawakami, Secretary
Elouise “Puna” Frank, Portuguese Cultural Club President
Suzie Hasegawa, Korean Cultural Club President
Jane S. Higa, Okinawa Nenchosha Club President
Wilma Ibay, Filipino Cultural Club President
Roland Manuel, Hawaiian Cultural Club President
Dorothy Mau, Chinese Cultural Club President
Mary Sueda, Japanese Cultural Club President
Amy Bratt, Needle and Thread Class Representative
Janet Ito, Sewing by Nakasone Class Representative
Diane Kawakami, Enka Class Representative
Jean Sugihara, Mah Jong Class Representative
Jan Yokota
Tammy Nakamatsu
Dianne Lim
Yuet Mui Kong
Lanakila Multi-Purpose Senior Center is a program of Catholic Charities Hawaii and is funded in part by the State of Hawaii via contract with the City and County of Honolulu, Elderly Affairs Division; Grant In Aid funding approved by the Hawaii State Legislature and contracted through the State Executive Office on Aging; and the Kupuna Aging in Place Grant Program of the Hawaii Community Foundation (May Templeton Hopper Fund and Minnie K. Fund).
Some of the 2024 Participant Advisory Board: Back Row: Roland Manuel (Hawaiian Cultural Club President), Mary Sueda (Japanese Cultural Club President), Rosie Ramiro (Happy Senior Serenaders instructor), Suzie Hasegawa (Korean Cultural Club President), Puna Frank (Portuguese Cultural Club), Carol Ka‘apu (representing Liliha-Kapalama Neighborhood Board 14), and Randal Lau (Tai Chi for Health instructor). Front Row: Jane Higa (Okinawa Nenchosha Club President), Dorothy Mau (Chinese Cultural Club President), Denise Werle (Stretch and Tone instructor), Wilma Ibay (Filipino Cultural Club President).
Photo: Carole Ka‘apu
2024 Participant Advisory Board
ROLAND
MARY SUEDA
Mary Chun A1
Donald Hirai A2
Elizabeth Pham A3
Kurt Sekiya A4
Lynn Sekiya A5
Joy Shimizu A6
Ellen Tajima A7
Amy Toyama A8
Aileen Wong A9
Chow Fook Choy B1
Cindy Choy B2
Channing Ching B3
Tommy Duvauchelle B4
Belinda Hanson B5
Linda Maballo B6
Beth Miguel B7
Lanakila Multi-Purpose Senior
Center
About the Photographer
Evan K.H. Ching, is a former Honolulu Police Department officer in the narcotics/ vice division, and was the Commander of East Honolulu (District 7). He retired with the rank of major after serving HPD for 34 years. He has been capturing LMPSC’s events since July 2014. In addition to his interest in photography, he is actively engaged in karate and aikido.
at55
we play
we learn
Above left: Charlie Amor. Left: Helen Richardson.
Above: Volunteer Tiana Kiaaina (left) with Program Director Susie Chun Oakland. Right: (L–R) Amy Bratt, Mona Bernardo, Custodian Lodi Tapawan, Mary Sueda, Program Specialist Riva Torno, and Jean Sugihara.
FILIPINO CULTURAL CLUB
OF HONOLULU
FCCH Members
OFFICERS
President:
Wilma Ibay A1
Vice President:
Corazon Orinion A2
Secretary: Evelyn Ambrocio A3
Treasurer:
Leonie Ramirez A4
Auditor:
Renilda Cordero A5
Advisor: Rodolfo Ibay A6
Boad of Directors:
Letty Dolor B1
Doris Maielua B2
Aurelia Sonson B3
Aurelia Tiburcio B4
Sergeants-at-Arms:
Sergia Ababa B5
Josie Aguilar B6
Emelita Guillermo B7
Juanita Augustin C1
Matilda Aquino C2
Fely Baliba C3
Lorenza Baloran C4
Carmen Bautista C5
Celestina Cabaccang C6
Violeta Calpito D1
Wilfredo Cervano D2
Dorotea Coloma D3
Sally Corpus D4
Blandina Daet D5
Erlinda Dongon D6
Francisca Fabinal D7
Raquel Ganti E1
Julie Iniba E2
Mila Julian E3
Ester Lansangan E4
Evelyn Leroux E5
Josefina Llaneza E6
Lolita Lucas E7
Virgilio Lucas F1
Florentina Lumabao F2
Estrella Pablo F3
Ana Rarangol F4
Angelita Sera F5
Fely Tabula F6
Estrella Tongpalan F7
Luvimina Valentin G1
Nieves Vargas G2
Lily Weidmann G3
Happy Birthday! Hawaii State Rep. May Besario Mizuno was an honored guest in celebrating FCC members whose birthdays occured during the months of January and February. Left to right: Lily Weidmann, Estrella (Ester) Pablo, Josefina (Josie) Llaneza, Rep. Mizuno, Angelita (Angie) Sera, Evelyn Leroux, Francisca (Lei) Fabinal, and Dorotea (Dorothy) Coloma.
Other birthday celebrants (not shown) were Mona Supnet and Violet Calpito. Photo: Evan Ching, 2/17/2024
CHINESE CULTURAL CLUB
CCC Members
OFFICERS
President: Dorothy Mau
Vice President: Cindy Choy
Secretary: Blossom Mau
Treasurer:
Lai Ming (June) Ng
Auditor: Beth Miguel
Ah Lan Alameida
Carol Burrows
John Burrows
Erna Cabral
Guy Cabral
Tan Fung Chan
Susan Chee
Hui Ying Chun
Katherine Chun
Sue Fujitani
Rose Ho
Yue Zhen Huang
Darlene Ikegami
Irene Kuhns
Segeants-at-Arms: Channing Ching
Chow Fook Choy
Tommy Duvauchelle
Raymond Miyashiro
Advisor: Beverly Mau
Iyseas Lea
Elaine Lee
Jadine Lee
Gui Qun Li
Miao Feng Liao
Randy Mau
Lou Maynes
Paul Morisato
Arlene Nagamine
Earl Ng
Charles Spencer
Lenora Springer
Myunghee Sueno
Erline Naomi Waiau
Catherine Yee
CLUB SONG:
Yuèliang
Chinese Culture Club members attend the Senior Center’s annual Volunteer Appreciation Day. Front row (L–R): June Ng, Tan Fung Chan, and Chow Fook Choy. Back row (L–R): Cindy Choy, Dorothy Mau, Blossom Mau, and Beverly Mau. Photo: Evan Ching, 4/17/2024
Chinese Culture Club table display celebrating the 2024 Lunar New Year included a lion head, tong go (candied fruit), gau (rice pudding), licee (lucky money), narcissus cuttings.
Dàibiaˇo Wˇo de Xīn (The Moon Represents My Heart)
President Dorothy Mau leads members in singing their club song at the 2023 Christmas program. Back row (L–R): Beverly Mau, Erline Waiau, and Tommy Duvauchelle. Front row: Dorothy Mau, Eileen Clarke, Sue Fujitani, and Blossom Mau.
Seated (L–R): Cindy Choy, June Ng, Blossom Mau, Dorothy Mau, Beverly Mau, and Beth Miguel. Standing (L–R): Lenora Springer, Randy Mau, Chow Fook Choy, Jadine Lee, Carol Burrows, Elaine Lee, Tan Fung Chan, Thomas Duvauchelle, [unidentified member], [unidentified member], Erline Waiau, [unidentified member], and Myunghee Sueno.
Photo: Evan Ching, 7/19/2024
KOREAN CULTURAL CLUB
KCC Members
OFFICERS
President and Vice President: Suzie Hasegawa
Secretary and Treasurer: Sheila Nishimura
Christine “Christie” Harris
Ann Kaauumo
Maryann Kim
Yong Jin Kim
Yong Sun Lee
Hyo Sik Moon
Ching Lan Wang
Suji Yokota
Korean club dancers performed at the 50th Anniversary luncheon at Pagoda back in November 2019 and the Christmas dinner program at the Ala Moana Hotel, Hibiscus Room, December 2023.
JAPANESE CULTURAL CLUB
Row 1 (L–R): Vivian Ige, Yurie Takai, Nancy Yeda, Dorine Ichikawa , Doris Takara, Doris Doughty, Akiyo Morimoto, Mary Nakamoto, Brigid Nakamura, Lillian Tanaka, Clarice Kumura. Row 2: Edith Tomei, Aileen Tanaka, Caroline Harano, Lynne Howell, Marion Masuda, Glenn Kodani, Puna Frank, Frank Toma, Dorothy Mau, Ayako Sasahara, Carol Zukemura, Janet Miyashiro, Richard Tada, Sharon Nakai, Gloria Reynon. Row 3: Myunghee Sueno, Mildred Suzuki, Sin Cha Ko, Margaret Park, Steven Sakagawa, Amy Sakagawa, Jean Murakami, Sharon Isa, Mona Bernardo, Hope Hironaga. Row 4: Julie Ann Tamayori, Edward Lee, Alicia Nagasawa, Emi Robello, Jeanette Shiohira, Ann Takaki, Jean Sugiyama, Mary Sueda.
JCC Members
OFFICERS (2024)
President: Mary Sueda
Vice President: Clarice Kumura
Secretary: Clarice Kumura
Treasurer: Jeanette Shiohira
Assistant Treasurer: Jean Sugiyama
Auditor: Franklin (Frank) Toma,
Assistant Auditor: Teresa Sasaki
Technical Engineer: Richard Tada
Assistant Technical Engineer: Franklin Toma
Sergeant-at-Arms: Alicia Nagasawa
Advisor: Richard Tada
Akiko Baba
Monica (Mona) Bernardo
Carol Cabebe
Erna Cabral
Pat Ching
Chow Fook Choy
Cindy Choy
Eileen Clarke
Doris Doughty
Thomas Duvauchelle
Yoi Endo
Puna Frank
Sophie Hatakenaka
Dorine Ichikawa
Vivian Ige
Darlene Ikegami
Amy Imaguchi
Lillian Inatsuka
Sharon Isa
Marilyn Isekawa
Theodore Isekawa
Marty Kaili
June Kamioka-Fuller
Tina Kanemaru
Diane Kawakami
Helen Katahira
Kazuko Kikkawa
Sin Cha Ko
Glenn Kodani
Edward Lee
Marion Masuda
Beverly Mau
Blossom Mau
Dorothy Mau
Janet Miyashiro
Akiyo Morimoto
Paul Morisato
Kenji Murakami
Jean Murakami
Jo-Ann Murata
Sharon Nakai
Mary Nakamoto
Brigid Nakamura
Sumiko Nakasone
Sally Nakata
Pauline Naumu
Karen Oda
Ronald (Ron) Oshiro
Margaret Park
Faye Rainey
Gloria Reynon
Pamela (Emi) Robello
Amy Sakagawa
Steven Sakagawa
Ayako Sasahara
Barbara Sasahara
Lynn Sekiya
Yoko Shaw
Denis Shimamoto
Linda Shimamoto
Myunghee Sueno
Jean Sugihara
Mildred Suzuki
Jane Tada
Yurie Takai
Ann Takaki
Doris Takara
Karen M. Takemoto
Aileen Tanaka
Lillian Tanaka
Julie Ann Tamayori
Edith Tomei
Amy Toyama
Alice Tsutsumi
Erline Waiau
Mae Wakazuru
Rose Yanagawa
Nancy Yeda
Judith (Judi) Yogi
Carol Zukemura
from far left:
1. Jean Sugihara taiko drumming at JCC New Year’s opening in 2018. 2. Hula performance at JCC Variety Show in 2023. 3. Mary Sueda as Lanakila’s Volunteer of the Year in 2022. 4. Birthday celebrants in May 2023. 5. Bon dance at JCC gathering in August 2023. 6. Members doing tai chi during Randy Lau’s presentation.
Above (L–R): Sally Nakata and Akiyo Morimoto at Ikebana class in July 2023. Sharon Nakai singing at JCC Variety Show in 2023. Members of Na Wahine O Lanakila in March 2023.
Clockwise
OKINAWA NENCHOSHA CLUB
ONC Members
OFFICERS
President: Jane S. Higa A1
Vice President:
Richard Tada A2
Secretary:
Diana Kawaguchi A3
Treasurer:
Diane Kawakami A4
Assistant Treasurers:
Janet Ito A5
Phil Uyehara A6
Auditors:
Franklin Toma A7
Flora Nakasone A8
Membership:
Nancy Gakiya A9
Nancy Akamichi B4
Jeanette Akamine B5
Marion Arakaki B6
Sally Arakaki B7
John Awakuni B8
Naomi K. Badamo B9
Amy Bratt C1
Suzuko Demola C2
Judy Di Bianco C3
Doris Doughty C4
Entertainment:
Flora Nakasone A8
Audio-Video Technicians:
Franklin Toma A7
Richard Tada A2
James Toma B1
Special Events:
Richard Tada A2
Diane Kawakami A4
Attendence: Jane Fujii B2
Monica “Mona” Bernardo B3
Ellen Endo C5
Kay Fukuhara C6
Takako Goya C7
Elaine Gushiken C8
Tomie Higa C9
Hope Hironaga D1
Lance Hironaga D2
Lynne Howells D3
Dorine Ichikawa D4
Janice Ige D5
Sadao Imamori D6
Herbert Imamura D7
Hermina Imamura D8
Harriet Isa D9
Jean Ishihara E1
Robert Ishihara E2
Sally Joyce E3
Sally Kageyama E4
Yoshiko Kaneshiro E5
Sharon Kim E6
Carolyn Kimura E7
Joyce Kishimoto E8
Sayo Kochi E9
Laraine Koga F1
Betty Kotani F2
Clarice Kumura F3
Yoshiko Kumura F4
Erika Lees F5
Ethel Milner F6
Lillian Minami F7
Yaeko Miyahira F8
Wayne Miyasato F9
Annette Miyashiro G1
Giselle Miyashiro G2
Walter Miyashiro G3
Yoko Miyashiro G4
Yasuko Miyazawa G5
Paul Morisato G6
Jean Murakami G7
Frank Murakawa G8
Mary Muraoka G9
Jo-Ann Murata H1
Evelyn Myers H2
Doris Nagamine H3
Rumiko Nagamine H4
Sandra Nagamine H5
Leroy Nagasako H6
Alicia Nagasawa H7
Sharon Nakai H8
Brigid Nakamura H9
Harry Nakasone I1
Sumiko Nakasone I2
Hatsuko Nakata I3
Sally Nakata I4
Hiroko Nishihara I5
Masako Oda I6
Patricia Oda I7
Grace Okuma I8
Nobuko Oshiro I9
Ronald Oshiro J1
Emmie Otake J2
Faye Rainey J3
Gloria Reynon J4
Teresa Sasaki
Fujiko Shimabukuro J5
Juliet Sue Shimabukuro J6
Sharon Shiraki J7
Lester Stigar J8
Suzanne Stigar J9
Mary Sueda K1
Myunghee Sueno K2
Aiko Sugai K3
Jean Sugihara K4
Jean Sugiyama K5
Toshi Sullivan
Mildred Suzuki K6
Jane Tada K7
Betty Taira K8
Sachiko Takahashi K9
Yurie Takai L1
Doris Takara L2
Karen Takemoto L3
Karen Takeshita L4
Yasuko Takeuchi L5
Betsy Tamanaha L6
Carol Tamayose L7
Aileen Tanaka L8
Chieko Tokuda L9
June Tokuda M1
Dorene Toma M2
Edith Tomei M3
Sunny Tominaga M4
Vickie Tong M5
Carol Toyama M6
Yoneko Tsuchiyama M7
Setsuko Uehara M8
Jane Uyehara M9
Keiko Watanabe N1
Joyce Wong N2
Arlene Yamamoto N3
Rose Yanagawa N4
Nancy Yeda N5
Janice Yokooji N6
Patrick Young N7
Carol Zukemura N8
Above, upper right, right: Club officers and members performed
Ashibina 遊び庭 at the 50th Anniversary luncheon at Pagoda banquet hall, November 1, 2019.
Above: The Okinawan dance group was led by Toguchi Sensei (Mitsuko Toguchi Nakasone, 1936–2023), front row, center.
Beiju and Kajimaya celebrations. Beiju 米寿 represents those members reaching the milestone age of 88 years. Written in kanji, the character for “88” is a symbol for rice, symbolizing purity and happiness. Kajimaya かじまやー is a celebration of members who are 97 years old. They wear red, kimonos and a gold headband. At age 97, they are said they become young again, and are given pinwheels as a symbolic return to youthfulness.
club meeting opens with Radio Taiso ラジオ体操 (calisthenics performed to music) led by President
Centenarian members Ellen Endo (left) and Sally Nakata celebrated their 100th birthdays at the Center on May 11, 2023. They wore elaborate bingata 紅型 (traditional Okinawan stencilled resist-dyed kimono). Their secret to long life: work hard and stay active!
Every
Jane Higa .
Above: (top row, L–R) Betty Kotani, Yoneko Tsuchiyama, and Richard Tada; (bottom row, L–R) Robert and Jean Ishihara, Lynn Howells (back row, left) and Suzuko Demola (foreground).
PORTUGUESE CULTURAL CLUB
PCC Members
OFFICERS
President: Elouise “Puna” Frank
Vice President: Elizabeth “Betty” Schoeppner
Secretary: Jane Morreira
Treasurer: Roseline Ho
Sgt.-at-Arms: Madeline Lum
Carol Anzai
Erna Cabral
Thomas Kalani Duvauchelle
Belinda Hanson
Marty Kaili
Judy Jeong Matias
Ipo Ramos
Marvi Shibuya
Erline Waiau
Midgieann “Midge” Wright
HAWAIIAN CULTURAL CLUB
HCC Members
OFFICERS
President: Rolando Manuel A1
Treasurer: Sharon Tulba A2
Diana Antonio A3
Erna Cabral B1
Ruby Cobb B2
Thomas “Kalani” Duvauchelle B3
Elouise “Puna” Frank
Arlene Gray C2
Jeanette Pang C3
Abigail Ping C4
Back Row (L–R): Marvi Shibuya, Puna Frank, Jane Morreira, and Erline Waiau. Front Row: Madeline Lum, Roseline Ho, and Erna Cabral.
Above: Santa’s menehunes at the 2023 Christmas dinner party at the Ala Moana Hotel Hibiscus Room. Left to right: Arlene Gray, Carol Burrows (former VP), Treasurer Sharon Tulba, and President Rolando Manuel.
Celebrating the Center’s 50th anniversary in 2019 were (left, L–R) Thomas Duvauchelle, Madeline Lum, Roseline Ho, Virginia Vance; and (center) Marty Kaili and Puna Frank. Right: Seated at the Portuguese club table at the 2023 Christmas party were (foreground, L–R) Midge Wright, Belinda Hanson, and Maddy Lum; (background, L–R) Rose Ho, Betty Schoeppner, Jane Morreira, and Puna Frank.
Classes
Class Instructors, Assistant Instructors, and Facilitators
American Sign Language
Cheryl Shimizu
Basic Ukulele
Mel Nishiyama and Patrick Young
Beginning and Intermediate
Conversational French
Catherine Graham
Beginning iPhone Class
Hiromi Kawasaki
Beginning Mac (Apple) Class
Ross Rasmussen
Beginning Oldies Karaoke
Steve Murashige
Board Games
Alan Yamashita
Body & Brain
Beginning Yoga & Tai Chi
Rochelle Arquette
Brain Excercise Workshops
Damien Chang
Ivey Zhong
Brian’s Karaoke
Brian Suzuki
Ross Rasmussen
Steve Murashige
Chinese Traditional Dance
Sandy Feng
Melanie Hou
Chuan Tai Chi
Elizabeth Pham
Composting
Wormies Group
Phil Uyehara
Conversational Mandarian Language
Hui Xui
Crafts by Janet
Janet Miyashiro
Cribbage
Dennis Kono
Enka
Marion Arakaki
Fit and Flexible
Janelle Mayeshiro
Fusion
Daniel Gittelman
Gardening
Joyce Nakamura
Guitar
Donald Hirai
Happy Senior Serenaders
Donald Ojiri
Rosie Ramiro
Music Lovers Group
Manny Espeleta
Needle & Thread/Hawaiian Quilt
Mary Sueda
Okinawan Dance
Diana Kawaguchi
Picking Ukulele
Melvin Nishiyama
Hawaiian Cultural Club
Rolando Manuel
Hula (Na Wahine
Hula O Lanakila)
TeMoana Makolo
iPhone Class
Ross Rasmussen
Intermediate Ukulele (Chord Theory)
Gilbert Olayan
Introduction to Yoga
Christy Fujii
Japanese Calligraphy
Hideko Usami
Korean Dance
Suzie Hasegawa
Line Dance
Aurelia Sonson
Karen Matsunaga
Mah Jong
Jean Sugihara
Ping Pong
Dan Ream
Pickleball
James Hino
James “Jimmy” Matsumoto
Rogelio “Archie” Lardizabal
Lester Lau
Qi Gong
Randal Lau
Sahm Bo Dahn
Bob Higuchi
Samulnori Korean Percussion
Sunny Lee
Sewing by Nakasone
Flora Nakasone
Shigin
Hideko Tokugawa
Sing For Your Life
Chanara Richmond
Spanish
Yoko Shaw
Special Events Group
Jean Sugihara
Stretch & Tone
Denise Werle
Strumming for Fun
Donald Hirai
Tai Chi for Health
Randal Lau
Taisho Koto
Yasuko Takeuchi
Mary Sueda
Tap Dance
Naomi Ferreira
Chery Feagins
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Diane Fujio
Victor’s Kapakahi Group
Victor Tangonan
Yui Buyo
Aiko Sugai
Zumba Gold
Frances Hokama
Sing For Your Life — Mother’s Day themed performance at St. Francis memory care facility, 5/11/2024. Photo: Linda Chiu
Happy Senior Serenaders entertain during the 2023 Thanksgiving program. Photo: Evan Ching
Brain Excercise Workshop with Ivey Zhong. Photo: Linn Ito
Crafts by Janet class held a holiday tea party in December 2023.
Randal Lau
Archie Lardizabal
Flora Nakasone
Denise Werle
Aiko Sugai
Jean Sugihara
Donald Hirai
Marion Arakaki
Elizabeth Pham
Aurelia Sonson
Diana Kawaguchi
Chanara Richmond
TeMoana Makolo
Zumba Gold 11/16/2023
Stretch & Tone 10/25/2023
Ping Pong 12/4/2023
Raised Garden Service Project 2/8/2024
French Language 1/13/2024
Udon-making Workshop 1/26/2024
Cribbage 11/16/2023
Lei-making for Memoral Program
5/24/2024
American Calligraphy
9/19/2023
PC Class
1/13/2024
Victor’s Kapakahi Group
Mahjong 麻將 (a.k.a. Majeuk or Majan 麻雀)
Victor Tangonan (above, left) leads his kapakahi (askew, lopsided) group of beginning ukulele students having a good time. Photo of Victor Tangonan: Evan Ching, 11/13/2023. Class session photos: Susie Chun Oakland, 10/25/2023.
Above (L–R): James Toma, Ann Takaki, Jeanette Akamine, Sensei Marion Arakaki, and Dorene Toma. Photos: Evan Ching, 7/19/2024
Pung. Kong. Chow. MAHJONG! Left to right: Lillian Tanaka, Jane Higa, Richard Tada, and Charlotte Wong. Photos: Evan Ching, 3/21/2017
Enka
Mix. Roll. Ferment. THROW! Genki balls made at the Center by enthusiastic volunteers were tossed in the Ala Wai Canal to help digest the bottom sludge and thereby revitalizing and restoring water quality. The mud balls consist of sifted soil, rice bran, molasses, water, and effective microorganism (EM) fluid. The type of microorganisms are mostly anaerobic, such as lactic acid bacteria. The goal is to make the Ala Wai swimmable by 2026. In Japanese, genki means healthy or vital. Photos: Susie Chun Oakland, October 4, 18, 31, 2023.
Genki Service Project 2024
7/5/2023
8/25/2023
Dole Plantation 8/21/2023
Legislative Opening Day 1/17/2024
Children & Youth Day
10/1/2023
Nusery 7/13/2023
12/6/2023 Aiea Orchid Show 6/14/2024
Quilt Exhibition Excursion
5/31/2024
Kamaka Ukulele Factory
Little Plumeria Farms
Waiahole
Pickleball
Pickleball class at Lanakila Gym, Thu 22 Feb 2024. Back row: Bridget Arrasta, Steve Takaki, Lorna Muraoka, Mary Castillo, Anna Giunta-Togo, Mike Seki, Donna Masuda-Kam, Harvey Arkin, Diane Yoshida, Burt Sugiki, Liz Lum, instructor Jim Hino. Front row: Jan Ashlock, Laurie Taketa, Irene Hino, Susan Seki, Linda Shimamoto, Rose Togashi, Sharon Funasaki, Faith Inoshita, Cynthia Sugiki. Not shown: Instructors Tony Baldomero and Stuart Yamada. Photo: Jim H. Hino.
Pickleball class at Lanakila Gym, Tue 27 Feb 2024. Front row: Instructors Jimmy Matsumoto and Stuart “Stu” Yamada, Jeannie Salmon, Kathleen Hikida, Annette Platt, Edith Tomei, instructor Tony Baldomero. Middle row: Instructor Archie Lardizabal, Ruth Haitsuka, Charlene Nakagawa, Lorna Hu, Sandra Lum, Wade Hayama. Back row: Darlene Yoshioka Will Yee, Wane Hikida, June Takekawa, Ray Miyashiro, Ted Isekawa.
Holiday Cheer Throughout the Year
Lanakila Multi-Purpose Senior Center hosts annual holiday celebrations for its members. Countless hours of planning, rehearsal time, effort and resources go into execution of these events that give members, staff, family, friends, and community supporters a great sense of pride, honor, and appreciation for participants, special guests alike. Captured the following pages are a few of the major holiday moments of the past year.
May Day Celebration
NOVEMBER 8, 2024 Veterans
NOVEMBER 15, 2023 Thanksgiving
OCTOBER 31, 2023
FEBRUARY 14, 2024
DECEMBER 8, 2023 • Christmas photos by Duane Ikeda
Valentine’s Day
Christmas Program
Halloween BBQ
IN MEMORIAM
Photos from Memorial Day Program, Thursday, May 23, 2024
2023–2024 (MAY 2023–APRIL 2024)
Jean Agena
Martha Alip
Vicente Arista
Lucina Campos
Dennis Choy
Donald Fujimoto
Jane Moana Gray
Amy Hagihara
Michael Hamm
Henry Hee
Jocelyn Ho
Arlene Ishibashi
Edward Ishida
Kenneth Ishii
Adelaida Juanatas
Bert Kato
Reiko Kato
James Kramer
Klaus Lai
Neng Li
Felicitas Luna
Clara Masahi
Leslie Matsubara
Toshihiro Matsuda
Masato Matsui
Jean Murakawa
Gaynette Nakajo
Keiko Nakama
Mitsuko Toguchi
Nakasone
Yoshiko Nakasone
Gordon Ng
Lillian Noji
Sakaye Normura
Stephanie Pang
Florence Pu‘u
Pelagia Ramos
Annie Shimabukuro
Sally Shimabukuro
Nancy Kikue Shimokawa
Kiyoko Shisato
Edwin Shiroma
Clyde Sumida
James Takamiya
Noboru Taketa
Wooi Lain Tan
Jenny Tang
Yoshino Beatrice
Teruya
Maurice Toma
Virginia Vance
Clifford Wong
Florence Wong
Frederich Wong
Thelma Wong
Hisako Yamaoka
Cherlyn Young
David Young
Leonnard Ho
JAPANESE CULTURAL CLUB
Mahalo for the memories!
FILIPINO CULTURAL CLUB OF HONOLULU 2024
Congratulations on your 55th Anniversary!
Congratulations on your 55th Anniversary!
Thank you for your many years of service in keeping our senior citizens healthy and young.
Wesley F. Fong, Chair
Lanakila Multi-Purpose Senior Center
Lanakila Multi-Purpose Senior Center
Dorothy M.K. Chun Mau 2023–2024 Volunteer of the Year
Blossom, Dorothy and Beverly Mau
Brigid Nakamura and Mary Nakamoto
(Until we meet again, all of us.)
Tommy Duvauchelle and Lorraine Chang Bev and Henry Fujita
