(The nominees for this year’s Outstanding Older American awards pose for a photo with Mayor Bernard Carvalho, Jr. From Lt. to Rt.: Wilma Chandler; Aileen Mawae; Nathan Kalama; Tom Timmons; Pat Fallbeck; Richard Coller; Keith Holdeman; Gini Stoddard; Mayor Carvalho; Shirley Simbre-Medeiros; Elvira Kimokeo; Edward Kawamura; and Dr. Krishna Kumar.)
By Staff Reports
(LĪHU‘E) – In celebration of May being Older Americans Month, the Agency on Elderly Affairs will host two events next month. This year’s theme “Blaze a Trail” highlights the ways seniors are taking charge of their health, engaged in their communities and making a positive impact on the lives of others.
The annual Older Americans Recognition Ceremony is scheduled on May 6, 9:30 a.m. at the Kaua‘i Beach Resort with a luncheon to follow.
The public is invited to attend the ceremony. Those who wish to stay for lunch will need to purchase a ticket. The price is $25 per person.
On May 19, an open house will be held at the Līhu‘e Civic Center, Pi‘ikoi Building from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. The event will feature resources that are available for seniors along with a variety of workshops.
Twelve kupuna who were nominated for the Outstanding Older Americans awards will be honored at the Recognition Ceremony.
The nominees for the Outstanding Female Older American award are Wilma Chandler, Patricia Fallbeck, Elvira Kimokeo, Aileen Mawae, Shirley Simbre-Medeiros and Gini Stoddard.
The nominees for the Outstanding Male Older American award are Richard Coller, Keith Holdeman, Nathan Kalama, Edward M. Kawamura, Dr. Krishna Kumar and Tom Timmons.
“While the Agency on Elderly Affairs provides services, support and resources for older adults year-round, the open house on May 19 gives us the opportunity to increase awareness about our specialized services,” said Kealoha Takahashi, executive on aging.
Representatives from a number of agencies whose mission is to assist seniors will be on hand.
The workshops will cover fall prevention/home modification, proper use of walkers and other mobility equipment, fraud prevention and more.
If you need an ASL interpreter, materials in an alternate format or other auxiliary aid, please contact the Agency on Elderly Affairs at 241-4470 or via email, elderlyaffairs@kauai.gov, at least seven days prior to the event.
To purchase a luncheon ticket, please call 241-4470 by April 29.