Events Celebrate Older Americans Month

Events Celebrate Older Americans Month

May is Older Americans Month, a time to celebrate the achievements and contributions of the kupuna in our community. This year’s theme is “Age Out Loud!”
The Agency on Elderly Affairs will host two events next month to honor Kaua‘i’s seniors. The annual Older Americans Recognition Ceremony will be held on May 5 and a resource fair is set for May 19.
The recognition ceremony will take place at 9 a.m. at the Courtyard by Marriott Kaua’i at Coconut Beach. A luncheon will follow.
The public is invited to attend the ceremony. Those who wish to stay for lunch will need to purchase a ticket at $25 per person.
Ten kupuna who were nominated for the Outstanding Older American awards will be honored at the event.
The nominees for Outstanding Female Older American are Trinidad Dela Cruz, Rebecca “Becky” Fries, Sanae Morita, Marcelina Parinas, Winona Steed and Janet Takeya.
The nominees for Outstanding Male Older American are Timothy “Timmy” Albao, James “Jim” Jung, Jonathan McRoberts and Allan Villaflor.
The resource fair will be held on May 19 at the Kukui Grove Center, from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Food Court. The event will feature agencies whose mission is to assist seniors and community organizations that offer opportunities for older adults to be active and remain independent.
In addition, workshops on aging well, fall prevention as well as scams/fraud prevention will be offered at the fair.
“While the Agency on Elderly Affairs provides services, support and resources for older adults year-round, the resource fair gives us the opportunity to increase awareness about our specialized services,” said Kealoha Takahashi, Executive on Aging.
She noted that older Americans are working longer, trying new things, and engaging in their communities.
“They’re taking charge, striving for wellness, focusing on independence, and advocating for themselves and others,” said Takahashi. “They expect to continue to live their lives to the fullest, and they’re insisting on changes that make that possible.”
To purchase a luncheon ticket, please call 241-4470 by April 28.
If you need an ASL interpreter, materials in an alternate format or other auxiliary aid support, please contact the Agency on Elderly Affairs at 241-4470 or via email, elderlyaffairs@kauai.gov, at least five days prior to the event.

This year’s Outstanding Older American honorees pose for a photo with Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. (L to R): Timmy Albao; Becky Fries; Jim Jung; Winona Steed; Mayor Carvalho; Jonathan McRoberts; Janet Takeya; Allan Villaflor and Marcelina Parinas. Missing from photo: Trinidad Dela Cruz and Sanae Morita.