Events celebrate Older Americans Month
LIHUE — May is Older Americans Month, a time to celebrate the achievements and contributions of kupuna of Kauai. This year’s theme is “Age Out Loud!”
The county Agency on Elderly Affairs hosts two events next month to honor Kaua‘i 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 Kauai 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 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 features 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, county executive on aging.
She said older Americans are working longer, trying new things, and engaging in their communities.
To purchase a luncheon ticket, call 241-4470.