HANAMA‘ULU — Volunteerism was the common bond of Kaua‘i’s selection of the Outstanding Male and Female Older Americans, who were announced Thursday morning at a special event at the Radisson Kauai Beach Resort. Millicent Wellington of ‘Ele‘ele, and James Okada
HANAMA‘ULU — Volunteerism was the common bond of Kaua‘i’s selection of the Outstanding Male and Female Older Americans, who were announced Thursday morning at a special event at the Radisson Kauai Beach Resort.
Millicent Wellington of ‘Ele‘ele, and James Okada of Waimea, were recognized by Kaua‘i Mayor Bryan J. Baptiste and Governor Linda Lingle’s Kaua‘i liaison, Laurie Yoshida, for their contributions to the island community during their retirement years.
Wellington and Okada were selected by a judging committee from a field of 13 nominees who were put forth for the award by individuals and members of organizations. Judging was based on age, volunteer service to the community, personal accomplishments, participation in community organizations, and leadership activities.
Combined, the field of 13 nominees represented a wide diversity of work being accomplished by Kaua‘i’s older Americans, and despite being slowed only a little by age, their scope of activities soar, too.
Wellington is a former public-school teacher and county public information officer.
She has shared her time, talent, and skills with many community organizations and individuals on Kaua‘i, serving on numerous boards and organizations, including the annual Festival of Lights, Young Brothers Kaua‘i Community Advisory Board, Hawai‘i Ambassadors of Aloha, Kaua‘i Historical Society, and Delta Kappa Gamma Society International.
Wellington has volunteered her time as a district spelling bee judge, Wilcox Memorial Hospital Gift Shop volunteer, and has assisted events including the Koloa Plantation Days, and community sporting events.
Okada, whom Baptiste acknowledged is one of his Westside Ka Leo O Kaua‘i program figureheads, was nominated by fellow members of the Waimea Senior Center, for his years of volunteer work.
Retired from managing Jimmy’s Service Station, he continues to be actively involved in the community, and has shared his time with organizations such as the West Kauai Lions Club, the Boy Scouts, Waimea Businessmen Association, and the Waimea Cultural and Educational Association.
As an active member of the Waimea Senior Center, Okada has contributed his time in various leadership positions, including finance chair, center officer, and program manager for the island-wide Senior Extravaganza.
