Residents Walk the Red Carpet for Valentine's Day

Contestants from left: Leilani Pisoni, Marie Olsen, Nancy Kawamura, Edna Taira, Harriet Catiel, Norma Jean White

Hale Makua Kahului held its 4^th annual Miss Valentine Sweetheart Pageant on February 14^th. There were a total of six beautiful contestants representing each of the neighborhoods and Adult Day Health, all vying for the title of Miss Valentine Sweetheart 2012: Norma Jean Hildebrand White, Harriet Kaopuiki Catiel, Leilani Lum Ho Pisoni, Edna Tobita Taira, Michiye Fukuchi Kawamura and Marie Gomes Olsen. Each contestant was escorted down the red carpet and answered a question before judges and a live audience. 

To see more photos from the event click the text: 2012 Miss Valentine Sweetheart Facebook photo album

Miss Valentine Sweetheart 2012 Leilani Pisoni escorted by her daughter-in-law Kathy Pisoni

Be My Valentine

Won't you 'Be my Valentine' keeps ringing in my ear

But where are all the lovers for the balance of the year?

Being someone's Valentine has such a lovely "ring"

It makes that day appear to be the sweetest day in spring.

So save your 'Be my Valentine' for one you truly yearn

And you will get the Valentine you're seeking in return.

Written by Dave Fichman, Hale Makua Kahului resident

2011 Path to Mastery Findings from the Eden Alternative

Last year the Eden Alternative asked all Homes on the Eden Registry to provide some data. While the Eden Home averages don't necessarily reflect our own numbers, the stats do show lower employee turnover and less pressure ulcers in high-risk residents. Here are just a few examples of what was learned from the Registry data collection in 2011:

• The average occupancy rate is 92.6% compared to the national average of 86%.
• 78% of those reporting occupancy were at 90% or more.
• The average size of a home on the Registry is 116 Elders compared to the national average of 109.
• In terms of payor mix, Eden Registry homes report have 13% Medicare and 58.4% Medicaid on average which is similar to the national averages of 14.2% and 63.6% respectively.
• The average daily rate for private pay is $210.82 compared to a national average of $239.00.
• The average tenure for administrators is 9.6 years.
• The average tenure for a director of nursing is 7.7 years.
• The average annual turnover for nursing assistants is 26.4% compared to a national average of 42.6%.
• The average annual turnover for licensed nurses is 16.9% compared to a national average of 39.5%.
• The use of physical restraints is 1.6% with a national average of 3%.
• The percent of high-risk Elders who have pressure ulcers is 6.6% compared to a national average of 8%.

Fantasy Football Winners & Banana Bouquet Recipient

Last Friday we had our Fantasy Football luncheon. Back in August, 11 residents, clients and staff choose three teams each and the person whose three teams made the most points during the season was our winner. This year resident Rose Ah Sam took first place, Hale Makua resident Lynn Yamakawa came in second place, and former resident and current Day Health client John Bellini held third place. Our very own Byron Molina came in last and received the banana bouquet, which is a traditionally presented to the loser. This was our third year doing Fantasy Football, and now with the NFL season officially over, everyone is looking forward to the draft in August.

Eden Alternative Tip of the Week: New Year's Resolutions

Where would we be if we never set goals and went about trying to accomplish them? Our growth would definitely be stunted, if we didn't strive to better and grow ourselves throughout our lives. This is what Eden Alternative Principle Nine is all about: “Creating an Elder-centered community is a never-ending process. Human growth must never be separated from human life.” Here is some food for thought, as your team plots out goals for its 2012 Eden Alternative journey.

 
Top ten list of personal News Year's resolutions from the internet:

1. Spend more time with family and friends
2. Fit in fitness
3. Tame the bulge
4. Quit smoking
5. Enjoy life more
6. Quit drinking
7. Get out of debt
8. Learn something new
9. Help others
10. Get organized

Did you know that:

• 25% of New Year's resolutions will be abandoned in the first 15 weeks of the year?
• A New Year's resolution is repeated, on average, 10 times?
• According to a Seattle study, 67% of people make 3 or more resolutions each year?
• 40% of people are successful at achieving their top resolution on the first try?
• Those who are able to stick to their resolution for 6 months or longer have attempted that change 5-6 times before succeeding?

How can you improve your rate of success?

• Set appropriate goals
• Do not set your expectations too high – you can always raise the bar next year
• Do not overload yourself by taking on too many resolutions (goals) at one time
• Share your resolutions with others – we can increase our success rate, if others know what we are working on and stand ready to support us
• Focus on setting small goals toward success and reward yourself along the way

Make 2012 a year of great resolutions, goals and successes!

Congratulations Charlene Kuhia and Edna Hedani!

The Nutrition Services team recognized Charlene Kuhia for 35 years of service, and Edna Hedani for 20 years of service! Congratulations ladies, and thank you for your dedication!

Marilyn Marcelino Recognized for 20 Yers of Service

Congratulations to Marilyn Marcelino who was recognized for an amazing 20 years of service! She's pictured above in the Santa hat with the Kahului Environmental Services team.

Congressional Gold Medal of Honor Received

Congratulations to Adult Day Health client, Harold Kishaba, who was presented with the Congressional Gold Medal of Honor for his service during World War II with the 100th Battalion/442nd Regimental Combat Team and the Military Intelligence Services!

Senior Winter Ball

On Friday, December 2nd St. Anthony’s high school students hosted the Winter Ball at Hale Makua Wailuku. The area under the umbrellas was all decked out for the Las Vegas theme. The ladies got their hair, make up and nails done by the students. Santa even made an appearance after the games were done, and passed out presents for all!

Charlotte Keegan ready for the ball!

The students did a wonderful job decorating our outdoor area!

Santa is pictured here with Henry Kaina.

Men at Work

Today the Men's Club at Hale Makua Kahului gathered to assemble and begin painting their woodcraft project - wooden trucks that double as a bank for coins. Stay tuned for more Mens' Club photos and painted trucks.