Residents form a Group to Celebrate Their Love of Music

Residents of the Hale Makua Wailuku Lanai Neighborhood have started a circle of love group, which includes listening to music and encourages residents to express their unique personalities through song and movement. The founding members of this group are Henry Kaina, Sarah Takatani, Richard Souza, and Annie Quitan.

Visit to Surfing Goat Dairy

Today we went to the Surfing goat dairy farm - talk about an all around sensory experience! We got to see where they processed the goat milk to make the cheese, we got to play with the baby goats/kids, and we sampled the various flavor cheeses that they make (such as Mandalay - made with apple bananas, O Sole Mio with sun dried tomatoes, and Broken Hearts with olive oil, basil and garlic). It was an amazing experience for all! Thank you to the Surfing Goat Dairy Farm for such a fun filled day! 

The ladies meeting some of the kids

Enjoying the shade of the relaxing sitting area and trying some of the cheeses and crackers

Activities Assistants Delva and Jacky with residents (from left) Mrs. Yokouchi, Mrs. Nakahashi, Mrs Asuncion, and Mrs. Keegan

Eden Alternative Tip of the Week: Thoughts for the New Year

Hard to believe we are on the brink of another new year. As always, a new year brings with it a promise of new beginnings and second chances. This reminds me of Principle 9: Creating an Elder-centered community is a never-ending process. Human growth must never be separated from human life. A new year also provides us an opportunity to reflect on the past year and how we included the Eden Principles into our day.

As we being our new year, let's celebrate what we do every day and how we continue to strive for a place worth living and working in for our Elders and peers. Some thoughts come to mind:

• Positive Thinking. We must celebrate our successes more than we focus on our failures. Who did we see living the Principles today that we can recognize? When was the last time you did a mitzvah for someone? Are we seeing opportunities ahead or impossible challenges?
• Determination. We just don't give up, do we? No matter what the setback or obstacle, we all keep plugging along or as the saying goes, "keep on keeping on." There is nothing we cannot do when we come together as a community around a common purpose!
• Dedication. Be proud of your community and those around you.  Be inspired by the dedication and compassion of those around you and how truly Elder-focused you have become. Be a dedicated role model to others. The calling to eliminate loneliness, helplessness and boredom continues to inspire us daily.
•  Appreciation. Thank each other for the extraordinary jobs we do every day, we all deserve it. Do not forget to thank the Elders for all the goodness and knowledge they add to our lives. Can you really get too many pats-on-the-back!

There are no more fitting words than those from Albert Schweitzer, "A man can only do what he can do. But if he does it each day he can sleep at night and do it again the next day." Thank those around you for the compassion and dedication they provide each day. Take time to look back and see how far you have come and then look ahead to what comes next in your journey. The lives of the Elders are enriched because of you!

By Theresa Schneider, St. John's Home, Rochester, NY

Pizza Making

Hale Makua Wailuku residents had fun making their own pizzas. Residents got together and enjoyed making a delicious mess! They had an array of veggies, spice, cheeses, and pepperoni to choose from to personalize their own homemade pizza! 

Hajime Yamaguchi showing Charlotte Keegan which is the best topping

All the fixings

The ladies enjoying just out of the oven pizza pies

Residents Get a Jump Start on Valentine's

Hale Makua Wailuku residents gathered to start Valentine's Day cards their loved ones. Their beautifully crafted cards consist of their own hand print and a poem that reads:

My hands have grown older through the years,

And they have wiped away many tear.

They held you when you were young and

Wiped a tear to keep you strong,

So, hang this on your wall to view.

Remember that I will always love you!

Mitsue Nakahashi looking a bit smurfy!

Henry Kaina displaying his art!

Another Resident Turns 100

On January 10th, family, staff and residents helped resident Ignacia Quiray celebrate her 100th birthday!