The Honpa Hongwanji Hilo Betsuin Buddhist Women’s Association is hosting its Shinnen Enkai (New Year’s) luncheon and general membership meeting starting at 10 a.m. Feb. 12 at Sangha Hall.
The Honpa Hongwanji Hilo Betsuin Buddhist Women’s Association is hosting its Shinnen Enkai (New Year’s) luncheon and general membership meeting starting at 10 a.m. Feb. 12 at Sangha Hall.
Guest speaker Dr. Christian Kimo Alameda of the Hawaii County Office of Aging, will focus on the theme “Embrace Change: Action (Open Communication).”
Alameda, who grew up on the Big Island, completed his undergraduate degree in psychology at Hawaii Pacific University and master’s degree in counselor education from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.
He then worked for a number of years in the state Department of Education as a school counselor and special education teacher.
He later received a doctorate in educational, psychological and cultural studies from the University of Nebraska. Alameda then served 15 years with the state Department of Health before being appointed to the position of county executive on aging.
Alameda also coaches a number of youth sports, volunteers as a presenter for at-risk youth community programs and is the proud parent of seven children.
Entertainment will be provided by Dharma School and Waiakea High School student Seizen Ochi and Hongwanji members BJ Soriano and Patti Taira.
Tickets are available at the Honpa Hongwanji office until Jan. 22. The cost is $1 for BWA members, $10 for nonmembers. The event is co-chaired by Bessie Kubo and Lillie Tsuchiya.
For more information about the luncheon or Honpa Hongwanji Hilo Betsuin, call the temple office at 961-6677 or visit www.hilobetsuin.org.