Mahalo to YMCA
We are fortunate to have the YMCA and the wonderful dedicated people who work there in our community.
Last spring, a local group of people with Parkinson’s disease were seeking a venue to host a regular focused exercise program, since no such activity for those afflicted with this rehabilitating disease was available on the east side of the island.
The YMCA organization in Hilo stepped up and offered a facility and facilitators to make this effort come together.
The fabulous duo of instructors, Harriet and Maryline, go above and beyond by researching new exercises targeting people with Parkinson’s and encouraging participants to reach their “personal best” each time the group gets together.
If you have Parkinson’s disease, want to feel the camaraderie and fight the good fight, join us each Wednesday morning, where you will find Harriet and Maryline cheering us on, making us feel stronger as a group and as individuals.
For more information, contact the YMCA.
Marlene Goodwin
Pepeekeo
Veterans honored
On Nov. 9, hundreds of veterans and their guests attended the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War Recognition Program and Luncheon at Edith Kanaka‘ole Multi-Purpose Stadium. Mahalo to Gov. David Ige, Mayor Harry Kim, Maj. Gen. Arthur Logan for presenting the Vietnam vets their service pins and certificates, along with a “welcome home” handshake that was very meaningful.
We thank the County of Hawaii; EAD Director Roann Okamura; Deputy Director Coran Kitaoka and staff; Office of Aging Executive Kimo Alameda; AARP President Gerry Silva; HCEOC Director Jay Kimura; Big Island veteran organizations; Big Island Labor Alliance Chair Myles Miyasato; HGEA Retirees President Thomas Kiyojima; George Martin, ILWU; State Office of Veterans Services Director Ron Han; Roddy Sueoka, State Advisory Board of Veterans Services; University of Hawaii Hilo student athletes; Honomu kupuna softball players; and RSVP volunteers for the tremendous support and teamwork for the event’s success.
Thanks to the Daughters of American Revolution, Marcia Brinkley and Garlyn Warren for honoring Gold Star families and the 51 heroes of the Vietnam War who gave their ultimate sacrifice.
Mahalo to Sen. Kai Kahele for being an outstanding M.C., and Glenn Dinges, Penny Madamba, Maile Canario, Kealoha Sugiyama, Ray Gandy for their performances.
Most importantly, we thank all the veterans for being there to be recognized and honored, from World War II, the Korean War, the Gulf War, Iraq and Afghanistan to the Vietnam War vets, including Purple Heart recipients and older veterans.
It was a “welcome home” event that will be long remembered!
Harold and Amy Bugado
Hilo