Waikiki Community Center January 2013 Newsletter

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Waikiki Community Center January 2013 Newsletter
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IN THIS NEWSLETTER

• Fond Aloha to Mike Lee
• Welcome and Aloha Caroline Hayashi
• Massage therapy with Fred every Thursday
• ESL Classes every Tuesday
• Meditation Classes every Tuesday
• High Tea at Waikiki Community Center Monday, January 28
• Successful Holiday Food Drive for WCC
• WCC Thrift Shop New Year Sales
• Folk Art Painting every Tuesday
• Royal Tour to Mauna Ala, Nu`uanu, March 22
• Lunch Bunch Jan. 15, brown bag and Valentine's Day to Longhi's
• Aloha John Signor
• Pilates with Helen every Wednesday
• AARP Tax Preparation Assistance every Thursday until April 11
• Hawaiian Buzz Word of the Day
• Announcements and Schedule Changes
• Annual Volunteer and Awards Meeting, March 6, by invitation only
• Ko`olau Tour with Palakiko and Jeff, January 11
• Beautiful Kauai, April 22-24, 2013
• Upcoming Events January, February and March 2013

FOND ALOHA TO W. MICHAEL LEE
By Susan Todani, WCC Board Chair

I was asked to write a message of mahalo to Mike Lee who we have all gotten to know with great aloha during his term as our Interim ED. Mike started off his very first week on the job jumping right into the WCC’s biggest event, the Na Mea Makamae o Waikiki fundraiser. He also held his very first staff meeting by walking his team around the block where the Center is located, near the corner of Paoakalani Avenue and the Ala Wai Canal. This is so typical of Mike, who has shown such a connection to the people and the place of Waikiki.

His supposedly “interim” position was extended from the original six months to over two years. The WCC staff, keiki, guests and board have so much to be grateful for under his leadership. In my search for an e-mailed message from him, I was touched by the many subjects covered by his messages, including some titled: “Today’s Thrill (receipt of a major building grant), Creative Space Options, 100% Board Giving, Great Start, Your Feedback Appreciated, Executive Transition, Property Committee”, and many, many messages of mahalo”. These messages reminded me of the numerous accomplishments, and as importantly, the kind of compassion with which Mike managed the WCC with over the past two years.

The message that I was searching for is so very “Mike”, and reflects the kind of person he is:

"Last night at Mass I heard a sermon, especially poignant for me and the Center, I believe. Yesterday marked the end of the Church's liturgical calendar and this upcoming Sunday begins the New Year with Advent. The priest referenced T.S. Elliot's poem, Little Gidding, and its complex interpretation about starts and ends, the closing of one door and the opening of a new. He reminded me last night of those of the Jewish faith whose sunsets mark the beginning of the new day and that ambiguous period of ends and beginnings. This week marks the "in-between", a term I've used to describe my executive transition work at the Center. For all of us, the Center, the board, staff, stakeholders, begin this transition of bringing some matters to a fitting close and others to a brilliant beginning. For all, an auspicious time pregnant with possibilities and I firmly believe, hope.

To Mike, we send our warm aloha and mahalo nui loa for all that you have done for the WCC and for the relationships that he helped build and thrive.

To Caroline Hayashi, we also look forward to working with you to build on the good work and relationshps that were put in place by Mike and the WCC team. We are confident in your abilities to lead us to a great future to build stronger connections and resources to the community.

Mahalo palena ‘ole,

Susan Todani, WCC Board Chair and Board of Directors

WCC WELCOMES CAROLINE HAYASHI!

WCC is excited to welcome Caroline Hayashi as its new Executive Director effective January 2^nd.

Caroline has dedicated her entire career to serving nonprofit and community centered organizations in operations and service programs, fund development and economic development. Most recently, she served as Chief Operating Officer at Girl Scouts of Hawai`i and has also worked with several community-based organizations in Boston, Ecuador and Washington, DC. Caroline holds an MA in International Business Development from The American University, and a BA in Communications from Boston University. She also attended Punahou School and is the PTA President for Noelani Elementary School.

Originally from Hawai`i, Caroline looks forward to working with WCC’s members and partners to continue to make a positive impact in her home state.

Susan Todani, WCC Board Chair adds “What is impressive about Caroline is her breath of experience and willingness to take on diverse organizational challenges, as demonstrated by the past positions which she has taken, many of which were in underprivileged communities. The Board believes she brings the requisite skill sets to complement those of the WCC management staff to lead us in forging the best path in the years ahead.

Change in leadership is always an exciting time. I hope that you will stop in to welcome Caroline, give her your ideas and help her forge relationships for which the WCC can better serve the Waikiki community.” (Return to top)

ESL Classes w/Donna Prather starts 1/8/13 (New!)
Every Tuesday staring 1/8/13

We’re happy to report ESL classes will resume 1/8/13. Taught by Donna Prather, retired educator and instructor of ESL. There will be beginner and advanced classes on Tuesday mornings in room 206E. Six week sessions only.

Beginning: 9:30-10:30 a.m. and Advanced: 11 a.m. to noon. Cost: $60 for members and $75 for non members. Sorry, no individual class fees. (Return to top)

MEDITATION CLASS (New, started in December)
Tuesdays, 12-1pm, Annex $3/$5

Many benefits of meditation and it is not complicated to learn. It can be practiced anywhere, at any given moment, and it is not time consuming (15-20 min. per day is good). Best of all, meditation has NO negative side effects. Bottom line, there is nothing but positive to be gained from it! With such a huge list of benefits, the question you should ask yourself is, “why am I not meditating yet?” Join us every Tuesday, 12-1pm in WCC Annex!

MASSAGE THERAPY
Every Thursday with Fred

Healthy reasons to make an appointment!
For the same reasons that a massage is relaxing, it can also soothe anxiety and depression. Massage reduces levels of the stress hormone cortisol, resulting in lifted spirits and often lower blood pressure. It can also boost the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine, which are involved in depression. Fred is at the Center every Thursday.

High Tea @ Waikiki Community Center
Monday, Jan. 28, 2013, $10/$15

Delectable finger sandwiches, scones, Devonshire cream and tea! Come sit, relax and enjoy the company. Minimum participants are 8, maximum are 16. Please register by 1/22/13 @ WCC. (Return to top)

SUCCESSFUL HOLIDAY FOOD DRIVE FOR THE CENTER!

This holiday season Canned Food Drive was a wonderful success from our local neighbors. Mahalo to:

· Duke’s Waikiki Restaurant 200 lbs.

· Waikiki School 348 lbs

· Jefferson School 320 lbs

· Ala Wai School 491 lbs.

Every Tuesday, Waikiki Community Center’s Emergency Food Pantry distributes food from 1:00-2:45 p.m. to many families and individuals who are in need of food. The Center has done this the last 18 years. Thanks to our community partners for your support! Canned goods and nonperishable items can be dropped off at the office. (Return to top)

FOLK ART PAINTING W/LYDIA
Tuesdays, 11:30am-1:30pm, $3/$5, Lanai starting 1/22

New Folk Art Painting Class by Lydia. Her paintings are colorful and bright and depict the Hawaiian lifestyle. Lots of fun and guarantee you will be an artist at the end of the class! Paint and brushes supplied, please purchase a canvas & bring palette.

A ROYAL TOUR TO MAUNA ALA, NU`UANU
Friday, March 22, 2013, 9:0 a.m. - $1:45 p.m. $45/$55

Kahu Bill Kaihe`ekai Mai`oho will conduct a lecture and tour of the hidden iwi (bones) of high chiefs buried at Mauna Ala (Fragrant Hills) the Royal Mausoleum in Nu`uanu. Mauna Ala is one of the most sacred burial grounds of Hawai`i’s where many high chiefs and Ali’i are laid to rest. Lecture & tour is scheduled on Friday, March 22^nd, 2013. We will depart WCC by bus at 9:00 a.m. and return at 1:45 p.m.

The lecture is held in the Chapel at the Mausoleum grounds. You will learn the history, who built Mauna Ala and the line of chiefs who are buried on this sacred property. We’ll walk into the tomb of Queen Lydia Lili`uokalani, King David Kalakaua and Princess Kai`ulani. Please bring a floral ho`okupu (offering) to place before our last reigning Mo`i Wahine ~ Queen Lili`uokalani. Floral leis are appropriate. Queen Lili’uokalani’s favorite flower is the Crown Flower.

Kahu Bill will share protocol and decorum. Climbing up and down steps (into the tomb) and walking on uneven grounds involved. We will have lunch by 11:30 a.m. at Little Village Noodle House – Chinese, Hong Kong style menu, price range $7-$15. (No-host, & separate checks). Cost for members is $45, $55 for guests. (Maximum 20 passengers)

Reserve your seat today on this special tour by calling WCC at 923 1802 with your credit card or stop by the office. Deadline for payment is March 13^th ^.(Return to top)

Please register early to avoid disappointment!

LUNCH BUNCH
January lunch bunch is a brown bag event at the Center scheduled Tuesday, January 15 on the lanai. Bring your own bag lunch and a beverage. Let’s talk story and make plans on where to meet for lunch in the coming year. Register by 1/11/13 at WCC office with your $3 deposit.

Valentine’s Day February Lunch Bunch scheduled at Longhi’s at Ala Moana Center. 11:30 a.m. meet at entrance. Savory menu selections include: Peking duck Sandwich roasted duck with hoisin sauce or Grilled Chicken Breast with caramelized onions on scallion roll. Great appetizers and salads too! Register by 2/8 with $3 deposit. Access restaurant via elevator on Makai side, by Morton’s Steak House

ALOHA, JOHN SIGNOR!

John Signor, our much esteemed volunteer ‘ukulele instructor will no longer be teaching our Hawaiian Style ‘Ukulele class. He is on his way to start a new journey – he may stop by once in a while to join in with the gang to play some of the old favorites. The class will remain the same, using the same Na Mele o Hawaii songbook, led by the talented Loretta. Please come and enjoy the music of Hawaii and make some new friends! Hele mai! (Return to top)

PILATES WITH HELEN MURRAY RESUMES IN JANUARY!
January 2 to February 27^th, every Wednesday, 9-10am

Start the New Year on the right track and get into shape and be healthier! Pilates with Helen Murray returns January 2^nd. Bring a yoga mat or towel. Cost $3 for WCC members and $5 for non members.

AARP TAX PREPARATION ASSISTANCE
Thursdays, 9am-1:30pm, February 7 to April 11, WCC Aud., free!

Need help filing your taxes? AARP will be offering free tax filing at WCC every Thursday beginning on February 7 until April 11. AARP tax-aide program is the largest free service in the nation and helps low to moderate income tax payers file their taxes. Includes free e-filing. Emphasis on those 60 and older but all low income taxpayers are welcome, too. Open Thursday only in the WCC Auditorium. Please bring your social security card, photo ID and any tax related paperwork to take advantage of this free service. (Return to top)

ANNOUNCEMENTS & SCHEDULE CHANGES!

• Tap Your Cares Away! New! Beginning Tap class starting 1/15, 12:45-1:30pm , led by the Jack Cione instructors. No experience, just desire to learn & have fun.
• New! Zumba w/Tiffany begins 1/3, Thursdays, 6-7pm. See instructor for fees.
• Due to low participation, we will no longer have the monthly birthday celebrations on the first Friday of the month.
• The First Friday Meet the ED is also postponed until further notice.

OLELO NO’EAU
HAWAIIAN PHRASES, PROVERBS
Or Word of the Day

Hawaiian Buzz Word of the Day
From KPOA 93.5 FM

Decoration = wehi

He wehi nani loa ka mea āu i hana ai.
That is a beautiful decoration you made.

E haku I mele, he wehi kou aloha
Compose a song, your love is an adornment

ANNUAL VOLUNTEER AWARDS & MEETING
Wednesday, March 6, 2013, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Guest cost TBA

Mark your calendars and join us for our Annual Volunteer Awards and Annual Luncheon Meeting (by invitation only) on Wednesday, March 6, 2013 at the Hale Koa Hotel. Parking @ $5.

Volunteers please be sure to sign our Volunteer Book when assisting WCC on special projects, class instruction, newsletters, mailings, etc. Invitations will be going out by February with extra cost for guest(s). (Retrun to top)

KO`OLAU TOUR w/PALAKIKO AND JEFF
Friday, January 11, 2013 Check in begins at 7:30am, return by 4:00 pm $45/$55 (Lunch $15.60)

Visit various scenic points on O`ahu. Puu Ualaka`a Park, Mt. Tantalus, Beatrice Krauss Garden, Manoa Valley, lunch at Tree Top Restaurant in Manoa (no host), Wa Ahila Ridge atop St. Louis Heights where you’ll hear legends about volcanic Heiau in Palolo and a surprise tour of “no name bakery”. Enjoy yummy treats! Lots of photo ops, full day of panoramic views of Honolulu! This is a rigorous walking tour, all must be ambulatory. Wear rubber shoes, bring repellent, water and hat. Cost of buffet lunch at Tree Tops is $15.60. Register by 12/18 by calling WCC office at 923.1802 to confirm your seat with a credit card! See you there!

BEAUTIFUL KAUAI
April 22-24, 2013 (Mon-Wed)

Enjoy a 3-day get-a-way to the Garden Island of Kaua`i an educational adventure! Trip includes: Air, hotel and these sites!

· Navy Missile Base at Barking Sands w/Roland Sagum, Community Planning Officer (CPLO).

· Lunch at Barking Sands with staff & officers (no-host)

· Tour Kahua Kaneiolouma in Poipu Beach with educator Randy Wichman, an Ancient Hawaiian Village to become Cultural Center.

· Visit the Ancient Konahiki in Kalihiwai

· Cathy Cooke will give a tour at Mission Houses

· Lunch at Mabel E. Wilcox home “Mahamoku” Peaceful Island in Hanalei. She is Great Grand Aunt to Cathy Cooke (No-host).

· Tour Coco Palms Hotel by Larry Rivera in Kapa`a

· 2 night stay at Kaua`i Beach Resort Hotel in Hanamalu (Return to top)

Upcoming Events – Check it out!
JANUARY – Happy New Year! (Office closed 1/1/13 and 1/21)
1 (Tue.) WCC Closed for New Year Day Holiday. Hauoli Makahiki Hou!
3 (Thur) Zumba w/Tiffany starts 1/3, Thursdays, 6-7pm. See instructor for fees
11 (Fri.) Ko’olau Tour w/Palakiko & Jeff 7:30 a.m. $45/$55 (Lunch on own)
15 ((Tue.) Brown Bag Lunch, 11:30 a.m., Lanai. Bring your lunch & beverage
21 (Mon.) WCC Closed for Martin Luther King Holiday
28 (Mon.) High Tea @ WCC $10/$15, limited seats, register early.
30 (Wed.) Bingo Fun! WCC Aud., 1:30-3 pm. Free! Prizes!

FEBRUARY
7 to April 11 (Thur. only) AARP Tax Preparation, 9am-1:30pm, free. Aud.
14 (Thur) Valentine’s Day Lunch Bunch to Longhi’s, 11:30 am
20 (Mon.) Office and Classes closed in Observance of President’s Day

MARCH
6 (Wed.) Volunteer Recognition Luncheon & Annual Meeting (By Invitation)
22 (Fri.) Mauna Ala, Royal Mausoleum, 9am-1:45pm $45/$55
29 (Fri.) WCC Office & Classes closed in Observance of Good Friday

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