The public is invited to share the recognition of this year’s nominees for the Outstanding Older American Award at 9:30 a.m. on May 8 at the Kaua‘i Beach Resort. During the May 8 Older Americans Award recognition ceremony, a male
The public is invited to share the recognition of this year’s nominees for the Outstanding Older American Award at 9:30 a.m. on May 8 at the Kaua‘i Beach Resort.
During the May 8 Older Americans Award recognition ceremony, a male and female Outstanding Older American will be selected to represent Kaua‘i at the state recognition ceremony on May 18.
Florencia Balualua of Kaumakani has served as a foster grandparent at ‘Ele‘ele Head Start for more than 10 years, befriending and mentoring children with special needs.
Dorothy “Dollie” Brierley of Lawai is a volunteer and active member of the Koloa Senior Center.
Martina “Tina” Brun of Koloa, after retiring from the visitor industry, has volunteered with the Kaua‘i Independent Food Bank since 2006 and serves as the coordinator with the St. Rafael Church Food Pantry program.
Nancy Fuertes Fuller of Koloa has been an active volunteer with the Kaua‘i Hospice, serving patients and families.
She also oversees the meals program for West Kaua‘i United Methodist Church.
Kay Hill of Hanapepe, a volunteer at the Lawai International Center, also is an officer and craft instructor for the Waimea Senior Center.
Shirley Matsuo of Lawai volunteers at Nana’s House, the Kaua‘i Veterans Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, Medical Reserve Corp., Kaua‘i Hospice, the Kalaheo Missionary Church and American Red Cross.
Matsuo also has volunteered at international sites, including an orphanage in Phang Nga, Thailand.
She helped with the cleanup in Ishinomaki, Japan.
Lorin Wade of Lihu‘e has volunteered with the Kaua‘i Museum, the Wilcox Hospital Thrift Shop, Hawai‘i Children’s Theater and for the Sun Village board of directors.
Joanne Watanabe of Kekaha hosts international students in her home.
She also assists seniors and shares her harvest from her organic garden with others.
John Lydgate of Kapa‘a, one of two male nominees, is active with the Kaua‘i Historical Society and is an active volunteer leader at Lydgate Park.
David “Dave” Walker of Waimea serves as a role model for numerous Waimea High School graduates, having coached track and soccer for the Menehune.