A Neighbor Mutual Admiration Society
Aloha Pamela,
My neighbors Ho‘opono Rehabilitation Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired, and Lanakila Pacific Center for Adults with Disabilities celebrated my 88th birthday. Gavan, Janet and Kyle arranged the party. The hall was decorated. A large, delicious birthday cake was on the table. Entertainment was provided by the “Hands in Harmony” group. They also presented me with handmade paper leis and birthday cards. They all sang Happy Birthday and let me blow out the candles. Also, Marian, president of Lanakila, presented me with a plaque from the Senate, sponsored by Sen. Suzanne Chun Oakland.
I have so many friendly neighbors. Besides the above, I have Rehabilitation Hospital, Care Center of Honolulu and Kuakini Medical Center. Truly, there is GOODNESS all around. Thank you very much for allowing positive expression in your MidWeek column!
Albert Matsumoto
Kuakini
Dear Albert,
First of all, let us add our wishes for a happy 88th birthday! It appears that your neighbors were reciprocating. “Albert is our community angel,” says Jocelyn Barro of Lanakila Pacific Center. “If you were to drive by Bachelot Street every morning between 7 and 8, you would see Albert on the corner, waving to drivers with a sign urging them to slow down. He is a wonderful neighbor. He doesn’t even receive services from Lanakila, but he watches out for us.”
Dear Pamela,
In the last few weeks, I was fortunate enough to meet some very kind people. At Walgreens Piikoi, I left my purse in the cart after shopping. I looked away for a few minutes and my purse was gone. It was late afternoon. Several employees from Walgreens were so kind and helpful. They called the police. They checked the film. All of the staff was incredibly kind. Luckily, I had my car keys in hand.
Around midnight that night I received a call from Emmaline at Piikoi 7-Eleven. She said she had my purse waiting for me. I picked it up. Everything was intact except for a small amount of cash.
Whoever hired this wonderful, honest woman should be congratulated! She is a real asset to 7-Eleven. She was my angel.
Mary Anne Vorfeld
Piikoi
Dear Mary Anne,
Emmaline Kihei-Lopez just moved back to the Islands from Las Vegas, and had been working at the Makiki 7-Eleven for just six months when she found your purse. “I was outside doing some cleaning and I noticed a handbag in the trash. I opened it and found her cards and identification. I figured it had been stolen, and I know what a bother it is to cancel cards and take care of all that, so I called her to at least give her some peace of mind.”
Dear Pamela,
I am a partially handicapped senior who went to Waipio Costco to do some shopping. In the parking lot, I got confused about where I had parked my car.
A Costco employee working with the carts noticed my confusion. Without hesitation, he offered to push my cart, locate my car and loaded my purchases into the car. I wish to express my gratitude to this man, whose name I failed to get.
Mister, I hope you read this. You made my day. God bless you.
Clara Trousdale
Aiea
Dear Clara,
“It’s become sort of a motto: Take care of our members and provide executive service every day,” says Waipio Costco manager Gayle Kawamura. “We serve the community and treat every member alike.”
If you know someone who deserves some Applause, send your letters to Pamela Young, MidWeek Applause, KITV, 801 S. King St., Honolulu, HI 96813. Include your name, phone number and, if possible, the phone number of your “applaudee” so we can contact him or her.
