Discover Rewarding Retirement Living | Hollenbeck Palms

non-profit Hollenbeck
u.s. postage
2014 H e a d l i n e s
paid

pasadena, ca
permit #127

573 S. boyle avenue • los ANGELES, CA 90033
www.HollenbeckPalms.com

Sample inspired menu 124 Years of
selections, freshly
prepared each day— Vitality & Growth
served in our Grand
Dining Room, or more
casual Skyline Bistro.

Hollenbeck Palms is a Continuing Care Retirement Community serving The Greater Los Angeles area. Keeping pace with today’s older population requires attention
to the whole person — and the historic, Hollenbeck Palms
Discover Rewarding Retirement Living retirement oasis continues to expand in capacity, energy and
wellness opportunities.
Situated on a stunning 8-acre garden terrace In this Issue
Hollenbeck’s certified trainers lead aerobics, range of motion,
overlooking downtown LA, Hollenbeck Palms What’s New in Food tai chi, dance classes, walking groups and gym workouts — all with an eye on
offers a variety of rewarding lifestyle choices and individual preferences and abilities. Fresh, healthful food and a wide range
beautiful accommodations. Residents enjoy a PAGE 3 of on and off-campus cultural and just-for-fun activities allow residents to
vibrant social calendar, freshly cooked meals experience life at its fullest.
in our Grand Dining Room or Skyline Bistro, a Lifestyle Interests
modern Gym, and free transportation to events “People get better,” says full-time Nurse Practitioner Grace Hartono, who
and shopping. We invite you to tour Magnolia PAGE 6 develops and monitors each resident’s customized care plan. She likes
Court, our new residential/recreational complex nothing more than seeing residents blossom and improve their mobility,
with full kitchens, balconies and walk-in closets. their mood, their stamina and independence.

Wellness programs, Assisted Living and Skilled Celebrating National Senior Fitness Day annually in May, The Hollenbeck
Nursing 24/7 are all provided on the same campus. Fitness Club is a group of residents which is recognized each year for their
“above and beyond” participation in reaching their fitness goals. Activity
Come See Us 3rd St. 101 S.AvBeoyle 10 Coordinator Dennis Hiebert organizes the event, with founder/sponsor
for Yourself! 4th St. N Soto St.5 CEhaCveeszarAve. Dr. Marian Fedak awarding certificates and fitness accessories gifts.
1st St. Nearby LA Attractions:
schedule a tour & 1st St. Ahmanson • Mark Taper Forum Says Dennis: “It’s not about losing weight or gaining muscle. Exercise is
complimentary Meal 4th St. the foundation to keep you strong and able to handle everyday activities
Dorothy Chandler Pavillion comfortably ... to keep going with the lifestyle you want.”
Call (323) 263-6195 Wh7itthtieSrt.Blvd. Walt Disney Concert Hall • Chinatown
4th St.
www.hollenbeckpalms.com Little Tokyo • Dodger Stadium
6th St. Olvera Street • Union Station “Hollenbeck’s exercise program is very accessible.
Central Ave. MOCA • Brasserie-Music Center
Alameda St.9th St. 7th St. Japanese-American Museum The staff is cooperative and helpful.”
Santa Fe Ave.
10 COA 212 / RCFE 191800001 – Ed Whitley

S. Boyle Ave 60
S Soto St.
5 Fun with Retirement Shopping!

Olympic Blvd. PAGE 7

Trimming by William G. Heideman, President
the Grapevine

Excitement is Building as Anticipated Jackie Small Chef Henry Lara serves at a “Taste Of”
Changes Take Shape
“Iwant to do something different for the Lemon Chicken
Enthusiasm is spreading throughout and a degree in Nutrition and Food Management. She does
our Hollenbeck community! We residents...food that isn’t institutional. No frozen. Fresh. a lot of testing at home, and her family happily benefits
are launching a visionary expansion Hollenbeck is proud to be one of the we’ve also welcomed two key new staff As if they’re going out to eat.” from these experiments.
designed to meet the needs of a critical few Continuing Care Retirement members. Director of Development Sally
and growing group of residents. As Communities in Los Angeles County, Sanders is spearheading our Capital That’s the philosophy of Jackie Jackie has initiated a series of monthly
lifespans continue to increase, so does and our new, state-of-the-art skilled Campaign to identify and grow sources “Taste Of...” demonstrations where
the number of people needing special nursing center will enhance a vital piece of funding support for Hollenbeck Palms. Small, Food Service Director residents learn and sample
care for late-life conditions. of our three-tiered spectrum of care. at Hollenbeck Palms since unusual cuisine such as fruit
A tremendous amount of work and Food Services Director Jackie Small, August. With serious soups and enticing vegetarian
planning has been devoted to designing whose extensive culinary career includes combinations. She plans to
15 years at Sodexo, is passionate about What’sculinary skills and maintain the regular sushi bar and
the optimum food that is fresh and flavorful. Leading a
setting for dedicated staff of 41, she’s made many New with Foodcreative enthusiasm,
our most frail delightful changes, which have been met
residents with enthusiastic feedback. !Jackie has been delighting
and the staff residents and staff alike. Hollenbeck’s popular theme buffets.
who care for Hollenbeck is committed to offering
them. It’s truly the lifestyle and choices our residents Ginger beef, green curried Thai “Everybody is very helpful and I think
exhilarating to expect, such as our superb fitness shrimp, citrus herbal orange roughy, I have a lot to offer,” Jackie says. “I care
watch it take program, led by our own certified homemade waffles, Napa cabbage, apricot rosemary about feedback from residents, building and motivating
shape. trainers. It starts with a customized glazed chicken ... you get the idea. my team, and training them with guest chefs.” The
plan for each resident, and plays out
in a range of activities designed to Originally from Jamaica, Jackie has a lifelong love of cooking response so far? A resounding, “Yummy!”
enhance mobility, mood, stamina and
While our independence. “Choralmania”a smash hit
expansion is
Architect’s rendering of our proposed two-story, 24 bed the biggest At Hollenbeck today, the energy Hollenbeck has enjoyed a long, rewarding partnership with LA Opera
Memory Enhancement Center. Immediately to the left is news story at couldn’t be higher. Here’s to a year of as a member of their Community Chorus Network. Last August, the
our planned 27 bed skilled nursing addition/renovation. Hollenbeck, exciting growth! Opera launched a new bimonthly singing class “Choralmania” at
it’s far from Hollenbeck, professionally directed by LA Opera Teaching Artists
the only one; Miki Yamashita and Daniel Redfeld. They present a lively session of
vocal instruction and repartee with resident participants in musical
Residents Raise $5,000 for Staff Scholarship Program theatre, opera standards, operetta, and some popular tunes.

Five members of the Hollenbeck staff who attend college part-time Jonah and the Whale and LA Opera personnel, top row: In March, members of the Hollenbeck program performed with
have been awarded scholarships of $750-1,000 under the Hollenbeck Velina Hasu Houston, librettist of Jonah and the Whale; other Community Chorus members and LA Opera principals at
Scholarship Program. The resident-funded program accepts yearly James Conlon, LA Opera’s Richard Seaver Music Director; Our Lady of the Angels in a new operetta, Jonah and The Whale.
applications from staff who have two years of college and are pursuing Miki Yamashita, LA Opera Teaching Artist; and Jack Perla, On June 19 Choralmania presented their season-end performance
a degree or license upgrade. Winners are introduced to the residents at Hollenbeck.
in July and at the fall employees’ picnic, where their families can join in composer of Jonah and the Whale.
the celebration. Executive Council Chair Joe Gardner remembers one
winner crying when she heard the news. “I’m enrolled for next semester,” Hollenbeck Choralmania members, top row from left: The program gets raves from residents. “I’ve always enjoyed big
she said, “but I didn’t have money for books.” Two staff members who
received scholarships in 2011 have earned their CNA degrees and are Dora Hernandez and Sara Macpherson. Bottom row: musical productions,” says Gerald Rowland. “It was great to actu-
now working as Certified Nursing Assistants at Hollenbeck.
Left: JoeGardner Esther Jacobs, Betts Hall, Trudy Sivick, Minar Rony, ally be in one!” Betts Hall notes, “No one saw us as old. We were
& Andrea Perez. Gerald Rowland and Lionel Hernandez. just people singing together.” Esther Jacobs says the experience
Right: 2013 scholarship awardees, from left to right: Marisol
Vera, Stephanie Prado, Andrea Perez, Erika Martinez and brought back fond memories of when she was in a chorus and a
Alfredo Gonzales.
super with an opera company. Trudy Sivick used to be on stage as well. For some, it was a first. “I had never sung before,” says

Lionel Hernandez. “I know I don’t have a good voice, but I enjoy Miki’s classes. I even bought a new black shirt for the show.”

2 / 2014 EDITION 2014 EDITION / 3

welcome Dodger season every year. An excellent golfer in the past, he follows the PGA as its East Coast Regional Manager. George and
games with interest. Satsuki’s sister, the late Dr. Sakaye Shigekawa, was also a Kuni are adjusting to California living and enjoying
New Familiar with Hollenbeck because of friends who lived there, Rosamond was Hollenbeck resident. A noted physician, she was the first female president of the the mild winter weather. (He doesn’t miss shoveling
Residents always impressed with “how helpful people were, and how they gave the personal staff at Queen of Angels Hospital in Los Angeles, and the facility’s first Japanese- snow at all!) They appreciate the kindness of the
touch.” Says Ernest, “We looked at several other communities but they didn’t American doctor. staff and other residents and enjoy participating in
Ernest & have the expanse, the greenery, the open feeling.” The Flores’ stay on the move, the many activities offered to them.
Rosamond Flores attending concerts, museums, performances, and visiting family. Rosamond Claire Lewis
especiallyenjoysparticipatinginHollenbeck’ssinginggroups. “Itookvoicelessons Anita
Growing weary of maintaining their lovely Monrovia as a kid,” she reports, “and we get real vocal coaching from people connected with A clear asset to Hollenbeck Palms is bubbly Claire Corral
townhouse, Team Flores moved to Hollenbeck Palms the L.A. Opera. It’s wonderful.” Lewis, a retired special education teacher who moved
last July and have been on the go ever since. It’s in last summer. “I love it here,” she says. “People are Anita has lived within
fitting, since Ernest, a retired civil engineer, designed Kimiko Kitaoka so nice. I’ve made good friends and the special events minutes of Hollenbeck
transportation patterns in and out of the Port of Long here are exceptional.” all her life. As an adult,
Beach. Born in Sacramento, Kimiko moved to Japan with she cared for her mother
her family when she was five years old. At 21, she After receiving a master’s degree in counseling and uncle in the family
Childhood friends who lost track of each other after returned to the US, settling in Los Angeles and from Cal State Fullerton, Claire spent her career in the classroom helping K-12 home in Montebello while pursuing a long career
high school, Rosamond and Ernest reconnected marrying Namio Kitaoka. The couple raised a son students with learning disabilities. Working in Orange County’s Placentia/Yorba in retail at Broadway Stores. She studied fashion
and married in 2002. Growing up in San Bernardino, and daughter in the Westside community of Venice/ Linda Unified Schools, she has only compliments about the district’s attention to illustration, and called on her design and fine sewing
the couple’s mothers were good friends and social Mar Vista and later moved to the Torrance area. this program. “So many of these students need one-on-one attention,” she says, skills to create exquisite outfits, including lavish
workers at a church-based settlement house. “The Kimiko worked as an electronic technician at TRW, which was then an aerospace “and I couldn’t have done it without the help of my aides.” christening gowns, for personal clients. She also
social center was like a second home to us since corporation. During her retirement, she enjoyed traveling to countries around the performed dancing with her musician cousins. Anita
we were six years old, and we went to the same world. After her husband’s passing, she moved to a retirement home, and recently Interestingly, Claire was born and spent her early childhood in the Boyle Heights discovered Hollenbeck when a friend suggested
junior high and high school,” Ernest recalls. After came to Hollenbeck Palms. She enjoys spending time with her four grandsons and area and fondly remembers eating at local Jewish delicatessens after attending they go to an open house. “I was delighted by the
graduation, his family moved to the Long Beach area great-grandson and pursuing her hobbies of quilting and sewing. church on Sundays. She has high hopes for the neighborhood and sees it coming gardens,” she says. “I soon discovered the people
while Rosamond joined the military and worked at back strong. here are just as lovely.” A talented watercolorist,
the Pentagon, later earning a degree in American Peter L. Smith Anita is now enjoying mastering a new medium,
Studies from Cal State Los Angeles. Her son and daughter live nearby and visit regularly. Meantime, Claire actively acrylic, in Hollenbeck’s art classes.
Rosamond raised three children in Alhambra, and Peter had a distinguished career in the US Air Force pursues exercise, tai chi, Bible study, current events and board games. “I’m
worked as an administrator for non-profit groups Strategic Air Command. He joined the Air Force learning dominoes,” she reports. “It’s really a challenge.” Dr. Yoshio &
such as the Visiting Nurse and the International near the start of the Korean War, shortly after Natsuko Akiyama
Institute. When Ernest’s wife died, a childhood SAC was created. It was charged with overseeing An avid reader, she enjoys historical novels, particularly those about the World
pastor encouraged Rosamond’s family to attend the the country’s land-based strategic bomber War II era. Another favorite activity of Claire’s is writing poetry. “I’m spoiled,” she The Akiyama’s were virtually destined for Hollenbeck.
funeral. Their reunion after 40 years has unfolded and support aircraft, including aerial refueling, declares, “and I couldn’t be happier.” Not only has our medical director, Dr. Thomas
into happy history for the couple and their total of strategic reconnaissance and fighter escorts. As Kanegae, long been the couple’s physician, but Dr.
five adult children. Deputy Wing commander, pilot and instructor, Peter piloted a range of military Shinya Honda Akiyama, a distinguished pediatrician, treated Dr.
aircraft, including B-25, T-28 and B-29 bombers, KC-97 and KC-135 (Boeing 707) Kanegae’s children. Married for 58 years, the pair
4 / 2014 EDITION Stratotankers, and air rescue jet helicopters. His postings included ten years at Shinya Honda was born in Denver, Colorado. He met at UCLA, where Dr. Akiyama graduated in
Castle AFB in Merced County, California, North America and Greenland; and served in MIS (Military Intelligence Service) during the school’s second-ever medical class. (They’re
three years in England, Europe, North Africa and Asia. World War II, and received the Congressional Gold enthusiastic Bruins fans to this day.) They made
Medal in 2012. Shinya lived in Oakland, California their home on the Westside, and Natsuko taught
Peter’s son brought him to visit Hollenbeck. When he later fell and broke his for most of his life, and moved to Pacific Palisades
hip, he moved here and became a resident. His favorite people are his twin in June 2012. During his career in San Francisco he elementary school in Los Angeles. The couple
granddaughters, their mother and father. worked in marketing for Meitetsu. Later he was asked to manage the restaurant spent a total of six years in the Netherlands, two
Nikko on Van Ness which enjoyed much success during his eight year tenure. when Dr. Akiyama received a prestigious Giannini
Satsuki Shigekawa
George & Kuni Tamaki (continued on page 7)
The youngest of four children, Satsuki was born
and raised in Los Angeles by parents who had The Tamakis arrived at Hollenbeck Palms in September 2013. Both were 2014 EDITION / 5
immigrated to the US from Japan at the turn of born in California, but lived in New Jersey for 62 years. During World War II,
the last century. Aside from a brief period in Salt George served with
Lake City during World War II, he lived in the same the Signal Corps as a
Silverlake home for 70 years — 55 of them with his radar instructor. He
wife, Edna. The couple had three children and five grandchildren, now ages 21 received hisengineering
to 31. Satsuki especially enjoys watching baseball on TV and looks forward to degree from Syracuse
University and worked
for Hewlett-Packard for
34years,retiringin 1986

lifestyle Hollenbeck residents seek out activities that keep them involved Fun With
Interests and learning — plunging into classes, expanding their knowledge,
and exploring the community. Our Activity Department starts by reti
finding out what they want to do, then creates programs based on r e m e n t Shopping!
that input. We bring in qualified instructors to teach specialties Everyone knows that moving can be a stressful experience. But if you approach shopping for a retirement
like ceramic glazing, square dancing, block printing and watercolor
painting. Some residents initiate and coordinate activities of their community like shopping for a new pair of shoes, it gets a whole lot easier. You want comfort, style, quality and
own, including lectures, card games, golf, and film discussions. durability. Try on a few pair. Do they look good? Are they flexible? Can you step out in ease and confidence?
Hollenbeck has even become a launching site for innovative
pilot programs like “Choralmania”, sponsored by LA Opera’s
Community Chorus Network.

Resident Betts Comfort – Walk about Hollenbeck Palms’ lush, eight-acre
Hall’s dream of campus with its attractive gardens, plazas, and stunning view of
refurbishing a the Los Angeles cityscape. Our variety of spacious, well-appointed
treasured violin apartments and grounds are maintained by a dedicated crew – no
has come true, more home maintenance worries!
thanks to students
from the i.am College Track program at Roosevelt through student fundraising Style – Glide into the Grand Dining Room or stroll into The Skyline
High in Boyle Heights. The achievement was their and Chase Bank. College Bistro. You’ll find fascinating menus and fresh dining experiences
pilot project with Wish of a Lifetime, a national Track Site Director Tina that rival any restaurant in town. “Savor the Flavor” tastings, a
nonprofit which helps grant seniors’ wishes. They Kim says the group got a quarterly sushi bar, and an ice cream parlor are regular features
chose Hollenbeck because it’s in their immediate new view of what a quality for foodies.
community, and the violin restoration was paid for senior residential setting is
like. Students and residents Quality – Step into the adventure of making new friends from
looked forward to meeting all walks of life whose range of interests match Hollenbeck’s wide
at each visit. “Many students array of activities. Find pleasure and stimulation among choices galore – from painting to opera, quilting to dancing, casino
had only experienced one- excursions to brain boosting games.
day community projects,”
Cortelia Davis, Kimiko Kitaoka and Pearl she says. “With this ongoing Durability – Hollenbeck promotes wellness with established connections to top medical resources. A range of walk-in services
Matsusaka discuss fabric trim for a quilt commitment, they built are available on site, such as general check-ups, dental, hearing, and podiatry. Customized, assisted living services can even be
embroidered by Toshiko Suguro. The importantskillsforthefuture.” provided right in your own apartment. It’s called “aging in place,” and with our skilled nursing center right on campus, as your
group is sewing lap quilts for skilled nursing requirements change you can receive continuing care, assuring that you’ll never have to move again.
residents. The quilts will be on display in
the Rose Parlor starting July 16. Accept a standing invitation to visit our garden campus and explore our selection of residential choices. Meet our friendly
residents and discover how much you have in common. You may find that “our shoes” are just the right fit!

New Residents (continued from page 5)

Dean Martin tribute artist, Steve (Dr. & Mrs. Akiyama, continued) Miwa Hamasaki
Waddington, delighted residents
and guests with beloved songs from Residents visited the newly-renovated Ronald Reagan Library in Post-doctorate Research Fellowship Born in Japan, Miwa attended Toyo Eiwa University, where she
“Dino,” as well as other famous Simi Valley, where the “Treasures of Walt Disney Archives” was in Groningen and four more when he met her late husband, Yoshitsugu. He studied law and eventually
performers of the “Ratpack” era. on special exhibit. They boarded the “Pirates of the Caribbean” returned to collaborate on a Dutch became a Union Bank Administrator in Los Angeles, while
Partner Susan Ritter joined him ship, and also toured Air Force One and the Oval Office. newborn neurology research project she later went to beauty school. After moving to Los Angeles,
for animated duets of Dino with Dr. Heinz Prechtl, a leader in the she opened Miwa’s Beauty Salon, a business she continues to
and Ann- field. In addition to their relationship operate while living at Hollenbeck. She and her husband enjoyed
Margaret with Dr. Kanegae, the Akiyamas many of LA’s cultural activities, including those related to his work
and Sonny chose Hollenbeck because they were as a theater director and writer for TV Fun magazine and Rafu Shimpo newspaper. Yoshitsugu
and Cher. impressed by its continuum of care — also wrote a book which Miwa has published, reflecting his view that “no one gains through war.”
something that made their choice even Recently, Hollenbeck resident Dr. Harold Sunoo presented this work to fellow residents and
more positive. Miwa’s new friends. “Everyone here is very nice,” she notes. “I am enjoying spending time with
them.” Miwa also continues to visit her favorite restaurants and Temple nearby.

2014 EDITION / 7