November 2025ACTION LINEArtwork by Hiromi Peterson
2 | 15 Craigside Action Line 15 CRAIGSIDE RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION NEWS!NOVEMBER BIRTHDAY WISHESHappy Birthday to those who were born in NOVEMBER:Clifton Arakaki, David Chun, Joe Imai, Elizabeth McCutcheon, Richard Miyaji, Avin Oshiro, Mimi Plante, Diane Shin, Diana Tengan, Harolyn TomaWe wish you a very Happy Birthday!NEWCOMERS DAVID AND DIANE SHINDavid and Diane Shin moved to the Tenth floor on July 8, 2025. Diane was born in Honolulu and lived for eight years in Hilo. She attended St. Joseph’s School and Hilo High School. She received her BBA in Business Marketing from the University of Hawaii Manoa and later went to Banking School at University of Washington in Seattle. David was born in Busan, Korea, moved to Hawaii in 1960 and attended McKinley High School and University of Manoa where he received a BBA in Personnel Industrial Relations.Diane worked as a senior vice president of Retail Banking at American Savings Bank and David was president of a small Credit Union.Diane has an older brother, and David has three brothers. They do not have any children.They both enjoy golfing and traveling. They traveled to Kelowna, Canada to golf and visited places like Arizona, Oregon, Japan, and Korea. We are so fortunate at 15 Craigside to have another female with a “hole in one” record, and she did it twice!They decided to come to 15 Craigside because of the continuum of care and were comforted that they would be cared for their lifetime. They wanted a quality of life in their senior years with no cooking or cleaning and more time to enjoy what they want to do. However, they found that time is still not as free as they had imagined because there are set times to dining, etc. Nevertheless, they do not regret their decision and know that as they age they won’t burden each other. They have found that the residents and staff at 15 Craigside are wonderful! Since they came to 15 C, they laugh a lot more. “Laughter is the best medicine!”Welcome to 15 Craigside, David and Diane!!!
November 2025 | 3 15 CRAIGSIDE RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION NEWS!DID YOU KNOW?EMPLOYEE CHRISTMAS BONUS FUND/MAHALO FUND: Thank you to all who made contributions by the October 31 deadline. As of Monday, October 27, the amount collected was $90,594.15 CRAIGSIDE HAS TALENT: Thank you to Steven Nagata for planning and coordinating the “15 Craigside Kupuna Showcase of Talents” and his assistants, Judy Asman and Joy Miyashiro. The ladies in the flower hats were great helpers in getting the performers lined up and ready to start. The “Auntie Vi & da Miners” led by our 102-year-old Vi Kagawa with her two sons were followed by the miners: Barry Baker, Sam Camp, Ted Kishimori, Herbert Kawakami, Gary Miyashiro, and Gordon Nishiki. Monster Mash talented guitarists John Aoki and Avin Oshiro with drummer Carol Okutani and dancers Kathy Aoki and MaryAnn Oshiro showcased the scary talents of 15C! Craigside Chordettes, Addie Arakaki, Judy Asman, Amy Hirohata Goto, Joy Miyashiro, Harriet Miyasaki, and Irene Nakamoto danced through “Sugartime” and “Lollipop” with real lollipops! The illusionist, Mel Aoki, had us guessing with the numbers that he knew from the start. Betsy Young’s “Sights and Sounds of Halloween” got us into the spirit of Halloween with her talented reading!!! Da Couple, David and Irene Nakamoto, sang “If We Hold On Together” to share the value of holding on together at 15C! Steve Hidalgo sang “Venus” like a professional . . . such talent! And dancing in the rain was Reggie Higa while using his walker . . . just like a Fred Astaire! Our duet of Masa Abe and Kyoko Hijirida with ukulele player Cliff Tokumaru inspired us with “Koko Ni Sachi Ari.” And the Scrabble Ladies, Regina Junasa, Elizabeth McCutcheon, Junko Yamano, Judy Asman, Joy
4 | 15 Craigside Action Line 15 CRAIGSIDE RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION NEWS!UPCOMING EVENTS:Sunday, November 2: Karaoke by Mel Aoki at 6 p.m. in the TheaterFriday, November 7: 15C Craft Fair at 10 a.m. in the TheaterSunday, November 16: Karaoke with Doug Oshiro at 6 p.m. in the TheaterSunday, November 30: Bingo at 6:30 p.m. in the TheaterWednesday, December 3: Residents’ Council Meeting at 2 p.m. in the TheaterMiyashiro, and Carol Okutani made a word for us in beautiful recitation! And the surprise performer was Irene Nakamoto with her 68-year old accordion. The panelists/commentators Lon Ibaraki, Morris Kimoto, and Wendy Yoshimoto gave wonderful comments . . . so positive!!! Everyone had a fun time! 15C GOT TALENT!!
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November 2025 | 6 Patrick TakahashiYou Asked, We AnsweredCan the window shades in the Solarium be up higher during Wellness classes so that we can enjoy the beautiful valley view?Yes! If you would like raise or lower the shades, please let the Wellness Trainer know. Please also be considerate of other residents attending the session.Will 15C be hosting a COVID-19 clinic?Yes! 15C will be partnering with Times Pharmacy and will host our onsite COVID-19 Clinic on November 4th from 9:00 am – 2:00 pm in the Theater. Sign up has already concluded. If you missed the deadline but are still interested in receiving the vaccine, please reach out to the Clinic at ext. 5448 for options.How did the collaboration between 15C and Nuuanu YMCA go?The collaboration with the YMCA and 15C was a huge success! 15C hosted two days of intergenerational learning activities on October 8th and 9th! On the first day, 15C residents taught 4th and 5th graders from the YMCA’s Youth Day Camp about Japanese culture through bon dance, taiko drumming and the art of ikebana. On the second day, there was a reversal of roles and the YMCA’s Teen Club coordinated an activities day for 15C residents that included bingo and origami.When you create a space for our Keiki and Kupuna to come together and do for each other, the exchange of knowledge, experience and perspective is powerful. At the heart of it, it’s about connections. These experiences build empathy and compassion for people outside your generation. It opens participants to different perspectives and broadens their horizons on how they view the world today.We are looking forward to more events with the YMCA!Are there any updates on the linens?We have reached out to United Laundry and they have committed to increase the number of new lines that are in circulation, which will hopefully reduce the percentage of linens that are unusable and returned. New linens were added into the rotation in September and we expect to see an improvement in the overall quality of our deliveries. Please continue to report any issues to Chase or Wolana in Environmental Services.
November 2025 | 7 You Asked, We AnsweredIf there is a need to begin weekly housekeeping services several hours before or after my apartment’s usual time, can we be notified ahead of time?Although our Environmental Services Department tries to keep a routine schedule for each apartment as a courtesy and convenience to residents, we do not commit to an official schedule. The reason for this is that our main priority is completing all services scheduled for the day/week and to accomplish this, management needs to have the ability to move schedules around to address any staffing or operational issues.We do understand the concern raised by residents in regards to not expecting house cleaners and possibly being in the shower or not appropriately dressed when cleaning begins several hours early. When possible, the Environmental Services Team will provide advance notice to residents. Thank you for your patience and understanding!When will the AFC celebrate the Programs and Wellness teams?The AFC will celebrate the Programs and Wellness Teams on Thursday, November 13th at 12:30 pm in the Theater. Residents are encouraged to join the event to share their appreciation – either by attending in person or by sending messages of thanks to Irene Nakamoto, Residents’ Association President, or Bree Komagome, COO.Will 15C be celebrating Mickey Mouse’s birthday again this year?Yes, Disney Attire Day will be held on November 18th. We hope that residents will be in spirit with mouse ears, Disney character clothing, etc. We love the opportunity to have employees and residents celebrate together!I’ve noticed some new people in the Dining Room? Who are they?The new faces are from Strategic Dining Services (SDS), our dining consultants. Chef Barbara Stoner, Chef Marcos/Marco, and Ken on the financial side. SDS is here to support us in the big transition to the broadliner purveyor, Hanson’s, which happened on October 17th, and provide recommendations on operational efficiencies. SDS will be onsite until November 5th. Marco is 15C’s point of contact and will help guide us through efficiency or process changes. That is why it is important that he spends time with us, knows our operations, and understands the way we prepare meals.
8 | 15 Craigside Action Line What other steps is Dining Services working on with SDS?SDS is also providing guidance on menu planning, leadership development, and putting into place structure to ensure consistency and quality throughout our dining program.Will SDS remove local food from our menu?No, they are preserving this for us. We are able to show all our recipes and identify the ones that residents love and do not want to change. There might be slight changes such as different brands being used but they will not be huge or too noticeable.Are residents able to submit requests for specific food items or menu changes?Yes! Residents are able to submit these requests through the resident suggestions box, share them with Chef Jordan or Kat, or even share the recommendation or ideas with the Advisory Board Members for discussion at the Monthly Advisory Board Meetings. This month we received requests for yakisoba on a regular basis and adding bison burgers to our regular menu.All submissions are taken under consideration and we do our best to incorporate the requests in special Programs or Dining events, adding them to the Seasonal Salad or Chef’s Special, and in rare cases, we may alter the 5 Week Menu.When evaluating these requests, management considers the following:· Demand· Costs· Preparation Time· Storage Space· Menu Balance· Produce Sourcing and AvailabilityWith the guidance and expertise of Strategic Dining Services (SDS), we will continue to work on menu flexibility and variability to increase the number of choices and options available to residents!You Asked, We Answered
November 2025 | 9 15C ART CLUB15C PHOTOGRAPHY CLUBAloha! For our next Photo Club Meeting, we will begin with Club announcements, then follow up with members’ photo submissions.Next Meeting: Saturday, November 2nd1:00pm in the TheaterTopic: Give Thanks Please stop-by the 15C Artistry Wall, outside the Wellness Center. “Mahalo!” to club members for volunteering to help with the display: Wil Kubota and Gordon Nishiki.Meeting: Monday, November 3rd from 1:00pm—1:30pmLocation: THEATERTheme: Leaf ArtLet’s get into the fall spirit and participate in a relaxing activity as we create fall-themed leaf art using pastel chalks! Mahalo to resident volunteer Kathi Mijo for help with club displays! ALL ARE WELCOME!ALL ARE WELCOME!
10 | 15 Craigside Action Line 15 CRAIGSIDE RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION NEWS!Book Reviews Submitted by Linda CampLibrary NewsStone Cold by David BaldacciThis is a novel about revenge, conspiracy, and murder. It involves a lot of characters with varying roles, so it takes a bit of concentration to keep track of them. Events go back in time, entangled with murder and those who seek revenge. The story can be confusing so it’s best to read this book quickly so as not to lose track of events. There are many overlapping plots; but if you enjoy reading Baldacci, you will appreciate the complex plot of this novel.Step On A Crack by James PattersonNew York Detective Michael Bennett finds himself dealing with a hostage crisis, a wife who is dying, and ten adopted children. The story switches from the murders of hostages to the tender moments with his wife and the heartwarming children that bring him some solace. Most intriguing is the hostage situation that Detective Bennett needs to resolve. It will hold your attention as you read about the ruthless and cold-blooded man who leads his gang of kidnappers into schemes while negotiating with Detective Bennett.Tough Customer by Sandra BrownUnless you like Sandra Brown as an author, this is not a particularly thrilling story. It started out with a murderous stalker and ended with too much interpersonal tension between some of the characters. Thirty years have passed, and Dodge Hanley unexpectedly gets a call from Caroline telling him that their daughter Berry is being stalked. The story weaves among the investigation, pursuit, and capture of the stalker while integrating the romantic relationships of the main characters.These three books are available in the basement Library bookshelves for large-print books.
November 2025 | 11 NO NAME performed at Central Union Church of Honolulu, Adult Day Care Center. Photographer, Bree Komagome. Lei maker, Violet Kagawa. October 10, 2025.NO NAME, founded a year or so ago when 4th floor residents - Masa Abe and Steve Nagata -were heard singing in the floor lobby on Christmas Day by neighbor, Carol Okutani. “I opened my door to find out what was going on!” Carol said. The three then made an Impromptu decision to visit the Clinic in the basement to sing; then upstairs to the Dining Room on the Main floor before lunch where residents and staff were gathered. Masa and Steve began singing… “Everyone was in shock! Workers stopped what they were doing!” said Masa.Members/Residents include: Masa Abe, John Aoki, Mel Aoki, Morris Kimoto, David Nakamoto, Carol Okutani, Wendy Yoshimoto (not in photograph) and group leader -Steve Nagata.As Steve explained, “Everyone brings a special gift to the group - for example, Masa SINGS with enthusiasm, John plays the guitar, Mel brings his joyous personality, David connects with the audience, Morris communicates clearly and enthusiastically, Carol is our skilled drummer, and Wendy is our Musical Director who helps us with tone quality, tempo, and tone blending. I play the ukulele and sing.”15 Craigside’s “From the Heart: NO NAME!”by Irene Zane
12 | 15 Craigside Action Line BewareMidnight: Halloween.Dare to enter the Garden?I’ll Gobble you up!-Sam Camp Oct. 31, 2019NO NAME has a variety of familiar local favorite songs, as well as new, that they perform - e.g. “To You Sweetheart, Aloha” has become a tradition - sung at the end of each NO NAME performance.In addition to performing in special events as asked and supported by 15 Craigside’s Programs Department e.g. 15 Craigside May Day Program, NO NAME performs in other venues. “I was visiting a resident on our second floor who happened to mention that he noticed other residents light up when they hear music.” said Carol. After sharing this with Gina Heshiki, second floor Activities Manager, NO NAME now has a regular “Gig” once-a-month on the 15 Craigside’s second floor Health Care Center.“We have also performed at the Aiea Public Library and recently at Central Union Church’s Adult Day Care Center” said Masa. “We feel we’ve reached the audience when we see smiles on faces, tapping to the rhythm with their feet,” added Carol.“You can describe us as YOUNG individuals, who like to SING, have FUN and who ENJOY each other’s company - we all get along!” said Steve.We are all encouraged by NO NAME’s “lead by example” as 15 Craigside residents who remain YOUNG, active and happy, finding ways to pursue personal interests and passions - they found their “Ikigai” - that the rest of us benefit from, appreciate, and enjoy! Haiku by Sam Camp
November 2025 | 13 A Message From Rev. David Nakamoto“Letting Go”What is letting go in Buddhism, you might ask? In Buddhism, letting go is a profound practice that involves releasing attachments and desires to achieve true happiness and inner peace. How is this so, you ask? Letting go in Buddhism is not merely about losing interest or giving up; it is about freedom from attachments that bring us suffering. The Buddha taught that attachment is the root cause of suffering. How is this so, you ask? This concept is deeply connected to the understanding of impermanence (anicca)*, which means that everything is in a constant state of change, and when we cling or are attached to things, we create tension and dissatisfaction in our lives. Holding on tightly to them as if they were permanent is a source of suffering and disappointment and this is inevitable when they change.Letting go involves accepting reality as it is, including pain and imperfections, rather than fighting against it. This can lead to surrendering the need to force outcomes and trusting the flow of life. Letting go is a continuous practice that requires patience, compassion, and mindfulness. It is a work in progress, not a quick fix, and involves noticing how attachment creates unhappiness and consciously choosing a different way to respond.By doing so, one can find greater peace, freedom and true contentment in the present moment.May peace be with us all.Namaste (in deep respect)*Impermanence, the ongoing process of living and dying and time. A key revelation of Shyakamuni Buddha’s enlightenment.
14 | 15 Craigside Action Line We Asked Residents and Staff…PCS from Midway Island to Iwakuni, JapanRon, Nancy, and their son, Eric, and Eric’s dog, Greeley, were making a major move. Both Ron and Nancy had job transfers. The move involved traveling from Midway Island to Honolulu via air and then to Tokyo, Japan, continuing down to Hiroshima Airport. At the airport, they needed two cabs to take them to the train station. Because the cabs were small, they could not all get into one cab. Then, they were not aware that Hiroshima had two train Stations, one for Shinkansen, and one for the local. Ron took the baggage, which were five large pieces, and Nancy took Eric and Greeley in another cab. Ron’s driver then took him to the Shinkansen Station and Nancy's cab driver took her to the local Station, which means that they were not able to find each other when they arrived at Hiroshima. Nancy and her entourage went out to the grassy lawn to give Greeley a break. Ron evidently was stranded at the Shikansen Station unable to locate Nancy’s group. Nancy asked her son, who was 10 years of age, to go into the station, which was approximately 20 feet away, to look for his dad. He vehemently protested for fear that he would get lost. As Nancy was looking towards the train station, she noticed a lady dressed in a full porter uniform. She appeared to be about 65 years old. Nancy noticed that this porter was waving both arms frantically to get her attention. All of a sudden, she noticed Ron was standing next to the porter. The lady porter came over and took the five bags and Eric. Then, Ron and Nancy took Greeley and tried to follow her. They went up a very steep flight of stairs and a long stretch of platform and again down another flight of stairs, arriving at the spot where their local train would arrive. When they arrived at the train station, their train came in 1 minute. She helped Ron and Nancy with their bags and just as they were getting on the train, Nancy mentioned to Ron, “tip the Porter a thousand Yen.” Ron tipped her, and the last time they saw her, she clapped her hands and looked at us with a sense of well done!! Nancy’s Pastor at Hiroshima Church who lived there for 20 years, said that “there has never been porters at the Hiroshima Station.”“Psalm 91:11—For He will command His angels to guard you in all your ways.”This true encounter with the porter at Hiroshima Station materialized into the lives of resident Nancy Weaver, her husband Ron, and their son Eric. Ron was a media specialist and Nancy was a Reading and ESL Specialist for DODDS Schools around the world. They served for 30 years. In collaboration, Fran Fiust and Nancy Weaver worked together to write this true story.-Nancy Weaver
November 2025 | 15 Have you had a supernatural experience in your life?Long ago, during the Revolutionary War, the quiet fields around Cooch’s Bridge in Delaware ran red with blood. It was September 3, 1777 — the only Revolutionary battle fought on Delaware soil. The clash between General Washington’s troops and the advancing British left the air thick with gunpowder and death.After the fighting ended, the rain came — heavy and cold — washing blood into the muddy Christina Creek. But not all spirits found peace that night.Locals began whispering of a woman in white, seen wandering the bridge on foggy nights. Some say she was a young bride whose husband was a colonial soldier, shot down before her eyes as he tried to retreat across the creek. Others say she was a nurse who tended to the dying, only to be struck by a stray bullet herself.Whatever her story, they call her The Lady of Cooch’s Bridge.I lived at 1001 Old Baltimore pike, a house right up the street from Coochs Bridge. I had a very safe and peaceful childhood filled with wonderful memories, until...one night, I came downstairs from my room to get a glass milk. As I turned to the left passing through the living heading to the kitchen, I noticed something out of the corner of my eye. I stopped dead in my tracks and I turned to my right and what I saw could only be describe as a faint white figure standing next to the fireplace.At first I couldn't truly believe what I was seeing. The hairs stood up on the back of my neck, chicken skin all over and I was in such shock I couldn't even move. I didn’t know what to do, I could only stand there and wait to come to my senses. Then, it finally dawned on me at what exactly I was looking at...who exactly I was looking at. It was her, the Lady of Cooch’s Bridge! I was in complete disbelief, right here in my living room, in my childhood home stood one of the most notorious ghosts in all of Delaware! But what did she want? Not only that, what did she want from me?!I was a very adventurous child, scarred of nothing, so I did what any fearless kid would do in my situation...try to make contact! I said \"hello?\"...no answer \"hello?\" \"What do you want?\" I asked. Still nothing, just a blank stare from her hollow eyes. A wanderer of the after life with no future, only past. Slowly she began to fade away until she was gone.I will never understand why she appeared that night in my living room. To this day those who live close by, if you listen closely on those still Delaware nights, when the air is thick and the crickets fall silent, you can still hear the sound of musket fire, the clash of bayonets… and the soft, mournful cry of the Lady of Cooch’s Bridge, forever searching for the one she lost.-Seth Lamblack
PROGRAMS TEAMPrograms ManagerLeilyn YamamotoPrograms CoordinatorsKayla CrawfordKarlee MullenWELLNESS TEAMWellness SupervisorKawai Crisostomo Wellness TrainersJon ChinaAbdul KhanCarly QuintoWELLNESS CENTER INFORMATION(808) 533-5445Open 24/7POOL HOURSA Wellness Trainer is present during pool hours. Monday through Friday8:00a.m.–4:00p.m.Saturday 9:15a.m.–12:00p.m.SundayClosedA Message From Dr. Rev. George ScottA New Gratitude at ThanksgivingAs November rolls around and we reflect upon a thanksgiving feast, the holiday season, and often our lives, I’m gaining a new gratitude at Thanksgiving.I must admit that the Thanksgiving holiday has always been one of my favorites. As a kid, it was exciting because it was time off from school and more time to play with my sisters and friends in the neighborhood. Of course it was also about the food. Though I’ve come to enjoy a slice of Pumpkin Pie, (okay maybe two) my family grew up on Sweet Potato Pie, and I get a bit misty reflecting on the pride my dad took as he watched us dive into one of his freshly baked pies after dinner.Thanksgiving also meant we were fully in the holiday season and Christmas was just around the bend.While these aspects of the season are still dear, I’m realizing the importance of the little things in life that bring joy and gratitude. It can be as simple as the unexpected text or phone call from an old friend. Recently, I received a call from a dear friend I met 36 years ago during my first week living in Hawaii. He and his family now reside on the continent but wow, it was wonderful just talking story and catching up on life together. For that simple thing, I am extremely grateful. I’m also finding gratitude seeing the joy in others, often people I don’t even know. Last week, I was grocery shopping and came upon an older man leaning on his grocery cart and singing in his booming voice to a toddler seated in his cart. When he was pau singing, they both broke out in joyful laughter. It was such an unexpected joyful outburst that caused me to smile and be grateful for experiencing the uninhibited happiness between the two, I will cherish that moment for a long time. Gratitude also extends to this wonderful Arcadia and 15-Craigside community. Over the years that I’ve been connected, I see the support, companionship, and shared experiences within this residence that creates a unique bond. I experience and am grateful for the ways friends uplift each other, a gift that truly enriches lives. This Thanksgiving, as we gather with those we cherish and celebrate the bounty on our tables, we’ll also hold close the countless small miracles that grace our lives every single day. It’s in embracing these simple, yet profoundly important things where we truly discover a new, richer sense of gratitude.May God Bless You – Have a Wonderful November and Thanksgiving Season!