News Release
April 14, 2008
Oahu seniors honored for outstanding community service
Laura Lott
(808) 952-7566
laura_lott@hmsa.com
The 42nd Annual Mayor’s Senior Recognition Program was held Friday, April
11, at the Hawaii Convention Center in Honolulu. The program honored 80 individuals
age 60 and over who volunteered their time, talent and experience to schools, organizations
and programs in the community.
Nominated by senior clubs, service organizations, government agencies, family and
friends, this year’s top six seniors received special recognition from the
mayor, the Honolulu Committee on Aging, and the Hawaii Medical Service Association
(HMSA).
The 2008 top senior volunteers were:
- Gladys Takamoto – Outstanding Female Senior Citizen (nominated by Councilmember
Rod Tam and Lanakila Multi-Purpose Senior Center).
- Norberto Baysa – Outstanding Male Senior Citizen (nominated by Wahiawa Rainbow Seniors
Club).
The 2008 winners of HMSA’s Akamai Living Lifetime Achievement Awards were:
- Platinum Award – Nellie Aina (nominated by Waimanalo Seniors).
- Gold Award – Gloria Lopez (nominated by Kokua Kalihi Valley Elderly Services Program).
- Silver Award – Gladys Watanabe (nominated by Aiealani Seniors Club).
- Bronze Award – Florence Menor (nominated by Lanakila Multi-Purpose Senior Center).
“These remarkable seniors are prime examples of what it means to age gracefully
and give back to the community,” says Cliff Cisco, HMSA senior vice president.
“Their outstanding volunteer efforts are making a real difference in the lives
of others in the community. Although they don’t seek it, they deserve this
recognition and our sincere thanks for helping make Honolulu a safer, healthier
community.”
The Mayor’s Senior Recognition Program began in Honolulu in 1965, and is an
annual awards program for outstanding senior volunteers. It is presented each year
by the mayor and the Honolulu Committee on Aging. HMSA is a presenting sponsor and
has participated in the program for eight years.
HMSA is a nonprofit, mutual benefit association founded in Hawaii in 1938. It is
governed by a community board of directors and includes representatives from health
care, business, labor, government, education, clergy, and the community at large.
HMSA is a member of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, an association of
independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans. Nationally, HMSA and 38 other Blue
Cross and Blue Shield plans provide worldwide coverage to more than 100 million
members.
####