A Ring Of Generosity On The Beach
Wednesday - December 13, 2006
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Del.icio.usHi Pamela,
I’ve been staying with my mom for the past month as she recovers from a stroke, and I’m going back to Sacramento next week. My sister-in-law and I have been looking for some kind of bell to hang on her walker that will alert us at night if she gets up and tries to move around, but the ones we had found were not being picked up by the baby monitor we put in her bedroom.
Yesterday I was walking along the beach near Kalama Beach Park in Kailua and the bell on a fishing pole sang out. I thought a bell like that would make a great walker bell, so I asked the guys near the pole where I could get one like it. After I explained why I wanted one, they said they were taking down the poles in a few minutes and offered to give me one of the bells on my return trek down the beach.
A few minutes later, Bernard handed me a bell with an amazingly beautiful (and loud) voice. He said it was homemade! It worked perfectly this morning, and I heard my mom’s walker from across the house.
I don’t know Bernard’s last name, but I thought he showed exceptional aloha to give away to a total stranger something he valued and had put time into creating. Now I can go back to Sacramento knowing that my brother and sister-in-law will be able to hear that bell if Mom gets up during the night.
I grew up in Kailua, but have been living in California for the last 16 years. Kailua folks are still the best!
Ann S. Owens Sacramento, Calif.
Dear Ann,
Patricia Lockwood, director of the Hawaii Centers for Independent Living, says sometimes it’s the little things that solve big problems. “We are an agency run by and for people with disabilities, and sometimes we have practical information based on our life experience. The fishing bell is a perfect example of a practical solution vs. an expensive one. I hope people will call upon us who face difficult situations like Ann’s.” The Hawaii Centers for Independent Living can be reached at 522-5400.
Aloha Pamela,
To the performers, presenters, participants and volunteers for the recent “Sounds of Joy” Seminar and Benefit Concert: Your participation meant so much to so many people who now have found how music can help to improve their lives, families and communities. Special gratitude for the University of Hawaii, which made the whole event a pleasant experience to all of us.
The music therapists of Sounding Joy of Music Therapy use music as a way to examine a client’s areas of improvement, impairments and emotional states. Many of our clients are autistic and mentally or physically challenged. We use instruments, songs, dance and many other activities to break down communication barriers and move our clients closer to their goals. We believe the power of music can transform people’s lives significantly.
With all the help we received at our seminar and concert, we were able to raise enough money to cover the cost of the event and plan for the next one. APPLAUSE to everyone involved. We love you all!
Keiko Kajiwara Sounding Joy of Music
Therapy Inc.
Dear Keiko,
Congratulations to the Sounding Joy Music of Therapy gang for raising close to $9,000 in your last four fundraising events. It is not an easy time for local non-profit organizations, but with the help of volunteers your music therapy services will be available to more people in need.
(If you know someone who deserves some Applause, send your letters to Pamela Young, MidWeek Applause, KITV, 801 S. King St., Honolulu, HI, 96813 or e-mail pyoung@kitv.com. Include your name, phone number and, if possible, the phone number of your “applaudee” so we can contact him or her.)
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