The future of Alzheimer’s Research was examined by UCSF Assistant Professor of Neurology Dr. Li Gan at the sixth annual Alzheimer’s Association Asian Community Fund event at the San Francisco’s Pacific Heritage Museum. Sponsored by Jessa and Thomas Wu and chaired by Eva Jones, Arthur Tom and Tenny Tsai, the guests met the group’s outreach specialist Peining Chang and recognized helpline volunteer Herching Ku while learning about the latest advances on care for Alzheimer patients. For further info: (650) 962-8111.
At its Apr. 24 dinner meeting, Chi Am Circle Women’s Club members will learn the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia from Northern California Alzheimer associate diversity director Edie Yau. Scheduled for the Santa Clara China Stix Restaurant, people can learn about making smart nutritional choices for a healthy heart and brain by calling chair Cleo Jong: 650-966 1838.
Darrin Gee is a charismatic dynamo who left a successful San Francisco marketing career to follow his dream of establishing a golf school where the mind can improve one’s game. Darrin started his Spirit of Golf Academy in Hawaii’s Big Island in 2000, has worked with over 5000 students, and recently released a DVD and book, The Seven Principles of Golf: Mastering the Mental Game On and Off the Golf Course.
His clinics focus on seven principles: get grounded, develop feel, visualize the shot, create your own ritual, play one shot at a time, and transform your game and your life. Darrin promised my group at our Hapuna Course session noticeable differences after learning his techniques. Six days later I won the women’s division of the Foon Hay tournament with a net 67! Thanks Darrin. info@spiritofgolfhawaii.com.
While basking in the Hawaiian sun, we renewed acquaintances with Kamaiina Donna Kimura and Californian Victoria Grover, who showed us their serene Four Seasons Resort Hualalai at Historic Ka’upulehu with its cultural center, Chef Alan Wong’s cuisine at the Grille and its private King’s Pond.
On Oahu, Keith DeMello recommended seeing a piece of history at Pearl Harbor. It brought San Franciscans Ed and Margaret Lee and me a somber note visiting the USS Arizona Memorial and touring the largest battleship of the world, USS Missouri, where so many US forces were killed on Dec. 7, 1941. Bunny Look and Ronald Young told me that just a shuttle away was the new Pacific Aviation Museum, where we saw a Japanese zero plane, a bomber plane like Doolittle’s squadron used bombing Tokyo, and a wonderful floor map of the Pearl Harbor attack sequence.
This must be the season for Californians to escape Bay Area frosts to warmer weather. Enjoying their vacation getaway homes were Manford and Wanda Wong, Don and Jeannette Wong, Joe and Cathy Wu, and Ken Gee. Other visitors included Wilson and Pauline Fong, Pat Lum, Bert and Barbara Why, Peter and Judy Eng, Norman and Antonia Tu and Sandy Joe. Native Islanders welcoming them were Myrna Chun Hoon, Hunky and Jeannette Pang and Rodney and Marve Pang.
Ever wonder where vanilla comes from? McNeill Wilson’s Nathan Kam advised a visit to the Hawaiian Vanilla Company. Hawaiian-born Jim Reddekopp quit the travel industry to become a vanilla farmer near the Big Island’s Volcanos National Park, and wife Tracy and their 5 children serve lunches, teas, and tastings of dishes using vanilla in their spicing. San Diego’s John and Neta Howo exclaimed it was a delightful upcountry experience away from the tourist traps. www.hawaiianvanilla.com
My grandkids, Justin and Todd Matsuura, once raved about their experience at Hilton’s Waikoloa Resort so paw-paw had to see for herself. Manager Margo Harumi Mau Bunnell, formerly of the Hawaii Visitors Bureau, was the perfect person to introduce me to all the plusses of her Waikoloa property. She and Yan Cheung took me on their tram, boats, and to see the dolphins in their pool.
Gold director Dave Pritchett proudly showed off his Beach Course with its magnificent ocean views as I bravely tried to hit over Cliffside terrain. His two Waikoloa courses are as green as your St. Patrick’s Day shirt, and the scenery as lush as any islander could dream of.
Back Home: A.C.T. and Philip Kan Gotanda are premiering a World War II-era drama After the War, Mar. 22 through Apr. 22 at San Francisco’s Geary Theatre, telling the story of the Fillmore District that the Japanese were forced to evacuate to be interned by the US government, and what happened when they returned to their San Francisco homes.
Don’t miss this unique world premiere. www.act-sf.org