About Town: June 10, 2020

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Vigil Thursday in Waimea

George Floyd/Black Lives Matter peaceful vigil in Waimea, 3-4 p.m. Thursday on the Mamalahoa Highway fronting Parker Ranch Center/Ikua Purdy Monument. All invited. Please bring signs, masks &maintain social distancing.

Sponsored by North Hawaii Action Network &Hawaii County Democrats.

AARP Hawaii to Host Free Webinar on Investment Fraud

AARP Hawaii is hosting a free webinar to help people learn how to spot and avoid financial scams. Participants in the “Outsmart Investment Fraud” webinar will learn about the red flags of fraud, how to verify the credentials of investment advisors and get tips on avoiding costly financial mistakes.

The webinar is today from noon to 1 p.m., and is free. You don’t have to be an AARP member to attend, but please register online at aarp.org/HI, clicking on Upcoming Events and signing up at the Outsmart Investment Fraud link. After registering, you’ll get a link to the webinar and information on how to participate.

Featured speakers include Christine Kieffer, senior director of the FINRA Investor Education Foundation and Rob Mascio, director of investor education outreach for FINRA, which empowers underserved Americans with the knowledge, skills and tools to make sound financial decisions through life.

AARP also offers information on fighting back against scammers through the AARP Fraud Watch Network. Go to aarp.org/FraudWatchNetwork or call 1 (877) 908-3360 to reach the AARP Fraud Watch Network hotline, where you can report suspected scams and sign up for free “Watchdog Alerts.”

Advance Health Care Directive Workshop goes virtual

Having an Advance Health Care Directive (AHCD) is more important than ever now that we are in themidst of a pandemic. To meet this need, Community First is offering workshops using the free Zoom app, according to Committee Chair Charlene Iboshi.

“The next workshop, which will be held on Wednesday, June 17 from 3 to 4 p.m., is similar to our Hilo in-person workshops. For the virtual Zoom session, participants will need an iPad, computer, or smartphone. We have volunteers who will assist folks needing help to link in.”

The self-help workshop provides step by step information on how you can complete an Advance Health Care Directive. For those who already have one, this workshop can help them review it to see if it meets their current needs.

With COVID-19, patients may have difficulty breathing and may need to be put on a ventilator. If this happens, patients are usually sedated and are unable to communicate. According to Iboshi, “The AHCD allows you to designate someone you trust to speak for you in situations where you are unable to speak.”

Register early using the website https://www.communityfirsthawaii.org/registration or call Amy Hamane 935-1500 or Rosemary Burnett 987-4405.

Caregiving during a crisis

Caregivers of Alzheimer’s patients, struggling to keep up during the COVID-19 epidemic, will get a helping hand from 5-6:30 p.m. Friday. Dr. Pokii Balaz, Medical Director, Lunalilo Home and Geriatric Nurse Practitioner, Kokua Kalihi Valley on O‘ahu, will present “Caregiving During a Crisis: Tips for Dementia Caregivers” via the internet, sponsored by the Aloha Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association.

Dr. Balaz’ professional interest focuses on Native Hawaiian Health. Her devotion to her profession stems from her culture, which emphasizes ohana (family), respect for na kupuna (elders), and the need to serve others first.

Registration is required, online at bit.ly/303J4PL or by phone at (800) 272-3900. Info: Tonya Tullis, tshammondtullis@alz.org.