September 2023
MSS Cook Out August Event Recap: A Feast of Fun, Games, and Community Spirit!
Celebrating Unity, Fun, and ‘Ohana: The sun was shining, the air was filled with laughter, and the spirit of togetherness was palpable as the August MSS Cook Out unfolded. What a day it was, marked by thrilling games, heartwarming community participation, and efforts that showcased the power of coming together for a shared purpose. On August 20, 2023, the MSS Community gathered to create lasting memories at the heartwarming event. Thanks to Kyro for his photography skills!
Games Galore and Laughter in the Air: Laughter echoed across the lawn as attendees of all ages delved into the array of exciting games lined up for the day. “Wet Potato” had everyone in splits, as participants passed a plastic potato encasing a water balloon with their hearts pounding, hoping they wouldn’t be the last one holding it when the timer stopped, popping the balloon inside. The “Rice Toss” brought out the competitive spirits, with cheers and groans filling the air as the 5lb bag of rice soared, passed from each participant trying not to be the one holding the bag when the music stopped. Congratulations to Nichole our big winner of the day!
Delightful Feasts: Now let’s talk about the food! Delectable aromas wafted from the BBQ as we give special thanks to Grill Master Al P. (2nd photo from the right) As we savored the delicious flavors, conversations flowed, and new connections were forged. Thank you to Viki D. for all her hard work and support, and to everyone else who volunteered or just helped out when it was needed!
Special Stories: Amidst the laughter and merriment, the event took on a poignant moment as Uncle Jesse shared his personal survivor story of an engine explosions during his days as a Duck Boat captain. His courage and resilience touched hearts, reminding us all that each person carries their own battles and triumphs. Uncle Jesse’s story brought home the significance of coming together as a community to support and uplift one another.
Raffle Excitement: The anticipation was electric as the raffle began, and lucky winners walked away with prizes that left smiles plastered on their faces. The raffle not only added an element of surprise but also symbolized the incredible support and generosity of our community. A big mahalo to those who bought raffle tickets in support of this publication!
Mahalo Nui: In the end, the August MSS Cook-Out wasn’t just an event – it was a testament to the power of community, the joy of shared experiences, and the beauty of standing together in both fun and challenging times. Folks who didn’t even attend commented on how fun it was to watch and listen to the laughter and excitement outside their units! We extend our heartfelt gratitude to each and every participant who made the day truly unforgettable.
Looking Forward to Fall Harvest Festival on the Horizon: With the autumn breeze soon approaching, we’re excited to announce that plans are already underway for another heartwarming event – a Fall Harvest Festival! Just like the leaves gather, we’ll come together again to celebrate the change of seasons, create lasting memories, and strengthen the bonds that make our community so special. Stay tuned for updates & mark your calendars for the News Team meeting 9/21/23 3pm HST @ the MSS conference room. Email aloha@SurfsideOhanaNews.com to volunteer or share your thoughts!
Surfside Social Hub, Local Events
FREE EVENTS:
Weekdays 4:15pm No Bully Me Aikido
Keiki age 5+ at the Waianae Coast Aikido & Movement Center (808) 695-9520
84-1210 Kaulaili Rd off Makaha Valley Rd.
9/06, 9/14 & 9/18 – Food Handler Certification Class 9:00AM – 12:00PM Dept. of Health 99-945 Halawa Valley St, Aiea. Meets minimum requirements of the Chapter 50 Food Safety Code.
9/08–9/09 Full Moon Market – Kapolei 5:00-9:00PM Residence Inn 731 Kunehi Parking at Ho’okele Elementary $5
9/09 Computer Lab Free Assistance – 10:00-11:00AM MSS Conference Room
9/12 ‘Ohana News Team – October Issue Review at the Conference Room & Zoom
9/22-23 Young at Heart Expo 9:00AM-5:00PM FREE for seniors 50+ Neil S. Blaisdell Center 777 Ward Ave
9/29 FREE Night Market in Pearl City Momilani Community Center, 715 Hoomoana St, Pearl City, HI 96782
FUN FACTS:
When did Waiʻanae last erupt? The volcano is thought to have last erupted about 2.5 million years ago. When active, the Waiʻanae volcano’s center of activity was at present-day Lualualei Valley. Intense erosion on the western flank of the mountain has destroyed much of those flanks.
CELEBRATIONS:
9/08 Happy Birthday Ramy Kupuka’a!
2024 MSS CELEBRATION:
Guess who’s turning 50? Makaha Surfside! Next year will mark 50 years for our property and we should celebrate! Anyone up to the task of organizing a party? How shall we commemorate this milestone? Share your ideas or ability to volunteer via email: aloha@SurfsideOhanaNews.com
MSS MEETINGS:
9/06-9/07 MSS Tree Trimming Be advised that the coconut trees will be receiving regular maintenance, see MSS website for more info!
9/06 – Special Board Meeting – Reserve Fund
9/09 – SOP Committee Meeting – Standard Operating Procedures
9/13 – House Rules Committee – Door Cameras, Lanais, and more
9/23 – MSS Board Meeting – Regular monthly meeting
Visit the Makaha Surfside calendar: www.makahasurfside.net/calendar
HOW TO REPORT AN ISSUE or QUESTION
Go to www.MakahaSurfside.net and at the top there is a menu:
Hover over or touch the “Contact” option and then choose “Report an Issue” this will send your concern to the Board of Directors. Use this when you want to discuss something at the next Board Meeting or if you need to report a House Rules violation that is affecting you. Maybe you have comments for future projects or mahalos for staff. Anything is welcome through this portal.
9/10/23 10:00-11:00AM Computer Lab FREE assistance and access to a computer will be offered in the MSS conference room. See you there!
MSS Helping Hands Network & Neighborhood Watch
We are excited to extend an invitation to you to become a part of our incredible initiative – the MSS Helping Hands Network & Neighborhood Watch. [HHNNW].
In a world where lending a helping hand has never been more meaningful, we are setting out to create a network of dedicated residents who are ready to make a positive impact within our community. The MSS HHNNW aims to organize a collective of compassionate individuals like yourself, who share the common goal of spreading kindness and support.
About the MSS Helping Hands Network & Neighborhood Watch:
Our vision for the MSS HHNNW is simple yet powerful – establish a network of willing volunteers right here on our property. We believe that by working together, we can make a substantial difference in the lives of those around us. Whether it’s lending assistance to neighbors, supporting local events or property improvements, keeping watch, or providing aid during times of need, this registry will serve as a central hub for coordinating efforts and facilitating acts of goodwill.
Why You Should Join:
Member of the MSS Helping Hands Network & Neighborhood Watch will have the opportunity to:
· Make a Difference: Your small acts of kindness can create a ripple effect of positivity throughout our community.
· Connect: Meet like-minded individuals who share your passion for making the world a better place.
· Organize: Coordinate efforts efficiently to maximize the impact of our collective actions.
· Support: Provide aid to those in need, fostering a stronger sense of unity and togetherness.
How to Join:
Joining is as easy as 1, 2, 3:
1. Express Your Interest: Complete the form on our website or email aloha@surfsideohananews.com to let us know that you’re excited to be a part of this initiative.
2. Attend Our Kickoff Meeting: We will be hosting a kickoff meeting in the near future. This will be a fantastic opportunity to meet fellow volunteers, learn more about our plans, and share your ideas.
3. Get Involved: Once you’re officially a member, you’ll receive regular updates about upcoming projects and events. You can choose to participate in activities that align with your schedule and interests.
We truly believe that our collective efforts can bring about positive change, and your presence would add immeasurable value to this endeavor.
Let’s come together to create a network of caring hearts that uplifts our community. Join us in the MSS Helping Hands Network & Neighborhood Watch, and let’s make kindness the norm.
Looking forward to having you on board! We are also looking for individuals with leadership skills who would like to join the Neighborhood Watch committee as an organizer and point person for each building, to learn more about the National Neighborhood Watch program please visit: www.nnw.org/
Life by the Sea
Resident Interviews by Michelle K.
“I’m living my dream!” Decades ago she wrote down on a piece of paper the vision she had for her ideal life: living in a condo right by the ocean in a place with year-round warm weather. Makaha Surfside has enabled Zoe J., who has lived in A building since 2002, to fulfill her life long dream! “There’s something about the wildness of the ocean that makes me feel alive.”
Right after moving to MSS 20 years ago, Zoe joined the Waianae Chapter of AARP and still remembers how helpful and informative the organization was, especially for older women. Meetings are held the 1st Friday of every month at 10AM in the Satellite City Hall, and new people are welcome to attend. The most recent one focused on protection from identity theft, and a specialist was there to talk about preparing to remain active in your advancing years. These meetings were a great way for Zoe to meet new friends and socialize with people in her age group. “The local chapter really took the time to get to know each person” she remembers fondly. Prior to Covid, she helped run the Food Bank, putting together meals and distributing food to needy seniors in Waianae.
Zoe first lived on Oahu in 1953, when her husband was in the military. She bore two sons at Tripler Hospital in 1954 and 1955, and as toddlers, would take them to the beach to play while she honed her cribbage and bridge skills at the tables next to the Waikiki police station. Kuhio was a 2-way street back then. The kids have fond memories of going to the polo grounds in Waimanalo on the weekends.
She returned in 1985 and says she can still recall the heady aroma of the flowers at the airport from her lei greeting (who else remembers when airlines gave a lei greeting to each arriving passenger?) and how welcome it made her feel. Upon her return, she first lived in Waikiki, above Tony Roma’s on the 14th floor, where she could smell Italian food cooking all day. In the mornings, she walked to a hotel gym to work out on the treadmill while watching dawn patrol get their workout in at Queens Beach. Then she would head to the office where she was employed as a property manager, responsible for 3 condo associations. Her success came from treating the people who lived at her complexes “as the most important asset on the property”. At the end of the day, she would listen to the music coming from the Waikiki Shell, sitting on her lanai, watching the palm trees sway, while enjoying an evening meal. Nowadays, she enjoys that same warm breeze from her MSS lanai, spending time each day with her daughter, and excelling at putting 1,000 piece puzzles together.
‘Ohana Kitchen
Baked Beans Recipe by Patty M.
- 2 lg can Bake Beans
- 2 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1 tbs mustard
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 lg onion
- 2 minced garlic
- 1/2 lbs bacon chopped
- 6 hot dogs thin sliced
- 1/2 can of spam diced
- 1 Portuguese sausage thin sliced
- Salt/pepper to taste
- Cayenne pepper to taste
- 1 cup water
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Brown in saucepan: Onion,
garlic (salt / pepper to taste) - Add: Bacon, spam, sausage till brown then add hotdogs
- Simmer: 30 minutes then add
water and beans & stir thoroughly - Add: Remaining ingredients
- Simmer: Low for 2 hours
- Stirring frequently – Enjoy!
Owners may recognize this image from various emails coming from MSS. However, the statistics show many of these are going into folks’ spam folder. Remember to save the new official email in your contacts so you don’t miss important updates. office@makahasurfside.net
LOST & FOUND: There are 2 items in the office, if you are missing something remember to check there as well as post it on the Surfside ‘Ohana Facebook page.
REMINDERS from MSS OFFICE:
Visit www.MakahaSurfside.net for more details!
· Unit Inspections require access to your electrical, plumbing and lanai.
· MSS Wash Station requires reservations Sat. & Sun. ONLY
· PLUMBINNG LEAKS must be reported to security immediately
VIOLATIONS: Can you guess what the most citations at Makaha Surfside were issued for in the month of July? Well, it is non-return of visitor wristbands! When saying aloha ahiahi to your ‘ohana at the end of their visit, remind them to return their visitor wristbands to the guard shack upon exit. This is a House Rule that applies to all residents, therefore, Security staff do not let your visitors know when they register that the wristbands must be returned after use. It is up to you, as their host, to provide that information!
Can you guess what House Rule received the 2nd most number of citations in July? To the dismay of many residents, it is colored window coverings. This has been a hot button issue and the board needs to hear your solutions. One proposal involves the idea of a “theme” approach, so that we can pick form a set color pallet. This would involve a specific color palette to offer both personal choice and consistency, aiming to balance freedom and cohesion. For now the rules are for only white backed curtains, so if you’re not quite sure due to a colored seam or edge, send a photo to the office for preapproval before you make your purchase. Save that documentation for any unforeseen future issues of compliance with this House Rule.
Gym Renovation: Our gym has been approved for a complete renovation and we need your input! Should we replace the universal machine with a cable stand? What features would you like in a new treadmill? A spin class studio? How about soundproofing and A/C? What should we do about flooring? Send your ideas and comments, with photos of your suggestions, to the website or via email
BOD@makahasurfside.net
Do you have construction or fitness experience to help us write a detailed proposal? Your skills are appreciated! Please let us know your availability. Input from ALL residents is important. We want to upgrade the gym into the fantastic amenity that everyone here will want to use. Maybe we can cancel our Planet Fitness memberships and save ourselves the commute!
IMPORTANT INFO & CONTACTS
BOARD & COMMITTEE MEETINGS:
bod@makahasurfside.net
www.makahasurfside.net
OFFICE HOURS 8:00AM-5:00PM
weekdays (808) 696-6991
Report Neighborhood Issues: call 311
Office of Housing: (808) 768-4675
gov.homelessness@hawaii.gov
CARES Crisis Hotline (800) 753-6879
Makaha Surfside ’Ohana Facebook www.facebook.com/groups/mss96792
‘Ohana News Submission Due by the 20th of each month.
Photos/Articles: aloha@surfsideOhanaNews.com
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