Club wishes a happy birthday to two super seniors

HUI O HULA

by Jojo Weingart

LW contributor

Hui O Hula, the LW Hawaiian dance club, continues to practice hula and entertain in and outside the gates.

All are welcome to join its weekly lessons. On Tuesday, dancers meet in Clubhouse 6 with a lesson on basic hula from 12:30 p.m., then regular class begins from 1 p.m. On Thursdays, the club holds class outdoors in Veterans Plaza at 1 p.m. or, during extreme weather, inside Clubhouse 3. Call 562-431-2242 for class information or to book a Hawaiian-style performance.

Happy February birthdays to hula dancers Leona Hasegawa and Insook Kim.

Leona has been with the LW hula club for 18 years. At 99, she is still staying active with clogging, hula and line dancing. Originally from Utah, Leona grew up helping on the family farm.

She became a nurse and raised a family in Gardena, California, before moving into Mutual 6 more than 30 years ago.

Several times a week, she walks from her home in Mutual 6 to take dance lessons and then walks home.

Her joy of life is truly amazing and inspirational.

A resident of Mutual 2 since 2010, Insook is originally from Korea and San Francisco.

She joined Hui O Hula 12 years ago. Even though there is not a principal dancer in Hui O Hula, Insook is a pillar and helps lead during class and at performances.

Being a volunteer in dancing the hula can be challenging, admiration to Insook for her aloha and dedication.

She is also a gifted artist. She is a teacher who gives weekly brushing painting lessons and her paintings have won numerous awards.