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Sunday, July 05, 2020

Ka‘ū News Briefs, Sunday, July 5, 2020

Keoki Sereno entertained for the entire ʻO Kaʻū Kākou July 4 event at the outdoor Nāʻālehu Market.
All attendees wore masks, hand sanitizing required, along with distancing in sitting settings. The Hawaiian
musician's regular gig is at Punaluʻu Bake Shop. He said he hopes music will return to outdoor venues soon.
See more photos from the event, below. Photo by Julia Neal

REGISTER FOR THE PRIMARY ELECTION by this Thursday, July 9 at 4:30 p.m. Register or confirm mailing address at olvr.hawaii.gov, or mail in registration with postmark by the deadline. Same-day voter registration is available at Voter Service Centers in Kona and Hilo. Ballots can be expected for delivery around Tuesday, July 21, and must be postmarked by Aug. 3. Election Day for counting the votes is Saturday, Aug. 8. Those who believe their ballot will not make the deadline can take them to Nāʻālehu Police Station 24 hours a day, July 27 through Aug. 7, and on Election Day, Aug. 8, through 7 p.m. See elections.hawaii.gov.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our Fresh Food on The Kaʻū Calendar and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
OKK Pres. Wayne Kawachi is a Brawny Giant, in honor of his work for the community. Brawny brand, known for
its paper towels, donated $10,000 to ʻO Kaʻū Kāko. Photo by Julia Neal
ʻO KAʻŪ KĀKOU'S INDEPENDENCE DAY event relocated to its Nāʻālehu Market Grounds on July 4. The event traditionally takes to the highway and community center with a parade of floats, marching groups, horses, riders, and classic vehicles, followed by food and entertainment.
     Saturday's entertainment was covered throughout by Keoki Sereno, who sang and played Hawaiian Music staged more than 20 feet from audience seating, set up for small groups. Everyone but Sereno, while he was singing, wore masks. Hand sanitizing welcomed the patriotic. Sereno said he hopes music will return to outdoor venues soon. The Hawaiian musician's regular gig is at Punaluʻu Bake Shop.
     OKK handed out hot dogs, watermelon, and shave ice, to go or dine on property.
     OKK Pres. Wayne Kawachi was honored as a Brawny Giant for his work in community during the pandemic, including giving away his catch when he goes fishing, to kūpuna and others in need of good nutrition. Brawny brand, known for its paper towels, donated $10,000 to ʻO Kaʻū Kākou.
Lee McIntosh, one of the main organizers of the annual Independence 
Day Parade, stepped up with a lawnmower parade yesterday. He said 
he looks forward to the floats, walkers, horses, and 
riders in 2021. Photo by Julia Neal
     A main organizer of the annual Independence Day Parade along Hwy 11 in Nāʻālehu, Lee McIntosh, stepped up with a lawnmower parade during the event. The annual street parade was canceled due to the COVID-29 pandemic. McIntosh said he looks forward to the floats, walkers, horses, and riders in 2021. Walter Wong Yuen, a longtime OKK Volunteer, joined in the lawnmower parade, each mower festooned in patriotic colors, a special one dedicated to Brawny Giant Kawachi.
     Jeanette Howard, OKK senior Volunteer well into her 90s, gave out food. June Domondon, bookkeeper for OKK, was in attendance. Hunnay Demelo, OKK ambassador and hula girl who helps raise money for the OKK senior housing project, and her brother, both attended, masked for safety.
     See more photos, below.

NEW DAY AND MORE VENDORS at ʻO Kaʻū Kākou Market in Nāʻālehu begin Saturday, July 11. The Market is open three days per week – Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday, from 8 a.m. to noon. The goal is no more than 50 customers on the grounds at a time. Vendor booths per day are limited to 25, with 30 feet of space between vendors. Masks and hand sanitizing are required to attend the market. Social distancing will be enforced. The Friday market is moved to Saturday.
     More food vendors are added on Mondays, including Bella's Mexican takeaway hot foods. 
     Lau Lau Man and Flyin' Hawaiian Coffee return to the Market on Wednesdays.
Celebrating Independence Day, a young man tries out a seat on a 
patriotic lawnmower. Photo by Julia Neal
     Saturday will host vendors unable to reserve space at the Wednesday market. The Saturday Market will feature familiar faces and plenty of new sellers. 
     OKK's Nāʻālehu Market offers a wide selection of fresh vegetables and fruits, prepared takeaway foods, assorted added value foods, breads and baked goods, honey, cheese, grass-fed beef, fish, vegetable plants, masks, handmade soaps, coffee, and more, on various days. Contact Sue Barnett, OKK Market Manager, at 808-345-9374 (voice or text) or kaufarmer@aol.com for more and to apply to vend. See facebook.com
/OKauKakouMarket.

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MORATORIUM ON DISCONNECTION FOR NONPAYMENT to Hawaiian Electric is extended through Sept. 1. The utility urges customers who are having difficulty paying their bill to contact the company well before September to consider payment options.
     Hawaiian Electric suspended collection efforts in March to ensure customers' electric service was not disrupted during COVID-19-related orders to stay at home. The Public Utilities Commission gave utilities the option to hold off disconnections through Sept. 1.
June Domondon, bookkeeper for OKK. 
Photo by Julia Neal
     A statement from Hawaiian Electric says the utility "wants to work with Oʻahu, Maui County, and Hawaiʻi Island customers with past due accounts to find the best options to make their payments manageable. While customers are responsible for paying their bills, a variety of public and nonprofit assistance, and Hawaiian Electric payment arrangements, are currently available as a result of COVID-19. Additional payment arrangement options for customers are in the works and will become available in mid-July. The company website provides useful,  up-to-date information for both residential and business customers."
     Residential customers can visit hawaiianelectric.com/paymentassistance to check whether they qualify for programs available to households experiencing financial strain.
     For commercial customers, go to hawaiianelectric.com/businesscustomerupdate for programs geared to help businesses.
     Hawaiian Electric's Payment Arrangement Request Form, which is the quickest way to start the payment arrangement process, is available at the above-listed URLs.
     The company's walk-in payment centers remain closed, but there are several payment methods available to customers at hawaiianelectric.com/paymentoptions for payment methods. Customers who prefer to pay in person may do so at no charge at many convenient Western Union payment locations in grocery stores and other retailers throughout Hawaiian Electric's service territory. The company website provides a list of locations.
     For assistance managing energy costs, Hawaiʻi Energy is a resource for tips and rebates to help offset the costs of energy-saving equipment and services. Visit hawaiienergy.com/tips for more information.

Joseph Arce wears flags with other mask-wearing attendees at the OKK Independence Day celebration at OKK's
Nāʻālehu Market on Saturday. Photo by Julia Neal
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our Fresh Food on The Kaʻū Calendar and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

APPLY FOR GRANTS to help start, expand, and improve rural cooperatives and other mutually-owned businesses in rural America. U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Deputy Under Secretary Bette Brand announced that the department will make $5.8 million in grants available under the Rural Cooperative Development Grant program to help improve economic conditions in rural areas. Nonprofit corporations and institutions of higher education are eligible to apply, to provide technical assistance to individuals and rural businesses.
OKK ambassador Hunnay Demelo and her brother, both 
masked for safety, at the ʻO Kaʻū Kākou Independence 
Day event. Photo by Julia Neal
     The regional director for Rural Development is Brenda Iokepa Moses, of Pāhala. For assistance contact (808) 933-8305 or the Hilo office at the Federal Building, Room 311, 154 Waianuenue Avenue.
     Electronic applications must be submitted to grants.gov by 6 p.m. HST Aug. 3. Additional information is available on page 39870 of the July 2 Federal Register.
     Fiscal year 2019 award recipients who received a grant period extension due to a loss of operations as a result of the coronavirus pandemic are eligible to apply for fiscal year 2020 funding.
     USDA encourages applications that will help improve life in rural America – projects that provide measurable results in helping rural communities build robust and sustainable economies through strategic investments in infrastructure, partnerships, and innovation. Key strategies include: Achieving e-Connectivity for Rural America, Developing the Rural Economy, Harnessing Technological Innovation, Supporting a Rural Workforce, and Improving Quality of Life.

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Walter Wong Yuen, a longtime OKK volunteer, joins in the 
lawnmower parade. Photo by Julia Neal
FIND RESOURCES FOR LGBTQ+ PEOPLE on the Sexual and Gender Minority online resource hub. This week, Hawaiʻi Department of Health launched the first DOH website dedicated to resources LGBTQ+ people in Hawaiʻi, as well as their loved ones and allies. The site was developed by the Sexual and Gender Minority Workgroup, a multi-sector collaboration of various state agencies and community stakeholders, in partnership with the DOH Harm Reduction Services Branch. Visit the resource hub for the following resources: Understanding the Pacific's alternative genders; Pronoun guide; Book lists for children and teens; ʻOhana support; and DOH data. For more information on joining the SGM Workgroup, email Thaddeus Pham at thaddeus.pham@doh.hawaii.gov. See health.hawaii.gov/harmreduction/sexual-gender-minority/sexual-and-gender-minorities-sgm-in-hawaii/.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our Fresh Food on The Kaʻū Calendar and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

Jeanette Howard, OKK's senior volunteer,
 well into her 90s, gives out July 4 food. 
Photo by Julia Neal
ATTEND A FREE ZOOM TALK ON FINDING SOLUTIONS, GROWING PEACE from noon to 1 p.m. on Thursday. July 16. Non-profit Ku‘ikahi Mediation Center hosts their Brown Bag Lunch Series the third Thursday of the month.
     July's speaker is Ilana Stout. She will speak on the topic From Anxiety to Action: Emotional Literacy to Deepen Education. In this talk, attendees can "learn how to support mental and emotional wellness that can serve as a foundation for community action," says the announcement.
     Stout says, "Emotional literacy helps us feel grounded and move forward with a sense of purpose in the light of global change. 'The Work That Reconnects' model creates a foundation of personal resilience for classroom teachers to become more confident in addressing difficult topics with students."
     Ilana Stout, M.S. has worked as a teacher in both the Hawai‘i Department of Education and University of Hawai‘i systems for a combined 20 years. Her expertise is in environmental science education with emphasis in agriculture, conservation biology, and climate solutions. She is interested in addressing the emotional impacts of environmental science education on students and has undertaken a personal study of climate communication and eco-psychology.
     Ku‘ikahi's Brown Bag Lunch Series is free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to enjoy an informal and educational talk-story session and connect with others. This lunch-and-learn series is made possible thanks in part to funding from the County of Hawai‘i and Hawai‘i Island United Way.
Masks, hand sanitizing, and eight to ten-feet of social
distancing were in force at the OKK Market on
Saturday, as attendees celebrated Independence
Day. Photo by Julia Neal
     Register online at freebrownbagtalk.eventbrite.com. For more information, contact Ku‘ikahi Program Coordinator Majidah Lebarre at 935-7844 x 3 or majidah@hawaiimediation.org. Or visit hawaiimediation.org.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our Fresh Food on The Kaʻū Calendar and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

HAWAIʻI'S COVID-19 CASE COUNT EXCEEDS ONE THOUSAND. With 25 new cases reported today, all on Oʻahu, the state recorded 1,023 positive coronavirus cases since the pandemic began. There are 387 new cases in the last 30 days.
      None of today's new cases are on Hawaiʻi Island. There are six active cases on-island, reports Department of Health, and one of the patients is hospitalized. The other active patients are being monitored by DOH. All cases are travel-related, says a statement from DOH.
     Hawaiʻi Island recorded its six active cases over the last two weeks. All other 87 confirmed COVID-19 victims on Hawaiʻi Island recovered. Since the pandemic began, no one died here. There were two other hospitalizations on-island; those patients have been released.
     Since the pandemic began, Oʻahu reported 744 cases, Kauaʻi 40, and Maui County 128. Eighteen victims are residents diagnosed while visiting other places. Statewide, 1,023 people were confirmed positive for the virus. Nineteen people died.
Onset of COVID-19 cases in the last 28 days, by zip code. White is 
zero cases. Yellow is one to five cases. Light orange (not pictured) 
is six to ten cases. Dark orange (not pictured) is 11 to 20 cases. 
Red (not pictured) is 21 to 50 cases.
Hawaiʻi Department of Health map
     The daily message from Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense Director Talmadge Magno says the recent on-island increases, identified as travel-related, "show the extreme importance of care when traveling.
     "The majority of states in our country continue to see an increase of large numbers of people being infected by the virus. Numbers also show an increase of people being admitted to hospitals. Know how Hawaiʻi remains in a good place and how important it is for everyone to continue, and even get better, to follow the preventive policies of face coverings, distancing, gatherings, and cleanliness. You are asked to do your part in keeping Hawaiʻi safe. As you enjoy the get-togethers do take extra care in protecting yourself, your family, your friends, and your community. Thank you for listening and be safe. This is your Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense Agency."
     In the United States, more than 2,874,396 cases have been confirmed – an increase of about 35,000 in about 24 hours. The death toll is over 129,870.
     The worldwide COVID-19 case count is more than 11.36 million. The death toll is more than 532,649.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our Fresh Food on The Kaʻū Calendar and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
Kaʻū cowgirls and recent high school graduates Lorilee Lorenzo and Kianie Medeiros in the Wahine Mugging at last year's 
Fourth of July Rodeo, sponsored by Kaʻū Roping & Riding Association. Photo by Chuck McKeand
Kaʻū Life: The Way We Were Last Year
     This time last year, the arena and the stands at Kaʻū Roping & Riding Association’s rodeo grounds  in Nāʻāhleu filled with ranching families and visitors, enjoying the 42nd annual Fourth of July Buckle Rodeo. Paniola and paniolo of every age, from keiki to kūpuna, competed in the two-day rodeo, producing many winners and thrilling action for spectators who witnessed a true Hawaiian family gathering.
All Around Cowboy Bronson Branco, holding his infant, 
with Trysin Kailawa, who joined him to win 
Ranch Mugging in 2019. Photo by Julia Neal

     Events included bull and calf riding; barrel racing; double mugging; a race that includes jumping onto a horse, behind the rider; and Poʻo Wai U, which involves two paniolo tying a steer to a y-shaped tree trunk. The practice comes from rounding up cattle in the wilds of Hawaiʻi.
     Rodeo clowns and rodeo photographers protected the competitors and documented the tradition. Calling the rodeo was Al Cabral.
     All Around Cowboy, Bronson Branco, the event sponsored by B&E Propane.
     Open Dally winners, Kelvin Mederios and Kelly Mederios, the event sponsored by Miranda Country Store.
     Kane-Wahine Dally winners, Kevin Hill and Makayla Awa, the event sponsored by The Pet Hospital and Aiona Car Sales.
      Century Team Roping winners, Wayne Miranda and Mac Castillo, the event sponsored by C&F Trucking.
     Ranch Mugging winners, Chris Awa, Bronson Branco, and Trisyn Kalawaia, the event sponsored by the Wroblewski ʻOhana.
     Double Mugging winners, Bronson Branco and Kevin Hill, the event sponsored by Moana Wroblewski and Mona Wroblewski.
     Kane Wahine Ribbon Mugging winners, Bronson Branco and Macey Loando, the event sponsored by Four K Ranch.
     Wahine Mugging winners, Shannon Benevides and Macey Loando, the event sponsored by Aikane Plantaion and Kaʻū Andrade Contracting.
     Rescue Race first place, Bronson Branco and Makayla Awa, the event sponsored by Kaiser Motorcycles.
     Poʻo Wai U first place, Bronson Branco, the event sponsored by Punaluʻu Bakeshop.
Keegan Malicki stays on board and wins the Calf Riding prize as rodeo clowns protect him. Photo by Julia Neal
     Tie Down winner, Trisyn Kalawaia, the event sponsored by Paradise Massage.
     Wahine Breakaway winner, Macey Loando, the event sponsored by Waimea Hill Country & Tack.
     Youth Barrels winner, KyleeAnn Holland, the event sponsored by MJ Ranch.
     Dummy Roping, 4 and under, winner, Trevor Ching, the event sponsored by Zira Wroblewski.
     Dummy Roping, 5 to 8, winner, Ryder Tavares, the event sponsored by Zir-Rae Wroblewski.
     Goat Undecorating, 4 and under, winner, Paisley Mastumoto, the event sponsored by Patrick "Buddy" Kailiawa.
     Goat Undecorating, 5 to 8, winner is Blais Hill, the event sponsored by Pāhala Pops.
     Calf Riding winner, Keegan Malicki, the event sponsored by Malicki Ranch.
     The bulls from South Point Buckers once again won over all the humans who attempted to ride them. The event sponsor was Day Lum Rentals. An overall sponsor is CU Hawaiʻi Federal Credit Union.
Poʻo Wai U, a traditional way to round up cattle in the wild. Photos by Leilani Esperanza

directory for farms, ranches, takeout. Print edition of The Kaʻū Calendar is 
free, with 7,500 distributed on stands and to all postal addresses throughout 
Kaʻū, from Miloliʻi through Volcano throughout the district. Read online at 
kaucalendar.com and facebook.com/kaucalendar. To advertise your 
business or your social cause, contact kaucalendarads@gmail.com.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our Fresh Food on The Kaʻū Calendar and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

Daily, weekly, and monthly recurring Kaʻū and Volcano Events, Meetings, Entertainment, Exercise, Meditation, and more are listed at kaucalendar.com.

EVENTS
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park Virtual Cultural Festival runs from through July 11 on social media. Hawaiian culture will be shared with a wide audience free of charge. Instead of gathering the community and visitors together in person, the Park will share short videos and other mana‘o (knowledge) about Hawaiian culture virtually. #FindYourVirtualPark" Go to facebook.com/hawaiivolcanoesnps/.
     All virtual events will be posted at the listed time, but the content will be available any time afterwards:
     Opening ‘Oli Komo kicked off the festival on Sunday, July 5 at 8:08 a.m. Park staff and ‘ohana blew the pū (conch shell) and chanted the ‘Oli Komo together, requesting permission to begin the Virtual Cultural Festival. The ‘Oli Komo, which expresses the intent to learn and do good, was gifted to the park by Kepā Maly. Ranger Kekoa Rosehill narrates.
     Mo‘olelo & Places. On Monday, July 6 at 8:08 a.m. and 4 p.m., learn the mo‘olelo (stories) of Pele the volcano goddess, Kamapua‘a the pig demigod, and others, on the Park's new Moʻolelo web page which debuts that morning. That afternoon, the Park will launch the new Places page, which shares mana‘o (knowledge) about the wahi pana (sacred places) protected within Hawai‘i VolcanoesNational Park, including Uēkahuna, the sacred bluff near Jaggar Museum.
     Learn to Make a Tī Leaf Lei on Tuesday, July 7 at 8:08 a.m., with Ranger Leilani Rodrigues of the Kahuku Unit. Learn how to select tī leaves, prepare them for lei making, and how to twist them into a beautiful and easy-to-make garland.
     Facebook Watch Party for the documentary, Saving ‘Ōhi‘a. At noon on Wednesday, July 8, grab lunch and join the virtual gathering for a free screening of the Emmy-award winning 28-minute documentary, Saving ‘Ōhi‘a. This 2018 film explains the significance of the ‘ōhi‘a tree to the people of Hawai‘i and environment, and the threat that the new disease called "Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death" poses to these values. Park ecologist David Benitez, park botanist Sierra McDaniel, and filmmaker Annie Sullivan will answer questions in real time in the comments. The documentary was filmed partially in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.
     Hawaiian Lua (Martial Arts) with Ranger Michael Newman and Olivia Crabtree on Thursday, July 9 at 8:08 a.m. Bone-breaking maneuvers and war clubs encircled with tiger-shark teeth are probably not the first things to come to mind when one pictures the Hawaiian Islands. The Hawaiian fighting style of lua is a formidable art form that requires skill, specific movement, and a host of deadly weapons. The rangers demonstrate this traditional fighting style.
     Learn to Make a Pūlumi Nī‘au (Hawaiian Broom) with Ranger Dean Gallagher on Friday, July 10 at 8:08 a.m. Get swept up in gathering plant materials and learn to make a pūlumi nī‘au, or authentic Hawaiian broom.
     Closing ‘Oli Mahalo will close the Virtual Cultural Festival on Saturday, July 11 at 8:08 a.m. Park staff and ‘ohana will blow the pū (conch shell) and chant the ‘Oli Mahalo together, requesting departure to close the festival. Gifted to the park by Kepā Maly, the ‘Oli Mahalo expresses gratitude. Ranger Kekoa Rosehill narrates. 
     Many areas in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park that provide outdoor experiences like hiking trails, overlooks, and roads, are now open to the public, but services are limited. Visit the Current Conditions page on the park website for a complete list of what's open, and how to prepare for a safe trip to Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, at nps.gov.

Free Virtual Storytime Sessions with Jeff Gere, Tuesday-Wednesday-Thursday for three weeks, 9:30 a.m. to 10:10 a.m., starting July 7. Partnered with UH-Mānoa's Outreach College Statewide Cultural Extension Program. To attend each show, email jeffgere1031@gmail.com and csinfo@hawaii.edu, with the subject SCEP : Jeff Gere. In the body of the email, copy & paste in the programs wanted to watch from the list below. An email confirming the reservation will confirm receipt. About 30 minutes before each show starts at 9:30 a.m.csinfo@hawaii.edu will email the Zoom link to the email provided.
     Tuesdays: Little Kids Tales. July 7, Participation Tales. July 14, Silly N' Spooky Tales. July 21, Teaching Tales. Wednesdays: Folktales. July 8Jack & Evil Mountain SpiritOld Rink Rank. July 15Fooling the DevilKing & Goat HeadJuly 22, several Adventurous Tales. Thursdays: "Spooky Hawaiʻi" Tales. July 9PanuiJuly 16Old Mililani GraveyardSensativeJuly 23Pele Tales, true stories of meeting Pele.
     During performances, leave microphones off so everyone can enjoy the show. Share sign-up information with "as many listeners as you like" and watch "as many shows as you like." Tech questions should be directed to summer aides. All attendees will be asked to answer a host and technology questionnaire after each show. Zoom's WEBINAR format does not allow a view of the audience. "We won't be able to see your children. It is not an issue."

Talk Story on Living with Serious Illness, Friday, July 10 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Virtual event, hosted by Hawaiʻi Care Choices, will feature personal insights on "why accessing healthcare early can boost the quality of life" from former Hawaiʻi County Mayor Billy Kenoi, and Rodney Powell, a licensed clinical social worker and service coordination manager with Hawaiian Helathcare. Host Lani Weigert, Community Manager of Hawaiʻi Care Choices will share how to get help, relief, and support for serious illness through Kupu Palliative Care, Hospice, and Bereavement Care. Register for this Zoom event before Friday, July 10 by emailing LFukushima@hawaiicarechoices.org. See hawaiicarechoices.org, call 808-969-1733, or email care@hawaiicarechoices.org for more.

After-School All-Stars Free Virtual Summer Program runs through Friday, July 17 - register before July 10. For students going into 6th, 7th, or 8th grade. Classes offered are cooking, baking, fitness, arts & crafts, sports, gardening, and more. Every activity earns one entry in a prize drawing. All materials provided; pick up on Monday mornings, 7:30 a.m. to 8 a.m., in Volcano, Pāhala, Nāʻālehu, or Ocean View. Register at tinyurl.com/KauSummer2020. For more info, contact Chrysa Dacalio, kau@asashawaii.org, 808-561-3710.

Apply for Small Grants to improve access to healthy foods in underserved areas, create and preserve quality jobs, and revitalize low-income communities through the Healthy Food Financing Initiative, urges The Kohala Center. Deadline to submit a letter of interest is Friday, July 10. Visit the program website or refer to this fact sheet for more information.

Zentangle with Lydia Meneses, Saturday, July 1110 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Volcano Art Center Niʻaulani Campus in Volcano Villagevolcanoartcenter.org/events, 967-8222

Virtual 80th Meeting of Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council, Tuesday, July 14 from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The public is invited to attend. The council will introduce new and returning members; have presentations on advisory council guidelines, sanctuary updates, and discussions on potential council action topics; and address questions from members and the public. Public comment begins about 10:30 a.m. To provide comment, sign up in advance, email cindy.among-serrao@noaa.gov or type a comment into the Question box. Register in advance at attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5189333551313546256. Learn more on Facebook; Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov; NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, sanctuaries.noaa.gov; State of Hawaiʻi Division of Aquatic Resources, dlnr.hawaii.gov/dar.

Bid on a Cottage with a covered lanai through a closed auction by Habitat for Humanity through July 15 at 5 p.m. The 780 square foot cottage was dismantled and donated to Habitat for Humanity Hawaiʻi Island. Starting bid is $15,000 and it will be sold "as is" and with no warranty. Stored in a container in Waimea, it includes lanai, exterior walls, subfloor, windows (missing one), front door, roofing, front stairs, and conceptual plans created by Habitat. To place a bid, send an email to info@habitathawaiiisland.org with name, phone number, and bid amount. Bids accepted in increments of $500. Winner will be contacted July 16. In the case of a tie, the person that submitted the winning bid first will be the winner. To view the dismantled cottage, visit the Waimea ReStore at 65-1259 Kawaihae Road on Wednesday, July 8 between 1 p.m and 4 p.m. Email info@habitathawaiiisland.org with questions.

Free ZOOM Talk on Finding Solutions, Growing Peacenoon to 1 p.m., Thursday, July 16. Non-profit Ku‘ikahi Mediation Center hosts their Brown Bag Lunch Series on the third Thursday of the month. July's speaker, Ilana Stout, M.S., will speak on From Anxiety to Action: Emotional Literacy to Deepen Education. In this talk, attendees can "learn how to support mental and emotional wellness that can serve as a foundation for community action," says the announcement. Register online at freebrownbagtalk.eventbrite.com. For more information, contact Ku‘ikahi Program Coordinator Majidah Lebarre at 935-7844 x 3 or majidah@hawaiimediation.org. Or visit hawaiimediation.org.

Grow Food From Wood: Mushroom Cultivation with Zach Mermel, separate workshops on Saturday, July 18 and Sunday, July 19 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Volcano Art Center Niʻaulani Campus in Volcano Villagevolcanoartcenter.org/events, 967-8222

Strategies to Jump-Start Your Writing by Jacquolyn McMurray and Kristin Wolfgang, a virtual workshop via Zoom, will be held Saturday, July 25 from 9 a.m. to noon. "How long has writing been on your bucket list? Are you ready to make 2020 the year you finally get started or restarted? This class is perfect for all writers seeking new inspiration and strategies." volcanoartcenter.org/events, 967-8222

Apply for Grants to Start, Expand, or Improve Rural Cooperatives and other mutually-owned businesses in rural America. USDA will make $5.8 million in grants available under the Rural Cooperative Development Grant program. USDA encourages applications that will help improve life in rural America. Key strategies include: Achieving e-Connectivity for Rural America, Developing the Rural Economy, Harnessing Technological Innovation, Supporting a Rural Workforce, and Improving Quality of Life. Nonprofit corporations and institutions of higher education are eligible to apply, to provide technical assistance to individuals and rural businesses. Fiscal year 2019 award recipients who received a grant period extension due to a loss of operations as a result of the coronavirus pandemic are eligible to apply for fiscal year 2020 funding. Electronic applications must be submitted to grants.gov by 6 p.m. HST Aug. 3. Additional information is available on page 39870 of the July 2 Federal Register.

Exhibition Mixed Flock: Prints by Margaret Barnaby and Pottery by Emily Herb has been held over through Aug. 8. Also available to view online, view the exhibition in person the Gallery in the Park during normal gallery hours, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday. Free. The exhibition features two prominent female artists from Volcano Village "who find deep inspiration in Hawaiʻi's natural environment and specifically the native bird populations found within it." volcanoartcenter.org/events, 967-8222

Apply for Grants to Help Socially Disadvantaged Groups develop business and strategic plans in rural areas through USDA Rural Development through 6 p.m. HST on Aug. 10 at grants.gov. Eligible applicants include cooperatives, groups of cooperatives, and cooperative development centers. USDA defines a socially disadvantaged group as one "whose members have been subjected to racial, ethnic or gender prejudice because of their identity as members of a group without regard to their individual qualities."
     Applicants are encouraged to consider projects that provide measurable results in helping rural communities build robust and sustainable economies through strategic investments in infrastructure, partnerships, and innovation. Key strategies include e-connectivity for rural America, developing rural economies, harnessing technological innovation, supporting a rural workforce, and improving quality of life.

ONGOING
Free Breakfast and Lunch for Anyone Eighteen and Under is available at Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary and at Nāʻālehu Elementary on weekdays (no holidays) through Friday, July 17. Each youth must be present to receive a meal. Service is drive-up or walk-up, and social distancing rules (at least six feet away) are observed. Breakfast is served from 7:30 a.m. to 8 a.m., lunch from 11:30 a.m. to noon. Food is being delivered on Wednesdays to students in Green Sands, Discovery Harbour, and Ocean View.

St. Jude's Episcopal Church Soup Kitchen is open, with a modified menu and increased health & safety standards, every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Hot showers, the computer lab, and in-person services and bible studies are suspended. Services are posted online on Sundays at stjudeshawaii.org.

The Food Basket provides food to those in need. See hawaiifoodbasket.org to verify dates and times. Nāʻālehu's final ʻOhana Food Drop is Wednesday, July 8 from 10 a.m. until pau – supplies run out – at Nāʻālehu Shopping Center. Go to Volcano's Cooper Center at 19-4030 Wright Road on Wednesday, July 22, 10 a.m. until pau. Ocean View residents can go to The Food Basket's pantry at St. Jude's the last Tuesday of the month, July 28.

On-Call Emergency Box Food Pantry is open at Cooper Center Tuesdays through Saturdays from 11 a.m. to noon. Call 967-7800 to confirm.

Pāhala and Nāʻālehu Public Libraries are Open for Pick-Up Services Only. Nāʻālehu is open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9 a.m. to noon and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Pāhala is open Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to noon and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Library patrons schedule Library Take Out appointment times to pick up their hold item(s) at their favorite libraries by going to HSPLS Library Catalog and placing a hold on any item(s) they want to borrow, or they may call their favorite library branch to place a hold with the library staff. After receiving a notice that item(s) are ready for pick up, patrons schedule a Library Take Out time at picktime.com/hspls. For patrons who placed holds during the closure, their item(s) are ready for pickup after the patron schedules a Library Take Out appointment. For more information, visit librarieshawaii.org.

Free Book Exchanges at the laundromats in Ocean View and Nāʻālehu are provided by Friends of the Kaʻū Libraries. Everyone is invited to take books they want to read. They may keep the books, pass them on to other readers, or return them to the Book Exchange to make them available to others in the community. The selection of books is replenished weekly at both sites.

Avocado Growers Survey Open: Help identify opportunities for expanding the local avocado industry, to assist local farmers, buyers, and agencies develop strategies to bolster Hawaiʻi's avocado industry, says Hawaiʻi Farmers Union United. Farmers and farm names will be kept anonymous. Results will be shared publicly. Survey completion gives option to register to win a $200 gift certificate to Home Depot. For a hard copy of the survey, email: info@growfruithawaii.com. Take the survey: surveymonkey.com/r/Hawaiiavosurvey2020.

Learn About Hawaiʻi's History & Culture through the Papakilo Database, a resource developed by The Office of Hawaiian Affairs. The Kahalo Center says database consists of "collections of data pertaining to historically and culturally significant places, events, and documents in Hawaiʻi's history. The purpose of this educational online repository is to increase the community's ability to preserve and perpetuate cultural and historical information and practices." See papakilodatabase.com.

Begin Learning Basics of Organic Farming from two free modules of a virtual training program. Accessible online, additional modules will be added. The course is presented by the Organic Farming Research Foundation, the University of California Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education Program, and California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo.

Volcano Art Center Niʻaulani Campus in Volcano Village is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., closed Saturday and Sunday. The Gallery in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is open Wednesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed Monday and Tuesday. Virtual Shopping Appointments are offered at Volcano Art Center locations. Via Skype or FaceTime, a VAC associate helps customers browse the selection of artwork up close, and gives personalized tips and recommendations to help customers "find that perfect piece of locally made artwork, wherever you are in the world!" Book an appointment online for $5 and VAC staff will help schedule a date and time at volcanoartcenter.org/shop. Shop the online gallery 24/7. Orders are shipped as regularly scheduled. Free local pickup is available.VAC now offers a Virtual Classroom, which features over 90 videos. Visit volcanoartcenter.org for more.

Guided Nature Walks through Nature Trail & Sculpture Garden, Mondays, 9:30 a.m. at VolcanoArt Center Niʻaulani Campus in Volcano Village. No reservations for five or fewer – limited to ten people. Free; donations appreciated. Email programs@volcanoartcenter.org. Garden is open to walk through at one's own pace, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. Free. volcanoartcenter.org/events, 967-8222

Yoga with Emily Catey Weiss, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. at Volcano ArtCenter Niʻaulani Campus in Volcano Village. Advanced registration required; $5 per class. volcanoartcenter.org/events, 967-8222

Ocean View Swap Meet is open at Ocean View makai shopping center, near Mālama Market. Hours for patrons are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Vendor set-up time is 5 a.m. Masks are required for all vendors and patrons.

ʻO Kaʻū Kākou Market in Nāʻālehu is open three days per week – Monday, Wednesday, and Friday – from 8 a.m. to noon. The goal is no more than 50 customers on the grounds at a time. Vendor booths per day are limited to 25, with 30 feet of space between vendors. Masks and hand sanitizing are required to attend the market. Social distancing will be enforced.
     A wide selection of fresh vegetables and fruits, prepared take away foods, assorted added value foods, breads and baked goods, honey, cheese, grass-fed beef, fish, vegetable plants, masks, handmade soaps, coffee, and more are offered on various days. Contact Sue Barnett, OKK Market Manager, at 808-345-9374, for more and to apply to vend.

Volcano Farmers Market at Cooper Center on Wright Road, off of Old Volcano Highway, is open on Sundays from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., with much local produce, island beef, and prepared foods. Call 808-967-7800.

Enroll in Kua O Ka Lā's Hīpuʻu Virtual Academy for school year 2020-2021, grades four through eight. The Hawaiian Focused Charter School teaches with an emphasis on Hawaiian language and culture. The blended curriculum is offered through online instruction and community-based projects, with opportunities for face-to-face gatherings (with precautions), in an "Education with Aloha" environment.
     Kua O Ka Lā offers a specialized program that provides students with core curriculum, content area, and electives in-keeping with State of Hawaiʻi requirements. Combined with Native Hawaiian values, culture, and a place-based approach to education, from the early morning wehena – ceremonial school opening – Kua O Ka Lā students are encouraged to walk Ke Ala Pono – the right and balanced path.
     The school's website says Kua O Ka Lā has adopted Ke Ala Pono "to describe our goal of nurturing and developing our youth. We believe that every individual has a unique potential and that it is our responsibility to help our students learn to work together within the local community to create a future that is pono – right." The school aims to provide students with "the knowledge and skills, through Hawaiian values and place-based educational opportunities, that prepare receptive, responsive, and self-sustaining individuals that live 'ke ala pono.'"
     See kuaokala.org to apply and to learn more about the school. Call 808-981-5866 or 808-825-8811, or email info@kuaokala.org for more.

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