Ka‘ū News Briefs, Sunday, December 1, 2019

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park's Kaʻena Point, located at the end of Chain of Craters Road, is one of the closest 

of 21 places Kaʻū residents can sign up for to participate in the annual Sanctuary Ocean Count of humpback whales. 

See details on this year's count, below. Photo from NOAA

THE HAWAIʻI FARMERS UNION UNITED meeting in Kaʻū this weekend brought forth many ideas, including the future of growing hemp. Several members of the organization talked about the possibility of three hemp harvests per year here, versus one harvest in many places on the mainland. Three harvests could make hemp a viable crop small farmers, even though land is expensive and labor in short supply.
     While Hawaiʻi has a lack of vast farmland  to grow hemp and harvest it with large machinery like in Canada and the U.S. mainland, small farms here could be be profitable. Several attending the meeting said they worked on hemp farms in Colorado and would like to try it out here.
     Others said that by the end of 2020, the state will work out guidelines for farmers to grow hemp. In recent years, growing has been limited to test plots, carefully regulated and limited by the state.

Dr. Jana Bogs lives at South Point and said she is willing
to help local farmers enrich the soils to make more
nutrient rich foods. Photo from Beyond Organic

     Rep. Richard Creagan, chair of the state House of Representatives Committee on Agriculture, said that when the rules and regs are finalized, there will be no attempt to limit the number of growers.
     With the growing ideal in Hawaiʻi, said Greg Smith, a licensee for one of the hemp test plots, one of the challenges is keeping CBD in the hemp under the federal limit of .3 percent for the active ingredient in many legal products. Creagan and Smith said that the limit could be controlled through genetics of the plant. Some said that genetics through the GMO process to limit the percentage of CBD might dim the market. Other ways of breeding could be attempted. Perhaps federal approval could be received to extract the extra the CBD, to bring the hemp into the legal standard.
     In other topics, a South Point farmer, Dr. Jana Bogs, said her goal is to grow food with more nutrients. She said she has a PhD in horticulture and has found that the nutrients in edible plants can be doubled through managing the soil where they grow. She said farming for the most nutrients is "beyond organic." She also said she is involved in revamping the garden at the stone Catholic Church that fell down in the 1868 great earthquake in Kaʻū, and that it will once again be open to the public through the Nāʻālehu Main Street program. She said she is available to help people with soil testing, and nutrient enrichment suggestions for their farms. See beyondorganicresearch.com. She has written several books, including Beyond Organic, Growing for Maximum Nutrition.
      See more in future Kaʻū News Briefs.

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MANY SMALL EARTHQUAKES around Pāhala in recent weeks included a 3.2 at 8:47 p.m. on Saturday, 10 kilometers north of Pāhala, up past Wood Valley. At least seven more quakes have occurred closer to Pāhala since then, as of Sunday at 5:15 p.m. See the Hawaiian Volcanoes Observatory article on deep earthquakes in the Pāhala area here.

USGS image

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VOLUNTEERING TO COUNT HUMPBACK WHALES IN KAʻŪ WATERS will be on the last Saturdays of the first three months of 2020. Hawaiian Humpback Whale Marine Sanctuary Ocean Count dates are Jan. 25, Feb. 29, and March 28. Registration begins in mid-December. Sponsored by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, volunteers count sightings of humpback whales and other marine mammals and record their activies.

     Locations in Kaʻū are: Kaʻena Point in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Miloli‘i Lookout, Ka Lae Park, and Punalu‘u Black Sand Beach Park. Volunteer run from 7:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., orientation included.

     Ocean Count promotes public awareness about humpback whales, the sanctuary, and shore-based whale watching opportunities. The sanctuary holds Ocean Count three times each year during peak whale season. Participants tally humpback whale sightings and document the animals' surface behavior during the survey, which provides a snapshot of humpback whale activity from the shoreline.
     Ocean Count, the yearly volunteer-dependent sighting for humpback whales in Hawaiian waters, takes place on Hawaiʻi Island, Kauaʻi, and Oʻahu. Register at oceancount.org.

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Keanu Keolanui. Photo from KITV News

KEANU KEOLANUI, SON OF EDMUND C. OLSON TRUST staff member and trustee Troy Keolonui, became a football hero on Saturday when he kicked a 55 yard field goal, to give Hilo High
School the state championship. Keolanui made the kick with with no time remaining. Hilo Vikings beat ʻIolani Raiders 20-17 at Aloha Stadium on Oʻahu. It was Hilo's second state championship in high school football in three years. This season, the Vikings went undefeated.
     Keolanui told KITV, "I always wanted a game winning field goal, and I did in in the biggest game. I'm just happy that I get to do this on my senior year. It ended on a good note... The feeling is so good. I just want to say, 'Thank you' to everybody. This is a very special moment in my life."

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How to use this map: Hold this map overhead so that the northern horizon points toward the north on the Earth. For best results, use a red flashlight to illuminate the map. If looking east, hold it in front of you so that east is on the bottom. For south views, south at the bottom, and for west, west at the bottom. Use this map at the times shown on in its upper left corner. Keep this page handy and show it to your keiki next month. They probably have bedtimes before the time of the chart shown here. The constellations are presented with their 3-letter abbreviations, with their common names shown in the margins. This is done to take advantage of the truly dark skies Ka‘ū is blessed with when there is no bright moon and the skies are clear of vog. The star charts are produced from a sky Atlas program written by Jerry Hudson, who has given us permission to publish it. Thank you, Jerry.

STARS OVER KAʻŪ - December 2019, by Lew & Donna Cook
     Planets and Exoplanets
     The transit of Mercury – the planet crossed between us and the sun – is now history. It was underwhelming, yet an earlier transit is one of Lew's most distinct astronomical memories. That was a long time ago. He had use of the 11.5 inch Alvin Clark & Sons refracting telescope on the LSU campus in Baton Rouge, LA. Venus went across the face of the sun for the last time this century in June of 2012, and was impressive – if you had the right equipment.
     This month, Venus, after passing past and in front of Saturn on the 10th, is low in the southwest in the early evening. Venus, Saturn, and Jupiter all set before chart time. Jupiter set just after 6 p.m. It will set earlier and earlier as the sun creeps around eastward. Mars is a morning star. Check it out a couple of hours before sunrise.

Lew's images for the recurrent nova in the
Andromeda galaxy, M31. This nova is watched
by a team of amateur and professional
astronomers. It has erupted every year since
it was discovered in 2008. It is suspected of
being close to becoming a supernova.
Image copyright 2019 by L. M. Cook

     The Recurrent Nova in the Andromeda Galaxy
     Last month Lew was busy with monitoring and reporting the recurrent nova in the Andromeda. It erupted on Nov. 6, 2019. It also erupted on Nov. 6, 2018. This star is believed to be on its way to becoming a supernova. Parts of Lew's images showing the before and after eruption are shown here. The image is shown as a negative - the same way our chart is drawn.
     Constellations
     In the east, Orion's large hunting dog has risen. The Bull, Taurus, is approaching the zenith, the point directly overhead. Also Gemini, the twins, have cleared the horizon. Higher up in the eastern sky is Auriga, the Charioteer following south east of Perseus, the brave hero who cut the head off of the monster Medusa. One glance at Medusa would turn you to stone.
     Disappearing in the west are Cygnus, the swan, and Aquarius, the water carrier, following Capricorn, the Goat. That's in the southwest. If you look to the southeast, you'll see the three constellations that make up Jason and the Argonauts' ship: Puppis, the deck, Vela, the sail, and Carina, the Keel.
     Fridays Sunrise and Sunset times:
     Date                 Sunrise     Sunset
     Dec. 6, 2019    6:42 am    5:44 pm
     Dec. 13            6:46 am    5:46 pm
     Dec. 20            6:50 am    5:49 pm
     Dec. 27            6:54 am    5:43 pm
     The times of sunrise and sunset are not changing rapidly now that the solistice is upon us. The sun is at its southernmost range.
     Moon Phases
     Phase                Date         Moonrise    Moonset
     First Quarter     Dec. 3     12:35 pm     12:21 am**
     Full Moon        Dec. 11    5:47 pm       7:12 am**
     Last Quarter     Dec. 18   11:36 pm*    12:26 pm
     New Moon       Dec. 25    6:27 am       5:44 pm
     First Quarter    Jan. 2       12:22 pm     12:34 am**
     *previous night **next morning
     Local Attractions
     The ‘Imiloa Planetarium in Hilo Restaurant schedule: Closed Mondays; Breakfast & Lunch, 7 AM - 4 PM daily; Dinner, 5 PM - 8:30 PM, Thursday through Sunday. Check for the schedule at imiloahawaii.org. Members are admitted free to the daily shows.
     There is a night show once a month, when smaller telescopes on Maunakea are linked to the Planetarium where they show live shots of individual objects. Call the Planetarium at (808) 932-8901 for info on the schedule and ticket availability, prices and membership costs. Please mention to the nice folks at the ticket sales desk where you got the inspiration to come, and that you are entitled to the 10% kamaʻaina discount for membership.

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Keiki playing kōnane, Hawaiian checkers. NPS photo

ATTEND DECEMBER EVENTS at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, which continues its tradition of sharing Hawaiian culture. The Park anticipates heavy holiday visitation with limited parking at the summit of Kīlauea, due to the summit collapse during last year's eruptive and seismic activity. Although most of the park is open, visitors are encouraged to check the park website, nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes, ahead of their arrival for alerts, parking tips, and how to avoid the holiday crowds. Park events are free, but entrance fees may apply. Some programs are co-sponsored by Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park and Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association:

     After Dark in the Park: Reintroduction of the ‘Ālala – Two Years Later will be held Tuesday, Dec. 3, 7 p.m., at Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. Through intensive conservation efforts, 20 ‘ālala, the endemic and endangered Hawaiian crow, have been reintroduced in native Hawaiian forests. Rachel Kingsley, education and outreach association for The ‘Ālala Project, will provide an update on the reintroduced birds.

     After Dark in the Park: 100th Anniversary of the Mauna Iki Eruption on Kīlauea Volcano's Southwest Rift Zone will be held Tuesday, Dec. 10 at 7 p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. From mid-December 1919, after significant draining and re-filling of the Halema‘uma‘u lava lake, lava erupted on the caldera floor, sending lava down the SW rift zone. Join geologist Scott Rowland from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa as he explains the significance of this 100-year-old eruption.

One of a growing number of reintroduced ‘Ālala, Hawaiian 

crow, in the wild. Photo from San Diego Global Zoo

     ‘Ike Hana No‘eau, Experience the Skillful Work: Moa Pahe‘e Games will be held Wednesday, Dec. 11 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Outside Hale Noa o Kīlauea, across from Volcano Art Center. Similar to ‘ulu maika, which is similar to lawn bowling, moa pahe‘e requires a little more strength and skill. Join rangers and staff from Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association during the festive Makahiki season and test yourself in this fun Hawaiian game.

     Holidays in Kahuku will be held Saturday, Dec. 14 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Kahuku Unit in Ka‘ū. The Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park invites everyone to the second annual, free, family-friendly event featuring local crafters selling jewelry, pottery, holiday decorations, and more. Live music includes performances by rock ‘n rollers Shootz, the "Queen of Opera" D’Andrea Pelletier, and a surprise guest performing Hawaiian music. Volcano House will provide food for purchase, and Friends will sell shave ice, drinks, chips, and logo merchandise. Books, native species plush toys, and other park-related items will be for sale in the Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association store. All proceeds from this event support park projects and educational programs. 

     After Dark in the Park: Holiday Concert will be held Tuesday, Dec. 17 at 7 p.m. at Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. Acclaimed Hawai‘i musician and recording artist Randy Lorenzo, and upcoming vocalist Jennie Kaneshiro, will be joined by special guest musicians for an intimate evening of mele and celebration.

Randy Lorenzo and Jennie Kaneshiro. NPS photo

     ‘Ike Hana No‘eau, Experience the Skillful Work: Kōnane, Hawaiian checkers, will be held Wednesday, Dec. 25 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., outside Hale Noa o Kīlauea, across from Volcano Art Center. Celebrate the annual Hawaiian makahiki season and come play kōnane in the Park. Kōnane is an ancient Hawaiian game similar to checkers, and the object of the game is to be the last player to make a move. King Kamehameha was an excellent player who could beat his opponent swiftly. Join park rangers and staff from Hawai‘i Pacific parks Association for this event.

     Coffee Talk: December's Artist in Residence, Landscape painter Dawn Waters Baker will be held Friday, Dec. 27 from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Kahuku Unit in Ka‘ū. Baker will present her work to the public in Kahuku – and informally as she paints throughout the park, en plein air. The artist lives in Texas, but was born and raised in the Philippines and lived through the Mt. Pinatubo eruption in 1991. Baker is familiar with lush, volcanic landscapes, and will be looking and listening for both the new and the familiar, along with the themes of life, death, and rebirth while she is here. The Artist in Residence program is sponsored by the National Parks Arts Foundation, Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, and other partners.

     Stewardship of Kīpukapuaulu will be held every Thursday at 9:30 a.m., Dec. 5, 12, 19, and 26. Meet at the Kīpukapuaulu parking lot, Mauna Loa Road, off Highway 11 in the Park. Help remove troublesome plants at Kīpukapuaulu, home to diverse native forest and understory plants. Bring clippers or pruners, sturdy gloves, a hat, and water. Wear closed-toe shoes and clothing that may get permanently stained from morning glory sap. Be prepared for cool and wet or hot and sunny weather. New volunteer? Contact Marilyn Nicholson for more info: nickem@hawaii.rr.com. 

Painting by December Artist in Residence,
Dawn Waters Baker. Courtesy photo

     Stewardship at the Summit will be held Saturday, Dec. 6 and 13, and Sunday, Dec. 21 and 28. Meet project leaders Paul and Jane Field at 8:45 a.m. at Kīlauea Visitor Center. Volunteer to help remove invasive, non-native plant species that prevent native plants from growing in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, a World Heritage Site. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and long pants. Bring a hat, rain gear, day pack, snacks, and water. Gloves and tools are provided. Under 18? Parental or guardian accompaniment or written consent is required. Visit the park website for additional planning details at nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/summit_stewardship.htm.

     A Walk into the Past with Dr. Thomas A. Jaggar will be held Tuesdays. Dec. 3, 10, 17, and 24 at 10 a.m., noon, and 2 p.m. Each performance is about an hour. Meet at Kīlauea Visitor Center. Walk back to 1912, and meet the founder of the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, Dr. Thomas A. Jaggar, at the edge of Kīlauea Volcano. Dressed in period costume, Ka‘ū actor-director Dick Hershberger brings the renowned geologist to life. Dr. Jaggar will take you on a tour of his tiny lab located below the Volcano House to see original seismograph equipment and other early instruments. Learn what motivated Dr. Jaggar to dedicate his life to the study of Hawaiian volcanoes, and how his work helps save lives today. Space is limited; pick up free tickets at the Kīlauea Visitor Center's front desk the day of the program. Program includes climbing stairs and entering a confined space. Supported by the Kīlauea Drama Entertainment Network.

     Explore Kahuku without entrance fees Wednesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (closed Wednesday Dec. 25 and Jan. 1). Take a self-guided hike, or join rangers on weekends for a two-hour guided trek at 9:30 a.m. Enter the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on the mauka (inland) side of Highway 11 near mile marker 70.5. Kahuku is located in Ka‘ū, and is about a 50-minute drive south of the park’s main entrance. Sturdy footwear, water, rain gear, sun protection and a snack are recommended for all hikes.

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See public Kaʻū events, meetings, entertainment. 

See Kaʻū exercise, meditation, daily, and weekly events. 

Print edition of The Kaʻū Calendar is free to 5,500 mailboxes 

throughout Kaʻū, from Miloliʻi through Volcano, and free on 

stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com

and facebook.com/kaucalendar.

See monthly and weekly Kaʻū and Volcano Events, Meetings, Entertainment, Exercise, and Meditation at kaucalendar.com.

UPCOMING

MONDAY, DEC. 2

T-Ball and Coach Pitch Baseball League Registration and First Practice: Ocean View Team - Monday, Dec. 2, and Wednesday, Dec. 4, Kahuku Park. Nā‘ālehu Team - Tuesday, Dec. 3, and Thursday, Dec. 5, Nā‘ālehu Park. Pāhala Team (seeking coaches) - attend Nā‘ālehu practice and registration. T-Ball, 3:30-4:30pm, ages 5-6. Coach Pitch, 4:30-6p.m., ages 7-8. Programs take place through April 16. Wear cleats or tennis shoes, bring a glove if possible. Extras gloves available for use. All skills and genders welcome. $35 per teammate. See Ka‘ū Youth Baseball on Facebook. Josh or Elizabeth Crook, 345-0511

Christmas Ornament Activity Registration, Dec. 2-10, Ka‘ū District Gym. Program takes place Wednesday, Dec. 11, 3:30-5p.m., multipurpose room. Grades K-6. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/recreation

Name that Holiday Tune Registration, Dec. 2-5, Kahuku Park. Program takes place Friday, Dec. 6, 3-4p.m. Ages 6-14. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/recreation

Cultural Understanding Through Art & the Environment: Dietrich Varez Block Printing with Desiree Moana Cruz, Monday, Dec. 2, 11a.m.-1p.m., Volcano Art Center. No registration required. $10 per person supply fee. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Ocean View Volunteer Fire Department Mtg., Monday, Dec. 2, 4-6p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

TUESDAY, DEC. 3
Hawai‘i County Council Mtgs., Tuesday, Dec. 3 (Committees), Wednesday, Dec. 4 (Council), Hilo. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov.

Ka‘ū Homeschool Co–op Group, Tuesday, Dec. 3 and 17, 9a.m., Ocean View Community Center. Parent-led homeschool activity and social group, building community in Ka‘ū. Call to confirm location before attending. Laura Roberts, 406-249-3351

Empower Meeting, Tuesday, Dec. 3, 17 and 31 – every other Tuesday, monthly – 11a.m.-1p.m., PARENTS, Inc. office, Nā‘ālehu. Empowering girls group. Registration required. Diana, 935-4805

Papa ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i: Hawaiian Language Classes Level 1, Tuesdays, Dec. 3-Feb. 4, 4-5p.m., Volcano Art Center. $85/VAC member, $95/non-member. Basics class focuses on vocabulary, counting, simple conversation, grammar, and sentence structures. No textbook or previous knowledge required. No class Dec. 24 or 31. Instruction by Kumu Kaliko Beamer-Trapp. volcanoartcenter.org

Papa ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i: Hawaiian Language Classes Level 2, Tuesdays, Dec. 3-Feb. 4, 4-5p.m., Volcano Art Center. $85/VAC member, $95/non-member. Class focuses on expanding vocabulary, using longer snippets of conversation, and understanding how repeating Hawaiian word and phrase patterns can be used to communicate using many types of sentences. Class taught using Hawaiian as language of instruction about 10% of the time to help with listening comprehension. No textbook required. No class Dec. 24 or 31. Instruction by Kumu Kaliko Beamer-Trapp. volcanoartcenter.org

Ka‘ū Coffee Growers Mtg., Tuesday, Dec. 3, 6-8p.m., Pāhala Community Center.

Papa ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i: Hawaiian Language Classes Level 3, Tuesdays, Dec. 3-Feb. 4, 6:30-8p.m., Volcano Art Center. $85/VAC member, $95/non-member. Class taught over 50% in the Hawaiian language to increase comprehension and to "immerse" the student. Class is ideal for teachers, cultural practitioners, and those with the goal of using Hawaiian language on a daily basis. No textbook required. No class Dec. 24 or 31. Instruction by Kumu Kaliko Beamer-Trapp. volcanoartcenter.org

After Dark in the Park: Reintroduction of the ‘Ālala - Two Years Later, Tuesday, Dec. 3, 7-8p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. Rachel Kingsley of The ‘Ālala Project provides an update. Free; park entrance fees apply. 985-6011, nps.gov/havo

THURSDAY, DEC. 5

Women's Expression Group, Thursday, Dec. 5 – 1st Thursday monthly – 3-4:30p.m., PARENTS Inc., Nā‘ālehu. Women welcome to drop in. Free. Lindsey Miller, 333-3460, lindsey@hawaiiparents.org

Ocean View Neighborhood Watch Mtg., Thursday, Dec. 5, 6-7p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

‘O Ka‘ū Kākou Mtg., Thursday, Dec. 5, 6:30-8:30p.m., Aspen Center. okaukakou.org

FRIDAY, DEC. 6

Fit & Firm Volcano Medium Intensity Strength Adult Exercise Class - 4 weeks, Fridays, starting Dec. 6, 8-9a.m.,Volcano Art Center. Payment in full of $36 due at first class session, check or exact change. No make-ups, roll-overs, or prorating for missed classes. Limited to 15 people. Must call to reserve spot in advance. No drop-ins. Puakea, 315-9130, volcanoartcenter.org, soulfitnesshawaiipksm.com

Stewardship at the Summit, Dec. 6, 13, 21 and 28, 8:45a.m., meet Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center, HVNP. Volunteers remove invasive, non-native plant species that prevent native plants from growing in the park. Wear sturdy hiking shoes, long pants. Bring hat, rain gear, day pack, sunscreen, snacks, and water. Gloves and tools provided. Parental/Guardian accompaniment or written consent required for under 18. 985-6101, nps.gov/havo/

Strong Seniors Chair Exercise Class - 4 weeks, Fridays, starting Dec. 6, 10-11a.m.,Volcano Art Center. Payment in full of $45 due at first class session, check or exact change. No make-ups, roll-overs or prorating for missed classes. No drop ins. Limited to 15 people. Reserve spot in advance. Puakea, 315-9130, volcanoartcenter.org, soulfitnesshawaiipksm.com 

SATURDAY, DEC. 7

AdvoCATS, Saturday, Dec. 7, 7a.m.-4:30p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Free spay/neuter for cats. 895-9283, advocatshawaii.org

Painting from Observation with Lisa Maria Martin, Saturday, Dec. 7, and Sunday, Dec. 8, 9a.m.-3p.m., Volcano Art Center. For beginners and intermediate. All supplies provided. $220/VAC member, $240/non-member. See supplies required. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Realms and Divisions, Saturday, Dec. 7, 9:30-11:30a.m., Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free, moderately difficult, two-mile, hike. Bring snack. nps.gov/havo

Ocean View C.E.R.T. Mtg., Saturday, Dec. 7, 10a.m.-1p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Community Emergency Response Team monthly meeting and training. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Keiki Science Class, Saturday, Dec. 7 – 1st Saturday, monthly – 11a.m.-noon, Ace Hardware Stores islandwide; Nā‘ālehu, 929-9030 and Ocean View, 929-7315. Free. acehardware.com

Blackwater Railroad Company Band, Saturday, Dec. 7, 7-10p.m., Kīlauea Military Camp's Lava Lounge, in HVNP. $5 cover charge. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. kilaueamilitarycamp.com

SUNDAY, DEC. 8

41st Pāhala Christmas Parade, Sunday, Dec. 8, starts at Pāhala Armory. Eddie Andrade, 928-0808

Pele & Hi‘iaka, Sunday, Dec. 8, 9:30-11:30a.m., Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free, moderate, one-mile walk. nps.gov/havo

Medicine for the Mind: Teachings in the Tibetan Buddhist Tradition, Sunday, Dec. 8 – 2nd Sunday, monthly – 3-5p.m., Volcano Art Center. Free; calabash donations welcome. Dress warmly. Patty Johnson, 345-1527, volcanoartcenter.org

MONDAY, DEC. 9

Accordion Paper Reindeer Activity Registration, Dec. 9-17, Ka‘u District Gym. Program takes place Wednesday, Dec. 18, 3:30-5p.m., multipurpose room. Grades K-6. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/recreation

ONGOING

Pom Pom Wreath Registration, through Dec. 4. Kahuku Park, Hawaiian Ocean View Estates. Program takes place Tuesday, Dec. 10, 3-4p.m. Ages 6-14. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/recreation

Santa's Workshop Event Registration, through Dec. 11, Ka‘ū District Gym. Event takes place Thursday, Dec. 12, 6-7:30p.m. All ages. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/recreation

Christmas Coloring Contest Registration, through Dec. 11, Ka‘ū District Gym. Deadline for entries is Thursday, Dec. 12, 6p.m. Grades Pre-K to 6. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/recreation

Holiday Ornament Registration, through Dec. 16, Kahuku Park. Program takes place Wednesday, Dec. 18, 3-4p.m. Ages 6-14. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/recreation

Christmas in the Country featuring 20th Annual Invitational Wreath Exhibit, daily, through Dec. 31, Volcano Art Center Gallery. Free; park entrance fees apply. 967-7565, volcanoartcenter.org

T-Ball and Coach Pitch Baseball League Registration and First Practice: Ocean View Team - Monday, Dec. 2, and Wednesday, Dec. 4, Kahuku Park. Nā‘ālehu Team - Tuesday, Dec. 3, and Thursday, Dec. 5, Nā‘ālehu Park. Pāhala Team (seeking coaches) - attend Nā‘ālehu practice and registration. T-Ball, 3:30-4:30pm, ages 5-6. Coach Pitch, 4:30-6p.m., ages 7-8. Programs take place through April 16. Wear cleats or tennis shoes, bring a glove if possible. Extras gloves available for use. All skills and genders welcome. $35 per teammate. See Ka‘ū Youth Baseball on Facebook. Josh or Elizabeth Crook, 345-0511

Tūtū & Me Home Visiting Program is a free service to Pāhala families with keiki, birth to five years old. This caregiver support program offers those taking care of young keiki "a compassionate listening ear, helpful parenting tips and strategies, fun and exciting activities, and wonderful educational resources" from Tūtū & Me Traveling Preschool. Home visits are one hour in length, two to four times per month, for 12 to 15 visits. Snacks are provided. See pidfoundation.org or call 808-938-1088.

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