Hey, listen to this: It’s stories on “Stilts and Other Tall Tales” featuring Ben Moffat at both the Honokaa and Laupahoehoe Public Libraries this Tuesday, Nov. 13, at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., respectively.
Enjoy this entertaining program of a storytelling performance that will use stilts, masks, and puppets. Ben has always been fascinated with masks. His home is filled with than 200 varieties that he describes as intriguing and mystical. He has performed and taught nationally and internationally since 1986.
For more information call Honokaa Library at 775-8881 and Laupahoehoe Library at 962-2229.
—————
Want improved beach access? Now? Local surfers and community members are calling for action and responsibility in the Papaikou Mill Beach trail access. They are also interested in reaching out to local fisherman as well. Join them in becoming a part of the solution. Let the community organize to maintain the public access in a positive way.
Come to join and become a part of something better: a cooperative, aloha-spirited action. Come talk story on Tuesday, Nov. 13, at 7 p.m. at the Papaikou Community Center. This meeting is in coordination with Rural South Hilo Community Association. For more information, call Donna Johnson at 895-1907.
—————
The Hamakua Youth Foundation recognizes that sustaining valuable programs at the Hamakua Youth Center requires a community-wide effort. In this spirit, they are sponsoring a Community Forum on Youth at the North Hawaii Research and Development Center (NHERC) on Friday, Nov. 16, from 4 to 8 p.m.
These are difficult economic times for the Youth Center and other local nonprofit organizations. The first part of the program will focus on raising funds and developing a network of friends for the Youth Center. Sen. Malama Solomon is the mistress of ceremonies. Those attending will be treated to music by local musicians and ono food provided by the senator. A $20 donation is suggested, with proceeds going to support Youth Center programs.
A community forum, facilitated by the senator, begins at 6 p.m. It will focus on finding solutions to the many challenges facing Hamakua youth.
This is the beginning of a long-term, big-picture discussion. Topics will likely include after-school programs, alcohol and drug temptations, teen pregnancy, assuring kids have adequate nutrition, parenting and preschool education, underachieving in school, career choice alternatives, an ever-alarming number of teen suicides, and ways to support local families during these difficult economic times.
A primary objective of the forum is to discuss the creation of a community task force, comprised of a cross section of the community, which will identify available local resources, create partnerships and work together to find solutions. Those present will set the agenda and organizational plan for future meetings.
Invitations are going out to a host of community players, including local community youth and family services organizations and agencies, service clubs, business community representatives, school personnel and elected officials. Parents, family members and others wanting to make a difference are encouraged to participate.
Please call Joel Cohen at 769-4490 for more information.
—————
Parenting for Prevention? What’s this about? On Wednesday, Nov. 14, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., Tutu’s House will welcome Chris Kelly, founder of Prevention PLUS, in presenting this important, educational information about parenting drug-free kids in a drug-filled world.
This is a program for all parents, not just parents whose kids have drug problems. This discussion promises to be fact-filled and informative for parents of children aged 10 through 20. Teachers and school personnel are also invited and encouraged to attend.
Chris has been a substance abuse prevention specialist for the past 17 years. He has dedicated a third of his life to prevention education because he knows that prevention works and he knows how difficult it is to recover from an addiction.
He has been clean and sober for 22 years and has worked with over 50,000 students and parents worldwide. For more information, visit www.preventionplus.info. To register to attend, please call Tutu’s House at 885-6777. There are no fees for Tutu’s House programs, but tax-deductible donations are always welcome.
—————
The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) would like to announce the following Safe Routes to School (SRTS) informational workshops on Friday, Nov. 16, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Keaukaha Technology and Resource Center and on Thursday, Nov. 29, from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Kona International Airport DOT Training Room.
These two workshops are for community leaders, school officials, health and transportation professionals, law enforcement officers, parents and neighbors who are interested in the implementation of SRTS strategies at all schools statewide. These workshops are offered free of charge, with lunch provided.
To register, go to http://hawaii.gov/dot/highways/srts/ and click on the link under the announcement for Upcoming Workshops, or contact Tara Lucas, State Safe Routes to School coordinator, at 808-692-7696, or e-mail saferoutestoschool@hawaii.gov. Workshop size is limited, so register early.
Carol Yurth’s column is published every Sunday and spotlights activities on the Hilo-Hamakua coast. She welcomes items for her column. Reach her by mail (46-1240 Kalehua Road, Honokaa HI 96727) at least 10 days before the requested publication date, call her at 775-7101, or e-mail waiukahenutz@gmail.com.
