In Brief

Deaf Santa program today

Deaf Santa program today

The second annual Big Island Deaf Santa Christmas Program is scheduled for 9:30 a.m.-noon today at the Thelma Parker Memorial Library.

The event is hosted by the Waimea Elementary School deaf class taught by Angela Nagata. Deaf classes in Keaau and deaf around the island also will be attending.

Activities include American sign language storytelling, ASL skits and songs (yes, the deaf love music and signing songs), crafts, games, food, photos and of course, Deaf Santa.

Sponsors include the Big Island Association of the Deaf, Thelma Parker Memorial Library and Toys for Tots.

Shoes collected for homeless

Gather up your used and gently worn footwear, including sandals and slippers, and give the homeless of Hilo a holiday treat.

Footwear is being collected from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. until Friday at two locations: Sole Comfort Footwear in Hilo Shopping Center and the office of Dr. Rand Mundo at 1028 Kinoole St., No. 104.

Bind or tie them together for drop-off. They will be distributed before Christmas by Hawaii Island Home for Recovery.

State libraries closed Dec. 25

In observance of the Christmas Day holiday, all public libraries will be closed Friday, Dec. 25.

On Christmas Eve, all public libraries that normally offer Thursday evening hours will close no later than 5 p.m. Call your local library as closing times will vary.

Visit the HSPLS website www.librarieshawaii.org or call your local library for regular public service hours.

Toastmasters toast member

Ramprasad Rao was selected as the Outstanding Toastmaster for 2015 by the Hilo Toastmasters Club.

Club president Andrea Gill says Rao was chosen because of his dedication, enthusiasm and willingness to help others in the club. Rao is serving as vice president of education for the club and is the website administrator.

Hilo Toastmasters is one of 15,400 clubs in 135 countries worldwide. For more information about the Hilo club, visit www.hilotoastmasters.com.