Roller girls start backpack drive
Paradise Roller Girls will host a backpack donation drive to support local children in the foster care system during its first home match from 3:30-8 p.m. May 5 at Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium.
East Hawaii’s roller derby league is asking the Hilo community for contributions of gently used backpacks, luggage, booster seats and car seats.
“We wanted to find a way our community could contribute in a positive way,” said Paradise Roller Girls member Alison Wagner. “These children are dealing with difficult circumstances, and this is one small way we can improve the situation.”
PRG will deliver donations to Catholic Charities Families Resources Program for distribution. For more information, email paradiserollergirls@gmail.com.
De Luz joins HCFCU board
Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union announced the appointment of Hawaii Island business owner and community supporter David De Luz Jr. of Hilo as its newest board member.
De Luz is the vice president of David S. De Luz Sr. Enterprises, which operate Big Island Toyota Inc., De Luz Chevrolet, Kukaiau Ranch and Hawaii Beef Producers. He has been serving on HCFCU’s Supervisory Committee since 2014.
Board members serve on a voluntary basis and provide direction to staff in order to meet members’ financial needs, as well as maintain the sound fiscal condition of the credit union.
Learn mindfulness, meditation in Hilo
Taishoji Soto Mission, Hilo’s zen temple, is offering two free classes on mindfulness and meditation.
The classes are taught by Clear Houn Englebert and there will be time for questions.
The mindfulness class is from 1:30-3 p.m. April 28 and the class on meditation is from 1:30-3 p.m. May 5. Preregistration is required.
Both classes take place at Taishoji, 275 Kinoole St. To register and request copies of class materials, call 935-8407 or email hilotaishoji@gmail.com.
Hilo native wins science award
The National Science Foundation Faculty Early Career Development Program honored Hilo native Janelle (Penisten) Wharry with the foundation’s most prestigious award for early-career faculty members at universities.
Awardees receive a research grant, typically with an award floor of approximately $500,000 over five years.
Wharry, a professor of nuclear engineering at Purdue University in Indiana, is a 2001 graduate of Waiakea High School. Her NSF Career program aims to improve the resistance of steels to fracture and incorporates a research program for community college students.