For his outstanding investigative skills, exceptional information sharing, and commitment to providing the highest quality of police service, Officer Robert Sakata was recognized by the Hawaii Island Security and Safety Professionals Association as HISSPA Officer of the Quarter for Q2 2021 during a ceremony on July 9 in Kona.

Iwas reading “If You Give a Moose a Muffin” to my soon-to-be 3-year-old granddaughter, Artemis, and she started to tell me the moose got a cupcake, not a muffin. How can she tell that it is a cupcake and not a muffin when most adults can’t tell the difference?

Many people living in the Hawaiian Islands are accustomed to feeling occasional earthquakes since the State of Hawaii is one of the most seismically active locations in the United States. Unlike some other earthquake-prone places in the U.S., for example California, where the earthquakes are related to tectonic plates sliding past each other, our earthquakes are related to volcanoes.

Foundation plantings are like spandex garments. They smooth out bumpy features and add a dressy look. When properly used, a foundation planting serves definite purposes. It connects the structure with the grounds and adjacent ornamentals so that the building and grounds appear to have grown together into an eye appealing design. Shrubs and vines also tend to soften and blend architectural lines. Such plants give the home a finished look.

In my pantry, evaporated milk is essential. But what is it anyway? It is the concentrated version of regular milk. It has been cooked down to remove 60% of the water, which makes it richer yet about 80% less fat than heavy cream.

With the heat, summer salads are wonderful and healthy for lunch and dinner. It is also a great way to clean out the refrigerator.

Mauna Loa erupted 46 years ago this week, from July 5-6, 1975, in a 20-hour event with vents confined to the summit region (the area above 3,660 m/12,000 ft) and lava flows descending to just below 3,170 m (10,400 ft). This was the first eruption in 25 years. At the time, it was the longest quiet stretch since 1843 (we are currently in the longest stretch at 37 years and counting).

Summer means many fragrant flowers blooming in abundance. Most noticeable is the family of gingers.

Hilo Community Players will be performing “Romeo and Juliet” for the 44th annual Shakespeare in the Park event beginning tonight in the parking lot outside Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium.

We can find fresh corn at the markets now as it is the season for them. When choosing ears, choose them with pliant, greenish husks and stems that are not cracked or dried out. Look for lots of moist silk, and feel for plump, not skinny ears.

Happy late Canada Day/Bonne Fête du Canada! While some past “Volcano Watch” articles have had a July 4 theme for the U.S., this year we’re taking the opportunity to ensure readers know that our neighbors to the north have volcanoes, too — including potentially active ones.