Calendar of upcoming events

*TODAY

• The Kona Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Center is holding its monthly support group meeting from 5:30-7 p.m. The meeting is held at Alii Health Center’s surgical services offices, suite 422. The bariatric and weight loss support group is facilitated by program coordinator, Maria Oka, APRN. Meetings are held on the third Thursday of every month. Info: 747-8321 Option No. 2.

• What Can Hawaii learn from Puerto Rico? West Hawaii Community Forum, West Hawaii Civic Center, 6-8 pm. Experts will explore plans and options for addressing the fragility of island living, its vulnerabilities to emergencies, disasters, and supply-chain disruptions.

• Hawaii Statewide Aquaculture Industry Summit at NELHA: The future of Hawaii’s blue economy, West Hawaii SBDC, 73-970 Makako Bay Drive, Kailua-Kona.

*FRIDAY

• Veterans of Foreign Wars, VFW Post 12122, located behind Kona Locksmith off Kaiwi Street, $7 supper will be adobo chicken, rice, veggie, salad and desert with service from 5-7 p.m. The VFW Auxiliary will conduct its monthly meeting on Saturday starting at 10:30 a.m. Info: Don Zero at (509) 879-1040.

•The West Hawaii County Band free Friday concert 6:30 p.m. at Hale Halawai Park on Alii Drive. Info: Al, 322-7085

*SATURDAY

• Kawaihae Canoe Club is hosting its 23rd annual Luau, Kawaihae Small Boat Harbor, 5:30 p.m. Pre-sale adult tickets are $40, kids, $20. Info: Debbie, 937-4700 or Izzy 987-2819.

• Kona Mauka Rotary will be hosting a Palettes for Polio: an artistic fundraiser at Rumley’s Art and Frame Gallery in the Courtyard Marriott King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel, 5-7 p.m., Info: Laura Kniffin at 854-9075 or laurajkniffin@gmail.com.

• Halia Ka Nani Holuku Ball, 6:30-9:30 p.m. Kumu Hula Keala Ching and Na Wai Puna o Kona will host An Evening of Elegance at the Sheraton Kona Resort &Spa at Keauhou Bay. $50 includes Alii Keanaaina concert. Info: www.emauanakahula.org

• Yoga of Mindful Touch, 1-4 p.m. at The New Thought Center, 81-6587 Mamalahoa Highway C-302, Pualani Terrace in Kealakekua. Benefit for Pacific Artwaves. Info: Marya Mann 345-0050.

• Villages of Laiopua Community Association Community-wide Garage Sale Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m.- 3 p.m. Info: Bo Kahui at 896-2252.

• Aloha Quilters of Kona begins at 9:30 a.m. at the Emma building at Christ Church in Kealakekua. New members, novice quilters or “old hands” are welcome. Info: Eileen 328-8027 or Lana 329-3723.

*SUNDAY

• Villages of Laiopua Community Association Community-wide Garage Sale. 8 a.m.- 3 p.m. Info: Bo Kahui at 896-2252.

• Daughters of Hawaii and Calabsh Cousins present Afternoon at Hulihee, 4 p.m. at Hulihee Palace to remember King David Kalakaua.

*MONDAY

• Blood Bank of Hawaii blood drive at LDS Hilo – Cultural Hall 8:45 a.m.-2:15 p.m. Info: 848-4770 or visit BBH.org.

• Kona Community Hospital Auxiliary monthly board meeting, 12:30 p.m., Conference Room 1. Bake sale Friday morning, funds raised go to the nursing scholarship fund. Info: KCHAuxiliary@hotmail.com or KCHAuxiliary.org.

• West Hawaii chapter of Hawaii Tropical Fruit Growers meeting, “Spice Night,” featuring guest speakers Paul De Filippi from Maui will discuss a new black pepper project, 7-9 p.m., 81-6393 Mamalahoa at the HTFG office.

*TUESDAY

• Blood Bank of Hawaii blood drive at Aunty Sally Kaleohano’s Luau Hale – Main Room 7:30 am- 5 p.m. Info: (808) 848-4770 or visit BBH.org.

• 16th Annual Thanksgiving Interfaith Concert will take place at the St. Michael’s Catholic Church on 75-5769 Alii Drive, featuring performances of 12 different faith groups from Kona, 6:30 pm.

*NOV. 22

• Blood Bank of Hawaii blood drive at Naniloa Volcanoes Resort – Hoomalimali 7 a.m.- 1 p.m. Info: (808) 848-4770 or visit BBH.org.

• Mele O Kona, a prospective chorus of Sweet Adelines International, is looking for women of all ages who love to sing. Rehearsal is Wednesdays at The Regency at Hualalai, 75-181 Hualalai Road 6-8 p.m. Info: Linda Rowand, 464-6135 or Barbara Cushman, 937-4518.

*NOV. 24

• 35th annual Joann “Goose” Williams Christmas Treasures Art, Jewelry, Gift, &Craft Fair, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Courtyard King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel. Vendors for holiday shopping, crafts, gifts, and homemade items. Free admission.

* Kailua Village Christmas tree lighting at Emma’s Square across from Hulihee Palace, 5:45 p.m.

*NOV. 25

• 35th annual Joann “Goose” Williams Christmas Treasures Art, Jewelry, Gift, &Craft Fair, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Courtyard King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel. Vendors for holiday shopping, crafts, gifts, and homemade items. Free admission.

* Not Just a Book Club Travel Conversation Circle meets 10 a.m. to noon at Kailua-Kona Public Library for friendly and spirited conversation about recent travel experiences etc. Info: TravelCircle@folkhawaii.com or (415) 779-2763.

*NOV. 28

Kupuna Singles at Korner Pocket, Dinner, 5 p.m. Info: 329-5163.

Dec. 2

• Kona Masonic Center installs new officers for 2018. Pot luck lunch 10 a.m. at the Old Airport Pavilion No.3. Reservations are required. Call Lee Meyerson, 937-5942, for reservations and info.

Dec. 3

The Kona Business and Professional Women’s Annual Poinsettia Sale, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Hale Halawai. Yearly event raises money for their high school scholarship gifting. Info: Carol Kirihara 895-0800 or Muriel Boot at 987-8412 to request preorder forms.

Dec. 8

* Kaiser Permanente individual and family enrollment event, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Kaiser Permanente Kona Medical Office, Kona Conference Room, 74-517 Honokohau St. Register: kpif-aloha-signup.eventbrite.com

Dec. 16

1st annual music, lights, and family fun stroll in historic Kainaliu town, 5-8:30 p.m. Walk down Kainaliu main street and come enjoy the holiday season island style. Shops, galleries, restaurants, and vendors will be sparkling with lights and open late.