Through the end of January, seasonal observations of Kohala Watershed movements are featured in a display at Kohala Village HUB as part of “Na Kilo Aina: Observers of our sustenance.” The program builds and deepens the relationships between people and their places, aimed to improve how to care for their aina.

Spencer Park will be closed all day Jan. 10 and 11 for monthly maintenance and repairs in the high-use facility. The closure is necessary so as not to expose park patrons to potential hazards associated with large-scale maintenance work.

The Kohala Center’s nine-month course includes 188 hours of classroom training, online coursework, on-farm demonstrations and workshops, and field trips, as well as a student-selected assignment. The course begins Jan. 13 and runs through September.

As of last week, Honokaa Seventh-day Adventist Church became Blue Zones Project — North Hawaii’s fifth church to become approved, and Waimea Marshallese Full Gospel is the first Marshallese church registered in the state.

Verizon customers no longer have to drive to Kona to have their smart phone serviced or to purchase a new mobile device. The company opened a store at Parker Ranch Center in Waimea earlier this month. Other brands sold there include iPhone and Google. In addition to cell phones, tablets, cases and accessories are offered.

At 7 p.m. Jan. 5, theoretical astrophysicist Kip Thorne will explain the science behind his movie, “Intersteller,” at a free talk in the Hale Hoaloha Pavilion at Mauna Lani Bay Hotel.

Residents and visitors can gather for the 8th night with lights, latkes and song in the Mauna Beach Hotel Kaunaoa Ballroom from 5:30-6:30 p.m. tomorrow. The free event will include live music by accomplished singer and songwriter Cindy Cohen Levy.

At dusk this Saturday night, the “Elf” comedy starring Will Ferrell will be shown for the public at Queens’ MarketPlace’s Coronation Pavilion as the free monthly outdoor movie. Attendees are advised to bring a beach chair or blanket.

Hale Ho’ola Hamakua in Honokaa is among nine skilled nursing facilities in Hawaii commended for achieving their goals in the American Health Care Association (AHCA) 2017 Quality Initiative Recognition Program.

From 6-8 p.m. this Saturday on the lush lawn surrounding the Coronation Pavilion, Kohala will be the featured band performing at Waikoloa Resort’s free Monthly Concert Series. The group plays an acoustic blend of folk, island and jazz, reflecting the beauty of the Kohala region on the Big Island where the musicians live.

With Christmas just around the corner, a handful of free holiday performances will be held at the market this Saturday.

Local residents can get in the spirit of the holiday season at North Kohala Public Library’sFamily Fun Night beginning at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 18. The evening is open to ages 5 and up and will begin with librarian Leilani Silver telling a story.

Local filmmaker Steven Roby will host a free showing of his new movie, “Living on a Rock: A Big Island Music Story,” at Honokaa People’s Theatre from 6-8 p.m. Dec. 19.

The 7th annual Big Island Chocolate Festival invites nonprofit organizations to apply as a beneficiary of the April 2018 event to be held at the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel. The festival annually awards nonprofits a portion of event proceeds. Last year $17,500 was given to four beneficiaries.

This fall, Olivia Clare Boutique has opened a second location: Queens’ MarketPlace in Waikoloa Resort. Known for their original store in Hawi, the shop features Hawaii-made fashions, accessories and products for the home.

The Kohala Golf Park volunteers postponed the open house and tournament planned for last Saturday due to ongoing rains that have made the fairways unmowable.

From first-time performers to well-seasoned vocalists, the Waimea Community Chorus will perform selections both classical and popular his Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. in Kahilu Theatre. Holiday selections will include “The First Noel” with Pachelbel’s Canon, sing-along medleys and highlighted holiday pop songs.

Hawaii Writers Guild will showcase works by authors Jada Tan Rufo, Paul Bryant, Amara Cudney and Greer Woodward from 5:30-7 p.m. this Wednesday during Lit Night at Thelma Parker Memorial Library in Waimea.

Award-winning hip-hop musician and educator Mr. Kneel, aka Neil McIntyre, will present a lively hip-hop family event at the Waimea library at 10 a.m. this Thursday.

Local musicians will put on a dance/music holiday fundraiser at Mahukona Beach Park pavilion in North Kohala from 5-10 p.m. this Saturday night.