Visually impaired meeting Feb. 13
A notice in Friday’s About Town concerning the National Federation of the Blind West Hawaii chapter meeting was in error. The meeting will be at 10 a.m. Feb. 13 at Hale Halawai in Kailua-Kona.
It is the policy of West Hawaii Today to correct promptly any incorrect or misleading information when it is brought to the attention of the newspaper.
‘Q’uisine of Hearts slated for Feb. 12
Calories don’t count at the 17th annual ‘Q’uisine of Hearts, a brunch benefiting several community nutrition awareness programs. Presented by the American Culinary Federation Kona Kohala Chefs Association, the fundraiser is from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Feb. 12 at the Hilton Waikoloa Village.
While desserts are the draw at ‘Q’uisine, the culinary repast includes a sprawling bruschetta buffet stocked with breads, meats, cheeses and carefully crafted condiments arranged by West Hawaii Community College culinary students. Also on tap are omelet and eggs benedict stations, wine, champagne and ales, plus coffee and tropical teas.
“Conceived to showcase the isle’s hard-working pastry chefs, bakers and confectioners — the event takes pride in delivering awe-inspiring delicacies that are infused with local products,” said Patti Kimball, event co-chairwoman. “The undisputed high caliber of sweets is recognized through an annual critique performed by a trio of judges.”
Voted best dessert last year was the vanilla bean panna votta with Waimea strawberry salad and mai tai sauce by then Mauna Kea Beach Resort Pastry Chef Ross Alaimo. The mascarpone cheese and gelatin delicacy was topped with fresh island fruit and a tropical sauce that hinted of pineapple and rum.
Up to 15 culinary stations annually vie for best dessert bragging rights. This year, Kailua Candy Co. will offer Kona coffee chocolate dream, which earned third place in the professional division at the 2011 Kona Coffee Festival Recipe Contest.
Serenading attendees will be piano music by Loren Wilken, including some love songs. During the silent auction, attendees can vote for their favorite floral arrangement and bid to take it home. Other auction items include private catered dinners by top island chefs, take-home Valentine-themed desserts by student chefs and out-of-the-ordinary gifts and furnishings.
‘Q’uisine of Hearts annually benefits 2,000 Kona-Kohala keiki through ACF Chef and Child Foundation nutrition awareness programs. Activities include visiting 40 classes of second-graders each year from January through May to lead keiki in creating nutritious fabulous fruit kabobs and smart sandwiches.
Additionally, ‘Q’uisine supports Green Tables, a farm and garden philanthropic initiative for children by Les Dames d’Escoffier Hawaii in Waimea. Through Green Tables, the foundation supports students who are planting a school garden. It also provides funds for Choose My Plate brochures geared for teens and seniors.
Tickets, priced at $45 for adults and $20 for children aged 5 to 10 are for sale at Gourmet Chef’s Supply, Kailua Candy Co. and Kona Wine Market in Kailua-Kona or at Tropical Dreams Ice Cream in Waimea. Tickets can be charged by phone at 329-2522.
For more information, call 333-5442.
American Legion meets Thursday
American Legion Post 20 meets for fellowship at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Teshima’s Restaurant in Honalo. The meeting and dinner begin at 7 p.m., and will honor Jill Jermann of Pacific Rim Fishing Supplies for assisting the post.
The group will also set up a committee on finances and begin preparations to assist at the May air show and Memorial Day program.
The Department of Defense would like to recognize all Korean War veterans for their service on the 60th anniversary of that war. Certificates signed by the secretary of defense can be arranged for interested participants. Those interested should contact David Carlson.
A buffet dinner for $14 will be served. Cocktails are available for purchase. For dinner reservations, contact Carlson at 325-6491 or kalokodavid@cs.com or call Kalani Hamm at 329-7274 or 936-8033.
Harrison teaching meditation class
“Awakening to the Deepest Truth of Who We Are: A Gathering with Gavin Harrison” is scheduled from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Feb. 12 at Waiaka Events Salon, 66-1664 Waiaka St., Waimea.
Sitting and walking meditation, discussion and inquiry are planned. Groups are nondenominational and open to all. Experienced and beginning meditators are welcome and meditation guidance is offered. Bring a meditation cushion. Chairs are available.
Harrison accepts donations to help cover his living expenses.
REAP grant writing assistance available
Free grant writing assistance is available for those wishing to apply for grants from the Rural Energy for America Program of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Grant and Loan Program. The deadline to submit an application is approaching.
The free application/grant writing assistance can be obtained by contacting: Betsy Cole, The Kohala Center, P.O. Box 437462, Kamuela, HI 96743, cole@kohalacenter.org or 887-6411; or Francois Rogers, Blue Planet Foundation, 55 Merchant St., 17th Floor, Honolulu, HI 96813, francois@blueplanetfoundation.org or 954-6161.
Eligible projects include biomass; anaerobic digester; geothermal; hydrogen; wind power; solar; ocean, including tidal, current and thermal; hydroelectric; flexible fuel (blender) pumps; and energy efficiency improvements.
The deadline(s) to submit a REAP application are:
— renewable energy system and energy efficiency improvement grant applications and combination grant and guaranteed loan applications: March 30;
— renewable energy system and energy efficiency improvement guaranteed loan only application: June 29;
— renewable energy system feasibility study applications: March 30; and
— energy audits and renewable energy development assistance applications: Feb. 21.
Saturday book sale benefits libraries
The Friends of the Libraries, Kona will hold its next book sale from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday on the Kailua-Kona Public Library lanai.
Proceeds from sales help support the needs of the Kona libraries, with funding that includes educational and entertainment programs, community summer reading programs, visiting authors, magazine subscriptions, CDs, DVDs and new book purchases. The next sale will be March 10.
Volunteers are welcome. Call 322-0077.