Seniors to learn about flora arranging
Kailua-Kona Seniors meet at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Hale Halawai.
Guest speaker Scott Seymour will present a program on flora arranging. Seymour studied landscape architecture at the University of Oregon. He runs a plant nursery and is involved with Kona Outdoor Circle and the Education Center Foundation.
For more information call Billie at 315-8367 or Pat at 329-2424.
Jump-starting a business is topic of Rotary meeting
Hawaii Island small business development center director Hazel Beck will offer strategic tips to freshen a business during “How to Jumpstart Your Business” at the Rotary Club of Kona Sunrise meeting Wednesday.
The club meets at 6:45 a.m. every Wednesday at Humpy’s Restaurant. Breakfast is $11, coffee is $5.
Call Laura Guluzzy at 326-2100 for more information.
Synchronized swimming workshop offered to seniors
Elderly Recreation Services is hosting a synchronized swimming workshop for anyone 55 and older. The activity is offered from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays April 30 through May 23 at the Kona Community Aquatic Center.
Participants will try sculling, swimming to music and forming patterns in the water. No experience is required but participants should be swimmers comfortable in the water. Cost is $10. Register by calling Kelly at 323-4340
Federation of the Blind meets Thursday
The West Hawaii Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind will celebrate its fourth anniversary by hosting the organization’s sate president, Nani Fife, at 10 a.m. Thursday at Hale Halawai.
Legally blind since birth, Fife epitomizes the organization’s’s belief that “blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future.” Fife is a manager for the city and county of Honolulu government.
National Federation of the Blind and low vision support group meets at 10 a.m. on the first Thursday each month at Hale Halawai. For more information call Sally at 345-7065 or visit nfb-westhi.org.
Tropical fruit conference scheduled
The 24th annual Hawaii International Tropical Fruit Conference is scheduled Sept. 12 through 14 on Maui and continues Sept. 15 through 19 with daylong mini sessions on Molokai, Oahu, Kauai, in Hilo and Kona.
Geared to farmers, educators, orchard managers and proponents of sustainable agriculture, the week-long event is presented by the statewide Hawaii Tropical Fruit Growers. The conference, “It’s All About Production,” offers a variety of breakout sessions, plus visiting researchers and agriculture experts.
The conference is open to the public. Registration forms and fee schedule are available htfg.org or by contacting Ken Love at kenlove@hawaiiantel.net or Mark Suiso at suiso@aloha.net.
Chocolate Fest slated Friday, Saturday
The rich taste of chocolate will be showcased at the third annual Big Island Chocolate Festival Friday and Saturday at The Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii.
Headlining the event is “Mr. Chocolate” Jacques Torres, Food Network celebrity, plus Derek Poirier of Valrhona USA, Donald Wressell of Guittard and Stanton Ho for Amoretti.
A student competition is scheduled for Friday, followed by public culinary and agriculture seminars and demonstrations Saturday. Top island chefs, chocolatiers and confectioners will present culinary stations at a gala festival from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday.
Fine wines and ales, chocolate sculptures, live entertainment, dancing and a silent auction will also be offered. Presented by the Kona Cacao Association, proceeds will benefit the “Equip the Kitchens” campaign for the future Hawaii Community College—Palamanui and efforts to build a community amphitheatre at Kona Pacific Public Charter School.
Pre-sale tickets are $75 and will be $100 at the door. Buy tickets and find event details at bigislandchocolatefestival.com or call 324-6100.