Temporary homes sought for Puna pets
H.E.L.P. Puna is providing a free online service for residents who need to find places to keep their animals in case they have to evacuate because of the approaching lava flow.
Since this flow is heading toward an agricultural area, it threatens farm animals such as chickens, sheep, and horses in addition to dogs and cats. The site would connect animal owners with those who could provide temporary homes. Those willing to house animals can do so for free or for a fee. It is between the parties to decide all financial issues and ensure there is a good fit. Those with animal trailers may also offer their services on the website, HelpPuna.com.
Shriners invited to lunch
All visiting Shriners are invited to lunch at 11:30 a.m. today at The Fish Hopper restaurant. For information, call Jim Dakan at 895-9101.
Free Medicare information offered
The Hawaii State Health Insurance Assistance Program offers free unbiased Medicare, Medigap, and Medicare Advantage information and counseling from 9 a.m. to noon on the second and fourth Thursday of each month at West Hawaii Civic Center, Building D.
Trained counselors will answer questions about Medicare health coverage. For more information or to set up a presentation for a group, call 888-875-9229 or email help@hawaiiship.org.
Orchid Society meets Friday
The Kona Orchid Society will hold its monthly meeting at 6 p.m. Friday at Makua Lani School, 74-4966 Kealakaa St. off Palani Road.
This meeting will take the place of the picnic that was postponed because of weather. The event will include a potluck, games and an orchid drawing.
Call Jan Rae at 325-4991 for more information.
Seminar focuses on spiritual gifts, healing
Paul Rapley, associated with Bethel Church in Redding, Calif., will teach about the release of spiritual gifts and will conduct healing services at 9:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. Sunday at the Papaaloa Gym in Hamakua.
Services will continue at 6 p.m. Monday and Tuesday at a home in Papaaloa. This seminar is open to all, free of charge.
Rapley has a master’s degree in divinity. He has taught at Teen Challenge’s Ministry School, and has ministered in hundreds of healing services.
For more information or directions, call pastor Mary Jo at 345-2456 or email maryjo@islandfaithcenter.org. For more information about Rapley, visit paulrapley.com.
Kona Stories September book clubs planned
The Kona Stories fiction book club will meet at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday to discuss “Americanh” by Adichie Chimamanda Ngozi. The nonfiction book club will gather at 6 p.m. Sept. 23 to review “Washington’s Spies” by Alexander Rose.
The fiction book club meets the second Tuesday of each month, and the nonfiction group meets the fourth Tuesday at Kona Stories in Keauhou Shopping Center. No membership or fees are associated with these groups and monthly attendance is not required. Bring a pupu or beverage to share.
For more information call Brenda or Joy at 324-0350.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park announces September programs
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park will hold several Hawaiian culture and After Dark in the Park programs in September. All programs are free, but park entrance fees may apply.
Kaohu Monfort shares her knowledge and love of the island’s native plants and their medicinal uses during a laau lapaau demonstration from 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday on the Kilauea Visitor Center lanai.
Kai Hoopii, winner of the Aloha Festivals Hawaiian falsetto signing contest, will share the music of his ohana from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Sept. 17 at the Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium.
Paul Okubo, a seismologist with the U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, will present an overview of damaging earthquakes in Hawaii, including current theories on where and why they occur and what residents can do to best protect themselves when they happen from 7 to 8 p.m. Sept. 21 at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium.
Keiko Mercado will demonstrate how bamboo is carved into beautiful designs and how ohe kapala or bamboo stamps are used from 10 a.m. to noon Sept. 24 on the Kilauea Visitor Center lanai.
Finally, keiki of all ages are invited to join park rangers and take a closer look at the park’s Kahuku Unit during a day of activities from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 27. Connect with the culture, people and the aina and through stories, GPS, and a compass. A free lunch will be provided for those who sign up by calling 985-6019. Deadline to register is Sept. 19. The Kahuku unit is at mile marker 70.5 on Highway 11 in Ka’u.