Waimea Toastmaster wins speech contest
Mary Park, Waimea Toastmaster, won first place in the Division C International Speech Contest held April 11 on Oahu, with her winning speech, “American Soldier.” She will now advance to the Aloha District No. 49 Toastmasters International competition May 2 in Honolulu.
“Our speech contests are a big part of the Toastmasters communication and leadership program,” said NJ Moses, Area 12 Governor. “Members are challenged to polish their skills as they advance to area, division and district levels.”
Toastmasters International is a nonprofit educational organization that teaches public speaking and leadership skills through a worldwide network of clubs. For information about area Toastmasters clubs, visit bigislandtoastmasters.com or toastmasters.org.
Writing workshops offered in May
University of the Nations will offer three writers workshops for those who love to write but need help sharpening their skills.
A Creative Nonfiction class will be taught by best-selling author Janice Rogers May 4 through 8. The workshop teaches how to write for a target audience, how to write first person stories in dramatic fashion and how to handle the basics of story structure, characterization and dialogue.
Writing for Magazines will be taught May 11 through 15 by award-winning feature writer Sandra Tompkins. Attendees will ‘earn how to get articles and stories into magazines and online publications, how to develop a research strategy, do interviews, craft articles and hook readers with a strong writing style.
Mona Hodgson, author of nearly 40 books will teach Fiction Writing May 18 through 22. The class focuses on the two pillars of fiction: plot and characterization. She also offers tips on marketing.
Cost is $50 per day and classes run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. To register and get more details, email sowkona@gmail.com.
Free workshop helps parents encourage reading
Kona Pacific Public Charter School invites families to participate in the fifth of a series of seven free workshops designed to develop a child’s love for reading books. The workshop is from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the school campus above Kona Community Hospital in Kealakekua.
“Linking Language and Reading” will explore how to use conversation to support a child’s literacy development.
The workshop events begin at 5:30 p.m. with a light dinner and social time, followed by the one-hour workshop. Childcare will be provided.
Hawaii Meth Project seeks Teen Advisory Council applicants
The Hawaii Meth Project is encouraging students to get involved in the state’s central anti-meth community effort by applying to its Teen Advisory Council for the 2015-2016 school year. All Hawaii high school students entering grades 9 through 12 are eligible.
During their one-year term, Teen Advisory Council members will lead and facilitate educational outreach in their schools and communities. They will also raise awareness about the importance of methamphetamine prevention, especially among their peers.
Prospective members will be asked to dedicate between 10 to 20 hours of volunteer service work each month. Selected candidates must be available to attend a training session on Oahu from June 7 to 10. Travel expenses will be covered.
Teens interested must complete an application, which can be found at hawaiimethproject.org/About-Us/teen-council.php.
The completed application along with two letters of reference must be submitted by 5 p.m. April 30 by email to georgi@hawaiimethproject.org or faxed to 356-8645. Applicants wishing to submit hard copies must have their applications postmarked by April 30 and mailed to: Hawaii Meth Project, TAC Applications, P.O. Box 3073, Honolulu, HI 96802.
Hawaii Tropical Fruit Growers learn about cinnamon and vanilla
West Hawaii chapter of Hawaii Tropical Fruit Growers meets from 7 to 9 p.m. Monday at 81-6393 Mamalahoa Highway, about a half-mile south of Konawaena Elementary School Road. Donations chairs or other supplies for this new office are appreciated.
Tane Datta from Adaptations will discuss growing and processing cinnamon and Guy Cellier will discuss growing vanilla. Those attending are encouraged to bring fruit for sampling. Nonmembers are welcome.
For more information, contact Brian Lievens, president West Hawaii Chapter at 895-8753, greenwizard@hawaii.rr.com or Ken Love, executive director at 323-2417 or kenlove@hawaiiantel.net.
Legal Aid Society holds its 65th Awards Dinner
The Legal Aid Society of Hawaii celebrates 65 years of service with its 65th Anniversary Awards Dinner at 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 22 at Hawaii Convention Center in Honolulu.
As the largest and oldest public interest legal service provider in the state, Legal Aid provides civil legal help to the most vulnerable. The event will honor contributions from individuals, organizations and businesses that champion the cause of justice.
Mayor Billy Kenoi will be the guest speaker. Awardees include: Lifetime Achievement Award, Robert LeClair; Community Achievement Award, Catholic Charities Hawaii; Pro Bono Award, Bank of Hawaii and the Hawaii County Bar Association; Betty Vitousek Access to Justice Award, Perkin &Faria, LLLC.
For more information about the event or awardees, contact Sergio Alcubilla, director of external relations at 527-8063 or at sergio.alcubilla@legalaidhawaii.org.
Earth Day event planned at PTA
The Army is hosting an Earth Day celebration from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m Wednesday, April 22 at Pohakuloa Training Area.
The Army’s Pohakuloa Natural Resources team will highlight their program through 15 interactive displays, games and garden tours. Visitors will have the opportunity to view some of the unique plants managed at PTA, such as the spiny popolo-one, of Hawaii’s few spiked native plants. There will also be a series of talks on the biology and natural ecology of Pohakuloa and history of the saddle region. Visitors will also have the opportunity to take a virtual, interactive tour of a lava tube.
The event is open to the public. Visitors must show current photo identification at the main gate. Drivers must have a current license, registration, safety inspection and proof of insurance.
Groups of 10 or more or individuals requesting special accommodations should call 969-2403.
Rotary clubs announce speakers
Rotary Club of Kona Mauka will hear from Michael Kramer, managing partner and director of social research at Natural Investments LLC. The meeting is from noon to 1 p.m Tuesday at Teshima’s Restaurant. For more information, contact Larry Kniffin at 557-1178 or maukarotary2014@gmail.com.
Rotary Club of Kona Sunrise will learn about County of Hawaii Zero Waste program from 6:45 to 7:45 a.m. Wednesday on the second floor of at Humpy’s in Coconut Grove. For more information, contact Bev Fraser at 936-9965 or rotarybev@gmail.com.
Rotarian Ann Goody will speak about the international project in White River, Africa during the Rotary Club of North Hawaii meeting from noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday at Anna Ranch. For more information, call Joyce Riggen at 640-1930 or jmriggen@gmail.com.
Carla Steverson of Toastmasters will address Rotary Club of Kona from noon to 1 p.m. Thursday at King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel. For more information, contact James Resor at jcresor@yahoo.com.
Rotary is a worldwide organization of business and professional leaders that provides humanitarian service, encourages high ethical standards in all vocations and helps build goodwill and peace in the world. Visitors are welcome.