Early Childhood Conference registration is today
“Building Blocks to STEM: Hawaii Island Style,” is the theme for the ninth annual Hawaii Island Early Childhood Conference, set March 4-5 at Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort and Spa.
The conference is open to anyone who works in or has an interest in the field of early childhood education, from infant-toddler providers to third-grade teachers.
Organized by Baby STEPS to Stronger Big Island Families, this year’s conference will feature a panel presentation on “Current Trends in Education and Professional Growth” on March 4, and a day of thematic workshops on March 5.
The registration deadline is today. Info: BabyStepsHawaii.org.
Hawaiian Cultural Center of Hamakua grand opening set
The Hawaiian Cultural Center of Hamakua has acquired a location in the historic Botelho building and will hold a grand opening at 5 p.m. March 5.
The event includes music from Hawane Rios and Hualalai, performances by several local hula halau, light pupu and refreshments.
Programs planned at the new center are:
· 10-week Ka Wai Ola a Kane intensive, begins March 6
· Meheu i na Moolele (Path of Legends) keiki hula and storytelling classes for ages 7-12, begins March 7
· Hula Opio for ages 13 and up, begins March 7
· He Ola Makamae (Precious Life) kupuna hula, March 7.
· Introduction to Olelo Hawaii (Hawaiian language), begins March 6
· Basic ukulele six-week session, begins March 10
· Basic ukulele II, six-week session begins March 7
· Monthly kani kapila, or jam session, on the third Friday of every month, begins March 18
· Haki Kino community exercise classes, weekday mornings beginning March 7
Info: visit the calendar at HCCOH.org. To register: 494-0626, email info.HCCOH@gmail.com.
Rotary Clubs announce upcoming speakers
At the next Rotary Club of Kona Mauka meeting, Arnie Rabin will talk about the upcoming Magic Spectacular, a family-friendly fundraising event. The meeting is from noon to 1 p.m. Tuesday at Teshima’s Restaurant. Info: Gary Rovelstad, RGRKonaMauka@gmail.com, 324-0318.
Rotary Club of Kona Sunrise will welcome Kimberly Kahoonei, case manager with Big Brothers and Big Sisters West Hawaii District. The meeting is from 6:45 to 7:45 a.m. Wednesday on the second floor of Humpy’s in Coconut Grove Marketplace. Info: Bev Fraser, 936-9965, rotarybev@gmail.com.
In Waimea, the Rotary Club of North Hawaii will hold its monthly board meeting from noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday at Anna Ranch. Info: Erik Jacobson, 345-9033, erik@sleepydog.com.
Susan Scott will discuss Aloha Social Services in Bangladesh at the Rotary Club of Kona meeting from noon to 1 p.m. Thursday at King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel. Info: James Resor at jcresor@yahoo.com.
Visitors are welcome.