About Town: 9-13-17

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Military to convoy from PTA to Kawaihae

Soldiers are scheduled to convoy from Pohakuloa Training Area to Kawaihae Harbor from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. today through Saturday.

The convoy will be escorted by marked vehicles with rotating amber lights and signs. Motorists are asked to be alert and drive with care around convoy vehicles.

Applications being accepted for preschool assistance program

The Department of Human Services has opened an additional application period for its Preschool Open Doors program. Families can apply now through Oct. 31. Applications received during this period will be considered for preschool participation during Jan. 1-June 30, 2018.

This program, which currently serves more than 1,400 children statewide, provides child care subsidies to eligible low- and moderate-income families to pay preschool tuition. It aims to provide children whose families might otherwise not be able to afford preschool the opportunity to gain essential skills to be successful in school and in life.

To qualify for the program, children must be eligible to enter kindergarten in the 2018-19 school year (born between Aug. 1, 2012, and July 31, 2013). Families may choose any one of the 426 state-licensed preschools. Underserved or at-risk children receive priority consideration for the program, and funds are limited.

Interested families may request an application from the program’s contractor, PATCH, by visiting www.patchhawaii.org or by calling 791-2130 or toll free 1-800-746-5620.

Applications should be dropped off or mailed to PATCH – POD, 560 N. Nimitz Hwy, Suite 218, Honolulu, HI 96817; faxed (808) 694-3066; or emailed to PODAdmin@patch-hi.org.

Tax-Aide volunteers needed

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is seeking volunteers on Hawaii Island for the upcoming tax season.

Approaching its 50th year, Tax-Aide offers free tax filing help to anyone, especially those 50 and older, who can’t afford a tax preparation service. Tax-Aide volunteers make a difference in their communities by assisting many older, lower-income taxpayers who might otherwise miss out on the credits and deductions they’ve earned.

To learn about our volunteer opportunities, visit www.aarpfoundation.org/taxaide or call 1-888-OUR-AARP (1-888-687-2277). AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is offered in coordination with the IRS.

Blue Zones Project events slated

The Blue Zones Project recently announced the following free events slated this month in Kailua-Kona.

On Friday, from noon-4 p.m., volunteers can join the Blue Zones Project by assisting in building 10 houses in 10 days during the Habitat for Humanity Blitz Build 2017. The site is located on Aupaka Place by Kealakehe High School.

A cooking demo and healthy potluck will take place from 6-7:30 p.m. Friday at Mokuaikaua Church. During the event, attendees will learn about healthy cooking recipes and share some of their own by bringing a healthy potluck item for all to try.

On Sept. 25, from 5-7 p.m., Blue Zones Project will host a “purpose workshop” at the Royal Kona Resort’s Discovery Room.

During the workshop, participants will find a clarity of purpose to live a more centered and vibrant life. They will discover their purpose and take home the tools to lead a more fulfilled life. The workshop is appropriate for all individuals age 15 years and older.

RSVP via email to kirstin.kahaloa@sharecare.com.