Kona Historical Society features exhibits at West Hawaii Community Health Center
Kona Historical Society is opening three exhibits that highlight the agricultural and cultural history of Kona, on display at the West Hawaii Community Health Center in Kealakehe, 74-5214 Keanalehu Drive, through Sept. 27. The exhibits are free to the community.
“Kona Ranching &Kona Cowboys” shares the story of the successful arrival of the first cattle to Hawaii at Kealakekua Bay, and how Kona’s unique landscapes shaped the distinctive paniolo culture and lifestyle.
“From Deep Forest to Deep Sea: The Celebrated Koa of Kona” exhibits the community of skilled canoe builders, voyagers, fishermen and paddlers which emerged from the presence of Kona’s immense koa trees and a sea ideal for fishing, gathering, and travel.
“Gather &Grind: Kona Eats” is an ono exhibit sharing the delectable foods of Kona, from steak and crab to poi and opelu. The skills and innovative techniques used for harvesting and preparing these delicious dishes have been passed down for generations and continue to be practiced today.
“As a community health center we are proud to partner with the Kona Historical Society and provide a venue to promote our local history,” said Natasha Ala, director of marketing for WHCHC. “I’m sure many of our patients, and our staff, will know people in the pictures and feel pride in how their friends and families helped shape our community.”
Info: 323-3222 or visit www.konahistorical.org.
Calpito and Umeda named HCFCU employees of the year
Two outstanding Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union (HCFCU) employees were honored at the credit union’s 81st annual Membership Luncheon: assistant bookkeeper Cecilia “Ceci” Calpito and executive assistant Valerie Umeda were named 2017 Employees of the Year. The women were selected for this dual honor by HCFCU staff for exhibiting such personal and professional qualities as accountability, integrity, teamwork and a consistent commitment to service excellence.
Ceci has been with HCFCU for more than three years and was noted for her proactive nature, commitment to excellence, and teamwork. She was instrumental in helping to streamline many processes and procedures, which allowed her department to accomplish more tasks accurately and in a timely manner. Ceci also serves on a number of credit union committees and community sponsored events. Her dedication is admirable and appreciated by every person who works with her.
Valerie, who has been with HCFCU since 2015, supports the president/CEO, executive team, the volunteer board of Directors and the Supervisory Committee. In addition to her many day-to-day responsibilities, Valerie has generously taken on additional tasks, including serving on the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival Hoolaulea Planning Committee, and being instrumental in helping the credit union achieve Blue Zones Certification, which focuses on the overall health and well-being of the staff. These two women have been integral to the ongoing growth and success of the credit union, and they exemplify the service-oriented mindset of HCFCU.