Hundreds attend Newbery Quiz Bowl
Nervous chatter filled the ballroom of the Westin Hapuna Resort as 21 teams and 250 spectators from all around the Big Island took their seats for the 30th annual Newbery Quiz Bowl, followed by a hush as the students listened for the Quizmaster to read the first of 30 questions. This celebration of literacy by student readers of 40 required Newbery Medal books was made even more special with the attendance and participation of the recipient of the 2018 Newbery Medal, Erin Estrada Kelly, for her young adult book entitled Hello, Universe.
As Quizmaster, Kelly entertained the participants between reading questions with jokes to lighten the atmosphere. After the Quiz Bowl, the participants received their Certificates of Achievement, prizes and a copy of Kelly’s latest published book, “You Go First,” each personally signed by her with their names.
Newbery Quiz Bowl, an annual Hawaii Island event started 30 years ago by two librarians, is designed to encourage young students in fourth through seventh grade to read quality literature provided by the Newbery Award winning books.
A big mahalo nui to more than 30 donors of funds, prizes and books, and to all the volunteers who make this wonderful Big Island event happen each year.
The 2019 top five teams are: 1st place: Laupahoehoe, 2nd place: Global Readers; 3rd place: Kamehameha Middle School; 4th place: Hilo Union; 5th place: Konawaena Elementary.
Waimea Toastmasters open house
All welcome, no charge, to the Waimea Toastmasters open house. The program will feature speeches and stories by our members on the meeting theme: Tales from Beyond the Comfort Zone. Light refreshments will be served.
The open house will be from 5:30-7 p.m. May 22 in the Jerry Nelson Conference Room at W.M. Keck Observatory, 65-1120 Mamalahoa Highway in Waimea. Toastmasters provides a supportive and fun learning environment where members develop strong communication and leadership skills.
Info: email admin@waimeatoastmasters.org, or visit www.waimeatoastmasters.org
Hamakua Harvest celebrates fourth annual Farm Festival
Hamakua Harvest, a growing educational and agricultural hub and weekly farmers’ market, will be celebrating their 4th annual Farm Festival from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday at their site at the intersection of Mamane Street and Mamalahoa Highway in Honokaa.
The festivities feature a 35-plus vendor farmers’ market and an all-day line-up of entertainment including a petting zoo, a silent auction, educational presentations, yard games, keiki activities, and ono food.
Farm Fest is the first Sunday in Western Week, a 60-year Honokaa community tradition including the Hawaii Saddle Club Rodeo, Paniolo Parade, Block Party, Saloon Girl Contest, and other activities celebrating Paniolo culture and history on Hawaii Island.
By popular request, Former County Council member Dominic Yagong will return as the festival’s emcee, introducing guests, prize winners, and fantastic activities throughout the day. Entertainment will include a hula presentation by the Hawaiian Cultural Center of Hamakua and live music, beginning with the Honokaa High School Jazz Band. Local experts will lead the festival’s educational sessions and cover topics such as seed-saving, biochar, rat lungworm disease, and soil health. Keiki activities include a petting zoo, face painting, and Keiki Learning Garden fun. The Farm Fest Shuttle will provide free transportation from the Honoka’a Rodeo Arena.
Hamakua Harvest welcomes the community to come support their favorite local farmers, hang out, listen to local musicians, meet neighborhood farmers and ranchers, and taste a variety of the Hamakua region’s artisanal food.
SNAP/EBT purchases are welcomed.
Volunteers are needed to help with parking, carpentry, keiki activities, and festival set-up.
Contact Mallion for more info at info@hamakuaharvest.org or 765-9373.
Taste of the Hawaiian Range gearing up
WAIMEA — Local food producers are invited to sell their products and agricultural-themed organizations can present educational exhibits at the 23rd Taste of the Hawaiian Range Agricultural Festival.
The event will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7 at the YMCA Minuke Ole Park behind Parker Ranch Center. Local youth groups are also invited to sell food and drinks.
The state’s premiere ag showcase offers a free, fun and educational outdoor festival geared for families before the ticketed evening Taste gala at the adjacent Old Kahilu Town Hall (Mana Christian Ohana). Participants with daytime booths need to purchase tickets to attend the evening gala.
Those interested in participating can apply online by Aug. 7. There is no on-site signup. Visit www.tasteofthehawaiianrange.com and click on Participants. For info, TasteAgFest@outlook.com.
Volunteers and sponsors are welcomed; contact Dr. Russell Nagata at rtnagata@gmail.com. For more information, visit www.TasteoftheHawaiianRange.com.