Paleaku Gardens Peace Sanctuary announces open house
Paleaku Gardens Peace Sanctuary, a colorful oasis spread across 7 acres of manicured landscapes overlooking Kealakekua Bay, will host its open house on Saturday.
“Welcoming the Light” is the theme for this year’s open house in celebration of the summer Solstice, the longest day of the year. This is a free event and the public is welcome anytime between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to join in the activities or just walk the gardens.
Attendees will be greeted at the entrance gate by Shelly Mitchell inviting them in with a Native American smudging ritual to cleanse the mind of negative thoughts. It is done with the smoke from sage. Hand sanitizing will also be offered.
The day’s activities begin at 9:30 a.m. with Hooda teaching yoga for all levels and ages, followed at 10:45 a.m. by Sifu Jin An Wong who will guide visitors in Tai Chi Tao: “Short Form for Long Life.” These classes are at the open-air pavilion and are limited to 15 people per class..
At noon, Kumu Keala Ching, a Hawaiian composer, spiritual and cultural teacher, shares the chant “Illuminate the Self, Welcome the Light.” Visitors are invited to gather at the fire circle for an outside ceremony as Ching chants while incense sticks will be lit and shared.
At 2 p.m. join Marya Mann on the lawn for Yoga Flow “Light Heart, Bright Mind.”
The day’s activities end at 3:30 p.m. with Tobi Cain playing the “crystal bowls” known to reduce stress and anxiety, raise the immune system and restore normalcy to the body and soul. Cain is also offering a tea sampling featuring her special herbal tea blends in the covered open-air dining area starting at 4:30 p.m.
Throughout the day, visitors can shop at the open-air visitor center featuring local artists and farmers or browse a fruit stand filled with neighborhood fresh fruits, coffee, macadamia nuts and honey. Free coffee tasting will be provided by Kona Lisa Coffee Farms. Social distancing will be observed, and masks are needed when inside.
Paleaku is a nonprofit educational and cultural facility located at 83-5401 Painted Church Rd. in Captain Cook. For more information, visit www.paleaku.com or call (808) 328-8084.
VFW announces
Friday meal
The VFW Kona Post, located behind Kona Locksmith on Kaiwi Street, will host an early Father’s Day Dinner for its Friday meal. The meal will include meatloaf, mashed potatoes and gravy, buttered peas, biscuit and strawberry shortcake from 5 to 7 p.m. for $10.
Pre-orders can be made by calling 938-8815. Checks are acceptable. Masks are required for entrance. All veterans, their family, guests and the public are welcome and encouraged to support this only income source for the VFW.
For more information, contact Don Zero at (509) 879-1040.
