This calendar is prepared by Patti Cook on behalf of Waimea Community Association (WCA). To include community events in this calendar, email [email protected]. Deadline for information: Saturday please! For complete calendar, go to www.WaimeaTown.org.

IMPORTANT COMMUNITY EVENTS:

IMPORTANT – CONSTRUCTION WORK ON MAMALAHOA HIGHWAY OF ADA SIDEWALKS, DRY WELL, ETC: Work starts this week and will continue for several months. Dry well to be dug in Mamalahoa Highway roadway fronting Thelma Parker Gym, causing some lane closures but one lane of traffic will be maintained in both directions at all times. Lighted signs posted as work progresses. Work from 7 a.m. but will confine lane closures to 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Goodfellow Bros. doing the work for the County using federal ARRA funds. Hotline for info/updates: 887-0381.

CONFERENCE TO DEVELOP SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT SERVICES AND EARLY CHILDHOOD INTERVENTIONS: 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Thursday, March 31. At HPA’s Gates Performing Arts Center. One of three conferences being held throughout the state featuring Dr. Ira Chasnoff with Children’s Research Triangle, and Kathleen Tavenner Mitchell, MHS and international spokesperson for the National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. Dr. Chasnoff is one of the nation’s leading researchers in the field of prenatal exposure to alcohol and illicit drugs and the development of trauma-informed intervention strategies for substance-exposed newborns and children. The conference series will help design a gender-specific support and treatment services that honor Hawai’i’s unique culture and the needs of women and their families. $40. To register, go to www.ntiupstream.com (then click on Store) or email [email protected], or call (877) 500-5726.

SCHOOL READINESS ‘GARDEN OF THE MIND’ PROGRAM IN WAIKOLOA: 9-11 a.m., Thursdays, March 31 and April 7. At the Waikoloa Bookmobile next to Waikoloa Village tennis courts. Sponsored by The Friends of the Library of the Waikoloa Region, this program combines preschool literacy with basic gardening concepts and techniques. Space limited to first 20 applicants. Info: Michele Ott (883-9773)

MARCH 31 DEADLINE FOR MERRIMAN’S CULINARY SCHOLARSHIPS: Available for up to three full-time students at Hawai’I Community College or graduating high school seniors in need of financial aid. Must enroll as a full-time student with the food service program at either the Hilo campus or the UH Center at West Hawai’i. $1,050 per student. Interested students should see school counselor or contact Leny Andrade (885-6822) or email: [email protected].

13 GRANDMOTHERS PACIFICA BIG ISLAND CIRCLE GATHERING: March 31 – April 2. Kilauea Military Camp (KMC) at Volcano. A 3-day event featuring the Big Island 13 Grandmothers who come together for workshops, excursion, teachings and healing ceremony. All are invited, children can come Saturday. $100/pp for event, includes 3-night dorm stay. Day passes available at $20/pp. For more info: www.13grandmotherspacifica.org or email [email protected]. Or contact Waimea’s Maya Yonting-Dornes (938-4476).

NHERC SPRING 2011 ‘LIFELONG LEARNING’ CLASSES: Info & to register: 775-8890 or email [email protected]. New business hours: 7:45 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday. Annual computer lab fee is now $50. Coming classes include:

* Hula Aerobics with Lopaka Bukoski – Friday, April 1-15, 5-6:30 p.m. – $40

* Intro to Native Hawaiian Plants with Lopaka Bukoski – Saturday, April 2-16, 10 a.m.- Noon – $50

* MS Word 2010 – Beyond the Basics with Diane Koani – Monday, May 9-23, 6-7:30 p.m. $35 + $15 materials fee.

NA LEO PILIMEHANA AT QUEENS’ MARKETPLACE: Friday, April 1. Waikoloa Bowl. Doors open at 6 p.m. Concert at 7. Featuring Nalani Choy, Lehua Kalima Heine and Angela Morales who as high school seniors in 1984′s “Brown Bags to Stardom” ignited music charts with hit original song “Local Boys,” which is still the best-selling single in Hawai’i history. The group released their 25th Anniverary Collection in 2009 and continue to be immensely poular. Tickets: $20/adults, $5/keiki ages 5 to 12 at Ticketmaster online and Ticketmaster outlets at Wal-Mart in Hilo and Kona, or Persimmon at Queens’ MarketPlace. No coolers please.

HAWAI’I HIGH SCHOOL RODEO ASSOCIATION SEASON CONTINUES: Saturday-Sunday, April 2-3. Parker Ranch Arena-Waimea. Promotes the sport of rodeo, sportsmanship, paniolo heritage, land and animal stewardship and youth scholarship. Each island has keiki, junior high and high school divisions. Junior High and high school competitors compete in their district and then at the state level here in Waimea, then the top four in each event has an opportunity to compete nationally, Generally, rodeos are the first weekend of the month with Keiki (Grades K-5) and Junior High (6-8) on Saturday beginning at 8 a.m., and High School (9-12) from 8 a.m. on Sunday. Admission free; donations welcome and concessions support the program. Info: 776-1693 or 938-1496. Future dates: May 7-8 (District Finals), and June 10-12 (State Finals).

SMALL WORLD PRESCHOOL BENEFIT GOLF TOURNAMENT: Saturday, April 2. Hapuna Beach Prince Golf Course. Celebrating the school’s 30th anniversary. 2-person Best Ball. Entry fee $125 per player/$250 team. Entry blanks available at the school or call 885-4388. Entry deadline: March 21.

NEW HOPE WAIMEA’S ‘INDOOR SWAP MEET’: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., Saturday, April 2 and the first Saturday of every month. Many schools, groups/organizations, and individuals utilize the gym, and proceeds from this monthly marketplace benefit the Gymnasium Improvement Fund at New Hope Waimea. Bring a friend and shop for antiques, unique collectables, crafts, clothes, books, food, art, rummage, jewelry, toys and more. Vendor space still available and reasonable. For vendor information please call Skip @ 989-4422 or email [email protected].

KAMEHAMEHA SCHOOLS ALUMNI GATHERING WITH DR. MICHAEL CHUN: 11 a.m., Saturday, April 2. Hualalai Academy’s Bridge Building, Kailua-Kona. Dr. Chun, who has been President of KS’s Kapalama Campus since 1988 and a 1961 graduate of the school, will provide an update on the Kapalama Campus. Light refreshments. Info and to RSVP: Sharon Goodman (895-1817).

BIG ISLAND HORSE TRAINING HUI PRESENTS ‘HORSE WHISPERER’ DICK FRAZIER CLINICS: Several 2-day workshops (April 2-3) at ranch in Pe’epekeo. There is a charge. Info: Kate Deffebach (896-6975) or email: [email protected].

LET WORMS DO THE WORK IN YOUR GARDEN: A FREE VERMICOMPOSTING WORKSHOP: 10 a.m. – noon, Saturday, April 2. At Mala’ai: The Culinary Garden of Waimea Middle School. Presenter Dr. Norman Q. Arancon, PhD, is one of the country’s leading “worm guys” – aka vermiculturists. He was wooed to UH-Hilo to boost its sustainable agriculture research and support for local farming and gardening after having studied under Dr. Clive Edwards, now retired, but who at the time was the world’s authority on vermiculture as a technology to manage organic waste and produce soil amendments that allow farmers and gardeners to move away from chemical fertilizers. Presented by Mala’ai school garden’s weekly Crop Share, which runs from 12:30-3 p.m. every Saturday. For the Crop Share, school-community families and friends are invited to bring surplus produce from their home garden or farm to exchange with other community members. You don’t have to bring produce to participate. At the end of each Crop Share, excess food is donated to Waimea food pantries. Questions: Contact Nicole Milne – Emial : [email protected] or (808) 987-9210.

KAWAIHAE LOCAL RESOURCE COUNCIL MONTHLY MEETING: 2-4 p.m., Sunday, April 3. Everyone invited to all KLRC’s monthly meetings, which are held at the Hamakua Macadamia Nut Factory. When coming from Kawaihae on Akoni Pule Hwy, turn right (mauka) onto Maluokalani Street (approx .6 from the intersection) and follow it around until you see yellow sign for the mac nut factory. Go up the driveway. The meeting is in the visitor center. Info: UH Sea Grant 329-2861.

WAIMEA NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS WEEKLY MEETING: 5:30 p.m., Saturdays. At Mama’s House Thrift Store – next to Napa Auto Parts on Mamalahoa Highway. Everyone welcome.

DON’T MISS NEW PIKO GALLERY EXHIBIT: Features Hawaiian Artists of Waimea, including Marie McDonald, Roen Hufford, Leo Mills, Buttons Lovell, Pomai Bertelmann, Tootsie Berdon, Lani Yamasaki, Keoki Carter, Stella Akana, Eva Kealamakia, Dean Ka’ahanui, Kathi Foster, Val Hanohano and many more. Features a dramatic collection of diverse media pieces – from weaponry to jewelry, from traditional to contemporary. Free and everyone invited. The gallery, located in the back of Parker Ranch Center next to Lilikoi Café is open from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

APPLY NOW FOR HOEA’S STUDIO PROGRAM: HOEA – Hawaiian ‘Ohana for Education in the Arts – is accepting applications from artists 17 years and older for their 2011 Native Hawaiian Art Education Project. The HOEA Program consists of a four-week Summer and two-week Winter Studio Program, the Business of Art Workshop, and the HOEA Art Market. For more information and to download the application you may log onto www.khf-hoea.org or email [email protected].

TIME TO BEGIN PLANNING FOR SUMMER: WAIMEA MIDDLE SCHOOL OFFERS ‘SUMMER JUMP START’ EXCLUSIVELY FOR ITS INCOMING 6TH, 7TH AND 8TH GRADERS: June 13-July 13 – 20 days (no classes July 4). To help students get a head start on the next school year, the program will include “Middle School 101″ – organizational skills, note taking, computer basics and health tips as well as math and reading skill building. Also includes free morning bus transportation for students normally eligible for busing, and free breakfast and lunch daily. Program concludes at 12:15 p.m. There will be a modest charge and program is exclusively for the school’s incoming students. More information available by April 15. Info: Call WMS (887-6090 Ext. 252).

19th ANNUAL FREE AARP TAX-AIDE IN WAIMEA: Now through April 18. On Mondays and Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. except February 21 (a federal holiday). At DLNR Hunter Education Building on Lalamilo Road in the farm lots. Service is for low-income and elderly clients with simple taxes; no farming, ranching, fishing or clergy. Taxpayers should bring last year’s tax papers, all W-2s and 1099s and other evidence of income; mortgage, medical, and other deductible expenses; social security cards for each person on their tax and photo ID. Call Marge (987-6340) to make an appointment.

‘RANCHING IN HAWAII’ PRESENTATION BY BOYD D. BOND: 6:30 p.m., Monday, April 4. North Kohala Public Library in Kapa’au. This talk concludes a 3-part series that Bond offers in the library each winter. Earlier programs included “Building the Hawaiian Kingdom,” and “The Great Mahele.” Bond’s knowledge of Hawaii’s history stems from his academic studies and from a lifetime spent in Hawai’i as a 6th generation descendent of early western settlers. He was raised in a sugar plantation family, living on plantations throughout the state. “Many of the stories of Hawai’i’s history are also our family stories.” Free and everyone invited. Contact the library 3 weeks in advance if a sign language interpreter or other special accommodation is required. Info: 889-6655.

EAST COAST SWING CLASSES: Monday evenings at Waimea School Cafeteria. Current series of classes began March 7. Presented by Waimea Ballroom Dance Club. Level II ECS lessons. Lessons at 7 p.m. for an hour followed by a practice mixer. $15 for 6 weeks plus $15 annual dues for new members. No partner necessary. Angel Prince, instructor. Info: Peter In (885-4776).

SPECIAL TUTU’S HOUSE PRESENTATION WITH DR. MICHEL ODENT: 3:30-5:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 5. Dr. Odent is an internationally respected physician and founder of the London-based Primal Health Research Centre specializing in fetal life, the perinatal period and the year following birth. Widely published, his work ranges from detecting correlations between states of health in adulthood, adolescence and childhood to childbirth and the time inutero. In the ’70s, he introduced the concepts of home-like birthing rooms and birthing pools into maternity hospitals. He is known for turning traditional questions around, such as “How do we develop good health?” rather than, “How do we prevent disease?” Everyone welcome to his talk. RSVP please if possible: 885-6777.

‘TANGO EXTRAVAGANZA’ HPAF BENEFIT RELOCATED TO HAPUNA BEACH PRINCE HOTEL: 7 p.m., Tuesday, April 5. A pre-season benefit for the Hawai’i Performing Arts Festival’s 2011 season, this fundraiser will celebrate the 90th birthday of late Astor Piazzolla, Argentina’s premier composer of Nuevo Tango. Will feature Violinist Iggy Jang, Grammy-award winner bandoneon player Raul Jaurena, pianist Alfredo Minetti, and Tony-award winning dancers Guillermo Merlo and Fernanda Ghi, who will be joined by Hawai’i guitarist Jeff Peterson and bassist John Gallagher. Doors open: 6 p.m. Local tango dancers invited to dance from 6:30-7 p.m. Tickets $40/person, $75/couple. Information/ticket order: ww.hawaiiperformingartsfestival.org, or call 333-7378.

WAIMEA COMMUNITY EDUCATION CLASSES: For full list of classes, hours, cost and instructor information, go to www.waimeaeducation.com. Some classes weekly including Zumba with instructor Susan Griley. Monday and Fridays at 8:15 a.m. and Fridays at 5:30 p.m. $5 per class. Some of WCE’s upcoming classes include:

* Dagan Bernstein presents Adult ‘Ukulele 2 beginning Wed., April 6. Both classes run for 4 weeks at WCE from 6-7:30 p.m. ($65). Call Dagan at 885-8095 with questions.

* Introduction to Excel with new instructor Frances Rieha: Thursdays, April 7 to April 28, 6-8 p.m. at the Parker School Computer Lab ($95).

ANNA RANCH HERITAGE CENTER NEEDS VOLUNTEERS: To help perpetuate the vision of the late Anna Lindsey Perry Fiske, volunteers will be trained to assist with the center’s youth education programs as well as visitors. They ask for a few hours each week. Info: Kay Kammerzell (885-4426).

NEW WEDNESDAY FARMERS MARKET AT ANNA RANCH: 1-5 p.m. weekly. A great solution for those who run out of fresh local produce mid-week and/or can’t make it to the Saturday morning markets. Features fresh produce, plants, baked goods, jams and jellies, sauces, juices, Hamakua and Koa coffees, local tea, bedding and landscape plants, local crafts and massage. Interested vendors, call Anna Ranch (885-4426) or email Vicki at [email protected].

NOTE LOCATION CHANGE – WAIMEA COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION MONTHLY TOWN MEETING AT HOEA’S PIKO GALLERY (FORMER PARKER RANCH MUSEUM – BACK OF PARKER RANCH CENTER NEXT TO LILIKOI CAFÉ): 5:15 p.m., Thursday, April 7 and the first Thursday of most months but usually in Waimea School cafeteria. Everyone invited. Meeting will spotlight the artistic, cultural and economic significance of this still-new fine arts school and gallery to Waimea and North Hawai’i and include several artists of Waimea featured in the current exhibit and how this school is being used by other Waimea schools to integrate art and cultural lessons into standards-based curriculum and learning. As always for WCA Town Meetings, donations for Waimea food pantries requested and project chair Elaine Warner will "Pass the Hat" preferably for checks or cash to enable pantry staff to purchase fresh fruit, vegetables and other essentials for families in need. Also, hot coffee provided by Starbucks-Waimea for all meetings. Donations welcome for the coffee which are given to the food pantry too. Info: Sherman Warner (885-1725).

FREE COLLEGE-BOUND COUNSELING FOR WAIMEA FAMILIES: From 5-7 p.m. every Wednesday evening through April in the Thelma Parker Library Meeting Room with Nancy Honda. Will provide help for families with high school students needing financial assistance for college or trade school. Mrs. Honda shares not only what is available in the way of scholarships, grants and financial assistance, but also how to write a resume and an introductory letter, etc. Drop by the library during this time for information and to schedule a personal appointment.

UH HILO’S COLLEGE CREDIT COURSES AT NHERC/HONOKA’A – FALL 2011: Begin week of Aug. 22 through Dec. 16. Local UH-Hilo students encouraged to register now; new student applications due July 1. Community members and high school students may also enroll through the first week of courses. Info: NHERC (775-8890) or go to www.uhh.hawaii.edu/academics/nherc/. All courses can be applied toward UH-Hilo general education requirements. Live, in-person classes include:

* Math 121 – Intro Stats and Prob – Tuesday / Thursday 2 – 3:15 p.m.

University 101 – Fresh Experience (WI) – Tuesday / Thursday 10:30 – 11:45 a.m.

* Sociology 100 – Principles of Sociology – Monday 5-8 p.m. (at Kanu o ka Aina in Waimea)

* History 151 – World History: To 1500 AD – Thursday 4-6:45 p.m.

Hawaiian Language 101 – Elementary Hawaiian I – Tuesday / Wed. 5-6:30 p.m.

* Biology 101 – General Biology – Tuesday 6-8:45 p.m.

IMPORTANT – ANUENUE PLAYGROUND – WAIMEA COMMUNITY CALL TO ACTION: Initial attention will focus on keiki safety — pressure washing, sanding, sealing, decking and seating repairs, fencing repair/replacement, post replacement. Will need a wide array of skills, tools, materials & financial support. Go to www.WaimeaTown.org, for more details. This project is being coordinated by Waimea Community Association and Waimea Preservation Association in partnership with Hawaii County Parks & Rec staff, and with kokua from North Hawai’i Rotary and Waimea Outdoor Circle. Everyone’s help and generosity needed. Info: Sherman Warner (885-1725), Alex Woodbury (640-1566), Bill Sanborn (895-1122).

EXTENSIVE CLASSES OFFERED AT KOHALA’S NEW ‘LEARNING CENTER’: Go to www.KohalaLearning.org for full class roster and how to register. A project sponsored by the North Kohala Community Resource Center for all ages. There is a charge for some programs. Info: www.kohalalearning.org. .

KAWAIHAE WATERSHED PARTNERSHIP WORK DAY: Saturdays, April 9 & 23, and May 14 & 28. Meet at 8:30 a.m. at Parker Square and return by 3 p.m. Snacks, tools and protective gloves provided. Bring water and lunch. RSVP preferred by email to: [email protected]. This helps assure sufficient tools, plants, etc. Wear sturdy shoes and come prepared for sun, mist, wind or rain. Info: www.kohalacenter.org/pelekaneblog.

‘HO’OKAHI HANELI’ CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF BOY SCOUTING: 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturday, April 9. Makaeo Pavilion (Old Kona Airport Park). Includes camping, cooking demonstrations, make and take projects, Cub Scout Pinewood Derby races, special guests including former NFL Redskin David Bowden and Ellison Onizuka’s Scoutmaster Norman Sakata. Also special “Show n’ Shine” of Classic Cars, Rods, VWs, and sports cars. All scouts and their families and friends invited.

MAUNA KEA QUILTERS MONTHLY MEETING: 9:30 a.m. – Noon, Saturday, April 9 and 2nd Saturday of every month in the Thelma Parker Memorial Library Meeting Room. This patchwork quilters group enjoys sharing their love of quilting with others. They begin monthly meetings with a short business session and show and tell. The group generously contributes quilts to support a variety of community organizations and also have provided quilts to the police/fire department and North Hawaii Community Hospital for those in need and at Christmas they make quilted stockings and quilts for needy children. Info: Becky Parkinson (937-2159).

‘KA ULU ANA: SECURING OUR FUTURE’ CHILI & SALAD CHALLENGE: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Saturday, April 9. Kohala Intergenerational Center. Sponsored by Ka Hana No`eau to support food resilience. Both the chili and salad contests will feature locally raised products — grass-fed ground beef and salad greens raised by Ka Hana No`eau students as part of their Animal Husbandry and Sustainable Gardening mentorship programs. The Chili Challenge will feature ten teams including Dwight Takamine, Russell Kokubun, Rep. Jerry Chang, Rep. Clift Tsuji, Councilman Dennis Onishi, David Shiigi, Edgar – Eddie O – Ombac of the LAVA 105.3 / KOA Country, Cheryl and Clinton Imaia of CSC Café, Jason Verdun of Zest Kitchen, Bob Martin and Karen Rosen with Kohala Coffee Mill, Ted Matsuda, David Fuertes and Danny Goya of the Partners In Development Foundation. Entries welcome for the best salad dressing in town contest. Info and to enter, contact Erika Cedillos (884-5838) by March 31. Events that day also include informational booths and demonstrations including poi punding and cooking by Chef Sam Choy. Entertainment to feature Cyril Pahinui, Taiko drumming by Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko Kohala/Waimea. A $5 donation covers admission and taste testing privileges along with a bowl of rice for your chili samplings.

19th BIENNIAL HPA SCHOLARSHIP AUCTION: Saturday, April 9. Fairmont Orchid Resort. Tickets $150 per person and table sponsorships still available. This event was the brainchild of the late Anna Lindsey Perry-Fiske. The 2007 and 2009 auctions raised more than $1 million combined to benefit the school’s financial aid program. 100% of the proceeds go directly to HPA students. Auction items include a Jules Tavernier’s 1887 oil on canvas of Halema’uma’u Crater; a D. Howard Hitchcock oil on canvas, titled Honu’apo Bay, a Lloyd Sexton oil on canvas of Waimanalo from Bellows Beach; a Lionel Walden oil on canvas of Moonlight Over the Ocean; an original painting by Martha Greenwell, and works by Jean Charlot, Hon-Chew Hee, Huc-Mazelet Luquiens, Horatio Nelson Poole, Shirley Russell, Harry Wishard and John Young. Also antique and modern koa furniture and bowls and vacation packages. Items can be previewed online at http://www.hpa.edu/auction. Info or tickets, call Keawe Liu (881-4044) or by e-mail [email protected].

‘GARDENING FOR GREATER NUTRITION’ ENCORE TALK BY DR. JANA BOGS: 3 p.m., Sunday, April 10. Artesia in Hawi. A reprise of this nutritionist/horticulturist’s well-attended presentation in February. Will include Q&A. Free and community invited. Artesia is located just before the transfer station on the opposite (right) side of the road. Info: Dr. Bogs (938-9888).

WAIMEA HAWAIIAN CIVIC CLUB MONTHLY MEETING: 6 p.m., April 10 and 2nd Sunday of every month. Imiola Church Laiana Hall. (Note: This is a change in meeting days from 2010.) Potluck follows. President: Maulili Dickson (987-9378).