For more information, visit agleaderhi.org or contact the foundation’s executive director, Kim Coffee-Isaak, at 947-2914 or kim@agleaderhi.org.
Program offers paint makeover for a school
Ace Hardware had kicked off of its Helpful Hands campaign, a nationwide contest awarding paint makeovers to one deserving high school in each of the 50 states. Partnering with its retailers across the country, Ace will give the winning high schools a $2,000 paint makeover along with a day of labor from community volunteers.
The program was developed to help schools discover that a new coat of paint does more than add color to the walls; it marks a new beginning, boosts spirits and establishes pride where it is needed the most. Unfortunately, such physical improvements can fall to the wayside during a downturn economy and ensuing budget cuts.
Contest entries must be submitted online at acehardware.com/HelpfulHands by May 31. To participate, entrants must submit a completed application form, a 100- to 150-word essay explaining why the nominated high school deserves a paint makeover and a video of 60 seconds or less or three photos showcasing the area in need. Entries will be judged based on the school’s need for a paint makeover, as well as the emotional significance of the essay and visuals submitted in the entry materials. All nominated schools must be state or federally accredited and have not-for-profit status. The paint makeover can take place in any area of the school designated for student use, such as a cafeteria, gym or classroom.
The winning schools will be announced in September and local Ace retailers and community volunteers will join forces to complete the makeovers later in the fall. In addition to the winning schools, Ace will identify a runner-up in each state to receive a $500 Ace gift card to put toward its own paint makeover.
Fruit growers group to discuss growing spices
The next meeting of Hawaii Tropical Fruit Growers will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Monday, May 17, at the University of Hawaii Experiment Station in Kainaliu across from Aloha Theater. Nonmembers are welcome to attend.
Members will discuss the growing of common and unusual spices in West Hawaii, including black pepper, nutmeg, sansho, cinnamon, cardamom and others.
Members are asked to bring fruit and spice for sampling.
For more information, contact Brian Lievens at 895-8753 or greenwizard@hawaii.rr.com or Ken Love at 323-2417 or kenlove@kona.net.
Agriculture leadership training to be offered
The Agricultural Leadership Foundation of Hawaii has opened recruitment for its new class of leadership training. Applicants statewide are sought for the 16-month Agricultural Leadership Program geared for promising leaders from Hawaii’s agricultural, natural resources management and rural community sectors. Recruitment information and application forms are posted at agleaderhi.org.
The application deadline is July 2. The program will commence in September and conclude in December. The foundation will hold an informational meeting from 7 to 8:30 p.m. June 9 at Christ Church Episcopal’s community center, 81-1004 Konawaena School Road, Kealakekua. Call Garrett Webb at 960-3650 for more information. Program leaders will be at the meeting to answer questions and discuss details and personal experiences relating to the Agricultural Leadership Program.
The program is composed of a series of six seminars and a two-week national trip. The four-day seminars are held around the state about every eight weeks. The core curriculum includes training in group process, facilitation and strategic planning led by Donna Ching of the University of Hawaii. Educational field trips to farms, ranches, aquaculture and ag-forestry businesses, nurseries, watershed protection areas, cultural projects and other rural community endeavors are also essential to the program. The national trip includes one week in Washington to study national and international issues, and one week in another state of the class’ choice to be exposed to agricultural and rural community systems.
Tuition is $4,000, which is roughly one-quarter of the estimated value of the program. Scholarships are available for applicants with financial hardships.
For more information, visit agleaderhi.org or contact the foundation’s executive director, Kim Coffee-Isaak, at 947-2914 or kim@agleaderhi.org.