About Town 9-14-13

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Magic intensive for youths planned

Magic intensive for youths planned

“Creative Magic Intensive” for students ages 10 to 15 will be held from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Oct. 7 through 11 at the Society for Kona’s Education and Art.

The five-day, hands-on workshop incorporates magic and stage techniques, scene painting, tricks, props, secrets, video production and more, with Arneleo the Great Rabin, Barry “The Great Barusky” Gitelson, Michael Navatta and Bruce and Jennifer Meyers. Space is limited to 20 students and tuition is $45 per week or $35 for society family membership. There is an early bird discount of $10 for those registering by Oct. 1 and scholarships are available. The Hele On bus from the north stops at SKEA around 9:45 a.m.

The society’s building is located in Honaunau on Mamalahoa Highway between mile markers 105 and 106. Visit skea.org or call 328-9392 for more information or to register. It is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.

This event is funded by Cooke Foundation Ltd., Hawaii State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, Hawaii Hotel and Lodging Association Charity Walk, Big Island Magic Club and the Teunisse Breese Rabin Scholarship Fund.

Denning’s ‘Splintered Light,’ a gold winner

Paauilo author Lee Denning’s third novel “Splintered Light” was recently named a 2013 Global Ebook Awards gold winner. Much of the novel is set in a fictional enclave in Waimanu Valley, north of Waipio on Hawaii Island.

In Denning’s paranormal tale, Eva comes of age as the first of a new species of human. A near-god, she is forced into the role of a reluctant second coming of Christ. The outside world reacts violently. Eva’s inner world implodes with personal betrayal by a charismatic televangelist. Terrible choices confront her need to save an evolving humanity.

Denning’s novel has been a winner or finalist in four other contests in 2013. This is the final book of his Nova sapiens trilogy, following “Monkey Trap” and “Hiding Hand.”

Habitat for Humanity seeks volunteers

Every Habitat for Humanity affiliate in Hawaii will complete a project for the statewide Hawaii Habitat 2013 Build-A-Thon this weekend. The local affiliate will attempt to finish four critical home repairs between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. today at Kuhio Village, Hawaiian Homes in Waimea. Thirty volunteers are needed. Lunch will be provided. Call Erin at the HFH West Hawaii office at 331-8010.

Scout leader
Mandaquit honored

Shelley Mandaquit of Pack 12 and Troop 59 was honored with a certificate of appreciation from Gov. Neil Abercrombie for more than 14 years of service. Pack 12 and Troop 59 are sponsored by the Kona Hongwanji.

Mandaquit was presented the proclamation by Barbara Dalton, representing the governor, during the annual Cub Day Camp in June.

N. Kohala library
hosts book groups

North Kohala Public Library hosts book discussion groups for adults. Both programs are open to all interested readers and meet monthly.

The Whole Life Book Club meets for the first time at 11 a.m. Tuesday, with future meetings planned the third Tuesday of the month. The group will focus on books related to health, spirituality and personal growth. The first book the group will read is “Anastasia” by Vladimir Megre. A limited number of copies are available at the library.

The other group meets at 11 a.m. the second Tuesday of the month.

Contact the library at 889-6655 to register, request a book or learn more about the groups.

Kona Toastmasters meeting Tuesday

Kona Toastmasters meets at 6 p.m. the first and third Tuesday of the month at the old Borders location on the corner of Queen Kaahumanu Highway and Henry Street in Kailua-Kona. Toastmasters helps members think on their feet, speak confidently and listen effectively. Participants learn communication and leadership skills in a supportive environment.

For more information, call Lynn Bell at 989-7494.

Puuhonua park trail, picnic area closed Wednesday

The picnic area and the 1871 Trail will be closed to all Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park visitors between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. Wednesday. During the closure, a helicopter will be used to remove vegetation and drop off supplies and equipment in remote areas of the park.

Votes could get Arc
of Kona solar system

Islandwide Solar LLC of Kailua-Kona is sponsoring the Arc of Kona in Kealekekua in a contest to win a $25,000 solar system. The contest is sponsored by Enphase, an inverter manufacturer that is giving a $25,000 solar system to a nonprofit in Hawaii. Islandwide Solar would install the system.

Anyone who would like to assist Arc of Kona in winning the system can vote through Sept. 30 at enphase.com/mahalohawaii.

For more information, call Brooke Bohnhoff at 990-9447.

‘Big Library Read’ begins Monday

The Hawaii State Public Library System will participate in the Big Library Read program Monday through Sept. 30. The program provides libraries and young readers unlimited access to a popular title for a two-week period, creating a virtual, global book club. “Nancy Clancy, Super Sleuth” by Jane O’Connor, this year’s title, will be available in ebook and audiobook formats at librarieshawaii.org. Using a valid library card, readers will be able to access the book via computer and mobile devices. Visit the website for more information.