About Town | 7-14-14

Scenic Hawaii seeks nominations for best gardens

Nominations are now being accepted for the 12th annual Betty Crocker Landscape Awards sponsored by Scenic Hawaii.

The awards honor backyard and professional gardeners, groups, and individual projects that make a significant contribution to preserving or enhancing the natural beauty of the state.

Nominations are sought in four categories:

• Private individuals: passionate backyard and neighborhood gardeners who create beautiful green spaces on their own property.

• Professional: Landscape industry projects for individuals or businesses.

• Volunteers, community and nonprofit groups that undertake projects in public spaces, such as schools or vacant land.

• Xeriscape: gardens that feature drought tolerant plants and conservation of water.

To nominate a garden or landscape, write a short letter describing the project and submit at least five photographs that showcase the best features of the garden. Also submit complete contact information for the nominee/entry as well as the person nominating the garden.

Nominations can be submitted by email to bettycrockerawards@gmail.com or by mail to Betty Crocker Awards, c/o PBR Hawaii &Associates, 1001 Bishop St., Suite 650, Honolulu, HI 96813.

Deadline for nominations is Sept. 5. All winners will be announced and honored at an award ceremony at the Pacific Club on Oct. 20. Scenic Hawaii is a nonprofit group dedicated to promoting programs that protect Hawaii’s natural beauty, and preserve and enhance landscapes and streetscapes.

Fisheries Council meeting Thursday

The West Hawaii Fisheries Council meets from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday at the West Hawaii Civic Center. Scheduled are a presentation and discussion with Steve Holmes on the water quality issue off of Honokohau Harbor and Kaiwi Point. There will also be an internal discussion with members about several tasks they are undertaking. The meeting is open to the public.

The council is also looking for new members from the West Hawaii fishing community, including shoreline fishermen and recreational fishermen from various districts up and down the West Hawaii coastline.

For more information s or an application form, contact whfc@hawaii.rr.com.

Coffee and culinary food event is Saturday

The first-ever Roast &Roots food event will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday in Sheraton Kona Resort &Spa at Keauhou Bay’s Convention Center.

The family-friendly festival includes art and food booths, cooking demonstrations, competitions and all-day entertainment.

Hosted by Hawaii Coffee Association as part of its annual conference, the event includes a “Buy Local” marketplace, Coffee Corridor, a People’s Choice Cupping Contest, a “mystery box” demomstration by chef Sam Choy and the Chef-Student Culinary Competition. Performers include Mark Yamanaka, Kaleo Perry and Dennis Garcia in addition to a Raiatea Helm concert at 2 p.m.

Admission at the door is $5 per person, and free for anyone younger than 17. Tickets will not be sold in advance. For more information, contact Tracey Apoliona at mkc01@hawaii.rr.com, 960-3094 or visit Facebook.com/RoastandRoots.

VFW auxiliary meeting Saturday

The Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 12122, will meet at 11:30 a.m. Saturday at the Veterans Center on Makala Boulevard. This will be the last meeting at the present location before relocating.

For more information, contact Beverly Skarnes at 329-6261.

Soils health workshop planned in Hilo

The Waiakea and Puna Soil and Water Conservation Districts are partnering with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service to host a soils health workshop in Hilo. The event is open to the community and is scheduled from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Friday at the Aupuni Center conference room on 101 Pauahi St. Seats are limited. To register or for accommodations to participate, contact Jennifer at 933-8350.