Friends of NELHA awarded grant for student tours
Friends of NELHA awarded grant for student tours
The nonprofit Friends of the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority (FON) was recently awarded a $5,000 grant by the Kona Brewers Festival to fund tours for Hawaii Island students.
In 2016, FON presented tours to more than 1,300 students.
FON Executive Director Candee Ellsworth said the grant will fund up to 250 free student tours with a matching discount through FON.
Free student tours are on a first-come, first-serve basis. Hawaii school administrators or educators seeking a student tour can contact Ellsworth for details and availability.
The Kona Brewers Festival, now in its 22nd year, has donated $965,000 to Hawaii environmental, cultural and youth programs. The goal this year is to distribute $100,000 to 22 nonprofits.
FON offers three different weekday tours for the public. Info: www.friendsofnelha.org, 329-8073.
Food Basket raising funds for new vehicles
Hawaii Island’s Food Bank is seeking the community’s support during its New Year, New Wheels campaign, an effort to raises funds to replace worn out and unrepairable vehicles.
In 2016, The Food Basket traveled over 130,000 miles picking up and delivering over 1.4 million pounds of food. The five vehicles being used by The Food Basket, which include only one model made within the past decade, are not mechanically reliable enough to cover The Food Basket’s 4,028-square mile service area and often requires staff to use their own vehicles for deliveries.
Maintenance costs and rental expenses are rising sharply to compensate for out of service vehicles.
Funds raised through the campaign will be used to acquire a new box truck and cargo van for The Food Basket, both of which would have refrigeration. The Food Basket is aiming to reach its $150,000 goal by July 31 in order to have these vehicles in use by the end of the year.
To donate, visit GoFundMe.com/TheFoodBasket or HawaiiFoodBasket.org.
Many vaccinated for Hepatitis A due for second dose
In August 2016, the Hawaii Department of Health identified raw scallops imported from the Philippines as the source of the hepatitis A outbreak, which sickened hundreds of Hawaii residents. According to data from the Hawaii Immunization Registry, healthcare providers reported 90,259 hepatitis A vaccinations were administered in the state between July and November 2016.
DOH is recommending those who are due for their second dose of the hepatitis A vaccine contact their healthcare provider or pharmacy to schedule a vaccination appointment. If choosing to be vaccinated at a pharmacy, the public is encouraged to return to the same pharmacy that administered their first dose of vaccine to receive their second dose. Those not returning to the same location should provide documentation of their first dose, if possible, and contact their physician if a prescription is needed.
To locate a vaccinating pharmacy or clinic, visit health.hawaii.gov/docd/where-to-get-your-adult-and-flu-vaccinations/ or call the Aloha United Way information and referral line at 2-1-1.
Info: health.hawaii.gov/docd/dib/disease/hepatitis-a/.
Gamer day at library
Kailua-Kona Public Library will host Good Gamer Day from 3:30-5 p.m. Tuesday.
Attendees will learn what it takes to be a good gamer and meet other good gamers. This program is limited to the first 20 children and their adult caregivers. Pick up a ticket in the Children’s Section 20 minutes before the event or make reservations at www.librarieshawaii.org.
The program is suitable for ages 6-11.
Info or to request special accommodation: 327-4327.
Dance class for Parkinson’s patients continues
The winter series of Hawaii Dance for Parkinson’s will continue for three more weeks. The class is offered from 1-2:15 p.m. Wednesdays at Hale Halawai, 76-6224 Alii Drive.
The class is free. Drop ins are encouraged. Dance experience is not necessary and all levels can start at any time in the series. Caregivers, family and friends are welcome.
The class will be taught by Dr. Marie Snyder who is a Wertheimer Fellow of Dance for PD. The class empowers those afflicted with Parkinson’s disease to enjoy movement, music and dance.
Info: marie@isnyders.com, (609) 577-2349.
Free movie day Wednesday
Elderly Recreation Services and the Big Island Film office will hold a free movie day at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the West Hawaii Civic Center in County Council Chambers, Building A. This month’s movie will be “Loving.”
Info: Elderly Recreation Services, 323-4340.