Raising Awareness and Funds for the Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation
Big Island community members have teamed with the Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation (MDF) to organize E ha ‘awi i ka mana’ olana (to give hope), a weekend of events and activities set for Nov. 9-10 on the Kohala Coast. All proceeds from the events go directly to MDF for research, developing therapies and finding a cure for myotonic dystrophy (DM).
A barbecue, 5 p.m. Nov. 9 at the Mauna Kea Beach Resort, will officially kick off the weekend. Saturday, starting at 8 a.m. bike enthusiasts of all levels are invited to participate in the Family Fun Bike Ride to Hawi. Then, later, Gala Under the Stars will begin at 5 p.m. at the Mauna Kea Beach Resort. The gala includes a cocktail reception, beachside dinner and live auction event with traditional Hawaiian food and entertainment, and an after-party with a DJ and dancing. The live auction features premium vacation experiences across the globe.
Costs for the events vary, inviting participation at any level. There will be lunch provided for the bike ride and bikes and electric bikes are available to rent. Please visit www.myotonic.org/2018-mdf-hawaii-gala-weekend or call Renee at 885-9581 for pricing information and details about the events.
BIRMA awards scholarship to
Kealakehe teen
The Big Island Retired Military Association presented its 2018 BIRMA-Mark Allen Traxler Memorial $2,000 scholarship award to Mingxia Hawkins, a Kealakehe High School graduate and one of 18 applicants for this year’s honor. At Kealakehe, she amassed a 4.0 plus GPA and was active in many school and extracurricular activities. Mingxia is now attending University of Hawaii-Hilo, planning to pursue a career in secondary education.
BIRMA awards annual scholarships to Hawaii Island high school seniors who are relatives of a retired, active duty, reserve, or National Guard member of the U.S. armed forces of the United States of America; are a current active member or veteran of any U.S. armed service, guard or reserve; and to those who have completed at least two years in a JROTC or Civil Air Patrol program at the time of application.
For more information, go to www.biretiredmilitary.org, contact your school counselor or call 935-1946.
All you can eat ice cream by Special Olympics
Special Olympics Big Island is selling All You Can Eat Ice Cream tickets for $5, to be held at the Hilton Waikoloa’s Ohana Christmas Craft Festival Nov. 24-25.
The Christmas Craft Festival at the Hilton Waikoloa has free parking and free entry for unique Christmas gifts, live entertainment, silent auction, football room, Santa Claus, food and more.
To purchase a ticket, call Special Olympics West Hawaii at (808) 756-2186 or Special Olympics East Hawaii at (360) 358-3783.
Makua Lani students speak with senate staff
Six students from Makua Lani Christian Academy met with staff members of Sen. Schatz and Sen. Hirono last Thursday in Honolulu. As representatives of the Alliance for Space Development, they argued for the need of federal support of NASA and the aerospace industry.
In the 45 minute meeting, they discussed the need for space defense from asteroids, the financial benefits to the Big Island in astronomy, R &D, and aerospace, and the positive effects on education. Although officially representing the Alliance for Space Development, they also spoke of the benefits and developments of PISCES, Keck Observatory, and the International MoonBase Alliance.
Sen. Hirono introduced herself, but did not take part in the meeting.
