About Town 2-27-14

Free clothing exchange held for teen girls and women

“Bring A Bag, Take A Bag” is the theme of a free clothing exchange for teen girls and women at Grace Community Church, 74-4889 Palani Road in Kailua-Kona.

Attendees may come and go between 9 a.m. and noon Saturday. Participants should bring clothes to share that are in new or nearly new condition, without stains or tears. Teen girls and women’s clothing, shoes, purses, jewelry and other accessories have made this event a huge success for the past 20 years. Dressing rooms are available, or wear a bathing suit under your clothes for trying on as you shop. This is a girls-only event.

For more information, visit gracekona.org.

Ukulele Festival slated Saturday

Waikoloa Beach Resort presents the 14th annual Great Waikoloa Ukulele Festival Saturday. A free ukulele workshop with Roy and Kathy Sakuma starts off the daylong celebration, which includes nonstop entertainment and an appearance by multiple Na Hoku Hanohano Award-winners Kapena with Kelly Boy DeLima. Hawaii’s “Ambassador of Aloha” Danny Kaleikini is master of ceremonies, spotlighting 14 performances on two stages, with ukulele lessons, demonstrations and giveaways offered throughout the afternoon.

Roy and wife Kathy Sakuma created the first Ukulele Festival in 1971, while Roy was a maintenance worker for the City and County of Honolulu. Today, their efforts have grown into a series of events on four islands, with more than 20,000 participants. The original Ukulele Festival at Kapiolani Bandstand in Waikiki hosts a performance by an 800-member ukulele orchestra every July. Their 501 (c)(3) nonprofit, Ukulele Festival Hawaii, was established in 2004, “To bring laughter, love and hope to children and adults throughout Hawaii and the world through the music of the ukulele.” Appearing with Roy at the Ukulele Festival will be his mentor for more than 50 years, Herb “Ohta-San” Ohta, jazz guitarist Nando Suan and his protege Nelly Toyama-Baduria.

Sponsors include Waikoloa Beach Resort, Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort &Spa, Kings’ Shops, Queens’ MarketPlace, Ukulele Festival Hawaii, Roberts Hawaii, ukulele companies: KALA, Kamaka Ukulele, Kanilea Ukulele, KoAloha and Koolau Pono Guitar &Hawaii Music Supply.

For more information, call 886-8822 or visit waikoloabeachresort.net.

Harrison plans meditation gatherings

Gavin Harrison will lead silent and walking meditation sessions Saturday and Sunday.

Walking Meditation in the Wild in North Kohala is slated from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Saturday at Iole, the Historic Bond Homestead, 53-496 Iole Road, Kapaau. The program includes an introduction to mindfulness and silent walking meditation. Bring hiking gear, sunscreen, bottled water and a towel or cushion for rest stops.

A $10 to $15 donation is suggested. For more information, contact info@iolehawaii.com or the Iole office at 889-5151.

Sitting and walking meditation, as well as discussion, is slated from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Sunday at the Waimea Events Salon, 66-1664 Waiaka St. Experienced and beginning meditators are welcome. Bring a meditation cushion; chairs are available.

Donations are accepted. Contact Matilda Tompson at 885-9206 or TompsonP001@hawaii.rr.com or visit gavinharrison.net for more information.

Proceeds from sale benefit accident victim

A fundraiser for Kimberly Montoya will be held from 7 a.m. to noon Saturday at 75-5816 Lewa Place in the Kailua View Estates subdivision.

The fundraiser will include a garage sale, bake sale, car wash and prizes. Credit cards and donations will be accepted.

Montoya was critically injured in a car accident on Christmas Eve and she requires many more surgeries. All proceeds will help pay her expenses. A Wells Fargo account called “Kimberly Montoya Donation Fund,” has also been set up for those interested in contributing.

Call Trish at 989-2227 to donate items for the sale.