WAIKOLOA — Since the fundraiser began in late October, Waikoloa School PTSA has raised $1,440 of their $25,000 goal. They are seeking donations of anywhere between $5 and $1,000.

“Seeds & Vermicomposting in Your Learning Garden” is the title of an upcoming workshop to be offered by Hawaii Island School Garden Network from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 10 at Malai’i: The Culinary Garden of Waimea Middle School. The garden’s director, Amanda Rieux, will lead the event.

Waimea Athletics, in partnership with DNA Basketball Academy, is accepting youth coed basketball registrations now through Dec. 13 for ages 9-14.

On Nov. 10, Friends of the Library-Waikoloa Region (FL-WR) will present the 9th Annual Run/Walk for Literacy. The race will kick off at Waikoloa School at 7:30 a.m. The cost to participate ranges from $10 to $30 per person.

At 7 p.m. this Wednesday, Pieter Van Dokkum, Yale University’s divisional director of physical sciences and engineering, will give a free talk open to the public titled “Dragonflies, Dark Matter and the Hunt for Ghostly Galaxies” at Hawaii Preparatory Academy’s Gates Performing Arts Center.

On Nov. 17, residents and visitors can enjoy an outdoor charity luau with authentic food and Hawaiian entertainment under the stars at the Kawaihae Canoe Club site. The gate will open at 5 p.m. with dinner starting at 6 p.m.

The St. James’ Circle Christmas Bazaar will be from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Nov. 17. A favorite community event supported by the Episcopal Church, Waimea Country School and Small World Preschool, it will include an extensive Christmas store and boutique, baked goods and preserves, food booths, keiki games and live music.

Most of us recognize that as a society, we take in a lot of sugar. Maybe even too much. When we attempt to talk about cutting down, however, we can find ourselves in a sticky situation. In my practice I’ve heard responses from “How will I ever give up my 16 oz. flavored latte and my morning pastry?” to “My kids will throw a fit to end the world” and “I’m already overwhelmed and changing one more thing is just too much.” If this sounds like you, read on.

Happy November! My head is still “sugar-loaded” from Halloween, even though I handed out so much more than I ate. Remember to wear that mask for the next week … well, as least until you go to vote! Only one quick political rant this week, and it is a tough one: Just 15 years ago the USA had Steve Jobs, Bob Hope and Johnny Cash. Now, we are left with no Jobs, no Hope and no Cash! I know, it ain’t funny, so let’s try for some real jokes!

Chair Tai Chi/QiGong will meet from 1:30-2:30 p.m. Nov. 12 with Madeline Sofranac, DPT. Enjoy simple, effective hand and leg movements, postures, gentle deep breathing and pressure point techniques while seated in a chair. Recommended for seniors, physically challenged persons and anyone recovering from surgery or living with injuries.

WAIMEA — For the third year, Waimea Community Association will host a Mahalo Potluck to honor the community’s first responders — police, fire and emergency services including volunteer fire and community responders, Pohakuloa Training Area men and women who provide first responder coverage on the Daniel K. Inouye Highway, county lifeguards and state DOFAW officers.

KOHALA COAST — 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 and 10 on the Kohala Coast.

WAIMEA — In the school’s first-ever outdoor amphitheater, Parker School Dramatiques will present three performances of William Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing” Nov. 2-4.