Give blood

LAHAINA – Give the gift of life at a blood drive at Lahaina Civic Center on Thursday, Dec. 20, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Through the one-hour process, one blood donation can save up to three lives. For information, call 1-800-372-9966, extension 770.

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Skate by the sea

KAANAPALI – The Westin Kaanapali Ocean Resort Villas has a hybrid-ice rink for skating in the tropics. This activity is open to resort guests and the public.

The resort has transformed its outdoor Ocean Lawn into a holiday escape complete with a 1,000-square-foot hybrid ice skating rink with magnificent ocean views.

The first among resorts in Hawaii to offer this exciting holiday experience, the resort unveiled “Skating By The Sea, A Kaanapali Holiday” on Nov. 28.

According to resort General Manager Angela Nolan, the skating rink will comfortably hold up to 15 people.

“This unique idea was introduced by Robert Megargle, the resort’s director of food and beverage, who had implemented a similar program in partnership with BH Skating International in downtown Manhattan,” said Nolan.

“The rink’s surface is made with a synthetic polymer and finished with a natural glide for a real ice feel, allowing the use of ice skates. This is an environmentally sound alternative to real ice, as it doesn’t need refrigeration units, generators or electricity.”

Open to all, there is a $15 fee for 20-minute access to the rink, which includes skate rental. The fun-filled activity can be enjoyed Mondays to Fridays from 4 to 9 p.m. and from 1 p.m. on weekends daily through Jan. 2, 2013. The activity is open to children ages seven and older (minimum height is 42 inches). For more information, call Thomas Florin at 662-2630.

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Author to offer ‘Maui Christmas’ for holiday giving at book signings

LAHAINA – “Maui Christmas,” a holiday version of the new book “Maui for Millions: Tales of Remarkable People of Aloha,” featuring a short profile of the introduction of Santa Claus to Maui, has now been released by Voices of Maui Talk Story, LLC.

Limited signed copies of author Norm Bezane’s books for gift giving will be available Friday, Dec. 14, at two public appearances: from 8 to 10 a.m. at the MauiGrown Coffee store on Lahainaluna Road by the smokestack, and 7 to 9 p.m. at Lahaina Galleries on Front Street. Also on hand will be Lahaina Galleries owner Jim Killet, who is featured in the book and may be willing to add an autograph as well.

Front and back covers of the new book show Santa on Maui for youngsters and include all of the profiles on Lahaina’s colorful and remarkable people in the original version. The first page wishes everyone Mele Kalikimaka.

More information is available at www.voicesofmaui.com.

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Festive events slated at Lahaina Gateway

LAHAINA – Enjoy happy holiday shopping and festive events at Lahaina Gateway, and share your holiday aloha to help make Christmas bright for everyone.

Donate to help Hawaii children and families through Toys for Tots, Salvation Army Angel Tree, Maui Food Bank, and Share a Feast at participating merchants. Donate an unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots at Barnes & Noble, Genki Sushi and Teddy’s Bigger Burgers by Dec. 16. At Teddy’s, donate a toy and get a free large order of Tater Tots.

At Central Pacific Bank, the Salvation Army Angel Tree will accept donations of toys and other gift items for needy children and seniors by Dec. 16.

At Passion 4 Fashion Boutique, bring canned or dry food for Maui Food Bank by Dec. 24. At Foodland Farms, the Share a Holiday Feast Program supports the Salvation Army. Donate $5, $10 or $20 to help Hawaii families in need by Dec. 31.

On Tuesday, Dec. 18, The Melting Pot will host a Special Girls’ Night Out from 5 to 10 p.m. to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Girls’ Night Out on every third Tuesday of the month features different vendors from across Maui, drink specials, prize giveaways, upbeat music and four-course Fondue for $35 per person. Show your support for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in the fight against childhood cancer and have a festive, fun evening. For reservations, call 661-6181.

On Friday, Dec. 21, join in Christmas caroling with the Lahaina Boys & Girls Club from 5 to 7 p.m. Enjoy holiday shopping and dining, plus singing throughout the center. The caroling starts at the Hula Girl Fountain, with the finale inside Barnes & Noble at the children’s stage area.

On Saturday, Dec. 22, Maui Classic Cruisers Night by Teddy’s Bigger Burgers is set for 6 to 9 p.m.

Lahaina Gateway is located at Honoapiilani Highway at Keawe Street.