It’s time to start planning the party of the year — Project Graduation 2016 will take place on Sunday, May 22. Committees are forming now to plan the event. All parents are welcome, and much help is needed. There are fundraising and event planning opportunities, as well as opportunities to help the night of the event. Come find your place on a committee. Be a part of the greatest gift parents can give their seniors: one last, unforgettable evening with their classmates! Questions? Contact Joanna Stockham at (808) 280-6049 or joannastockham67@gmail.com.  

Kihei Public Library to offer events

KIHEI – Kihei Public Library will present free programs this month in the Children’s Area. Young children must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver.

On Saturday, Oct. 24, at 10:30 a.m., the Maui Science Center will present “Spooky Science,” a hands-on science and technology experience that will encourage exploration, investigation and wonder. This two-hour program is suitable for children ages five and older.

On Tuesday, Oct. 27, at 7 p.m., children ages 3-7 are invited to wear pajamas and fuzzy slippers, bring a favorite teddy bear and enjoy an evening of Halloween-themed stories and fun at “Pajama Storytime.”

On Wednesday, Oct. 28, at 3 p.m., the library will host “Wonderful Wednesday: Calling All Young Volunteers!” Children ages five and older who are willing to volunteer their time and talents are invited to help library staff prepare and assemble trick-or-treat bags for upcoming story times and have fun with other projects. By volunteering their service, children can learn to help their community.

Sean Robbins will play a concert at 7 p.m. on Oct. 25 in the Maui Arts & Cultural Center’s McCoy Studio Theater. Robbins is a Puna, Hawaii raised local boy who is quickly earning a reputation as a ki ho‘alu (slack key) rising star and haku mele (Hawaiian composer) with his debut Na Hoku Hanohano Award-winning album, “Olanui.” The protege of slack key master Cyril Pahinui, his unique, progressive Hawaiian style will be showcased live during this intimate concert. Robbins brings to the stage Miss Aloha Hula, Namakana Lim, for an incredible performance. Tickets are $25; call 242-SHOW.

On Thursday, Oct. 29, at 10:30 a.m. at “Toddler Trick-or-Treat Story Time,” toddlers are invited to wear their non-scary costumes for a gentle Halloween story time, followed by an in-library trick-or-treat parade.

Kihei Public Library is located at 35 Waimahaihai St.; call 875-6833.

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Talk centers on coping with dementia

KAHULUI – “The Longest Loss: Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia,” the Hospice Foundation of America’s annual Living With Grief Program, will be presented on Thursday, Nov. 5, from 8 to 11 a.m. at the University of Hawaii Maui College in the Ka’aike Building, Room 105BCD.

On Oct. 1, Maui Police Department Detective Rick Martinez was promoted to the rank of lieutenant. Martinez, a 29-year police veteran, has been assigned to the Wailuku Patrol Division as a watch commander.

This program will identify how medical and social service professionals can best help patients, families and themselves cope with loss and grief associated with Alzheimer’s Disease or other dementia.

To attend, contact Joyce Lechuga at 244-5555 or joyce.hospicemaui@ gmail.com.

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Online system creates ‘one-stop-shop’ for volunteering on Maui

WAILUKU – The Maui County Department of Housing & Human Concerns’ Volunteer Center invites the public to visit its newly upgraded website, www.handsonmaui.com.

“Kokua for Maui Keiki,” a fundraiser for Haku Baldwin Center’s Therapeutic Horseback Riding Program, will be held at the Na Lio Maui equestrian show in Lahaina on Friday, Oct. 23, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Located at Kahalawai Farms and Stables, Na Lio Maui is a Hawaiian cultural performance that tells the story of horses in Hawaii. The benefit is Kamehameha Schools Maui student Ayla Forsythe’s senior project. Tickets are $65 or $50; call (808) 269-3706 or e-mail aylarforsythe@gmail.com.

The online platform, Get Connected 2.0, offers both non-profits and volunteers the opportunity to take advantage of this web-based, “one-stop-shop” that lists agency profiles and current volunteer needs.

The system also allows users to create a free membership and to browse and sign up for volunteer opportunities.

Details listed by 86 partner agencies currently offer more than 200 volunteer opportunities; these include becoming a museum docent, feeding the home-bound elderly, event volunteers, social media curator, beach cleanups and more.

“The Hands on Maui website allows the public to see the many opportunities that exist for them to help make a difference,” said Wendy Stebbins, Volunteer Center coordinator.

“This online platform creates awareness that can lead to citizens taking action and building relationships that further strengthen our community.”

The Aloha ‘Aina Unity March-Maui was held in Lahaina on Sunday, Oct. 18. The event, hosted by the Aloha ‘Aina Project and Na ‘Aikane o Maui, was held to raise awareness and unify groups and citizens to protect natural and cultural resources. Thousands of people participated. PHOTO BY LOUISE ROCKETT.

The County of Maui Volunteer Center mobilizes volunteers to meet community needs, builds capacity of organizations to effectively engage volunteers, and inspires support for community service. To learn more, visit www.handsonmaui.com or call Stebbins at 276-7733.

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LHS to host mini college fair

LAHAINA – Lahainaluna High School will host an impromptu mini college fair on Wednesday, Oct. 28, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the Samuel Kamakau Library.

Many junior and senior English teachers, as well as the Career and Technical Education teachers, signed up in advance to attend this event.

Future appointments with the LHS College & Career Center may be made at calendly.com/ kristy_arakawa/50min.

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Kumulani Chapel to hold Harvest Festival

KAPALUA – Kumulani Chapel will host its annual Harvest Festival for keiki on Friday, Oct. 30, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Hale Hokulani (The Barn) in Kapalua on Office Road across from Sansei.

Keiki through fifth grade are encouraged to dress in friendly costumes and enjoy the fun, including game booths, prizes, candy, hot dogs, popcorn, jumping castles and a few surprises! Admission is free.

This year, Kumulani Chapel encourages families to be a blessing this Thanksgiving by bringing canned or nonperishable food donations for Feed My Sheep. For more information, call Kumulani Chapel at 669-6905.