The Lahainaluna High School boys and girls wrestling teams captured their respective Maui Interscholastic League championships last weekend at the Maui High gymnasium. Tabbed the most exciting league tournament in years — particularly on the boys’ side of the mat — the Luna boys battled back to win their 11th title in the last 12 years, while the girls dominated for their eighth consecutive MIL crown by a score of 192-133. The Lahainaluna boys edged Baldwin by seven points (204-197), while the Lady Lunas maintained the high intensity to put away the Lady Bears. Now, it’s on to the Hawaii High School Athletic Association state wrestling championships this week at the Blaisdell Center in Honolulu. PHOTO OF TAYLOR PELEGRINO-HAYASE BY TOM COOPER.

Entries sought for Maui Short Story Competition

LAHAINA – LahainaTown Action Committee is accepting submissions for the fourth annual Maui Short Story Competition.

Entries will be accepted until March 20, 2017. The entry fee is $25 per submission, with a limit of three entries per person.

The contest is designed to encourage previously unpublished writers to explore writing about the Hawaiian island of Maui from a unique perspective.

This competition is open genre, but LAC strongly recommends keeping the subject to Maui (life, heritage, culture, the land and the ocean surrounding the island).

The Renaissance Living & Learning Program at Lahaina Intermediate School recently held its second quarter reward day at Airport Beach. The annual “Games and Grinds” reward day, sponsored by Leilani’s on the Beach and General Manager Jason Donez, included a barbecue luncheon and fun day games and entertainment. Event coordinator Todd Hayase reported that 206 LIS students qualified for the reward day in recognition of their academic, citizenship and community service achievements. “Our thanks goes out to all of our parent chaperones, school staff, cafeteria staff and Watanabe Produce for making it happen,” said Hayase.

Enter online at “http://www.visitlahaina.com”>www.visitlahaina.com or submit your entry via regular mail.

Entry forms are also available at the Lahaina Visitor Center located in the Old Lahaina Courthouse. Call 667-9175 for information.

The 2016 winner was Elaine Galant for “oliwa.”

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Princess Nahi’ena’ena Elementary School to hold kindergarten registration

Wailuku Public Library will host “Celebrate Black History Month: Black Scientists and Inventors,” a free presentation, on Thursday, Feb. 16, at 6 p.m.  Learn about black scientists and inventors from Maui author and poet Ayin Adams and Gwyn Gorg (pictured). Enjoy African drumming and dancing by Master Drummer Glen Lacey and West African dance teacher Patricia Lacey. The library is located at 251 S High St.; call 243-5766 for information.

LAHAINA – Princess Nahi’ena’ena School kindergarten registration will be held on Feb. 21-24, 2017 in the school office from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Birthdates eligible to enroll for kindergarten for school year 2017-18 are Aug. 1, 2011 to July 31, 2012. Bring the required documents: birth certificate, TB test, and proof of current residence (utility bill, rental agreement or notarized statement of residence). Call the school at 662-4020 for any questions or assistance.

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Event to benefit Women Helping Women

WAILUKU – On behalf of sponsors Kaiser Permanente, Simplicity HR and ALTRES Staffing, Maui Electric Company, Alexander & Baldwin and Goodfellow Bros. Inc., the community is invited to Women Helping Women Maui’s 40th anniversary gala, “A Jedi Night, 40 years of the Force Within,” on Sunday, March 5, 2017 from 5 to 8:30 p.m. at King Kamehameha Golf Club.

Pulehu, an Italian Grill, the award-winning Italian restaurant at The Westin Kaanapali Ocean Resort Villas, announced Jesse Pita as its new chef de cuisine. “Chef Jesse’s Italian heritage and New York upbringing will continue Pulehu’s tradition of quality, classic Italian cuisine while adding a personal touch to our signature restaurant,” said Brandon Maeda, food and beverage director. Originally from Long Island, New York, Pita credits his Italian upbringing for his cooking style and inspiration. His approach will bring Italian favorites with a modern twist to the menu, including handmade pastas and hearty, homemade lasagna. Pita received his Bachelor’s Degree at the Culinary Institute of America in New York and has held sous chef positions at several well-known Maui restaurants, such as Merriman’s Kapalua, Pacific‘o Restaurant and, most recently, Ocean Pool Bar & Grill.

The celebration will feature a fabulous dinner, entertainment and silent auction. WHW will be presenting Angel Awards to Pulama Lanai and Kimberly Miyazawa Frank for their generous assistance with the opening of the new women’s shelter on Lanai.

WHW’s mission to end domestic violence is as relevant today as it was in 1977, when its doors first opened. The organization seeks donations for its silent auction, paid advertisements in the event program as well as additional sponsorships by Feb. 17.

Tickets are available for $150 per person or $1,650 for a table of 11. Individual tickets or tables are available for purchase on WHW’s website. All event proceeds go to funding emergency shelters and support programs for victims of domestic violence on Maui and Lanai. For information, call (808) 446-7342, e-mail event@whwmaui.net or visit www.womenhelpingwomenmaui.com/events/40th-anniversary-event/.

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Village Galleries to host artists

Zane (left) and Matty Schweitzer, who are alumni of Sacred Hearts School, recently stopped by to talk to SHS students as they prepared for the annual Jog-a-thon. Each week leading up to the event, SHS had different guests speak to the students about being active, healthy and practicing different types of activities, such as hula, zumba and yoga. On Feb. 1, Zane and Matty talked to the students about being active in water sports, as well as how to live with passion and purpose. They spoke to the students about their memories at SHS and some of the struggles and obstacles they had to overcome. They also emphasized the importance of being thankful and mindful in their everyday lives and putting effort into everything they do. They challenged the students to follow their dreams and live passionately.

WEST MAUI – Recent plein air paintings by Macario Pascual will be featured at Village Galleries, 120 Dickenson St., from Feb. 17 to March 9.

An artist’s opening reception will be held on Friday, Feb. 17, from 6 to 9 p.m. Call 661-4402 for information.

Betty Hay Freeland will present oil painting demonstrations at Village Galleries, located off the lobby at The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua, on Wednesday, Feb. 22, and Thursday, March 9, from noon to 2 p.m.

George Allan is the guest artist at the Ritz-Carlton gallery every Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Fred KenKnight is the guest artist every Friday from 10 a.m. to noon.

For more information, call 669-1800 or visit villagegalleriesmaui.com.