Ka`u News Briefs Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2017

     Registration forms have been sent to area schools. This event is sponsored by the American Association of University Women, Kona Branch, whose mission is to advance equity for women and girls though advocacy, education, and research.
     Registration is on a first come, first served basis, and space is limited.  Registration fee is $20 and scholarships are available. No girl will be turned away because of financial need.
    This annual day of discovery features hand-on workshops and exhibits led by local women volunteers who work in math and science- oriented careers and who show the girls how they use math, science, and technology in their daily work. The program is designed to stimulate interest and bolster the confidence of girls in these fields, as well as provide positive female role models, and may also stimulate a girl’s interest in a new career goal. Last year over 300 girls from West Hawaii attended the program, and as many as 30 girls from Ka’u have attended in previous years.
    The girls attending will receive a GEMS t-shirt, a healthy breakfast , view various hands-on exhibits prior to attending three different workshops, have lunch at the resort, and also participate in a lunchtime Zumba activity, which is always a big hit .  

      Some of the workshops this year are: Underwater Adventure, Marine Science , Slime Time, Robotics, Anchialine Pools, Energy, Art and Science of Food, Animal Doctors, Dig into the Past, Hawaiian Monk Seals, Light and Reflection, Creative Computer Programming, How Rainbows Solve Mysteries , Art and Science of Dermatology, Discovering the Isle of Gems, Zumba Breaks the Mold and Body Shop. 

     Some impressions after the event from girls learned in prior years: “ We need to protect fish and animals and keep oceans clean”;” Stay fit and live longer”; “ People litter and trash is harming animals”; “Women can do stuff men can do”; ”Always follow your dream”; “We do physics everyday”; “Cooking uses math”; “Girls are awesome”; “Save money”; “How archeologists work.”
     All fifth grade girls residing in the West Hawai`i School complex in public, private, or home schooled are welcome. Sponsorship of girls by individuals or businesses will be accepted. For more information about GEMS , to sponsor a girl, or to request a registration packet, contact Cindy Armer, GEMS chairperson at cbarmer@hotmail.com or 808-896-7180. Remember GEMS registration from must be postmarked by 9-15-17.

Princess Kailee represents O`ahu. Photo provided by Lorilee Lorenzo

Hawai‘i International Music Festival, Wed, Aug 16, 7 p.m., Pāhala Plantation House. Metropolitan Opera Soprano Amy Shoremount Obra, daughter-in-law of Lorie Obra, of Rusty’s Hawaiian Coffee, raises awareness of efforts to restore buildings to host a living heritage and education center and to curate and honor the history of Pāhala. Also performing will be violinist Also performing will be Virtuoso Violinist Eric Silberger, Esteemed Pianist Carlin Ma, Hawai`i Symphony Orchestra Cellist Sun Chang Yang, Mexican Tenor Manuel Castillo, Young Artist Mexican Soprano Sandra Aldaz Meraz, and World Renowned Argentinean Bandoneon Player JP Jofre. 

      Tickets are available at the door or at www.HIMusicFestival.com.

Kainani Kahaunaele Performs, Wed, Aug 16, 6:30 – 8 p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Enjoy the mele of Nā Hōkū Hanohano award-winning Kainani Kahaunaele, who shares songs from her albums. Free; park entrance fees apply.

Family Reading Night, Thu, Aug 17, 5 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033

Hawaiian Civic Club of Ka‘ū, Thu, Aug 17, 5:30 p.m. 929-9731 or 936-7262

OVCA Board Meeting, Thu, Aug 17, 6 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033

Volcano Rain Forest Runs Packet Pick-up & Late Registration, Fri, Aug 18, 1 – 5 p.m., Cooper Center in Volcano.

Eighth Annual Volcano Rain Forest Runs, Sat, Aug 19, 7 a.m., Cooper Center in Volcano. Staggered starts for Half Marathon, 10K & 5K. Zero-mile event, keiki runs, entertainment, food & crafts follow. Register at volcanorainforestruns.com.