Upcoming Big Island Events
s students entered the ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center’s Moanahoku Hall on Nov. 4, they were handed their new identity and sent off to experience a simulated “real world” during the HFS Federal Credit Union Reality Fair.
Students were given a career, salary, spouse (for most), a child and even debt to get started.
Then they were tasked with purchasing needs and wants such as housing, utilities, transportation, clothing, food and other everyday expenses.
Within an hour and a half, students had made major life purchases and the stress of balancing a budget had set in.
The true cost of things they see and use every day were eye-opening for many.
Some students even had to go back to booths to return their original choices and make new decisions better suited for their budget.
At the end of it all, the students enjoyed the interactive experience and had gained new knowledge to take away with them as they are preparing for their own real world.
For more information on the Reality Fair, or to inquire on the Credit Union’s financial education program, contact HFS FCU at 930-1400 or email hfs_marketing@hfsfcu.org.
MAUNAKEA — The “Star Wars” universe turned from science fiction to science fact for an Oahu student, who recently observed a real-life “Tatooine” using one of the largest, most scientifically impactful observatories in the world.
For an hour on Nov. 19, Waipahu High School Senior Laura Daclison performed professional astronomical observations of Kepler-35 using W. M. Keck Observatory on Maunakea.
Like Luke Skywalker’s home planet where you can see two suns in the sky, Kepler-35 has a planet that orbits a pair of stars – a type of system called a circumbinary. Daclison used Keck Observatory’s instrument HIRES (High-Resolution Echelle Spectrometer) on the Keck I telescope to study Kepler-35.
Her goal is to find out what would happen if Earth had two suns.
“I chose Kepler-35 because the two stars are really similar to our sun,” said Daclison in a Keck news release. “I thought, if Earth had two suns just like Kepler-35, maybe there would be some correlation between them.”
Because there are so few known circumbinaries, Daclison wants to help astronomers gain a better understanding of these special systems.
Helping guide and mentor Daclison during her observing night were Keck Observatory Support Astronomer Josh Walawender, Canada-France-Hawaii-Telescope Outreach Program Manager Mary Beth Laychak, University of Hawaii Institute for Astronomy graduate students Christian Flores and Anna Payne, and Institute for Astronomy post-doc Lauren Weiss.
Daclison’s experience is part of the Maunakea Scholars program, where local students at Hawaii public high schools can apply for observing time on world-class telescopes on Maunakea.
“Maunakea Scholars is a fabulous opportunity for students to really do science and it’s possible because of the University of Hawaii,” said Laychak. “We have contributions from all of the observatories — every telescope on the mountain gives observing time to these students. It gives them a really unique opportunity to not just learn about science, but actually do science.”
Daclison scored highly-competitive observing time at Keck Observatory after her proposal to study Kepler-35 was selected in February of this year. She is only the second high school student/Maunakea Scholar to observe at Keck Observatory since the facility’s twin telescopes began science operations 25 years ago.
Applications for grant being accepted
The UH-Hilo Disabilities Achievement Grant recognizes and honors a student with a disability for his or her superior scholastic performance and who plans to enroll or is enrolled at UH-Hilo for the Spring 2019 semester.
Those applying must be enrolled either full- or part-time, have a 3.0 GPA, and are a qualified student with a disability. The application deadline is Dec. 14.
For more information, contact the Disability Services office at 932-7623, 932-7002 (TTY), or e-mail: uds@hawaii.edu.
Outstanding Toastmaster for 2018 named
Keith Kuramoto was named Hilo’s Outstanding Toastmaster for 2018. This award recognizes one member whose club accomplishments, service, dedication and enthusiasm are exceptional. Keith joined Hilo Toastmasters in 2015, and is currently serving as a club officer for the second time.
Club members congratulate Keith on his receiving this award.
For information, visit www.toastmasters.org and www.hilotoastmasters.com.
BISAC’s CEO receives Rural Psychologist of the Year award
The Hawaii Psychological Association recently awarded Dr. Hannah Preston-Pita the award for Provisions of Psycho-logical Services to Rural Communities in October. This prestigious award recognized her for a lifetime of dedicated behavioral health service to rural communities.
She has been with the Big Island Substance Abuse Council for seven years.
“It was a total surprise to me because I truly believe that we (psychologists) get into the field because we have a passion to work with individuals who need help in creating meaningful lives,” said Preston-Pita.
“It is definitely an honor for me to receive this recognition.”
For more information, call 969-9994 or visit www.bisac.org.
Elks to sponsor World of Magic performance
The Hilo Elks Lodge 759 will present its annual World of Magic show from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Sunday (Dec. 2) at the Palace Theater in Hilo.
This year’s special performers are Harmony On Tap and magician Glen Bailey.
Harmony On Tap is a women’s a cappella group based in Hilo. Since 2009, this group has been staging performances to benefit local charity groups.
Glen Bailey of Aiea, Oahu, is a 36-year performing veteran of close-up tableside magic and stage magic shows for both adult and family parties. He delights his audiences by bringing laughter and smiles through his incredible magic ability.
Audience members will also get to meet the Elks speech therapist Cory Sutter. She is based on the Big Island and provides free services to keiki in need. At the end of the show, expect Santa to make a special appearance.
Sponsored by the Elks National Foundation and community members, admission to this performance is free, but donations are welcome.
For more information, please contact Lily at the Hilo Elks at 935-1717.
Christmas Fair set for Saturday
Sacred Heart Parish in Pahoa is hosting their annual Christmas Fair on Saturday (Dec. 1) from 7:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. There will be a classic car show, rummage and bake sale, vendors, entertainment and more.
The church is located at 15-3003 Pahoa Village Road.
For more information, please call the church office at 965-8202.
Holiday cheer for zoo animals
Please join the Friends of the Zoo Animal Enrichment Team in spreading some Christmas aloha at 9:30 a.m. Saturday (Dec. 1) at Panaewa Rainforest Zoo & Gardens.
It will begin at 9:30 a.m. as the spider monkeys are let into their Primadome to open their presents.
Then, the team will give Christmas gifts to all of the furred and feathered friends who live at the zoo.
The public is invited to bring cameras and share in the spirit.
