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May Newsletter
bond estate walk & talk with geoff mowrer
The group urged Geoff to share again, with an emphasis on the “Doctor’s Cottage” and outbuildings in the next tour. |
The first Saturday morning in April may have been like those of the 1860s. Light trade winds blew and the shadows casted from whitewashed 19th century buildings contrasted with the hot morning sun rising over the Bond Family Homestead at ‘Iole, North Kohala.
Geoff Mowrer, Historic Preservation Specialist at New Moon Foundation guided the interactive tour through the Bond home and adjacent buildings. Those who attended this “edu-tainment” experience learned to identify and appreciate construction methods and styles used in 19th century missionary architecture.
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Kohala high school seniors awarded scholarships to the university of hawaii, hilo
Four Kohala High School Seniors accepted the Kohala First Year Scholarship offer to attend their freshman year at University of Hawaii, Hilo for the 2008-2009 academic year. The recipients for the 2008-2009 scholarship are Joseph Hasegawa, Lavinia Holschuh, Mandie Ku, and Tiana Savedra.
The Kohala First Year Scholarship, in its third year, is the only full-ride award at UH-Hilo. On behalf of the Kohala First Year Scholarship donors Jim and Lyn Lally and the Dorrance Family Foundation, New Moon Foundation extends heartfelt congratulations to each recipient and their families!
trail blazing on the 'iole ahupua'a
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The land of the ‘Iole Ahupua‘a is full of valuable Kohala history and the Wainaia Gulch Trail came alive under the expert eyes of Dr. Richard Stevens Saturday, April 26. The Wainaia Gulch Trail is approximately 2 miles long and was recently reclaimed by Dr. Stevens and his son, Daniel. NMF Facilities Steward, Bill Cook, currently maintains the trail to keep it open to the public.
Dr. Stevens shared some of his knowledge of ancient Hawaiian trail systems and then led the group of 50 across the Organic Macadamia Nut Orchard, under brightly colored prayer flags, and into the Wainaia Gulch. This hike was particularly special because we honored those who passed before us and walked the trail in silence. |
first aid training for two new moon staff members
Kohala Community participants and two New Moon staff members, Bill Cook and Courtney Rader, gathered at Lotus Blooms to expand their knowledge and skill level of CPR and First Aid. Kara Osada, founder of KonaCPR, supported the group through a series of exercises involving how to react as an emergency responder, protect yourself at the scene of an accident, and recognize life-threatening problems. Students learned how to take an injury/illness assessment, bandage an injured person, and splint an injury if necessary.
fire safety training for new moon staff
Fireman Gene Nakashima from Hilo engaged the New Moon Foundation staff through video presentation of office / work fires coupled with real life practice of putting out contained fires. Staff members were able to learn how to hold a fire extinguisher properly, practice pulling the “pin”, and using broad sweeping strokes with the extinguisher hose provided the staff with a little practical experience putting out small fires.
(photo of New Moon Foundation Land Steward, Bill Cook)
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calling all volunteers!
New Moon Foundation is presently building a volunteer program for those interested in trail stewardship and many participants of the Wainaia Gulch Hike signed up to offer their time and talents. If you or anyone you know is interested in participating in upcoming volunteer opportunities please email programs@newmoonfoundation.org.
April Newsletter
Welcome courtney rader!
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Courtney joins New Moon Foundation as our new Programs Administrator. She will coordinate events, and the Kohala First Year Scholarship program, as well as support office functions. Courtney’s background in the hospitality industry and public relations coupled with her sunny disposition brings freshness to the position. She enjoys yoga, the arts, and is a connoisseur of traveling adventures. |
hawaii grazing and livestock management academy
"Sometimes we ignore the benefits of rest. Without proper rest the health and productivity of our pastures decline. Add rest with rotational grazing, measure forage quantity and quality, and you're on your way to becoming a satisfied steward of our Hawaii grasslands.” Jim Trump, New Moon Foundation’s Land Manager.
On March 7th and 8th, New Moon Foundation in partnership with the University of Hawaii, sponsoreda two day course on "Range and Pasture Management" presented by Mark Thorne, Ph.D. of the UH Cooperative Extension Service.The course focused on sustainable pasture management through a slide show presentation, lecture and engaged dialogue. Over 20 Kohala ranchers and residents gathered at the Dining Hall (CEC) to learn the principles of grazing. The following day, the setting moved to the Ainakea pasturelands where students took what they learned in the classroom and applied monitoring and evaluation practices and techniques.
gmo film and presentation
On March 15, New Moon Foundation in collaboration with Paul Normann, presented the film, “Islands at Risk.” Forty interested Kohala residents attended and heard the three guest speakers, all of whom appeared in the film, share their perspectives. Jerry Konanui, Hawaiian taro farmer and activist, shared a new film and current information on the GMO movement in Hawaii. The evening closed with a “question and answer” session led by Una Greenaway, Kona coffee farmer, and Nancy Redfeather, organic farmer and environmentalist. |
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equinox hike
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Hikers Descending Macadamia Nut Orchards |
Sheep Grazing on the Upper Loop Trail |
On Saturday, March 22nd hikers and New Moon Foundation staff members opened their senses on the Upper Loop Trail as Bill Cook, Facilities Steward, confidently led the enthusiastic group through macadamia nut orchards, lodge pole pine windbreaks, and lemon- eucalyptus forests while stopping to enjoy the ocean views and the sounds of waterfalls. Time was also allowed for people to reflect on the meaning of the equinox and to share what their hopes are for spring.
life drawing
Life Drawing sessions are currently being held at the Kohala Girl’s School Dining Hall (CEC). Students are learning drawing techniques using conte crayon and charcoal. Mary Sky Schoolcraft, the coordinator for this program, favorably commented on the natural lighting in the dining hall and unique opportunity to paint in such a beautiful space. The class is held on Saturday mornings, and has been extended to April 12.
March Newsletter
Nivana Pagoda project
As part of their recent tour of Viet Nam, the Hawaii Asia Pacific Association was introduced to the head monk and the orphans of the Niet Ban Pagoda on February 12th, 2008 by New Moon Foundation’s co-founder Thuy Fujimoto. Master Thich Thien Phung shared with The HAPA group his mission that every child left on his doorstep will be given shelter, education and love. New Moon Foundation would like to express gratitude to the HAPA group who donated generously to the orphanage. In December 2007, New Moon Foundation launched a donation campaign for Niet Ban Pagoda and with the HAPA contributions, we now have helped to raise close to $20,000 for the children at the orphanage. If you are interested in contributing, please see the Donations area of our website.
cONGRATULATIONS TO FRANCES
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We are pleased to announce that Frances Rieha has been promoted to be our Accounting & HR Administrator! Frances has done a great job as our Administrative Assistant in the past six months. Her new duties include expanded accounting functions and administration of the HR area. Frances brings 20 years of combined experience in accounting and human resource management to apply now more fully for New Moon. Beyond her talents, she is a wonderful part of the NMF team, supporting staff and helping the office run smoothly every day. We are grateful she is here! |
WELCOME NANCY
Nancy Zampathas is our newest addition to the New Moon Foundation team. Nancy joined us this February as our Marketing Administrator. We are excited to have her bring her background in the graphic arts and publishing to New Moon Foundation. |
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ALOHA DANIEL AND ASHLEY
In February we said "bon voyage" to two wonderful people at New Moon Foundation.
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Daniel Stevens, while visiting his family in Kohala, worked with Bill Cook, Facilities Steward, clearing and improving hiking trails (our new Wainaia Gulch Trail will be opening soon). He returned to Montana to work for the Dept. of Forestry as an aspiring fire fighter. |
Our Program Administrator, Ashley Gall, has relocated to the mainland. Ashley came on board initially last summer to assist with an archiving project at the Bond Estate. Ashley contributed her artistic talent to our website and promotional materials, and improved organization and office systems. Her cheerful demeanor will be missed. |
Daniel and Ashley we wish you both the very best with life’s new adventures.
January Newsletter
Kohala Elementary school field trip
New Moon Foundation Staff had a wonderful time with the Kohala Elementary School 1st graders on December 14, 2007. The students and teachers came to New Moon to learn all about the 'aina, our organic macadamia nut orchards, harvesting and tasting mac nuts, leaf rubbings, and more. A big mahalo to all that participated, and to the students and teachers for sharing their time, energy and musical talent!
trail improvements
We are very pleased to announce that many hours have been invested in the creation of a new and improved section of our Wainaia Pali trail in Wainaia Gulch. We are very lucky to be working with Daniel Stevens, from Kohala, who has traveled from his current home in Montana to share his talents and expertise with us. He and Bill Cook, our Facilities Steward, have been hard at work creating improvements and maintaining sections of the Wainaia Pali trail so that others may enjoy this treasure.
Mahalo to Bill (left) and Daniel (right) for sharing their
hard work and passion for the Kohala 'Aina!
sangha day
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New Moon Staff gathered in December to celebrate a successful and fulfilling 2007! We look forward to the coming year. |
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December Newsletter
launch of our first international donation program
We are pleased to be launching a wonderful donation opportunity! In our first international donation program, New Moon Foundation is sponsoring an educational scholarship fund for the children of Nirvana Pagoda, a temple providing loving care to orphaned children in Vietnam.
New Moon is covering all administrative costs so that 100% of donations will go directly to the children of Nirvana Pagoda.
For more details about Nirvana Pagoda and New Moon Scholarship Fund, please visit the Opportunities to Donate section of our website by passing your mouse over the Donate & Volunteer heading and clicking the Opportunities to Donate tab, or click the link below:
New Moon Foundation
You may also click the following 2 links to learn more and to view a flyer and a donation card if you would like to make a donation on behalf of yourself or a friend:
Nirvana Pagoda Flyer
NMFPledge Card
Aloha susan
After over 4 years of working at New Moon Foundation, Susan Loftan, our Programs Manager, has relocated from North Kohala to be closer to her family. All of the staff at New Moon will deeply miss Susan's bright and shining personality and hearty laugh, not to mention the skill and expertise she applied to everything she put her mind to. We extend our deepest gratitude on behalf of New Moon Foundation and the community for Susan's offerings during her time here, and wish her the very best on her new journey! A hui hou kakou!
November Newsletter
New Moon foundation booth at the kohala country fair on october 6, 2007
A big mahalo to all who participated in creating their very own We Love Kohala canvas bag at the 2007 Kohala Country Fair. We had an absolute blast seeing all of you and witnessing the abundant creativity in action. We would like to remind everyone to be kind to our beautiful environment by re-using your canvas bags instead of plastic bags when you shop.
completion of a 3 month trail development program
With the help of a wonderful friend of New Moon, Richard Stevens, a 3-month trail develpment program was successfully executed. Major work during this time focused on the develpment of 3 hiking trails on the New Moon land holdings: Pali Akamoa Gulch Trail, Wainaia Pali Trail, and Upland Loop Trail. We urge you to visit the Trails section of our website by passing your mouse over the Facilities and Land Activities heading, and clicking on Trails on the drop-down menu. You may also simply click on the link below:
New Moon Foundation
All our welcome to experience the wonder and beauty of the trails. Please come to NMF office during normal business hours (8am-5pm, M-F) to read and sign our Land Access Permit. (Please note, for your safety, some trails may be closed in inclement weather. Please check with the staff and/or our Outdoor Kiosk, located outside the NMF office building, for updated notices on trail closure before walking the land. Mahalo!)
Mahalo nui loa Richard Stevens for your expertise and hard work on this project!
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| 'Kelp Forest' Along Wainaia Pali Trail |
Hikers descending the Upland Loop Trail |
The Old Bridge at the bottom of Wainaia Pali Trail |
October Newsletter
Peace Hike on September 22, 2007
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Mahalo to everyone in the community who joined us in celebrating the International Day of Peace! We had a wonderful time crafting our personal hiking sticks out of bamboo and utilizing our creations on the hikes! We look forward to spending time with you on future Equinox Peace Hikes! |
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Welcome Bill Cook!
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We are very pleased to announce that Bill Cook has accepted a position with New Moon Foundation as Facilities Steward! Bill is multi-faceted in his knowledge of the land and the talents he offers to New Moon. Congratulations Bill, we look forward to working with you! |
Makai Land Closing and Blessing Ceremony
On Tuesday, September 25th, the New Moon team enjoyed an ATV tour and blessing ceremony on our new makai land. This 379 acre parcel of land runs makai of Akoni Pule Highway to the ocean, and from the lighthouse and west along the cliff near a favorite local surf spot. The long anticipated acquisition (in escrow for over 6 years) of this adjoining land, helps fulfill the dream of owning an ahu pua'a system, similar to the way the local Hawaiian's did - from mountain ridge to ocean, and gulch to gulch.
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We are very honored to now be the stewards of this beautiful land and were able to express our gratitude in a moving ceremony led by local kapunas Kealoha Sugiyama and Kaulana Golden-Scalise. Mahalo to Bill and Sandie Wong for guiding our tour, feeding our bodies and spirits, and orchestrating a truly wonderful experience for all of us. We are deeply grateful! |
September
Restoration of the Historic Bond Homestead
August
Buddhist Psychology Workshop with the Braziers
On August 18, NMF staff and friends of Amida Hawai`i Ohana - new and 'golden' - came together for a lively workshop on Buddhist Psychology led by Reverends Dharmavidya and Prasada Brazier. In the warm and friendly environment of Mrs. Thuy Fujimoto's home, we dived into the group aspects of the Buddhist psychological model presented in the Brazier's widely published books, "Buddhism on the Couch" and "Zen Therapy." Our discussions were rich with contemplative questions, and laughter! We left feeling mentally, spiritually, and physically nourished (Mahalo to those who contributed the wonderful puupuus for the occasion!) We look forward to our future sangha encounters with the Braziers! |
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Welcome to NMF's Director of Operations
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We are happy to announce that Robin Mullin, our current acting Director of Operations (DOO), has accepted our proposal to continue her position and to help prepare the Foundation to successfully achieve its development goals.
We wish to thank everyone who applied for the Director of Operations position that was posted May 16, 2007, and invite you to continue to visit our 'Employment' page for future opportunties. Mahalo. |
Introducing the 2007-2008 Recipients of The Kohala First Year Scholarship
The Kohala First Year Scholarship Program Recipients |
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NMF & The
Lally Family of North Kohala created this scholarship program in February, 2006. The intent
is to benefit the quality of life for residents in North Kohala by increasing the participation of qualified Kohala
High School students in post-secondary education at UH Hilo in any area of study. Please join us in offering our congratulations and best wishes for their success! |
Leianna DeSilva |
Devin Marquez |
Nicole Pasalo |
June
New Moon Foundation was featured in the Kohala Mountain News!
Click onto the following link to view the article published in the edition dated 25 June 2007.
Article about New Moon Foundation in The Kohala Mountain News Edition 25 June 2007
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