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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. The Kohala First Year Scholarship was made possible through a grant from donors Jim and Lyn Lally and the Dorrance Family Foundation. 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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