KAPA‘A — In this tough economy, the 9th annual Eastside Family Summit hosted an “Enjoying Life’s Transitions Family Summit” featuring community resources and entertainment at a cost anyone could afford — free. Held at the courtyard between Kapa‘a High School
KAPA‘A — In this tough economy, the 9th annual Eastside Family Summit hosted an “Enjoying Life’s Transitions Family Summit” featuring community resources and entertainment at a cost anyone could afford — free.
Held at the courtyard between Kapa‘a High School and Kapa‘a Elementary School on Saturday, visitors browsed through no-cost materials and a range of presentations for children, adults and families.
Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. brought his granddaughter, who was intrigued by the chalk art displayed by the Kaua‘i Academy of Creative Art.
Academy spokeswoman Sheri Majewski said young people have until March 1 to enter their work in an academy art contest for young people, “What My Eyes See In Nature.”
Tone 11, a neighborhood musical group of young boys, took the stage with a performance that belied their young age. The drummer was only 10 years old.
Sherry Scott, the principal of Kilauea Elementary School, joined the mayor in welcoming the audience.
Under the Family Resources umbrella of tables and booths, those contributing resources and activities included the Kaua‘i Community Federal Credit Union, Easter Seals of Hawai‘i and Hale Ho‘omalu.
The Child and Family Service featured representatives of Head Start, the Good Beginnings Alliance and People Attentive to Children (PATCH). The Good Beginnings Alliance offered free eye and hearing screenings for children.
The Jehovah’s Witnesses of Kapa‘a anchored the faith-based tent. Kapa‘a High School’s peer mediation team and the Kaua‘i Academy of Creative Arts anchored the education tent.
Representatives also were on hand from the County of Kaua‘i Anti-Drug and Underage Drinking Team.
Members of the Kaua‘i Police Department offered free car seat safety checks. A Keiki ID program being was hosted by the Police Explorer program in cooperation with Senter Petroleum.
Also participating were Al-Anon and Al-Ateen, the Alzheimer’s Association, Communities Putting Prevention to Work, Ho‘ola Lahui Hawai‘i, the Kaua‘i Medical Reserve Corps, Alu Like, The Balloon Man, the Boys and Girls Club, Kapa‘a Clubhouse and the Kapa‘a High School National Honor Society.
Bridget Arume, the event chair, said this annual family enrichment program would not be possible without all the support of diverse participants and agencies.
The Child and Parent Fair scheduled April 7 at Kukui Grove Center in Lihu‘e will offer the same admission — free.
• Dennis Fujimoto, photographer and staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 253) or dfujimoto@ thegardenisland.com.
