Marine Corps League holds monthly meeting

The Camp Tarawa Detachment No. 1255 of the Marine Corps League will hold its monthly meeting Feb. 18 at Banjy’s Paradise Bar & Grill at the Waikoloa Village Golf Course. A no-host lunch will be held at 11:30 a.m. with a business meeting starting at 1.

All Marines and Navy Corpsmen (serving, retired or reserve) and their spouses are specifically invited to attend. Dress is resort casual. For more information, call Jim Browne at 883-0069.

Friends of the Future on 20 years of community work

The Friends of the Future Annual Report, Kapaipai (to flourish), is now available online at FOFHawaii.org.

Kapaipai summarizes more than 20 years of work on Hawaii Island, which began with a series of conversations celebrating pluralism, duality and cultural diversity.

A nonprofit organization, Friends of the Future has provided a home to more than 40 community programs and initiatives. Some have become independent organizations, transitioned to another like-minded organization, completed their work, or are waiting patiently for the right time, right place and right resource to be realized.

Currently 10 programs actively continue their work as part of Friends of the Future: Waipio Valley Community Circle, Tutu’s House, Na Kahumoku, Hui Kuapa, Hawaii Island Leadership Series — Ulumau, Collaborative Health Initiative Hawaii, Island Health Care Alliance, Earl’s Garage, Collaborative Health Initiative and Baby STEPS to Stronger Big Island Families.

Friends of the Future staff is currently collecting reflections and stories from people who are, or have been, involved with its programs. Please take a moment to let Friends of the Future know: “Why does Friends of the Future matter?” Reflections may be sent to info@fofhawaii.org or call 885-8336.

To become involved in Friends of the Future or to request a printed copy of its annual report, call 885-8336 or email info@fofhawaii.org.

Cherry blossom art at gallery

The Waimea Arts Council will have a special event during the Waimea Cherry Blossom Festival. The gallery will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and will feature an exhibit and sale of cherry blossom-themed paintings by members. Artists will set up easels and paint in front of the gallery.

“Snow and Flowers,” the watercolor painting selected for the cover of the 19th Annual Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival program guide, was created by Kawaihae artist Irina V. Place. The original is available for purchase at the Firehouse Gallery in Waimea along with prints during the month of February. The artist is donating a portion of all sales to benefit the educational programs of the Waimea Arts Council.

Place will be welcoming visitors to the festival while painting on her easel on the lawn next to the Firehouse Gallery during the festival this year. An event poster that features her artwork will also be available for purchase at the Firehouse Gallery during the day of the festival.

The Firehouse Gallery is located in the heart of downtown Waimea at the southeast corner of the main intersection, 67-1201 Mamalahoa Highway. The Waimea Arts Council is an all-volunteer organization, which sponsors programs, exhibits and arts education. For more information, contact the Waimea Arts Council at 887-1052.

Japanese music, flower arranging offered at library

In honor of the Japanese cherry blossom season and Girls Day Celebration, North Kohala Public Library will hold an evening of Japanese music and flower arranging at 6 p.m. Feb. 13.

The evening will begin at 6 p.m. with a demonstration of Japanese flower arranging by ikebana master, Chikako Powers. Powers is a member of the Ikenobo School of Ikebana, and will use seasonal flowers in her arrangements. Following the flower presentation, The Sakura Musical Ensemble will perform music celebrating spring and the cherry blossom festival.

The concert will feature Japanese-influenced music played on piano, flute and saxophone. The performers are Annu Shionoya (piano) and Jean Pierre Thoma (flute). In performances throughout the Big Island, the ensemble presents a varied repertoire including classical, jazz and ethnic music. The musicians are professional performers with classical music training and many years of teaching experience. They enjoy engaging audiences of music lovers and students of all ages.

Admission is free and the family is invited to enjoy this unique presentation of Japanese arts. Call the library at 889-6655 for additional information or to request special accommodation.