Habitat for Humanity Maui had an amazingly spooktacular month of October with many generous volunteers joining us for two home-renovation projects in Paukukalo and assisting with finish work in Waiehu Kou IV.

Suzy Irvine organized 40 Blockbuster managers to help clear debris in yards, paint doors and move a shed at Waiehu Kou IV. At Paukukalo, 25 from the Marriott Vacation Club were led by Susan Smith and General Manager John Jaskula to help with metal recycling and demolition of walls; Kahekili Kaaa organized 13 Maui Fire Department recruits to assemble the framed walls; and Susan Wilklow and Christina Lowery organized 60 from Maui Mastermind to install the siding, gable ends and painting.

These volunteers gave of their hearts and minds to help raise the roof for many of our partner families. Project managers Richard Bernard, Jim Briske, Ed Freeman, Mike Gerry, Robert Pahia and Allen Rabun, and their assistants enjoyed the many extra hands to help break the cycle of homelessness and poverty. To donate an hour or two, call 893-0334.

Cheryl Pokipala

Habitat for Humanity Maui

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While running errands for my mother, Raje Anand, I was pleasantly surprised recently to find a cement truck on Baldwin Avenue in Makawao. The truck was pouring cement to install a new wheelchair-accessible sidewalk near the Rodeo General Store.

Previously the sidewalk had ended in stone steps that were impossible for a wheelchair to negotiate. Formerly, one had to wheel into the narrow street and risk being hit by cars to reach the shops.

I have been fighting for accessibility in Makawao for three years. I would like to thank all involved for getting this job done, including The Maui News and the Maui County Council. There is a lot more work to do to make Maui more accessible for people with disabilities, but we are progressing! I am writing this thank-you letter with my caregiver. I'm glad we can work together on my many projects.

Ramoda Anand

Makawao

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The East Maui Watershed Partnership would like to extend deepest mahalo to all the artists, individuals and sponsors who participated in and contributed to the annual, juried Malama Wao Akua 2009 art exhibit.

We especially thank Viewpoints Gallery and the Maui County Office of Economic Development for co-sponsoring the event; Maui Printing Co. for donating a portion of the printing costs; receiving judges Emily Fielding of The Nature Conservancy and Chuck Chimera of the Maui Invasive Species Committee; juror Abigail Romanchak; botanist Bob Hobdy; Alchemy II for the wonderful entertainment; and Haleakala National Park, Maui Ocean Center, Old Lahaina Lu'au, Phil Sabado and Skyline Eco Adventures for providing the prizes.

This annual exhibition of native flora and fauna is a small way for East Maui Watershed Partnership members to reciprocate Maui County for honoring us with the privilege of being stewards of wao akua: the rain forests.

Jordan Jokiel

Project manager

East Maui Watershed Partnership

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Beyond the Rainbow Foundation hosted the fourth annual Aloha Team Classic from Oct. 18 to 21. This year's fun-filled event brought together more than 50 participants from Maui, the Mainland, Canada and Australia for various activities to support youth-based Maui agencies.

Despite lower attendance due to the economy, net proceeds are expected to exceed $5,000, for a total of more than $50,000 raised during the four years of the Aloha Team Classic fundraiser.

Beyond the Rainbow Foundation thanks Aloha Team Classic 2009 supporters, whose contributions are critical to the event's success - ClubPal, Competitive Golf Association, Kaanapali Golf Resort, Marriott Maui Ocean Club, Outrigger Napili Shores, Polynesian Adventure Tours, Ritz-Carlton Club, The King Kamehameha Golf Club, Westin Kaanapali Ocean Resort Villas and Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua.

The foundation also thanks the following donors of gifts and prizes - Team Daphnes Headcovers, Honolulu Cookie Co., The Kapalua Club, Kitchen Cooked Maui Potato Chips, Longs Drugs, Longboards Restaurant, Maui Babe Tanning Oil, Maui Cookies, Maui Land & Pineapple Co., MauiNo Ka 'Oi Magazine, Maui Wowee Chocolate Candy, Melting Pot Restaurant, Perk Aloha, Pineapple Grill, Plantation Restaurant, Riff Putters, Roy's Restaurant, Rusty Harpoon, Ruth's Chris Steak House, Sansei, Shannon Grissom, Warren and Annabelle's, Williams and Associates, and Worldwide Golf.

Deborah Katz

Beyond the Rainbow Foundation

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The Pa'ia Youth & Cultural Center extends warm thanks to the Safeway Foundation for a recent generous grant to buy a professional-style Wolf gas range for the Pa'ia Bay Cafe program. With support from Mana Foods, Mama's Fish House, and Kent and Polly Smith, the Pa'ia Bay Cafe offers a healthy, well-rounded menu to youth members Tuesdays to Saturdays for $2 a plate in a clean, safe, polished environment.

Program participants read and prepare recipes, while learning life skills. The youths and their families appreciate the new additions to the facility and the excellent meals, especially the evenly baked cookies and cakes!

Peter Swanzy

Pa'ia Youth & Cultural Center

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The nonprofit Giving Back agency thanks the Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Foundation for a generous $10,000 grant. The grant will help develop the Giving Back Fall Prevention Project that pairs active elder volunteers with frail elders.

Active senior volunteers stay healthy and involved through the effective practice of Brain Gym, vision improvement exercises, and other integrative movements and games. In addition, at-risk elders improve their cognitive functioning and balance, and receive loving care. Everyone benefits. Prospective volunteers can visit www.GivingBackMentoring.org.

Karen Peterson

Giving Back

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On Oct. 17, FACE Maui - or Faith Action for Community Equity, an organization of 25 primarily faith-based organizations - held a Sock Hop at the Maui Beach Hotel. The event raised funds to send 17 Mauians to a unique, seven-day leadership training on Oahu.

We thank all those who worked many hours to make this event possible. We are especially grateful to our corporate sponsors: Ing & Jorgensen, Carlsmith Ball LLP, Chris Hart & Partners Inc., Kaanapali Land LLC, Ballard Family Mortuary, and Goodfellow Brothers.

We also thank Greg Peros Jr. of the Maui Beach Hotel, Zeke Kalua, Victoria Chermocka and Wayne "Shakey" Boteilho for helping to make the Sock Hop a fun event for Mauians, who danced to golden oldies from the 1950s to the 1970s.

Deacon Stan Franco

President

FACE Maui