Researcher to talk about dolphins
Dolphin researcher Daniela Maldini, will give a talk on dolphin societies and some of their major current threats at a presentation at 6 p.m. Wednesday at the Open Ocean exhibit at the Maui Ocean Center in Maalaea.
Part of the center's Sea Talk Series, the talk, "26 Years with Dolphins: Memories of a Dolphin Researcher," will focus on Maldini's life as a researcher as well as the insights that have brought her to her current understanding of dolphin social structure.
Maldini was awarded a doctorate in zoology at the University of Hawaii at Manoa in 2003. She also has a Master of Science in marine sciences from San Jose State University and a Bachelor of Science in biological sciences from the University of Pavia, Italy.
She completed post-doctorate work in conservation biology at the Center for International Educational Exchange, Marine Research Station Bonaire, in the Netherlands Antilles.
The talk is free and open to the public. Admission is through the aquarium's front gate between 5:50 and 6:15 p.m. Reservations are recommended. Call 270-7088.
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Montessori School plans open house
Montessori School of Maui will present an open house from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday. The school is located at 2933 Baldwin Ave. in Makawao.
"We invite parents and members of the public to visit our campus and learn more about the benefits of a Montessori education," said Head of School Rene Anderson-Vorfeld.
The Montessori teaching methodology is based upon observation, peer learning and collaboration, tactile learning materials and intrinsic motivation, according to an announcement.
"Although this approach to education was developed over 100 years ago by Dr. Maria Montessori, the manner in which we teach our students remains truly unique in today's competitive educational environment," said Anderson-Vorfeld.
The Montessori School of Maui, founded in 1978, provides a comprehensive curriculum for young people from 18 months through 8th grade.
This year, the school will serve nearly 260 young people. For more information, call 573-0374 or visit www.momi.org.
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MEO to accept Head Start applications
Maui Economic Opportunity's Head Start will begin accepting applications for the 2013-14 school year Friday.
Head Start is a federal program that provides early-childhood development services to families meeting the federal poverty guidelines and selection criteria.
Children who will be 3 or 4 years old by July 31 are eligible for enrollment.
Parents/legal guardians will be required to bring the child's birth certificate and two forms of household income (i.e., 2012 W-2 forms or 2012 tax returns and 4 to 6 current pay stubs or TANF printout).
Applications can be picked up between 7:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, with the exception of all federal and state holidays, at the MEO Family Center located at 99 Mahalani St. in Wailuku.
For more information, contact MEO Early Childhood Services Department at 249-2988.
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Mardi Gras Maui tickets available
Mardi Gras Maui, which supports the Maui AIDS Foundation, will take place from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Feb. 9 at the King Kamehameha Golf Club.
Dance music will be provided by Men in Black II and DJ Blast. There will be performances from Glamity and Maui Roller Girls and a silent auction.
General admission tickets are $25 in advance, or $35 at the door. VIP tickets are $100 and include reserved seating, food and champagne reception from 7 to 8 p.m., with private bar.
Sponsorship opportunities are available. To purchase tickets, visit www.mauiaids.org or visit the foundation office at 1935 Main St, Unit 101, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information, call 242-4900. Mardi Gras Maui attendees must be 21 or older.
Proceeds from the event will support Maui AIDS Foundation and the programs it provides, including client care, housing assistance and food for those living with HIV/AIDS and prevention and education.
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Hale Mahaolu Elua to welcome new year
The 29th annual Hale Mahaolu Elua Mochi Tsuki and Chinese New Year celebration will take place Feb. 13 in the Hale Mahaolu Elua community hall, 200 Hina Ave. in Kahului.
Mochi pounding will begin at 7:30 a.m. "Celebrity" mochi pounding will be from 9:30 to 10 a.m., according to a news release.
A program with taiko drumming, fireworks, lion dance and more will take place from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. This celebration is by invitation only.
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Mystic Island Festival returns to Maui
The 6th annual Mystic Island Festival is returning to Maui from Thursday through Feb. 3 at the VFW Hall beach campground in Kihei.
The festival features world music, electronica, reggae, visionary arts, transformational workshops, healthy foods, beachside camping and yoga instruction.
Attendees can participate in numerous workshops.
All-access festival passes, including camping, can be purchased by Hawaii residents for $150, or $175 at the at the door. Four-day passes without camping are available for $100, and single-day passes are also available. Tickets may be purchased online or at Mandala Ethnic Arts in Paia or Lotus Heart Gifts at the Temple of Peace.
For more information or to purchase tickets, see www.mysticislandfestival.com
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Bankruptcy a topic of talk on Thursday
David Cain, a partner in the law firm Cain & Herren ALC in Wailuku, will speak about bankruptcy and foreclosure at the Rotary Club of Maui lunch meeting at noon Thursday. Cain has practiced law for more than 20 years on Maui and in Boston.
The meeting will take place at the Class Act Restaurant at the University of Hawaii Maui College. The cost is $20. The public is welcome.
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Garage sale in Kula to benefit halau
Halau I Kona Maui Lima will hold a fundraising garage sale from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday at 72 Aulii Place, in the Kula 200 development.
Items for sale will include tools, furniture, plants, household items, material, hula pa'u skirts, clothes, shoes, children's items, books and CDs.
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Admission test set for St. Anthony
St. Anthony Junior-Senior High School's admission test for the 2013-2014 school year is scheduled for Saturday.
Testing is for students entering grades 7 to 12. Check-in begins in the library at 8 a.m., followed by testing at 8:30 a.m. The testing fee is $10. Reservations are required. To obtain more information or reserve a spot, call 244-4190, ext. 232, or email korth@sasmaui.org.
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Kula Hospital offers free tai chi classes
Kula Hospital has started offering free tai chi classes taught by Jane Osterneck from 9 to 10 a.m. each Monday morning. The classes are held on the Kula Hospital tennis courts. The hospital is located at 100 Keokea Place.
For more information on the classes, call 876-4418.


