'Umeke Workshop

Last week the Lei Aloha O Ka 'Ohana project hosted its very first 'umeke workshop.

Each family had the opportunity to work on their very own 'umeke. The process included:

1. Soaking the gourds in soap and warm water.
2. Scrubbing/cleaning off mold and residue on the outside of the gourd.
3. Individuals got to choose where they wanted to cut off the top for the opening.
4. After opening, soak gourds again inside and out for more cleaning.

Unfortunately, due to time constraints, the families weren't able to leave with a finished product, but proper directions were provided for varnishing techniques and also different ideas for decorating.

Mahalo to all those who participated and volunteered. We look forward to more workshops in the future.

Princess Ka'iulani The Movie

All we can say is WOW!!! We had a great turnout for the screening of the film last Friday! We had a wide range of people attend, from those who had never been to the Hawaiian Cultural Center, to people whom we've missed dearly, and of course, those who are active supporters, and actively engaged within our Hawaiian community. We were excited for the opportunity to not only present the film, but to engage in discussion. It was important to us that our community felt comfortable with sharing their mana'o, as well as listening to all the ideas, comments and opinions shared. With that level of community participation, the wide range of attendees, and the feeling of aloha that was definitely flowing, it was a success. Mahalo piha to all of you who came out and attended, Mahalo to Hui Hawai'i O Utah Hawaiian Civic Club for their wonderful partnership, as well as the many hands that assisted with making this event possible. Please enjoy some photos from that night below.

Engaged in the community

The Lei Aloha O Ka 'Ohana Team has been busy working for and in, our community. Just last week, we hosted the Teen Chocolate Challenge at our monthly kanikapila session, and this week, we, along with Hui Hawai'i O Utah Hawaiian Civic Club, are presenting a free showing of the film, "Princess Ka'iulani" on Friday, September 24th at the Hawaiian Cultural Center at 6:30 pm. We invite all of you to attend, and to share your mana'o following the film. It's an ideal way for us to gather as a community and discuss our history, and culture and a perfect way to continue to strengthen our Hawaiian community here in Utah.

October is a busy month for our community as well! We are excited at the opportunity to provide a safe, fun, and enjoyable Halloween activity for the entire family!!! We'll have games, such as bobbing for apples, doughnut eating, and more! This is also our very first 'Trunk Or Treat' activity, so we invite everyone to participate and help make it a great one for the children!See the flyer below for specifics.

A great example of our getting involved in the community is the upcoming "Portugese Kings Of Comedy" show, we are humbled that Hawai'i's very own Frank DeLima will be at the Hawaiian Cultural Center for a potluck meet and greet on Thursday, October 28th!! Come join us at 6:30, bring your 'ukuleles and guitars and your favorite dish to share and meet local comedy legend Frank DeLima!! He, along with Augie T will be performing at Thanksgiving Point on Friday, October 29th. Make sure and get your tickets early!

Local favorite, 'Ekolu, will be in Salt Lake City, on Saturday, November 6th!!! This is their first time visiting here, let's make sure they keep coming back by going out and supporting the event! Local bands Natural Roots, and Rebel Zion, headed by the always amazing Kimo Watanabe, will be opening for 'Ekolu, and did you know......the venue, BarDeluxe, is also owned by a Hawai'i local?! What an awesome way to not only hear island music, but to support local talent and businesses as well!!! Make sure and get your tickets, they're going fast!

Don't forget, you can still sign up for Lei Aloha sessions, they're fun, culturally engaging, and they're free. Want to know more about what you'll learn in the sessions? Mai hilahila! Just give us a call at 801-56-ALOHA and we'll be glad to share!

2nd Session Lei Aloha Program

Our 1ST SESSION is coming to a close soon with the 2ND SESSION starting up

We will be hosting an OPEN HOUSE on MAR.20 to kick off the LEI ALOHA O KA `OHANA PROGRAM. Come learn to pound kalo, play ancient Hawaiian games, and make your own lei. We will also be serving lunch. Experience a little of what the Lei Aloha O Ka `Ohana program has to offer.

Workshop's are held every Monday. Come out and learn a little more about the Hawaiian culture and practices. They are conducted with on open discussion type of setting, with everyone learning and sharing their experiences and stories.

The Lei Aloha program is designed for the whole family in mind and we want to make it a fun and easy night for everyone:

• Dinner served at every workshop: So you dont have to worry about making/picking up something to feed your family. It also gives families that time to spend with eachother and get to know the other participants.
• Sessions are seperated according to age: Keiki will seperate into their own group to enjoy a more upbeat/hands-on activity. Makua will have a more in-depth, information based activity
• We do encourage families to attend ALL workshops/activities. However we do understand that life gets busy and if you do happen to miss a workshop/activity, you are more than welcome to attend that specific workshop/activity in the next session.

We are currently taking registration for 2nd Session. If you have any questions please call us at (801) 56ALOHA, or attend our OPEN HOUSE MARCH 20 and we will be happy to answer any questions in person.