Keeping the Neighborhood Beautiful

Bobby (in the front), Bob, AKA Santa, Marilyn, and Roger of the North Shore Outdoor Circle manned their pitchforks for a morning "Mulch Party" at Weed Circle. It's the rotary as you enter my beach town of Haleiwa. See the pile around the tree behind Roger? The mulch will be spread around the tree to keep the weeds down and the moisture in, plus, it will keep the stringtrimmers away from the trunk. Bravo to these volunteers!!

My Newest Friend from the Mainland

Chef Noodle, from the Seattle area, and his puppeteer, Kianna, visited me at my Keiki Corner booth at the Haleiwa Farmers' Market. I'm there every Sunday morning from 9 to 1. Come meet me! We can have a conversation and get to know each other. You can also buy freshly-picked local produce and have breakfast. (I will be away until after July 20th as I'll be on my "Big Road Trip"!)

Is it a Goal? Is the Ball In? Is it Out?

Watching polo matches in Mokuleia made for a fun and exciting Sunday afternoon. That's Melani at the end of the field. She waves the flag up if the ball is in and down if it's outside the goalposts. Yikes-----now you see why she is wearing a helmet! That little, white ball in her hand is rock hard and flies down the field after being hit full tilt with a wooden mallet.
The polo schedule is posted on: http://www.hawaiipolo.com

A Polo Picnic in Paradise

Nancy and Rick are relaxing and watching the horses as they gallop up and down the field. They were thundering by and making me a touch nervous. That little, white ball could have easily come my way! Notice the beach in the backgroud. Many locals tailgate and swim and make a full day of it at the polo fields.

A Referee in the Saddle

Gordon was so kind to give me a short ride as he was coming down the field after officiating a match.
The game is divided into segments called, are you ready, "chuckers"! Isn't that a funny word?

Hail..........To Being a Good Sport!

I learned that polo matches can get pretty rough. Debi told me it's an old tradition that when the game is over, the victors and the vanquished get together and drink a toast out of that silver trophy. It's a custom passed down from England. All of the team members pass the cup to each other after taking a sip, and that promotes goodwill.

Son Followed in His Mother's Footsteps

That's Mike Dailey with his mom, Murph. She played polo for 17 years, Mike plays too. He's been at it for a long time, even in college.
Mike shared the history of this 2,000 year-old sport that started in Persia.
Some interesting facts are: Hawaii was the first state in the Union where polo was played. The first match was on the island of Maui. Matches were played in Kapiolani Park in the late 1800's. Prince Kuhio was an avid fan of the sport.
Polo is thriving on the North Shore!! Come out to the beach on Sunday afternoon and see for yourself!
Remember: check out the website for details.
Go to: http://www.hawaiipolo.com

And if You Want to Try Something NEW

Call the number on the board and have fun!!

Open! The Sunset Beach Recreation Center

Verta, with the City and County of Honolulu Parks and Recreation Department, was making sure the jugs were full for the dedication of the Sunset Beach Recreation Center. They were!
Hibiscus tea was a gift from the Haleiwa Farmers' Market.

There was a Big, Happy Crowd

Marilyn, with the name tag, and Patsy joined many neighborhood members for the Dedication.
There was a great turnout to listen to Mayor Hanneman, Rep. Magaoay, and Councilman Dela Cruz praise our community for being persistent and patient----it took 23 years to get this facility open!
Wow, we felt special having so many dignitaries present!

Playing Beautiful Music as Always!

Auntie Dorothy Awai (in the hat), Bill, and Makua entertained the crowd. There was so much love and goodwill in the air! Everyone was happy that our Recreation Center was opening up! I was too!
Now, with this great facility, we can have lots of classes-----art, cooking, Tai Chi, yoga, and so many more. This is one of the best things that's happened to our neighborhood since the Bike Path!

Ready to Do a Little Art Project?

Becca was in one of the Craft Rooms setting up to do yarn art after the Dedication! A Craft Room---how great! I love doing crafts! It gets my happy juice flowing and that's good for my body!

The Fire Company was There Too

The firemen from the Sunset Station and police officers from Wahiawa were on hand for the Dedication. We were so happy they could make it!
It's so special being part of this community. It's like a small town where everyone knows everyone!

Cutting the Maile Lei Opens the Door

Here we are-----Mom, Bob Leinau, Les Chang, Mayor Hanneman doing the cutting, Councilman Dela Cruz, and Rep. Magaoay.
And the new Sunset Beach Recreation Center is officially open!!

TV Cameras were Documenting the Event

Les Chang, the Director of Parks and Recreation, was being interviewed by Ashley. Channel 9 and 2 were there! We made the news! Now the island knows the Sunset Beach Recreation Center is up and running!

Benefit Benedict Breakfast.....Say That Three Times Fast!

Every Spring the North Shore Canoe Club holds a yummy breakfast at Haleiwa Joe's and almost everyone in the community comes out to support the event. Here are some of the paddlers, posing as waitresses, who served the delicious food. From left to right, Folly, Gina, Sabrina, Shirley, and Bebe. Join the club, paddle, and get healthier!

Cookin' Up in the Kitchen

Mark is the head chef at Haleiwa Joe's and has been there forever. That's Lani with him. They both, along with other kitchen staff, spent the morning supporting the canoe club by making breakfast for several hundred people.

It was a Team Effort

Micah, holding me, and Brian were busy poaching eggs and prepping the English muffins! Thanks to the kitchen staff for getting behind our hometown canoe club.

Always at the Forefront

Skilly was the auctioneer, of course, as he IS the "Voice of the North Shore" and is always there to volunteer at any community event. Barbara was his "Vanna White"!

In the Arms of My Good Friends

Jordyn, with the short hair, and Maddy were at the breakfast and found me. Right away I wanted a photo of all of us. Boy, I sure am lucky to have such sweet, little friends.