You're invited! Help us celebrate this wonderful milestone! Learn about all the things we've accomplished in just one year and how you can join the movement!
Don't miss out on the opportunity to experience live entertainment, cooking demonstrations with Blue Zones® inspired food samples, gardening demonstrations, natural movement activities, a "downshift" lounge, giveaways, and so much more!
Saturday, Nov. 5
1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Sangha Hall
398 Kilauea Avenue, Hilo
Space is limited, so be sure to RSVP with the link below:
Congrats to Hawaii First Federal Credit Union - East Hawaii's FIRST Blue Zones Project Approved Worksite!
Hawaii First Federal Credit Union is the FIRST Blue Zones Project Approved™ worksite in East Hawaii. Hawaii First has created an environment of employee well-being supported by strong leadership to empower staff to feel their best and do their best. As part of becoming approved, Hawaii First created a worksite wellness program called "WELLth" to encourage health and well-being company-wide. As part of their WELLth program, Hawaii First established an Employee Appreciation Day that allows employees to participate in a Purpose Workshop that focuses on developing their strengths, passions and purpose in life.
“Our world – what we do every day – is about putting people first,” said Laura Aguirre, Hawaii First president and chief executive. “Blue Zones Project is a movement among movements that provides the tools and resources to support healthier choices. We fully embrace making Hawaii a Blue Zone where our residents live longer, happier, healthier lives.” Congratulations to Hawaii First Federal Credit Union for their continued commitment to improving the well-being of their employees and community!
Attendees heard about how creating a workplace environment that promotes and sustains well-being builds a more engaged and productive workforce, it decreases turnover, and ultimately reduces health care costs for employers. Employers in East Hawaii who participate in this free program are supported by the local Blue Zones Project team in choosing and implementing well-being best practices throughout their company. It is a win-win for both employers and employees!
Mahalo to the employers who came to the Blue Zones Project "Lunch and Learn" event on September 22 to hear about the benefits of well-being in the workplace. If you would like to learn more about the Blue Zones Project worksite well-being program, contact BlueZonesProjectEastHawaii@healthways.com or call 217-6290.
The Blue Zones Project is pleased to announce the formation of the Hawaii Island Food Alliance (HIFA), a group comprised of people and organizations from a wide variety of backgrounds – many of them experts on aspects of the food system. HIFA will serve as local resources, working collaboratively to share knowledge, stimulate dialogue, catalyze action, influence policy and initiate project partnerships on food-related issues.
We take this opportunity on National Food Day 2016, to acknowledge the members of the Hawaii Island Food Alliance and their contributions to our community:
County of Hawaii, Mayor’s Office; Lenard Allen – Public Health Educator, HI State DOH Chronic Disease Management Branch; Paul Strauss – Public Health Educator, HI State DOH Chronic Disease Management Branch; Julia Zee – County Extension Agent, UH-Manoa, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources; Scott Daniels, PhD – Program Specialist V, HI State DOH State Office of Primary Care & Rural Health; Richard Chinen – Vice President of Store Operations, KTA Superstores; Brandon Kobashigawa – Traditional Hawaiian Healing Project Manager, Hui Malama Ola Na Oiwi; Kyle Pfister – Founder, Ninjas for Health; Landry Fuller – Founder, Chef, Health Coach, Fuller Living; Susie Osborne – Founder, Kua o ka La Century Public Charter School; Emily Emmons – Co-founder, Executive Director, Ho`ola Farms; Stephen Shrader – Community Collaboration Coordinator, One Island and Same Canoe Local Food Challenge; Marcy Montgomery – Executive Director, One Island and Same Canoe Local Food Challenge; Graham Ellis – S.A.R.E. Local Foods Project; Keahi Tajon – Owner, Umauma Fruit & Flowers/Left Foot Steppin'; Donna Maltz – Founder & CEO, Soil to Soul Business Consulting; Betsy Cole – Interim CEO, The Kohala Center; Donna Mitts – Program Coordinator, Hawaii Island School Garden Network, The Kohala Center; En Young – Executive Director, The Food Basket, Hawaii Island’s Food Bank; Kristin Albrecht - Director of Grants and Compliance, The Food Basket, Hawaii Island’s Food Bank; Chelsea Takahashi – Delivery Programs Coordinator, The Food Basket, Hawaii Island’s Food Bank; Ronnette Gonsalves – Co-founder, Bodacious Women/Men of Pahoa; Deanette Staudine – Outreach Assistant, Bodacious Women/Men of Pahoa; Jeanne Teleia – Founder, Wellness Coach, Nai’a Aloha LLC; Tina Tamai – (Retired) HI State DOH SNAP Education; Megan Yarberry – Project Manager, Blue Zones Project, Hawaii Island; Carol R. Ignacio – Community Program Manager, Blue Zones Project, Hawaii Island.
The mission of the Hawaii Island Food Alliance is to create an economically just, ecologically sound, and healthy and culturally appropriate food system for all who live on Hawaii Island. For more information about HIFA please contact Carol Ignacio, Facilitator/Convener at carolr.ignacio@healthways.com or call (808) 202.4958.
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On September 15, dozens of East Hawaii residents attended a Gardening Demonstration that was informational and so much fun! La'akea Kamakawiwo'ole and Allie Atkins of Lehua Lena Nursery talked about different types of medicinal plants and how to plant and care for them, and they even provided a painting activity for attendees using natural, plant-based ink. Master Gardener, Bill Miller, also attended and talked about building raised garden beds and how to manage garden pests. Bill and Ally's gardening duo was the perfect opportunity for guests to get creative, learn a wealth of gardening information, mingle with the "right tribe," and take home plants to start their own gardens.
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On September 22, and September 27, East Hawaii residents also enjoyed Power of Purpose workshops. Purpose Workshop facilitators, Christine Osterwalder and Doug Connors assisted guests in clarifying their gifts, talents, and their purpose in life. For more information on our upcoming Purpose Workshops, please visit our website's event page, or to request a Purpose Workshop for your organization of 30 people or larger, call 756-5772.
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