12 minute read
Faith & Footprints
Wai`oli Hui`ia Church And Mission House – Hawaii
By Kelly Wise Valdes
With more tourist destinations opening up and welcoming back visitors, Hawaii is definitely on the list of many people’s travel plans. If you are planning a trip to Kauai, you may consider a visit to Wai`oli Hui`ia Church and Mission House.
The church building represents American Gothic architecture with its wooden exterior and steep roof, forest-green walls and a belfry reflecting the shape of the mountains behind it. It is one of the oldest surviving church buildings on Kauai. Built on 17 acres of former plantation land, the church and house ofer a glimpse back in time.
Hidden by a grove of trees behind the church building is the 2-story Mission House, erected in 1837 by the area’s first missionaries, who traveled more than 289 miles from the Big Island of Hawaii via outrigger canoe. Missionaries and teachers Abner and Lucy Wilcox and their four sons moved to this 2-story home. While there, four more sons were born in the master bedroom of the Mission House. With eight sons, the family had their hands full, but they continued to teach the native students in English and the newly translated Hawaiian language. The Mission House is now a museum where you can see the missionaries’ original Bibles, braided rugs and a spinning wheel, among other artifacts from the day. The home is also complemented by other Hawaiian elements such as ohia wood floors, a lava rock chimney and koa furniture. The wall clock was installed in 1866 and still keeps perfect time. ‘Wai`oli Hui`ia’ means ‘Joyful River’ in Hawaiian—a reference to the joyful songs that echoed across the plantation’s church walls. It has become one of Kauai’s most popular wedding destinations. Restored in 1921, the church had to be restored again in 1992 after Hurricane Iniki. The structures survived two previous hurricanes, Hurricane Dot and Hurricane Iwa. Both the church and house are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Wai`oli Hui`ia Church has had a continuous record of service since 1834, first as a Congregational church, and, since 1956, as a United Church of Christ. The church holds worship services on Sunday mornings and at special services throughout the year. The property is open for drop-in, first-come, first-served guided tours three days a week.
For more information, visit www.waiolihuiiachurch.org.
Live Like You Mean It ...
To See God In Life Is Not Chance, But Invitation
By Derek Maul
Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden. But the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?” - Genesis 3.
Early Saturday morning, I made my way to our church campus to meet with some of my friends in the men’s Bible study. We were there for a conversation about prayer. I noticed the way the soft light caught the front of the building. So, I paused, caught up in a moment of serenity, and framed a photograph on my camera.
Then, walking around the corner of the rose garden, I once again felt the ineffable presence of peace, so again I took a moment to preserve the image. The garden, resting in the cool of the morning, spoke a blessing of harmony and barely contained joy, filling my soul.
I opened the room where we were scheduled to meet, took out a pencil and paper and wrote down a list of the ways I pray—other than speaking.
Photography was first, then I added writing, songwriting, singing, walking, preparing food for my family, gardening, playing with my grandchildren and taking care of my dad. The list grew, but with everything, the description started with “inviting God into” whatever it was that I was doing.
I began to think of the limitless scope of a prayer life that simply asks for God to be present, acknowledges a humble desire to learn from God and remains intentional in terms of communion with God in the experience.
I understand why some people say, “I find God in nature,” but it is only true so far as God is directly invited, acknowledged and received. Take a moment to think about where and when you encounter real serenity, then ask God to speak peace and love directly into those experiences.
Because to see God in daily life is not by chance, but by invitation-- DEREK
Derek Maul has written for many news outlets, including the Tampa Tribune, The United Methodist News Service, All Pro Dad, FOCUS Magazine, Newsweek, USA Today, The Christian Science Monitor, Presbyterians Today, Guideposts, Chicken Soup for the Soul and many other publications. Read Derek Maul’s daily blog posts at www.derekmaul.wordpress.com
By Kathy Collins
If you, your child or teen are interested in learning to create fine art and artisan-style pieces, you can register for art classes with Winthrop Arts. Classes are held at the Art Factory, located 11267 Winthrop Main St. in Riverview. Winthrop Arts ofers art classes for children 5 years old and up, teens (in sixth grade and above) and adults (Ceramics on Monday evenings). Classes begin on Tuesday, August 10.
The hours and classes vary each day, but generally classes are held during the hours of 3 to 7:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Specialty classes highlighting painting will be held on select Saturdays throughout the year beginning in September.
Winthrop Arts began ofering Basket Weaving classes with Peggy McCarson this past year. These classes will continue throughout the year on select Thursday evenings, and through them, students learn to handcraft woven baskets.
New classes that have been added for this coming year includes Comics, Anime and Graphics with Mariel on Wednesdays from 5-6:30 p.m. This class is set up in four-week sessions and is good for students 7 years and older. There will also be a Ceramics class with Marta on Thursdays from 6-7:30 p.m. This Ceramics class is designed for students of any age over 5. Art with Alexa on Mondays from 3-4:30 p.m. will feature fine artisan crafts for children 5 and up. Registration for all of the classes is available at www. winthroparts. org. A registration fee of $35
Children, teens and adults are treated like fellow artists when they take art per family is classes with Winthrop Arts. Classes are held in the arts education studio called required. Classthe Art Factory, located at 11267 Winthrop Main St. in Riverview. es are $15 each
with a minimum of four weeks. The exception to the price and number of classes applies to the Saturday painting classes and basket weaving. All students for all classes must preregister. There are no drop-in classes unless otherwise advertised. Children, teens and adults can let their creative side shine. No experience is necessary and all materials are provided. Bryant Martinez, lead art instructor for Winthrop Arts, said, “We have expanded the types of classes that we ofer over the years. However, the mission of Winthrop Arts has never changed. We want everyone to feel free to come and take classes and learn to create art with us. We are truly artists creating art with other artists.” Students are encouraged to enter area art shows, including the annual Winthrop Arts Children’s Art Show, the Hillsborough County Fair Fine Arts Show and the Florida Strawberry Festival Fine Art Show. For more information and to register for classes, please visit www.winthroparts. org. If you have questions, please contact Kathy at 758-5161 or kathy@winthroparts.org.
WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA IS LOOKING FOR DONATIONS FOR WREATHS OF REMEMBRANCE
By Makenzie Atkins
Wreaths Across America is a national, non-profit organization which coordinates wreath-laying ceremonies at more than 2,100 locations across the United States, at sea and abroad.
With over 1.7 million wreaths placed in 2020, Wreaths Across America is hoping to create that same kind of impact by the end of this year.
According to its website, “While coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies each December on National Wreaths Across America Day is a big part of what we do, our mission to Remember, Honor and Teach is carried out throughout the year. From our Remembrance Tree program to the Wreaths Across America Museum in Maine, there are many diferent ways in which you can get involved!”
Just as the pandemic hurt many businesses and organizations in the past year, Wreaths Across America has had a hard time fundraising for the Wreaths of Remembrance ceremony.
Locally, there are more than 730 headstones at the American Legion Cemetery that need a wreath this year. The local chapter of the organization is asking for help. Donations of any size can be made by cash or check mailed to the American
Legion Post 5: ALA Unit 5 at 3810 West Kennedy Blvd. 33609. Cash may also be dropped of at the post any Mon, Weds or Fri between 11 a.m and 4 p.m. Any amount is welcome and sponsorships are $15 for each wreath. The ceremony at the American Legion Cemetery will take place on Saturday, December 18 at noon. A wreath is laid and the name of the individual is said aloud in remembrance. Volunteers, students and family members are all welcome to participate.
People of all ages come out to remember “The laying of the wreath our veterans by placing a wreath and symbols triumph over saying the name on each grave. death, it implies that fami-
ly and friends or any individual is letting all know that the individuals soul lives on,” said Bonnie O’Brien from the Cemetery Board at American Legion Post Five. Anyone who attends Wreaths of Remembrance in December is invited to place a wreath on a headstone at the American Legion Cemetery. Being apart of the ceremony allows residents to show respect for the men and women who served. The cemetery, is located at 3810 W. Kennedy Blvd. Tampa, FL 33609, 1/2 block in from Dale Mabry Highway and Kennedy Blvd. For more information, contact Bonnie O’Brien at obrienb43@yahoo.com, call 810-1727 or visit https://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org.
In Business Over 20 Years
813.433.4047
www.ajwestfallco.com
licensed✦bonded✦insured
FULL SERVICE CLEANING COMPANY
Residential ✦Commercial Moving/Home Sale Presentation ✦Tenant Turnover
Mon-Fri 9 am-6 pm • Sat 9am-4pm • Sun-Closed
IS YOUR CHILD SPEAKING CLEARLY?
Clear speech is not only necessary for good communication, but is closely linked to reading and writing success.
PATIENT of the MONTH
Ben (age 5)
“Te team at Tampa Bay Speech has been amazing for our entire family. Tey have made Ben feel comfortable by playing games and getting to know his interests. Speech has not only improved his articulation, but his confdence as well!” - Jackie B. (Mom) Tampa Bay Speech, Language & Reading cLinic READING • WRITING • HANDWRITING Therapy Services: Articulation • Apraxia Auditory Processing • Autism • Sensory Feeding Disorders (813) 368-2485
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA RHEUMATOLOGY
Specializing in treatment of: Rheumatoid Arthritis • Psoriatic Arthritis • Osteoporosis Gout • Osteoarthritis • Lupus On Site: Infusion • Lab • Ultrasound
Accepting New Patients most insurance accepted
Dr. Priya Reddy M.D. FACR
Board Certifed Rheumatologist
Dr. Gina Prakash M.D.
Board Certifed Rheumatologist
BRANDON ELITE’S 15 GOLD LEADS AT AAU NATIONALS FOR VOLLEYBALL
Brandon Elite’s 15 Gold team showcasing big smiles due to their stellar performance at AAU Nationals.
Left to right: Coach Magaly Carvajal, AAU Nationals All Star Elaina Fischer, Coach Estefania Lebron and Head Coach Damian Goderich pictured with the All Star award.
In the AAU Nationals, there were 56,000 participants, 3445 teams and 171 courts from June 17-29. The AAU Nationals, held in Orlando, caters to teams all over the United States and internationally.
Determination leads to success. This is what Brandon Elite Volleyball Association represents. One of its teams, 15 Gold, placed fifth out of 188 teams in their division. For four days, these 10 girls were challenged with fierce competitors who were not going to lose without a fight.
The morning of June 24 started with a passionate team meeting as the girls sat with a 6-0 record.
“The closer we get to the championship bracket, the better and more disciplined the teams become. Teams will not make as many errors and we need to control our errors if we want to come out on top,” said Coaches Magaly Carvajal and Estefania Lebron.
The girls entered their challenge match competing against a team from Florida. The first set was lost 15-25. The second set was won due to great passing from Mikayla Lastoria, Idara Camacho and Diana Hiatt. The attackers had some stellar moments led by Ella Kahikina, Madison Sofarelli and Alexia Goderich. The third set was close, exciting and nerve-racking. Captain and setter Paula Lebron had some great serving runs, ran the ofense and was able to find hot hitters early. The middles, Elaina Fischer and Angela West, took control of the game with their defiance of not allowing balls to come over and ability to annihilate the ball. The final set resulted in 15-13, another win for 15 Gold.
On day four, the team entered the championship bracket. The first game had spectators biting their nails and sitting at the edge of their seats. The girls were able to fight harder than their opponents. Standing at an 11-0 record, they prepared for the quarterfinal match against another undefeated team. The game was neck and neck, but the experience of the other team gained the best of them. 15 Gold ended the tournament with 11 wins and one loss. One of the players, Fischer, was recognized as an AAU National All Star due to her stellar performance and sportsmanship. She thanks her Gold Olympic coach and mentor, Carvajal, and her parents for encouraging her as an athlete and as a leader.
“Being an All Star is an honor voted on by the top coaches at the national tournament,” exclaimed Fischer.
“She is an excellent student, selfless teammate, sweetheart of the court. However, on the court, she is dominant, defiant, strong and brings the heat,” said Head Coach Damian Goderich.
For more information on the AAU Nationals and Brandon Elite, go to http:// brandonelitevolleyball.com/ and https:// aauvolleyball.org/.
