Bringing Smiles to Needy Families

During this time of giving and sharing, E Ala E Hawaiian Cultural Center donated funds to support Happy Helpers for the Homeless in the Glen Burnie and Baltimore City areas.

Our donation went to good and well-deserved use - On Dec. 12, some of our `ohana delivered bicycles, helmets, LEGO sets, Barbie dolls, food baskets, and gift cards to five different families in need. Per CEO, Leihua Stewart, “It’s important to support such causes so that needy children can have some sense of normalcy in their quest to achieve better lives.”

E Ala E plans to support a non-profit charity every year in December. If you have a charity that you’d like us to consider, please contact Marilyn Farias at marilyn@aelaehcc.org.

Creative Ways to Keep Your Keiki (Children) Busy During Social Distancing

COVID-19 has severely changed our lives. No longer can we go to work or attend school on a regular basis, go on holiday with our keiki, or have a nice family dinner at your favorite restaurant … to name a few restrictions. These are just a few normal, everyday habits that have now turned into longing-for luxuries.

As days and weeks now turn into months, you may be running out of ideas to keep your keiki busy during the long days at home. Not to worry. You’re not alone. Here are some out-of-the-box ideas you might want to try to put excitement back into your keiki’s routine.

• Boredom Sticks: Brainstorm different activities with your keiki and write them on popsicle sticks. Keep them in a cup or jar, and have your keiki choose one when they say, “I’m bored. What can I do?” The stick can include games, LEGO challenges, puzzles, reading time, and don’t forget those household chores! Just make sure it’s understood that your keiki must do the item they select with no complaints!

• Scavenger Hunt Hikes: Have your keiki make a list of items they would like to look for on a neighborhood walk or trail hike. Then cross them off during the adventure.

• Alphabet Drive: Take a drive around town and have your child find the letters of the alphabet (in order) on different signs. Another version is to find items anywhere on the drive, e.g., apple tree, bus stop, etc.

• Treat of the Week: Have your keiki select a treat for each week and then bake it together.

• Dinner Theme Night: Have your keiki choose what to have for dinner and pick an after-dinner activity. This will give them a voice in meal-planning and the fun activities to follow!

Onolicious

Adobo Pork Ribs

Here is a fun take of a popular Filipino dish traditionally made with pork belly, pork butt, or chicken. Even though this recipe is a slight different version of a traditional favorite, it's still easy to make and full of flavor. In the early 1900s, Filipino communities began migrating to Hawai'i to work on the sugar plantations, and with them, they brought their cuisine and rich culture. Over the years, along with many other cultures, they formed today's version of Hawai'i "Melting Pot", and together, these communities have created rich and diverse food culture.

We hope you enjoy this recipe: Adobo Pork Ribs | Foodland

Community Connections

Dec 1-31: Born in response to the coronavirus pandemic and its impact on Hawai’i’s small and micro businesses, the Pop-Up Mākeke is a centralized online marketplace that supports over 400 Hawai’i businesses and over 12,000 unique products. In addition to serving as an online hub, the mākeke brings its products to life through weekly QVC inspired shows featured on Facebook Live. Catch these weekly shows every Sunday at 8pm HST or Monday at 2am EST, with hana hou airings playing through out the week on Facebook Live.

Dec 12- 31: Haka Entertainment Presents, partnered with Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement (CNHA) and Pop-Up Mākeke to bring an extremely talented lineup to our last Mele in Hawai’i episode of 2020! Closing out the year with a bangin’ lineup featuring live music from international superstars: ‘ukulele virtuoso and composer Jake Shimabukuro, soul stirring singer/songwriter Paula Fuga, and the only titah who can get Janet Jackson singing H-A-W-A-I-I, the lovely Ana Vee, plus our very special host Lina Girl!. You can re-watch this concert and past episodes their Facebook or YouTube Channel.

Dec 1-31: Polynesian Voyaging Society is launching its 2021 Membership Drive with the airing of a one hour documentary, HE WA’A HE HONUA – THE EARTH IS OUR CANOE. “He waʻa he honua — The Earth is our canoe,” shares how Hawai’i has pulled renaissance from the edge of extinction before and Hōkūleʻa can – and must — do so again. As we all cope with the uncertainty created by COVID-19, we see the continued impacts of human activity on our environment and our planet. We feel an imperative to continue our work to Mālama Honua. Click for details.

Interested in sharing something in our Newsletter? How about a special event or announcement?

Please send an email to: Marilyn@ealaehcc.org