ALOHA TO 2022

As we look back and bid aloha to 2022, we’d like to share our very fond memories with you.

`Aha `Ōpio (Gathering of Young Adults): Working with the Hawai`i Clubs of American University, Georgetown University, and George Washington University, we offered a free workshop for college haumana (students). The seminar focused on “You’ve Graduated. Now What?” We had speakers whose topics ranged from being born and raised in Hawai`i and moving to the continent for my career to creating financial stability for your future. Uncle Warren made onolicious (delish) plate lunch, and students walked away with lots of `ike (knowledge) as some prepared to enter today’s business world.

To these same three clubs, EHCC made donations to support their annual lū`au. All three were filled with ono kau kau (delicious food), hula, and games! The events were filled with fun and aloha!

Pacific Islander Heritage Month: EHCC alaka`i shared hula at Nestlé USA’s celebration as well as the White House and NHPI (Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander) Heritage Month’s Closing Ceremony. We were honored to have been invited to share Aloha.

Congressional School: Every year, we conduct a weeklong Hawaiian Cultural Camp for keiki (children), ages 7 – 12. So successful are these classes that Congressional also hosted an `Aha `Ohana (Family Gathering) Lū`au where EHCC shared lei-making, hula, and other cultural activities with Congressional School `ohana.

‘Aha ‘Ohana - RISE! Keiki Vibrancy | Cultural Foundations: 2022ʻs ʻAha ʻOhana RISE! Keiki Vibrancy: Cultural Foundations STEMS² workshop at Piscataway Park was so beautiful! We introduced everyone to kalo (taro), shared the importance of kalo to the Native Hawaiian people, and how to create a healthy relationship with kalo here on the east coast via place and culture-based learning experiences for the entire family. 

We thank our sponsors  Nakupuna Foundation, Nakupuna Companies, KAIA, Papa Ola Lokahi, and Starbucks for making this day possible!

Health Seminar: We were honored to have had Kekoa and Pele Harman from Hilo and Wendell Navalta spearhead our health seminar. The event focused on mind, body, and spirit health practices using Hawaiian medicinal plants, hula, and spiritual practices.

`Aha Kūpuna Holokū Ball: We ended 2022 with a Holokū Ball in honor of our kūpuna (elders). The event was held at the Renaissance Arlington Capital View Hotel and the evening was filled with all things Aloha! Ramon Camarillo and Alan Distajo played Hawaiian favorites during the cocktail hour and during dinner, Kuana Kahele serenaded us with hula dancers from our community. We had a Silent Auction and Live Auction - gift baskets with local-style goodies, Hawaiian quilt, Raku by Ramon, Koa Wa`a (Canoe) with Tapa Sail, Lei Hulu, and a Koa Box to name a few, all donated by EHCC supporters. The Executive Chef of the hotel just happened to have lived in Hawai`i so she was able to cook “local-style” cuisine – Kalbi Ribs, Mac Salad, Rice, Chicken Teriyaki, Guava and Lilikoi desserts! We had nine generous event sponsors, which contributed immensely to its success!

LOOKING FORWARD TO 2023

We are tremendously excited about our programs and events for 2023! Here’s a snapshot of what you can look forward to and help with:

• Volunteer/Give Back programs for our communities.

• `Aha `Ōpio (Teens/Young Adults) One-day seminar for college and high school haumana (students) to help prepare them for their future. We’ll have speakers, Hawaiian-style plate lunch, inter-active participation, photographer (for resumé headshots), and more!

• Several gatherings to share Aloha. Things like Plate-Lunch Day with Kanikapila Music, Lei-Making, Hula Class … to name a a few. Something for the entire `ohana to enjoy!

• 2nd Annual Holokū Ball. Last year’s 1st Annual Holokū Ball was so successful (and fun with ono kau kau and entertainment!) that guests have asked us to make this an annual event. Pssst! It looks like we’ve already lined up an entertainer from Hawai`i to headline our ball! Stay tuned for this wonderful surprise!

2023 `Aha Opio | Build Your Best Future!

With your fresh degree in hand and a brain bursting with knowledge, you probably thought your education was complete. But a successful transition from college to the workplace, knowing how to excel in today’s challenging business world, and financially educating yourself are totally different learning experiences! E Ala E Hawaiian Cultural Center invites you to a one-day seminar to help you “Build Your Best Future!” Aloha!
 
When: Saturday, March 4, 2023
Where: 251 18th St., S., Arlington, VA 22202 (Metro-accessible) | Lobby Level Conference Rooms
Time:

• 8:30AM – 9:00AM: Registration

• 9:00AM – 5:30PM: Seminar (including guest speakers, interactive sessions, refreshment breaks, Hawaiian-style “plate lunch” and a professional photographer for headshots)

It will also include a professional photographer for headshots and, of course, ono plate lunch by Uncle Warren! Space will be limited to 40 – 50 attendees.
 
To register, go to www.ealaehcc.org/educate. See you there!

EHCC Activities

Mar 4 (Sat): `Aha `Ōpio (Teens/Young Adults) One-day seminar for college and high school haumana (students) to help prepare them for their future. We’ll have speakers, Hawaiian-style plate lunch, inter-active participation, photographer (for resumé headshots), and more! Cost is FREE. Register here by Friday, Feb. 24th.

Community Connections

Feb 7-28 (Tues & Thur): Join Hui Mālama Ola Nā 'Ōiwi for their online Basic Therapeutic Yoga class on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 5PM-6PM HST (10PM-11PM EST). To start the registration process, visit hmono.org/services or call (808) 969-9220 for more information.

Feb 23-26 (Thur-Sun): For the first time since 2020, the annual Mother Tongue Film Festival will return to the National Mall for in-person events Feb. 23–26. The festival, hosted by the Smithsonian’s Recovering Voices initiative, centers around International Mother Language Day to celebrate cultural and linguistic diversity. Now in its eighth year, the festival will feature 27 films in 23 languages from regions across the globe. A schedule of screenings and events and registration information can be found on the festival’s website. All screenings and events are free.

Mar 4 (Sat): L&L Hawaiian Barbeque presents Kanikapila Live. Doors open at 5pm, and the one and only Issac Ho`opii will be performing live. Plus, if you're feeling brave open mic begins at 4:30pm. To learn more, click here.

Mar 7-28 (Tues): Join Hui Mālama Ola Nā 'Ōiwi for their online Healthy Hāpai class on Tuesdays from 6PM-8PM HST (11PM-1AM EST). If you're a parent-to-be, sign up for this online series on prenatal health, breastfeeding, postpartum health, positive parenting and more. Contact them at (808) 969-9220 or visit hmono.org/services to initiate the sign-up process!

Mar 16-18 (Thur-Sat): The Gaithersburg Ukefest is back. On Thursday and Friday, several workshop sessions will begin at 2:00 p.m. and a concert at approximately 7:00 p.m. On Saturday, there will be more workshop sessions beginning at 9:00 a.m. The evening concert will also be at approximately 7:00 p.m. The cost $285 for the full package; $220 for Friday and Saturday only. Visit gaithersburgukefest.com for more information.

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

Please send an email to: Marilyn@ealaehcc.org