Hoaloha members host FCE Fun Day

The Hilo Association for Family and Community Education (FCE) recently combined fun, food, crafts, line dancing and an inspiring lesson for its members. Hoaloha FCE Club, led by president Lee Watanabe, chaired the annual FCE Fun Day event.

Guest speaker for the afternoon was Diane Brucato-Thomas. She has practiced as a periodontal therapist for more than 30 years and recently founded Tung Fu Masters LLC, where she teaches people to master the tao of chewing, swallowing and breathing. Her presentation — “Sweet Kisses-Sweet Truth” — gave all who attended an abundance of information and tips for keeping gums healthy and living a longer, healthy life.

Brucato-Thomas is the immediate past-president of the American Academy of Dental Hygiene.

Members shared their favorite foods, made gift tags during a workshop taught by Marcia Matsui, enjoyed line dancing led by Laureta Ka‘awaloa, and had their nails painted by Hilo Council’s youngest member, Shelly Wingate, 13, and her friend, Lauren Selden.

Family and Community Education is a volunteer organization affiliated with the Cooperative Extension Service. Throughout the nation and Puerto Rico, clubs are celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Smith-Lever Act, which established the Cooperative Extension Service to provide research-based information to families.

FCE promotes and encourages continuing education in family living, leadership development and community action. There are currently nine councils in the state of Hawaii. With the Family Community Leadership Program (FCL), FCE members and nonmembers alike have been able to develop awareness and leadership skills that will support political issues of concern to families.

Membership is open to all interested individuals regardless of age, sex, race, religion or national origin.

For more information, call president Liz Salfen at 982-8412 or the Cooperative Extension Service.