BISAC gives to United Way
BISAC gives to United Way
The Big Island Substance Abuse Council completed its annual employee campaign to raise funds for Hawaii Island United Way.
Both agencies have partnered to inspire positive changes in the community.
“Every year, we come up with creative ideas to motivate our staff to help raise monies,” said Dr. Hannah Preston-Pita, the council’s CEO.
This year, BISAC participated in a Western-themed event, raising more than $400 that was presented to Hawaii Island United Way CEO Bettye Williams, who also joined in the fun.
For more information about BISAC, call 969-9994 or visit www.bisac.org.
Cultural event at St. Joseph
“Love is Our Mission: The Family Fully Alive” is the theme of this year’s Simbang Gabi celebration ending Christmas Eve at St. Joseph Church at Hilo.
For Filipino Catholics, Christmas novena, or Simbang Gabi in Tagalog, is the nine-day celebration before Christmas. It is a tradition with deep roots in the country’s religious culture.
Literally, simbang gabi means “night worship.” The name comes from the Catholic custom of gathering for the celebration of the Eucharist in the pre-dawn hours on each of the nine days before Christmas.
Hence, this celebration also is known as its popular Spanish name, Misa De Gallo, or “Mass of the Rooster.” Catholic churches throughout the Philippines will ring their bells at about 3 or 3:30 a.m. before the roosters crow.
The Simbang Gabi events at St. Joseph begin at 7 p.m. today and 4 p.m. Christmas Eve.
Aloha Farms hosts celebration
Aloha Farms welcomes the community to a fun, family friendly and free Christmas Day celebration and vegetarian feast starting at 5 p.m. with kirtan and dancing to live music.
Kirtan is an ancient tradition of singing the names of God congregationally. Kirtan is a nonsectarian activity and people of any faith can add it to their lives.
The celebration continues with Christmas songs, stories and the teachings of Jesus Christ. The evening concludes with a home-cooked vegetarian feast and bonfire.
Aloha Farms is located in the Pahoa area. Call Maha or Amanda at 965-9198 for directions and more information or email punaalohafarms@gmail.com.