March News: Empowering Teachers, Growing Gardens & Supporting Keiki Fitness
Kumu’s Cupboard Equips Teachers for Success in the Classroom
Step inside Kumu’s Cupboard and you’ll immediately feel it – the spark of creativity, the anticipation of possibilities, and a deep sense of aloha for the community. In this modest space near the Target at Kukui Grove Center, shelves lined with colorful markers, art supplies, science kits and more form a treasure trove where Kaua‘i’s educators can find what they need for their students – all at no cost.
“Last school year, we provided for 481 teachers,” says Elyse Litvack, one of the organization’s founders. Kumu’s Cupboard carries everything from basic school and office supplies to specialized art and science project materials, student incentives and more. In a world where educators often dip into their own pockets to provide for their classrooms, this nonprofit offers hope, support and tangible resources.
That’s why the Grove Farm Foundation was pleased to present Kumu’s Cupboard once again with a matching grant of $5,000 to double their annual fundraising campaign. “We appreciate your continued support, which means so much to us,” says Elsye.
With contributions from donors and grants like Grove Farm’s, Kumu’s Cupboard is able to purchase the supplies that stock their shelves in addition to the gently used materials that are donated by the community. With the donations received last year, Kumu’s Cupboard was able to build their Hawaiian Studies section and expand their offerings for elective classes. Kumu’s Cupboard also has a section with filled backpacks for students in need as well as approximately 80 kits in their “Lending Service” section, which educators may borrow to enrich their lesson plans.
“Last year, we also awarded 31 mini grants of school supplies to teachers who applied,” says Elyse. These mini grants provided each awarded educator with up to $250 worth of supplies and materials for teaching a unit or project in priority subjects such as science, social studies, reading, English Language Arts (ELA) and math.
Organizations like Kumu’s Cupboard strengthen our community by filling a critical gap. Thank you, Kumu’s Cupboard staff and board, for providing for Kaua‘i’s educators for the past eight years!
Expert Gardening Advice Every Saturday at Grove Farm Market
Dreaming of a lush home garden? Or maybe you’re tired of pests munching on your vegetable patch “buffet”? Whatever your gardening questions, Kaua‘i’s Master Gardeners have you covered!
Every Saturday at the Grove Farm Market, visit the Master Gardeners “Plant Doctor” booth to meet local experts like James Keach (who runs Kaua’i’s Master Gardeners Program), Bill Skelton, Paul Loizeaux, Chrys Martin-Rowell, Jeff Frelinger, Charles Beard, and Rudy Sina (a retired Waimea High School social studies teacher). The booth is located on the Southeastern corner near Puhi road.
They all completed the University of Hawai‘i College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR) Kaua‘i Master Gardeners Training Program and serve as volunteers to promote sustainable gardening practices and environmental stewardship. Drawing upon their deep knowledge and firsthand experience, they graciously offer free information to home gardeners on everything from fruit trees, vegetables, ornamental plans and lawns to plant nutrition, plant diseases and pests, composting, and fertilizing. Bring a photo of your garden – a picture is worth a thousand words.
They also sell locally adapted seeds from the University of Hawai‘i’s Seed Lab that are well suited to growing in Kaua‘i’s unique climate.
Fun & Fitness at Kōloa Elementary School’s Duckathon
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Since the late 1940s, Grove Farm has been part of the Kōloa community, building neighborhoods and supporting local families. The Kōloa Block and Waikomo subdivisions, with 198 single family homes, were designed and constructed through Grove Farm’s early homeownership programs for plantation employees.
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We were excited to volunteer with Kōloa Elementary School for their annual Duckathon on February 28 – a fun-filled event where students participate in health and fitness activities. Kōloa Elementary, established in 1877, is not only dear to Grove Farm’s heart but also holds a special place in Kaua‘i’s history as the first government public school on the island – right on the site of the state’s first commercial sugar plantation. The school’s mascot is the Kōloa Duck.
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New Golf Carts Elevate the Puakea Experience
Puakea Golf Course has introduced brand-new E-Z-Go golf carts equipped with GPS units, making it easier than ever to navigate the course and plan your shots. The touch screen has real time weather updates and has bluetooth capabilities so you can enjoy your music while out on the course.
Stay tuned for more Puakea News! As of right now, bunker renovations are on-going! Visit their website or instagram for more information about special rates and which holes are in play.
Recipe Roundup – Seafood Boil
It’s been a few years since Tai Ito-Fernandez submitted his Seafood Boil recipe as a student at Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School. Today, he is in high school, but according to his mom, Cherine, Tai still loves this ‘ono dish, a “family tradition” that his grandma always makes for his birthday dinner.
Featuring lobster tails, crab legs, shrimp, clams, smoked sausage, corn cobs and Yukon gold potatoes in a flavorful broth, Tai’s Seafood Boil is sure to be a winner at your next gathering.
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