Hawaii Marine, October 30, 2015

News

Hawaii Marine October 30, 2015 • A-5

Hungry to help? Donate to ASYMCA!

The Kaneohe Bay branch of the Armed Serivces YMCA is collecting food so Marine Corps Base Hawaii families have a full Thanksgiving. Drop off your canned goods and other non-perishable items to drop-off boxes at several locations: The Officers’ Club, Kahuna’s Bar and Grill, Semper Fit Center, Laulima and Kupulau Child Development Centers, the base library, Kulia Youth Center and the K-Bay branch’s headquarters in building 455 on Lawrence Road. Thanksgiving collections end Nov. 16, but the drive continues for the winter holidays. Suggested items include: • canned/dry gravy mixes • boxed mashed potatoes • canned cranberry sauce • onion strings • canned corn • instant gelatin or pudding mixes • canned green beans • fruit/pumpkin pie filling • canned yams • packaged pie crust • cream of mushroom soup • mini marshmallows • canned evaporated milk • cake/cookie mixes • boxed stuffing/dressing mix • commissary gift cards ($25)

Press Release

Armed Services YMCA

HONOLULU — On Nov. 5, the Armed Services YMCA is scheduled to host its “Celebrating the Military Family” breakfast at the Hilton Hawaiian Village’s Coral Ballrooms from 7:30 to 9 a.m. This unique event provides community and military leaders the opportunity to honor one family from each of the six service branches (U.S. Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and Hawaii National Guard) and recognize their service and sacrifice.

The event coincides with Military Family Month, which was established in 1993 by the Armed Services YMCA, with the U.S. government recognizing the occasion every year since.

Each November, the ASYMCA celebrates Military Family Month to

demonstrate the nation’s support and commitment to the families of military personnel. With service members continuing to be deployed overseas, recognizing the daily sacrifices made by military families has never been more important.

“We understand that military spouses and children serve too and this special morning acknowledges and honors them,” said Laurie Moore, ASYMCA executive director. “It also

helps support the programs that make a difference in their lives. Proceeds from the breakfast provide the means for us to expand our programs and services for military families at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Wheeler Army Airfield, Schofield Barracks, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam and U.S. Coast Guard Base Honolulu.

This year’s program will include hula, musical entertainment, a video presentation of each family, presentation of awards and guest speaker, Lt. Gen. John A. Toolan, the commanding general of U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific. Corporate and individual sponsors will donate seats at their table so that the military can attend.

The ASYMCA provides programs that help meet the challenges associated with military life that often stem from being far away from home while dealing with the stress of frequent spousal deployments and

financial burdens.

“In order to meet these concerns head on, Armed Services YMCA focuses programs and services in three key areas: education and childcare; financial support and assistance; and services that reduce military members and families’ feelings of isolation and loneliness,” said Sarah Fargo, the chairperson of the Board of Directors. “(The) Celebrating the Military Family breakfast is just another avenue to support our military families in Hawaii.”

As a private nonprofit organization serving Hawaii’s military community since 1917, the ASYMCA has touched more military lives than any other organization in Hawaii.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available. Contact the ASYMCA for more information about the event at 473-3398 or visit their website at www. asymcahi.org.

ASYMCA celebrates military families with breakfast event

The annual shearwater fallout season occurs during November and December islandwide. Juvenile wedge-tailed shearwater birds that are still learning to fly often get disoriented by city lights. They fly inland and fall, becoming injured and vulnerable.

What to do if a shearwater is found

Contact the Provost Marshal’s Office at 257-2123. During work- ing hours the bird will be picked up. During after hours the response may be delayed until next day. The bird may need to be secured.

How and when to handle shearwaters

If the bird is in a safe location, and will be picked up soon, then leave it there. However, if after hours and/or seabird is in harm’s way (e.g. road kill, predation), secure it in a cardboard box. Cusp the bird “firmly without squeezing.” Keep the bird’s wings close to its body. Birds have strong muscles, but fragile bones. Gloves are desirable. Although their bite is not hard, their fish-catching beak is very sharp. A towel or T-shirt may be used to cover the bird prior to handling. Keep the box in a quiet location until it is picked up.

Protect lost, injured shearwater birds during fallout season