KAPAA — Geri Bulosan could not attend her weekly Tuesday art class at the Kauai Museum.
Instead, she joined members of the Kapaa High School Class of 1965 and other community groups who gathered at the Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital in Kapaa to decorate the grounds in preparation for the Third annual Mahelona Hospital Tree Lighting Ceremony.
“I told the other artists that I was going to be joining the Class of ‘65 to decorate,” Bulosan said. “This is just once a year and it’s for the residents.”
The public is invited to the ceremony from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Monday, said Josie Pablo, Hawaii Health Systems Corporation Kauai Region recreational director.
“This is all for the residents and the community,” Pablo said. “The lights and displays bring a touch of Christmas to these residents’ home. Whenever I do this, I remember Elaine Morita, one of our volunteers, who always said, ‘I want to see the lights!’”
Community organizations make the project come to life.
The Courtyard by Marriott at Coconut Beach is teaming with the Kauai Animal Welfare Society for a photo booth, and the Courtyard will be providing a one-night stay with free breakfast buffet for two as a prize.
KAWS will have dogs available for adoption. Other activities include face-painting and a fish pond, and there will be refreshments.
Mary Lardizabal and the Kapaa Middle School Ukulele Band and Choir and violinist Kimberly Hope McDonough will provide entertainment.
Pablo asks people to visit with the residents while enjoying the holiday festivities.
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
