Announcements

Veteran’s Corner

Wednesday, September 28th, 2011

Hello veterans, old Jesse here with all the veterans’ news and upcoming events.  Each year, the fourth Sunday of September is Gold Star Mother’s Day, honoring women whose children died in service to the U.S.  Why does a gold star symbolize their sacrifice? During World War I, some families hung service flags, or banners, in windows to show their devotion to the nation.  Blue stars on the flags represented family members serving in the military, and gold stars signified members who died in the line of duty.  Mothers of fallen troops eventually came to be known as “gold star mothers,” according to American Gold Star Mothers, Inc., a non-profit organization formed in 1928 for mothers of fallen troops to comfort one another, help wounded veterans and keep alive the memories of their loved one.

During the month of October I will be running an essay contest asking veterans and community members, “What does it mean to be American?” The contest is open to U.S. citizens 18 years and older. The essay must be 300 words or less and will be judged based on originality and ingenuity. The winner will receive pizza and soda from Molokai Pizza Café and must agree to have the winning essay and photo printed in the paper. Send entries post marked no later than Nov. 1 to P.O. Box 482219, Kaunakakai 96748 or email editor@themolkaidispatch.com. Good luck!  

Please remember that Joe Thompson will be at the veteran’s center on Friday, Sept. 30 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and John Candello will be at the Office of Hawaiian Affairs Oct. 6 and 13 from 8 a.m. to 1p.m., by appointment.  Please call 553-3611 to make an appointment.  Either Joe or John can help you file a claim with the VA.  Please remember all Americans serving in our armed services, and especially those in harm’s way, mahalo to you.  Also, mahalo to all our veterans, and the people of Molokai, you are truly the greatest, and I love you all.

Humane Society Welcomes New Vet

Wednesday, September 28th, 2011

By Dr. Stewart K. Morgan and the Molokai Humane Society

It has been over six years since we began our search for a veterinarian willing to move to Molokai and the Molokai Humane Society (MoHS) is thrilled to announce that we have finally overcome that challenge! MoHS has recently hired our first staff veterinarian, Dr. Stewart Morgan, who will begin working on Monday, Oct. 31. We are looking forward to being able to offer the animals of Molokai more regular care.  

Until Dr. Morgan’s arrival, we have a regular schedule of visiting vets at MoHS; please visit our website molokaihumanesociety.org or call to get the most current visiting vet schedule.

Below you will find a letter to the community from Dr. Morgan. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please call 558-0000. Thank you for your continued support.

Hello Molokai!
My name is Stewart Morgan. I have accepted a position as veterinarian for the Molokai Humane Society. I met many of you this past August while visiting and working in the container.  I both saw and heard from everyone I spoke with on Molokai how much a consistent veterinary presence is needed here.

I am originally from Baltimore. I attended Haverford College in Pennsylvania for my undergraduate major in Evolutionary Studies. I then attended Stony Brook University, on Long Island, N.Y., for my doctorate in Genetics. Following this, I attended Cornell University, in Central New York, for veterinary school. Since graduating, I have mostly worked for nonprofits, providing care for animals in shelters and in underserved communities (most recently Washington Humane Society).  I have keen interests in animal welfare (including feral cat populations) as well as an interest in internal medicine. I both enjoy teaching and learning from others. I will do my utmost to improve the quality of care for all animals on Molokai and I look forward to working with everyone.

Sincerely,
Dr. Stewart Morgan

Country Fair Time of Year

Sunday, September 11th, 2011

Community contributed by Maria Sullivan

It’s time for the country fair!  The Saint Damien Catholic Parish Annual Country Fair is set for Saturday, Sept.17 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Mitchell Pauole Center.  Come and enjoy the morning with fresh baked goods, produce, homemade chili, Filipino treats and a silent and live auction.  Scheduled for the live auction block are a used car, hotel and golf packages (Maui, Waikiki), livestock and agricultural tilling.  The live auction begins at noon.  Festivities will conclude with a lucky drawing for a trip for two to Las Vegas!  All proceeds will assist the Parish in paying its $1.4 million debt for the new Saint Damien Church, which is slated to open this fall.  Pictured above are pastor Father Clyde Guerreiro and country fair committee member Shonna Pineda.