Children's Media Center

More Whale Tour Dates

2012-01-21T12:05:00.000-10:00

Holiday Keiki Workshops Annoucement

2011-12-13T09:24:00.002-10:00

Breakfast with Santa Claus

2011-11-26T09:53:00.003-10:00

Breakfast with Santa Participation form now available for our Dec. 17th event. Be sure to bring your keiki down for a meet and greet with our good friend, Aloha Santa.

Princess Ka'iulani Keiki Festival Announcement

2011-08-27T09:31:00.005-10:00

About that time of year again and we're so excited to announce our Princess Ka'iulani Festival on October 15th, 2011. More info below.

Graham Nash - Studio Without Walls

2011-08-17T14:00:00.001-10:00

Check Out Our Auction Here!

Whale Tour Video

2011-07-16T09:04:00.003-10:00

Thanks to Dr. Robert Zolkovsky for assembling this short of Uncle's Whale Tour on Lanai and other islands this last spring. For more information you can contact our Whale Tour headquarters here at the theatre 335-0712.

Movie Night!

2011-06-25T09:39:00.003-10:00

Children's Earth Count Webcasts Are Back!

2011-05-18T13:48:00.003-10:00

After a few weeks break we're back with our weekly webcasts of Children's Earth Count that originally air live every Saturday on KKCR 91.9. Mark got back from a great educational tour of the islands and I'm back from some much needed family time. So we look forward to continuing our weekly radio shows and getting them out to our faithful internet listeners.

This week, 5/14/11, we had some great guests from the Kauai Humane Society and held our last Super Saturday event of the season. Thanks again to Carol and Lana for visiting us and sharing your knowledge. The above header will direct to the show, please enjoy:)

Forest Akamai Registration

2011-05-07T17:09:00.005-10:00

Announcing enrollment for our 2011 Forest Akamai Camp taking place at the Koke'e Discovery Center this summer. Click here to download the registration form. Mahalo for your continued participation and support of our programs.

Live from the Orchid Festival! Children's Earth Count 3/19/11

2011-03-24T13:00:00.002-10:00

What a great event we had the pleasure of joining this last Saturday in downtown Hanapepe. The streets were alive with Aloha. We here a Storybook Theatre were able to host some great local artists, host a puppet show in our Peace Garden, and broadcast a great radio show through KKCR 91.9. The above header link with let you listen in our radio program. Mahalo to all our supporters!

Children's Earth Count 3/12/11

2011-03-17T12:07:00.005-10:00

Another week and another great radio program broadcast from Storybook Theatre in Hanapepe. The above header will direct to you our show from Saturday. Next week will be another Super Saturday event in support of the Orchid and Arts Festival in downtown Hanapepe. See you then!

Children's Earth Count 3/05/11

2011-03-11T18:05:00.002-10:00

This past weekend we welcomed our great friends Calvin Barker and Will Welsh back into the studio for a fantastic installment of Children's Earth Count. We had some great talk story about theater, friendship, and the good 'ol days. Be sure to check us out next week as well. Aloha!

Children's Earth Count 2/26/11

2011-02-28T09:53:00.002-10:00

This week we had some good friends on the show. Lucas and Calli from the Kauai Forest Bird Recovery Project visited us and we look forward to future collaborations we these folks. As usual, click on the above header to hear the show and be sure to check us out next week from 10am-11am on KKCR 91.9.

Borderline Cool 3/4

2011-02-26T08:17:00.005-10:00

On March 4th, our friends Borderline Cool will be playing a concert in our garden during Friday Art Night. Be Sure to Join us, Suggested Donation $5. Call for more details.

Children's Earth Count 2/19/11

2011-02-23T10:31:00.002-10:00

Hello all! This weekend we interviewed our old friend and major contributor, Juan Wilson. Many thanks to Juan for enlightening us and exchanging Aloha. The above header will direct you to our web version of the show that was originally broadcast on KKCR on Saturday, February 19th at 10am.

A Whale Of An Education

2011-02-19T08:45:00.003-10:00

Children's Earth Count 2/12/11 - Super Saturday

2011-02-14T11:49:00.002-10:00

Mahalo to all our friends that participated in another live Super Saturday event hosted by Storybook Theatre of Hawaii. We had a great time and we trust that the families that attended did too. We look froward to working with all of you again in the future.

Click the Children's Earth Count header to listen in on our event, and be sure to check us out next Saturday!

Aloha

Children's Earth Count 1/29/11

2011-01-29T11:25:00.000-10:00

Thanks to all our supporters:)

Children's Earth Count 1/22/11

2011-01-22T11:50:00.002-10:00

Aloha on this fine Hanapepe Saturday. Click the above link to hear our show from this week that focused on the theme of Aloha. Russell came but with one of his, famous by now, Pidgin Lesson. Also heard a great story from our good friend Lynn Ford, and many other pieces from Uncle Mark. Many Maholos for everyones support!

Interfaith Rountable of Kauai

2011-01-15T11:21:00.002-10:00

Aloha to our friends who came to our radio program to discuss the subject of Peace and their event on the 17th celbrating Martin Luther King Jr at Kukui Grove Shopping Center from 10a-1:30p. Check our interview if you missed it, or want to hear it again, by clicking the above header. Thanks to everyone for helping make our show on KKCR a continued success!

Children's Earth Count 1/8/11

2011-01-08T12:10:00.004-10:00

Aloha friends and welcome to Storybook.org and our Children's Earth Count Page! What a great start of the year for us here. Been beautiful in Hanapepe despite the storms. A metaphor for the year ahead, it seems. In any event, we had our new friends from the Independent Kauai Food Bank on the show today, which aired live on KKCR 91.9 10a-11a, from our studio.

Click the Header to listen in, and we appreciate your continued feedback on our show. You can e-mail any comments or materials/ideas for consideration of content on our show to director@storybook.org.

Mahalo for your continued support of Storybook Theatre of Hawaii and KKCR.

Children's Earth Count 12/04/10

2010-12-04T11:29:00.003-10:00

Good Saturday and good day to everyone! As we're leaving the month of thankfulness and going into the month of giving, we can't help but recognize the great aloha all our fans and supporters have shown us. Thanks so much for all the support, feedback, and suggestions and we look forward to carrying out the year with strong programming aimed at bringing families even closer together for the holidays.

As always you can click on the above header to listen to the Dec. 4th edition of Children's Earth Count originally aired on KKCR.

Mahalo

NTO to Play Sparky's Peace Garden December 10th

2010-11-29T10:47:00.002-10:00

We are pleased to announce that our good friends, NTO, will be playing a fund raising benefit in our world famous Sparky's Peace Garden in support of the theatre. December 10th, 7-9pm, the show promises to be a musical adventure. From rock 'n roll to blues; From country rock to jazz to soaring ballads. Suggested Donation of $10. Be sure to join us!

From left to right in below photo:
Dave Greenberg - bass/vocals
Marty Leonard - drummer
Rich Evans - guitar/vocals
Lynn Taylor - vocals
Thayne Taylor - guitar
Jerry Brocklehurst - keyboard

Mahalo Jorey Cantu!

2010-11-27T11:12:00.002-10:00

Another beautiful Hanapepe Saturday, and another wonderful guest on our Children's Earth Count. Thanks so much to Jorey Cantu for coming down and being the highlight of our program this week. Our interview touched on many subjects, but above all touched our hearts. Aloha to our great friend, Jorey.

Click the above header to hear our show and be sure to catch us live every Saturday Morning 10-11am on KKCR, 91.9.

Creating a Pathway for Peace, One Brick at a Time

2010-11-23T14:11:00.004-10:00

The Story of Storybook Theatre’s Garden of Peace

This is more than the story of Storybook Theatre’s Garden of Peace, and more than the Storybook Theaters’ incredible history. It is a story about attending to and healing our children, bringing together community and, of a vision that just won’t quit. As one of my elders said to me, “There are two kinds of stories—the one’s that drain us because they are ‘all about me, me, me’, and the other kind that are healing stories, stories of learning, of reconciliation and, of redemption.” In short, this kind of story is a ‘medicine story’ and these stories must be shared.

Storybook Theatre was founded in 1979 in Honolulu and incorporated as a non-profit, moving to Kauai in 1989. The organization is dedicated to addressing an important need of young children; to hear good stories told in creative ways. The Storybook Theatre is carrying on an ancient oral tradition—a tradition of communication with moral, ethical standards through storytelling that strive to lift children out of narrow paths, narrower view points and, lack of options into activating creative thinking that expands human potential. After hundreds of live touring theatrical productions involving Hawaii’s finest actors and storytellers, the organization shifted its main focus towards the creation of television and movie production, thus reaching a larger audience, as well as to provide direct educational story-enriched programs for at-risk youth. The television storytelling shows featuring Russell the Rooster, are broadcast now throughout Hawaii, parts of the mainland and to the Cook Islands. The audience base has grown to an estimated 800,000 viewers.

In an interview with Mark Jeffers, Executive Director and co-founder of The Storybook Theatre’s home in Hanapepe Town, Kauai, Hawaii on a rainy Friday afternoon, we began with Mark telling me about his history as a storyteller. At aged twelve, Mark’s auntie took him to see Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood television set at WQED Public Television in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He met the now legendary Fred Rogers, king of the storytellers and advocate of young children’s programming. It was a soul opening event in his young life, illuminating a pathway to storytelling as his life’s work. He has a Masters degree in early childhood education, taught pre-school for 18 years and has been a professional storyteller-educator for 30 years. I asked him to estimate how many children he has told stories to over the years, and after telling me that it is the story that counts, not the numbers you tell it too, we finally arrived at an estimated 240,000 children in live performances. “ If you keep children sacred, honor and respect the world in which they inhabit, then over time you begin to think as a child may think—that is to say with complete creative imagination,” says Mark. “What we have done here [at The Storybook Theatre] is to create a center for learning and a model for revitalizing a community with the principles of creativity at the center by building a theater, a media studio, a classroom and, a garden of peace. At the heart of the model are the children.”

Hurricane Iniki touched down and stalled over the island of Kauai in 1992 with winds reaching up to 150 miles an hour. In the aftermath, Hanapepe Town on the west side of Kauai, was just one of many island-wide towns that was devastated by this awesome force of nature. By 1995, The Storybook Theatre was looking for a permanent home. With the help of friends, Mark found the nationally registered historic Sun Ke Heong/Obatake Building in the center of old town, almost completely destroyed by the hurricane. The organization was given a 55-year lease from the State of Hawaii and thus began to successfully fundraise, undertaking major restorations in phases of the building and adjoining property—officially opening it’s doors in January 2003. Thirteen years later, with the aid of many dedicated Board of Trustees, the support of community volunteers and, leadership that has kept the vision consistently alive and moving forward, Storybook Theatre sits as a jewel in the crown of the neighborhood, and has become instrumental in rekindling business and other preservation projects in this now federally designated historic town. The project is in its’ final phase—building an interactive outdoor park, with performance stage and natural environment. It is known locally as ‘the peace garden’ but, more formally as the Spark Masayuki Matsunaga International Children’s Garden of Peace.

Spark Matsunaga grew up in Hanapepe in a community consisting of multi-ethnic, low-income families who worked for the sugar plantations. In a contest for the local Garden Island Newspaper, the young Spark sold over 1,000 subscriptions, winning a scholarship to the University of Hawaii in the early 1940’s. When the United States entered the Second World War, Spark enlisted with the 442^nd and was assigned to the European theater in Italy. He became a decorated hero and upon returning to the United States after WWII, he took the GI bill and went to Harvard Law School. Before entering a political career, he practiced law for years in Honolulu. After becoming a Senator for Hawaii, he worked tirelessly for the reparations to Japanese people who were interred during the Second World War; crossing the country giving an estimated 800 speeches that paved the way for reconciliation and restitution. Matsunaga, a visionary, poet-philosopher, became a peace advocate appointed in 1976 by President Jimmy Carter to conduct a Commission with the purpose of studying theories, techniques and institutions involved with conflict resolution. The Matsunaga Commission met with military, government, and non-government organizations, leading educators, conflict resolution professionals and representatives from religious, ethnic and, scientific communities. It also invited thousands of interested citizens through a series of public meetings held across the nation to add their thoughts and ideas to the formulation of an institute for peacemaking. The Matsunaga Commission issued a report recommending the creation of a national peace academy and based upon this report a bill was introduced in both houses of Congress under bipartisan sponsorship and it was adopted. The United States Institute for Peace opened its’ doors in Washington, D. C. in 1986.

A quote by Spark Matsunaga, from 1938, points to his vision and the tireless dedication he followed as a peacemaker. “ If in our teaching we emphasize the life and work of our great contributors instead of our great destroyers, people will come to realize that moral courage is bravery of the highest type…” The Children’s Garden of Peace represents a refuge where magic and learning can happen, where the principles of peacemaking can be taught and practiced through creative storytelling and film-making.

In keeping with the objective of transformational learning, the garden will have a very special entrance gate. Renowned Honolulu based architect and designer Kevin Chun’s last design project before his death, calls for a children’s sized door at the gateway. This will be the first interaction a visitor and schoolchildren experience as they step into the wondrous, interactive learning environment. Honoring the work of peacemaker Matsunaga, a larger than life bronze statue by Honolulu sculptor Kim Duffett will be one of the centerpieces of the garden. Mr. Duffett researched and collaborated with Kevin Chun on the project.

The Children’s Garden of Peace will become yet another enlivening feature in old Hanapepe Town that established a Friday night Art Walk. As a free event, the town lights up, stays open and invites all comers to experience Hanapepe in all her unique glory. With more galleries per capita than any other town in Hawaii, the history comes alive with street musicians, a special vegetarian restaurant featuring Hawaiian guitar and vocals, and in August of 2009, the opening of The Children’s Garden of Peace.

His Holiness the 14^th Dalai Lama says, “peace begins within”. This is a truth that has immeasurable potential for positive change in all of us, and with The Storybook Theatre’s emphasis on working with children at risk the power of creative thinking is the pathway towards uplifting our youth, towards modeling other behaviors that think outside of the box and, towards peacemaking. Who knows who will come out of Hanapepe Town next, perhaps another Spark M. Matsunaga—a visionary peacemaker.

The final phase of fundraising to finish the garden is underway, entitled “Creating a Pathway to Peace, One Brick at a Time”; the tax-exempt non-profit is selling engraved bricks to cover the winding pathway through the garden. It has been a long journey to restore, repair, maintain and make creative programs happen. Fifty thousand dollars is needed to finish the project. If you can help, please go online to www.storybook.org and click on donor opportunities. Mahalo! Thank you!

Jane Ely, D. Min.: In 1998, she formed The Peacemaking School, dedicated to practicing peacemaking skills. She has a professional private counsel practice in Lihue, and on the east coast, mainland. She teaches internationally. To contact Dr. Ely, call 808-245-4246, or visit www.peacemakerschool.org

Children's Earth Count 11/20/10

2010-11-22T12:47:00.004-10:00

Mahalo to our guests this week. We had the pleasure of hosting casts members from Hawaii Children's Theatre's production of Peter Pan. We all had a great time and a great show. Click on the above header if you'd like to hear the show!

Next week our good friend Jorey Cantu will be joining us on Children's Earth Count, which will air live on KKCR 91.9. Talk with you then!

Children's Earth Count 10/09/10

2010-10-10T09:53:00.004-10:00

Thanks to everyone for your continued listener-ship. Click on the header above to be directed to our latest show!

Next week we'll be hosting our show from the theatre, during the Ka'iulani Story Fest in downtown Hanapepe. Be sure to come and join the radio show, family activites, and the princess' birthday celebration. See you there!

Kaiulani Festival on 10/16

2010-10-04T11:42:00.000-10:00

There was a beautiful Princess of the Hawaiian Islands: Princess Victoria Ka’iulani. Her name means ‘The Royal Sacred One’. She was born day on October 16th 1875, 135 years ago. In her Highnesses’ memory, the newly named Princess Ka’iulani Story Fest, for children and families is in its 9th great year on Kauai. Leinani Tuazon a young dancer with Halau Hula O Leilani will portray the young princess. Hanapepe Town will come alive on Saturday October 16th 2010, from 9:30 until 2:00 p.m. as the streets close and children can freely walk about town enjoying the many different cultural activities and performances created especially for them. The event is free and open to the public

This year’s musical special guests are Leon and Malia from O’ahu. They will be at the event to honor the memory of Princess Ka’iulani and will perform and have their musical CD’s for sale.

Children's Earth Count 10/02/10

2010-10-02T12:12:00.003-10:00

Another Saturday and another addition of our KKCR radio broadcast that aired live 10-11am. Be sure to listen in next Saturday. Click on the header to listen to internet version of the show. Thanks to everyone for your continued support!

Children's Earth Count 9/25/10

2010-09-26T11:06:00.004-10:00

Another week and another show! Thanks so much to the positive responses we've received from all o you, and thanks extra-much to the folks at KKCR and their continued and growing support of what we're doing here.

Again, the Children's Earth Count title is a link for you to hear the show in case you missed it or want to hear it again. Mahalo!

Children's Earth Count 9/18/10

2010-09-20T10:48:00.001-10:00

Children's Earth Count 9/11/10

2010-09-11T11:53:00.003-10:00

Aloha and Mahalo to all our friends. Today is an anniversary we regretfully need to acknowledge. Today's program focused on tolerance and progress towards peace as a simple reminder of what we can all do to prevent further tragedy. For those that missed this original broadcast on KKCR 91.9, just click on the header to hear it in it's entirety.

As said on the show, feel free to contact with any ideas or comments on our show so that we make it even better. As far as entertainment shows go, we're relatively new, so we are always looking for feedback from our cherished listeners. You may also leave comments on these posts or on Russell Rooster's facebook page and trust they'll be well received.

Have a great weekend everybody!

Volume 7 Issue 2

2010-09-06T13:45:00.004-10:00

Click to see the Storybook Newsletter from August 2010, Volume 7 Issue 2

Thanks to Kipukai!

2010-09-06T12:57:00.007-10:00

Our now good friend Kipukai paid us a visit on Sturday and had a great talk story with Uncle Mark on this weeks edition of Children's Earth Count for KKCR.

We experienced some brief technical difficulties during the broadcast, but we have the full version of the interview here in our archives. We plan on replaying any un-broadcasted portions on a future show or you can Click Here to listen in on Kipukai and Mark's conversation. Also, you can Click Here to hear the entertaining conversation between Kipukai and Russell da Rooster.

Thanks again, Kipukai. We also welcome anyone else that may be running in this years election to come onto our radio show and share with us. Just contact us at (808)335-0712.

Mahalo

Children's Earth Count 8/28/10

2010-08-28T12:12:00.002-10:00

Another beautiful Saturday here in Hanapepe and at the theatre. Our radio show went great and we hope you all got to tune into KKCR 91.9 to check it out. If you missed this weeks show, just click on this posts header and you'll be able to listen to our latest installment. Be sure to catch next Saturday's show from 10 - 11am.

Children's Earth Count Live!

2010-08-21T15:39:00.007-10:00

Our first live Children's Earth Count hit the radio waves via KKCR 91.9 today. A fine day indeed. Thanks to our friends at Malama Kauai, Koloa School and Purple Striped Honu Theater our event was a success. We were able to successfully blend all aspects of our media program here (Television, Radio & Live Stage), all with a live studio audience. This place glows after a visit from so many children like the we had today, and we can't wait until our next one on October 18th.

By clicking on the Children's Earth Count header, you be directed to an MP3 of our show that went on air. In the future we will be including podcast versions of our weekly radio shows through our website for those of you that missed the live airing. Or just catch us live every Saturday from 10-11am on KKCR 91.9.

Mahalo again to everyone involved and everyone's support of Storybook Theatre.

2010-08-05T09:25:00.006-10:00

Hanapepe Nights
Friday Art Night Concert Series

This Friday, August 6th, will be an one exciting for us. We'll be hosting and recording our good friends, Ignition Picking! These two guys have played here a bit, but I get little butterfly's when their events come up. I would have personally called them Blazing Ukuleles, but somehow such decisions weren't mine to be made. *sigh*
As usual, we're gonna kick off at 7pm. So bring the family, the friends, but especially the ears.
See you all there,
Dave

Shoot 'Um Up

2010-07-09T08:56:00.005-10:00

Announcing the 2nd annual Shoot 'Um Up basketball tournament at Hanapepe Town Park. Ages 5 and up, everybody's Ohana!

Click on the flyer to get your entrance forms. Sponsorship opportunities available. Contact us 335-0712 or e-mail us at office@storybook.org for more info. Mahalo!

KKCR & Storybook Theatre

2010-05-14T10:12:00.000-10:00

Pelase tune-in to KKCR at 10am Saturday for the premier of a show from the Storybook Theatre.

Image above: The outdoor stage venue in The Peace Garden of the Storybook Theatre in Hanapepe, Kauai. Photo by Juan Wilson.

By Jerry Brockhurst on 14 May 2010 at KKCR -

It gives me great pleasure to announce that our 3rd Remote Broadcast site is launching! I visited Storybook Theatre in Hanapepe this week and we successfully performed a test broadcast, so....

Beginning TOMORROW, Saturday, May 15, we will be broadcasting a new show designed for children and the whole family - titled "The Children's Count", from 10AM - 11AM every Saturday. This show will be hosted by Mark Jeffers and engineered by Paul Moody. Big Mahalos to Paul for helping put together and test the system and for agreeing to be the on-going engineer.

Please tune-in at 10AM tomorrow, and join me in welcoming Mark, his new show, and Storybook Theatre to the KKCR ohana!

CONTACT:
Jerry Brocklehurst (gm@kkcr.org)
General Manager
KKCR Kauai Community Radio
www.kkcr.org
office phone: (808) 826-7774
office hours: M - F 10:00 am - 4:00 pm.

Mark Jeffers (director@storybook.org)
Executive Director
The Storybook Theatre of Hawaii
www.storybook.org
office phone: (808) 335-0712
office hours: T - F 10:00 am - 4:00 pm.

.

Volume 7 Issue 1

2010-05-10T12:14:00.002-10:00

Click to see the Storybook Newsletter from April 2010, Volume 7 Issue 1

Volume 6 Issue 2

2010-05-01T12:29:00.000-10:00

Click to see the Storybook Newsletter from October 2009, Volume 6 Issue 2

Volume 6 Issue 1

2010-04-15T12:05:00.004-10:00

Click to see the Storybook Newsletter from March 2009, Volume 6 Issue 1

March 4 Update

2010-03-04T12:56:00.007-10:00

The Storybook Theatre of Hawaii presents . . . .

Our Spring Calendar of Events!

“African Americans in Hawaii - A Search for Identity.”
Friday March 12th 6pm - 8pm at the Garden Stage

The “The African Heritage Cultural Center of Kauai” is sponsoring a black history month event featuring Dr. Ayin Adams new book “African Americans in Hawaii - A Search for Identity.” March 12th 6pm - 8pm at the Storybook Theatre in Hanapepe. Dr. Adams will talk about her book and the inspiration behind it along with Dr. Kathryn Wadell Takara (who‘s own father was a Buffalo Soldier). Dr. Takara will also talk about her new book “Tourmalines Beyond the Ebony Portal”. There will be entertainment and pupus. Voice Weavers will open our celebration for 2010 with African songs and chants. A call to “Come here the news” We will have drumming and dance with the Love Tribe. Helpful Theatre will honor our First Lady Michelle Obama in their performance piece “Michelle #1“. A representative from the 2010 Census Bureau will speak and we will honor our Mayor Bernard Carvalho with a book presentation. Several Kauai residents are featured in Ayin’s book with portrait’s and bio‘s. Each will be telling the story of their walk here on Kauai and in the Hawaiian Islands with the aloha and timeless memories they share.

All are welcome! It’s furlough Friday so be sure to bring your keiki and your ohana!!For more information contact Gloria, event coordinator at 808-635-1396 * 808-635-1396 . Become a fan on facebook “The African Heritage Cultural Center of Kauai”

* Elwood Machado & Friends - A Music & Talk - Story Journey

Friday March 19th 7pm - 9pm at Garden Stage

In the family spirit of musical kanikapila, Elwood Machado and friends Hanaka’ulani Montgomery and Sabra Kauka will share an evening with Sparky’s Garden guests and their families. From the musical Machado family of O’ahu, Elwood brings a wealth of musical knowledge for sharing with audience members. The evening will be a rich collection of music and stories about Hawaii, its land and its people.

All are welcome! It’s Friday Night Art Night in Hanapepe so bring your family for a fun filled evening. For more information contact Mark Jeffers at Storybook 335-0712 or director@storybook.org

*Na Koa Kalani - The Story of Princess Victoria Ka’iulani

Friday March 26th - 4pm & 7pm on the Garden Stage

Kalei’u’i and Kawena

Kawena Warren will portrait Princess Ka’iulani in Storybook’s Spring theatrical production and will be featured at this years ‘Orchid and Art Festival’ on our Garden Stage. Also in the cast are Kalei’u’i Hosaka playing a storyteller & Annie Cleghorn, Jeanne Warren as a storyteller & Lili’uokalani and Mark Jeffers as a storyteller & Uncle Louie Stevenson. The multi media drama tells the story of Ka’iulani’s sheroic life in turbulent revolutionary Hawaii of the 1890’s.

All are welcome! It’s a Furlough Friday in Hanapepe so bring your family for a fun filled cultural performance . For more information contact Mark Jeffers at Storybook 335-0712 or director@storybook.org

* Keiki Sign Language Classes at Storybook Theatre in the Classroom

Six consecutive classes beginning on March 16 from 10 am until 11 am.

March 16: Getting Started, Benefits of Signing, signs for basic needs
March 23: Uses of sign language as a learning tool, signs for food & drink
March 30: Overcoming pitfalls, signs for animals
April 6: Everyday signs, review, questions, books & games
April 13: Using signs to help toddlers identify emotions, signs for body & feelings
April 20: Using sign language as a multisensory teaching tool, signs for colors and the alphabet

All are welcome! It’s Friday Night Art Night in Hanapepe so bring you family for a fun filled evening. For more information contact Monika Mira at Lucid Publishing 808-652-5756 or lucidhawaii@mac.com

RR Show #78 Part 3

2009-09-01T14:45:00.001-10:00

Uncle Dave Boynton talks about the plant Pohinahina in Kokee.

RR Show #78 Part 2

2009-09-01T14:39:00.004-10:00

Uncle Wayne Watkins sings "Gotta Mouse in My House" on Maui.

RR Show #78 Part 1

2009-09-01T14:16:00.002-10:00

Russell and Calvin visit the Kauai Academy of Creative Arts to hear Children perform music.

MAHALO!

2009-08-13T13:24:00.001-10:00

A big mahalo to all the participants at last weekend's V.I.P. Reception and Peace Garden Dedication Party!!!
Photos coming soon.

Garden Party Schedule

2009-07-30T12:24:00.012-10:00

Peace Garden Dedication Party
Saturday, August 8th, 2009

MAIN STAGE
12 Tsunami Taiko
12:30 Michael Barretto
1 :15 TBA
2 Cary & Wendy Valentine (Keiki Power Hours)
2:10 Halau Hula O 'Ilima
2:40 Russell the Rooster
3 Segawa Senka dancing 'Origami'
3:30 Children's Peace Parade
4 Pam Sandridge
4:20 Millicent Cummings
5:20 Love Tribe
6 Keale
7 Espitiru Libre
8 The Blond Boys

GARDEN STAGE (Open Mic Style) subject to change
12:30 Blessing
1 Elwood Machado
1:30 Blu Dux
2 TBA
2:45 Kaulana
2:30 Jessi Jardin - Kumu of Halau Hula Ha'awi Hemolele o Keakawaiola
3:30 to 4 Break for Children's Peace Parade
4:30 Mauliola Cook of Papa Laua'e 'o Makana

Peace Garden Party Video!

2009-07-27T15:22:00.002-10:00

Garden Dedication Party

2009-06-22T15:02:00.007-10:00

The Blond Boys

The Storybook Theatre of Hawaii and the town of Hanapepe are gearing up for their ‘Garden Dedication Party’ that will be celebrated on August 8th in Hanapepe from noon ‘til 9 p.m. The date dedicates The Spark M. Matsunaga International Children’s Garden for Peace, which has become an oasis in the center of Hanapepe town. The garden will be a one-of-a-kind visitor destination, performance art venue, and outdoor peace education classroom. The dedication event is FREE and will be a spectacular affair with lots of food, great entertainment, arts and crafts booths, and activities for the whole family.

Musical groups appearing in Hanapepe Town Park on Kauai County's magnificent new portable stage and in the Peace Garden will include Walter Keale, Espiritu Libre, The Blond Boys, Love Tribe, Millicent Cummings, Sea Dreams, and Michael Barretto. Carey and Wendy Valentine will perform with music for a costumed (costumes available at the event or bring your own) Children's Parade. The Storybook Theatre Gift Shop will be open. Other activities include a Silent Auction, Lucky Draw tickets, Keiki Booth, and a Plant Sale. Kona Road will be closed, with music, food, activities, craft and commercial vendors located in Hanapepe Town Park.

Special guests from ‘Club 100’, veterans of the 100th Infantry Battalion who served with Lt. Spark Matsunaga, in WWII, will be coming from near and far to celebrate the dedication of the garden which is home to the only statue in the world of the late hero senator. These brave men will share their stories of ‘Sparky’, the man from Hanapepe who was a great visionary and worked diligently for world peace.

Other Kauai non-profit organizations will be present to lend their support to the Garden Dedication and let folks know more about who they are and what they do.

As well as the silent auction, there will be lucky number drawings, and a ‘ride by’ from cyclers in Malama Pono’s 'Paradise Ride Kauai'.

Booth space is being offered for fellow non-profit organizations at no cost. Commercial vendors and artisan / crafters may call Storybook Theatre to reserve a booth for a nominal fee and/or an 'in kind' donation. Any volunteer help with the set-up, running, and closing of the event, will be warmly received and is a great opportunity to get involved in the community.

Silent Auction and Plant Sale donations are now being accepted. Call or e mail Storybook for drop off instructions.

Contact Storybook Theatre at (808)335-0712 or e mail director@storybook.org for forms and information.

Please visit Storybook Theatre's web site at http:www.storybook.org and consider making a monetary donation and/ or buying a ‘Garden Path Brick’ .

2009-05-26T15:19:00.002-10:00

Summer Classes at Storybook Theatre

The Storybook Theatre of Hawaii is offering classes during the summer of 2009. Classes commence the week of June 15th and finish on July 24th.

The classes being offered are; ‘Performing Arts for Young People’, instructor Mark Jeffers (ages 7 to 15); ‘Ukulele Power’, instructor Cindy Combs (ages 8 & up); ‘Studio Recording Made Simple’, instructor Juan Wilson (ages 14 & up); and ‘Fun With Creative Set Design’, instructor Anna Raimondi (age 5 & up).

Also offered is a special course for adults called ‘Teaching With Stories’ for teachers, parents, and all adults attentive to children. It is an introductory course delving into the use of “teaching” stories as a means of life instruction using Native American Medicine Wheel philosophy. It will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on July 7th, 14th, and 21st.

For more information about these classes go to www.storybook.org or email office@storybook.org.

The Storybook Theatre of Hawaii is a non-profit organization whose mission is to create quality educational media and programs for children. It is located at 3814 Hanapepe Road next to American Savings Bank. Their phone number is (808)335-0712.

Storybook Summer 2009 Academy Courses
Six week Courses – The weeks of June 15th through July 24th, 2009.

Performing Arts for Young People Mark Jeffers - Instructor

Tuesday and Thursday Afternoons - beginning June 16h 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. 12 classes $90

A course for young people ages 7 to 15 years old who want to know more about how to create and perform a character for the stage, television or You Tube. Participants will explore acting, character development, strengthening vocals, and physical stage movement skills. Puppets, books and media will be sources of content. Participants will leave having played new characters and will have gained the confidence to share them with others.

Ukulele Power Cindy Combs – Instructor

Wednesdays from 2 to 3 PM. Starts Wed., June 17th Ages 8 & up. $40

Ukulele skills and thrills. If you love to play the ukulele, or just want to learn more about it, join us for these once-a-week classes. We will explore chords, strums, songs, and encourage sing-a-longs.
A beginner to intermediate method that explores basic music notation, melody, rhythm, tablature, and technique.
You and your child could attend together! Bring an ukulele and increase your Ukulele Power!

Studio Recording Made Simple Juan Wilson – Instructor

Thursdays 4 to 6 p..m. Starts Thurs., June 18th Ages 14 & up $40

The Art of creating and recording literary and musical content for The Storybook Theatre Radio Show. This course would include use of studio mixer, house sound and other audio equipment as well as computer software for recording and editing sound. It will also include a technique for live and recorded internet radio streaming of sessions. Attention will be focused on achieving best audio results with simple and inexpensive investments. Related course "Ukulele Power!”

Fun With Creative Set Design Anna Raimondi - Instructor

Wednesdays 3:00 - 5:00 Starts Wed., June 17th Ages 5 & up $40

Yes! Now you too can learn to design a backgroung set for the "Russell da Rooster" show.
We will be painting a large background mural! Each student will be adding a personal touch to be proud of.
The possibilities are Limitless! Come join us for a summer of fun, art, and sharing.

Teaching With Stories Mark Jeffers – Instructor
(for classroom teachers)
Three Tuesday Night Classes – July 7th, 14th , 21st, 7:00 to 8:30p.m.
$50

An introductory course into the use of “teaching” stories as a means of life instruction. This course is for teachers, parents and other adults who wish to learn how stories teach and how to understand the symbolic messages they contain. With introductory text presenting the Native American Medicine Wheel philosophy used by permission of Hyemyosts Storm author of ‘Seven Arrows’ and an internet link up to the Joseph Campbell Round Table Discussion the course will immerse participants in the depth of human experience found in the world’s great tradition’s of myth and legend.

For more information about registration & tuition please visit HYPERLINK "http://www.storybook.org/"www.storybook.org or call 335-0712
You may also pick up registration forms at Storybook Theatre - 3814 Hanapepe Road. Hanapepe.

Ken Emerson @ Storybook Garden Party

2009-05-12T15:01:00.000-10:00

Ken Emerson To Perform at Storybook Theatre

The Storybook Theatre of Hawaii presents Ken Emerson as the featured artist for this May 29th's 'Dakine Peace Garden Party' in the Spark M. Matsunaga International Children's Garden of Peace. The 'show starts at 7PM and is a benefit for The Storybook Theatre of Hawaii to raise funds for the peace garden whose dedication is scheduled for August 8th. Friday night is 'Art Night' in Hanapepe town and the stores, restaurants, and galleries are open and a festive atmosphere abounds.

Kenton Robert Lopaka Emerson is a San Francisco bay area born/ Hawaiian island bred guitarist who covers many musical genres. He has played his special blend of Blues/Jazz Hawaiian guitar for 40 years and running..His original compositions and performances on ’Slack Key Guitar Vol 2’ (Palm Records) helped bring in the first ever 2005 GRAMMY award for Hawaiian music. ’KE’ most recently played on Donald Fagen’s 2007 GRAMMY winning "Morph the Cat" album.
Hawaiian music runs a common thread throughout his family’s roots. His mandolin playing grandfather Ray Emerson lived in the islands beginning in 1917, and his Grand Uncle Ed played jazz saxophone on the famous Matson Liner ‘Malolo’ in the early to mid 1930’s. His mother Alice was a featured ukulele performer along with her twin sister Agnes at the 1939 world’s fair exhibition in San Francisco. The ukulele she played at that venue proved to be Ken’s first ‘guitar’ at age 7.

In between his love of traditional Hawaiian music, Ken has played and/or toured with many luminaries in the musical world beyond Hawaii including Todd Rundgren, Taj Mahal, Boz Scaggs, Jackson Browne, Donald Fagen, Dave Mason, Charlie Musselwhite, Elvin Bishop, Graham Nash, San Francisco’s Grateful Dead members Bob Weir and Bill Kreutzmann, Pablo Cruise Band and The Rowan Brothers.

Dividing his time between Kaua’i and San Francisco, Ken plays many local venues and festivals and is a frequent visitor to the east coast of the United States as well as Europe and Asia.

For more about this event and Ken Emerson please visit http:www.storybook.org http://www.myspace.com/kenemersonguitarist . Storybook Theatre is located at 3814 Hanapepe Road. Additional information at 335-0712.

Summer Academy

2009-05-12T15:00:00.004-10:00

Summer Classes at Storybook Theatre

The Storybook Theatre of Hawaii is offering classes during the summer of 2009. Classes commence the week of June 15th and finish on July 24th.

The classes being offered are; ‘Performing Arts for Young People’, insrtuctor Mark Jeffers (ages 7 to 15); ‘Ukulele Power’, instructor Cindy Combs (ages 8 & up); Studio ‘Recording Made Simple’, instructor Juan Wilson (ages 14 & up); and ‘Fun With Creative Set Design’, instructor Anna Raimondi (age 5 & up).

Also offered is a special course called ‘Teaching With Stories’ for teachers, parents, and all adults attentive to children. It is an introductory course exploring the use of “teaching” stories as a means of life instruction using Native American medicine wheel philosophy. It will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on July 7th, 14th, and 21st.

For more information about these classes email office@storybook.org.

The Storybook Theatre of Hawaii is a non-profit organization whose mission if to create and administer quality educational media and programs for children . It is located at 3814 Hanapepe Road next to American Savings Bank. Their phone number is (808)335-0712.

SCHEDULE: Storybook Summer 2009 Academy Courses

Six week Courses – The weeks of June 15^th through July 24^th, 2009.

Performing Arts for Young People Mark Jeffers - Instructor

Tuesday and Thursday Afternoons - beginning June 16^h 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. 12 classes $90

A course for young people ages 7 to 15 years old who want to know more about how to create and perform a character for the stage, television or You Tube. Participants will explore acting, character development, strengthening vocals, and physical stage movement skills. Puppets, books and media will be sources of content. Participants will leave having played new characters and will have gained the confidence to share them with others.

Ukulele Power Cindy Combs – Instructor

Wednesdays from 2 to 3 PM. Starts Wed., June 17th Ages 8 & up. $40

Ukulele skills and thrills. If you love to play the ukulele, or just want to learn more about it, join us for these once-a-week classes. We will explore chords, strums, songs, and encourage sing-a-longs.

A beginner to intermediate method that explores basic music notation, melody, rhythm, tablature, and technique.

You and your child could attend together! Bring an ukulele and increase your Ukulele Power!

Studio Recording Made Simple Juan Wilson – Instructor

Thursdays 4 to 6 p..m. Starts Thurs., June 18^th Ages 14 & up $40

The Art of creating and recording literary and musical content for The Storybook Theatre Radio Show. This course would include use of studio mixer, house sound and other audio equipment as well as computer software for recording and editing sound. It will also include a technique for live and recorded internet radio streaming of sessions. Attention will be focused on achieving best audio results with simple and inexpensive investments. Related course "Ukulele Power!”

Fun With Creative Set Design Anna Raimondi - Instructor

Wednesdays 3:00 - 5:00 Starts Wed., June 17th Ages 5 & up

Yes! Now you too can learn to design a backgroung set for the "Russell da Rooster" show.

We will be painting a large background mural! Each student will be adding a personal touch to be proud of.

The possibilities are Limitless! Come join us for a summer of fun, art, and sharing.

Teaching With Stories Mark Jeffers – Instructor

(for classroom teachers)

Three Tuesday Night Classes – July 7^th, 14^th , 21^st, 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.

An introductory course into the use of “teaching” stories as a means of life instruction. This course is for teachers, parents and other adults who wish to learn how stories teach and how to understand the symbolic messages they contain. With introductory text presenting the Native American Medicine Wheel philosophy used by permission of Hyemyosts Storm author of ‘Seven Arrows’ and an internet link up to the Joseph Campbell Round Table Discussion the course will immerse participants in the depth of human experience found in the world’s great tradition’s of myth and legend.

For more information about registration & tuition please visit HYPERLINK "http://www.storybook.org

/"www.storybook.org

or call 335-0712

You may also pick up registration forms at Storybook Theatre - 3814 Hanapepe Road. Hanapepe.

Aloha Africa returns!

2009-04-21T18:58:00.000-10:00

Aloha Africa Returns to Storybook Theatre's Peace Garden

Aloha Africa returns to the Storybook Theatre's Peace Garden after an enthusiastic reception in February. The group will give a workshop and concert on April 24th, 2009. The Aloha Africa Ensemble features Obuobi Ashong, Ernest Borketey, and Nii Anang, guest artists from Ghana, West Africa.

Master drummer Ernest Borketey will conduct an African drumming workshop from 4:00 to 5:30 upstairs at Storybook, for a fee of $15. Drums are provided.

At 7:00 pm, the Aloha Africa music and dance ensemble will perform traditional songs, powerful rhythms, and exuberant dances. The audience will have a chance to dance to joyous African beats in the Peace Garden at Storybook Theatre. Suggested donation is $15 for adults and $5 for children.
Please visit www.aloha-africa.com or call 652-6139.
WHAT:
Drumming Workshop
WHEN:
Friday, 24 April 2009 4:00-5:30pm

WHAT:
Drumming & Dance Performance
WHEN:
Friday, 24 April 2009 7:00-9:30pm

WHERE:
StoryBook Theatre Hanapepe - Peace Garden

3418 Hanapepe Road, Hanapepe, Kauai

WHY:
Storybook Theatre of Hawaii Benefit for the
Sparks Matsunaga Children's Garden of Peace

COST:
Donation (suggested $15 adults, $5 children)

CONTACT:
Aloha Africa - Isa Marie at 808-652-6139
Storybook Theatre at - 808-3350712

The Storyteller's Storyteller

2009-04-15T20:28:00.000-10:00

An Evening with Mr. Jeff Gere

Renown storyteller Jeff Gere will be featured at Storybook Theatre on Friday, April 17th for an evening of stories. Mr. Gere is a world traveler who has heard or told more than anyone we know. Jeff was born on Halloween, and been through a labyrinth of experience that enhanced his range and depth as a raconteur.

Come and meet him next Friday and request a story on any subject.

WHAT:
Storytelling Performance
Live-Audience Recorded Interview with mark Jeffers

WHEN:
Friday, April 17th 2009 from 8:00pm to 9:00pm

WHERE:
In the Spark M. Matsunaga International Children's Garden of Peace
at The Storybook Theatre at 3814 Hanapepe Road, in old Hanapepe Town, Kauai, Hawaii

RR Show #76 Part 1

2009-04-14T08:05:00.000-10:00

A visit with Uncle Wayne Watkins in Kihei, Maui.

RR Show #76 Part 2

2009-04-14T08:03:00.000-10:00

A visit with Uncle Dave Boynton and the Pohuehue plant.

RR Show #75 Part 1

2009-04-11T14:00:00.000-10:00

A visit with the US Coast Gaurd in Hawaii

RR Show #75 Part 2

2009-04-11T06:00:00.000-10:00

A visit with Uncle Dave Boynton and talk about the plant Akia

RR Show #74 Part 1

2009-04-10T06:00:00.002-10:00

Fourth of July celebration on Kauai, Hawaii!

RR Show #74 Part 2

2009-04-10T04:00:00.004-10:00

A visit with Uncle Dave Boynton and the Nehe plant.

RR Show Intro Song

2009-04-10T03:00:00.003-10:00

The Russell The Rooster Show introduction song

For more Russell Da Rooster Shows click HERE!

Island Blues Band

2009-03-13T07:40:00.001-10:00

WHAT:
Live blues band in the Peace Garden

WHEN:
March 27, 2009, 7:00-9:00pm

WHERE:
StoryBook Theatre Hanapepe - Peace Garden

WHY:
Storybook Theatre of Hawaii Benefit

COST:
Donation (suggested $10)

Michael Barretto and his Island Blues Band will be performing at a fundraiser/benefit for the Storybook Theatrein Hanapepe.

The upcoming lineup of the Island Blues Band consists of Michael Barretto (Guitar, Lead Vocals); Randy Carnevali (Bass - HBR Jazz Band, Oceana); Dan "the man" Parslow (Guitar, Vocals - Swamp Daddy, Three Bucks); and Ron Rhoades (Drums - the Shakers, the Takeoffs, Blond Boys) and myself. Expect a special guests or two. Ya just never know who's gonna show up when we play.

As you folks probably know, Michael has been involved with the Stroybook Theatre for several years... from salvaging and help rebuilding the structure itself and creating their first website, through fundraising and performances on their behalf. The Peace Garden is the most current project he has been working on with Mark Jeffers and the staff at Storybook. It is dedicated to Senator Sparky Matsunaga and the children of Hawaii. Always the children. It is a wonderful haven of peace and quiet in the heart of Hanapepe town. Replete with an outdoor/open air stage, great sound system and lighting, a fish pond and gazebo ... the garden will easily hold 80 people.

So come on down on Friday Evening, the 27th of March. Enjoy some good Island Blues,some original tunes and standards, and dance the night away with us to the smooth tunes of The Island Blues Band!

Aloha Africa schedule

2009-03-09T12:17:00.002-10:00

WHAT:

West Africa Music and Dance Ensemble

WHEN:

20 March 2009 from 7:00pm to 9:pm

WHERE:

Church of the Pacific in Princeville on the highway

also:

WHAT:

Ohana Drum Circle
Master Drummers of Aloha Africa
Leading a New Drum Circle for Parents and Keiki

WHEN:
Wednesdays 3-4PM
Beginning March 11th

WHERE:
Princeville Community Center

CONTACT:
Please call Kathy Conery for more info: 635-0794

Creating a Pathway for Peace

2009-03-02T13:52:00.000-10:00

Creating a Pathway for Peace, One Brick at a Time

The Story of Storybook Theatre’s Garden of Peace
by Jane Ely

This is more than the story of Storybook Theatre’s Garden of Peace, and more than the Storybook Theaters’ incredible history. It is a story about attending to and healing our children, bringing together community and, of a vision that just won’t quit. As one of my elders said to me, “There are two kinds of stories—the one’s that drain us because they are ‘all about me, me, me’, and the other kind that are healing stories, stories of learning, of reconciliation and, of redemption.” In short, this kind of story is a ‘medicine story’ and these stories must be shared.

Storybook Theatre was founded in 1979 in Honolulu and incorporated as a non-profit, moving to Kauai in 1989. The organization is dedicated to addressing an important need of young children; to hear good stories told in creative ways. The Storybook Theatre is carrying on an ancient oral tradition—a tradition of communication with moral, ethical standards through storytelling that strive to lift children out of narrow paths, narrower view points and, lack of options into activating creative thinking that expands human potential. After hundreds of live touring theatrical productions involving Hawaii’s finest actors and storytellers, the organization shifted its main focus towards the creation of television and movie production, thus reaching a larger audience, as well as to provide direct educational story-enriched programs for at-risk youth. The television storytelling shows featuring Russell the Rooster, are broadcast now throughout Hawaii, parts of the mainland and to the Cook Islands. The audience base has grown to an estimated 800,000 viewers.

In an interview with Mark Jeffers, Executive Director and co-founder of The Storybook Theatre’s home in Hanapepe Town, Kauai, Hawaii on a rainy Friday afternoon, we began with Mark telling me about his history as a storyteller. At aged twelve, Mark’s auntie took him to see Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood television set at WQED Public Television in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He met the now legendary Fred Rogers, king of the storytellers and advocate of young children’s programming. It was a soul opening event in his young life, illuminating a pathway to storytelling as his life’s work. He has a Masters degree in early childhood education, taught pre-school for 18 years and has been a professional storyteller-educator for 30 years.

I asked him to estimate how many children he has told stories to over the years, and after telling me that it is the story that counts, not the numbers you tell it too, we finally arrived at an estimated 240,000 children in live performances. “ If you keep children sacred, honor and respect the world in which they inhabit, then over time you begin to think as a child may think—that is to say with complete creative imagination,” says Mark. “What we have done here [at The Storybook Theatre] is to create a center for learning and a model for revitalizing a community with the principles of creativity at the center by building a theater, a media studio, a classroom and, a garden of peace. At the heart of the model are the children.”

Hurricane Iniki touched down and stalled over the island of Kauai in 1992 with winds reaching up to 150 miles an hour. In the aftermath, Hanapepe Town on the west side of Kauai, was just one of many island-wide towns that was devastated by this awesome force of nature. By 1995, The Storybook Theatre was looking for a permanent home. With the help of friends, Mark found the nationally registered historic Sun Ke Heong/Obatake Building in the center of old town, almost completely destroyed by the hurricane.

The organization was given a 55-year lease from the State of Hawaii and thus began to successfully fundraise, undertaking major restorations in phases of the building and adjoining property—officially opening it’s doors in January 2003. Thirteen years later, with the aid of many dedicated Board of Trustees, the support of community volunteers and, leadership that has kept the vision consistently alive and moving forward, Storybook Theatre sits as a jewel in the crown of the neighborhood, and has become instrumental in rekindling business and other preservation projects in this now federally designated historic town. The project is in its’ final phase—building an interactive outdoor park, with performance stage and natural environment. It is known locally as ‘the peace garden’ but, more formally as the Spark Masayuki Matsunaga International Children’s Garden of Peace.

Spark Matsunaga grew up in Hanapepe in a community consisting of multi-ethnic, low-income families who worked for the sugar plantations. In a contest for the local Garden Island Newspaper, the young Spark sold over 1,000 subscriptions, winning a scholarship to the University of Hawaii in the early 1940’s. When the United States entered the Second World War, Spark enlisted with the 442nd and was assigned to the European theater in Italy. He became a decorated hero and upon returning to the United States after WWII, he took the GI bill and went to Harvard Law School. Before entering a political career, he practiced law for years in Honolulu. After becoming a Senator for Hawaii, he worked tirelessly for the reparations to Japanese people who were interred during the Second World War; crossing the country giving an estimated 800 speeches that paved the way for reconciliation and restitution. Matsunaga, a visionary, poet-philosopher, became a peace advocate appointed in 1976 by President Jimmy Carter to conduct a Commission with the purpose of studying theories, techniques and institutions involved with conflict resolution.

The Matsunaga Commission met with military, government, and non-government organizations, leading educators, conflict resolution professionals and representatives from religious, ethnic and, scientific communities. It also invited thousands of interested citizens through a series of public meetings held across the nation to add their thoughts and ideas to the formulation of an institute for peacemaking. The Matsunaga Commission issued a report recommending the creation of a national peace academy and based upon this report a bill was introduced in both houses of Congress under bipartisan sponsorship and it was adopted. The United States Institute for Peace opened its’ doors in Washington, D. C. in 1986.

A quote by Spark Matsunaga, from 1938, points to his vision and the tireless dedication he followed as a peacemaker. “ If in our teaching we emphasize the life and work of our great contributors instead of our great destroyers, people will come to realize that moral courage is bravery of the highest type…” The Children’s Garden of Peace represents a refuge where magic and learning can happen, where the principles of peacemaking can be taught and practiced through creative storytelling and film-making.

In keeping with the objective of transformational learning, the garden will have a very special entrance gate. Renowned Honolulu based architect and designer Kevin Chun’s last design project before his death, calls for a children’s sized door at the gateway. This will be the first interaction a visitor and schoolchildren experience as they step into the wondrous, interactive learning environment. Honoring the work of peacemaker Matsunaga, a larger than life bronze statue by Honolulu sculptor Kim Duffett will be one of the centerpieces of the garden. Mr. Duffett researched and collaborated with Kevin Chun on the project.

The Children’s Garden of Peace will become yet another enlivening feature in old Hanapepe Town that established a Friday night Art Walk. As a free event, the town lights up, stays open and invites all comers to experience Hanapepe in all her unique glory. With more galleries per capita than any other town in Hawaii, the history comes alive with street musicians, a special vegetarian restaurant featuring Hawaiian guitar and vocals, and in August of 2009, the opening of The Children’s Garden of Peace.

His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama says, “peace begins within”. This is a truth that has immeasurable potential for positive change in all of us, and with The Storybook Theatre’s emphasis on working with children at risk the power of creative thinking is the pathway towards uplifting our youth, towards modeling other behaviors that think outside of the box and, towards peacemaking. Who knows who will come out of Hanapepe Town next, perhaps another Spark M. Matsunaga—a visionary peacemaker.

The final phase of fundraising to finish the garden is underway, entitled “Creating a Pathway to Peace, One Brick at a Time”; the tax-exempt non-profit is selling engraved bricks to cover the winding pathway through the garden. It has been a long journey to restore, repair, maintain and make creative programs happen. Fifty thousand dollars is needed to finish the project. If you can help, please go online to www.storybook.org and click on donor opportunities. Mahalo! Thank you!

image above: Statue of Sparky Matsunaga walking in the Garden of Peace

Jane Ely, D. Min.: In 1998, she formed The Peacemaking School, dedicated to practicing peacemaking skills. She has a professional private counsel practice in Lihue, and on the east coast, mainland. She teaches internationally. To contact Dr. Ely, call 808-245-4246, or visit HYPERLINK www.peacemakerschool.org

I’m Nobody’s Story but My Own

2009-03-02T13:09:00.000-10:00

by Mark Jeffers

Summer 2007

Have you ever hit the pause button and then re-wound the movie because you wanted to see that one part again? If you did then you have begun to travel into the world of storytelling. To take a story apart and put it back together again is the essential exercise of the storyteller. This ten thousand-year-old plus tradition/occupation is at the root of our human psyche and is now becoming endangered. It is the love of the language and the wisdom it imparts that drives the storyteller onward into the mystery of the spoken and written word.

Our media today is at fault for scrambling our minds into a confusion of news events, chatter, and information about the prices of things. The very speed at which data comes at us prohibits the digestion of it. Yes, we consume media content and with the onset of the internet, it is becoming perhaps our most desired consumable.

Like anything that we consume or take into ourselves it has its reverberating affect health wise. There is such a thing as 'junk food media content' media content that comes into us that we have a hard time digesting and absorbing into our system. Some of it, like the gratuitously presented murder and violence we see on television becomes 'everyday' and 'matter-of-fact' in our thoughts and feelings. As adults we are entertained but not concerned, but as for our children they can feel uneasy and become fearful. We see their behavior sometimes stirred by their feelings into pandemonium in their play.

Good stories, on the other hand, are medicine to the listener. Heard from a skillful storyteller who communicates fully from the heart, a story can actually transform the listeners attitudes about themselves and their world.

The Heart is seen in some medical traditions as the central organ of the body and is a transceiver, that is, it transmits information as well as receives it. I believe that when we listen deeply with our heart a greater human intelligence, present since the beginning, tunes into the frequency and receives information that we are aching to bring into ourselves for growth and healing.

What makes a great story? One that restores and rejuvenates us!

Generally speaking the older the story the better the story, if only for the simple fact that the longer it has been around the more tried and true the lesson of humanity it contains. We all want to know how to succeed as human beings, old stories give us some of that information.

Most cultures evolved from an oral tradition. Written language is comparatively new in the history of human existence. This fact has presented us with several problems that have yet to be adequately resolved; 1. What is worth talking and writing about? 2. What is worth teaching?

I had met the poet Gary Snyder for the first time and I figured that he would be a great person to ask what is worth teaching, so I tried. After several tests on my character to prove that I was in earnest he finally reveled “the cyclical nature of life is worth teaching”. This made sense to me being a teacher at the time. And so I began to bring life cycle lessons to the children and was amazed.

What makes a story worth telling or writing about?

A good story well told is comparable to a time-release capsule of medicine, you know the tiny time pills that release their power right when you’re feeling that headache pain. We humans have the ability to replay experiences we didn’t quite understand after the moment they occurred, the re-play in our minds is us trying to learn our own story in our own way. When we know good stories we can call on their medicine to assist us in understanding whatever challenge we are facing at the time, inside or outside. A myth is a kind of story that accomplishes such a human healing function.

Myth: a story from a Religion that when told within its own cultural religious context empowers the people with the spirit of their own ancient past right through into their present.

Story historian Joseph Campbell has said we are living in a time of "No Myth". What I take that to mean is that the myths of all the worlds religions have seen each other and now know each other as being that, plainly Myth. We here in Christendom are still waking up to the fact that our Christianity is as much myth as historical fact. It is the difference between thinking that Jesus was born on December 25th and celebrating the day of his birth on Christmas Day. Most religions acknowledge up front that their stories are so old that they have become mythologized. How many people in the world today worship Zeus or Poseidon. "We don’t have to throw it all away", says Campbell, but we must choose the one we want to live by and stick to it so that we can experience enlightenment and go to heaven or live in a heaven of our own creation.

Find the stories that you want to learn. Some stories are learned from books. Some from movies and tv, but the best are learned from a real live storyteller. And when you hear a story, a song or poem that you want to remember commit it into your memory so it can stay there to help you along the way. Does anyone remember the song or tune that your mama or papa sang to you as an infant? There is the magic in that.

A story is a pattern like a constellation of stars set before us to think upon and wonder about. Sometimes a story ends and you keep going, with your imagination ending it again in your own way or you naturally play parts of it over in your mind. This again is your endeavor to tell your own story.

'I’m Nobody’s Story but My Own' the title of this article, is a line given by Robert Redford to Jane Fonda in “Electric Horseman”. He, as a cowboy is on his own personal mission to save a horse and she, as a reporter wants to get his story. He doesn't want her to have it. Each of us has our own story to tell. Tell yours in the many ways that you learn. Through art, through writing, through speaking, e-mail and much more. If you need some help in your life to tell your story call upon the storyteller who will guide you through the labyrinth.

All of your years, all of your times, all of your moments are woven together into a magical blanket of stories for you to keep near your heart to warm you on the very cold nights of your life.

And the Earth Lived Happily Ever After . . .

__________________________________

Mark Jeffers M.ED has been a professional storyteller for more than 30 years performing for tens of thousands of people throughout Hawaii, the Pacific and the US mainland. He is a producer of children's media programming in Hawaii and the executive director of Storybook Theatre a company which he founded in the late seventies.

The Happy Enchalatas

2009-02-25T14:29:00.001-10:00

To Perform at Storybook Theatre's Peace Garden

The Storybook Theatre of Hawaii presents a monthly event called ‘Dakine Peace Garden Party' being held in, and raising funds for, the Spark M. Matsunaga International Children's Garden of Peace. The next ‘Dakine Peace Garden Party’ show starts at 7 p.m. On Friday, Feb. 27th and feature the Happy Enchalata Band, a quartet of mild mannered, hard working souls by day, transforming into happy, toe tapping, bluegrass lovin' musicians by the time they hit the stage, day or night. Friday night is 'Art Night' in Hanapepe town and the stores, restaurants, and galleries are open and a festive atmosphere abounds.

The Happy Enchalata Band was started by two pickers from upper Michigan in 1985. Current members of the are Marty Sheffer (mandolin, banjo, guitar and vocals), Denice Sheffer (vocals and percussion), Bill Dick (fiddle), and Larry Heller (bass). They have played at the Taste of Hawaii for the past 3 years, and have been playing at the Koke’e Banana Poka Festival for over a decade. The Happy Enchalata band can also be heard on alternating Wednesdays at the Waimea Brewing Company.

The band's name is derived from a story about the lyrics of a song called “That's the way the world Goes 'Round” written by John Prine, one of Enchalata Marty's favorite composers. A fan misheard Prine's lyrics to say, “a happy enchilada”, when they actually say, “a half an inch of water”. My guess is the 'enchalata' in Happy Enchalata is somewhere between the enchilada and the water. You'll have to come hear them to learn the difference.
The Happy Enchalata Band will appear from 7 to 9 PM. The show is free and open to the public with donations to Storybook Theatre being gratefully accepted. Storybook Theatre is located at 3814 Hanapepe Road. For additional information call 335-0712.

WHAT:

Da Kine Peace Party

WHO:
The Happy Enchalatas

WHEN:

Friday 27 February 2009 at 7:00pm

WHERE:

Sparky's Garden @ Storybook Theatre

3814 Hanapepe Road, Hanapepe, Kauai

COST:
Voluntary Donation

Travel video - Turkey & Bhutan

2009-02-24T15:56:00.000-10:00

Gabriela at Tiger's Nest Monastery, Bhutan

WHAT:
Free Travel Videos: Through Turkey and Bhutan with Gabriela Taylor

WHEN:
Thursday February 26th, 2009 at 7:00pm

WHERE:
Storybook Theater
3814 Hanapepe Road, Hanapepe Town

CONTACT:
Gabriela Taylor 823-9013 gabriela@keapana.net
Storybook Theatre 335-0712

by Gabriela Taylor on 24 February 2009
“Turkey Travels”, takes you on an adventure through Eastern Turkey where artifacts built by Genghis Khan still survive, and to Konya where whirling dervishes have been ecstatically spinning since the 13th century. In contrast, “Journey Into Bhutan”, is a healing adventure through this intriguing Himalayan country where monks, monasteries and mountains are the main theme. “The Divine Madman, a Bhutanese Saint”, tells a story about a 15th century wandering monk who performed miracles that challenged the Buddhist hierarchy and left his shocking (to some) mark that is still painted on houses today.

Read Gabriela's Book -
"Geckos & Other Guests: Tales of a Kaua'i Bed & Breakfast"

web site: http://www.napalipress.com/

buy at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Geckos-Other-GuestsTalesBreakfast/dp/1885129149/ref=sr_1_1/104-36695969207135ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1182560125&sr=8-1

People Don't Stop Playing Because They Grow Old
They Grow Old Because They Stop Playing

The Peace Garden Film

2009-02-04T13:22:00.000-10:00

SUMMARY
The Storybook Theatre of Hawai‘i was founded 25 years ago as a not-for-profit corporation dedicated to addressing an important need for young children: to hear good stories told in creative ways. The building of our community’s future begins with our children, and we are dedicated to the propagation of culture through creative education and exploration.

We are at the beginning of an exciting new project that will exceed any previous potential to reach out to our young people while honoring one of Hawai‘i’s most visionary hero’s – Spark Masayuki Matsunaga. The Storybook Theatre will build a monumental garden in Hanapepe, on the beautiful island of Kaua‘i, with a generous grant from the State Legislature. The garden will celebrate this inspirational leader and his message of international harmony and inclusion.

Sparky’s garden of peace will be a place where social and cultural boundaries dissolve and students will be encouraged to look below, above, behind and within to find their own unique story, so valuable to preserve. It will give a safe and inspirational space for the outdoor classroom, for the public, and for the creation of new culture.

Throughout Sparky’s involvement in his hometown of Hanapepe, his service in the State Legislature, and the U.S. Senate, he remained dedicated to the expansive ideology of world peace based on commonalities rather than divisions – to look beyond opposites. By telling his story in the garden, we can show how Sparky’s philosophy is not only relevant today but greatly needed in creating a hopeful future for our youth.

THE STORY
The building of our garden begins at the ground breaking ceremony in February 2007. The year ahead will transform our simple backyard into a dynamic and beautiful sanctuary – the song of birds from our aviary, whispers from a naturalistic waterfall, grass and benches for resting and thinking, and an arbor of flowers and vines at the ornamental entrance gate. Kim Duffet has been commissioned to create an original ten-foot bronze sculpture of Sparky to anchor the entire interpretive garden. With the addition of an outdoor stage and amphitheater, the conversion of our backyard will indeed be quite extraordinary.

We propose to document this creative process in a film. Not only as a witness to this important moment of our growth, but an opportunity to tell Spark Matsunaga’s amazing story and vision, both as a local hero and an international leader.

We have begun shooting each stage of building the garden; including the creation and production of Hawai‘i’s first full statue of Sparky – from maquette, to casting, to installation. The crew will film and engage the artists and craftspeople involved. For historical context, the crew will also retrieve archival material and interview Sparky’s contemporaries and colleagues on Kaua’i, the state of Hawai‘i, U.S. mainland, and throughout the world.

OUR MISSION
This film would be a tribute to Sparky’s legacy as well as a tool to gain further support for The Storybook Theatre’s endeavors in creating a nationally recognized center for cultural preservation and propagation by providing creative educational experiences for children, youth, and their families.

The film would be used as a cross-cultural educational tool for partners on the mainland and in Japan, through touring and broadcast.

The film could be used for future grant-writing proposals and be shown at community fundraising events; copies could be given as gifts to donors, or purchased by donors to give to The Kaua‘i Museum, the State Foundation on Culture & the Arts, the state or county archives.

This educational film will serve as an interpretive media exhibit for local student programs and island visitors at the Storybook Theatre.

Our hope is that this film communicates an national and international message, told through the story of a local, small town hero. We aim to make this a compelling story for audiences in America, Japan and Hawai‘i and the Pacific .

PRODUCT
A 50-minute color DVD, full sound. To be produced at The Storybook Theatre and Media Center. The footage would be shot on mini-DV by various contracted professional camera people and edited by the producers of the film.

THE PRJECT TEAM

Mark Jeffers - Executive Producer
Mark is Storybook Theatre‘s Executive Director. He has produced ten years of educational television programming in Hawai‘i, including several award winning documentaries on Hawaiian history, ecological tourism, waste management and environmental interpretation. In 2003 the State Legislature named Mark as Hawaii’s Outstanding Children’s Advocate.

“The world is filled with good stories. Stories teach and entertain but more importantly they show us all what it is like to be a human being. The storyteller must find and discern which are the best stories to hold and remember. Which are the best to instruct and inform the young. The story of Sparky M. Matsunaga a boy from Kaua‘i is such a story.”

“Sparky’s story is one of a hero in our own life and times. It should therefore, be told through images and voices of his family and those who knew and admired him. It is pono (righteous & correct) to craft his story from his earliest days in Kukui‘ula and Hanapepe to his senior years in Washington D.C. as the story of a small town boy who through the course of this life employs his works and ideas in both local and international arenas successfully. Help us deliver on our promise to tell his story to all who will listen; a story of the value of peace throughout the world in our time.” - Mark Jeffers

Keya Keita - Director
Keya’s career in writing and filmmaking has been recognized with Awards from the Martin Luther King Foundation, The Gentry Memorial Fund, GAFFERS International Film Festival, USC school of Cinema and Television, The Reader’s Digest Scholastic Foundation, and The Museum of Natural History in Los Angeles. She is currently the Lifestyle editor for the Garden Island News.

Kim Duffett - Sculptor & Garden Designer
Kim is a Hawai‘i based artist, whose work is collected internationally. His three times life-size hula kahiko dancers fronting the Hilton Hawaiian Village, in Waikiki received the Kahili Award for Visual Arts in the 2003. Working with renowned architect Kevin Ngut Pung Chun, of Watanabe, Chun, Iopa, & Takaki, an extraordinary garden design has been created.

Matt Matsunaga - Family Consultant
A former State Senator, Matt, Sparky’s son, will lend his memory, experience and guidance throughout the production of the film. Matt is pleased to support the telling of his father’s legacy that will inspire young people of Hawai’i Nei and beyond.

FINANCIAL PROSPECTUS
Storybook Theatre is proposing a budget to empower a documentary that conveys our inspirational story to a national audience, and promote understanding of Hawai‘i’s visionary peacemaker, Sparky Matsunaga.

TELEVISION DOCUMENTARY $140,000
INTERACTIVE ONLINE PRESENTATION $49,000
DVD WITH SPECIAL FEATURES $16,000
TOTAL $205,000 `

*Detailed budget, upon request

Contact: Mark Jeffers - Executive Director
The Storybook Theatre,, 3814 Hanapepe Road, Hanapepe, HI 96716
email: markjeffers@hawaii.rr.com
web: www.storybook.org
phone: (808) 335-0712

MiniClip Games

2009-02-03T09:21:00.001-10:00

Get to games by clicking on icons below

	Here's an action puzzle game!

This is a tricky puzzle game!		This is action/strategy game!

Reel Gold

2009-02-03T09:07:00.000-10:00

This is an action game needing strategy!

Blox Forever

2009-02-03T08:41:00.000-10:00

This is a tricky puzzle game!

Cube Buster

2009-02-03T08:36:00.000-10:00

Here's an action puzzle game!

Buffy on Sesame Street

2009-01-28T11:11:00.002-10:00

Buffy Saint Marie with Hawaiian keiki and Oscar the Grouch on Sesame Street

Auntie Beamer on Sesame Street

2009-01-28T10:25:00.000-10:00

Aunti Noni Beamer in Hawaii on Sesame Street

Hanapepe String Figure

2009-01-25T10:52:00.000-10:00

Juan Wilson demonstrates "Haanapepe Swinging Bridge", a new Hawaiian string figure

Aloha Africa

2009-01-23T10:20:00.002-10:00

Dakine Peace Garden Party

The Storybook Theatre of Hawaii presents Aloha Africa as a part of a new monthly event series called 'Dakine Peace Garden Party' in the Spark M. Matsunaga International Children's Garden of Peace. The third 'Garden Party' will begin at 7 PM on Friday, January 30th and feature Kauai's own Aloha Africa performers. The 'Dakine Peace Garden Party' will be monthly on the last Friday through 2009. Friday night is 'Art Night' in Hanapepe town and the stores, restaurants, and galleries are open and a festive atmosphere abounds.

Aloha Africa is a cultural exchange program that sponsors talented musicians and dancers from West Africa to share their traditional arts and to study the music, dance, and cultural heritage of Hawaii. They honor Storybook Theatre , their partner nonprofit organization, by celebrating the opening of their 2009 season in ‘Sparky’s Peace Garden’.

Cultural Exchange is powerful medicine for nourishing and unifying earth-based cultures. In both Hawaii and Africa, dancers and musicians are the keepers of tradition, history, and spiritual practice. Aloha Africa is dedicated to providing an authentic means to preserve and transmit deep indigenous knowledge … dancer to dancer, drummer to drummer.

Kumu Hula Jessi Jardin, of Ka'Imi Na'auao O Hawai'i Nei, is Aloha Africa's cultural Director, offering the African group intensive training in the dance, chanting, instruments, and protocols of Hula, including the symbolism and preparation of Hawaiian foods, the plants used in costume-making, and the meaning of Aloha.
 
The African guest artists are masters of their craft, yet live under extreme conditions of poverty and hardship at home in Ghana. They are grateful for the opportunity to earn some money for their families by offering public classes, school presentations, and performances on Kauai.

There will be traditional African masks, textiles, and Aloha Africa CD's available for sale at the event which is free, with partial proceeds from donations going to support the completion of the Spark M. Matsunaga International Children's Garden of Peace nearing completion at Storybook Theatre.

For more information please visit  www.aloha-africa.com or www.storybook.org. Storybook Theatre is located at 3814 Hanapepe Road. Additional information at 335-0712

WHO:
Aloha Africa Drummers & Dancers

WHAT:
Dakine Peace Garden Party

WHEN:
Friday, 30 January 7 to 9 p.m.

WHERE:
'Sparky's Peace Garden' at Storybook Theatre 3814 Hanapepe Road (In the theatre if it rains)

WHY:
To benefit the completion of the Spark M. Matsunaga International Children's Garden of Peace

COST:
Voluntary donation

INFO:
335-0733

Earth Mover & Earth Tender

2009-01-21T18:17:00.000-10:00

A fairytale by Juan Wilson on 13 April 2008 Revision 7.0 080403
©2008 revised from story published in The Gobbler in 1993 and here in 2004 on www.IslandBreath.org

Once upon a time,
a couple lived on a far off green tropical island. They weren't quite folks like you or me. He was called Earth Mover. She was Earth Tender. Some people today might say they were gods. Well, nothing could be further from the truth. They had not made the island, they just lived on it. They weren't really fairytale giants either, although they were big and could get a lot done in one day if they set their minds to it.

Their day jobs consisted of making the island a beautiful and better place to live. They searched for unfinished places, that could stand a little improving, then go at it. It was hard work, but it had its satisfactions.

At night they relaxed and had fun. While the moon and stars revolved slowly across the sky they talked about what they had done that day, and discussed their plans for the next day.

Earth Tender especially liked it when Earth Mover told funny stories about his day's work. Earth Mover liked best hearing from Earth Tender about what a good job they were doing and how much she loved doing it. Then when it got late they would snuggle up together. Soon they would be dreaming through the night until the next morning.

Earth Mover usually was the one to begin their projects. When he woke, if he was in a waterfall building mood, he might spend half the morning wading up to his waist through a hardwood forest until he found just the right spot. Once he started working it was hard to distract him. He would work in a frenzy.

To do a waterfall,
first he'd kick down a bunch of trees. He'd cut a chasm through the exposed rock. At the bottom he’d scoop out the earth in a broad flat bowl-shape with his bare hands. He'd place special boulders in just the right places. Finally, he'd use a large tree trunk to scratch out new paths for the surrounding streams to feed the falls from above.

When he was done he would sit leaning against the hillside at the edge of the forest. For a while he'd watch the streams trickling and then tumbling down his new creation, filling the pond below. Then he'd usually fall asleep. He called this napping.

Often this is how Earth Tender would find Earth Mover - having one of his siestas. That's when she'd begin her work on the project.

With a waterfall, Earth Tender would begin planting algae and weeds to feed the fish and other creatures who would live in the pond. She'd mend the rough edges of the shoreline where there were dead stumps. She'd hide them in fresh ferns and wild taro.

She'd spend hours smoothing the jagged broken stones, turning them to rounded pebbles for a little beach. She'd cover the boulders with moss and lichen. By the time Earth Mover woke from his nap she'd be done. Wading birds would be landing in the sparkling water. The pigs would be sniffing its coolness from beyond the tree line.

images above: 3 shots of waterfall building tutorial from http://www.rct3x.co.uk/xtra-waterfall.html

Earth Tender will tell you, as nice as Earth Mover's work was, he'd always leave a real mess behind him. Sometimes he'd leave muddy streams all stirred up. She'd calm them down and make them clear again. Sometimes, especially in the old days, when he was working on new valley he'd dig too deep and flood much of a newly finished valley with molten lava. If you've never dealt with red hot lava, you can be sure, it’s quite a mess to clean up.

"Oops!" he'd say, and look at her out of the corner of his downcast eye. Then she'd have her hands full.

Just a few flowers.
Although Earth Mover would never say so, Earth Tender had a tendency to go a little overboard in her own way. She seemed to have a weakness for bright colors. Occasionally she'd just smother a hillside in different colored flowers, and Earth Mover would just shake his head. And if a particular creature pleased her, she'd just make uncounted numbers of them.

It usually fell on Earth Mover to fix things up when they got way out of hand. If it got too bad he usually made it very dry, or very wet, or very cold, or very hot for a while and then the trouble would just go away on its own.

Earth Mover and Earth Tender passed the centuries working together this way, and thousands of years passed. All in all, the island was getting more beautiful all the time. He would cut and shape the mountains. She would blanket them with life. They were both very happy. But, as is usually the case, just when things are going great, trouble comes.

It all had to do with the people. Oh yes, regular people were around even then. At first here weren't many of them. They spent a lot of time running around with pointed sticks yelling at each other. At night the people made fires and told scary stories to each other. They didn't know much about the work of Earth Mover and Earth Tender and didn't care. Frankly, this was because they were not too bright. Of Earth Mover's work they would say,

"What did we do to deserve this mess?" and

"The gods must be angry!"

Of Earth Tender's forests they would say,

"Cut them down! Don't worry, they grow back."

Or sometimes, when pressed about a nasty mistake they would say,

"Time heals all wounds."

People went about cutting and hunting down everything in sight. They made at least as much of a mess as Earth Mover himself. When a place was ruined they would simply move on to another part of the island.

As I said, they were pretty dumb. But Earth Tender had taken quite a liking to the little creatures. When Earth Mover wasn't around she'd make sure it was easier for people to get food and shelter. She thought it was cute the way they fell in love and cared for their young. Soon the little pests were everywhere. Instead of planting a sturdy stand of trees against a new mountain slope, she'd be watching her pets build even bigger villages.

images above: 2 shot from "Sid Meier's Civilization III" computer game www.civilization.com

People under foot!
None of this was of serious concern to Earth Mover... until people started getting underfoot. One blissful summer evening he was just settling back to rest against a cliff. He planned to tell Earth Tender a particularly funny adventure he'd had while carving out a new sandy beach. Then it happened. A group of people had started a big fire right next to him. First he smelled the smoke. Next the smoke was in his eye. Confused, he roared and tried to roll away. In so doing he kicked out the fire and crushed several of the little creatures.

Earth Tender was furious. She called him a brute. Earth Mover felt terrible. To make amends, he tried to rebuild the fire for the survivors and only succeeded in burning down a large section of their village. Earth Tender didn't speak to him for a week. The little people were furious too. They had never been too happy with him getting in their way. Now they were calling him a wrathful fire god. As Earth Mover saw it, he wasn't a god... Just a guy trying to do his job.

To keep Earth Tender happy he tried to stay as far away from the people as possible. He walked far from their settlements to start his day's work. These hikes to distant places must have inspired him, for he did some of his most dramatic and breathtaking work in these remote parts of the island, especially along the high cliffs of the north shore.

But staying out of the way of people proved impossible. Earth Mover couldn't finish a new project before the people were underfoot again. They would make more fires, and wave their pointy sticks. Eventually, people began to occasionally sacrifice a pig, thinking this would make Earth Mover happy. He thought they were crazy.

image above: lava pours thru streets of SimCity3000 virtual realtiy wikipedia.org/wiki/SimCity_3000

As their numbers grew, the people spread out across the island. This was a real chore for Earth Tender. Now she spent most her time trying to clean up after all the new people in places that were just about perfect until they arrived. Earth Mover and Earth Tender began to argue a lot. He said she wasn't getting her work done. She said he didn't care about anything but himself.

"I'm sure they will listen"
Finally, one night when Earth Mover was feeling tense and unhappy about the way things were going, Earth Tender asked,

"What's wrong with you? Are you upset? Tell me what you're feeling.”

He knew this might start an argument so for a moment he was silent. Then he said;

"It's those people of yours. They're underfoot all the time. They are making holy-hell of the places we made beautiful long ago. New work is getting almost impossible to do. Those people are even moving into unfinished areas. They seem willing to live anywhere, as if it didn't matter where they were. To get anything done now I'd have to flood or bury some of their overflowing villages."

When he finished he hunkered down, waiting for her angry words. But they didn't come. Now it was her turn to be silent. Then she turned to him and said;

"You're right. I've known for some time that they were spoiling their own nests. They even ruining things for other creatures. There are too many of them and they don't seem to know what they are doing. Sometimes I even think they may be stupid or something. They certainly don't seem so cute when there are so many of them."

"Okay! Let me turn the heat up on them for a while," he interrupted.

"Not yet!" she answered,

"Before we do anything rash, let me talk to them. I’ll explain to them they have to limit their activities, or else. If they won't listen to me then we'll just start all over again. And this time, if there are any people, we will make sure they don't spread around so much, make such a mess or ruin the fun for all the others."

Earth Mover was glad to hear this and drifted off to sleep, dreaming about digging out a huge red walled valley he'd been thinking about in his spare time. Earth Tender was glad too. She resolved to get up early the next morning to tell the little creatures about the new rules. As she drifted off she was sure they would listen.

image above: dawn over SimCity4 virtual realtiy simcitysocieties.ea.com

Hey Kids! Come on In!

2009-01-04T12:42:00.000-10:00

Click on the picture below to play a game!

Have a good time!

Note to Parents

2009-01-03T09:40:00.000-10:00

The information gathered at this site is strictly for the purpose of entering the child's name into our database for the fanclub, birthday club, and newsletter mailing list. We must gather information from the parent because we may need to verify your consent to have your child participate and enter certain inforomation. NO INFORMATION WHATSOEVER will ever be released to any third party (third party as defined in the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). We will only use the data as described herein.)

Children under thirteen years old - If you wish to be on our mailing list and WITH PARENTAL CONSENT, fill in all of the proper information requested, your name will be included in our Russell The Rooster Fanclub Database.

Parents:
All information we collect on this site is strictly for (1) the interest of other children, and (2) Collection of information such as name, birthdate, address etc., for our "Russell the Rooster Fanclub" and newsletter database. Our mailings are quarterly, and on your child's birthday, they will receive a note from "Russell."

Absolutely no information will ever be made available to any third party (as defined in COPPA) for any reason whatsoever. Our database of names is kept OFFLINE, so there is no way any of the information could be hacked or read by anyone except for the administrators of Storybook Theatre of Hawaii and The Russell the Rooster Show (listed below).

We are working to make our site even safer for children, including Written or other Verification from the parent as required by the new COPPA law (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act). The new system will include a way to verify that You allow your child to surf with "Russell."

Although we are very careful about links to other sites, we cannot control those other sites as we do ours. We therefore recommend that you do view the internet with your child. It will make their experience more enjoyable as well.

The staff at StoryBook Theatre

Compliance Articles
Information collected at the site:

Child's name
Mailing Address (for mailings and possible parental consent verification)
Child's Birth Date
Child's Gender
Parent Name (if child under 13 yrs)
Telephone number (For possible consent verification)
Information will be used as stated above. No data will be rendered unto third parties, however the child's name and or birthdate, and or State and City (never the complete address) may appear within these pages, as an item of interest to other children.

The operators of this site are prohibited from conditioning a child's participation in an activity on the child's disclosing more personal information than is reasonably necessary. In addition, the parent can, on request, review and have deleted the child's personal information, and refuse to permit further collection or use of the child's information.

SBT Contacts

2009-01-02T14:05:00.001-10:00

Reach us at

Storybook Theatre of Hawaii
3814 Hanapepe Rd.
PO Box 820
Hanapepe, HI 96716
Phone: (808) 335-0712
Fax: (808) 335-0702
Toll Free: 1-877-4-ROOSTER

Staff

Mark Jeffers
Executive Director

email: director@storybook.org

Cherise Kent

Office Manager

email: office@storybook.org

Robert Zolkovsky

Technical Advisor

email: Robert@bamboomoonvideo.com

Dave Castillo

Technical Coordinator

email: Bonus_Vita@yahoo.com

Board of Directors

Graceleanor Baird
President

Richard Raimondi

1st Vice-President

Henri Carnal
2nd Vice-President

Dave Hamil
Treasurer

Carmen Legacy
Secretary

Dr. Larry Magnussen
At-Large

Dr. Jane Ely
At-Large

Diane Maier-Yates
Chelsea Crapser

At-Large

Mary McKinney

At-Large

Stan Yates
Emeritus

Welcome Everyone!

2009-01-01T10:20:00.000-10:00

The web pages here are for fun and learning. We hope to share stories, news, pictures, videos and more with the Storybook Theatre Ohana (family). especially with the kieki (children) of Hawaii and the world.

The site has been set-up to allow to allow you to add to the site yourself with comments, pictures, articles or videos of your own. We welcome you!

Storybook's Mission Statement
The purpose of The Storybook Theatre of Hawaii is to enable Hawaii's school children to experience and participate in the performing and media arts, SBTH also perpetuates the cultural values and heritage of the peoples of Hawaii and the Pacific.

Our Project Goal
To create a "Children's Media Center" in Hanapepe, Kaua'i that will benefit the children of Kaua'i, the State, and national/ international communities by expanding the potential of the telling of good stories to children at school and at home through the television and radio media.

Major Objectives
To create a viable business in the production of television & radio programs for young people for local and widespread distribution.

To develop related products and services that will be sold through a retail storefront and network telemarketing.

To assist in the rejuvenation of the Hanapepe town center by the rehabilitation of the historic 'Obatake' building and by the recognition and preservation of the area's history and culture.

Brief History of Storybook:
The Storybook Theatre of Hawaii has been an active member of the touring performing arts community in the State for seventeen years, even before incorporation in 1986 as a tax-exempt non-profit organization. Every year that a touring production is performed, approximately 25,000 pre-school and school-age children directly benefit.

Storybook has created more that 40 original touring productions from every major culture represented in the State, has toured extensively on every Island, and is a recognized name in the world of good storytelling for children in Hawaii. Touring programs have also reached the Cook Islands in the South Pacific where on three separate tours more than half of the countries population was reached (6000 people).

In the 1994/95 season as well as in the 1995/ 96 season mainland shows were booked in cities in New Mexico, Iowa, South Dakota, and Michigan. Storybook is also known for creating the Rainbow Arts Festival