East Hawaii Area Rotarians Work Together on a "Shovel-Ready" Project for BISAC
Posted on Aug 11, 2016
Four area Rotary Clubs, along with friends and family members gathered together with students from Waiakea High Interact Club on a misty morning in the Shipman Business Park to help BISAC (Big Island Substance Abuse Council).
Since 1964, BISAC has been inspiring individuals and families to reclaim and enrich their lives in the wake of the ravages of substance abuse. They offer a continuum of services that are culturally appropriate and aligned with the ever-changing behavioral health field. One of the more visual and exciting projects is a 3 acre site that is being developed to teach participants about growing food while helping them learn marketable job skills. Food grown in the garden will become part of a culinary project that includes selling off of a BISAC Food Truck, "Big Island Fusion".
The garden, however, was in need of gravel spreading and garden bed painting. The Rotary Club of South Hilo led the coordination of other area clubs including The Rotary Club of Hilo, The Rotary Club of Hilo Bay and The Rotary Club of Volcano, assembling more than 50 hardworking Rotarians and family. Sweating in the sun and enjoying the passing misty rain, this group of volunteers moved 60 tons of gravel onto walking areas and helped to paint the garden infrastructure.
"We are especially proud of our 'labyrinth' at this location," said Dr. Hannah Preston-Pita, CEO of BISAC. "Unlike a maze, our labyrinth is a circular path that individuals can easily walk to the center. Along the way, 25 signs with short messages allow for contemplation and inspiration as the person walks the path. Our adults and adolescent participants particularly enjoy this feature," said Preston-Pita.
"Our East Hawaii Rotary Clubs were honored to be able to support BISAC and its Therapeutic Garden through our All Rotarian Work Day. The mission and work of BISAC aligns so well with the values of Rotary and the turn out today was awesome. It is a blessing to us knowing that we had a small part in the development of this special place," said Randy Kurohara, Community Projects Chair for South Hilo Club.
"We are especially proud of our 'labyrinth' at this location," said Dr. Hannah Preston-Pita, CEO of BISAC. "Unlike a maze, our labyrinth is a circular path that individuals can easily walk to the center. Along the way, 25 signs with short messages allow for contemplation and inspiration as the person walks the path. Our adults and adolescent participants particularly enjoy this feature," said Preston-Pita.
"Our East Hawaii Rotary Clubs were honored to be able to support BISAC and its Therapeutic Garden through our All Rotarian Work Day. The mission and work of BISAC aligns so well with the values of Rotary and the turn out today was awesome. It is a blessing to us knowing that we had a small part in the development of this special place," said Randy Kurohara, Community Projects Chair for South Hilo Club.
Learn more about BISAC at www.biscac.org.