Failing memory, disorientation, and the other symptoms of dementia and Alzheimer’s can be as hard on family members and other loved ones as they are on those with the disease. Michael Cheang, associate professor at Human Development and Family Studies, will present a workshop on different strategies to communicate more effectively with elders who have Alzheimer’s disease and explain similarities and differences between dementia and Alzheimer’s.

The Friends of the Family student club of the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences hosted a booth at the 26th annual Children and Youth Day on the grounds of the Hawaii State Capitol. An estimated 50,000 people attended this free event for Hawai‘i’s families. The Friends of the Family members shared dehydration-prevention methods with children and parents and engaged the keiki in drawing pictures of how they stay hydrated every day.

To kick off another semester of youth and family programs, the Family Education Training Center of Hawaii (FETCH) hosted an open house at their program site, Hale Tuahine Farm in Manoa Valley. High school students interested in the world of sustainable agriculture and families seeking healthy ways to grow their own food and learn the skills to create a healthier and more positive family-life attended the free event to explore FETCH’s programs.

The Family Education Training Center of Hawai‘i (FETCH), headquartered at the iconic Energy House on the UHM campus, is hosting a Garden Showcase. FETCH teaches parents how to lead effectively and shows children how to take responsibility for their actions and effects on the group. In FETCH’s integrated programs, family members develop teamwork as they work together to complete hands-on projects in sustainable family gardening. Everyone can learn to grow, harvest, prepare, cook and eat their own food at home.

Welcome to Hallie Cristobal, who has joined the UH Cooperative Extension team in Kaua‘i County as a junior Extension agent in the department of Family and Consumer Science. Hallie grew up on the west side of Kaua‘i in Waimea. She has a BS in Health Promotion from Weber State University in Utah and is currently working online to get a Masters of Education from Capella University.