Jan 23, 2019 | Community
In 2014, Maui musician Irene Ryding graduated from the International Harp Therapy Program (IHTP). She took up the harp in 1998 after a series of surgeries to correct a congenital disorder in her spine. “Hearing about harp therapy, I was determined to learn more as a part of my rehabilitation,” Ryding said. “Then, awed by the personal benefits I received from the harp’s soothing timbre and spiritual associations, I felt called to share my discovery with others.”
Ryding moved to Maui in 2003 and immediately began playing harp professionally for weddings and other events. She is a Certified Harp Therapy Practitioner from the IHTP program credentialed by the National Standards Board for Therapeutic Musicians. Although she continues to play the harp publicly, she also volunteers in the Harps for Hospice program.
“Playing music in hospital and hospices is much more than entertainment and playing songs,” Ryding explained. “Research has shown that harp music reduces blood pressure and heart rate and that there are many subtleties with matching breathing tempos, moods, and ‘resonant tones’ that feel right or good to us. It can decrease pain by elevating endorphin levels, promoting relaxation, calm, and comfort.”
Therapeutic harpists use what they call ‘inclusive attention’, in which they tune into a person and look for clues such as eye movement, changes in muscle tension, or speech to find the resonant tone for the client. “We tune into people’s breathing, their mood and their surroundings to develop something that is really personal,” Ryding noted. “By watching someone’s breathing pattern, the practitioner can match it with a rhythmic meter, 2/4, 4/4, or 6/8. For example, playing along with the breathing rhythm helps to regulate it to a more desirable rate, affecting the well-being of the patient.”
Ryding concluded, “I want to study more about harp therapy because I believe it’s time to pay forward to others in need for all the wonderful opportunities and benefits that I have enjoyed through a lifetime of music.”
For information about weddings, harp lessons, and other special events visit: www.mauiharper.com.
The harp is specifically effective in therapeutic settings because it is the most resonant of all instruments. The plucked strings vibrate freely, which creates a unique series of overtones.
Irene Ryding, Harp Therapy Practitioner
Jan 16, 2019 | Innovation
A recent grantee of Maui Economic Development Board’s (MEDB) Ke Alahele Education Fund, Maui County 4-H Leaders Organization, provided a STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) workshop for 4-H youth members using a hands-on learning approach.
“In partnership with Maui Makers, the two activities within the workshop used inquiry-based learning to engage the youth by incorporating STEM components such as aerodynamics, electricity, and engineering design,” explained Wendy Taomoto, 4-H club leader. “Additionally, invited professionals in the STEM field presented a discussion on career options and opportunities for our youth.”
Experts from the Maui Makerspace program acted as content specialists and presenters for the two experiments. “The Maui County 4-H program has worked with us in the past on an earlier project that introduced youth to the makerspace format and focused on skill building such as soldering and construction,” said Laura Ulibarri from Maui Makers. “Today’s event consisted of building and launching rockets and hands-on experiments with electricity.”
The paper rocket activity began with a brief introduction to the principles of aerodynamics. Participants used a basic design template for building paper rockets and then launched the rockets for testing, thereby gaining immediate feedback on how design modifications affect the height of their rocket flight. “Launching was fun,” said Kaitlin, an 8th grader from Kalama Intermediate School. “We were challenged to do something we didn’t think we could do.”
The electrical conductivity experiment started with a brief introduction to the principles of electric current. Sophia, a Maui Waena Intermediate School 8th grader explained, “We built and tested electrical meters that allowed us to determine which materials conduct electricity. By measuring how well different materials behave, we started to notice patterns in what acts as a conductor and how electricity flows from one thing to another.”
Nancy Ooki, University of Hawaii Cooperative Extension Educator for 4-H and Youth Development, concluded, “Our relationship with MEDB and Women in Technology has allowed us to offer STEM programs for more than a decade. We look forward to many more of these events in the future.”
We thank MEDB’s Ke Alahele Education Fund for their grant and Maui Makers for providing STEM opportunities to our Maui County 4-H members. These events assist them in developing life skills needed to become contributing members of the community.
Wendy Taomoto, 4-H Club Leader
Jan 9, 2019 | Education, Stemworks
Growing up in Hawaii, Robert Kalei Miller, a geospatial information analyst at the Pacific Disaster Center (PDC) in Kihei, was always interested in learning about geography and technology. His goal was to obtain a college degree in geospatial technologies with the hope of working on Maui, where he grew up. At King Kekaulike High School, under the guidance of Mrs. Emily Haines-Swatek, Miller joined Project EAST−now called STEMworks™, a program of Maui Economic Development Board’s (MEDB) Women in Technology Project.
“STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) gave me the opportunity to gain exposure in my interested career field,” said Miller. “For three consecutive summers, I was fortunate to work as a STEMworks™ Intern for the PDC, where I developed work skills and professional relationships. I learned more about geographic information systems and I discovered that I could turn my personal interest in geography into a real career.”
After graduating in 2013 from Portland State University in Oregon, Miller was offered a full-time position at PDC as a Geospatial Information Analyst. His job directly supports disaster efforts locally and internationally, and is a dream come true for him.
“Through MEDB’s STEM programs my career goals and dreams turned into reality,” Miller said. “MEDB’s educational programs provided me with an opportunity that many local youth continue to benefit from today. It is an honor to continue to work with MEDB and be one of the first recipients of the Jeanne Unemori Skog Leader & Entrepreneur (JUS) Fund. The Fund supports the next generation of visionaries through innovative programs, projects and other initiatives that develop future leaders and entrepreneurs to benefit the people of Maui County”
Miller’s JUS award allowed him to attend the two-day EMER-GEN Conference for young professionals, aged 35 and under, in the space industry. “This was a great opportunity to learn from renowned space specialists, network with industry peers, and learn professional skills,” he said. “The knowledge and experiences I gained from EMER-GEN will help me with my continued career growth.”
MEDB is committed to helping young professionals and students of all ages to achieve their dreams. They are a blessing to Maui County!
Robert Kalei Miller, Geospatial Information Analyst, Pacific Disaster Center
Jan 2, 2019 | Events
Akaku Maui Community Media presented its 5th Maui Walk of Heroes with a ‘Hands and Feet in Cement Ceremony’ honoring this year’s special guests, Former Maui County Councilwoman Chair Gladys Baisa; former Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) CEO and president Jeanne Skog; and Uncle Les Kuloloio, defender of Makena and treasured kupuna.
In the most outstanding outdoor party of the year, three of Maui Nui’s favorite heroes were proudly enshrined alongside previous inductees. “We are honored to enshrine the handprints and footprints of these Maui Nui true heroes in cement,” said Jay April, CEO and president of Akaku. “The positive influences that Gladys, Jeanne and Uncle Les have had on keeping Maui No Ka Oi is immeasurable. It is hard to imagine life on Maui without their amazing contributions to our common good.”
Baisa said, “I’m honored to be a hero at Akaku. I’ve always liked to bring people together to focus on a goal. I’m Ms. Fix It! If there’s a community problem, I’ll find a way to get involved because that’s what aloha is all about. If you want to do it well, you must commit your life to the job. My advice to the youth of today is to focus on appreciation. Be kind and do what’s right.”
Skog added, “I too am humbled to be honored by Akaku. For 33 years I was inspired by MEDB’s mission to solve problems in the community by building a stronger economy for a better quality of life in Maui County. I had a lot of support at MEDB where everyone works together. I’m now volunteering in the community and consulting—my way to ‘Pay it Forward.’ My advice for today’s youth is, ‘Be Fearless!’”
Also honored to be at Akaku, Uncle Les concluded, “For me it’s all about family and community, protecting sacred places, and how we all fit together. Live the true meaning of ‘aloha’ and be a true keeper of the culture, with a deep sense of kuleana. Our youth need to overcome obstacles, stand firm, and love one another.”
It was wonderful to be part of MEDB’s vision to lead and inspire innovation in business, education, and technology, helping to lead the community toward building a vibrant economy. What a joy to be honored at Akaku with Gladys and Uncle Les!
Jeanne Skog, MEDB Former CEO & President
Dec 26, 2018 | Community
The New Year can be a time for reflection as well as a time for looking ahead to what will come, and what good fortunes the future can bring. As you reflect on 2018, you may look back at the highlights and feel appreciation for having those experiences. You can look at the challenges you faced and how you came through them – what were the lessons learned that you help make you and your new year better and even brighter.
The New Year is often a time for resolutions and here are ten suggestions for a stronger and healthier 2019.
- Sleep more – get those eight hours for better mental health.
- Pick up crafting or some other hobby – learn to knit, a new language or join an improv acting group to have some fun.
- Plan mini-vacays – don’t wait for your vacation to get away. Go camping or hop to another island.
- Walk more – take a break at work and walk around the block. Get your colleagues in on the act.
- Pay it Forward (Share the Aloha) – how can you pass on the help you’ve received in the past?
- Volunteer – Research shows volunteering can improve your health. There are lots of non-profits on Maui looking for your help.
- Learn new recipes – get out of a diet rut and introduce new recipes to your cooking repertoire.
- Smile at a stranger – make someone’s day and share your smile.
- Call your family more often – especially if they are not in Hawaii. Connect with loved ones.
- Be more positive – reduce complaining, and see the good in self, others and in the challenges you face.
There are countless more ways to resolve to make 2019 a remarkable one for you and those around you. Set yourself to succeed by being realistic and avoiding the all-or-nothing resolution. As you progress through the year, if you slip up on a resolution, don’t let that be the end of your resolve. To err is human, so give yourself a little slack, and just get back to your new habit.
As the New Year approaches, Maui Economic Development Board Staff would like to be among the first to wish you “Hau‘oli Makahiki Hou.” Happy New Year!
