October News: Spooky Stories, Pumpkins & Community Spirit
Nightshift Spooks at Wilcox Tunnel
In the spirit of the season, please enjoy this spine-tingling story from our island’s historic plantation lands. We wish everyone a safe and Happy Halloween!
It was a late night in 1984, and Hank Soboleski was all alone after a long day’s work. Hank had just loaded his haul truck and started the long and dark descent down Grove Farm’s Wilcox Tunnel. In the rearview mirror, he spotted something following him. Something that wasn’t supposed to be there. It’s a memory that still gives him chicken skin decades later…
The Wilcox Tunnel has deep roots in Kaua‘i history. Built by Grove Farm in 1949, it cut through the Hā‘upu Mountain range to move sugarcane quickly to the Kōloa Mill for processing and transport raw sugar to Nāwiliwili Harbor.
Since 2006, Hank Soboleski has been keeping Kauaʻi’s past alive through his Saturday “Island History” newspaper column of The Garden Island. Over the years Grove Farm has shared some of Hank’s stories that highlight our history–but this time, we got to meet the man behind the stories, and his wife Ginger (formerly Beralas) at the Wilcox Tunnel to revisit where history and mystery meet. .
With Halloween around the corner, we captured Hank’s chilling recollection of his nightshift through the Tunnel. Stay tuned for the video on social media, or read the full on the Grove Farm website… if you dare.
Read About Hank’s Spooky Story
Making Waves in Water Conservation
The Kauaʻi Department of Water welcomed over 650 fifth graders from various Kauaʻi schools, celebrating the 20th year of Make a Splash. Every year, the Grove Farm team looks forward to participating in this event to help engage students in the importance of protecting and conserving our island’s natural resources.
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This year, Grove Farm led the “Humpty Dumpty" activity [Insert video link in “Humpty Dumpty” activity] where students learned the ramifications of natural disasters and the challenges of restoring the natural environment.
Students decorated small pots to represent natural environments, which the Grove Farm team crushed to show disruption. Gluing the pieces back symbolized restoration, while the missing fragments represented irreversible changes that can occur in nature.
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Grove Farm would like to thank Sakda Farm for providing apple bananas for the students that came to the Humpty Dumpty activity.
Kōloa Plantation Days Mill Tour Benefits Kōloa Elementary School
Every year, the Grove Farm Company Foundation matches all donations made by participants on the Kōloa Mill Tour that is part of the Kōloa Plantation Days festival. The Grove Farm team, who helped with the annual tour, presented a donation to Kōloa Elementary School.
The school welcomed new principal Shannon Sardinha this year, succeeding Leila Maeda-Kobayashi who is now the Kauaʻi Complex Area Superintendent. Grove Farm has been fortunate to partner with Principal Maeda-Kobayashi throughout the years, and we look forward to continuing this partnership with Principal Sardinha.
Mahalo to all who contributed to supporting Kōloa Elementary School through this tradition of giving.
It’s Time to Get Your Pumpkin!
With Halloween approaching, free pumpkins will be distributed throughout the island once again. Stephanie Iona and her team are hard at work preparing for the 12th Annual Harvest Festival on Saturday, October 18 at the Hanapēpē Athletic Field.
The Grove Farm Market will once again be one of several distribution points for pumpkins. Come to the Grove Farm Market on Saturday, October 25 from 9:00 a.m. where free pumpkins will be given away while supplies last!
A Taste of ʻUlutopia
Over the years, Grove Farm has had many opportunities to collaborate with Professor Brian Yamamoto of Kaua‘i Community College (KCC). During the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, KCC and Grove Farm delivered 200 pounds of donated ‘ulu (breadfruit) to be used for kupuna meals at Garden Isle Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center and community meals distributed by New Hope Līhu‘e.
Recently, Professor Yamamoto graciously gave us a tour of KCC’s ‘ulu farm and research facility, called ‘Ulutopia. ʻUlu is a versatile starch fruit that can be made into flour, chips , and desserts. It can also be used as a substitute for potatoes in stews and salads. Join Professor Yamamoto as he takes us through ʻUlutopia, and try this easy ʻulu chips recipe at home!
Remembering Sandi Kato-Klutke
It is with heavy hearts that we remember Sandi Kato-Klutke after her unexpected passing. Sandi was a pillar of our local community for many decades through her career in the hotel industry and her involvement in numerous organizations she was a part of. She cared deeply for Kaua‘i’s farmers and was a staunch supporter of Grove Farm’s agricultural initiatives, including the creation of the Grove Farm Market. We often turned to Sandi for her insightful feedback.
Sandi was well known for her delicious baked goods and pickled vegetables. We once asked her if she would film a baking demonstration with our local produce. She was a bit camera-shy, so Beau Acoba stepped in to demonstrate how to make Sandi’s beloved mango bread recipe. We were grateful to earn her thumbs-up on the production.
Check out the mango bread video here.
The Grove Farm ‘Ohana would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Sandi’s family. She left a lasting impact on all of us, and she is dearly missed..
See You at Saturday’s Craft Fair!
Get an early start on your holiday shopping! Mark your calendars for the Grove Farm Market Craft Fair on Saturday, October 4 from 9:30 a.m. at the Grove Farm Puhi Park.
Come browse a selection of handmade goods from our featured crafters:
