Talk looks at power of laughter to heal
A psychologist who takes the healing power of laughter very seriously will speak tomorrow in the Mackey Marianist Lecture Series at Chaminade University.Annette Goodheart will explore the "Spirituality of Laughter" in the free talk at 4 p.m. at the Mystical Rose Oratory, 3140 Waialae Ave.
Goodheart, the author of "Laughter Therapy: How to Laugh About Everything in Your Life that Isn't Really Funny," has a private therapy practice in Santa Barbara, Calif. She has lectured for 30 years on the positive benefits of laughter and has trained psychology professionals in using laughter as a cathartic process for patients.
Celebrations mark founding of the U.N.
Speakers, entertainment and prayer will be featured at church gatherings celebrating the founding of the United Nations on Oct. 24, 1948. All are open to the public.» Bahai Faith. A program at 7:30 p.m. today at Honolulu Bahai Center, 2165 10th Ave., will spotlight dances from different nations. Stories, music and prayer will begin 11:30 a.m. tomorrow at Lanikai Elementary School, 140 Aala Road, sponsored by the Koolaupoko Bahai Community.
» Hawaii Conference of Religions for Peace. A talk at 4 p.m. tomorrow by University of Hawaii religion professor Jay Sakashita will focus on religions' role in "Global Peace." The annual gathering of Christian and Buddhist groups will be at Gedatsu Church of Hawaii, 6095 Summer St., Kuliouou.
» Religious Society of Friends (Quakers). A talk on "The U.S., the U.N. and Us" will be presented at noon Oct. 31 at the Honolulu Meeting House, 2426 Oahu Ave.
Carolyn Stephenson, associate professor of political science at the Matsunaga Institute for Peace at the University of Hawaii, will discuss the roles the United States has played in the development of the United Nations. She will explore moral and legal issues around the United States' invasion of Iraq. A question-and-answer session will follow.
Jewish groups honor outstanding volunteer
The Jewish Community Services organization will recognize an outstanding volunteer at its annual banquet, 6 p.m. Monday at the Outrigger Canoe Club.Leona Weightman, former administrator of the organization, will be honored for her volunteer service to several Jewish organizations including the Jewish Federation of Hawaii, the Hawaii Holocaust Project, and the senior citizen, women's and youth programs at Temple Emanu-El.
Speakers at the event will be Circuit Judge Victoria Marks and former state attorney general Robert Marks. Tomorrow is the deadline for reservations. Half of the $50 ticket price is tax-deductible. Call 375-2896.
Pacific Health Ministry holds annual banquet
The annual fund-raising banquet of the Pacific Health Ministry will feature entertainment by Hawaiian musicians George Kuo and Martin Pahinui and a silent auction of donated art and other items.The Nov. 6 event at Koolau Golf Course and Country Club will benefit the ministry, which provides chaplains for most Oahu hospitals and trains ministers for work with the ill and dying.
Oct. 31 is the deadline for reservations. Individual tickets are $100. Patron and corporate sponsorship of tables is also available. Call 591-6556.