When the nonprofit Ma'o Organic Farms held its fifth annual fundraiser, 'auamo was the selected mantra. 'Auamo are carved poles, from which nets with heavy bowls are suspended, used to "lighten a load" by distributing weight evenly.

Everything Ma'o does has been rooted in working the 'aina. Pacific Network TV filmed six young Ma'o Organic Farms workers, Wai'anae born-and-raised youth working under the hot sun on taro, lettuce and other vegetables in the fields, and learning the meaning of hard work, teamwork and the beauty of economics. The youth saw seedlings they planted in Wai'anae turn into product sold to the local health food co-op in Kaimuki and gourmet greens in a cafe Ma'o operated for a stint. During one interview, a youth said that when his buddies heard that he opted out of football to work in the fields, he was taunted. His response was that this was honest work and an avenue for things to come.

Since then, Ma'o has expanded, with new land and new visitor facilities, working toward 'auamo, which symbolizes an effort to find balance so that the organization can continue to make positive long-term impacts on the community.

For more programming, go to www.arts.pacificnetwork.tv/LifeIsGood and www.science.pacificnetwork.tv/GreenPicks.

— PacificNetwork.tv

MUSEUM HOSTS KNIGHTS, CASTLES AND JOUSTING

Some kids (and grownups) out there are going to love this one: From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, the Society of Creative Anachronism takes over the Honolulu Academy of Arts to re-enact days of old, and it's all about the Middle Ages.

Knights will joust at the Academy of Arts, and there will even be medieval Lego castles from the Lego Enthusiasts Association of Hawai'i. It's a Bank of Hawaii Family Sunday, and those are always free.

— Leslie Lang and Kris Bordessa

Get more tips like this on discounted, cheap or free family fun each Tuesday from Leslie Lang and Kris Bordessa, authors of The Advertiser's blog, On the Cheap! at www.ONTHECHEAP.HONADVBLOGS.COM. Together they also write the blogs www.HonoluluOnTheCheap.com and www.BigIslandOnTheCheap.com.