This is one of those days when it seems right to hand out some well-deserved kudos for jobs recently well done.
n We can start with the Waimea Town Celebration. If you made it out for some of the events, you already know it was terrific. If you didn’t, well, you missed out. There was indeed something for everyone. Softball, ice cream, hoops, rodeo, music, food, running, a film festival, tales, treats and a ukulele contest. Perhaps even more than the activities was the spirit that made WTC so spectacular. Folks were just in good cheer. Smiles and laughter ruled. Despite a steady stream of traffic on a hot Saturday, everyone remained cool. Great job to the organizers led by chairman Thomas Nizo. You hit this one out of the park. Can’t wait for next year. By the way, even without the celebration, you should spend a day in Waimea. A town with plenty of character and a wonderful place to go for a walk and visit some of the many businesses there.
n The Kauai Historical Society, with the Kauai Chinese Heritage Society, put on an unforgettable celebration of the Chinese New Year of the Horse Saturday at the Kauai Beach Resort. Sure, the seven-course dinner was excellent and folks feasted, but even better was the lion dance that had nearly everyone feeding it (you had to be there). An ailing Maryanne Kusaka and the always sharp and humorous Dickie Chang were nothing short of brilliant as the emcees. They stole the show. The event, by the way, is part of the Kauai Historical Society celebration of its 100th birthday party coming up soon.
n The Hoedown for Hope on Feb. 15 was just as good as it was billed. Good food, festive atmosphere, music by Willie K and a whole lot of people dressed in their best Western garb. You’ll probably never find a place with more cowboy hats under one roof on Kauai. And best, proceeds went to a worthy cause in the American Cancer Society. Will we ever defeat cancer once and for all? Doubtful. Will we ever stop trying? No chance.
n Earlier this month, the Rotary Club of Hanalei Bay had a luncheon to present some $90,000 in checks to North Shore schools, including Hanalei Elementary and Kilauea School. Since January 2013, the club has raised $227,000 for schools. Through the Adopt a Classroom program, iPals4iPads and through good old volunteerism, the club and its dedicated members have had a strong impact on education. These folks could certainly spend their money and time on other interests. They don’t have to do this. But they chose to provide more opportunities for a generation of Kauai’s kids. They are giving our youth a bright future and setting an example for the rest of us.
There are many other events, past and future, that showcase the aloha spirit of Kauai. We can’t name them all here, but we commend the people behind these events and thank them. We know there are hundreds, even thousands more folks out there who also give their money, time and talents. You probably don’t get all the credit you deserve, but we hope you know you are making Kauai a greater place to live.
