LIHU‘E — State Department of Education Kaua‘i Complex Area Superintendent Paul Zina was pleasantly surprised Friday when he showed up to discuss back-to-school activities with officials at Kukui Grove Center.
So was Myrvie Buster of Garden Island Federal Credit Union, who stopped to chat with Anuenue Washburn of Outer Reef Jewelry.
“This is good they have these vendors here,” Zina said. “Mother’s Day is Sunday, and this reminded me that I needed to find something. Outer Reef Jewelry has pretty things, so I’m glad I had to come here.”
Buster was thrilled to have found something to add to her wardrobe.
Outer Reef Jewelry is one of a dozen craft vendors at the center Friday and today from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., coordinated by Melissia Sugai and the county Office of Economic Development’s Kaua‘i Made Program.
“Everything is socially distanced,” said Melissa McFerrin-Warrack of KGC. “We’re staying in line with the most-recent, Tier 3 ruling. The Kaua‘i Made vendors are spaced out between the Deli and Bread Connection all the way to the food court. And, yes, face masks must be worn both inside and outside the shopping center.”
Today is also the final day of the the May Shop &Dine program, where KGC shoppers can redeem shopping receipts from any mall store dated from May 1 through 8 for a KGC restaurant gift card. The KGC management office is open until 4 p.m. today so shoppers can redeem receipts.
Friday night was also the opening reception for the “Artists of Pune‘e Road” exhibit at the Kaua‘i Society of Artists gallery adjacent to the Bubbah’s Toy Box and Gaming Cafe at KGC.
The gallery features new work from three Kaua‘i artists who all just happen to live on Pune‘e Road — Fran Kalb, Carol Meckling and Bill Collins.
The show is open from noon until 6 p.m. daily and noon to 7 p.m. Friday through May 21.
Sunday, McFerrin-Warrack invites mothers to enjoy the food court that will be specially decorated, and while enjoying meals from KGC restaurants, Steve Dubey and friends will spice up the area with jazz stylings.
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
