Loving Kauai’s Green Fall Leaves

I love this time of year on Kauai when the weather at night gets just a bit crisper and you find the need to reach for that extra blanket. The beauty is that it never gets unbearably cold and it reminds me how lucky we all are to be able to live on this remarkable island …

This fall, celebrations abound including Lawai International Center‘s dedication of its new Hall of Compassion – a hand-carved 13th century-style building – Oct. 6 during the organization’s annual pilgrimage of compassion. World-renowned shakuhachi flutist Grandmaster Riley Lee played for a large group, who made their way along the path of 88 Buddhist shrines. The event was hosted by the nonprofit’s president, Lynn Muramoto, whose continued efforts have made the magical place available for all to enjoy …

Who doesn’t enjoy a good celebration? Those who want to exercise for a good cause can celebrate at the Party in Pink Zumbathon Charity Event Saturday from 5 to 7 p.m. Zumba teachers from around the island will convene at Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School‘s gym to help raise money for breast cancer research. Dee J Bliss will donate his time and sound system for the two-hour party, and C&N Photography is donating proceeds from a photo booth for attendees. Tickets cost $20. For more information, email Tricia Melendez at pjamkauai@gmail.com or visit zumba.com/en-US/partyinpink …

Kicking off the new school year is the state Department of Education’s Kauai Shining Stars‘ second season, now available for television and online viewing. The season premiere showcases footage from the National Student Recognition Luncheon, where students and their teachers were recognized for their various efforts. Kapaa High School‘s ninth grade rocket-launch project and Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School’s digital media program are featured in the first program. The show airs on Oceanic Channel 6 Sundays, 6:30-7 p.m.; Mondays, 6:30-7 p.m. and 9-9:30 p.m.; Wednesdays, 6:30-7 p.m.; Thursdays, 9-9:30 p.m., and Saturdays, 9-9:30 p.m. To view the programs online, visit vimeo.com/shiningstars …

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Allstate has partnered with YWCA of Kauai to help donate up to $10,000 through the “Purple Purse Campaign.” To help YWCA of Kauai earn funding, visit purplepurse.com and enter in purse codes 01090-01099 through the end of the month. The YWCA receives $5 for every purse code entered …

Another great cause is being hosted by the island’s five Rotary clubs to help end polio worldwide. On Oct. 26 in Kauai Beach Resort’s Grand Ballroom, singer Amy Hanaialii Gilliom will entertain with her trio and keyboardist Michael Ruff. Also performing are Hawaiian musical group Na Leo and Indian jazz composer Amit Heri. Rotary Humanitarian Awards also will be presented in each of the following five categories: Firefighter/Water Safety Officer, Police Officer, Healthcare Worker, Social Worker and Teacher. For more information, visit kauaiendpolionow.com or email the event’s organizer Ron Margolis at ron@hawaiilife.com …

Women Artists of Kauai is inviting everyone to meet local female artists in their studios again this year during the organization’s annual Open Studio Tours. Greet the artists in their creative spaces from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Lihue to Waimea Saturday and Sunday, and at the same time from Wailua to Wainiha Oct. 19 and 20. The studios will offer live demonstrations, art for sale and exhibits. Maps and more information are available online at womenartistsofkauai.org …