In A Mood For Some Ho, Ho, Ho

Ho, ho, ho and Merry Christmas. I hope everyone finds happiness this week, no matter what traditions you may hold or which holidays you cherish. On Christmas Eve (Dec. 24), if you’re looking to spice up your joy with some colorful merriment, visit Auntie Josie‘s trash-to-treasure collection from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Historic County Building in Lihue. But don’t let the magical decorations make you forget to leave cookies out for Santa when you get home, or you might just find some coal in your stocking …

On a more serious note, I have a sincere plea to dog owners this week. I know there are few outlets on the island where your best friends have the legal ability to run free, but I beg you to please take other creatures’ lives into consideration and keep your pups on leash when not in those designated areas. Three majestic Laysan albatross, which only just returned to the island after many months at sea, were slaughtered last week on the North Shore near Moloaa Bay by unrestrained dogs. Sadly, these incidents have been common in recent years. Believe me when I tell you, the images of these dismembered native birds are horrific, and what is even more distressing is that they currently are listed as “near threatened” under the IUCN Red List, and are a federally protected species. Not only are dogs such a threat to these winged creatures, but the birds also must face other repercussions, such as ingesting our plastic trash thoroughly sprinkled across the ocean, so please help make their lives more safe and prosperous. Bring Fido to the new Kilauea dog park on Kalihiwai Ridge at Wai Koa Plantation road, or to Freddie’s Dog Park at Kauai Humane Society …

Saving and enriching the lives of animals is nothing new to Kauai Humane Society and its employees, including Julia Hall, the newest addition to the organization’s team. She will serve as development director and brings some 15 years of nonprofit experience with her. For the holiday season, Hall has organized a fund-development campaign, “Make Wishes Come True,” to help encourage the support of the more than 5,000 animals Kauai Humane Society assists yearly. Visit kauaihumane.org for more information …

For the musically inclined, the melodies of local musicians can be heard Christmas Eve (Dec. 24) at St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church in Lihue. Starting at 5:30 p.m., musical ensembles will perform throughout the night with guests including Aki Conquest, Alan Van Zee, Karen Dickson, Randy Leonard, Monica Chung and Sue Macklin. Visit stmichaels-kauai.org or call 245-3796 for more information …

Congrats to Kauai county’s newest councilman, Mason Chock. If you’d like to talk story with him, join the Wailua-Kapaa Neighborhood Association Saturday (Dec. 28) from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Kapaa Library meeting room. Visit wkna.org or call 821-2837 for more information …

The new year is a great time for reflection. On Sunday (Dec. 29) at 6 p.m., Waimea Higashi Hongwanji will offer a Year-End Reflection Meditation Service. The meditation is based on the teachings of Jodo Shinshu, and is a structured method of self-reflection. Call Noriaki Fujimori at 338-1847 for more information.

-Coco Zickos

cocomidweek@ gmail.com