‘Remembering Andy’With Artwork

Ronaldo Macedo’s depiction of Andy Irons

There’s been a disheartening spate of bad news in recent weeks, ranging from the murder in Anahola to yet another drowning at Kipu Falls. But it’s heartening to know that in the wake of all this, there are still community members working to make a difference – and working to remember those who’ve departed us. … A “Remembering Andy“art show in honor of fallen surfer Andy Irons – with 90 percent of artwork sales going to help his family – will take place between 6:30 and 10 p.m. Jan. 7 and 9 at Amy Laurens Gallery in Hanalei. Paintings will help pay homage to how Irons lived and celebrate his life.

Featured artist surfers include Ken Auster, Pierre Bouret, Saim Caglayan, Mark Daniells, WadeKoniakowsky, Michael Knowlton, Bob Lemier, Ronaldo Macedo, Jenifer Prince, Scott Prior and Jeff Yeomans. …

Kaua’i Police Department is recruiting RNs to be trained in its certified program to help those who have been victims of sexual assault. Assistant Police Chief Roy Asher said the program, called SANE/SART (Sex Assault Nurse Examiner/Sex Assault Response Team) includes a multidisciplinary team made up of police, prosecutors and YWCA crisis workers. To learn more, call Asher at 241-1711. …

Though county furloughs are likely a thing of the past, thanks are due to the county employees who were still making use of the “Furlough Friday Force” effort. Those involved worked to lend a hand to a recycling endeavor that’s been ongoing throughout the year to raise money for Kalaheo Elementary School. Mayor Bernard P. Carvalho Jr., his wife Regina, Kylan Dela Cruz, Mari Chan, Ernie Barreira, Eric Honma, Eugene Jimenez, John Isobe, Beth Tokioka, George Costa, Edee Bandmann, Malcolm Fernandez, Dee Crowell, Gary Heu, Donald Fujimoto, Art Umezu, Barbara Davis, Kaui and Wayne Tanaka and Wally Rezentes Jr. were among those ensuring the handling of several months’ worth of recycling….

Kaua’i Community College Performing Arts Center has been getting all the gigs lately, and Leo Kottke is no exception.

Mayor Bernard P. Carvalho Jr. (left) was among volunteers sorting items to be recycled at Kalaheo Elementary School as part of the 'Furlough Friday Force'

Kottke, a well-known guitar virtuoso, will be on stage from 7 to 9 p.m. Jan. 11. An imaginative and significant guitarist specializing in offbeat rhythm that found its way to other musical genres such as reggae and ska, Kottke’s performance will showcase his acoustic talents. Tickets cost $25 and can be ordered online at www.ticketswest.com. For more information, call Jerry or Katherine Brocklehurst at 634-6237. …

A casting call for aspiring artists has been launched by Kaua’i Hoe Wa’a, an outrigger canoe paddling association (one- and twoman canoes). The association is soliciting artwork for a logo on its jerseys, tees and hats. KHW hosts open-ocean racing events for standup paddling, too. The artist of the winning submission (to be determined by the KHW board) will be awarded a custom double-bend paddle donated by Andy Reich. Submit artwork by March 15 to tomthompson@hawaii.rr.co m. To learn more, go to www.kauaihoewaa.org. …

Scholarships for training of bicycle-safety instructors are being offered by The Kaua’i Path Inc., with the help of Communities Putting Prevention to Work. The two entities are looking for individuals who are interested in being trained by the League of American Bicyclists to become league-certified instructors. Though the training is off-island, Hawai’i Bicycling League will arrange for home stays for non-Oahu residents. The training will take place from 5 to 9 p.m. Feb. 18, and 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Feb. 20 on Oahu. Those applying should have completed the Traffic Skills 101 class on Kaua’i, offered currently through February. To learn more, contact Dr. Randall Blake, 635-8823. …

Those hankering for good music this time of year will be pleased to learn of an upcoming benefit concert. The event is designed so a student from Hawaii will be awarded a scholarship to attend the renowned Berklee School of music in Massachusetts. The concert will be from 3 to 6 p.m. Jan. 9 at Kaua’i Community College Performing Arts Center, and will feature Berklee College of Music Steelgrass Faculty Residency winner Darcel Williams, an R&B and soul artist. Tickets can be purchased online at www.kauai-concert.org or call 808-245-SING (7464). …

Those in search of wellness for 2011 shouldn’t miss this year’s seventh annual Kaua’i Wellness Expo from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Jan. 29 and 30 at Kaua’i War Memorial Convention Center. The expo centers around the idea of “Malama kou kino, e na ‘ohana, e na ‘aina,” or taking care of oneself, family and the land. Japanese-inspired taiko drummers (including master Koji Nakamura and Steven Nakamura) along with hula arranged by kumu hula Puna Kalama Dawson is just a taste of the entertainment. Dozens of speakers from around the globe are expected to attend, including Laurie “Uri” Grant, “spiritual leader” and author of Transform Your Life NOW! The Spiritual Key to Excelling on All Levels. Cost is $3 per day; $5 for both days. …