Benefit Film Event, Happy Haggis

Kendall Struxness

There are plenty of ways to help out others while closing out the first month of the new year …

Friends and family of Kendall Struxness, who is battling advanced colon cancer, are asking for aloha and kokua in blessing his family with potassium-free, low-sodium meals (dinner for three – Struxness, his brother and mother). A benefit for Struxness, featuring a film in which he stars, live music by Michael Ruff and Friends, and silent and live auctions is at 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 28, at St. Regis Princeville Resort. Tickets cost $25; $30 at the door. Call 635-7019 to arrange meal donations or to pre-order tickets, which are on sale at Hanalei Surf Co. and Princeville Magic Dragon Toy and Art Supply. As his friends say, citing Proverbs 11:25: “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” …

Those with a hankering for a taste of Scotland should head over to the West side for the annual Robert Burns Supper Feb. 5 at Waimea Plantation Cottages (5:30 p.m.). A birthday celebration of Scotland’s beloved poet Robert Burns, the occasion melds some of the most unique combinations of cultures to be seen, replete with kilts, bagpipes and haggis. For more information, call the cottages at 338-1427 …

It’s time to do something fun while being philanthropic, which easy to do so if you’ve got a sweet tooth and a big heart. “Eat Dessert First,” the signature event for the Zonta Club of Kaua’i, this year will benefit the foundation scholarship program for Kaua’i youths and women reentering the work force at Kaua’i Community College, Feb. 11 at the Courtyard Kaua’i Coconut Beach Hotel from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Sponsors helping defray expenses so that more scholarships can be awarded include Tire Warehouse, A&B Properties, Kukui’ula Development, Wilcox Health and Pacific Edge magazine. Tickets cost $18; $20 at the door, and can be purchased in advance at Déjà vu Surf Outlet, Hairmates, Hilo Hattie, Island Hardware, Kalaheo Café & Coffee, Kaua’i Chocolate, Pictures Plus, Savage Pearls, The Wine Shop, Kaua’i Community Federal Credit Union, Fujita & Miura Public Relations LLC. and Vicky’s Fabrics. For more information, call Melinda Uohara at 652-6878 …

Those wanting to do something wholesome, educational and family-oriented will want to save the date for the eighth annual East Side Family Summit from 1 to 5 p.m. Feb. 5 at Kapa’a High School. Free food, entertainment and educational information will be available to those attending. For more information, call Bridget Arume at 821-6972, ext. 116 …

Congratulations are due to Jim Moffat and Malama Kaua’i, winners of Edible Hawaiian Islands magazine’s “2011 Local Hero” awards. Malama Kaua’i nabbed the “Nonprofit” category and BarAcuda Restaurant owner Moffat took the “Gourmet/Retail” category for his upscale Kukui’ula grocery store, Living Foods Market …

Kudos to Sally Halm, director of sales and marketing for Kaua’i Marriott Resort on Kalapaki Beach, who kicked off the launch of the 2011 “Spirit of Aloha” promotional tour for the company in Los Angeles, to share the message of the resort’s recent $50 million renovation that included improvements to Lihu’e’s resort. Hula dancers and Maui celebrity chef Mark Ellman also were in tow …

It’s paddling season again on the Garden Isle

It’s time to break out your paddles, as six-man canoeing season is starting up again. With the first Waimea long-distance race just around the corner (Feb. 19), Pu’uwai Canoe Club has announced its first practice dates, with men’s practice beginning Feb. 1, and women’s practice beginning Feb. 2 at 5:30 p.m. at Wailua River. The children’s program starts at 3 p.m. April 25. For more information, call Brian Curll at 635-6311…

And Hanalei Canoe Club will conduct its annual membership meeting Saturday, Feb. 5, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 at the HCC location mauka of the pier in Hanalei. New and returning paddlers are welcome to talk story, elect new officers, register for the 2011 paddling season, meet the coaches and have lunch. For more information, call 639-4048 …

Those gearing up to be in better shape should mark their calendars for a group bike ride at 8 a.m. sharp Jan. 30 at Kaua’i Cycle. The ride will head north to Princeville Park and back. A laid-back activity, those participating can go at their own pace, so bring a flat-tire kit, snacks and plenty of water to stay hydrated. For more information, call 821-2115 …

The folks at Lazar Bear productions are presenting “Asleep At The Wheel Tour,” another benefit (the last was the Maria Muldaur and Dan Hicks concert earlier this month) for the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association Jr. Lifeguard Program. The nine-time Grammy Award-winning group is fronted by Ray Benson and band mates Jason Roberts, David Sanger, David Miller, John Michael Whitby, Eddie Rivers and Elizabeth McQueen.

The renowned western-swing, boogie and roots-music outfit is still rocking the house and taking names, and will play at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday. Feb. 2, in Kaua’i Community College Performing Arts Center. Tickets cost $45; $50 at the door. For more information, call 337-9234 …