Eat Dessert First; Family Summit
The first-ever Jewish cemetery on Kaua’i was consecrated Jan. 13 at Kalapaki Memorial Cemetery grounds. The dedication was held during a downpour prior to the funeral of Dr. Francine Snyder, the first person to be buried there. Pictured (from left) are Ken Solin, Richard Seigel, Rabbi Michoel Goldman and David Leopold | Photo from Kimo Rosen
One of Kauai’s most fun community events is just around the corner. The ninth annual Family Summit, with its focus on strengthening families, will be Saturday, Feb. 2, from 1 to 5 p.m. at Kapa’a High School. The event offers an afternoon of musical entertainment and free food as Kapa’a High School courtyard is transformed with performances and keiki tents. If you are interested in having an information booth or would like to volunteer, contact Bridget Arume at Kapaa Elementary School: 821-6972 ext. 116.
Leilani Rivera Low and Halau Hula O Leilani will present the 20th annual Hula Hoike 2013 with The Makaha Sons Feb. 2 at Kaua’i War Memorial Convention Hall in Lihu’e. The program begins with chants and hula kahiko. Dozens of keiki, teens and adults will dance hula kahiko, hula auana, Tahitian otea and aparima, and Maori songs in this festive, colorful recital. Other guest musicians include Larry Rivera, Michael Keale, Kapala, Nelson Kaai, and The 3 T’s, singers of spiritual songs from Ni’ihau. In tribute to Ni’ihau and its families, Leilani created hula for songs she received from Mama’ane Kanahele, a respected composer and teacher in the Hawaiian community. Her daughter Ehu Kanahele taught the dancers and parents to make shell lei and earrings from Ni’ihau shells to strengthen their connection to the island. At 4 p.m., vendors begin selling island-made Hawaiian clothing, gifts, jewelry and accessories.
Show costs $20 for adults, $10 for keiki age 4-14. Hawaiian luau meal costs $25 per person before the show; $45 in advance includes luau meal and preferred seating. Prices at the door will be $25 and $15, respectively. The auditorium opens at 6:30 p.m.; show starts at 7. For tickets, call Darryl Low, 651-0864, Leilani Low, 651-0652 or email darryl.leilani@hawaiiantel.net.
Dancers (from left) Ashtyn Yadao, Kyanna Asuncion, Jessica Herman, Jeanine Aquias, Mahea Makaneole and Daileen Barton are ready for the Halau Hula. O Leilani Hoike 2013 | (photographer) Donna Stewart photo
Volunteers are needed to lead senior health workshops through the senior program Better Choices, Better Health. Designed by Stanford University, the Better Choices, Better Health workshop series aims to help seniors manage their chronic conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure and anxiety. Anyone interested in taking a leadership role in the well-tested program is encouraged to sign up for one of two orientation meetings, to be held at Lihu’e Civic Center, Pi’ikoi Building. To become a certified leader in the BCBH program, volunteers must complete a four-day training program scheduled for Feb. 5, 7, 12 and 14, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. All of the sessions will be held in the Agency on Elderly Affairs’ meeting room. To register or to request special assistance or an auxiliary aide to attend the meeting, contact Charlyn Nakamine at 241-4470. For more information, go to Kauaiadrc.org …
HMSA is launching its 2013 Teen Video Awards Contest and is searching for talented student film-makers to produce public service announcements (PSAs) aimed at teens. Other program sponsors include Mothers Against Drunk Driving, Hawaii Meth Project and Domestic Violence Action Center. The annual video contest challenges local middle and high school students to create PSAs focusing on important teen health issues. Students should submit fully produced, 27-second PSA videos in one of the following categories: addiction prevention, healthy living, mental health, or teen safety. Judges will select winners based on content, impact/effectiveness, creativity and videography. Winning videos will be broadcast on local television stations. Winners also will receive funds for their school to purchase video equipment or software. The prizes in each category are as follows: first place: $1,000; second place, $500; third place: $250. The Best of Show will receive an additional $1,000. Hawaii Meth Project, MADD and Domestic Violence Action Center will award special prizes for the top video on the risks of meth use, under-age drinking, and dating or family violence, respectively. There also will be a $500 award for the best middle school submission. The public can vote for their favorite video at hmsa.com from 8 a.m. April 1 through 4 p.m. April 12. The video with the most votes will win a Voters’ Choice award of $500. Information packets, including contest rules, entry forms, release forms and copyright information have been distributed to schools statewide. All forms must be signed and submitted by March 4, along with the PSA. HMSA will accept both group and individual entries. HMSA will notify finalists in early April and announce the winners at a gala awards ceremony May 8 at Hawaii Convention Center. Contest information and entry materials also are available online at hmsa.com/tva.
