Saluting A Very Greene Yard

I was so inspired by the landscape that earned Dennis and Suzanne Greene the Neighborhood Pride award by the Wailua-Kapaa Neighborhood Association. The Greenes live on Laipo Road in Kapahi. Suzanne, who is in a hula halau, grows flowers and maile, which she says (because of the elevation) require “babying.” Plants adorning their land, many of which are gifts from friends, include spices, plumeria and palm trees, according to committee chairwoman Helena Cooney. The couple also has been smart in terms of having “seashore grass,” which when treated with saltwater stays weed-free. Dennis, who often tends to the flower beds, the big yard chores and his wife’s “honey-do list,” will likely enjoy having more free time to further beautify and relax on the manicured lot during retirement, which is now only five months away. But he’ll have to add one small chore to his list: hanging the plaque they receive from Mayor Bernard P. Carvalho Jr. at 2 p.m. this Saturday at the free public association meeting at the Kapa‘a library. Nominations for beautiful front yards in the 96746 ZIP code can be sent to Cooney at helena1824@aol.com, or call 822-1885. Criteria is that the residents must do the work themselves …

Congratulations to one of my favorite faces in leadership these days, Sherri “Puni” Patrick, who will return to her role as executive director of Leadership Kaua‘i. Patrick is supported in this role by an expanded board that includes former executive director Jerry Brocklehurst. Leadership Kaua‘i has been doing exciting things seemingly nonstop. It recently moved its Pi‘ina Hoku Youth Leadership program to Kapa‘a High School, where 500 na ‘opio in grades 9 and 10 will benefit. Leadership Kauai also will partner with Kupu A‘e, run by another former executive director, Mason Chock …

Kaua‘i Police Department‘s inaugural Citizen’s Police Academy has hit the halfway point, a rewarding milestone for both participants and the department. The 13-course program, which began July 11, is intended to give people a better understanding of the demands of police work and the culture of law enforcement. Most classes are held at KPD headquarters, but also have included visits to the Kipu Pistol Range and police ride-alongs. For more information, including a course schedule, go to kauai.gov/police, or call Lt. Paul Applegate at 241-1606 …

It’s almost time for the Kaua‘i County Farm Bureau Fair, with face painting, yummy treats, spinning rides and even a petting zoo, starting Thursday through Sunday at Vidinha Stadium. The buzz is that Kaua‘i Beekeepers Association, Kaua‘i Community College Apiary Program and Kaua‘i County Farm Bureau will host a Kaua‘i Honey tasting on opening night from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Beekeeper Jimmy Trujillo says the tasting will feature local honey from Kaua‘i apiaries, and will offer participants the chance to sample select choices of current and early season harvests as well as aged honey from a variety of local sources. For more information, contact Trujillo at 346-7725, or visit kauaibuzz.wordpress.com …

Wilcox Memorial Hospital has announced the opening of its new cardiac rehab program, a structured way for patients to make lifestyle changes. Patients will be offered a custom-designed treatment plan, aiding in a speedier and safer recovery …

Kaua‘i legislators Sen. Ron Kouchi, Rep. Derek Kawakami, Rep. Jimmy Tokioka and Rep. Dee Morikawa will be ready to wala‘au about the Legislature in a discussion hosted by Lihu‘e Business Association Thursday from 7:30 to 9 a.m. at Duke’s Canoe Club. Topics will include which bills that became law and impacts going forward, as well as preparing for 2013. It’s free and open to the public …

E komo mai to ADA coordinator Linda Nuland-Ames, who was appointed last week to handle the Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)/Americans with Disabilities Act for residents of the county. “Linda brings with her a wealth of knowledge and experience, and a passion for serving the community,” says Mayor Bernard P. Carvalho Jr. No stranger to working for the county, Nuland-Ames has served as the project director for the Kaua‘i RSVP program in the Agency on Elderly Affairs. Nuland-Ames also has been a member of the Mayor’s Advisory Committee on Equal Access for 12 years and was recently elected its chairwoman. Prior to that, she worked for seven years providing legal research and organizing advocacy training in the areas of family law and the ADA …

The 10th annual Special Olympics Benefit Ride is Sunday beginning at 8:45 a.m. at Kaua‘i War Memorial Convention Hall. Hundreds of motorcycles and novelty cars of all makes and models make the event fun for all ages to see. A donation of $20 is suggested. The ride begins at the convention hall, then on to Waimea and ends back at the convention hall. Visit Special Olympics Kauai’s page on Facebook for details, or call Shelly at 639-3398 …

Kudos to the heroes with the U.S. Coast Guard, who performed a remarkable rescue of seven mariners whose sailboat sank in the wee hours of Aug. 13 between Oahu and Kaua‘i. All seven were safely rescued and deposited at Nawilili Harbor. Just another example of the great work the USCG does in Hawaiian waters …