Thanks To Peacemakers, Artists

Pierre Bouret's 'Total Commitment'

While it’s hard to ask for a moment of silence in text, I find it appropriate to thank those on Kaua’i who strive to continue to make a difference in a world plagued with tragedies, whether on-island, in Tucson, Ariz., or beyond …

Mahalo to surfer-artists who donated their work to benefit the family of fallen surfer legend Andy Irons, at an alcohol-free art opening at the Amy Laurens Gallery in Hanalei to benefit his widow Lyndie Dupuis and her new baby Andy Axel Irons. Roughly 200 people showed up for the opening, which featured Terry Lilley‘s film Andy’s Paddle Out Video and helped raise awareness of North Shore reef protection initiatives. Jazz guitarist Mike Smith‘s smooth stylings enhanced the ambiance, and 90 percent of the proceeds collected are to directly benefit the Irons family. Donated art that was purchased during the show included the work of Ken Auster, Jenifer Prince and Pierre Bouret (that’s his painting “Total Commitment” at left) …

Mahalo also to our movers and shakers for helping “Keep Kaua’i Beautiful,” an endeavor similar to “Keep America Beautiful,” which aims to resolve issues related to recycling, solid waste and other green initiatives. Cecile Carson, affiliate services director for Keep America Beautiful; Jan Dapitan, Keep the Hawaiian Islands Beautiful Hawai’i state leader, and Chris Woolaway, executive director of Keep Honolulu Beautiful, teamed up with Beth Tokioka, Eddie Sarita and Keith Suga to discuss the creation of a Kaua’i affiliate …

61 and counting: Maureen Murphy, Melissa Burovac and Kari Kester

Large-scale social change in terms of poverty, homelessness and unemployment, to name a few, may seem lofty goals to tackle, but the Kaua’i Action Planning Alliance is “having at it,” so to speak. Those interested in being part of the dialogue in terms of food self-sufficiency, economic diversity and renewable energy will want to inquire with Diane Zachary of the Kaua’i Planning & Action Alliance, which is hosting a Webinar and discussion from 9 to 11 a.m. Jan. 19 at the Lihu’e Public Library: kpaa@kauainetwork.org …

Those interested in learning how to keep Kaua’i beautiful beginning with their backyard (while keeping it teeming with food – and in this case, fish) might be interested in Kaua’i Community College‘s Office of Continuing Education course, “Fundamentals of Backyard Aquaculture,” a workshop aimed at providing the training necessary to manage a micro-scale fish production system/herb garden to provide sustainable food while generating a modest income. Classes are 1:30-4:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Jan. 18 and 25 and Feb. 1, 8, 15; and Saturdays Jan. 22 and 29 and Feb. 5, 12 and 19. The cost is $300. To register, call 245-8318 …

Those struggling to get themselves up to speed on leveraging the Internet to promote their business can check out a YouTube seminar by video artist Joel Guy, owner of Hanalei Grass Shack Productions. The two-hour session, presented by the Kaua’i North Shore Business Council, will take place from 5-7 p.m. at the Princeville Community Center Jan. 25. RSVP by calling 826-3040, ext. 22, or e-mailing efurfaro@prince-ville.com …

Congratulations are also due to three ladies in particular who finished the Jan. 8 second annual triathlon at Po’ipu Beach Park to bring in the New Year and also celebrate Maureen Murphy‘s 61st birthday. Their goal was to run/walk, bike and swim/paddle for 61 minutes, following a tradition that began last year with 60-minute goals. The trio, Murphy, Melissa Burovac and Kari Kester, plans to complete next year’s event with a fitting 62 minutes. Nice work, wahine …

Miss Aloha Hula dances Feb. 5

The Storybook Theatre of Hawai’i in Hanapepe will host this year’s first Chamber Business After Hours from 5 to 7 p.m. Jan. 27. Those attending can compete to win a prize for creating a video commercial in the Storybook Media Studio. To learn more, go to kauaichamber.org or visit storybook.org …

If making better choices about health is on your 2011 resolution list, perhaps the “Better Choices, Better Health” six-week workshop series sponsored by the Agency on Elderly Affairs is your cup of tea. Developed by Stanford University for people with chronic health problems, the first workshop is offered from 2 to 4:30 p.m. Tuesdays at the AARP office in Lihu’e beginning Jan. 18. The next series is offered the same time Thursdays at the Kapa’a Neighborhood Center beginning Feb. 3. The cost is $12 for seniors 60 years and older. To register, call Charlyn at 241-4470 …

Miss Aloha Hula 2010, Mahealani Hirao-Solem, top soloist at the Merrie Monarch Festival and a member of Hula Halau o Kamuela, will share her inspired hula along with keiki and adult dancers performing hula kahiko and auana and Tahitian and Maori dances. Music will include the group Kapala, Feb. 5 at the Kauai War Memorial Convention Hall, as part of a hula ho’ike by Leilani Rivera Bond and Halau Hula o Leilani. Bond, a kumu hula for more than 20 years, was a Na Hoku Hanohano finalist for many of her Hawaiian music CDs. Advance tickets cost $20, $25 at the door. Youth tickets $10 in advance, $15 at the door. Contact Darryl at 651-0864 or via e-mail at darryl.leilani@hawaiiantel.net …