Letters to the Editor

Thursday, Nov. 27, 2003

Kauai Keiki Story Festival was a huge success

The Second Annual Kauai Keiki Story Festival sponsored by the County of Kauai and Read to Me International was held Nov. 1, at the Kauai War Memorial Convention Hall. The children and adults had a fun time experiencing literacy in a variety of ways.

Celebrity readers like Mayor Bryan Baptiste read to groups of children throughout the day as did Senator Gary Hooser, Council Member Mel Rapozo, Andi Pisacano, Chris Cook, Diana Fairechild, Joy Jobson, Kay Koike, Shelia Arthur, and Stephanie Britt.

Activities for the entire family were presented by ‘Ohana Publishing, 5th Gospel Bookstore, ‘Ae Kamali’i Preschool, Alu Like-Pulama I Na Keiki, Douglas Odoni with Balloon Productions, Borders Books, Boys & Girls Club of Kapaa, Child & Family Service, Children of the Code-a PBS TV Series, Chris Cook-The Movie Book, Circles of Light, Diana Fairechild-Office Yoga, Earl & Lois Stokes-String Figures, Elizabeth Scamahorn M.Ed., Family Community Education-Kekaha, Hanapepe, Kalaheo, Kukuiolono, Lihue, Hue Holomua, Hui Anuenue, Musubi and Kapa’a clubs, Good Beginnings Alliance, HAEYC, Kauai Chapter, Healthy Start, Joy Jobson-Tales from a Small Round Island, Kauai Children’s Discovery Museum, Kauai Head Start, Kauai Libraries – Lihue, Hanapepe, Waimea, Kay Koike-Left or Right, Keiki O Kauai-Family Child Care Association, Keiki Spanish, Kumon School of Math & Reading, Partnership for Hawaii’s Keiki, PATCH, Russell the Rooster, Sheila Arthur – Tales of the Tempest, and Stephanie Britt – Ballet Tour of Kauai.

Additional acknowledgement goes to the folks who contributed so many gifts to the day. Mahalo to Leon & Malia for sharing a wonderful and entertaining concert for the families who attended the day along with a special visit from Harmony, the whale, with the help of Mark Jeffers. All were delighted when she swam into the concert hall to join Leon & Malia in their song, Notchy, about whales in Hawaii. What an amazing surprise!

Mahalo to Read to Me International and Pat Mizuno, Mayor Bryan J. Baptiste and the County of Kauai, Eddie Sarita and his great crew, the County Council, Girl Scout Troops 852 and 953, Hesse Flooring, Senator Gary Hooser, Kapaa JROTC, Kauai Bakery & Cinnamons, Kauai Cookies, Kauai Radio Stations, Mark Jeffers and Storybook Theatre, Ann Loquercio, McDonald’s Lihue Restaurant, Meadow Gold Dairies, Lihue Pizza Hut – Kyle Wong, Wal-Mart, The Garden Island Newspaper and Dennis Fujimoto, Jim Lucas, and all the supporters of literacy for Kauai’s Keiki. We thank all the parents who brought their keiki.

Mahalo from the Co-Chairs

Judy Fraser and

Mark Jeffers

Janice Bond,

Read To Me Round Table Adv. Board member

Music man ‘good entertainment’

If you have not considered going to see “The Music Man” may we suggest you do so, and quickly. The show will close next Sunday.

For only about $10 a person (depending on when and where your buy), your family (especially your children) will experience so much good entertainment.

Every movie and play have their “STARS,” and this one has as well. However, the cooperation of over 60 cast members, 19 orchestra members and over 60 “Behind the Scenes” workers is to be admired. Without star status these cast members; dancing, singing and playful banter; create the illusion of an active and crucial membership in their neighborhood. It is impossible to pick any one as unique, but the combination of effort is amazing and convincing.

Several lessons are gleaned from the show: Morality in the form of responsibility to one’s neighbors, truth with both positive and negative results, behaviors, friendships, love and solution solving.

Arnold Meister, Director, David Conrad Musical Director and Mary Mower, both choreographer and leading lady have put together one fabulous show. The scenery is unique and surprising. The stagehands made swift changes smoothing the way for a presentation well done.

If you miss this family outing, you surely will be sorry. Call 246-8985 for ticket information.

John & Bobbie Love

Kapa’a

For helping single moms on Kaua’i

This letter is to offer a big mahalo to the many companies and individuals who have helped support “Single Mothers of Kauai” (Hui O Na Makuahine) over the past years. “Single Mothers” is a grassroots, nonprofit organization that started five years ago, dedicated to improving the situation of single mothers on public assistance by providing financial and nutritional education; as well as food, clothing, job search help, transportation and child care when indicated. If you’re interested in helping or making a tax-deductible contribution, call 822-7028, or write to P.O. Box 1675, Kapaa, 96746.

Thank you to all the following: Kauai United Way, FEMA, Kauai Food Bank, Mark Mohler Construction, Young Brothers, Jhamandas Watumull Fund, Mabel Wilcox Foundation, Ludwick Family Foundation, Barbara Cox Anthony Foundation, Jacob and Katie Mohler, Thomas and Christy Mohler, Donna Owens, Women’s Auxiliary-Kaumuali’i Chapter #3, Cost U Less, Esaki Produce, Koa Trading Co., Kojima Store, Dept. of Water, Hopaco, Jimmy Sales, Leonard’s Chevron, Kalapaki Beach Hut, Pizza Hut, Kauai Beverages, Big Save Stores, Menehune Water Co., Hilo Hattie, Kmart, Walmart, Ben Franklin Stores, Singer Sewing, Ogawa Chiropractic, Chantal Duarte, Kim McKeague, Nalani Pierce, Angela Watson, Rebekah Kirkpatrick, Sylvia Peahu, Joline Enrique, Mike Mohler, Ben Pierce, William Pierce, matt Nicholason, Alice Costales, Auto Performance, KARS, Waimea Glass, Mike and Nora Ornellas, Joe and Mary Enrique, JoAnn Yukimura, Lovey Harper, Cathy Simao, Marilyn Wong, Eileen Custom Alterations, Jane and Bill Gray, DK Towing, Kauai Sever, John Pundyke, and Dave and Carolyn Moore, Mokihana Pest Control, ReMax Kauai, Kauai Solar, Kukui Electric, Northshore Custom Floors, Kalapaki Beach Hut, Hale Kauai, Pacific Stucco & Masonry.

With our biggest Aloha and Mahalo,

Marilyn Mohler,

President,

Hui O Na Makuahine