KAPA‘A — Robert Topenio — also known as “The Candyman” — could not stop talking about the awesome brittle that just came in at Sweet Pia’s. Topenio, the son of Sonia Topenio, was one of the students who came to
KAPA‘A — Robert Topenio — also known as “The Candyman” — could not stop talking about the awesome brittle that just came in at Sweet Pia’s.
Topenio, the son of Sonia Topenio, was one of the students who came to help their parents during the Rotary Club of Kapa‘a’s service project Saturday.
That project involved painting the Boys & Girls Club, Kapa‘a Clubhouse, and Rotarians were on all sides of the building that sits adjacent to the Bernice Hundley Gym on the Kapa‘a High School campus.
“This is only the start,” said Fahy Bailey, president of the Rotary Club of Kapa‘a. “We adopted the Boys & Girls Club, and eventually, we’ll be working on a basketcall court and toilet hookups for the place.”
Robert’s youthful energy and tall stature came in handy as he wielded an extended roller to get to the higher eaves while Rotarian Jeanne Zahaby worked with a brush underneath.
Similarly, Risa Whetsel’s smaller stature helped her get underneath the window trims to apply paint with a brush.
“This is training for future Rotarians,” one of the volunteers said, while watching the young girl apply the paint with deft wrist motions.
Bailey said the first step was to refurbish the facility before other projects can be worked on.
According to the Rotary Club of Kapa‘a’s Web site, the organization which hosts the annual Taste of Hawai‘i, a premier culinary event in Hawai‘i, supports the youth and the community of Kaua‘i, the country and the world by combining and leveraging its expertise, volunteer services and financial resources.
“We have the paint guns, so instead of letting someone else do it, we came out and did it ourselves,” another Rotarian added.
The Rotary Club of Kapa‘a meets each Wednesday at the ResortQuest Kaua‘i Beach at Maka‘iwa starting at noon.
