Everyone from painters and poets, Living Treasures and treasured children, authors and audacious community members graced the pages of Lifestyle to make 2011 shine. Here are just a few of the inspiring and talented people we met this year. One
Everyone from painters and poets, Living Treasures and treasured children, authors and audacious community members graced the pages of Lifestyle to make 2011 shine.
Here are just a few of the inspiring and talented people we met this year.
One of my favorite interviews was with The Garden Island’s very own Jimmy Oyadomari. At the age of 79, the Koloa-born Korean War veteran celebrated his 58th year working at the newspaper. Oyadomari is still with the paper and will celebrate his 59th year next month.
With the Warriors taking home the Kaua‘i Interscholastic Federation championship, I couldn’t help but wonder if Coach Dean Petro had a crystal ball. When I interviewed him February as he was receiving treatment at Wilcox Hospital Infusion Center, the cancer patient told me that coaching keeps him alive. And I quote: “I refuse to succumb. I’ve got boys to coach and a championship to win. And it’s coming. You can put that in the paper.”
Congratulations, coach.
Living Treasure Charles Perreira shared his love for weaving fishing nets. My favorite photograph printed in Lifestyle is a photo of a 12-year-old Perreira casting his net into the ocean.
All five of this year’s Living Treasures welcomed The Garden Island into their homes.
“Big John” Kauo shared his passion for martial arts. The gentle giant explained how the discipline teaches self-esteem, how to be humble and help the community: “It keeps a nice, clear mind and keeps you out of trouble.”
Kekaha’s Ambrose Smith was also honored for his excellence in traditional Hawaiian music. He still plays every Thursday at the Grove Cafe in Waimea.
Yoshiko “Dimples” Kano was recognized for exemplary community service. The real estate agent, Zonta Club member, Kaua‘i United Way member and Salvation Army volunteer said, “I always held the notion that you are not here on this earth forever. While I’m here, I’d like to leave a few footprints.”
Patricia Sheehan’s effort restoring her family’s sprawling, 74-acre estate in Hanalei is a gold standard of historic preservation.
Violet Hashimoto Goto was honored for her artistic excellence and teaching about Hawaiian culture. I was blown away to learn that the Ha‘ena shell lei she painstakingly weaves are donated to local organizations to help them raise money or given as gifts. “Anything that you give from the heart, you find more pleasure,” she said.
In the arts community, Kathy Cowan celebrated the one-year anniversary of her gallery, Alley Kat Art. Be sure to visit her gallery during the first Saturday of each month, when Cowan hosts live music and fire dancing among original works of art.
Sally French was gracious enough to invite us into her Kalaheo studio to show off new works that debuted at Bruna Stude’s Galerie 103. Stude’s current exhibit “wHat” is a must-see. While you are there, say hello to the gallery’s unofficial mascot, Brolie.
Author Inette Miller, who penned “Grandmother’s Whisper,” had a joyous homecoming during a string of book signings. Her journey from a comfortable life in the Pacific Northwest to living homeless at various Kaua‘i beach parks is nothing short of remarkable.
This wasn’t just a year for the adults. Kaua‘i teens took their talents to New York City to march in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Lia Yamasato, a student at Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School, made her Hawai‘i International Film Festival debut with a stop-motion animation “Annoying Chicken.” Rainbow Star Zephier’s ‘ukulele video went viral.
Waimea High School alum Desiree Vea was honored as a Champion of Change by the White House and continues to help homeless Kauaians transition into permanent housing. Lovebirds Alyssa and Emmanuel Rodriguez started a business selling stickers and T-shirts to help people affected by the Japanese tsunami and earthquake.
Many readers were moved by baby Hulali Kiyoko Rivera’s story. Her family hosted various fundraisers on-island to raise money for the child’s medical expenses as she received treatment for her eye tumors in California. Her initial chemotherapy was a success, but the tumors returned and she is in California readying for additional treatment.
Stay tuned for a follow-up article with Rivera’s family in an upcoming edition of Lifestyle.
• Andrea Frainier, lifestyle writer, can be reached at 245-3681, ext. 257 or afrainier@ thegardenisland.com.
