A Few Gifts of 2012

A Few Gifts of 2012

by Anne E. O’Malley

For Kaua`i is for and about the people of Kaua`i. Reflecting on stories we covered in our monthly paper issues and on our website forkauionline.com during 2012, it is easy to see that one thing all have in common is that Kaua`i people have many gifts to share. From activism in the community to saving the planet — or at least a portion of it; from promoting wellness to espousing multi-modal education and more, our covers and contents build community networks. Here is a look back at 2012. Be inspired to visit our website and click on the menu button Magazine PDF to take a look back at the special stories that we’ve shared with you.

In February 2012, Char Ravelo’s wide range of experiences in the health industry explained how she’s come to be known as an ambassador of wellness to the world. Photo by Anne E. O’Malley

In March, father and son John and Kepa Kruse campaigned with Koloa Camp families to save the camp. Photo by Keri Cooper

In April, Felicia Cowden published “Life is the School, Love is the Lesson” advocating free-schooling. Her two sons have had a mix of home-, free- and private schooling. Photo by Keri Cooper

In May, Jimmy Trujillo, half of a bee booster team at Kaua`i Community College with Dr. Francis Takahashi (not pictured) focused on fostering healthy bees in the face of a diminishing world population of the insects. The issue cover was featured in one of the two Lihu`e airport windows for worldwide visitors to see. Photo by Keri Cooper

In June, Entrepreneur Angelique Ell opened her boutique of custom-made wedding dresses, showing savvy sophistication and simplicity, made from natural, skin-friendly fabrics. Photo by Keri Cooper

In July, Entrepreneur Fred Atkins talked about Team Kilohana preserving a piece of Kaua`i with an ag-tourism-historical-cultural marketing focus. Photo by Keri Cooper

In August, Lyndsey Hariguchi-Nakayama and her husband, Brad Nakayama, shared their experience. with heritage farming demanding re-focus as new generations spring up. Photo by Keri Cooper

In September, we reported that no child gets left behind at Koloa Elementary School, ranking #1 on the island with Team Koloa under Principal Debbie Lindsey’s leadership. Photo by Keri Cooper

In October, we pondered the preciousness of birth with the loving, welcoming warmth of a pair of skilled midwives. Home Birth Kaua`i partners Claudia Brown (l) and Sharon Offley (r) flank new Mom and baby Melanie and Holden Ortiz. Photo by Anne E. O’Malley

In November, Matt Stevenson, UHCTAHR told us about innovations he’s seeking to help the Kaua`i livestock industry thrive, while doing no harm to the environment. Photo by Keri Cooper

In December 2012, we featured Elizabeth Freeman, center, founder and head of the Festival of Lights. The festival turned 16 in 2012. Photo by Danny Hashimoto