Rob Silverman serves ‘em up
www.kauaicountyfarmbureau.org • www.facebook.com/KauaiCountyFarmBureau
SAVE THE DATE!
APRIL 7TH GARDEN FAIR
SATURDAYS 9:30am –1pm
On the Kauai Community College Campus
See Barkaroo - they use local ingredients at the 2018 GARDEN FAIR April 7th
From Farmers Market to Farm Fair The Kauai County Farm Bureau Supports Agriculture
Week of March 30, 2018 | Vol. 6, No. 13
Grinds & Da Kines For Your Weekend Check da Scene
GOOD TIMES ALWAYS ON TAP
2 | TGIFR!DAY | March 30, 2018
IF YOU’RE A POET AND YOU KNOW IT … Hawaiian chant-style ‘Riddle’ PlayShop offered for poetry celebration
F
or more than a dozen years, Kauai poets, artists and literature lovers have been participat-
TGIFR!DAY
ing and supporting special celebrations and writing competitions on Kauai related to the fact that April
TOP PICKS FOR THE WEEK FRIDAY
CROSSWALK 6 p.m., Vidinha Stadium Begin at the south end of Vidinha Stadium lot and end at the Kauai Veterans Center. GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE 7 p.m., Kauai Veterans Center Hosted by Kauai Island Ministries and the Christian Churches of Kauai. FULL MOON HIKE Wailua Beach The Sierra Club hosts and leads an easy, three-mile hike from Wailua Beach to Nukoli‘i, followed by a picnic dinner at Lydgate Beach Park. Info: Judy Dalton, 482-1129 SATURDAY
OVERCOMING BRAIN INJURIES TALK 2 p.m. Princeville Public Library Roblin Bloom shares her story of recovery from three traumatic brain injuries, the tragedies, the blessings, and the new directions. KAUAI JAPANESE CULTURAL SOCIETY ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. WB’s Restaurant and Grill. RSVP by March 23 to 822-5353 or pkgshim@ hawaiiantel.net. WORKSHOP, HOW TO BUILD A SMALL WATER FEATURE 9 to 11 a.m. Kauai Nursery & Landscaping, Puhi
Free.
KALAUPUHI TRAIL HIKE The Sierra Club hosts and leads a moderate, fourmile hike in Kokee. Info: Lee Gately, 661-373-4834 MS SUNSET STROLL Kapaa Beach Park, 4 p.m. To walk or volunteer, visit walkMS.org, call 855-3721331, or email fundraisingsupport@nmss.org. SUNDAY
VEGAN POTLUCK AND LECTURE 4:30 p.m., Sun Village clubhouse, 3-3400 Kuhio Hwy., Lihue “Starch, Self-Esteem & Success,” a Vegetarian Society of Hawaii Kauai presentation by Benjahmin Koenigsberg. Free admission to the lecture. Potluck dinner, bring a Vegan dish (with recipe and ingredient list), or a donation — $10 suggested. $25 gift certificate for the best dish. Info: 346-8743 or vsh.org. HAWAIIAN SLACK KEY GUITAR AND UKULELE CONCERT — MOUNTAIN TO SEA 3 to 5 p.m. Hanalei Family Community Center Tickets $10 to $25. Info: 826-1469 WEDNESDAY
HAWAIIAN SLACK-KEY GUITAR AND UKULELE CONCERT - GIFTS OF THE ANCESTORS 6 to 8 p.m. All Saints Church, Kapaa Tickets $10 to $25. Info: 826-1469
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Bill Buley | bbuley@thegardenisland.com | 245-0457 ADVERTISING: displayads@thegardenisland.com | 245-0425 CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING: tgiclassified@thegardenisland.com | 246-0325
is National Poetry Month. It is also the month when spring is generally “sprung,” bringing new life and energy along with warmer sunshine and new growth and flowering. Some will remember the popular annual “Poetry Fests” sponsored through the Garden Island Arts Council (GIAC), www.gardenislandarts.org, which encouraged writing and submission for judging on a theme, combining poetry with art to make it a visual experience, and the related readings and awards that took place at Borders Books in Lihue, libraries and other locations. These poetry celebrations evolved, becoming the annual celebration put on by independent poets who had met and bonded, with newcomer energy also infused. “I am amazed when people ask me why we celebrate poetry month at the Storybook Theatre in Hanapepe,” wrote Steve Backinoff, an organizer. For the last several years, the independently organized April Poetry weekends have been held at the Storybook Theatre, thanks to the interest and support of Director Mark Jeffers. Once again, Kauai’s celebration of April as National Poetry Month hosted by independent poets of Kau-
Photo courtesy Dawn Fraser Kawahara
Dawn Fraser Kawahara will lead a free poetry workshop on April 7.
ai will be held Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, April 6, 7, 8, 3814 Hanapepe Road. www.storybook.org. The theme is, “Creating a peaceful world by freeing our voices.” The event is dedicated to the memory and words of Martin Luther King Jr., and is the week marking 50 years since he was assassinated April 4, 1968. “What we do is encourage a diverse group of people to share their gifts on a small stage,” wrote Backinoff. Watch for further media announcements of times, and posters describing the three-day multi-arts invi-
tational plan, which will kick off at 8 p.m. April 6, with performance poetry and open mic as part of the regular Hanapepe Art Night celebration. Award-winning poet, author and TGI “Green Flash” and “FarAway Places” columnist Dawn Kawahara, who originated and curated the GIAC “Poetry Fests” and has continued her involvement with this April venue, will lead a free April 7, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. writing “PlayShop” for interested writers of all ages. The focus will be a SEE POETRY, PAGE 3
TGIFR!DAY | March 30, 2018 | 3
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Hanalei River Healing
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Photo courtesy Ka ‘Imi Na‘Auao o Hawaii Nei Institute
The keiki of Hula Alapa‘i I Malu Ulu ‘O Lele, under the direction of kumu hula Sharon Ioana Bailey Balidoy, Maui branch of Ka ‘Imi Na‘auao o Hawai‘i Nei Institute, chant the riddle of the “Waters of Kane, He Mele No Kane.”
Poetry
Continued from page 2
purely fun word/concept exploration of “Riddles’” following Hawaiian word
Participation wanted Organizers of the third Kauai International Celebration of Poetry are also looking for submissions finishing this writing prompt: “If I were completely free …” “Looking for Bards, Troubadours, Griots, Slammers, Poets, Singers and those with big ears growing out of their hearts,” said a flier. Send writing and inquires to sbackinoff24@gmail.com or text 346-2587. This is also where you can sign up for open mike/ open stage. ••• TG!FRIDAY
play and chant form (using English language). Kawahara will introduce “He Mele No Kane” (Where are the Waters of Kane?), published as a DVD educational study guide by Ka ‘Imi Institute, www.kaimi.org, as an example. Bring writing supplies and a brown bag lunch to this PlayShop; also (optional) a dictionary and thesaurus. At noon, a lunchtime sharing session of work in progress will take place. Student writers may attend without parents. It is free. However, donations to aid the ongoing creative work of Storybook Theatre, a nonprofit educational organization, will be appreciated. There will be a maximum of 20 participants in the “Riddles” PlayShop by advance registration. Call 822-3271 to sign up. Kawahara is debuting a twin selection Friday, April 6 combining her original poems with the voice of Bianca, her violin. Also April 6, Janaki Maya will present her “contem-
share their gifts on a small stage.” Steve Backinoff Organizer, Kauai International Celebration of Poetry
——
plations about love and live and in the form of poetry.” A Council of All Beings meets at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 7. “You can become a part of nature and create from that perspective and share your perspective in conversation with the council,” a press release said. Sunday, April 8, 1 to 4 p.m. is a Dances of Univeral Peace/Sacred Poetry Ritual.
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4 | TGIFR!DAY | March 30, 2018
LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL
Rob’s a friendly, relaxing place where friends can gather, eat, drink and enjoy BILL BULEY TGIFR!DAY
L
IHUE — Rob Silverman loves what he does. He must. Because you can find him, six days a week, working at Rob’s Good Times Grill.
Now, he doesn’t really have to be there. He owns the place, after all. He could drop in every now and then, check on things, and then go off and enjoy island life. But he happens to like it there. The people, the place, the atmosphere. “Imagine in the whole
world if everybody did what they love to do every day,” he said during an interview with TGI while hosting a fundraiser for Relay for Life outside his front door. “Things would get done. You know what I mean? If everybody did that every day, imagine what would happen. These would be
good times.” Such times have been going on at Rob’s for 26 years. That’s how long he’s been running the restaurant and bar after moving to Kauai from Arizona, where he also worked in the food and drink business. Today he and wife Lolly employ about 50 people — many have been there more than a decade — at the popular spot that has long been a hangout for locals who enjoy the dark, cool environment, the many big screen TVs on every wall, and a fun, festive feeling. Sunday breakfast during the NFL season can be a bit
Dennis Fujimoto / The Garden Island
Jayleen Labrador prepares to serve ahi poke nachos at Rob’s Good Times Grill in the Rice Shopping Center.
of a madhouse, but it’s a blast with all the cheering — as long as your team is winning. Rob’s Good Times Grill is at 4303 Rice Street, in the
Rice Shopping Center. The kitchen opens at 11 a.m. If you need a reason to stop in, consider that happy SEE ROB’S, PAGE 5
BAMBOO GRILL & SUSHI “Local Food at Its Best”
Breakfast is served from 7 a.m.-2 p.m., Lunch is from 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m., and Dinner is from 5:30-9:30 p.m. Wi-Fi available, and they can also cater any occasion. Bamboo Grill & Sushi, formerly Richie’s Restaurant 2978, is located in the Anchor Cove Shopping Center next to ABC Store. Dining can be done inside, or on one of the patio dining tables which has a view of the Kalapaki Bay.
10% Kama‘aina Discount
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For more information, call 245-6886.
TGIFR!DAY | March 30, 2018 | 5
Rob’s
filled, there was a casual buzz in the air, and one can sense things here were on Continued from page 4 the friendly side. The sign hour is 3 to 6 p.m. Wednes- outside says, “Come on in and seat yourself.” No waiting day night features a crab dinner and Fridays features a around for a hostess. Just walk in, grab a table, plop 12-ounce rib eye steak. Rob’s is especially popular down. It’s likely you’ll see on those summer days when someone you know, if you’re a regular, and there will be the heat and humidity are a big smile and wave. And rising and you’re seeking somewhere to relax and feel if you’re not a regular, you’ll probably become one after the air conditioning. stopping in Folks meet over lunch, That’s how Rob Silverman perhaps a classic burger for wants it. A welcoming, invit$12.50 or a Philly Steak and Cheese sandwich for $14.25, ing spot, good food, good prices, good times. have one of the many cold It’s why he’s there almost beers on tap or in bottles, every day. Again, not beand talk story. The daily special is always in demand, cause he necessarily has to be. Because he wants to be. such as Tuesday’s, an ahi “It’s not like coming to wrap with lettuce, tomato, work,” he said. “It’s great. My onion, sprouts, avocado, wasabi, aioli and brown rice, staff is awesome.” Silverman is a friendly sort, with fries for $15. himself. He always seems to The dessert was macabe chatting, smiling, visiting damia nut brownie topped with customers, helping in with vanilla ice cream and the community. Many, he whip cream for $8. Tables and bar seats were greets like family. And it’s
Dennis Fujimoto / The Garden Island
Kellie Montemayor works one of the bars at Rob’s Good Times Grill in Rice Shopping Center.
why, for years, he’s hosted the Relay For Life fundraiser on St. Patrick’s Day, which this year saw a dunk tank, games for keiki, and lots of green to wear. His corned beef and cabbage, by the way, is legendary. “It’s just a great cause,” he said. “Everybody is touched
by cancer, one way or another. It just works for me and I like to work with them.” He likes seeing friends,
new and old, wander in. It’s then he gets a chance to chat and find out what’s happening.
FRIDAY NIGHTS • 5:30-9:00PM ADULTS $59 CHILDREN $28 (12 AND UNDER) ENTRÉES Lobster Tail - 6oz North Atlantic Lobster Tail served with drawn butter and lemon (1 per guest)
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Mongolian Chicken Fresh Catch Fish Kalua Style Pork White Cheddar Mac & Cheese APPETIZERS & SIDES Ahi Poke, Peel-and-Eat Prawns, Northwest Clam Chowder, Steamed White Rice, Mashed Potatoes, Grilled Vegetables, Vegetable Chow Mein, Fresh Fruit & Cheese Tray
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“Being part of the community of Kauai is the best thing,” he said. “That’s what it’s all about. I just enjoy it.” The backbone of the business really isn’t the building or the seafood, soups, salads and combos on the menu. It’s not really even a professional staff. It’s not the cold beer. It’s being passionate about what you do. That’s what drives Rob’s Good Times Grill. “When you love what you do, success comes a lot easier,” he said. “You don’t do it for the dollar every day. You do it for what you do. “Some people might call it a labor of love and really, that’s what it is,” Silverman said. “ You come in and enjoy it. The success comes when you enjoy what you do every day.”
6 | TGIFR!DAY | March 30, 2018
WIN FRIENDS, INFLUENCE PEOPLE, READ BOOKS CYNTHIA & ED JUSTUS SPECIAL TO TGIFR!DAY
O
ccasionally, we like to remind you of books that are still just as important today as when they were first released.
Author Dale Carnegie, born in poverty, became an American writer and lecturer and the developer of famous courses in self-improvement, salesmanship, corporate training, public speaking and interpersonal skills. This groundbreaking book was first published in 1936, was a massive bestseller that still remains popular today and is still considered one of the best books on business and life skills. This has been a defining book in countless
people’s lives, businesses, and communities— even in our own lives! Two of the core ideas in his books is that it is possible to change other people’s behavior by changing your own behavior toward them, and that you can take any situation and make it work for you! Dale Carnegie’s truly timeless advice has helped numerous people over the decades achieve success in both their business and personal lives.
“How to Win Friends & Influence People” will teach you things like Fundamental Techniques in Handling People, Six Ways to Make People Like You, How to Win People to Your Way of Thinking, and Being a Leader – How to Change People Without Giving Offense or Arousing Resentment. Through applying these principles, many have built greater self-confidence, strengthen their people skills, enhanced communication
skills, developed leadership skills, improved their attitude, and (perhaps most importantly) reduced their stress. And Carnegie’s words are still powerful today: “Any fool can criticize, condemn, and complain, but it takes character and self control to be understanding and forgiving.” “Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope
at all.” Any time is a good time for his timeless wisdom! ••• Ed and Cynthia Lynn Justus are owners of The Bookstore in Hanapepe.
FOR ‘JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR LIVE,’ NBC TURNS TO A LEGEND
N
EW YORK — Most Easter helping cook a big dinner for Sundays, you can find family and friends. Except this John Legend at home, Easter. He’ll be a little busy —
Join Us For Breakfast!
��������������������� Open daily for lunch & pupus til sunset Located at the Puakea Golf Course ����������������������������� ������������
being Jesus Christ in front of millions. Legend leads a cast that includes Sara Bareilles and Alice Cooper in a live NBC version of the rock opera “Jesus Christ Superstar” by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice. It will be the latest addition to the prime-time lineup of live TV musical remakes that kicked off five years ago with “The Sound of Music” and includes “Peter Pan,”‘’Grease,”‘’The Wiz” and “Hairspray.”While the shows often air at Christmas, this time it made sense for an Easter broadcast of the 47-yearold musical. The musical explores the caustic intersection of politics and showbiz, using a pulsating guitar- and organ-driven score that includes “I Don’t Know How to Love Him,”‘’Everything’s Alright” and “Superstar.” Live TV musicals have be-
MARK KENNEDY ASSOCIATED PRESS
come progressively more complex, with the use of cars and multiple locations, sometimes outdoors. But “Jesus Christ Superstar” will be more stripped down, an attempt to capture a concert vibe. It will be staged inside an armory in Brooklyn with about 12 cameras. The actors will be augmented by a 32-piece band — including a mobile, all-woman string quartet — and 1,500 people will be in the audience, surrounding the action and interacting sometimes with the performers. The stage will be just 2 feet above a mosh pit. Director David Leveaux is promising this version of the musical to be “very unpackaged, not neat, quite raw.” The rest of the cast includes
James Dimmock / NBC via AP
Clockwise from foreground center, John Legend is Jesus Christ, Sara Bareilles is Mary Magdalene, Alice Cooper is King Herod, Brandon Victor Dixon is Judas Iscariot and Jason Tam is Peter from the NBC production “Jesus Christ Superstar Live In Concert,” airing April 1.
Brandon Victor Dixon as Judas, Cooper as King Herod and Norm Lewis as Caiaphas. Legend, who has won a Grammy, Tony and Oscar, knows he is just an Emmy
away from winning the coveted EGOT, but he isn’t planning that his portrayal of Jesus will add to his trophy haul. He made his acting debut in 2016’s “La La Land.”
CHECK DA SCENE
TGIFR!DAY | March 30, 2018 | 7
DENNIS FUJIMOTO TGIFR!DAY
Ashlei Thompson, Isabelle Tumpap
Kohlton Sanchez, Kaynan Giminez
Gilda Valera, Lynette Kaber, Rosey Jerves
GENTLEMEN, AND LADIES — LET’S RACE!
L Coen Langley, Anela Bargamento, Dylan Langley
Shepard, Ethan Hartshorn
Maddox, Ashley, Zayden Larusso, Ryder Mihaylo
James, Royce “Mika,” Melisa Paterson
Kaleb Nero, Phoenix Larusso
Keanu Perreira-Inouye, Syler Nero
IHUE — Cub Scout Pack 148, sponsored by Lihue Christian Church, hosted its pack finals for the Pinewood Derby, featuring two of its three girls who became Cub Scouts on Kauai. “Gentlemen, and ladies,” said Cubmaster Glenn Batoon. “This is the first time on Kauai we have girls racing. Let’s race.” Ashlei Thompson, Isabelle Tumpap and Aila Carr (she chose not to register for the Pinewood Derby) are the first girls Cub Scouts, joining the Pack in January after the Boy Scouts of America, Aloha Council approved the membership. The pack finals determined that Logan Yago, Aeden Valera, and Kaynan Giminez will be advancing to the Pinewood Derby island finals which will contest with other Kauai Cub Packs April 7 during the Boys Scouts Makahiki at Kauai Community College, located just behind the Garden Fair which is a partnership with the Kauai County Farm Bureau, KCC and the Kauai Made Kauai Grown programs.
Addie Valera, Nevaeh, Luke, Marween Ibanez
8 | TGIFR!DAY | March 30, 2018