While vacationing on Maui, my appendix decided it wanted to stay in 80-degree, sunshiny conditions versus 40-degree, rainy weather. So I checked into the Maui Memorial Medical Center Emergency Room at 6 p.m. Valentine's Day and went into surgery at 3:30 the next morning.
At 3:30 that afternoon, I left thankful for the great care I had received and resumed my family vacation except for swimming, on doctor's orders.
Everyone - from the Emergency Room team and Dr. Beth Jarrett's surgery team, to the Recovery Room nurses, billing office and the gentleman who walked me to the car - were consummate professionals, compassionate and, in some cases, refreshingly playful and funny. It was a great experience! I'm back home and feeling super. Thank you, Dr. Jarrett and the rest of the Maui Memorial team for a job well done.
Louis Emil Bohn
Walnut Creek, Calif.
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On behalf of the Hawaiian Islands Land Trust, formerly known as the Maui Coastal Land Trust, heartfelt thanks to Old Lahaina Lu'au owners Michael Moore, Tim Moore and Rob Aguilar for hosting the 10th annual Buy Back the Beach benefit Jan. 29.
The event raised more than $75,000 with the help of the entire Old Lahaina Lu'au staff, especially Julie Yoneyama, Judee Mae Aki and Kawika Freitas, who spent countless hours coordinating and guiding.
We are humbled by the owners' philanthropy over the past 10 years. This continued support is responsible for raising more than a half-million dollars toward the trust mission to protect and preserve precious isle agricultural lands, coastal and beach accesses, and culturally significant areas.
Such philanthropy deserves a tribute on the scale of Mount Rushmore - if only we could hire a skywriting plane to spell out our huge mahalo.
Old Lahaina Lu'au stands among the best in our community!
Sara Smith
Director of Outreach
Hawaiian Islands Land Trust
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After a recent outing to the Ahihi Kinau Natural Reserve, we stopped at Bubba's Dog Shack near Big Beach for something to eat.
That evening, I noticed my wallet was missing. My husband returned to the site, but the Bubba's Dog Shack van was gone.
He drove back the next morning, and to our delight, the vendor had my wallet. He was reluctant to take a reward. Unfortunately, we do not have his name, but we salute his honesty. The experience greatly enhanced our Maui holiday.
Lynda Morris
Ottawa, Ontario
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Upon ending my proprietorship at Outback Steakhouse Lahaina on Feb. 28, I thank the community that welcomed me into its homes and lives more than 10 years ago.
I am grateful to too many people and organizations to list, for the privilege to serve, share and contribute through fundraisers and special events; and to wonderful customers, family, lifelong friends and my amazing staff that became family.
You have enriched my life, and I will cherish the memories forever. Although this chapter of my life ends, I look forward to new endeavors and opportunities.
Art Ortiz
Lahaina
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On behalf of the Emmanuel Lutheran School Band, mahalo to the Flatbread Co. in Paia for hosting a recent benefit. Students raised money to participate in the Hawaii Lutheran Schools Music Festival held March 5 on Oahu.
Andrea Kaio
Emmanuel Lutheran School
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The Maui County Medical Society thanks Rita Barreras of the Aging with Aloha Coalition; Tony Krieg, chief executive officer of Hale Makua; and Dr. Rafael Boritzer from the University of Hawaii Maui College for the informative talks during the society's monthly dinner meeting Feb. 15.
Monica Heeney
Maui County Medical Society
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* Thank-you letters are published on Sundays, space permitting.
Letters must be typed, and be limited to 250 words. The number of people or groups thanked is limited to 15. Whenever possible, include first and last names of individuals being thanked. All letters are subject to editing. The writer's name and community will be published as part of the letter.
The letters must include an address and a phone number where the writer can be reached during weekday working hours. The letters are due by noon Monday in order to be considered for publication the following Sunday.
To submit a thank-you letter, go to The Maui News Web site at www.mauinews.com. Look for Community in the left margin, then click on Submit Community News: Virtual Newsroom.
Once there, go to the Community menu and click on Thank-You Letters.
For more information, call 242-6323.
