By local and wire sources
Brewer introduces its first organic beer
Kona Brewing Co.’s Oceanic Organic Saison, Hawaii’s first and only certified organic beer, made its debut Wednesday at the Kailua-Kona pub.
Oceanic Organic Saison is a Belgian-style ale brewed with all organic malt, fermented with a custom blend of Belgian yeast strains and spiced with an abundance of organic hops, organic coriander and grains of paradise. The straw-colored unfiltered beer has a crisp, dry, quenching flavor and distinctive spicy aroma with notes of lemon peel, clove, white pepper, coriander and fresh hops complemented by pleasant cellar-like notes. The complex aroma is balanced by rustic hop flavor.
Dendle honored with national award
The American Hospital Association, in partnership with Healthcare Association of Hawaii, has awarded Phyllis Dendle, director of government relations with Kaiser Permanente Hawaii, as Hawaii’s Grassroots Champion. The award annually recognizes one hospital leader in each state who most effectively educates elected officials on how major issues affect the award winner’s hospital’s role in the community and is an advocate for the hospital and its patient.
Dendle has been with Kaiser Permanente Hawaii for the past 13 years, advocating on behalf of the organization on a broad range of issues to every level of government. She also advises Kaiser Permanente staff on implementing changes in the law. She has been a lobbyist for more than 20 years.
Annie’s to host grand opening event
Annie’s Island Fresh Burgers at Mango Court in Kainaliu is planning a grand opening weekend event April 30 through May 2. Annie’s kick-off events are to begin the afternoon of April 30 with live music, complimentary tasting of burgers and desserts continuing through the weekend. Prizes include T-shirts, baseball caps and a free meal for two.
Neighboring businesses Island Naturals, Kona Stories and Divine Goods will be participating in the weekend grand opening event as well.
Annie’s Island Fresh Burgers also has started a campaign to support local high school classrooms with a commitment to donate $200 per month all year long to Konawaena High School classrooms.
The restaurant is open daily for lunch and dinner from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. For more information, visit anniesislandfreshburgers.com or call 324-6000.
Disney to close Nashville music label
LOS ANGELES — The Walt Disney Co. said it planned to close its Lyric Street Records label in Nashville, Tenn., the home to such major country music acts as Rascal Flatts.
Disney Music Group Chairman Bob Cavallo said the changing nature of the music business — and corporate emphasis on streamlining operations — drove the decision.
“We need to find alternative ways to create and market new artists and their music to consumers,” Cavallo said.
Disney said the closure will be phased, with a core promotions team remaining in place to market current releases. Rascal Flatts will be moved to another Disney label, which will launch its upcoming fall album.
Over the coming months, the music group will evaluate which groups will remain with the label, said one person familiar with the situation.
By local and wire sources