Gentry earns surgical first assistant credential
Ryan Gentry, surgical technologist at North Hawaii Community Hospital, has been designated a certified surgical first assistant by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting. Gentry received this advanced certification after successfully completing the board’s examination demonstrating a mastery of procedures in arthroscopic surgery for shoulders.
Gentry’s credentialing caps a decade of NHCH operating room experience in shoulder surgery. He obtained his previous certification for technologist in surgery after completing the on-the-job training surgical technology program. The Honokaa native thereafter assisted surgeons in the sterilization and decontamination of surgical instruments, as well as providing surgeons with the proper tools during operations.
As a certified surgical first assistant, Gentry will perform such procedures as placing retractors in and sewing ties in the shoulder area.
EXPO seeks vendor participants
For the sixth year, the Kona Coffee Farmers Association will sponsor EXPO, an opportunity for vendors and service agencies to provide information on farm equipment, supplies, financial aid and other services. The event is free to the public and will be held at Old Kona Airport Park’s Makaeo Pavilion from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 25.
This is an opportunity for vendors and service agencies to meet farmers and discuss and demonstrate their products and abilities to assist in the daily efforts of the farmers.
All businesses and services agencies interested in participating should contact Mary Lou Moss at Marylou@cuppakona.com. Tables need to be reserved by Nov. 30. The association is offering co-sponsorships that will provide additional advertising for co-sponsoring businesses.
The Kona Coffee Farmers Association is a volunteer, nonprofit, community-based organization of coffee farmers with the mission to promote and protect the economic interests of Kona coffee farmers who grow and sell 100 percent Kona coffee and to seek greater legal protection of the Kona coffee name.
Island floral designers do well in competition
Members of the statewide floriculture industry recently gathered for a lineup of horticulture seminars, market strategizing workshops and networking at the fourth annual Tropical Trends Collaboration Now in the 21st Century conference presented by the Hawaii Tropical Flower Council, Crop Productions Services and the Hawaii Floriculture and Nursery Association.
Held Oct. 19 to 21 at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, the conference culminated with its first Tropical Trends Design Competition themed for a destination wedding in Hawaii. Participating design contestants from Oahu, Kauai and Hawaii Island were tasked with using a surprise package of materials to create a bridal bouquet, a table centerpiece and one table setting “for the sophisticated bride and groom from New York City.” The winning contestants took home cash and the public was invited to attend for free.
Taking first place was Iris Viacrusis of Iris Gill Design in Hilo, followed by second place winner Sue Tabbal-Yamaguchi of Su-V Expression in Honolulu. Lia Mercado of Ainahua Florals in Waimea earned third place and the people’s choice award. Also participating in the competition was Amy Rosato of Kona.
