Words and Wine features three authors
The monthly Words and Wine event hosted by Kona Stories Book Shop will feature authors Michael Kramer, Zach Royer and Mary Spears from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday. The event is free to the public and offers a chance to meet and greet some of Kona’s favorite authors while enjoyong complimentary pupu and wine.
Kramer is director of social research at Natural Investments. He serves on the national policy committee of USSIF: The Forum for Sustainable and Responsible Investment. He writes the Sustainable Shareholder column at greenbiz.com, and is an advocate of innovative local economy strategies and corporate and regulatory reform. He lives in Kailua-Kona. His book, “The Resilient Investor,” offers a fresh road map that can help individuals become personally prepared for a wide range of possible futures.
Royer is an independent researcher, author, public TV producer and director of Kahuna Research Group, where he has spent the last five years at the forefront of exploring Hawaii’s supernatural history and mystery. His work has been featured on the Travel Channel, in the Journal of Anomalous Sciences, as well as in numerous travel magazines and many different websites over the last few years. His “Hawaii Vortex Field Guide” explores and explains some of the powerful and active vortexes in Hawaii.
After a drunken driver nearly killed him in an auto collision one Hawaii morning, Phil Slott spent the next few weeks in a coma and rehab facilities. After returning home he continued to suffer from short-term memory, the ability to concentrate, and even the movements and decision-making required to simply get out of bed and start an ordinary day. Together with his wife, Mary Spears, Slott wrote his memoir “Damage Control,” describing the physical and psychological challenges of working and living with a brain injury.
Kona Stories is located in Keauhou Shopping Center. For more information, call Brenda or Joy at 324-0350.
Hicks, Peterson promoted by Castle
Stephen Hicks has been named general manager of Kanaloa at Kona, Castle Resorts &Hotels’ 17-acre, 166-unit resort condominium. He first joined Castle in 2012 as dual general manager of the Kona Reef and he most recently served as general manager of Kona Bali Kai. With extensive experience in hospitality management and operations, Hicks also offers a strong background in online/digital and social media marketing.
Imi Peterson has been appointed general manager of Kona Reef and Kona Bali Kai. A Kona native, Peterson has more than 17 years of experience in the hospitality industry. She first joined Castle in 2013 as general manager of Kona Bali Kai, overseeing the daily operations of its rental program, including scheduling, maintenance and owner relations. Her efforts were immediately recognized, as she was quickly promoted to dual general manager for Kona Bali Kai and Kona Reef resorts. Prior to joining Castle, Peterson worked as a guest service agent and front office supervisor for Aston Hotels &Resorts, and accounting manager for Outrigger Hotels &Resorts.
Dominguez joins Marriott staff
John Dominguez has been appointed director of sales and marketing for the 555-room Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort &Spa.
In his position, Dominguez will be responsible for generating sales in groups and leisure for and overseeing the marketing, advertising and public relations.
Prior to joining Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort &Spa, Dominguez was the director of sales and marketing at Sheraton Kona Resort &Spa. He also held similar positions at Sheraton Kauai and the Greater Phoenix Convention &Visitors Bureau.