Recently I had the pleasure of attending the annual end-of-semester food and wine pairing at the Culinary Arts’ Leis Family Class Act restaurant at University of Hawaii Maui College.

For me, it was a great way to kick off the holiday season in this festive environment with impeccable table settings and the entire class of this semester’s students either preparing the meal or tending to the needs of their guests. The food and wine pairings were excellent and the good energy in the room was palpable. Just prior to the dessert course, awards were presented to the most deserving students, all of whom had worked very hard. I couldn’t help but be drawn in by the enthusiasm they all demonstrated; their sense of pride for their accomplishments; and the team spirit that they had all shared.

But there was even something more special than that, for me, about the evening. As I looked around the room at all the smiling faces of supporters in attendance, the hoots and the hollers of encouragement no doubt somewhat wine enhanced, I had a bit of an epiphany. I sat there and realized what a very special place our Maui really is; how a strong sense of community pervades so many things I sometimes take for granted about this beautiful island and those who live here.

I slept well that night, thinking “Lucky Live Maui.”

Michael Blaz

Kihei