Here’s small way to help Tammy Nguyen’s family

Tammy Nguyen’s family has suffered a loss from which there can be no complete healing. The senseless killing of the mother of 10 children, while she and her daughter sat innocently in traffic, registers among Honolulu’s most grievous tragedies.

But while respecting the Nguyens’ privacy, the public can reach out meaningfully with a donation payable to the Tammy Nguyen Memorial Fund. Walk into a Bank of Hawaii branch, or mail checks to: Bank of Hawaii, Tammy Nguyen Memorial Fund, 2233 Ahe St. 32-B, Honolulu 96816. Besides some financial support, gifts can relay the community’s sympathy and aloha, an important message to send.

Hard work pays off for first-round Kolten Wong

Patience is a virtue. Just ask Kolten Wong.

The University of Hawaii Rainbow saw a dream come true Monday when he was picked by the St. Louis Cardinals in the first round of the Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft.

It was just three years ago that Hilo-bred Wong made the pivotal decision to turn down a $75,000 contract with the Minnesota Twins. He continued his rigorous training with his dad, Kaha — they used to do hour-minimum drills every single day, even during holidays — and with mates on his UH team. Now, Wong is expected to fetch a multimillion-dollar contract for all the talent and diligence.

Yes, patience is a virtue. So, too, is a stellar work ethic.