Catholic Church welcomes new priest
St. Benedict Parish, which includes the historic Painted Church in Honaunau, this week welcomes a new priest, Fr. Ornoldo Cherrez.
Originally from Ecuador, Ornoldo served in the Galapagos Islands and Los Angeles. He has degrees in theology and education. He comes to St. Benedict Church from St. Michael the Archangel Church in Kailua-Kona where he worked with the Spanish-speaking community.
St. Benedict Parish invites the public to join its Unity Mass at 9 a.m. Sunday at the Painted Church. Refreshments will follow.
Returned Peace Corps Volunteer potluck planned
A Returned Peace Corps Vounteer potluck will be held from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday at Whittington Beach in Naalehu.
The event is open to all returned volunteers and anyone thinking of joining or learning more about the Peace Corps. Paper goods will be provided and attendees should bring a food dish to share and their own drinks.
John Replogle invites anyone interested in learning about historical sites to come at noon for a foot tour of the area.
Info: Mike Malinowski in Hilo, mikem@regaltravel.com or Susan Taylor Wehren in Kona, wehrenst@yahoo.com.
CERT training offered
University of the Nations is offering Community Emergency Response Team training from 8:30 a.m. to about 3 p.m. Saturday at West Hawaii Civic Center.
A one-day review and re-certification class is required every two years for members to remain certified.
Reserve a space by contacting Allan Robbins, CERT@uofnkona.edu.
Trails advocacy group plans meeting, hike
E Mau Na Ala Hele, a nonprofit trails advocacy group dedicated to preserving and protecting the ancient and historic trails, will hold its annual meeting at 9:30 a.m. Sunday at Thelma Parker Library in Waimea.
A short business meeting reviewing the past year’s activities and planning for the coming year will be followed by a walk along Ke Ala Kahawai O Waimea, Waimea’s streamside trail, to Ulu Laau, the Outdoor Circle Nature Park. The group will eat lunch at the park and hike the rest of the trail after lunch. History and future plans of both the trail and park will be shared during the talk by those instrumental in establishing both. Total walking distance will be an easy 2 to 3 miles.
The event is free and open to the public. Participants should wear comfortable walking shoes, dress for Waimea weather and bring water and a trail lunch.
Info: Barbara, BASchaeferPhoto@gmail.com, 640-9270.
Kona hospital auxiliary meets
The Kona Community Hospital Auxiliary has moved up its monthly board meeting to 12:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 1 in the hospital conference room. Visitors are welcome attend and to learn about volunteering at the hospital.
Also, the group welcomes everyone to its bake sale, held from 7 to 9 p.m. Fridays in the hospital cafeteria.
Info: KCHAuxiliary@hotmail.com, www.KCHAuxiliary.org.