Baby books donated to NHCH birthing unit
Baby books donated to NHCH birthing unit
Members of Friends of the Library-Waikoloa Region delivered the first allotment of 500 “Baby’s First Book” to the Family Birthing Unit at North Hawaii Community Hospital on Sept. 15.
“We hope to encourage parents to introduce books early in their baby’s life to maximize their development and encourage a lifetime love of reading,” said Ruth Bernstone, president of the Friends of the Library-Waikoloa Region. “We know there are homes in our community without books; this is part of a long-term effort to improve literacy.”
“The book, ‘On the Day You Were Born,’ by Debra Frasier, is a board book, meaning each page is made of lightweight board, perfect for a small child to hold,” said Amalia Mueller, vice president for program and activities with the Friends of the Library-Waikoloa Region, and a former educator. “It is so important to get kids reading at the earliest age possible.”
Almost 500 babies are born each year at North Hawaii Community Hospital. Friends of the Library-Waikoloa Region raised funds and received an anonymous matching grant to purchase the new books.
Rotary clubs announce speakers
The Rotary Club of Kona Mauka’s speaker is former council member Pete Hoffman whose topic will “State of the County.” Meetings are from noon to 1 p.m. each Tuesday at Teshima’s Restaurant in Honalo. For more information, contact Gary Rovelstad at RGRKonaMauka@gmail.com or 324-0318.
Rotary Club of Kona Sunrise meets weekly from 6:45 to 7:45 a.m. Wednesdays at Humpy’s, second floor, Coconut Grove Marketplace. For more information, contact Bev Fraser at 936-9965 or rotarybev@gmail.com.
In Waimea, the Rotary Club of North Hawaii will welcome fellow Rotarian Michele Ku, president and chief executive officer of Arc of Kona, a private nonprofit organization for individuals with disabilities, their advocates and families. Meetings are from noon to 1 p.m. at Anna Ranch in Waimea. For more information, contact Erik Jacobson at 345-9033 or erik@sleepydog.com.
On Thursday, the Rotary Club of Kona will hear from former Kona Rotarian Tina Clothier, executive director of Peoples Advocacy for Trails Hawaii. Thursday meetings are from noon to 1 p.m. at King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel. For more information, contact James Resor at jcresor@yahoo.com.
Visitors are welcome.
Events planned at VFW post
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 12112 is located behind Kona Locksmith off Kaiwi Street. The following events will be conducted for this week:
The posts hosts broadcasts of Monday football at 2 p.m.
Free coffee is served starting at 9 a.m. Wednesday. Veterans are invited to meet for camaraderie with others who have served honorably.
Thursday Night Football will on the TVs at 3 p.m.
The $5 Friday dinners are back. This week it’s tacos with salad and dessert served from 5 to 7 p.m.
Marine Corps League meets at 11:30 a.m. Saturday.
The monthly Bingo Bash is Saturday. A dinner of chili and rice will be served from 5 to 6 p.m. for $10. With each dinner comes a bingo card.
Sunday, the doors open for football at 10 a.m.
Also on Sunday will be a Gold Star Family Recognition and Pupu and Potluck from 3 to 5 p.m.
Until further notice, daily lunch not be served at the post by Privateers Cove.
For more information, call Don Zero at 509-879-1040.
Paniolo Day celebrates 100th anniversary of Kahilu Hall
Parker School invites the community to attend Paniolo Day, a 100th anniversary celebration of the school’s historic Kahilu Hall, which is known to many as Barbara Hall.
Held from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, the event includes a talk-story with local historians, vintage photo displays, saddle and lei making, tours by student docents and a short film on the history of Parker Ranch. In addition, attendees will enjoy music and entertainment, a cooking demonstration and interactive games for keiki. The event is free and the community is encouraged to attend. Food and beverages will be sold to support various programs at the school.
Built in 1915 as a place for rest and relaxation for Parker Ranch employees, this building has served the Waimea community over the last century as a town library, USO for soldiers during World War II, dance hall and as a general gathering place for meetings and Parker Ranch’s Christmas parties. Parker School has served as this historic building’s most recent tenant for nearly four decades.
Parker School’s Kahilu Hall is at 65-1224 Lindsey Road in Waimea. For more information, contact Parker School at 885-7933.
Hapuna Prince announces staff changes
Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel has promoted Alfredo Ramos to chef de cuisine of Coast Grille. Theresa Benedicto has joined the staff as restaurant manager of Beach Bar.
In his new role, Ramos will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day kitchen operations at the Coast Grille. He is committed to using fresh local ingredients whenever possible, cooking with the restaurant’s philosophy of “garden to table.” He will continue to use the on-site Coast Grille garden, and manage the monthly Locavore dinner series, along with special events and Hawaii Island’s only oyster bar.
Ramos joined Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel 21 years ago as a steward and worked his way through the ranks to cook II at Coast Grille. Simultaneously, Ramos gained additional experience outside the hotel and throughout the years worked at Kukio Beach and Golf Club, Luke’s Place, Waikoloa Beach Marriott, Cafe Pesto and Roy’s Waikoloa.
Benedicto brings leadership and passion to her new role on the food and beverage team, where she will manage and oversee the Beach Bar.
Most recently, Benedicto worked as the food and beverage coordinator at The Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii where she supervised restaurant managers and provided support to various other departments. She has held positions at numerous restaurants, including Indochine Asian Lounge in Tacoma, Wash.
Bartle, Miceli receive appointments
Mauna Kea Beach Hotel announces two new chef appointments: Roger Bartle as chef de cuisine at Manta &Pavilion Wine Bar and Rio Miceli as sous chef.
Bartle will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the hotel’s signature restaurant, Manta &Pavilion Wine Bar.
After a long history with Laurance S. Rockefeller’s RockResorts properties around the country, he returns to Mauna Kea Beach Hotel with a renewed vision of delivering exceptional, fresh cuisine in a relaxing and comfortable setting. Signature items like Batik Curry will remain a staple on the menu, however, Bartle plans to refresh the menu every two weeks with half a dozen new items and daily specials.
In his new role, Miceli will be responsible for planning and directing food preparations, while supervising kitchen staff.
Born and raised in Hawi, Miceli began his career as a line cook at Bamboo Restaurant. He then continued honing his culinary skills in the San Francisco Bay Area before attending the New England Culinary Institute in Vermont. In 2003, Miceli returned to Bamboo Restaurant as head chef shortly before opening Sushi Rock, where he served as chef and co-owner. After seven years, he launched his own private catering company, Rio Chef Services.