Nestled between lush community gardens and the sandy coastline of the Old Airport Beach Park, the Makaeo Walk Path offers a scenic trail for community members to enjoy year-round. On July 29, volunteers with Friends for Fitness gathered with the Friends of Big Island Drug Court for a bench dedication. Third Circuit Chief Judge Wendy M.
DeWeese thanked Friends for Fitness volunteers and acknowledged the collaboration between the Friends of Big Island Drug Court and community members. A current Drug Court client, Michael Thomas, constructed the bench and expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to use his skills to uplift others. “I’m glad to be giving back to the community,” Thomas said.
The bench was commissioned by Friends for Fitness volunteer, Ernie Gilmour, in loving memory of his wife, Venera Gilmour. Gilmour devoted many hours to the maintenance and upkeep of the Makaeo Walk Path, alongside volunteer Rosanne Shank. Betty De Roy, who organizes volunteers for the Makaeo Walk Path, noted that this bench will join two other benches constructed by Drug Court clients.
“(Friends of Big Island) Drug Court is here to help us,” De Roy said. The bench now rests under the shade of the trees along the path, inviting passersby to sit and enjoy the beauty of nature..