Ball will pay tribute to paper’s publisher

Dennis Francis, president and publisher of the Hono­lulu Star-Advertiser, will be honored Thursday at St. Andrew’s Schools’ Queen Emma Ball at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel.

Francis is being honored for his charitable contributions and community service. Also at the event, St. Andrew’s Schools will pay tribute to alumnae Irmgard Farden Aluli (class of 1929) and Iolani Luahine (1935) with the inaugural Queen Emma Alumnae Award. Aluli and Luahine are important figures in the perpetuation of Hawaiian music and ancient hula, respectively.

Tickets for the ball, which starts at 5:30 p.m., are $150 per person, with table sponsorships available. Visit www.standrewsschools.org for information.

Free YMCA events target senior fitness

Celebrate National Senior Health & Fitness Day with free activities at two YMCA facilities in Hono­lulu on Wednesday. Nonmembers are welcome.

From 8 to 11 a.m. at the Central YMCA, 401 Atkinson Drive, enjoy speakers and exhibits on healthy living, with a Silver&Fit class at 9 a.m. to increase flexibility, joint stability and balance; a Zumba Gold class at 9:30 a.m.; and tai chi at 10:15 a.m. Call 951-1311.

From 9 a.m. to noon at the Kaimuki-Waialae YMCA, 4835 Kilauea Ave., there will be line dancing, bingo, tai chi, Feldenkrais, educational seminars, local vendors and more. Call 737-5544.