The challenge is scheduled to run May 1-22. You can register online at www.ourtownshabitat.org. Entry fee is a $20 donation to Our Towns Habitat for Humanity.

Participants get a free metabolic screening (valued at $75), free wellness coaching and a free smoothie and green tea from Lake Norman Nutrition. In addition, registrants will receive a $20 certificate to KADIFIT fitness.

Participants are encouraged to do their metabolic screening before May 1. The official weigh-ins will be weekly and at varying locations.

Our Towns Habitat builds affordable houses for people and since its founding in 1988 has served 220 families in the Mooresville, Davidson, Cornelius and Huntersville communities. For more information about Our Towns Habitat for Humanity, please log on to our website at www.ourtownshabitat.org.

Lake Norman Nutrition sells meal-replacement smoothies, one-on-one wellness coaching and nutritional supplements. See www.lakenormannutrition.com.

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The walk will be led by local media personality Tonia Bendickson, a long-time supporter of AIDS awareness and education. A passionate advocate, Tonia will also take part in on-site HIV/AIDS testing by the Mecklenburg County Health Department.

On Saturday, more than 1,500 caring individuals walk two miles through historic Fourth Ward in memory of those who have finished their journey, walk as advocates for those infected, and as a beacon of light for the future when our steps will have helped stop its spread.

Social Justice Climbers are new to the walk this year. The group, made up of individuals committed to raising at least $1,250, are transforming the community. Climbers are entitled to a few perks, too, including:

• Official Social Justice Climber castro hat
• Early check-in and T-shirt pick up the day before AIDS WALK Charlotte
• Admission for two to a post-AIDS Walk Charlotte celebration event
• Listing on the AIDS WALK Charlotte website
• Name announced from stage during the morning of AIDS WALK Charlotte
• Facebook and Twitter “shout out”

If you are interested in becoming a Social Justice Climber or have already reached the goal please send an email to socialjustice@carolinarain.org.

If you can’t make the AIDS WALK Charlotte or don’t want to wake up early, join the effort as a Sleep Walker. There is no fee to register as a Sleep Walker however participants are encouraged to raise a minimum of $100. (Sleep Walkers can also be Social Justice Climbers.)

All funds raised during this event stay in the Charlotte area and benefit RAIN (Regional AIDS Interfaith Network).

More about RAIN (Regional AIDS Interfaith Network)

RAIN is the largest full service AIDS organization in the Charlotte metropolitan area. RAIN integrates the wisdom and voices of those infected with HIV/AIDS in the planning and delivery of their services. As a result of their work, they inspire and empower more people to live, open more minds, and help break the stigma of HIV/AIDS regionally, nationally, and internationally. RAIN services include Medical Case Management, support groups for youth and adults, awareness and prevention education, chaplain services, and life skills training.

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Admission is $5 per person. Local scout troops will be participating at the event.

Local artists have contributed to a new feature of the annual event, a Pottery Bazaar, with donations of assorted soup and coffee mugs. Mooresville artist Julie Payne will be unveiling a new Serenity mug to benefit the ongoing operation of the home.

All proceeds will benefit Serenity House, an end-of-life-care home at Exit 33 in Mooresville. Serenity House is run by a non-profit organization of professional and lay people dedicated to serving the needs of those who are at the end of life. It is a sanctuary of peace and love, a haven for those seeking a dignified death in a family atmosphere.

Operation of the home is dependent on the support of the community so you are encouraged to come out on Sunday, February 27tht between 11:30 and 1:30 and enjoy a cup of soup. Vote for your favorite and help support Serenity House.

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Riders start last winter's Polar Bear ride in January on Beaty Street. (Ron Donson photo)

One of the Lake Norman area’s winter traditions returns Saturday, Jan. 8, bringing hundreds of bicyclists to Davidson. The 13th annual Polar Bear Ride, sponsored by Rocky River Road Club, includes 50- and 100-kilometer bicycle rides through the north Mecklenburg/Lake Norman area.

Both rides start and finish at Ingersoll-Rand on Beaty Street in Davidson. The 100k (62 miles) starts at 10 a.m., and the 50k (31 miles) ride begins at 10:15 a.m. Registration for both rides starts at 8:30 am.

The cost is $20 if pre-registered and $25 on the day of the ride. Minors ride free with a parent. The entry cost includes Jersey Mike’s subs, hot soup and hot chocolate. The first 200 riders to register will receive a free water bottle and goody bag from sponsors. Door prizes will also be given away.

Registration, waiver, route sheets and directions to the ride are available at the club website, www.RockyRiverRoadClub.org. Registration is also available at www.active.com. A rain date, if needed, is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 15. The inclement weather decision will be posted on the club website above.

For cyclists who aren’t prepared, vehicles will cruise the course to support and transport weary riders back to the starting point. On-site support will be provided by The Cycle Path and Cool Breeze Cyclery.

A portion of the proceeds will be given to the Ada Jenkins Center in Davidson. The Ada Jenkins Center is a community center dedicated to improving the quality of life in the north Mecklenburg and South Iredell areas with a variety of health, education, and social services. Club members expect to donate more than $3000.

The Rocky River Road Club is sanctioned by the US Cycling Federation and has been active in the Lake Norman area since 1997.

For more ride information contact The Cycle Path bicycle shop at 704 896-3331 or go to www.RockyRiverRoadClub.org.

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