On Sept. 21, Parkville resident Richard Savarese will participate in the Get Ready! Get Set! Get Fit! 5K Run/Walk, 1M Walk sponsored by the Baltimore County Department of Aging and Towson University. This year, like last year, his son Kevin will join him for the walk and his other son Vincent will videotape their walk. The event will take place in the Johnny Unitas Stadium at the university and is being held to raise funds to expand fitness centers and exercise programs in Baltimore County senior centers.

This is the second such event; the 2007 walk/run attracted more than 500 participants ranging in ages from 15 to 85. It is anticipated that this year, there will be more than 1,000 runners/walkers. The target audience is runners, seniors and their families (children and grandchildren).

Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith will be the honorary chair of the event, which kicks off at 8:30 a.m. Each registered participant will receive a custom-designed T-shirt; after the race, participants are invited to enjoy a light breakfast and attend an awards ceremony. Awards will be given in several categories, including 15 and under and 80 and over. Teams are also invited to participate, and the largest and highest funding teams will also receive awards.

The Overlea Senior Center will send its team, "Happy Feet," which now consists of six members but would welcome additional teammates. They currently walk Tuesday and Thursday mornings in preparation for the race.

Savarese participated last year because he wanted to give back and help others. He participates in classes (mostly exercise) at the Parkville Senior Center three or more days per week. His hope is "that this year will be even better and more people from Parkville Senior Center will participate and help while reaping the benefits of exercise," he said. "I've seen a real improvement in my arthritis since starting to exercise."

To register and for more information on Get Ready! Get Set! Get Fit! 5K Run/1M Walk go to www.getreadygetsetgetfit5k.com or call 410-887-2594.

Singing seniors

Baltimore County residents age 60 and up who prefer to sing rather than walk can try out for the department of aging's Senior Idol auditions to be held at Ateaze Senior Center, 7401 Holabird Ave. on Sept. 4, beginning at 10 a.m. Winners will compete in the finals held at The Senior Expo at the Timonium Fairgrounds on Oct. 30, beginning at 1 p.m. Contact Helen Bronstein at 410-887-3655 for more information.

Pleasant Plains Elementary

On Sept. 2, parents are invited to the school at 7 p.m. for Back to School night where they will meet the staff and learn about their child's curriculum and planned activities for the year.

Arnolia UMC flea market

Mark your calendars for Sept. 27, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., at 1776 E. Joppa Road. Outdoor vendor spaces are $15. Call Cheri or Bud Laumann at 410-256-3256.

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