It's time for a "C.A.T." walk.  Justin Rudd and his nonprofit 501c3 Community Action Team (C.A.T.) will host their six-week "2nd Street Walkers" program each Monday at 6:30 p.m.  The weekly one-hour walks down the sidewalks of 2nd St. will begin/end in front of Washington Mutual Bank, 5200 E. Second St. @ Nieto Ave. 

All ages are welcome and all levels of fitness are encouraged to participate. Well-behaved dogs and strollers/joggers are also welcome.

The weekly route will be announced at the start of the walk, and will be either clockwise or counter clockwise on the sidewalks of 2nd St., between Bay Shore Ave. and Roycroft Ave.  Walkers will cross 2nd St. at the traffic signals at Bay Shore and Roycroft avenues. 

Each loop is one mile.  There will be several pace groups. While some walkers may be able to complete four laps or more during the hour, others may be able to complete fewer or partial laps. Walkers can do the route alone, or in groups of their choice.

Dress is casual. Wear comfortable athletic shoes and bring a water bottle, if you'd like.

Participants must sign a liability waiver at their first "walkers" event.  Walkers are encouraged to walk at their own pace, obeying all traffic signals.  There are numerous benches and chairs along 2nd Street for those who might need to take a break.

Parking meters along 2nd St. and in public parking lots are in effect daily til 7 p.m.  There is no parking fees after 7 p.m. in Belmont Shore.

The public is invited to join 2nd Street Walkers, and there is no cost or obligation.  But, for those who want to donate $5 to C.A.T. each Monday night, there will be a chance to win.  Each Monday night after the walk, a donor's name will be drawn from all walkers present.  The jackpot (all donations that night) will be split evenly between the winner and the Community Action Team (C.A.T.).  C.A.T. will guarantee at least $100 in the weekly jackpot.  To enter the drawing, walkers must be present at the 7:30 p.m. drawing.  If the winner is not present, another name will be drawn. 

Some benefits to participation include:
- exercise for the heart, lungs, and muscles
- fresh air
- lively discussions with other walkers (topics could include health, politics, neighborhood life, relationships, environment)
- meeting new people
- winning some money
- raising money for local charity
- window shopping
- feeling good & having fun.

There is no advance registration, but those interested can join Rudd's weekly "2nd Street Walkers" e-newsletter.

00 "Adora-bull" Beauties

MORE THAN

00 English Bulldogs of all ages will travel to Long Beach, Calif., from as far as Las Vegas, Phoenix and San Francisco to vie for the coveted title. The Annual contest will take place on the Sat. before Valentine's Day at Livingston Park in Belmont Shore. "Bunny" a 7-year-old rescued bulldog took home the crown last year -- and, a year's supply of Pedigree dog food and a crystal water dish from Tiffany & Co. The bulldogs will be evaluated (by real-life beauty queens) on personality, charm, face, figure, and first impression. DETAILS

g WINNER TO TAKE HOME $1,000 CASH
Spellers Sought for Bee

ARE YOU READY to try your skill? Are you a courageous young competitor ready to wrestle with some difficult words? Are you ready for the last word? If you are the best speller at your school and you are in fifth grade (or a lower level) you may be able to enter the championship that is scheduled to take place in Long Beach on Sunday, March 18, 2007. www.SpellingBees.com