Row, row, row your boat with the Five Mile Creek Canoe & Company every Saturday in May. Dust off your canoe and call 288.5575 for details.

Birmingham Arthritis Walk

When: Saturday, May 10, 2008  Registration Opens: 8:00 a.m.   Walk Begins: 9:00 a.m. Where: 600 University Park Place (across from SamfordUniversity) • Lakeshore Walking Trail • 

For more information or to register online visit:

www.arthritis.org, keyword “Alabama”

or call Katherine Maybank at 205.979.5700

The Arthritis Walk is the Arthritis Foundation’s signature event that takes place in communities nationwide to raise funds and awareness to fight arthritis, the nation’s number one cause of disability.  The Birmingham event takes place Saturday, May 10, during National Arthritis Month.  Proceeds go to research and community services for the 1.1 million Alabamians - including thousands of children - who have arthritis and other rheumatic diseases.  Sign up today and show your support!

The Arthritis Walk features a three-mile and one-mile course, as well as activities for the entire family.  During the Walk, those affected by arthritis, young and old, are identified by wearing a blue “hero” hat to signify their action in taking control of their condition.  Dogs have arthritis, too!  Bring your pup out to support all dogs with arthritis!

Our “heroes” are invited to lead off the Walk, illustrating the many faces of arthritis and its impact on our population.  A Health & Wellness Fair is also part of the festivities and offers helpful information from our partners in healthcare and other industries.

Feeling stiff? Walk it out at the 2008 Arthritis Walk. Participants can choose between a one and three mile course that is set to begin at 600 University Park Place in Homewood at 9:00 am. Visit bhamarthritiswalk.kintera.org to register.

Holler and hootenanny with some traditional Contra Dance at the YWCA on the corner of 3rd Avenue and 23rd Street downtown. Lessons begin at 7:30 pm. All others are invited to join at 8 pm. Check out bamalong.com/bcds.htm for more details.

Play on mom’s heart strings this Mother’s Day by taking her to an Alabama Symphony Orchestra performance at the Summit (between Belk and Macaroni Grill) at 7:00 pm. The evening will conclude with a fireworks display. Admission is free. For more information, call 967.0111.

Spring has sprung. Get out and about with the Fresh Air Family Organization as they find their way with the Vulcan Orienteering Club at Oak Mountain State Park in Pelham. Check out the entire calendar at freshairfamily.org.

May is bicycle month! Show some love by supporting the Ride of Love—a 150 mile bike ride, benefiting Camp Smile-A-Mile, a year-round program for Alabama’s children with cancer. Cyclists can register at rideoflove.org.

Get your hands on some May flowers with a “Lunch and Learn” with florist, Bebe Abner, at the Aldridge Botanical Gardens. Cost is $25 for members and $30 for nonmembers. The class runs from 11:00 am – 12:30 pm, and both lunch and supplies are provided.  Participants are able to take their arrangements home at the conclusion of the workshop. Call 682.8019 for additional information.

Recycling Class 6:30 pm at Whole Foods Market on Highway 280. Come for a free lesson in recyclable plastics.

May is vocabulary month. In honor, learn a new word today.

Enjoy some hands-on fun with the Health Fair/Walk-A-Thon hosted by Hands On Birmingham. Proceeds benefit the Child Care Service Foundation, Inc. Fun begins at 9:00 am and goes until 2:00 pm. See handsonbirmingham.com for further details.