Walk And Roll

Calling all kind hearts and energetic legs—it’s time for the MS Walk, raising funds for some 2,500 local residents living with multiple sclerosis. The annual event takes place on Sunday, April 18, with registration beginning at 7:30am in the Whole Foods parking area at Del Monte Center in Monterey.

Last year the Monterey walk raised $41,000 for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s local chapter, which includes Monterey, Santa Cruz, San Benito and Santa Clara counties. Nationally, since 1991, MS Walks have raised $281 million towards treatment and client programs for the 400,000 American living with the disease.

“Every year I walk I have a better time than the last,” says Stephanie Lam, a six-time walker who now works as a public relations intern for the local chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. She got involved six years ago after reading an MS walk brochure inside Jamba Juice. Recently, a family friend was diagnosed. “It’s become personal,” she says.

The walk kicks off with a continental breakfast provided by Whole Foods, and a jazzercise warm-up.

After comedic encouragement from Honorary Chairperson David “Squiggy” Lander, walkers will trek down the Monterey Rec Trail and finish with a party at Lover’s Point. Participants in the 10K walk will also enjoy free food, free gifts and live entertainment. Leashed pets are also welcome. [JL]

7:30am registration; 9am walk starts. $25 pledge. Register at www.nationalmssociety.org/cau or call 1-800-FIGHT-MS.

Take Back The Night Again

On Sunday, April 18, from 6-8pm, the lawn in front of Monterey’s Colton Hall will be dotted with more than 20 community organizations to protest violence against women. “Women Can Take Back The Night…Take Back Our Lives” will feature speakers including Planned Parenthood’s Jane Parker, a candidate for the County Board of Supervisors. Presentations include cut-out silhouettes from the Junior League, representing women who died as a result of domestic violence; a display of shoes representing victims of sexual assault, sponsored by the Monterey Rape Crisis Center; and the Clothesline Project, a display of women’s clothing hanging from a clothesline to represent abused and violated women. Bring cell phones and cell phone chargers to donate to women at risk, and candles for the ceremony. For more information, call Cathy Gable at 647-9307 or Nancy McClintock at 394-1378. [BW]