The YMCA of North Pinellas will join other YMCAs across the country to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the organization with the World's Largest Run June 2 at the James P. Gills Family YMCA, 8411 Photonics Drive in New Port Richey.

The 5K and 1-mile fun runs, which begin at 10 a.m. here, will start simultaneously in other cities throughout the United States, including a 4 a.m. start in Hawaii.

Unlike other races, which are geared toward the competitive runner, this run is for anyone at any level of fitness, said Chris Clynes, membership and health director for the North Pinellas YMCA.

"It's kind of a cool event for families, or really anyone who wants to get out and celebrate with us," Clynes said.

In addition to the run itself, there will be food, carnival games and the pool will be open for those looking to cool off after the event.

Clynes, who teaches a morning exercise class at the YMCA, is starting a training program for the people in her class and anyone else who would like to join them.

Following class, at 8:30 a.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays, Clynes will take the students outside for 45 minutes of walking and running designed to build up enough endurance for a 5K race, which covers 3.1 miles.

Although many of the women in her exercise class have never participated in a 5K race before, Clynes has no doubt that they will be up to the challenge.

"These ladies really know how to kick butt," she said.

For information on the race or training, call Clynes at (727) 772-9622.

East Lake High holds annual principal's brunch

East Lake High School held its annual principal's brunch Thursday. The brunch is held to honor 15 students selected by the faculty for their outstanding attitude, service, commitment, behavior and citizenship.

The event was noteworthy this year because it is the last brunch for outgoing Principal Rick Misenti, who moves to Seminole High School next year.

This year's honorees were sophomores Erin Chenderlin and Nicole Reed; juniors Ashley Garee, Mary Beth Harmon, Nicole Hutchens, Matthew Lusby and Stephanie Sims; and seniors Andrew Athens, Matthew Breslow, Cara Drumm, Kelly Kalahar, Julia Karrenbauer, Suzanne McCord, Amy Nettler and Danielle Towner.

The brunch was sponsored and plaques were provided by the Oldsmar/East Lake Rotary Club. The food was prepared by students in the consumer science department, and the East Lake High School chorus performed.

Kindergarten orientation to be held Monday evening

A kindergarten orientation will be held 6:30 p.m. Monday at Brooker Creek Elementary School, 3130 Forelock Road.

Parents will learn about Pinellas County school expectations, what a typical day is like for a kindergarten student and how to volunteer at the school.

Baby-sitting will not be provided at the seminar.

Call (727) 943-4600 for information.

Cypress Woods PTA hosts Hollywood fun night

The stars will be out Friday evening when the Cypress Woods Elementary School PTA hosts Hollywood Nights Family Fun Night from 6 to 9 p.m.

Games, prizes and free limousine rides will be available.

Teachers will dress up as their favorite Hollywood stars, and a dinner will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

The event is open to the public. Cypress Woods Elementary School is located at 4900 Cypress Woods Blvd. Call (727) 538-7325 for information.

Hospital guild holds last meeting of season

The Palm Harbor Guild of the All Children's Hospital Auxiliary will hold its last meeting of the season 11:30 a.m. Wednesday at the East Lake Woodlands Country Club, 1055 East Lake Woodlands Parkway.

Along with installing officers, the "All Hearts Award" will be presented to an outstanding member. The cost of the luncheon is $15 and reservations are required. Call Nancy Ondash at (727) 787-9076 for information and reservations.

Little League registers teens ages 16 to 18

Little League District 12 currently is holding registration for boys baseball and girls softball for ages 16 to 18.

The season starts next week and ends in early July. Most games will be held Wednesday and Sunday evenings at fields in Dunedin and Clearwater.

The league is also registering boys ages 11 to 18 for participation in a new fast-pitch softball league.

Steve Gottscho, Little League District 12 assistant district administrator, says that the fast pitch league is a great opportunity for boys who have never tried the sport before, as the first World Series will be held in Clearwater in August.

"It's a different type of game," he said, "and also a chance to be in a Little League world series."

For registration, call Gottscho at (727) 946-2812.

Library friends host golf tournament

The Friends of the East Lake Community Library will host the third annual Birdies and Bogies Golf Tournament on June 1.

Each year a portion of the proceeds from the tournament go to fund summer children's programs at the library. This year, the group also will use a portion of the proceeds to purchase a video collection.

The entry fee of $95 includes greens fees, cart, range balls, lunch and dinner following the tournament. A silent auction featuring autographed sports items will be part of the dinner. Non-golfers can pay a fee of $25 for the dinner and auction.

Sponsorships are available at levels ranging from $100 to $5,000. For information on participation or sponsorship, call (727) 781-1818.

-- If you have news or photos about East Lake schools, churches, businesses, neighborhood groups, community organizations or people, contact Julie Church at the North Pinellas Times. You can call her at (727) 445-4229, e-mail material to her at church@sptimes.com or mail material to North Pinellas Times, 34342 U.S. 19 N, Palm Harbor, FL 34684.

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