Local couple organizes weight challenge

HERMITAGE — Inspired by “The Biggest Loser,” a TV fitness reality show, Mike and Danielle Benic of Hermitage have launched a 12-week challenge that offers keys to long-term success in weight loss with nutrition information and exercise. Participants may join, even if on other weight loss plans, with recommendations available from wellness coaches. Participants have weekly weigh-ins; will be measured at the beginning and end of the challenge; will receive a free body analysis, a personal wellness coach and tips on shopping, portion control, dining out and exercise. Personal wellness coaches are available for corporate weight loss challenges as well. The 12-week class will be held at the Aerobic Warehouse in Buhl Recreation Center in Sharon. The one-time fee of $39 includes materials with $25 going into a pot to be shared by the three biggest losers. There will also be a prize for the person losing the most inches. Registration or info: 724-962-0229.

Sandy Lake Presbyterian taking Angel Food orders

MERCER — Angel Food Ministries orders will be taken from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Nov. 2 and 9 in Sandy Lake (Township) Presbyterian Church, 3461 Sandy Lake-New Lebanon Road.

The November Signature Box will be $30. Specialty boxes may be ordered without buying a standard box. Senior and convenience meals are 10 fully cooked balanced meals. The allergen-free frozen and dry mix box is precooked and available for $25 for 5 pounds. Orders for the Thanksgiving holiday must be placed by Sunday 10/25. SNAP benefits may only be used for this offer 35 days prior to the November delivery date and cannot be accepted online. The online deadline is 5 p.m. Nov. 9. Cash, cashier’s checks, money orders, debit cards and food stamps will be accepted as payment; personal checks will not. Take a large box, basket or ice chest to pick up the food that will be distributed from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Nov. 14 in the church. Info: 724-376-3893, 724-992-2915 or 724-421-7228; or online at www.AngelFoodMinistries.com

PSU sponsors fight against pediatric cancer

SHARON — The Shenango campus of Penn State University in Sharon is sponsoring a 5K walk/run Dec. 5 in Buhl Farm park to benefit the Four Diamonds Fund that assists children at Penn State’s Hershey Children Hospital who are fighting cancer. Any family being treated at the Hershey hospital is eligible for support. The fund offsets the cost of treatment that insurance does not cover and supports medical teams who care for the children, pediatric cancer research, and expenses that may affect the child’s welfare including car repairs, rent and household utilities.

Go to www.Shenango.psu.edu/studentlife to download a printable application that may be sent with the fee to Penn State Shenango, Student Affairs Office, 147 Shenango Ave., Sharon, PA 16146. Please make out checks to Penn State University and put THON in the check’s memo section.

Housing coalition holds walk for homelessness

SHARON — The Second Annual “Walk a Mile in Their Shoes” Homeless Awareness Walk, sponsored by Mercer County Housing Coalition, will be held at 3 p.m. Nov. 1, beginning at Joshua’s Haven, a men’s homeless shelter in downtown Sharon. Participants are asked to pre-register by calling Natalie Higbee at 724-346-5777. Any participant who walks the entire perimeter of downtown Sharon to raise awareness of the homeless, will receive a pizza from Marchelloni’s.

Auction proceeds benefit soldiers for Christmas

HERMITAGE — Whispering Oaks Retirement Community, 260 S. Buhl Farm Drive, needs help to send Christmas packages overseas to local military men and women. To raise money for postage, the apartment building will be hosting a silent auction with bidding available on these dates:

• 2 to 4 p.m. Oct. 31 during the Halloween Carnival, featuring music by Tammie O’Marrie.

• 4:30 to 7 p.m. Nov. 5 during the Creative Food Choices Workshop where visitors can sample a delicious array of culinary confections created by four executive chefs.

• 2 to 5 p.m. Nov. 7 the Penn-Ohio Singers and Picks and Hammers will join residents to the raise the funds needed for postage.