In brief

‘Ride for Kids’ motorcycle ride takes place this Sunday

CENTRAL VALLEY — Hundreds of motorcyclists will ride together to raise money to support pediatric brain tumor research on Sunday, Aug. 5, during the “Ride for Kids” to benefit the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, which begins at Central Valley Elementary School.

Brain tumors are the deadliest type of childhood cancer, according to organizers, and proceeds benefit medical research grants and family support programs at foundation. Motorcyclists have helped the foundation raise more than $67 million to find the cause of and cure for childhood brain tumors. Research supported by the foundation has led to treatments that are extending the lives of children afflicted with brain tumors, organizers said.

The leisurely ride is escorted by local and state police. Participants receive special Ride for Kids items and are eligible for a drawing that includes a new Honda motorcycle. They also will be provided free beverages, breakfast pastries and a light lunch.

Registration will be held from 8 to 9:45 a.m. with a 10 a.m. start time at Central Valley Elementary.

Local childhood brain tumor survivors will be on hand at the ride’s conclusion, which will also include award presentations to top fund-raisers.

To learn more, visit www.rideforkids.org; call the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation at 800-253-6530, or Jack Jones at 914-629-9512.

The 31-day ‘eat local’ challenge is underway

CORNWALL — Are you able to limit your diet to foods grown, raised or caught within 100 miles of Cornwall?

If so, you may qualify to participate in the Cornwall Community Co-op’s first “Locavore Challenge” this month.

The event is the first of its kind 31-day “eat local” challenge and is free to all current co-op members. Those who aren’t yet members can join for a $25 annual fee. Forms are available at the Cornwall Farmers Market, or online at www.cornwallcoop.com.

Food sources included in this challenge are community and start-your-own gardens; farmers’ markets, “U-Pick” farms, roadside stands; local produce and locally produced foods at grocery stores; and restaurants participating in the “challenge” with 100 percent locavore-approved menu options.

Organizers said “locavore eating” is better because food that is transported long distances is not as fresh and eating locally helps support local farmers and the local economy.

Participants will receive one free grocery tote made from recycled materials; get free participation in all workshops, events and tours throughout the challenge; and are invited to the finale party at Hudson Street Cafe.

Each locavore will regulate themselves based on the honor system, and will be asked to check-in regularly on the Cornwall Locavore Challenge Facebook page, organizers said.

To learn more, visit: www.cornwallcoop.com.

Register now for Aug. 25 Children’s ‘Splash and Dash’

MONROE — Registration is taking place for the South Orange Family YMCA’s Children’s “Splash and Dash” program, which takes place Saturday, Aug. 25, beginning at noon at the Twin Lakes Waterski Park.

As part of its inaugural triathlon being held that day, the Y is partnering with USA Triathlon to host a youth “splash and dash aquathon.”

The event offers kids ages seven to 15 an opportunity to be part of the triathlon activities.

The event is a swim/run divided into these age groups: 7/8; 9/10; 11/12; and 13 to 15.

The 7/8 and 9/10 age groups will swim 100 meters and take part in a 1K run.

The 11/12 and 13 to 15 age groups will swim 200 meters and take part in a 2K run.

All participants will receive a finisher medal, event T-shirt and post-race refreshments.

Race day registration begins at 10 a.m. Registration fee is $10 with 100 percent of that fee covering USA Triathlon insurance.

To learn more or register, call 782-9622.

Register now for new fall Y middle school afterschool program

MONROE — Registration is taking place for the South Orange Family YMCA’s new Middle School Recreation Program, for students attending Monroe-Woodbury Middle School this fall, and for the entire 2012-2013 school year.

The Y will provide sixth to eighth-grade students with an afternoon of afterschool physical and social activities, which officials said is “a better way to spend the end of the day.”

Students do not have to be Y members to participate in this afterschool program.

Bussing will be provided from the middle school to the Y by the YMCA. Pick up is at the Y.

The program runs Monday through Friday as follows:

From 3 to 5:30 p.m. at a cost of $250 monthly

From 3 to 6 p.m. at a cost of $315 monthly.

To register or learn more, call 782-9622.