The Maplewood School PTO is hosting a walk-a-thon fundraiser Monday to raise money for school projects.

So far the group has raised $6,000. The Mustangs Walk for Maplewood has been scheduled from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the school, 422 Krenz Ave.

The PTO wants to build a new playground on the west side of the school, but the project is on hold because the fate of the school is in limbo. District administrators recently recommended that the school be closed in the face of declining student enrollment and a mounting district budget gap.

Regardless what happens to the school, parents said the money would be used to benefit the students.

For information, call Maplewood School at 847-639-2152.

The Cary District 26 Education Foundation hosts its inaugural “Cary Shuffle” 5K Run and Walk on Saturday.

Proceeds raised at this event will benefit students of the Cary elementary district via grants, programs and more, event organizers said.

The event will include a 5K run or walk, a 1K run or walk for children ages 7 to 14, a 400-meter loop for children ages 5 and 6, and a 100-yard dash for youngsters ages 3 and 4.

The 5K begins at 8 a.m. The children’s events begin at 9 a.m.

The cost is $25 for adults participating in the 5K, and $15 for those younger than 14. For the 1K, 400-meter and 100-yard events, the participation fee is $5.

Those registering for the 5K will receive a T-shirt and a gift bag. To register, visit www.signmeup.com/66328.

Cary residents are looking for golfers and donors to help make their charity golf tournament a success.

Barbara Brown and her daughter Susie Sell plan to run in a half marathon in Phoenix in January on behalf of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. They are holding a golf tournament Sept. 11 at RedTail Golf Club, 7900 RedTail Drive, Lakewood, to raise money for the event. Registration starts at 11 a.m., and the tournament will begin at noon.

Brown’s son, Danny, died of leukemia at age 5 in 2000. Brown and Sell are running the half marathon to raise money in his memory.

“We’re continuing the race for him,” Brown said.

Brown said she also was looking for people and businesses to donate raffle prizes or make monetary donations.

The golf tournament costs $70, which includes 18 holes, a golf cart, and pizza buffet at Lou Malnati’s afterward. Foursomes will cost $260. Fees must be received by Sept. 4. Call Tom Brown at 847-287-0795 or Mike Gaszynski at 630-292-4971 to pay or for information.

Cary resident Arthur Mayhew plans to celebrate his 99th birthday Sunday with friends and family.

Mayhew is one of Cary's oldest residents, his daughter-in-law Patty Mayhew said.

"He's always said he's going to live to be 100," she said. "It's an important goal for him."

Mayhew and his wife, Eleanore, 94, have been married for 70 years. Mayhew recently got his license renewed and is proud that he still drives. He retired from owning and running a Mayhew Meats in Chicago, which sold roast beef, gravy and a host of other delicious products, his daughter-in-law said.

Mayhew enjoys golf, billiards and bowling, although he doesn't play very often anymore.

The secret to his longevity?

"He drinks brandy every day and lots of salt," Patty Mayhew said with a laugh. "But he's always been a hard worker and goes for a walk every day."

The family plans to celebrate the occasion Sunday, Aug. 22, with Mayhew's two sons, five grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren.

Patty Mayhew said her father-in-law also had two great-great-grandchildren on the way.

Fifty-two-year-old Cary resident Linda Jean Smith is among the finalists in PETA's sexiest vegetarian over 50 contest.

The organization, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, received hundreds of entries from across the United States for the contest, and has narrowed the field to 10 men and 10 women, according to a press release from PETA.

Smith said she became a vegetarian two years ago for animals and for her health. She said her vegetarian diet helped her ease into menopause, and helped her to lose a few unwanted pounds.

"[I] just had my physical done this spring, and my health is better now than when I was in my 40s," she said.

Smith's image and a short bio about her appears at www.PETAPrime.org, as do those of the other competitors. Visitors to the site can help choose the winners, one male and one female. Winners – each of whom will receive an organic food gift basket from Vegan Divine – will be announced Aug. 24.