This weekend families yearning for a chance to help others will take part in a 10-mile walk organised by the Family Learning Centre.

The second annual Early Bird Family Walk will begin at 8 a.m. on Saturday, leaving from the Botanical Gardens.

Walkers will take the scenic route along the Railway Trails to Heron Bay School in Southampton and back.

The individual registration fee is $5. This will include a T-shirt and a continental breakfast after the hike.

The pledge-driven walk was designed for families to raise money for other families wanting to take advantage of the Centre's programmes.

The money earned will defray from the costs of providing such services to children and adults.

Family Learning Centre executive director Martha Dismont urged families to participate in the walk.

"Please take the time to be with your children because nothing is more important than your family,'' she said.

"This is an opportunity to celebrate quality time with your family while helping other families to thrive.'' Pledge sheets are available at the Family Learning Centre on Victoria Street and the Dismont Robinson Convenience Store on Front Street. Forms may also be faxed by calling the Centre on 295-1116.

LETTERS TO SANTA EVL Letters to Santa You better not shout, you better not cry. You better not pout, I'm telling you why....

Because before Santa Claus fills the stockings of all the good children on Christmas Eve, he will be reading their holiday wish lists on television.

With a twinkle in his eye, the jolly man in red will read the letters sent to him by excited youngsters.

"Letters to Santa'' will be broadcast on VSB TV 11 (Cable 4) and ZBM TV 9 (Cable 3) every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from December 3 through 22.

Santa will also spend some time with the Island's children at the Phoenix Centre in Hamilton.

He will leave his home in the North Pole to greet the children from 7 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. on November 28, December 5, 12, 15, 17, 18, 19, 22, and 23. He will also be on hand between 10 a.m. and noon on November 29, December 6, 13, and 20.

So remember to behave because he sees you when you're sleeping and he know's when you're awake....

KNAP TO GIVE LECTURE SCI Knap to give lecture Bermuda Biological Station for Research director Tony Knap will next month give a lecture on global change and the world's oceans.

The public lecture, entitled "Oh No, Not El Nino!'' will take place at the BBSR's Hanson Hall on December 3, beginning at 7 p.m.

At that time Dr. Knap will discuss the role of BBSR and Bermuda in both research on global climate change and the health of the world's oceans, which will be highlighted in the upcoming year. The United Nations has declared next year the International Year of the Ocean.

And Dr. Knap will also talk about that at the lecture.

"We're delighted to take part in the International Year of the Ocean,'' he said. "It will give us a chance to showcase the great research conducted here at BBSR.'' The research station will host several lectures and special events to mark the year.