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JESSICA FINCH Associate Editor

• TAKE CONTROL - I have recently experienced the convenience and enjoyment of the Town of Amherst and University at Buffalo's bike path system. In training for the half-marathon for Roswell Park Cancer Institute, I am always looking for new places to run and find the paths to be clean and smooth-surfaced, as well as a central location for meeting my friend Chad, a fellow green belt with whom I train in kung fu.

Last week, I finished my first 5-mile run, from Niagara Falls Boulevard to North Forest Road. It was great not having to turn around halfway, go in circles around a track or memorize a route mapped out through the streets while watching for cars.

But there is also an eerie feeling when running the paths, which became associated for decades with the "bike path rapist." Practicing the buddy system, I never run without Chad and only run during daylight hours.

In addition, I believe that all women should learn how to defend themselves, and I have organized a women's self-defense class for 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 23, at Mandarin Kung Fu, 777 Maryvale Drive, in Cheektowaga. The cost is $10 per participant, and the money supports Roswell Park Cancer Institute.

Make checks payable to Team Cure Challenge, with "Jessica Finch" on the memo line. The money will be collected the evening of the class, which will be taught by a second-degree black belt instructor.

I encourage you all to take advantage of this class. Not only will you do something good for yourself, but you will also support a worthy cause. I have trained at the school for two years and can say the experience has been invaluable.

You can call me here at the office, 204-4917, with questions or to register.

• TAKE YOUR BEST SHOT - Buffalo Bills fans are wondering, "Who will the Bills select in the NFLdraft on April 26?" So M&T Bank has made that question the focus of its Draft Day Challenge. Fans who correctly guess which player the Bills select first will be entered to win a special prize package that includes an autographed jersey signed by the first pick; a chance to meet him; two tickets to a 2008 Bills home game with a pregame sideline pass; and a tour of the Bills training facility.

To enter, visit www.buffalobills. com/mtbdraftcontest through April 26 to make a prediction. The contest is open to state residents 13 and older.

The 2007 contest drew 5,727 entries.

Last year, Todd Gerber of Amherst won the grand prize after correctly predicting the Bills would choose University of California running back Marshawn Lynch.

• EARTH DAY - The Boulevard Mall will celebrate Earth Day from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 19 in the food court, 730 Alberta Drive. Educational activities and easy-to-take steps on protecting the environment will be provided. There will also be eco-friendly crafts, activities and face painting for children.

The first 700 guests to bring 10 plastic water bottles to guest services for recycling will receive a black reusable shopping bag with the phrase, "I am Eco Chic," and the first 200 guests who pledge to "Make the Switch" to energyefficient CFLbulbs will receive one. Also a work of art created out of 836 plastic bottles will be unveiled. Call, 834-8600.