Start Off the New Year with Winter Programs from Porter County Parks!

Porter-County-Parks-SnowShoeCouch to Foot Pursuit
Gradually ease your way off the couch and onto the trails with this progressive running program. This course will provide you with the tools to challenge your fitness and increase your running education, while preparing you for running a 5K (3.1 mile) race on March 3, 2012. The cost for this program is $50. The fee includes the race registration, a detailed weekly training schedule, guidance and advice from an ACE-certified Group Fitness Instructor, and weekly email check-ins with focus and workout tips. The Couch to Foot Pursuit will take place from 8 to 9 a.m. on Saturdays, from Jan. 14 to Feb. 25, at Sunset Hill Farm County Park. To register, contact Sara Grassmeyer at 219-707-8281 or sgrassmeyer@porterco.org.

Indoor Weights
This 45-minute weightlifting class will strengthen all of your major muscle groups from head to toe, combining traditional exercise moves with inventive strategies. This FREE class will improve your strength, fitness and balanced while challenging you to take it your next level. Indoor Weights will take place from 9 to 10 a.m. every Saturday from Jan. 14 to Feb. 25. To register, contact Sara Grassmeyer at 219-707-8281 or sgrassmeyer@porterco.org.

Snowshoe in the Park
Looking for a challenging outdoor winter activity? Look no further! Snowshoeing is a great way to get in shape. Meet us at Sunset Hill Farm County Park to burn 45 percent more calories than running, increase your metabolic rate and enjoy the benefits of low-impact aerobic exercise. The class costs $5 per session and will take place from 8 to 9 a.m. every Saturday from Jan. 14 through the winter. Adult snowshoes are provided. Weather permitting. To register, contact Sara Grassmeyer at 219-707-8281 or sgrassmeyer@porterco.org.

Strength Yoga
Enjoy a one-hour yoga class at Sunset Hill Farm County Park that focuses on overall body strength. This class will take place from 5 to 6 p.m. every Tuesday from Jan. 10 to Feb. 28 and costs $5 for a drop-in, or $30 for the entire eight-week session. Strength Yoga uses a blend of different yoga practices. Concentrated core work is added to align the body, improving overall health. All levels are welcome and NO prior experience is necessary. To register, contact Sara Grassmeyer at 219-707-8281 or sgrassmeyer@porterco.org.

Open Art Studio
This class entitles you to acrylic paints, space and guidance by a certified instructor. Bring your own photos or ideas to create your personal masterpiece. The studio sessions take place on Thursdays from 6 to 8 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon at the Sunset Hill Farm County Park Interpretive Center (next to the playground), 775 Meridian Road in Valparaiso. The fee is $10 per class if the surface is provided by the instructor, or $5 if you supply your own surface. For more information, contact Shirley Massey at 219-465-3586 or smassey@porterco.org.

Sunset Hill Running Club
Group fun runs are led by experienced trail runners. This is a free running club that runs five miles and longer on varied routes at Sunset Hill Farm, 775 Meridian Road in Valparaiso. The goals of this group are to increase personal fitness, improve race times and encourage all participants. Runs take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays year round from 8 to 9 a.m. and on Mondays from April 16 through Sept. 24 from 6 to 7 p.m.,

Club FUNset
This fun and active get-together is for kids ages 6-12. It will take place from 9 to 10 a.m. on the second Saturday of every month from February to May at Sunset Hill Farm County Park. Activities will include arts and crafts, hikes, songs, outdoor adventures, and more! The cost is just $2 per child. If an hour of camp is not long enough, stay for our FREE Meet Farmer Ryan program right afterwards! To RSVP, contact Katie Rizer at 219-309-0680 or krizer@porterco.org.

Meet Farmer Ryan
Farmer Ryan will be happy to see you when you stop by the livestock barn and see what's new with the animals that make their home at Sunset Hill Farm County Park. Meet the goats and chickens and even lend a hand in taking care of them! This FREE program is for kids ages 6 to 12 and will take place from 10 to 10:30 a.m. on the second Saturday of every month from February to May after Club FUNset.

Empower Me to Be Clutter Free
Do you find organizing difficult due to fears of getting rid of the wrong thing? Purdue Extension Educator Annetta Jones will address ways to overcome those fears during this FREE program. The class will take place on Wednesday, Jan. 18, from 10 to 11 a.m. and 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Sunset Hill Farm County Park Interpretive Center (next to the playground). For more information or to RSVP, call the Purdue Extension Office at 219-465-3555.

The Day it Rained Hearts
This one-hour program for preschoolers includes a story, craft, and activity at the Sunset Hill Farm County Park Interpretive Center. The program costs $5 per family and will take place on Feb. 10 from 10 to 11 a.m. For more information, visit the Parents as Teachers of Porter County Web site, www.patpc.org.

Organize Your Important Papers
Tax season is a good time to set up an organizational system for your papers, so you have everything you need at your finger tips. This FREE program will help you do just that. Purdue Extension Educator Annetta Jones will also provide helpful tips on how to organize paperwork during other crucial times. The class will take place on Wednesday, Feb. 15, from 10 to 11 a.m. and 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Sunset Hill Farm County Park Interpretive Center (next to the playground). For more information or to RSVP, call the Purdue Extension Office at 219-465-3555.

About Porter County Parks and Recreation
The mission of the Porter County Parks and Recreation Board and Department is to preserve, protect and manage the natural, cultural and recreational resources within a diverse park system. We are committed to delivering youth, adult and school programs to the residents of Porter County, while also providing a gateway into the natural beauty of our area through its unique parks and trails. For more information, call 219-465-3586, or e-mail pcparks@porterco.org.