COMPILED BY MARGE KULLERSTRAND

margek@nwitimes.com

219.933.3244

Y-ME MEET | Valparaiso

Y-Me of Porter County will meet at 10 a.m. Jan. 5 at the Porter Education Building, 1401 Calumet Ave. The mission of Y-Me is that no one should face breast cancer alone. It is open to everyone and there is no fee to attend.

FYI: (219) 465-0566

HOLIDAY GOAL SETTING | The Region

Bonic's Better Body is offering FREE fitness consultations and holiday goal setting sessions. S.M.A.R.T. goal setting techniques are being implemented for success toward holiday weight loss. To reach the goals, Bonic's Better Body also offers in-home and on-site personal training services. Participants will have a nationally certified personal trainer conduct one on one or small group exercise sessions on site or in the convenience of their home. No waiting for equipment and no Membership dues apply. Call for a free consultation. Service fees vary. Morning, afternoon and evening appointments available weekly, Monday through Saturday.

FYI: (708) 418-0542

PERSONAL TRAINER | LaPorte

Ladies Fitness Zone Inc. and National Exercise Trainers Association, a nonprofit fitness professional association, are cosponsoring a two-day personal trainer certification workshop at 8 a.m. Feb. 16 and 17 at Ladies Fitness Zone, 717 Michigan Ave., Suite 3. The workshop will include demonstrations and practical application of one-on-one training. Workshop registration includes written exam, two-year certificate and membership. The personal trainer certification is accredited by NCCA. Call to register or register online at www.netafit.org.

FYI: (800) AEROBIC

BLOOD DRIVES | Region

Founded in 1943, Heartland Blood Centers' mission is to provide and maintain an adequate supply of blood and blood products for area hospitals to draw upon to meet the needs of patients. A number of blood drives have been scheduled for the is month in Lake County.

To be a blood donor, individuals must be at least 17 years old (or 16 with written parental permission), weigh at least 110 pounds; be symptom-free of cold, flu and allergies; and be in general good health. Donors who have traveled outside the United States within the past 12 months should contact Heartland at (800) 7TO-GIVE to determine eligibility.

All community members are welcome to participate in the following blood drives:

MERRILLVILLE - Dec. 27 from 3 to 7 p.m. at Strack & Van Til, 7201 Taft St.; schedule an appointment at the Service Desk.

WHITING - Dec. 27 from 3 to 7 p.m. at Strack & Van Til, 1836 Calumet Ave.; schedule an appointment at the Service Desk.

CROWN POINT - Dec. 27 from noon to 4 p.m. at Crown Point Fire Rescue, 126 N. East St.; To schedule an appointment, call (708) 342-9721.

CROWN POINT - Dec. 28 from noon to 5 p.m. at Saint Anthony Medical Center, 1201 S. Main St.; To schedule an appointment, call the Blood Bank at (219) 757-6344.

HOBART - Dec. 28 from 2 to 6 p.m. at Saint Mary Medical Center, 1500 S. Lake Park Ave.; To schedule an appointment, call the Blood Bank at (219) 947-6255.

MUNSTER - Dec. 28 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Franciscan Physicians Hospital, 701 Superior Ave.; To schedule an appointment, call the lab at (219) 934-2086, ext. 6293.

FYI: (800) 7TO-GIVE

HOSPICE | Merrillville

Unity Hospice of Northwest Indiana, 7863 Broadway, is seeking volunteers to share their talents and compassion to assist with hospice patients and their families and in the office. Call the volunteer coordinator for details.

FYI: (219) 769-8648

FAT LOSS CONTEST | The Region

Bonic's Better Body is conducting a body fat loss competition. Participants will have their estimated body fat percentage taken at the beginning of the contest in January and at the end of the three months to determine the percentage of their original fat weight lost. Free exercise tips, educational handouts, sample home exercise routines, monthly informational e-mails, and more are included with registration. Prizes given for first, second and third place at each location and one Grand Prize Illinois vs. Indiana "Battle of the Border" winner.

FYI: (708) 418-0542

TEACH YOGA | LaPorte

Ladies Fitness Zone Inc. and National Exercise Trainers Association, a nonprofit fitness professional association, are co-sponsoring a yoga certificate workshop at 8 a.m. Jan. 19 and 20 at Ladies Fitness Zone, 717 Michigan Ave., Suite 3. Participants will learn how to teach yoga. This two-day workshop will cover 27 poses, standing, seated and balance theory, breathing anatomy, therapeutic and resting poses, safety cues, modifications with props, formatting a class, alignment strategies and meditation. Call to register or register online at www.netafit.org.

FYI: (800) AEROBIC