Be Well - Winter Lights Night Is Here!

By Sara Grassmeyer
Wellness Coordinator

Hello and welcome to one of the first events this holiday season. Winter Lights is going to be an event to remember and a great place to spend time with family and friends. From the Welcome Tent to the local school Art Show, there is something for everyone and plenty of activities for kids and parents. Cookie decorating, craft making, a glimpse of Christmas in 1875 and my very own Wellness Tent will enliven your holiday spirit and increase your heart rate. Speaking of the Wellness Tent: you will be able to challenge your family to a step-off and try some partner fitness activities like trunk rotations. Don’t know what those are? See you in the tent.

Make sure you bring comfy shoes and dress warm, it is bound to be chilly, but as long as you’re MOVING you will be just fine! Jog in place, shuffle from side-to-side, initiate squat contests with a partner, keeping warm is great motivation for movement. Whatever your reasons for fitness, find time (15 minutes at LEAST) every day to increase your heart rate and exercise. 

Sara Grassmeyer, MPH, is the Wellness Program Coordinator for Porter County Parks and Recreation. She leads a variety of wellness programs at Sunset Hill Farm County Park. To learn more, contact her at 219-707-8281, or e-mail sgrassmeyer@porterco.org.

Meet our new Wellness Coordinator!

Sara Grassmeyer

Sara Grassmeyer is passionate about spreading health and wellness education throughout the community. As the new Wellness Coordinator at Porter County Parks and Recreation, she has used this enthusiasm to create several new fitness programs that are beginning this in September. 

“I have learned that the community of Valparaiso has an immense amount of pride,” Grassmeyer, a native of Colorado, said. “People love it here and want to see local resources maximized, so it is my job to help highlight the natural beauty and attract people to enjoy their favorite activities, while learning new skills along the way.”  

All of the new wellness programs being offered by Porter County Parks and Recreation are taking place at Sunset Hill Farm County Park, 775 Meridian Road in Valparaiso. The scenic outdoor environment, combined with exercise that is ideal for any skill level, makes for a unique community resource, Grassmeyer said.

A Sunset Striders program begins on Tuesday, September 20, and takes place every Tuesday and Thursday through Nov. 10 from 4 to 5 p.m. Participants spend an hour walking the various trails at Sunset Hill Farm, enjoying nature while improving their overall fitness.

An Outdoor Circuit focusing on cardiovascular and muscle endurance will take place on Saturdays, Sept. 24 – Nov. 12, from 8 to 9 a.m. at Sunset Hill Farm, and a Nordic Walking class will also be offered on Saturdays, Sept. 24 – Nov. 12, from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.

All three of these programs are led by Grassmeyer and cost $30 for an entire eight-week session, or $5 per drop-in.

Grassmeyer is a certified American Council on Exercise Group Fitness Instructor. She said people of all skill levels and abilities should feel welcome and comfortable participating in any of the Fall Fitness Programs.

“My vision is to see our wellness programs continue to grow and appeal to all members of the community,” Grassmeyer said. “As an instructor, my goal is to provide the tools and education so that participants are comfortable taking my ideas and transforming them into what works for them.”

For more information, or to register, contact Sara Grassmeyer at 219-707-8281, or sgrassmeyer@porterco.org.