Embrace New Year’s goals with local spirit
The start of a new year is typically a time when people reflect on the past and set new goals for the present to be healthier, happier and more productive.
Such resolutions can be embraced with a local spirit by volunteering, supporting small businesses or visiting an area attraction.
According to Ted Flowers, Herald-Standard multimedia sales consultant, there are many ways people can get involved with the Be Local Network, which serves as a driving force throughout the community.
“The network is geared to build mutual community interests that, in return, help build a strong local economy,” said Flowers.
While 40 percent to 45 percent of the population will make a New Year’s resolution, only 8 percent actually stick with it, according to a poll conducted by researchers at the University of Scranton.
If you’re inspired to learn a new skill, Nemacolin Woodlands Resort in Farmington offers cooking classes throughout the year in its state-of-the-art Académie du Vin. Wine tastings are also part of the package.
In Charleroi, Sweet and Spicy Culinary cooking school offers a variety of cooking lessons ranging from basic skills to refining advanced skills taught by Chef Christine Somales at Off the Wall Arts.
Liz Jones Arts is a studio located in the Greater Area Connellsville Community Center that conducts classes and workshops for all ages on various art forms. An art and wine event is also held each Friday.
For those looking to get fit, the John P. Murtha Wellness Center at Highlands Hospital features state-of-the-art fitness equipment and exercise classes led by certified professionals and is open seven days a week.
The Monongahela Valley Hospital’s Healthy Communities Program is another resource designed to improve the health status of the mid-Monongahela Valley area students through a partnership with Belle Vernon, Bentworth, Beth Center, California, Charleroi, Frazier, Monessen, Ringgold and Yough school districts.
Both hospitals provide the community with a vast array of educational programs and wellness screenings.
The Uniontown YMCA is expanding the community’s needs to cover the fitness gamut for all ages from exercise and nutrition to aquatics and competitive sports leagues.
It is in the process of implementing a winter walking program for older adults on the indoor walking track. “We’re a community movement,” said CEO Jacquelyn Core.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Laurel Highlands Outdoor Center and Yough Lake Campground in Confluence features lakefront sites, electric sites, tent sites and one room cabins.
The campground has modern conveniences and offers a lakeside swim beach, amphitheater and playground. Canoe and kayak rentals and stand-up paddleboards are available. There’s also a two-lane boat launch ramp.
Those interested in joining the Be Local Network can contact Ted Flowers at 724-425-7231 or by email at tflowers@heraldstandard.com. Discount cards are available at the Herald-Standard, 8 E. Church St., Uniontown, and at the Greene County Messenger, 82 W. High St., Waynesburg.