The following activities are offered at The Village Park Enrichment Center at Banta, 605 Beech St., Valparaiso. For information, call (219) 462-1301.

Theraband exercise class

A new exercise program is being offered at the Village Park Enrichment Center at Banta on the first and third Wednesday of each month. A certified instructor will demonstrate the proper use of Therabands in order to maintain or increase muscle strength and to help with balance. At no cost to members of Village Park Banta, Theraband equipment and instruction are provided by Life Care Center of Valparaiso and the Willows.

Books and entertainment series

Village Park at Banta presents "The Musical Talents of Henry Kuric: Instrumental and vocal" at 12:30 p.m. today. The program is free and open to the public.

'Young at Heart'

The movie "Young at Heart" will be shown at 12:30 p.m. Jan. 12 at Village Park Banta. All seniors are invited.

T'ai Chi offered

Derived from an ancient martial art, T'ai Chi is a form of exercise that emphasizes body coordination, mental concentration, deep breathing, relaxation and inner energy flow throughout the body. By stimulating both the mind and body, it enables a person to move with greater ease and control.

Certified instructor jack Walker is conducting several new series of lessons at the Village Park Center at Banta. Starting Jan. 13 and 14, lessons are available to all adults 18 and older. A special senior series is available to Village Park members.

Self-management program

People with chronic long-term conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, asthma, lung disease, hypertension, stroke, emphysema, osteoporosis, or multiple sclerosis may find this program very beneficial. This workshop is also open to a friend, caregiver, or relative of participants with chronic conditions who would benefit from the problem-solving skills related to managing a chronic condition. The program explains how to better communicate with your doctor, nurse, or dietician; reduce frustration; fight fatigue; make daily tasks easier; learn breathing and relaxation exercises; reduce stress and anxiety; and take back control of your condition.

The Living a Healthy Life workshop is presented in six, two-hour sessions held once a week for six weeks by two trained leaders. Scheduled for Wednesdays from 1 to 3 p.m. Jan. 14 at Village Park Enrichment Center at Banta, this program is free and open to the public. Plan to commit to all six sessions as this is not a drop-in workshop. Pre-registration is required by contacting the Village Park office at Banta (219) 462-1301. This is possible through funding from Northwest Indiana Community Action.

Stroke warning signs

Terri Quartucci, Community Relations Liaison with the VNA, presents interesting monthly wellness programs at the Village Park Center at Banta.The topic of strokes – warning signs and prevention – will be discussed at 12:15 p.m. Jan. 15. Those attending will receive a healthy snack and a free gift. These are possible through funding from Northwest Indiana Community Action. This program is free and open to the public.

Art class offered

Village Park Enrichment Center at Banta is offering a six-week course in learning to draw. Suzie Rosso. Program Coordinator for Pines Village, will teach the class on Monday afternoons starting Jan. 19 at Village Park Banta. According to Rosso, “Art is like riding a bicycle…once you start painting or drawing again, it comes right back to you.” The course, called Drawing for ScardyCats is free to Village Park members but class size is limited and advance registration is required. For more information, contact the Village Park office at Banta at (219) 462-1301.

Blood sugar screening

Blood sugar screening is available at Village Park Banta from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. jan. 20. This free service is open to the public and is provided by the Visiting Nurse Association of Porter County. No appointment is needed and fasting is not required.

Eyeglass care

Eyeglass cleaning, adjustments, and repairs are available from noon to 1 p.m. Jan. 20 and every third Tuesday at Village Park Banta. This free service is provided by opticians from Target Optical who will clean eyeglasses and do simple repairs like replace loose or missing screws, make minor adjustments, and provide overall fitting of eyewear. Open to the public, no appointment needed.

Massage therapy offered

Massage Therapy, consisting of a 15-minute neck, back, and shoulders seated massage, is available on Jan. 21 for anyone age 50 and older. Call the Village Park Banta Office, (219) 462-1301, for details and to schedule an appointment. The cost is $16.

Bone density screenings

Available from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Jan. 22 at Village Park Banta, free bone density screenings (a heel bone density test) will be offered by Porter Hospital’s Road to Wellness Program. No appointment is needed. For information, call Leah at (219) 263-7285.

All about sodium

Join Rita Patterson, nutritionist with Porter County Extension Service, as she presents information on alternative choices on order to lower one’s intake of sodium. The program begins at 12:15 p.m. jan. 29 at Village Park Center at Banta.