I'd like to take this opportunity to wish all Town of Hempstead residents a happy and healthy New Year.

Very often as a New Year arrives we make New Year's resolutions, our personal goals for the coming months. One of the most common goals, especially after the holidays when we all tend to eat more than usual, is to get in shape. In the Town of Hempstead we are very fortunate in that we have many parks and recreation programs that will help residents do just that, not only during the winter but throughout the year.

One of our most popular fitness programs is our Slimnastics program, designed for women 18 years of age and older. This program is held at Echo Park in West Hempstead, Levittown Hall in Hicksville, and Baldwin Park in Baldwin Harbor. In-person registration for both the Echo Park and the Baldwin Park classes will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 4. Echo Park registration will take place from 10-11 a.m., and Baldwin Park registration will take place from 7-8 p.m. Registration will take place at Levittown Hall on Thursday, Feb. 6 from 10-11 a.m.

Our Shape-Up Time program is a great opportunity for men, 18 years of age and older, to either improve or maintain their physical condition. This program is held at Echo Park all year round. In-person registration will take place on Sunday, Feb. 2 from 9-10 a.m.

Women may be interested in our Low-Impact Aerobics classes, designed to firm and tone muscles and increase cardiovascular efficiency. This program which combines dance and exercise, takes place at Echo Park and Levittown Hall. Registration for the Echo Park classes will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 4, from 6:30-7:30 p.m., and registration at Levittown Hall will be held on Thursday, Feb. 6, from 10-11 a.m.

Walking for Fun and Fitness is another wonderful program to keep in shape. Wear walking apparel of your choice for 12 weekly sessions at Baldwin Park, Newbridge Road Park in Bellmore or Seamans Neck Park in Seaford. Registration will take place the first day of class (Baldwin Park- Wednesday, Feb. 19, 10 a.m. at the ballfield flagpole; Newbridge Road Park - Thursday, Feb. 13, 10 a.m. at the administration building; Seamans Neck Park- Friday, Feb. 14, 10 a.m. at the tennis courts). Kundalini Yoga Lessons for adults offer an opportunity for participants to learn this unique style of breathing, movement, meditation, stretching, relaxation, rhythm and chanting to work on their mind, body and spirit. This program will be held at both Lido Beach Town Park and Echo Park. Registration at Lido Beach will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 4, from 7:30-8:30 p.m. and registration at Echo Park will be held on Friday, Feb. 7 from 10-11 a.m.

Children can learn the fundamentals of Karate/Self Defense at Echo Park, Harold Walker Park in Lakeview, and Smith Street Park in Uniondale. Registration will take place at Echo Park on Friday, Feb. 7 from 6:30-7:30 p.m.; at Harold Walker Park on Tuesday, Feb. 4 from 7-8 p.m.; and at Smith Street Park on Monday, Feb. 3 from 7-8 p.m.

Other programs that residents may enjoy this year include: Kripalu Yoga for Adults, Tai Chi and Aqua-Exercise. The Town of Hempstead has a fitness program for everyone.

To obtain further information about registration and program locations, times and costs for any of these fitness programs, please contact the Town of Hempstead Department of Parks and Recreation at 292-9000.

Again, I wish you a Happy New Year and the best of luck in achieving all your goals for the coming year.