The San Luis Obispo County YMCA will offer a free Fitness Open House at its SLO facility Jan. 4 through 8. Beginning at 10 a.m. each day, sample fitness classes are offered in 20-minute sessions at a variety of times. Introductory classes include demonstrations in yoga, pilates, body conditioning, and cycling. Special fitness classes aimed at active, older adults include cardio, range of motion, and light weight-lifting. Each day will also bring special give-aways and raffles. Open House attendees who sign up for a YMCA Fitness Membership during the event will receive the first month free. Memberships are available to individuals and families on a fee per visit, monthly, or annual basis. The YMCA's San Luis Obispo Fitness Facility Membership provides access to swimming pool and aquatic classes, group fitness classes for all ages, kids gym, locker rooms with dry saunas, two free fitness appointments, an active older adult program, cardiovascular equipment, free weights and strength machines, racquetball and handball courts, indoor basketball, and a specialty fitness room.

For more information, call 543-8235 or e-mail Nate Asher at [email protected].

On Dec. 21, French Hospital Medical Center announced that Heart Walk team captain Carol Brown was recently honored as the top individual fundraiser in San Luis Obispo County. Brown, also the center's medical staff coordinator, raised $5,640 on her own. Money raised goes to the American Heart Association to support heart disease and stroke research and education programs locally and nationally.

Want a stroke or plug? Send your items for consideration to New Times via fax, mail, or e-mail ([email protected]).