Unpack the lights and stockings, the holiday season kicks off when Santa arrives at the Mundelein Park District on Saturday, December 6. There’s fun for all ages. Bring your camera to capture those smiles.

Feel confident, like you’re ready for “Dancing with the Stars” the next time you take to the dance floor with Mundelein Park District’s NEW Social Dance Class. This fun, energizing, get-fit class for adult beginners debuts on Saturday, December 13 from noon to 3 p.m. at the Mundelein Community Center.

Evanston, Ill. – With the New Year right around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about choosing a calendar for 2009. Evanston pet photographer David Sutton unveils Sutton Studios’ seventh annual Dog Days Calendar to benefit animals in need. Here’s a way for you to adorn your wall with artful photography and make a difference to a needy animal at the same time. Sutton Studios provides the Dog Days Calendars at no cost to shelters and animal welfare organizations throughout the greater Chicago area. The agencies in turn sell the calendar and use the proceeds to support their mission to care for homeless and abused animals.

The recent economic crisis has caused many of us to think about ways to cut back spending and tighten budgets. Healthy eating does not have to suffer when shopping on a budget. Toby Smithson, RD, LDN, a registered dietitian with the Lake County Health Department/Community Health Center and spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association, says “You don’t have to shop at an expensive health food store to eat a healthy diet.”

If you live in Lake County, you’ve probably seen deer, fox, coyotes and other wildlife in close proximity to your home. Due to the loss of habitat by development, some wildlife can be seen within residential communities.

Take time to treat yourself this holiday season. Put your health first, help others, and keep more holiday “green” in your pocket with the Mundelein Park District’s FREE “Sweat with Santa” fitness programs.