This forty-five minute “boot camp” class at the Monroe County YMCA combines a number of intense exercises (plyometrics, running skills, jumping, and stair climbing) and is an advanced level class. It runs every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from April 16 to May 27. Register on website.

Strength training is recommended to help keep muscles toned and bones dense. Certified instructors will use equipment such as body bars, hand weights, and stability balls to create a variety of workouts. This one-hour strength class will use exercises that are functionally appropriate for all and will create an overall toning experience for the entire body. It runs every Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning from April 16 to May 25. Register on website.

This one-hour class at the Monroe County YMCA offers intervals of high intensity cycling, and runs every Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning from April 16 to May 25. Register on website.

You know how to use your digital camera, and often take good pictures by luck or accident. Take the next step and gain more control over your digital photography. Find out how and when to adjust white balance, ISO, exposure and flash. Learn what the various automatic, semi-automatic and manual settings can do. Explore software and online options for file management, keeping images safe, editing out flaws and printing. Then, use this knowledge and your camera to bring creative control to your photography. Whether you are photographing your children as they grow, capturing the wonder of nature or preserving history at your family reunion, this class is for you. Each participant will bring a camera with the manual and connection cords to each class. Choose between a day or evening section.

Monday/Wednesday April 16-25. (Also offered 6-8 pm). Register on website.

Bring your preschool-age child to enjoy a hands-on activity, book, or both with a different science topic each week. Older siblings are welcome.

Photoshop is a professional-level program for photo editing. Use the new Photoshop effects to create and enhance your own drawings, to correct and improve scanned images, and to manipulate digital photo images at-will. Learn about the toolbox, layers, filters and more. No freehand drawing skill is required to create stunning effects, even at basic skill levels. Composites, basic color correction, and layered editing will be taught in a hands-on, artistic approach. Textbook is included in course fee. Prerequisite: Working knowledge of Windows, including saving and moving files.

3 Wednesdays, April 11-25. Register on website.

Would you like to pass down your memories to your family, but don’t know where to begin the task? Join this supportive group, set your pen to paper, and get started preserving your personal history. Ferne Stout, your facilitator, has written two books about her own life and will provide guidance and writing prompts. You’ll meet new people and work together toward your final writing goal, whatever that may be. Paper, folders and pens will be provided, but please bring your own if you’d prefer.

5 Wednesdays, April 4 through May 2. Register on website.

A reception celebrating the launch of a new biography of Indiana University’s esteemed former president, Herman B Wells: The Promise of the American University, written by James H. Capshew. Held in the library that bears his name, the event will commemorate Wells’ lasting influence on IU and the broader field of higher education.

The reception will take place Wednesday, April 18, 2012 from 5:00 pm-6:30 pm in the Herman B Wells Library lobby. The author will sign books after brief remarks made by President Michael A. McRobbie, Dean Brenda L. Johnson, and Professor James H. Capshew. Enjoy Wells-themed hors d’oeuvres and browse copies of Capshew’s book.

For more information please visit www.libraries.iub.edu or contact Helene O’Leary, Assistant Dean, Office of Advancement, IU Libraries (phone: 812-855-4182, email: [email protected]).

Bloomington’s Environmental Commission (EC) has conducted the first ever Annual Eco-Hero Award Contest. The goal of this competition is not only to encourage youth to build positive lifelong behaviors, but also to remind adults of the importance of thinking long-term for the environment and future generations. Participants include students from grades kindergarten through twelve who have submitted essays and art with the theme, “What I Do for the Environment.” Submissions ranged from paintings and songs to sculptures and essays. The Environmental Commission members are excited about the number of submissions they received for this inaugural year.

The awards ceremony will be held April 18, 2012, at 5:30 p.m. in the City Hall Atrium. Winners will receive a certificate of recognition from Mayor Mark Kruzan, and EC Chair Carrie Albright will be handing out prizes from locally owned businesses that support the environment. All are welcome to attend. The art and winning essays are on display in the Atrium of City Hall, 401 N. Morton St., the month of April for all to enjoy.

IU Health Bloomington offers free classes, support groups, and nicotine replacement therapy. No registration is necessary unless otherwise noted.

Class meets Wednesdays from 5:30 to 6 pm.