Clallam County YMCA offers new wellness programs in the new year and there no longer is a joining fee. New programs available in Studio B at Clallam County YMCA, 302 S. Francis St., Port Angeles, include Y Bigger Loser, a 12-week weight loss program, Y Lean Teens, and gentle and moderate exercise programs. Studio B is a new fitness room for those who prefer a smaller, more private experience for meeting their fitness needs.

Y Bigger Loser includes exercise, accountability and instructor and peer support. Y Lean Teens is a similar program designed for teens. "Commit To Fit" is a six-week program suitable for all fitness levels.

An open house is scheduled for 9 a.m.-noon Jan. 11 to introduce the community to the YMCA’s fitness classes, including yoga, Pilates, aerobics, world rhythms, stability ball and spinning.

More information is available at www.ccfymca.org.

Carlsborg Conference Center hosts a no-commission gallery for artists, photographers and crafters who are interested in creating their own event. Reservations are available by the hour, day or week. It is centrally located between Sequim and Port Angeles at 865 Carlsborg Road, Suite E, across from the Carlsborg post office. Call 582-1919 for reservations or to schedule a tour.

David Kruth of Re/Max Fifth Avenue successfully completed the weeklong CCIM Institute’s program on financial analysis for commercial and multi-tenant investment real estate.

The program covered financial analysis for helping investors make sound commercial investment decisions by looking at advanced concepts such as cash flow and time value of money analysis for today’s market. Each participant was required to pass a five-hour written exam. CCIM members are recognized experts in the field of commercial real estate. Kruth can be reached at 808-4444.

First Step Family Support Center, a local United Way partner agency, and Nita Lynn, First Step executive director, were awarded the 2008 Janet Miller Award for Excellence in Family Support by the Children’s Trust Foundation on Dec. 7. First Step Family Support Center was awarded $10,000 for its "Your Baby and You: Survival 101 Parenting Classes." The Janet Miller Award is given annually to a member of the family support community who has demonstrated consistently high levels of professionalism and dedication.

In addition, each recipient receives a $10,000 grant to be used for a child-abuse prevention program of their choice.

The Children’s Trust Foundation awarded Lynn the Janet Miller Award for her leadership and innovation in the field of family support. An active and committed member of the community, Lynn has led the effort to provide the children and families of Clallam County with high quality services.

Founded in 1987, Children’s Trust Foundation advocates for children, families and for effort that supports their mission to prevent abuse and neglect before it occurs. The trust funds programs in family support that help parents learn to better nurture, discipline, communicate with and bond with their children.

Call First Step at 457-8355.

Lumber Traders, Inc., the employee owned group that operates Hartnagel Building Supply, Angeles Millwork and Lumber Co., The Quarry and The Showcase is pleased to announce the following changes.

Kevin Hanson, previously responsible for yard operations management, has moved into contractor sales/roofing sales at Hartnagel Building Supply. Hanson has been involved in yard operations since 1991.

His roofing knowledge and customer service skills will be key assets in his new sales role. He enjoys hunting, residential building and cars.

Michael McFarlen joins Lumber Traders, replacing Hanson as yard operations manager for Hartnagel Building Supply.

McFarlen brings many valuable skills from his previous position as general foreman at K-Ply in Port Angeles and as a Class A CDL Driver for Harbor Wholesale Grocery in Olympia. A long-term Port Angeles resident, his interests include hunting, fishing, camping, softball and coaching youth baseball. He is very proud to have coached his Little League team to the first no-loss season in Sequim history!

Sleep Country USA’s annual Pajama Drive for Foster Kids begins Jan. 5 and continues through Feb. 15.

New pajamas of any size can be dropped off at any Sleep County USA location in Washington or Oregon.

All donations will be distributed among 20 area foster care organizations.

For information on the location of the nearest store, use the store locater at www.sleepcountry.com or call 1-888-88-SLEEP.