As 2011 emerges from the horizon, are you seeking to...

Read More?
Join a book club. If you don't want the hassle of starting and coordinating your own book club, then turn to book stores and libraries. Wild Rumpus has book clubs for kids and adults that typically meet once a month. Check the store website for dates and books that will be read for discussion each month.

Slow Down?
Attend a class at one of the 4+ Yoga Studios listed in the Southwest Minneapolis Patch directory. Studios often offer newcomers a free first session. Not only is Yoga good for body flexibility and muscle toning but it forces your mind to slow down and yes, even relax.

Get Involved?
Start by attending your neighborhood association monthly meeting to find out what is even happening in your community and how it matches your specific interests. Here's a little direction for the 9 neighborhoods covered by Southwest Minneapolis Patch to get you started. Linden Hills, East Harriet, Kingfield, Tangletown, Fulton, Lynnhurst, Armatage, Kenny and Windom

Give?
Monetary donations are generous indeed but make it even more personal this year, give blood and save a life. The American Red Cross holds frequent blood drives in locations convenient for you. Click here to find a date, time and place that works well for you. The Church of St. Thomas the Apostle will be hosting a blood drive on Jan. 17 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feel free to stop by with or without an appointment.

Be Active?
Winter is here to stay, so make nice, go outside, get some of that oh-so-limited Vitamin D and try something new. Minneapolis Parks and Recreation is bound to provide the outdoor space for at least one activity that tickles your fancy or at least sparks your interest. Perhaps Cross Country Skiing, Ice Skating, Snowshoeing, Ice Fishing, Sledding or even Cycling will be your new calling.

Experience Culture?
Location, location, location. Take advantage of being nestled amongst an area abundant with art museums, galleries and theaters galore. There is free entrance to the Weinstein Gallery, which features the work of national and international artists (Tuesday-Saturday, Noon to 5 p.m.). Talent is also bulging at the amateur level so be on the lookout for Washburn High School theater performances.

Be Crafty?
Explore Southwest Minneapolis' plethora of speciality shops. Craft stores like the Linden Hills Yarn & Textile, Beadhive, and Sewtropolis, offer numerous classes and have endless treasures to comb through.  

Go Back into Time?
History is consistently right under our feet...literally. Lakewood Cemetery is bursting with local history that will provide you with an invigorating lesson of the local pioneer leaders, architecture and society that shaped Minneapolis. The cemetery website provides all information on available tours and presentations.

Turn Your Thumb Green?
The Linden Hills Library offers free Master Gardener classes, simply call the library to reserve a spot. You can also pop into local home and gardening stores like Wagners year-round greenhouse to seek advice.