Sufferers of winter doldrums and cabin fever, rejoice: A cure for whatever ails your spirit this season lies in creating your own post-holiday sabbatical from your routines and ruts. Don’t limit yourself to just January, either. Test your talents, tap creative juices or discover new interests through some of the area’s most engaging classes, lessons and volunteer programs all winter long.
Open Gym: Adult Basketball
Awaken your fade-away shot, or brush up on zone defense during open gym. Wednesdays 7:30–10 p.m. through April 29 at Wayzata High School, 4955 Peony Lane N. $4/per night. 763.509.5200
Open Gym: Adult Volleyball
Spike your fitness routine with a few sets of volleyball. Wednesdays 7:30–10 p.m. through April 29 at Wayzata High School, 4955 Peony Lane N. $4/per night. 763.509.5200
Intro to Meditation
Quiet your hurried mind, and regain focus while learning meditation skills. Wednesdays 7–8 p.m. January 7–February 4 at Plymouth Creek Activity Center, 14800 34th Ave. $51/resident, $59/non-resident. Registration required. 763.509.5200
Open Gym: Adult Pickleball
Learn all about the racquet sport that blends badminton, tennis and table tennis for a fast-paced indoor game. Sundays 3:30–5:30 p.m. January 11–April 26 at Armstrong High School, 10635 North 36th Ave. $4/per night. 763.509.5200
Nutrition: Foods to Reduce Pain & Inflammation
Take a fresh look at food and its health benefits to reduce or relieve discomfort. 6:30–8:30 p.m. January 21 at Plymouth Creek Activity Center, 14800 34th Ave. $26/resident, $30/non resident Registration required.; 763.509.5200
Beginner Snowshoeing
Stay on top of the snow, literally, during a guided hike through scenic parks. Equipment is provided. Ages 6 and older, children must be accompanied by registered adult. 1–2:30 p.m. January 24 at French Regional Park, 12605 Rockford Road. Cost is $5, and reservations are required. 763.559.6700; activity number 125101-00. There is a 20 percent discount for groups of four or more.
Photo courtesy of Three Rivers Park District
Cross-country Ski Lessons: Ski-skating
If you can’t beat it, join it: Embrace the snow by learning ski-skating techniques, including edging, gliding and control. Classic skiing experience is recommended. Ages 13 and older. 9:30–11 a.m. January 18 at French Regional Park, 12605 Rockford Road. Cost is $24 or $39 with ski rental. Reservations are required. 763.559.6700; activity number 125191-02.
Tai Chi for Health
Discover what many have known for centuries—the healing power of Tai Chi. Wednesdays 6:45–7:45 p.m. January 14–March 4 at the Plymouth Creek Activity Center, 14800 34th Ave. $54/resident, $62/non resident. Registration required. 763.509.5200
Artistic Moments: Cupcake & Cake Decorating
Don’t be afraid to color outside the lines: Surprise friends and family with creatively decorated treats and sweets. 6:45–8:45 p.m. February 2 at Plymouth Creek Activity Center, 14800 34th Ave. $28/resident, $34/non resident. Registration required.; 763.509.5200.
Full Moon Snowshoe with S’mores
Let the full moon be your guide while you explore a winter night’s sights and sounds. End the evening with a roaring bonfire and s’mores. Ages 6 and older, children must be accompanied by registered adult. 6–8 p.m. February 3 at French Regional Park, 12605 Rockford Road. Cost is $7; reservations required. Call 763.559.6700; activity number 125006-01. There is a 20 percent discount for groups of four or more.
Cooking: Mozzarella Cheese and Yogurt for Beginners
Freshly made cheese and yogurt lend tasty, healthy additions to any meal. 6:30–8:15 p.m. February 17 at Plymouth Creek Activity Center, 14800 34th Ave. $37/resident, $44/ non resident; 763.509.5200
Facial Exercise
Put your best face forward and don’t forget to exercise and tone facial muscles. 6:30–8 p.m. February 18 at Plymouth Creek Activity Center, 14800 34th Ave. $22/resident, $26/non resident. Registration required. 763.509.5200
Fused-glass Home Décor
Tap into your artistic reservoir, and create votive candle holders, coasters, a small dish, sun catchers and other creations. 6–9:30 p.m. February 19 at the Orono Discovery Center, 5050 Independence St., Maple Plain. $25, and a $10 materials fee. 952.449.8350; orono.k12.mn.us
Tai chi instructor Jay Soderberg
Tai Chi
Join a certified instructor to learn techniques to relieve pain, improve relaxation, and increase movement and flexibility. 6:30–7:30 p.m. Wednesdays March 18–May 27 at East Middle School, 12000 Ridgemount Ave. $85 for the entire session. 763.745.5213; ceregistration.wayzata.k12.mn.us
Boxing Sessions
Take the mittens off and put the gloves on. Those looking to reduce stress, increase confidence or something in between should check out Title Boxing Club. Sessions run at various intervals from 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. daily at the club. 830 Lake St. E., Wayzata. $69–$129/month; personal training starts at $30 per half-hour session. 952.513.4556.
Trampoline Fitness
Don’t leave playtime to the kids. Hit the trampoline and burn up to 1,000 calories/hour at Sky Zone Trampoline Park. Skyfitness classes run daily at various times, including before and after work hours and midmorning at the park, 13310 Industrial Park Blvd. $12/class, 10-class pass is $80. Space is limited. Call 763.225.1545 for information and times.
Wine School
There’re no such things as a snow day with Haskell’s online wine school. Wine novices or connoisseurs can expand their knowledge base through Haskell’s weekly wine chats with CEO Jack Farrell and Denny Long, WCCO host. Visit haskells.com and click on WCCO Online Wine School. 7:45–8 a.m. Saturdays; call 651.989.9226 or text 81807 to weigh in with your opinion on the show’s topic.
Dance Class
Whether it’s the first time or a chance to continue dance training, ballet and barre classes are offered for adults at the Metropolitan Ballet Academy. Hours and prices vary; closed Sundays. Punch cards are available at the academy, 2533 Fernbrook Lane N.; 952.937.1387; metroballet.org
Irish Cooking
Learn to make (and enjoy!) an extensive menu of Irish fare, from appetizers to desserts. 6–9 p.m. March 5 at Central Middle School, 305 Vicksburg Lane N. $29. 763.745.5213; ceregistration.wayzata.k12.mn.us
Buying a Home or Investment Property?
Learn what to include in a purchase agreement, strategies for getting an offer accepted, how to obtain a free credit report, the value of home inspectors and more. 7–9 p.m. March 16 at Central Middle School, 305 Vicksburg Lane N. $25. 763.745.5213; ceregistration.wayzata.k12.mn.us
Classic Soups and a Famous Stew
Prepare belly-warming, winter-thawing recipes of New England clam chowder, corn bisque, boeuf bourguignon and more. 6–9 p.m. January 21 at Central Middle School, 305 Vicksburg Lane N. $29. 763.745.5213; ceregistration.wayzata.k12.mn.us
Make Money Doing Voiceovers
Discover how to obtain voiceover gigs, understand hiring practices, create a professional demo and resume, and more. 7–9:30 p.m. April 9 at Central Middle School, 305 Vicksburg Lane N. $39. 763.745.5213; ceregistration.wayzata.k12.mn.us
Make Money Reading Books
Put your melodious voice and love for books to work, and learn how to train for a career voicing audio books. 7–9:30 p.m. April 16 at Central Middle School, 305 Vicksburg Lane N. $39. 763.745.5213; ceregistration.wayzata.k12.mn.us
LikeMinds
Expand your circle by participating in this program that allows people to connect with others who are interested in similar interest groups, outings, classes, topical discussions, service opportunities and more. 952.449.8350; orono.k12.mn.us
Art Competition
Share your talent, and participate in the Plymouth Arts Council and the Plymouth parks and recreation department’s annual public art banner competition. Email pacplymouth@gmail.com for information.
Plymouth Concert Band
Tune up your musical prowess, and join the Plymouth Concert Band. Interested musicians can attend a rehearsal. If the player is interested in joining the group, he or she will be asked to play an audition for the conductor. 7–9 p.m. Mondays at the Wayzata High School band room, 4955 Peony Lane N. plymouthconcertband.org
Police Reserves
Volunteer with the Plymouth Police Department, and help officers with traffic and crowd control, transportation of prisoners, surveillance and patrol activities, special events and other education programs. Must be 21 years or older, commit to 15 hours/month, attend a monthly meeting and have a clean driving record and background check. 763.509.5230
Adopt a Park, Trail or Disc Golf Course
Tidy up Plymouth’s recreational spaces clean by picking up litter on a weekly basis. 763.509.5230
