Get Active. Many individuals set goals to enhance their fitness as the new year begins, and registering for a race is an excellent way to hold yourself accountable. Join The Snowball Series, which will embark on its 45th run through St. Louis this year, kicking off with a 5k in Forest Park on January 1, followed by a four-mile race in Kirkwood on January 18, a 7K run in Creve Coeur Park on February 1, and a five-miler at Frontier Park on February 15.
Experience Art. St. Louis boasts an abundance of renowned museums, and if you’re searching for a specific cultural experience this weekend, consider the behind-the-scenes tour of Scott Burton: Shape Shift happening Saturday at the Pulitzer Arts Foundation. Not only will you explore the exhibition that combines furniture with performance, but you’ll also discover what goes into the production process. (Spoiler: it’s quite labor-intensive!) Join us at 11 a.m. on Saturday.
Support the Environment. Trees play a crucial role in our urban environments by bringing nature into our lives. If you’re interested in contributing to the care of local trees, consider participating in a Tree Care Blitz—they occur monthly in Tower Grove East, Bevo, Benton Park, Forest Park Southeast, and Shaw. Check the STL Neighborhood Foresters site for blitzes and additional events. This weekend, it’s Forest Park Southeast’s turn on Sunday—don’t forget to bring your water bottle!
Give Back. January is recognized as National Blood Donor Month, and if you’re able, donating blood is a vital way to contribute to saving lives in your community. This weekend, the Mehlville Fire Department in partnership with Impact Life will be conducting a blood drive at the Bosche EMS Training Center from 2–6 p.m. (Make sure to schedule an appointment through Impact Life’s website. If you can’t attend the Friday event, the site offers other donation opportunities.) Alternatively, if you wish to donate clothes, consider the Cold Weather Clothing Drive on January 3 at Chaifetz Arena, held by the St. Patrick Center and Saint Louis University Athletics. By donating new or gently-used hats, gloves, coats, or blankets, you can secure free entry to cheer on the Billikens against Saint Joseph’s, with the game scheduled for Friday at 8 p.m. Bring your donations to Gate B.
Help Feed Families. Finally, there’s something heartfelt about sharing a pan of homemade lasagna—it’s the quintessential comfort food, especially in trying times. Lasagna Love is a national initiative with a thriving St. Louis chapter. Create a profile on their site to prepare and deliver lasagna to families in need. Be forewarned—your kitchen will smell heavenly, and you might find yourself whipping up an extra pan for yourself!
