All around us there are ways to expand your mind, tone your body and open your spirit. If you're looking for some personal renewal, there's no better way than connecting with other local folks who are serious about wellness. Here are a few of our favorite ways to find a new groove:
Divorce Support Group: A great low-pressure way to meet with other people dealing with divorce. Share stories and get advice on how to cope and rebuild. Meets daily. Northminster Family Life Center, 703 Compton Road, Finneytown, 513-931-5777.
Findlay Market: This bustling inner-city farmer's market connects a lot of dots. Shopping here supports the rehabilitation of the city core, connects you to local, independent food producers and vendors and provides a break from the grind of grocery shopping. It's a good feeling to be on a first name basis with the folks handling your produce and meat. Did I mention it's less expensive, too? Open 8 a.m.-3 p.m. daily. 1801 Race St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-665-4839 or www.findlaymarket.org.
Intercommunity Justice and Peace Center: Tangible answers to the question "What can I do?" Work alongside other peace activists against capital punishment and globalization and the war. Peaslee Neighborhood Center, 215 E. 14th St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-579-8547 or www.ijpc-cincinnati.org.
MoBo Bicycle Co-op: Offers very low cost mechanical training, parts and community for bicycle enthusiasts. Open 1-4 p.m. Sundays and 6-9 p.m. Wednesdays; kids only on Mondays 6-9 p.m. 1415 Knowlton Ave., Northside, 513-541-4025 or www.mobobicyclecoop.org.
Sierra Club: Learn about conservation and meet folks who love the Earth as much as you do. Weekly activities include hiking, backpacking, biking and canoeing/ kayaking. Meets at 7:30 p.m. the first Monday of each month. Raymond Walters College, 9555 Plainfield Road, Blue Ash, 513-841-0111 or www.ohio.sierraclub.org/ cincy.
The Women's Connection: Help or be helped in parent to parent and children's groups, homework assistance, girl's clubs, basic adult literacy classes, tutoring and employment seminars. 4042 Glenway Ave., Price Hill, 513-471-HOPE or www.thewomensconnection.org.
YMCA of Greater Cincinnati: A reasonably-priced alternative to the gym, providing exercise classes, work-out equipment and healthy living education. Multiple locations, 513-721-2195 or www.cincinnatiymca.org.
