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See a full list of volunteer opportunities

AHRENS FOUNDATION: Community Support

BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS: Mentors

FAULCONER GALLERY: Community Outreach

GRINNELL AREA ARTS COUNCIL. Call-In Gallery Docent, Marketing & Administration Assistant, Teacher's Aid, Performance or Reception Usher, Monthly Volunteer Day, Jack/Jill Of All Trades.  

GRINNELL REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER: Clinic Courier, Patient Tray Favors, Patient Activity Projects, Information Desk, Mailings, Auxiliary Gift Shop, Surgery Waiting, Breakfast Services Cashier, and Pediatric Orientation. 

IMAGINE GRINNELL Local Foods, Energy & Conservation, Grinnell Area Recreation Trail Expansion

MICA: Head Start and Early Head Start Classroom volunteers, EITC Tax Preparer, EITC Translator, and Food Pantry Volunteer.

PALS. Dog Walker, Clean/Feed Animals, Play with Animals 

POWESHIEK HISTORY PRESERVATION PROJECT: Historical Preservation

SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURS OF GRINNELL (SEG): Loan Recipient Partners, SEG Committee

TOUR GUIDES AT THE LOUIS SULLIVAN BANK/ GRINNELL VISITOR CENTER: Docents 

ARBORS APARTMENTS 

EXIT-HULS REALTY  

GRACIE PARK APARTMENTS 

GRINNELL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT - small office suite for rent

GRINNELL REALTY  

Weekend open house flyer. 

GRINNELL RENTALS 

NOBIL ENTERPRISES

RAMSEY-WEEKS

RE/MAX PARTNERS REALTY 

SEAJAE PROPERTIES

NEW 3-BEDROOM HOME FOR SALE-$215,000

Congratulations to McNally's Super Valu for receiving the Business of the Year Award at our Annual Celebration last Friday. Click here to see a list of all the award recipients.  You can also find photos on Facebook.  Here is a video about McNally's that we played at the event.

McNally's - 2014 Grinnell Business of the Year

Many of us Iowans go into hibernation mode this time of year, but I think Valentine's Day calls for a non-sweatpants night doing something a little more exciting than another night watching Netflix on the couch. Here are a few of my recommendations for this weekend.

Dining - Even if you're not really into the romantic holiday, everyone has to eat, right? Here are a few restaurants that are perfect for date night:

• Grill your own steaks and enjoy the loaded salad bar at Grinnell Steakhouse. Make sure you try their mac and cheese.
• Cozy up in a booth with a glass of wine and pizza fresh from the oven at Pagliai's Pizza.
• Prairie Canary is offering its normal menu as well as a Prix Fixe menu. I highly recommend the citrus yogurt cake for dessert-I tried it last week and it was heavenly.
• The Peppertree at the Depot Crossing has a special Valentine's menu Friday night. A few of my favorites are the spinach and artichoke dip and the parmesan crusted chicken.
• Relish Grinnell always has delicious and unique dinner options, plus impossible to pass up their homemade desserts.
• If you're wanting to get out of town, try Lynnville for a romantic meal at the Linden House. They have three course meals planned for both Friday and Saturday nights. You can also get a deal on a room if you want to stay the night at the B&B.
• You could also head up to Tama for Meskwaki's seafood buffet. They have a huge menu lined up with prime rib, crab legs and much more.

Activities - Since we're off the couch, let's get ambitious and do something together. I know people always say there isn't a lot to do here in the winter, but here are a few ideas.

• Movies are a classic date night idea. The Strand Theatre is playing Endless Love, The Lego Movie and Robocop this weekend.
• Ice skating would make for a fun afternoon, or go at night when the rink is twinkling with lights. It looks like the temperature should stay cold enough to keep the ice frozen. You can rent skates from Bikes to You . You can also make the most of the snow and try making a snow sculpture or at least a snow man.
• Van Wijk Winery in Sully has some fun things planned including dinner and a movie Friday night and a jazzy dinner and dance on Saturday night. Reservations are required by today (2/12) for both of those events.
• Cheer on the athletes Midwest Conference Swimming & Diving Championships and the Darren Young Track & Field Classic at Grinnell College this weekend. There is also a youth basketball tournament bringing 90 teams here on Saturday and a solo and ensemble band contest at the Middle School. You should also check out the Hoops For Hope event and basketball game at the high school on Friday. 
• If you're feeling artsy, check out the exhibits at Faulconer Gallery. There is no admission charge, so there's really no reason not to check it out.

Gifts - If giving gifts is a tradition for you and your sweetheart, here are a few ideas:

• Sparkly jewelry or a bead for her Pandora bracelet from Bill's Jewelry. They also carry watches and wallets for the men in your life.
• Give your sweetheart flowers from Bates Flowers. I also noticed some cute candy bouquets when I was there the other day.
• Sweet treats (think chocolates and cookies) are always a safe gift idea. McNally's and HyVee are great places to find tasty goodies.
• A bottle of Tassel Ridge or Van Wijk Winery wine would be a great gift.
• Send cards to your loved ones. Find cards at Gosselink's Gifts & Interiors, Stepping Stones Christian Bookstore and Total Choice Shipping & Printing.
• New clothes, makeup, books and all kinds of unique gift items can be found at Grinnell's gift shops.

What am I forgetting? If you have suggestions to add to my list, please click here to leave your comments on our blog so others can see your ideas.

-Emily