How To Finish 2010 In Style

You may have had a pile of New Year's resolutions to kick off 2010, but with the end of the year just a few weeks away, those resolutions probably have remained "unresolved."

We all know the drill: You've been telling yourself you will join a gym "tomorrow," but 350 "tomorrows" just seemed to have flown by. Or, you made a commitment to begin eating healthier, but your new healthy diet has been reduced to eating one slice of pizza instead of three.

Well, no worries, you are not in the minority. And there are few last-minute goals you can accomplish to make up for lost time! In fact, there are a bunch of locations right in the neighborhood where you can knock several of those items off your list in one week.

End-of-Year Resolution #1: Join a gym

Solution: (139 Monroe Street between Bedford Avenue and Nostrand Avenue)

An olympic size swimming pool, brand new machines and great class schedule mean that not having time is no longer an excuse. Full access to the gym is just $43 a month and there's an additional discount for city employees.

End-of-Year Resolution #2: Volunteer

Solution: Mentoring program with (Contact Wayne Devonish at (917) 297-2365)

Led by founder Wayne Devonish, this all-male group needs volunteers for its mentoring program at the Boys and Girls High School. With a few dozen men trained already, they are seeking to reach 1,000 volunteers within the next 12 months in order to have 1:1 mentor-student ratio.

End-of-Year Resolution #3: Learn something new

Solution: UpBeat Bed Stuy

This community program provides free music instruction and access to instruments for members of the community, regardless of age or ability. In addition, they accepted donated instruments and need volunteer music instructors, so you can kill two birds with one stone here.

End-of-Year Resolution #4: Buy athletic gear

Solution: Sole Survivor (378 Tompkins Avenue between Putnam Avenue and Jefferson Avenue)

This Soho-esque boutique sneaker shop has all the top-name brands and usually has sales during the holiday season.

End-of-Year Resolution #5: Eat Healthier

Solution: Doctor's Cave Cafe (856 Marcy Avenue between Jefferson Avenue and Putnam Avenue)

If fast food has become the main staple of your diet, head on over to this 15-year-old establishment that specializes in Caribbean cooking. Cheap and healthy handmade dishes are plentiful here, with sandwiches for $4 and more substantial platters in the $6 range.

End-of-Year Resolution #6: Get out of Debt

Solution: Wealth Building Tuesdays at (1368 Fulton Street)

Presented by Amalgamated Bank, these weekly Tuesday classes from 6:30-8:30 pm give community residents the tools they need to better their financial situation. Topics covered include savings for education and retirement, debt reduction and investment strategies.

End-of-Year Resolution #7: Quit Drinking

Solution: Bedford Stuyvesant Alcohol Treatment Center (600 Albany Avenue)

You don't need to have hit rock bottom to consider coming here. Whether you simply want to cut back on your drinking or require more substantial treatment, the regular outpatient meetings and an unwavering support group at this center give you the help you need to take back control of your life. They also offer a sliding scale for payment.

End-of-Year Resolution #8: Enjoy Life More

Solution: Geb Hetep Wholistic Health Center (1344 Pacific Street, Suite #1)

This wellness center has a variety of beauty products and health services available including an infrared massage, yoga and, for the truly committed, colonic therapy.

End-of-Year Resolution #9: Spend more time with the family

Solution: Swimming classes at St. John's Recreation Center (Prospect Place between Troy and Schenectady Avenue)

For an activity that the whole family can enjoy, check out the free bi-weekly swimming classes from 4:00-5:00 p.m. All skill levels and ages are welcome, but the classes fill up on a first-come, first-serve basis.

End-of-Year Resolution #10: Donate to Charity

Solution:

This Bed-Stuy food pantry is stocked with the resources to feed needy residents, but often lack the money to pay their rent and other utilities. They are currently accepting donations in order to continue to keep their storefront open so they can continue helping the Bedford-Stuyvesant community receive basic necessities.