Winter is in full swing across Crown Point, with plenty of ways to stay active, learn something new, and connect with neighbors. Bundle up for outdoor fun, find warmth at indoor programs, and keep an eye on a few late-January highlights to round out the month.
This Week at a Glance - Jan 11 to Jan 17
- Sun Jan 11 - Open Skate at Bulldog Park Ice Rink, afternoon and early evening sessions. Family friendly, helmets recommended. Concessions available and warming areas open between sessions.
- Mon Jan 12 - Cozy Crafts at the Crown Point Community Library, 6-7:30 pm. Supplies provided while they last. All ages welcome with a parent or guardian.
- Tue Jan 13 - Guided Winter Walk at Sauerman Woods Park, 5 pm. A brisk, beginner-friendly stroll focusing on winter tree ID and cold-weather safety. Dress in layers and wear traction if paths are slick.
- Wed Jan 14 - Local History Night at the Historic Courthouse rotunda, 6:30 pm. A short talk on early town industries followed by a Q and A. Seating opens at 6 pm.
- Thu Jan 15 - Senior Coffee and Conversation at the Civic Center, 9-10:30 am. Light refreshments and updates from parks and public safety. Rideshares encouraged due to limited parking if snow piles reduce space.
- Fri Jan 16 - Bulldogs Boys Varsity Basketball Home Game, tip-off 7 pm at the high school gym. Pep band, student section theme night, and youth recognition at halftime.
- Sat Jan 17 - Winter Market on the Square, 10 am-2 pm in the courthouse corridors. Seasonal produce where available, handmade goods, hot cocoa stations, and kids make-and-take crafts.
Family Fun and Recreation
If you plan to skate this week, check rink status before heading out, as temporary closures can occur during heavy snow or thaw-freeze cycles. Sledding hills at the fairgrounds are typically open when snowpack is adequate; bring a plastic sled and avoid metal runners. Indoor alternatives include open gym time at local fieldhouses and drop-in pickleball; loaner paddles are often available for first-timers.
Learning, Arts, and Culture
The library is rolling out a Cabin Fever Reading Bingo for all ages this month. Pick up a card at the front desk and complete simple reading challenges to earn small prizes. Budding musicians can join a beginner ukulele circle at the library on Thursday evening, with a brief tuning demo at the start. The art guild downtown is hosting a winter watercolor mini-workshop Saturday morning; pre-registration is suggested due to limited tables.
Community Health and Safety Notes
Sidewalk courtesy helps everyone: please clear a path at least three feet wide after snowfalls, especially near bus stops and corner ramps. On-street parking may be restricted during snow operations; check posted signs and move vehicles to let plows pass. If you or a neighbor needs a warming spot, daytime warming areas are typically available at the library and Civic Center during open hours. Pet owners, watch for paw ice and salted surfaces during walks.
Looking Ahead: Late January Highlights
Mark your calendar for these end-of-month activities:
- Sun Jan 18 - Youth Basketball Skills Clinic at the high school fieldhouse, early afternoon sessions by age group.
- Thu Jan 22 - Family STEM Night at the library, hands-on stations exploring magnets, simple circuits, and winter weather science.
- Sat Jan 24 - Fire and Ice Night at Bulldog Park, with ice carving demonstrations, fire pits, and evening skate sessions.
- Tue Jan 27 - Community Blood Drive at the Civic Center, late afternoon through early evening. Bring a photo ID and hydrate beforehand.
- Thu Jan 29 - Winter Wildlife Talk with a regional naturalist, 6:30 pm at the historic courthouse. Tips for backyard bird care during cold snaps.
- Sat Jan 31 - Polar Pals Fun Run on the square in the morning, followed by a hot chocolate social and awards.
Have a safe and active week, Crown Point. If weather shifts, confirm times with hosts and give yourself extra travel time for any evening events. See you around town.
