Bundle up and make the most of winter with a full slate of indoor and outdoor happenings around Elmhurst. From library programs and volunteer cleanups to wellness walks in the park, there is something to keep every age engaged during the January chill.
Happening This Week
- Sun Jan 11 - Winter Wellness Walk at Elmhurst Park, 9:00-10:00 a.m. Start your week with a brisk lap or two. Family friendly, gentle pace. Wear sturdy shoes and bring a warm hat and gloves.
- Mon Jan 12 - Homework Help Hour at the neighborhood library, 3:00-5:00 p.m. Volunteers assist students with math, reading, and research basics. Space is first come, first served.
- Tue Jan 13 - ESL Conversation Circle, 6:00-7:00 p.m. Practice everyday English in a relaxed small group. All levels welcome; adults and older teens encouraged to join.
- Wed Jan 14 - Tech Help Drop-In, 2:00-4:00 p.m. Need guidance with e-readers, email, or forms? Bring your device and questions for one-on-one assistance.
- Thu Jan 15 - Community Clean Corner, 4:00-5:00 p.m. Neighbors tidy up a few blocks near Broadway and Justice Ave. Gloves and bags provided. Dress for the weather.
- Fri Jan 16 - Family Movie Night at the library, 4:00-6:00 p.m. Cozy up for a PG-rated winter classic. Light snacks welcome, please keep it tidy.
- Sat Jan 17 - Winter Clothing Drive Drop-Off, 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Donate clean, gently used coats, scarves, and sweaters. Items will be sorted for local distribution ahead of the next cold snap.
Looking Ahead This Month
Mark your calendar for late-January highlights designed to inform, delight, and connect neighbors.
- Sat Jan 24 - Tree Stewardship in Elmhurst Park, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Help mulch young trees and learn simple winter care tips from park stewards. Tools provided.
- Sun Jan 25 - Community Pantry Pop-Up, 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. A no-cost distribution of shelf-stable items and produce while supplies last. Bring a reusable bag.
- Wed Jan 28 - Tax Prep Season Preview, 6:00-7:00 p.m. Free overview of what documents to gather for February filing assistance programs. Printed checklists available.
- Thu Jan 29 - Winter Wellness Check Talk, 5:30-6:30 p.m. A nurse-led chat on staying active and hydrated, reading medicine labels, and safe walking on icy sidewalks.
- Sat Jan 31 - Youth Basketball Skills Clinic, 9:30-11:00 a.m. Fundamentals for ages 8-13 with warmups, dribbling drills, and teamwork games. Bring a water bottle.
Neighborhood Notes
- Parks: Paths can be slick after thaw-refreeze cycles. Step carefully, keep pets leashed, and report icy trouble spots at park entrances to on-site staff when present. - Schools: Many afterschool clubs resume this week. Families should check backpack notices for sign-up forms and meeting times. - Sanitation: Post-holiday bulk pickups may be delayed. Place items curbside only on designated days to keep sidewalks clear for strollers and wheelchairs.
How to Participate and Prepare
Most events are free and open to the public. For indoor programs, arrive a few minutes early to secure a seat, especially for small-group sessions like ESL and tech help. For outdoor activities, dress in layers, wear shoes with traction, and consider bringing hand warmers. If you plan to donate to the clothing drive, please sort items by size and label bags to speed up distribution. Community organizers welcome volunteers; if you can lend a hand with setup or cleanup, offer to arrive 15 minutes early. If inclement weather is forecast, some outdoor events may shift to a brief meet-and-greet or be postponed; look for updated signage at usual gathering points. Stay warm, look out for neighbors, and we will see you around Elmhurst this week.
