Bundle up, neighbors. Winter is in full swing and there is plenty to do close to home. Here is your friendly roundup of community happenings to keep you warm, active, and connected around Kouts this week, plus a few dates to watch as the month rolls on.
This week at a glance
- Sun Jan 11 - Winter Warm-Up at the Town Park Pavilion, 2:00-4:00 pm. Bring a thermos and your sleds if there is snow. Hot cocoa station and family yard games. If conditions are icy, expect low-impact alternatives like cornhole and a short park stroll.
- Mon Jan 12 - Cozy Craft Night at the Public Library branch, 5:30-7:00 pm. Simple fleece scarf-making and adult coloring. Supplies provided while they last; ages 12 and up welcome with an adult.
- Tue Jan 13 - Snow Season Q and A at Town Hall, 6:00-7:00 pm. Quick refresher on plow routes, on-street parking during snowfalls, and mailbox safety. Short session with time for questions.
- Wed Jan 14 - Coffee and Cards at the Community Center, 9:00-11:00 am. Euchre, rummy, checkers, and a warm space to chat. Drop in, no fee.
- Thu Jan 15 - High School Basketball Home Night, Kouts Gym. JV 6:00 pm, Varsity 7:30 pm. Concessions open; youth in spirit wear get a small discount at the stand.
- Fri Jan 16 - Teen Game Night at the Library, 6:00-8:00 pm. Board games, puzzle swap, and a collaborative trivia round. Snacks allowed, bring a water bottle.
- Sat Jan 17 - Volunteer Fire Department Pancake Breakfast, 7:00-10:00 am at the fire station. Sausage, pancakes, and orange juice. Also: Winter Prairie Walk, noon-1:30 pm, meet at the south lot of the county nature area. Dress in layers and wear waterproof footwear.
Make the most of winter indoors
If cabin fever is creeping in, pop into the library any afternoon for the Winter Reading Challenge. Quick mini-goals are posted near the front desk, and kids can pick up a paper tracker for end-of-month prize drawings. Local musicians are organizing an informal Acoustic Circle at the Community Center on alternating Thursdays this season; if you play, bring an instrument and a simple tune to share. Check in at the desk when you arrive.
Get outside safely
Sidewalk etiquette helps everyone: clear a 3-foot path within a reasonable time after snowfall if you are able, and toss pet-safe melt near school walking routes. At the park, stick to plowed paths and avoid pond ice unless an area is clearly posted as safe. For weekend hikers, let someone know your route, carry a small light after 4:00 pm, and keep phones warm in an inside pocket to preserve battery life.
Mark your calendar for later this month
- Tue Jan 20 - Community Blood Drive at the Community Center, 2:00-6:00 pm. Eat a good meal and bring a photo ID.
- Thu Jan 22 - Winter Reading Mid-Month Check-In at the Library, 4:00-6:00 pm. Quick craft and reading recommendations table.
- Sat Jan 24 - Youth Basketball Jamboree at the Elementary Gym, morning heats beginning 9:00 am. Concessions and team photos.
- Tue Jan 27 - Garden Club Seed Swap, Library Meeting Room, 6:30 pm. Bring labeled packets if you have them; beginners welcome.
- Thu Jan 29 - Depot Room History Night, 6:30-7:30 pm. Historic photos of early rail and farm life in the area. Community photo sharing encouraged.
- Sat Jan 31 - Community Chili Cook-Off at the Community Center, tasting 5:00-6:30 pm, awards at 6:45 pm. Bring nonperishable items to support the food pantry.
Community notes and reminders
- Snow parking reminder: when 2 inches or more are forecast, move vehicles off the street so plows can clear curb to curb.
- Salt wisely: a coffee-cup amount is enough for a standard driveway. Sweep up excess to protect pets and waterways.
- Warming options: the Library and Community Center serve as daytime warming spaces during regular hours. Check posted hours before you head out.
- Neighbors helping neighbors: if you are shoveling your walk, consider doing the stretch for a nearby senior or anyone recovering from illness. Small efforts make a big difference.
Have an event to share next week or a photo from this weekend to highlight? Drop a note at the Community Center front desk. Stay warm, Kouts, and see you around town.
