Welcome to your midwinter roundup of things to do around town. From cozy indoor gatherings to brisk evening walks, there is plenty happening around Lowell this week, plus a few dates to save later in January.
This Week at a Glance: Jan 11-17
- Jan 12, 6:00-7:30 pm - Winter Reading Kickoff and Cocoa Bar at the Lowell Public Library Community Room. Sign up for the seasonal reading challenge, pick up a book list, and make a simple bookmark craft.
- Jan 13, 6:00 pm - Guided Lantern Hike at Buckley Homestead County Park, weather permitting. A naturalist-led, family-friendly stroll on packed trails. Dress in layers and bring a small flashlight.
- Jan 14, 8:00-9:00 am - Coffee with a Cop in the Town Hall lobby. Meet local officers, ask questions about winter driving and neighborhood watch tips.
- Jan 15, 4:00-6:00 pm - Teen Board Game Drop-in at the library. Warm snacks, new strategy games, and space to unwind after school. Ages 12-18.
- Jan 16, 5:00-7:00 pm - Family Open Gym Night at the high school auxiliary gym. Basketballs and pickleball nets available. Clean, dry athletic shoes required for the floor.
- Jan 17, 9:00 am-noon - Winter Warmth Drive at the local fire station. Donate new socks, gloves, and knit hats for neighbors in need. Light refreshments provided.
Spotlight: Simple Ways to Enjoy Winter Close to Home
Parks and trails remain open dawn to dusk, and packed paths can make for pleasant winter walks. For a quick nature fix, try a 30-minute loop before sunset with reflective clothing and a small light. If you are heading out after recent snowfall, bring traction cleats and keep dogs leashed to protect groomed sections. Prefer to stay indoors? The library has take-home craft kits and a rotating puzzle table, and several downtown spots host informal morning meetups where neighbors swap travel mugs, stories, and winter tips.
Families looking to burn energy inside can set up a mini obstacle course at home with rolled towels and chairs, then cool down with a read-aloud from a winter picture book. Teens can jump into the reading challenge with graphic novels or short story collections that fit between practices and rehearsals.
Town Notes for the Week
- Plow prep: Keep cars off posted snow routes when crews are out. Shovel snow to the right side of your driveway to reduce plow pushback, and clear hydrants if one is near your home. Small acts save crews time and help emergency responders.
- Trash and recycling: Expect normal pickup this week. Place bins curbside by 6:00 am and close lids to prevent drifting snow from filling containers.
- Warming options: If temperatures dip sharply, community spaces like the library and public buildings can serve as daytime warming locations during open hours. Check posted hours before heading out and look for entrance mats to keep floors dry and safe.
Looking Ahead: Late January Dates to Save
- Jan 20, 2:00-6:00 pm - Community Blood Drive at the local legion hall. Appointments recommended; walk-ins as space allows.
- Jan 23, 6:30 pm - History Night: Winter on the Homestead in the library meeting room, with hands-on artifacts and a short talk on frontier-era cold weather routines.
- Jan 25, 3:00 pm - Winter Choir Showcase at the high school auditorium featuring student ensembles and a sing-along finale.
- Jan 27, 7:00 pm - School and Community Chat at Town Hall. An informal conversation on volunteer mentorships and after-school activities.
- Jan 30, 7:00-9:00 pm - Winter Trivia Night at the community hall downtown. Form teams of up to six; family-friendly categories and small prizes.
Have an event coming up in February? Community, school, and nonprofit organizers can submit details to the bulletin desk for consideration. Stay warm, check on a neighbor, and enjoy the best of Lowell this week.
