Winter is in full swing, and there is plenty to do around Matteson, IL. Bundle up, check the forecast, and make the most of the week ahead.
Happening This Week
- Sun Jan 11 - Winter Wellness Open Gym - 1:00-3:00 pm at the community center. Family-friendly court time, walking track laps, and low-impact games. Bring clean-soled gym shoes.
- Mon Jan 12 - New Year Fitness Kickstart - 6:00-7:00 pm in the community center studio. Instructor-led circuit for all levels with form tips and stretch cool-down. Ages 16 and up.
- Tue Jan 13 - Teen Study Hall and Cocoa - 4:00-6:00 pm at the public library. Quiet tables, light snacks, and volunteer tutors for midyear reviews. Teens must sign in on arrival.
- Wed Jan 14 - Winter Bird Walk - 9:00-10:30 am at a local forest preserve trailhead. Learn to spot resident birds and track footprints in the snow. Dress in layers and bring binoculars if you have them.
- Wed Jan 14 - Community Conversation Night - 6:30-7:45 pm at the community room. Short updates from village departments followed by open Q and A. All residents welcome.
- Thu Jan 15 - Senior Coffee and Cards - 10:00 am-noon at the senior center. Warm beverages, classic card games, and blood pressure checks provided by a visiting nurse.
- Fri Jan 16 - Family Movie Night - 6:30-8:30 pm at the public library. Cozy indoor screening with closed captions. Bring a blanket and a refillable water bottle.
- Sat Jan 17 - Winter Blood Drive - 9:00 am-1:00 pm at the community center. Photo ID required. Eat a good breakfast and hydrate beforehand.
- Sat Jan 17 - Snow Angels Volunteer Meet-Up - 2:00-3:00 pm at the community center lobby. Quick orientation for neighbors willing to shovel for seniors or residents with disabilities after snow events.
Looking Ahead This Month
Mon Jan 19 - MLK Day of Service: Morning service projects across Matteson, plus an afternoon reflection program. Great for families and student service hours. Advance sign-up recommended.
Thu Jan 22 - Winter Farmers Market Pop-Up: 4:00-7:00 pm indoors with root vegetables, baked goods, honey, and winter greens from regional growers.
Sat Jan 24 - Kids Winter Reading Finale: 11:00 am-noon at the library with storytime, craft stations, and prize drawings for participants who logged their minutes.
Wed Jan 28 - Small Business Roundtable: 8:00-9:15 am at the business incubator space. Peer tips on navigating licensing, winter promotions, and 2026 tax prep basics.
Sat Jan 31 - Indoor Soccer Jamboree: Youth scrimmages and skills stations by age group, 9:00 am-1:00 pm at the fieldhouse. Spectators welcome.
Community Notes and Reminders
Snow and parking: After a 2-inch snowfall, use designated sides of the street for overnight parking when posted. Clear sidewalks within 24 hours where possible, and keep hydrants visible for emergency crews.
Cold weather safety: Check on neighbors, especially seniors. Dress in layers, cover ears and hands, and limit outdoor pet time. Keep a small car kit with blanket, scraper, and sand or cat litter for traction.
Library cards and renewals: If your card expired at year-end, stop by the front desk with a photo ID and proof of address to renew. Digital borrowing works from home once reactivated.
Recreation sign-ups: Winter session classes start soon. Popular options include beginner pickleball, indoor cycling, youth dance, and art studio nights. Scholarships may be available for qualifying households.
Volunteer spotlight: The food pantry welcomes shelf-stable donations and weekday stockers. Teens can earn service hours by helping with sorting and distribution during late afternoon shifts.
Share your event: Community groups hosting open-to-the-public activities this winter can submit details to the bulletin desk by Thursday for inclusion in next week's roundup.
Stay warm, stay safe, and enjoy the best of Matteson this January.
