Welcome to a fresh winter week in Niskayuna, NY. From outdoor ice to warm indoor programs, here is what is happening now and what is coming up later this month.
This Week at a Glance: Jan 11 - Jan 17
- Sun Jan 11 - Winter Trails Meet-Up at Blatnick Park, 10:00 a.m. Join neighbors for a friendly walk on packed paths. Bring traction or snowshoes if conditions warrant. Dogs on leash. Warm-up cocoa at the pavilion afterward.
- Mon Jan 12 - Teen Exam Cram and Cocoa at the Town Library, 3:30-5:30 p.m. Quiet study space, snacks, and last-minute research help as midterms approach.
- Tue Jan 13 - Senior Center Chair Fitness, 10:00 a.m. Gentle movement session followed by coffee hour and a blood pressure screening.
- Tue Jan 13 - Youth Basketball Open Gym at the high school auxiliary gym, 6:30-8:00 p.m. Grades 5-8 skill drills and scrimmage. Bring a water bottle and non-marking shoes.
- Wed Jan 14 - Winter Storytime for Little Ones at the Library, 10:30 a.m. Snow-themed books, scarves songs, and take-home craft.
- Thu Jan 15 - Community Blood Drive at Town Hall, 1:00-6:00 p.m. Walk-ins welcome; bring ID and eat beforehand.
- Fri Jan 16 - Outdoor Ice Night at Blatnick Park, 5:30-8:00 p.m. Weather permitting, the rink will be lit. Free skating, casual puck time in designated area, and music. Helmets encouraged.
- Sat Jan 17 - Winter Farmers and Makers Pop-Up, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Local produce storage crops, baked goods, small-batch soups, and handmade fiber arts. Hot coffee on site.
Family Fun and Recreation
Bundle up and make the most of snowy days. The multi-use paths at Blatnick Park and the riverfront are great for a brisk stroll, and packed snow is usually fine for snowshoes. If we get fresh accumulation, watch for impromptu sledding meet-ups on gentle neighborhood hills. The outdoor rink typically opens when temperatures cooperate, so keep your skates ready and consider bringing a small towel to wipe blades between laps.
Learning and Arts Indoors
The Town Library is a cozy refuge this week, with quiet corners for students, a rotating display of winter reads, and a family board game cart you can borrow for in-library play. Midweek, look for an adult craft hour featuring simple knitting and mending tips, perfect for refreshing winter gear. Music lovers can catch a small ensemble rehearsal open to the public at the high school auditorium on Thursday evening, a nice low-key way to support student performers.
Neighbors Helping Neighbors
The food pantry collection bin at Town Hall is accepting shelf-stable items, winter socks, and toothpaste this week. If you plan to give blood on Thursday, hydrate well the day before and consider bringing a friend. The Senior Center also needs volunteers for a postcard check-in to homebound residents; an hour of your time can brighten a winter week.
Safety and Seasonal Notes
Sidewalks can refreeze after sunset. Consider sprinkling sand or pet-safe melt on your frontage and lend a hand to a neighbor who may need help clearing a curb cut. If you head out after dark, reflective gear is a simple addition that makes a big difference.
Looking Ahead Later This Month
Mon Jan 19 - MLK Day of Service projects will run in the morning and early afternoon at several civic sites. Family-friendly sorting and packing tasks are planned.
Wed Jan 21 - Town Board Meeting, early evening. Budget updates and parks maintenance plans are on the agenda.
Sat Jan 24 - Cross-Country Ski Basics Clinic at a local field loop, late morning. Limited loaner poles available.
Thu Jan 29 - Winter Wellness Talk at the Senior Center, 1:00 p.m., focusing on fall prevention and home safety.
Sat Jan 31 - January Wrap-Up Community Potluck, 5:00-7:00 p.m. Bring a favorite soup or bread, and swap winter reading recommendations.
Have an event to share next week or want to volunteer at one of the upcoming programs? Check in with the appropriate town office or community group, and we will help spread the word. Stay warm, Niskayuna.
