Bundle up and make the most of the season. From outdoor fun to cozy indoor gatherings, this week offers plenty of ways to connect, learn, and stay active around town. Read on for the top picks now through Sunday, plus a handful of dates you will want on your calendar later in the month.
This Week at a Glance: Jan 12-18
- Mon Jan 12 - Open Skate Night at the Civic Ice Rink, 6:30 PM-8:30 PM. Family-friendly laps, rental counter open, and a warm-up corner with hot cocoa while supplies last.
- Tue Jan 13 - Preschool Storytime at the Public Library, 10:30 AM. Songs, rhymes, and winter tales. Caregivers must remain with children.
- Tue Jan 13 - Winter Bird Walk at Stony Creek trails, 3:30 PM-4:45 PM. Guided stroll to spot chickadees, nuthatches, and winter raptors; dress for icy footing.
- Wed Jan 14 - Senior Social and Soup Luncheon at the Senior Center, 11:30 AM-1:00 PM. Light chair stretching followed by a hearty soup bar and cards.
- Wed Jan 14 - Youth Basketball Home Doubleheader, 6:00 PM and 7:15 PM. Cheer on the home teams; concessions available.
- Thu Jan 15 - Parks and Rec Indoor Yoga, Community Room B, 6:00 PM-7:00 PM. Bring a mat and water; all levels welcome.
- Fri Jan 16 - Night Sledding at Briarwood Hill, 5:30 PM-8:00 PM. Portable lights set up at dusk; helmets encouraged and required for ages 12 and under.
- Sat Jan 17 - Winter Farmers Market, Township Hall atrium, 9:00 AM-1:00 PM. Seasonal produce, breads, local honey, and small-batch jams.
- Sat Jan 17 - Learn to Skate Clinic, Civic Ice Rink, 2:00 PM-3:00 PM. Beginner-friendly pointers for kids and adults.
- Sun Jan 18 - Snowshoe and Cocoa Community Hike, Maple Ravine Loop, 1:00 PM-2:30 PM. Limited loaner snowshoes at the trailhead; arrive early.
Good To Know This Week
- Snow and ice note: plow crews prioritize primary roads before local streets. Keep vehicles off the curb line during declared snow operations to help clear lanes. - Sidewalk courtesy: clear a path at least 36 inches wide within 24 hours after significant snowfall if you are able. - Cold snap reminder: check on neighbors and set pets up with warm, dry shelter when temperatures dip.
Spotlight: Indoors for the Win
If the wind picks up, the library offers quiet study nooks and a puzzle table all week. The Senior Center hosts open crafting on Thursday morning, and the gym at Community Hall has drop-in pickleball on Friday from 9:00 AM to noon with paddles to borrow.
Later This Month: Save the Date
- Mon Jan 19 - MLK Day Service Projects, 9:00 AM-12:00 PM. Pack hygiene kits, write thank-you notes for community helpers, and help assemble winter warmth bundles. All ages welcome with supervision.
- Thu Jan 22 - Winter Safety Talk, Fire Station Training Room, 6:30 PM. Home heating tips, carbon monoxide awareness, and space-heater do and do nots.
- Sat Jan 24 - Frost Fest at Riverbend Park, 11:00 AM-3:00 PM. Ice-carving demos, tug-of-war in the snow, chili tasting, and a kids snow maze.
- Tue Jan 27 - Township Board Regular Meeting, 6:30 PM. Public comment period near the start; agenda posted in the clerk vestibule.
- Fri Jan 30 - Family Game Night at the Library, 6:00 PM-8:00 PM. Board games supplied or bring a favorite; light snacks permitted.
- Sat Jan 31 - Stick and Puck Community Skate, Civic Ice Rink, 10:00 AM-11:30 AM. Helmets and gloves required; bring your own stick.
How to Participate
Most programs are first-come, first-served; arrive a few minutes early to check in. For activities with limited equipment, consider bringing your own gear. If weather becomes hazardous, outdoor events may shift to abbreviated formats or indoor alternatives; look for posted signs at venues. Stay warm, be neighborly, and have a great week in Washington.
