Cold, icy weather has really settled into Lake Huntington lately. Mornings start with slippery roads, frosty windows, and the sound of boots crunching on frozen ground. The lake looks calm and quiet under a layer of ice, reminding us that winter is definitely here. Even though the cold makes us slow down a bit, it’s also a time when our community sticks together, looks out for one another, and finds simple ways to stay warm and connected.

Here are some events happening in our community and beyond:

Arts Nest at Delaware Valley Opera continues its winter concert series with three engaging Sunday afternoon performances that spotlight artists known for rich storytelling and exceptional musicianship. On February 8 at 2 p.m., audiences will experience Hiroya Tsukamoto, a Japanese-born fingerstyle guitarist whose delicate, fluid playing is paired with spoken stories drawn from his life and travels, creating a deeply personal and transporting concert experience. The series continues on February 15 at 2 p.m. with contemporary folk singer-songwriter Emily Barnes, whose songs capture the lives and emotions of everyday people. Armed with an acoustic guitar and a hauntingly honest voice, Barnes has built a devoted following through heartfelt performances in both small rooms and larger venues across the country.

The month concludes on February 22 at 2 p.m. with AILÍSE, an Irish-born artist now living in the Catskills, whose music bridges past and present through ancestral influences, original Irish- and English-language compositions, and themes of transformation and self-discovery. AILÍSE brings a wide-ranging performance background spanning choral work, traditional Irish music, classical training, and contemporary songwriting. All performances take place at Arts Nest, 6692 State Route 52 in Lake Huntington. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door.

The Smugglers Nob Rod & Gun Club will host its Annual Youth Ice Fishing Tournament on Sunday, February 1 from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Mitchell Pond in Cochecton, New York. Held in memory of Gerald “Jerry” Bruce Sheppard, this event invites families to bring kids out for a fun-filled day on the ice. All children fish for free and will receive food and beverages, with additional food and drinks available for purchase for adults. Every participating child is eligible for prizes. Fishing regulations will follow NYSDEC guidelines, and access to the pond will be at 175 Mitchell Pond West Road. Transportation to the fishing area will be provided by club members, and no outside ATVs or UTVs are permitted. Registration will take place upon entry. For more information, attendees can contact Harold “Boomer” Russell at (845) 583-6602 or Kevin Esselman at (845) 932-7829.

If you have a local business that would like to be spotlighted in an upcoming column, please get in touch! Please email jenn@jennpowelldesigns.com with any news, events, and happenings. You can also find me online at https://rustic-road.com/