January 22 – I am officially done with winter. The cold can pack it up, the snow has overstayed its welcome, and the ice—both on the roads and everywhere else—can see itself out. At this point, winter isn’t charming or cozy anymore; it’s just loud, slippery, and in the way. I’ve had enough of scraping, bundling, and holding my breath every time I step outside, and I’m more than ready to trade all of it for a little sunshine and a reason to leave the house without five layers on. I know I am not alone in these thoughts! I am going to start wishing for warmer temperatures and sunshine!

Here are some events happening in our community and beyond:

Lakeview Pizza & Bar is hosting a Super Bowl Tailgate Party on Sunday, February 8 starting at 5 PM. Tickets are just $10 and include watching the big game on three big-screen TVs with surround sound, plus an all-you-can-grub tailgate buffet that’s perfect for game day. Tickets can be purchased by seeing Chris at the bar or by calling 845-932-813 - grab yours early and get ready for a fun, high-energy night of football, food, and friends.

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.

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/