The cold has settled in here and we are always looking for things to do to break up the monotony of the winter. Check out these activities to make the most of the ice and snow!

Don’t forget the first annual Youth Ice Fishing Tournament, held in memory of Gerald “Jerry” Bruce Sheppard and hosted by Smugglers Nob Rod & Gun Club. It takes place on Saturday, February 5 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Mitchell Pond in Cochecton. Bring the kids of all ages out for a fun-filled day of ice fishing (all kids fish for free). Food and beverages for all kids who participate, and all children will be eligible for prizes. Fishing regulations will be in accordance with the NYSDEC. Contact Harold “Boomer” Russell  (845/583-6602) or Kevin Esselman (845/932-7829) with any questions.

Town of Neversink's first annual Winter Fest will be held from 12 noon to 7 p.m. on Saturday, February 12, with a snow/blizzard date of Saturday, February 19. Lots of fun for kids and adults of all ages! Food vendors, craft vendors and activities such as tubing, cross country skiing, sledding, snow painting, s'mores, music and much more! 

Interested in trying snowshoeing? Snowshoeing is the perfect alternative to skiing when you're lacking vitamin D this winter! Fortress Bikes in Hurleyville has snowshoes available for all sizes. Kids who are under age three can ride along in a sled pulled by an adult (additional fees apply). Learn more: https://www.fortressbikes.com.

The SKI NY Passport Program—Kids Ski Free is back for the 2021-22 season! This year the pass is valid seven days a week except for holiday periods at certain ski areas as noted on their website,  https://www.iskiny.com/ski-ride/ski-ny-ski-ride-passport-program. The program offers free skiing, with an adult purchase, for your third- and fourth-graders. It can be used up to two times per participating ski area after a $41 application processing fee.

The Villa Roma Friday night skiing is back! With $20 lifts and rentals plus each lift ticket comes with a slice of pizza and drink.

The “Red Dogs” football and cheerleading sign-ups will be from 9 a.m. to 12 noon on February 5 at the Sullivan West Elementary School. Snow date is February 12. Save $10 on early registration fees. Contact President Heather Han for more details or questions at reddogsorganization@gmail.com.

For informational purposes—the USPS is offering each residential address four free, individual rapid-antigen COVID-19 tests. Simply go to the website to request your free tests. https://special.usps.com/testkits.

The Town of Cochecton also has test kits available for pick-up at the town hall. Please contact the town clerk to arrange pick-up at 845/932-8360 ext. 11.

Stay warm, bundle up and remember spring is just around the corner!

If you have a local business that would like to be spotlighted in an upcoming column, please get in touch! Email jenn@jennpowelldesigns.com with any news, events, and happenings.