What to Do in Mendon, NY This Week: January 2026 News and Events

Bundle up and make the most of January. Below are this week's highlights in Mendon, followed by a few can't-miss dates later this month. Whether you are looking for outdoor fun, library programs, or simple ways to help neighbors, there is plenty happening close to home.

Happening This Week

• Sun Jan 11 - Winter Bird Walk at Mendon Ponds Park, 8:30-10:00 AM. Beginner friendly loop with spotters on hand. Dress in layers and bring binoculars if you have them.
• Mon Jan 12 - Teen Study Night at the Library, 5:00-8:00 PM. Quiet spaces, snacks, and study guides to help kick off the new semester.
• Tue Jan 13 - Town Board Meeting at Town Hall, 7:00 PM. Public comment period near the start. Agenda includes winter road maintenance updates and park trail grooming schedules.
• Wed Jan 14 - Senior Snowshoe Social at Mendon Ponds Park, 10:00-11:30 AM. Limited loaner gear available at check in. Warm-up chat with cocoa at the end.
• Thu Jan 15 - Indoor Pickleball Open Play at the Community Center, 6:00-8:00 PM. Mixed skill levels. Bring non-marking shoes. Paddles available to borrow.
• Fri Jan 16 - Community Blood Drive at the Fire Hall, 1:00-6:00 PM. Walk-ins welcome. Bring ID and eat beforehand.
• Sat Jan 17 - Winter Farmers Market Indoors, 9:00 AM-Noon at the Community Center. Local produce in storage, baked goods, honey, crafts, and live acoustic music.
• Sat Jan 17 - Family Sledding Night at the park hill, 4:00-7:00 PM. Lights on the slope, safety monitors, and free cocoa at the warming tent.

Around Town Updates

Seasonal tree drop-off remains open through the end of the month at the transfer area near the highway garage. Please remove all decorations and bags. Town crews are rotating overnight plow routes during active storms. If you can, keep vehicles off the street during snowfall and give plows at least 3 car lengths. Trail grooming at Mendon Ponds Park resumes 24 hours after significant snowfall to preserve the base for cross-country skiing.

For Families

The library's early literacy corner has new winter-themed picture books and a simple snowflake craft available all week. Friday morning storytime continues at 10:30 AM with songs and movement. Scouts and youth volunteers will be assembling weekend snack packs on Wednesday at 5:30 PM at the Community Center - older kids welcome with a guardian.

Get Outside

Groomed ski loops are marked on the east side of the park when conditions allow. Trail tip: if your boots are leaving deep postholes, choose a snowshoe route to protect ski tracks. Ice on the ponds is variable after recent temperature swings. Use designated areas only and check posted advisories before stepping out.

Volunteer Spotlight

Neighbors helping neighbors: the Snow Angel list matches volunteers with residents who need occasional help clearing walkways after heavier storms. Sign-ups and requests are handled through the Community Center desk during business hours. Training on safe shoveling and salt use is Thursday at 5:15 PM, right before pickleball.

Save These Dates - Later in January

• Sun Jan 18 - Quiet Ski Hour at the park, 8:00-9:00 AM. Courtesy hour for slow skiers and beginners.
• Tue Jan 20 - Historical Society Winter Talk at Town Hall, 6:30 PM. A look at old farm roads and how they shaped today's trail system.
• Thu Jan 22 - School Jazz Night, 7:00 PM in the auditorium. Student ensembles and a community combo finale.
• Sat Jan 24 - Owl Prowl at dusk, meet at the Nature Center parking area at 5:00 PM. Space is limited - arrive early to check in.
• Tue Jan 27 - Author Chat and Journal Workshop at the library, 6:00 PM. Bring a notebook.
• Sat Jan 31 - Winter Chili and Cornbread Community Supper, 5:00-7:00 PM at the Fire Hall. Vegetarian options available.

Have an event to share next week or want to help at a program listed here? Leave details at the Community Center or Library front desk. See you around town.