January can be a good month to hibernate. With low temperatures and darkness, it’s weather crying out for a good book, a fireplace and a steaming cup of tea. For those who don’t thrill at the thought of winter sports, activities can be hard to come by.
But that’s far from the case this weekend in the Upper Valley. There are plenty of films, talks and other community events to attend. Here are my picks for the next few days.
Thursday
Holiday Concert in Thetford: 6:30 p.m. The annual Thetford Academy holiday instrumental and choral concert (rescheduled from December). Free. Thetford Academy, Martha Jane Rich Theater, 304 Academy Road, Thetford. 802-785-4805.
Film and Discussion: “Clean Disruption” in Plainfield: 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. In this video presentation, author and futurist Tony Seba argues that the electric vehicle, battery storage and solar power will wipe fossil fuels off the market in about a decade. Discussion follows. Free. Philip Read Memorial Library, 1088 Route 12A. 603-727-9368.
Friday
Sing-In to Honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Hanover: 5 p.m.-6:30 p.m. Celebrate the central role group singing has played in social movements with sing-ins each Friday in January. Children and novices welcome. It is not necessary to arrive on time. Free. Paddock Music Library, Hopkins Center for the Arts, 4 E. Wheelock St. 603-646-3234.
Spark! Monthly Movie Night in Lebanon: 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m. A family-friendly movie and pizza dinner on the first Friday of every month. Visit sparkcommunitycenter.com for a schedule of film titles. $5 suggested donation. Spark! Community Center, 75 Bank St. 603-678-8619.
Family Movie Night in Bethel: 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Family film on the first Friday of every month. Visit bri-vt.org or see Facebook event for title. Bring a blanket or beanbag if desired (regular chairs also available). Popcorn and drinks for sale. Donations accepted. Town Hall, 134 S. Main St. 802-379-4474.
Logging Discussion in Tunbridge: 7 p.m. Forestry consultant Paul Harwood and loggers Shane Young and Calvin Johnson present a panel discussion, “Loggers and Their Contribution to a Healthy Forest.” Free. Tunbridge Public Library, 289 Route 110. 802-889-9404.
Saturday
Community Balanced Life Open House in Enfield: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. To celebrate its grand opening, this new nonprofit yoga, health and fitness studio will offer free classes for adults and children. Go to communitybalancedlife.org to see a schedule and sign up. Free. Community Balanced Life, 502 Route 4. 603-632-1022.
Winter Tree Identification Workshop in Woodstock: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Forester Jon Bouton leads an indoor class on winter tree identification, followed by an outdoor trek. Bring lunch and join a post-workshop discussion. Call to register. Free. Forest Center, Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park, 54 Elm St. 802-457-3368 x222.
Spaghetti and Chicken Parmesan Dinner in Ascutney: 5 p.m.-7 p.m. Hosted by the Ascutney Volunteer Fire Department. The meal is served with fresh tossed salad, garlic bread and a variety of desserts. $10. Martin Memorial Hall, 5259 Route 5. 802-289-7534.
Sunday
Indoor Antique Market in Sharon: 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Dealers offer a variety of items, including rugs, linens, china, jewelry, tools, furniture, pottery, art, clothing and more. Donation at the door. Sharon Elementary School, 75 Route 132. 802-356-1208.
Kids: Story Time and Marshmallow Roast in Hanover: 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Story time and roasted marshmallows by the campfire, along with skating, cross-country skiing and sledding (weather permitting). For children ages 3-8, accompanied by their parents. Free. Dartmouth Outing Club House on Occom Pond, 10 Hilton Field Road. 603-646-2428.
Community Dinner in Canaan: 12:30 p.m.-2 p.m. A hot entree and vegetables, rolls, dessert and drink. Free handmade knitted hats for those in need of warm clothing this winter. Free. St. Mary Mission Church, 1157 Route 4. 603-632-4263.
