What is your winter survival strategy? We live in New England so either consciously or unconsciously, we all have one. Hopefully it does not involve behavior that is too self-destructive – hot toddies and smokey scotchs can be wonderful, unless you’re fighting to be free of an addiction! Some can practice moderation and abstinence is better for others. One thing we all desperately need however is good old vitamin D. I don’t mean to go down a medical path. If you suspect you are getting insufficient vitamin D, you should consult a medical professional. What I mean is that I feel a lot better on days when I get to enjoy some time directly underneath blue skies. Sun burns are unpleasant and can lead to significantly nasty long-term complications, so please stay covered and wear sunscreen, even on cloudy and days, when you’re going to be outside for a prolonged period.

When the temperatures drop, it can be tempting to stay inside where it is (hopefully) safe and warm. Now is the time for bravery! Dig through your closets and drawers and find layers. Fabrics that wick away moisture, rather than trapping it next to your skin, are key. Save the cotton, dive into your synthetics and your wools. Wind can be especially cutting, so wear something it can’t easily penetrate. Pay attention to extremities like fingers, ears, and chins. Many years I use winter as an excuse to grow my beard longer. I’m not sure if it adds any real warmth, but trimming it in the spring really feels good!

Once you’re ready, it’s time to get outside!

Lace up some boots, and grab a walking stick if it provides welcome stability. Taking even a short walk can do wonders. Check out one of our local trails. You can download maps from the town website, or simply stop by the library and we’ll give you what you need.

The Weston Ski Track is only ten miles away and is a great place for cross country skiing and snowshoeing. This season they are requiring reservations for everyone, so make some and head on over. You can bring your own equipment, or rent it there. 

Ready to add some speed? I recommend starting with the Blue Hills. With the right conditions you can have a really good time here, with an amazingly short drive. Get a snow report from their website and discover this local gem that has been operating for over 70 years!

Have you been to the Skating Club of Boston in Norwood yet? It is truly a world-class facility that attracts athletes training for the Olympics and other stellar opportunities. There are still tickets available to join the Town and the Club for a Celebration on Ice to honor Norwood’s 150th anniversary. It is happening on Saturday, February 26, starting at 6:00 p.m. and you can purchase tickets here at the library at our main desk on the ground floor (and they’re only $10!) Its going to be an inspiring evening with performances that have won medals all around the world, including the 28-time U.S. Champion synchronized skating team, the Haydenettes.

The Skating Club of Boston also offers multiple public skating sessions throughout the week. Public skating is a perfect opportunity to get on the ice and experience some recreational fun. Norwood residents enjoy a 50% discount on public skating admission, for a cost of $5.00 (Adults) and $4.00 (children 12 and under) per session. They also have skates and skate aids available to rent. Learn more and see the weekly rink schedules on their website. 

Once you’re gotten some ice time for yourself and your family and friends, you may likely be ready to sit down and enjoy watching some athletes set some amazing records. The Olympic games are kicking off on February 4 and running over two weeks until February 20. There are certain to be lots of inspiring performances and fascinating stories about the athletes to watch. There are also lots of books and videos you can borrow to read and watch to further immerse yourself in this world. One recent book you may not have yet seen was just published in 2021. It is by Jocelyne Lamoureux-Davidson and Monique Lamoureux-Morando and titled Dare to Make History: Chasing a Dream and Fighting for Equity. It is the story of twins Jocelyn and Monique who grew up with four older brothers playing on a frozen pond next to their home in North Dakota. They played hockey on teams where they were the only girls, eventually winning six world championships, two silver Olympic medals, and finally a gold, playing on the USA Women’s National Team in South Korea in 2018. They also worked to create a new professional women’s hockey league and create more opportunities for greatness to shine.

Winter is celebrated for its incredible beauty and opportunities for awe-inspiring athleticism in such a wonderful way by the filmmaker Warren Miller. He has a nearly cult-like following, and for good reason. Learn about his story in Ski Bum, instantly streamable from hoopla, or just go straight to the source with Ski Country (1984), Winter Fever (1979), Extreme Winter (1990), or the 1992 Steeper and Deeper. 

Stay warm, don’t forget to stretch, get inspired, and go have some winter fun!

Clayton Cheever is the Director of the Morrill Memorial Library in Norwood, MA. Look for his article in the February 3, 2022 issue of the Transcript and Bulletin.