CALENDAR: This month’s must-do’s

e Must List

10 essential events this month

For a statewide listing of events visit us online! HeyRhody.com

January 14: The 24-Hour Play Festival features five short plays written, rehearsed, and performed within a 24-hour period, producing results that are surprising, thoughtful, and often bizarre – but always entertaining. Wakefield, ContemporaryTheaterCompany.com

January 1: Take a dip into the frigid Atlantic for the annual New Year’s Day Polar Plunge at Easton’s Beach to benefit A Wish Come True. Rejects Beer Co. hosts a pre-event buffet and post-plunge reception. Newport, AWish.org

January 3: Learn from experienced hiker and Appalachian Mountain Club trail leader Elise Hedglen, who will be visiting Harmony Library for Winter Hiking Know How, offering tips and gear recommendations for the coldweather sport. Chepachet, TourBlackstone.com

January 8: Renew your spirit for the new year with a day of personal growth, self-discovery, and relaxation learning the creative mindfulness process known as SoulCollage, facilitated by Jennifer Watson, owner of Soul Unfolding. Warren, SoulUnfoldingRI.com January 12-29: The Gamm Theatre presents Faith Healer, by acclaimed author Brian Friel, a modern masterpiece that weaves together the stories of an erratic faith healer, his embittered but loving wife, and his weary-stage manager. Warwick, GammTheatre.org

January 13: Spend a Friday evening in nature for the New Year’s Winter Wellness Workshop at Norman Bird Sanctuary, where you’ll learn about herbs, set intentions through guided meditation, and hike under the night sky. Middletown, NormanBirdSanctuary.org

January 14: Shake it up baby! 1964 The Tribute recreates the sound and feel of the pre-Sgt. Pepper era Beatles and was recently called the “best Beatles tribute band on earth” by Rolling Stone magazine. Woonsocket, StadiumTheatre.com January 14-29: The Rhode Island Black Storytellers presents Funda Fest 25: A Sankofa Celebration of Black Storytelling. The twoweek series features spoken word from a range of local performers. Providence, RIBSTFest.org

January 21: Get in touch with your literary side for a Book Launch Party of Reef Road with author Deborah Goodrich Royce joined by New York Times bestselling author Luanne Rice speaking at the United Theatre. Westerly, UnitedTheatre.org

January 27: Meet and greet with live owls and then join Audubon naturalists for a hike at Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge looking for Barred Owls and Great Horned Owls while learning about their natural habitat. Exeter, ASRI.org