Events at the VIC
Winter 2012

Winter Wonders Art Show and Sale
Sunday, Jan. 8 through Sunday, February 19

Local featured artists will display their nature themed art from 1-3 PM at the VIC. The first show of the new year, we will feature 8 artists showcasing their art in a variety of mediums including photography, watercolor, oil, and pastels. This will be the first show of the year. Each month, on the new moon, we will offer a new exhibit featuring 2 local artists.

Little Bobcats
Thursdays, Jan. 12, 19 and 26; February 16 and 23; and March 1, 8, 15 and 22

VIC staff will lead a series of programs for 3-to-5 year-olds and their parents. Activities will focus on the local flora and fauna around the VIC. Sessions meet Thursdays from 10 AM to noon. $2/session for members of the Adirondack Park Institute (API); $5/session for those who have not yet joined. Parents are asked to participate with their children. Please register by calling Sarah Keyes at (518) 327-6241 or emailing skeyes@paulsmiths.edu.

Live Birds of Prey
Saturdays, Jan. 14, 21 and 28

The Paul Smith's College VIC and Adirondack Raptors invite you to learn about birds of prey from 1-3 PM. Mark Manske of Adirondack Raptors will have live birds on hand to describe the amazing lives of hawks and owls of our region.

ALPs Snowshoe Trips
Saturdays, Jan. 14, February 11 and March 10

Join a VIC naturalist on an Adirondack Low Peak snowshoe trip. Participants meet at the VIC at 8 AM for all three trips and will climb Debar Mountain Jan. 14, Loon Lake Mountain on February 11, and Haystack Mountain in Ray Brook on March 10. Rental snowshoes are available. $30/session for season-pass holders; $40/session for non-pass holders.

Hot Cocoa Club
Sundays, Jan. 15 and 29, February 12 and March 11

Join VIC naturalist Sarah Keyes at 9 AM to learn about skate ski techniques and equipment, snowshoe running and classic cross-country skiing. You'll have a chance to demo different equipment and join a group for a morning workout on the trails. Cost: $15/session for season-pass holders; $25/session for all others (includes a day pass). Please register with Keyes to guarantee equipment availability. Call the VIC at (518) 327-6241 or email Keyes at skeyes@paulsmiths.edu.

Ways of the Woods Exhibit Grand Opening
Sunday, Jan. 15

Celebrate the grand opening of the traveling exhibit, "Ways of the Woods," from the Northern Forest Center at 1 PM. The exhibit will be at the VIC through spring 2012.

John Kribs in Concert
Sunday, Jan. 15

Acclaimed instrumentalist John Kribs will perform at 6 PM. Kribs is a singer-songwriter who has been performing for 35 years. The accomplished guitarist, mandolin and banjo player has been a part of multiple groups, including The Racquette River Rounders and Johnny and the Triumphs. $10/session for season-pass holders; $15/session for non-pass holders. Call the VIC at (518) 327-6241 to reserve your tickets.

Teddy Roosevelt Winter Series Snowshoe Bird Walks
Wednesdays, Jan. 18 and 25

Join Brian McAllister of the Adirondack Birding Center from 9-11 AM for a morning snowshoe bird walk in search of the hardy birds that call the Adirondacks their winter home. The walk will end with a cup of hot cocoa in the VIC. $10/session for VIC season-pass holders, $20/session for all others (includes a day pass). Snowshoe rentals available for additional fee. Please call (518) 327-6241 to register.

Armchair Traveler Lecture Series
Thursdays, Jan. 19 and 26; February 2 and 16; March 1, 15 and 29

A 7 PM. lecture series about travel and science. Learn something new from an expert or expand your knowledge about distant places from someone who's been there. Free to season-pass holders and students; $5/lecture for all others. Please call the Paul Smith's College VIC at (518) 327-6241 for more information.

Winter Exploration Weekends
Saturdays, February 4 and 25 and March 3 and 17

Learn about the wonders of winter. All walks start at 10 AM and meet in the building. Topics include tracking, winter survival and winter birding. $20/session for season-pass holders; $25/session for non-pass holders. Snowshoe rentals available.

"Snow Patrol Track Workshop"
Sundays, February 5 and March 4

The Paul Smith's College VIC invites you to learn about tracks. A VIC naturalist will teach you to identify tracks and use those skills out on the trail. Sessions start at 1 PM. Participants will return to the building to have hot chocolate and make tracks to take home. Please dress warm. Free for children accompanied by adults. $10/session for VIC adult season-pass holders, $20/session for all others (includes a day pass). Snowshoe rentals available for additional fee. Please call the VIC at (518) 327-6241 to register.

Armchair Traveler Lecture Series
Thursday, 16 February

John Omohundro will make a 7 PM presentation on "The Granola Myth: Hikers' contribution to the Adirondack Economy." Learn something new from an expert or expand your knowledge about distant places from someone who's been there. Free to season-pass holders and students; $5/lecture for all others.

Winter Wonders Art Show and Sale
Sundays, February 19

Local featured artists will display their nature-themed art from 1-3 PM. at the VIC.

Afternoon Ski Jam
Sundays, February 19 and March 4

Grab your skis, poles and guitar and head to the VIC from 1-5 PM. for an afternoon of skiing and music. Join local musicians for a jam session anytime. Refreshments served.

Snow Sports Weekend
Saturday, 18 February and Sunday, 19 February

Events start at 10 a.m. Saturday with the "Choose Your Own Trail" adventure trek around the VIC trails and up Jenkins Mountain. Teams of one to four people will have four hours to collect points by visiting check points on various natural features around the VIC property. There will be both competitive and touring categories. Entry fee: $25 per team. Sunday will feature a 1-kilometer "Kids Snowshoe Stampede" at 10 a.m. followed by a 10-kilometer classic ski race at 11 a.m. Prizes will be awarded.

Horse-Drawn Sleigh Rides
Saturday, 18 February

Take a ride on a horse-drawn sleigh through the scenic forests near the Paul Smith's College VIC. Join Bob Brhel and the College's team of draft horses from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Suggested donation of $10 per person or $20 per family.

No-School Day Programs
Tuesday, 21 February 21

VIC staff will lead a series of nature programs for 6-to-10 year olds during the President's Day break. The theme for the day's programming will be "Junior Adirondack Stewards." We will find out why the Adirondacks are such a special place to live. Bring warm clothes and a lunch; snowshoes and snacks are provided. Sessions meet from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. $20 for Adirondack Park Institute members; $25 for those who have not yet joined. Please register at least a week in advance by calling Sarah Keyes at (518) 327-6241 or emailing skeyes@paulsmiths.edu. Limited spots available.

New Moon Art Opening
Tuesday, 21 February

Celebrate the new moon at the VIC with the monthly art opening and star gazing. From 5-7 PM., you can step out and be the first to meet our featured Adirondack artists Ginger Dora and Georgette Bacon at the VIC. The new moon will mark the opening night for each new artist, whose work will remain on display for the month. And, from 7-9 p.m., you can come stargaze at the VIC during the new moon. Free for season-pass holders. $5 for all others.

Teddy Roosevelt Winter Series Snowshoe Bird Walks
Wednesdays, 22 February and 29 February

Join Brian McAllister of the Adirondack Birding Center from 9-11 a.m. for a morning snowshoe bird walk in search of the hardy birds that call the Adirondacks their winter home. The walk will end with a cup of hot cocoa in the VIC. $10/session for VIC season-pass holders, $20/session for all others (includes a day pass). Snowshoe rentals available for additional fee. Please call (518) 327-6241 to register.

Coffee House
Sunday, 26 February 26 and Sunday, 18 March

The Paul Smith's College VIC will hold an open mic night with local artists at 6 p.m. Free for season-pass holders, $5 for public.

Volunteer Potluck
Thursday, 1 March

Paul Smith's College VIC volunteers will get together with VIC staff at 5 p.m. for a preview of upcoming events and activities. Prospective volunteers are welcome. For more information, call the VIC at (518) 327-6241 or email skeyes@paulsmiths.edu.

Armchair Traveler Lecture Series
Thursday, 1 March

Frank Lescinsky will make a 7 PM presentation on his experience as a VIP guest on a NASA Mars Exploration Launch. Learn something new from an expert or expand your knowledge about distant places from someone who's been there. Free to season-pass holders and students; $5/lecture for all others. Please call the Paul Smith's College VIC at (518) 327-6241 for more information.

Bunny-Boot Ball VIC Fundraiser
Friday, 2 March

The VIC's first major fund raiser will be held from 6-11 PM. Ski by head lamp, dance to the "Roadside Mystics," enjoy delicious snacks prepared by Paul Smith's culinary students, warm yourself by the bon fire and take a chance on the silent auction. Wear your big winter bunny boots, but bring your dancing shoes, and join us for a night of music and inside and outside fun. $15 per person, $25 per couple.

Snow Patrol Track Workshop
Sunday, 4 March

A VIC naturalist will teach you to identify tracks and use those skills out on the trail. Sessions start at 1 p.m. Participants will return to the building to have hot chocolate and make tracks to take home. Please dress warm. Free for children accompanied by adults. $10/session for VIC adult season-pass holders, $20/session for all others (includes a day pass). Snowshoe rentals available for additional fee. Please call the VIC at (518) 327-6241 to register.

Armchair Traveler Lecture Series
Thursday, 8 March

Peter Plumley will make a 7 PM presentation on "Paleomagnetism and the Adirondacks." Learn something new from an expert or expand your knowledge about distant places from someone who's been there. Free to season-pass holders and students; $5/lecture for all others. Please call the Paul Smith's College VIC at (518) 327-6241 for more information.

Little Bobcats
Thursday, 15 March

VIC staff will lead a series of programs for 3-to-5 year-olds and their parents. Activities will focus on the local flora and fauna around the VIC. Sessions meet Thursdays from 10 a.m.-noon. $2/session for members of the Adirondack Park Institute; $5/session for those who have not yet joined. Parents are asked to participate with their children. Please register by calling Sarah Keyes at (518) 327-6241 or emailing skeyes@paulsmiths.edu.

Winter Exploration Weekends
Saturday, 17 March

Come to the VIC for a winter bird walk at 10 a.m. $20/session for season-pass holders; $25/session for non-pass holders. Snowshoe rentals available.

Celtic Open Mic Night
Sunday, 18 March

Sue Grimm will perform at 6 p.m., followed by a Celtic jam session. The end-of-the-season party is being held to honor the VIC's season-pass holders. The Lake Placid Pub and Brewery will be on hand to serve complimentary beverages.

No-School Day Programs
Monday, 2 April though Friday, 6 April

VIC naturalist and educator Sarah Keyes will lead children, ages 6-10, during a fun-filled week off. Become a VIC eco-explorer as we learn about the world outside. We'll go on hikes, explore the marsh, play games, make arts and crafts and more. Sign up for just one day or the whole week if you like. Please register by March 19. Call Keyes at (518) 327-6241 or email skeyes@paulsmiths.edu.