Events at the Paul Smiths VIC:
Fall/Winter 2012-13
Beginner Maple Workshop
Saturday, 23 March
Paul Smith’s College students will be on hand to lead “Learn the art of maple sugaring” workshops. Participants will learn about backyard tapping, collection and boiling. The program runs from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Contact: Brian McDonnell at 518.327.6241 or bmcdonnell@paulsmiths.edu.
Arm Chair Traveler Lecture: Canoe Racing on the Yukon River
Thursday, 21 March
Join Brian McDonnell, Kerry Newell, Celia Evans and friends at 7:00 PM. Come hear tales of several adventures from 460 and 1000 mile races from Whitehorse to Dawson City in the Yukon Territory of Canada, and from Whitehorse to the Haul Road above Fairbanks Alaska. There will be music, pictures, maps, and tall tales.
Astronomy Lecture
Monday, 18 March
Professor Ed Coppola, one of the scientists who worked on the Hubble Space Telescope, will give an astronomy lecture at 7:00 PM. $5/person.
Remembering Willowbrook
18-29 March
This traveling exhibit about Willowbrook State School, sponsored by the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities and locally hosted by Sunmount and Citizen Advocates, will be on display in the VIC's Sun Space from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The opening reception will take place on Monday, 18 March, from 2:00-3:30 PM. Willowbrook State School was a state-supported institution for children with intellectual disatbilities. Conditions in the school and questionable medical practices prompted a public outcry which led to its closure in 1987 and to federal civil rights legislation protecting the disabled.
Irish Music Sunday
Sunday, 17 March
On St Patty's Day, come listen to Michael Cooney, Kary Johnson, and Curt Stager perform traditional Irish music from 7:00 to 9:00 PM. Tickets are $10 for the genral public, $5 for seasons pass holders.
“Chase the Leprechaun” 5K Fun Race
Sunday, 17 March
Catch the little green guy and win yourself a “piece of gold.” The race will be a cross country ski race, weather permitting. In the event of no snow, it will be a trail run. The event starts at 11 AM. The entry fee is $20 per person, $15 for season pass holders.
NYS Maple Weekend
16-17 & 23-24 March
The VIC will be part of the Northeastern New York Maple Producer’s region-wide event. Come for a tour of our new sugar bush, visit the sugar house, try some maple confections and baked goods, learn about maple sugaring, sign up for our Community Maple Project, and support the VIC by purchasing a “tree-share” in the bush or a jug of Paul Smith’s made maple syrup.
Songwriters Showcase
Friday, 15 March
Join Doug Irving, John Kribs, Steve Borst, and Ray Agnew for an evening of songs and tall tales in the great room of the VIC. The music starts at 7:00 PM. $10 per person. $5 for season pass holders.
Volunteer Potluck
Friday, 15 March
Starting with hors d’oeuvres at 5 PM, the VIC volunteers get together with VIC staff for a preview of upcoming events and activities. Bring a dish to pass and a place setting. Interested volunteers welcome. Contact Tracy Santagate to RSVP or for more information.
Jenkins Mountain Snowshoe Stampede: “There and back again”
Sunday, 3 March
The Adventure will start at 10:00 AM. Teams of 1 – 4 people will navigate the VIC on either a 5k or 15 k course. The 15k course will include the TOP of Jenkins Mountain! There will be both competitive and touring categories. After all, “It’s about the experience.” Go for speed or collect points by visiting controls on various natural features around The VIC property. The entry fee is $20 per person, $15 for Season pass holders. Prizes will be awarded. There will also be a 1k “bunny run” for youth up to 12 years old at 11 AM. Pre-Registration for all races is appreciated.
“Bunny Boot” Ball: VIC Ski and Dance Party
Saturday, 2
March
Kick up your feet for a thumping good time at the VIC! We’ve enlisted the Fat River Kings for your dancing and listening pleasure. We’ll be skiing and dancing and generally having a good time. There will be live music, food, a silent auction, bonfire and indoor and outdoor activities. Wear your big winter bunny boots, but bring your dancing shoes and join us for a fun night of music and dance. $15 per person, $25 per couple ($10 and $15 for season pass holders!) The doors open at 6 PM. The music starts at 7:00 PM.
Ultra VIC Team and Solo Snowshoe and Ski Races
Saturday, 2 March
The Ultra VIC will take place featuring team and individual competition on a 10K freestyle, 10K Classic and 5K Snowshoe course. Put a three person team together or be an “Ultra Competitor!” The races start at 10 AM. Pre-registration is appreciated.
Armchair Traveler Lecture: "Glacier and Yellowstone Parks through an Artist’s Eyes"
Thursday, 28 February
Join artist Sandra Hildreth at 7:00 PM for a presention on her experiences in Glacier and Yellowstone Parks. Free to season pass holders and students, $5 for all others.
Full Moon Friday Ski Pass Holders Pot Luck, Coffee House and Ski
Friday, 22 February
Come join us for inside and outside fun! We’ll bust out the tiki lights luminaries and headlamps for some night skiing and a fire outside and invite our musically talented and poet friends to perform inside. Bring a dish to pass and a place setting and join the VIC staff, our musical guest host Celia Evans and other pass holders for some good food, great music and super skiing under the moonlight. We'll also pull out the high-powered telescope donated by Michael Adler. Doors open at 6:00 PM. Music starts at 7:00 PM. Musicians and poets sign up for a spot. Free for members, public $5.
Environmental Education Programs: Winter Session
19 February - 9 April
Teachers from local school systems may choose from selections of the VIC's different programs. These allow teachers to create their own programs for their visits to the VIC, regardless of time constraints. With this option, teachers are welcome to focus field trips on whichever activities best compliment their classroom curriculum. Each EE program is about 30-40 minutes and will be tailored to the specific age group as well as satisfy portions of, but not be limited by, the NYS Learning Standards. These K-6th Programs will be available Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. The cost is $3.00 per student. Teachers and chaperones are free.
Maple Workshop – Setting up a Tubing System with Mike Farrell
Saturday, 16 February
This workshop is designed for those interested in starting or expanding a maple sugaring operation but unsure where to begin. Mike Farrell, of the Cornell Maple Program, will present a hands-on tubing workshop from 1:00 to 4:00 PM at the Paul Smith’s College VIC. The workshop begins inside with a short program; participants will then head out to set up a tubing system for the Paul Smith’s College VIC’s Sugar Maple Demonstration site. Topics to be covered include preparing the sugar bush prior to tubing installation, site considerations, line placement and installation, tapping trees, sanitation, and sap collection. This program is part of the VIC's participation in the Northern New York Maple Project. Contact: Brian McDonnell at 518.327.6241 or bmcdonnell@paulsmiths.edu.
New Moon Art Show
15 February - 25 March
Every month on the new moon, the VIC displays works by a pair of local artists. From Friday, Feb.15, to Monday, March 25, Ginger Dora and John DiGiacomo will dress up the walls of the VIC's Great Room.
Armchair Traveler Lecture: "Slides and Stories of an unsupported trip on the Coppermine River to the Arctic Ocean"
Thursday, 14 February
Join Bob Dedrick at 7:00 PM for a presentation on a trip on the Coppermine River. Free to season pass holders and students, $5 for all others.
Volunteer Pot Luck
Thursday, 14 February
Starting with hors d’oeuvres at 5 PM, the VIC volunteers get together with VIC staff for a preview of upcoming events and activities. Bring a dish to pass and a place setting. Interested volunteers welcome. Contact Tracy Santagate to RSVP or for more information.
Empire State Winter Games Snowshoe Races
Sunday, 10 February
Paul Smith’s College will host the snowshoe sprint races of the Empire State Winter Games at the Soccer Field in the morning; the 5K Cross Country Snowshoe Race will take place at the VIC starting at 2:00 PM. The 5K Cross Country Snowshoe Race will be a mass start, using the same course as the 2012 Jingle Bell Snowshoe Race. The course will be a back country undulating single woodland loop on a groomed surface. The course will be well marked with cones and pin flags. The start and finish will be near the VIC Main Lodge. Race registration for the 5K is from 12:30 PM – 1:45 PM. The presentation of 5K snowshoe awards will take place in the VIC Main Lodge once the final competitor is finished. This should be at or near 3 PM. For more information, contact Jim Tucker at 518-327-6286.
Full Moon Friday Coffee House and Ski
25
January and 22 February
Come to the VIC for inside and outside fun! We’ll bust out the tiki lights luminaries and headlamps for some night skiing and a fire outside,and invite our musically talented and poet friends to perform inside. Doors open at 6:00 PM. Musicians and poets sign up for a spot. Free for members, public $5.
Cribbage Tournament
24
January and 21 February
The VIC We will host a monthly double elimination one-on-one cribbage tournament. Each participant is guaranteed at least two best-of-three game rounds. Keep winning to keep advancing until you are crowned the monthly VIC Cribbage Champion. Current list of sponsors includes Books and Baskets, Ampersound, and MAC’s Canoe Livery. Entry is free for season pass holders, $5 for public. Bring your own board, we’ll provide the cards. Events start at 3:30 PM and continue until the last card is played.
VIC Senior Moments: Window Shopping for Bird Watchers with Adirondack Birding Center Director Brian McAllister
Wednesday, 23 January
Come to the VIC from 10:00 AM to noon for a presentation by Adirondack Birding Center Director Brian McAllister. The program is free for seniors 65+. Preregistration is required.
Horse-drawn Sleigh Rides
20 January and 2 March
Join Bob Brhel and his draft horse team from 11:00 AM – 3 PM for an unforgettable ride through the beautiful northern forest. Suggested donation of $10 per person or $20 per family. Call the VIC at (518) 327-6241 or email bmcdonnell@paulsmiths.edu for times.
Chili Ski & Snowshoe Festival
Sunday, 20
January
This family-oriented day will feature winter sports at the VIC. Join VIC staff for interpretive snowshoe walks, a winter scavenger hunt; compete for fun prizes in the 5 or 10K ski races or the 2 or 5K snowshoe event. Chili will be prepared and served by the students of the Paul Smith’s College Culinary Department. Snowshoe and ski rentals available. Chili is included with your ski pass – entry fees apply for races.
Explore the VIC Snowshoe Walk
Saturday, 19
January
Come to The VIC to learn about the wonders of winter with VIC Naturalist Brian McAllister! The walk starts at 10 AM. Participants meet in the VIC building. $20 per person for non-members, $10 for season pass holders. Snowshoe rentals available. Preregistration is required.
Winter Night Life at the VIC
18 January and 15 February
Come snowshoe and explore the winter night life on the VIC trails with naturalist Brian McAllister. Bring your own headlamp and snowshoes (rentals available). 7:00 - 9:00 PM. $20 per person for non-members, $10 for season pass holders. Preregistration is required.
Armchair Traveler Lecture: "Climbing in the Italian and French Alps"
Thursday, 17 January
International mountain guides R.L. & Karen Stolz, owners of Alpine Adventures, Inc. located in Keene, NY will share photos and stories from some of their favorite trips to the Alps over the past decade. These adventures feature technical rock climbs, alpine climbs and via ferratas in Italy's spectacular Dolomite Mountains and the legendary alpine region near Chamonix, France. Free to season pass holders and students, $5 for all others.
Armchair Traveler Lecture Series
17 & 31 January
14 & 28 February
Come to the VIC every other Thursday at 7:00 PM for the Travel & Science Lecture Series. Come on out to learn something new from an expert or expand your knowledge about distant places from the travelers point of view. Free to season pass holders and students, $5 for all others.
Volunteer Pot Luck
Thursday, 17 January
Starting with hors d’oeuvres at 5 PM, the VIC volunteers get together with VIC staff for a preview of upcoming events and activities. Bring a dish to pass and a place setting. Interested volunteers welcome. Contact Tracy Santagate to RSVP or for more information.
VIC Senior Moments: Planning your Summer Garden with Master Gardener Dana Fast
Wednesday, 16 January
Come to the VIC from 10:00 AM to noon for a presentation by Master Gardener Dana Fast on planning your summer garden. Programs free for seniors 65+. Preregistration is required.
VIC Senior Moments
Wednesdays, 16 January – 20 March
Come to the VIC from 10:00 AM to noon for guest speakers, snowshoe walks or to ski with your friends. Programs free for seniors 65+. $5 ski or snowshoe trail passes. Rentals also available. Contact Tracy Santagate at the VIC for information.
Stories and Pictures from Siberia with Celia Evans: A Mini-multimedia Presentation
Sunday, 13
January
Join the Paul Smith’s College community from 1:00 to 5:00 PM to welcome back Fulbright Scholar Celia Evans! Celia and her daughters, Elsa and Willa, spent the fall and early winter in the Altai Region of Russia. Celia will provide an informal presentation with stories and a slide show from their journey. Come out for a ski and enjoy refreshments courtesy of the College. The slide-show presentation (including questions) will take about an hour. Read more about Celia's trip and her experiences in Russia on her blog: Notes and thoughts from the Golden Mountains of Altai
Teddy Roosevelt Winter Series Snowshoe Bird Walks
8 & 22 January and 5 & 19 February
Join Adirondack Birding Center Director Brian McAllister from 9:00 to 11:00 AM for a morning snowshoe bird walk in search of the hearty birds that call the Adirondacks their home. Participants will look for winter finches, woodpeckers, jays, chickadees, and more, on the VIC's extensive wooded trail system. Participants are asked to bring binoculars, snowshoes, and dress appropriately. The walks will end with hot cocoa or coffee in the VIC building. Snowshoe rentals available. Please register by calling the VIC 327-6241. Cost: $10.00 for VIC Season Pass Holders, $20.00 for others (includes a day pass)
Live Birds of Prey
Saturdays, beginning 12 January
The Paul Smith’s College VIC and Adirondack Raptors invites you to spend Saturday afternoons immersed in the lives of birds of prey. Mark Manske of Adirondack Raptors will have live birds on hand from 1:00 to 3:00 PM to describe the amazing lives of hawks and owls of our region. Free with trail pass.
Explore the VIC Snowshoe Walks
Saturdays, starting 5 January
Come to the VIC to learn about the wonders of winter with VIC Naturalist Brian McAllister! All walks start at 10 AM. Participants meet in the VIC building. $20 per person for non-members, $10 for season pass holders. Snowshoe rentals available. Walk topics include tracking, winter survival and winter birding. Preregistration is required.
Winter Wonders Art Show & Sale
5
January – 15 February
View the winter works of several local artists, including James Bullard, Michael Adler, Nancy Brossard, and Karla Brieant.
Impromptu Music at the VIC
Most Saturday and Sundays
Join local musicians on Saturday and Sunday afternoons during the ski season. Go for a ski and come on in for a cup of cocoa and enjoy some local music while you warm up. Most weekends from 1:00 – 4:00 PM. Free with day pass. Musicians are welcome to contact Brian at the VIC to book a time.
Volunteer Pot Lucks
Generally the second Thursday of every month
Starting with hors d’oeuvres at 5 PM, the VIC volunteers get together with VIC staff for a preview of upcoming events and activities. Bring a dish to pass and a place setting. Interested volunteers welcome. Contact Tracy Santagate to RSVP or for more information.
Project Feeder Watch
Join us anytime to view the winter birds coming into the feeders around the VIC. Identify regular and occasional visitors.
Father Time 5K and 10K Cross-Country Ski Races
Saturday, 29 December
Registration begins at 10:00 AM. First start is at 11:00 AM. Prizes available. The registration fee is $15 for the 5K and $25 for the 10K. VIC season-pass holders receive a $5 discount on registration. Registration for this event is available on race day only. Father Time Race Results.
Photo Safari
Thursday, 27 December
VIC Educator Tracy Santagate will lead a class from 1:00 to 2:30 PM for eight to twelve year olds. Students should bring their own simple digital camera for this class. While in the field, students will learn how to hold the camera, zoom in and out, and frame a shot. They will also explore points of focus and background and get other tips on how to better record observations in nature. Students should dress for the weather. The cost is $10.
Leaper-Hoppers, Bounders and Waddlers
Thursday, 27 December
VIC Naturalist Brian McAllister will lead a program from 10:00 AM to noon for eight to twelve-year-olds. Students will learn how to make sense of winter tracks. They will also learn to identify winter animals and to understand animal gaits, behavior, and preferred habitat. The cost is $10. Students should dress to go outside.
Birds of Prey Demonstration with Mark Manske
Saturday, 22 December
Mark Manske of the Adirondack Raptors will bring his live birds of prey to the VIC for a special presentation at 1:00 PM. Adirondack Raptors is a privately owned business that monitors and studies the local raptor populations. Its mission is to nurture a healthy appreciation of nature in the community by using the raptors as an educational platform. Mr. Manske has been studying raptors since 1984; he has been an adjunct college professor at Paul Smiths College since 2008. He also writes for Embark, published every 2 months through the Adirondack Daily Enterprise.
Christmas and Adirondack Theme Songs with Jamie Savage
Saturday, 22 December
Singer/song writer Jamie Savage will perform from noon to 1:00 PM and 2:00 to 3:00 PM on Saturday, 22 December. Jamie began writing songs soon after he started playing guitar at the age of 16. While a student at Paul Smith's College in the early 1980s, Jamie played rhythm guitar and sang lead vocals for a college rock n roll band. His new songs focus on the natural and cultural history of the Adirondacks--where he has spent summers since he was 9 and lived year-round for the last 20 years--and on his concern for the environment in an era of exponential human population growth. At the VIC, Jamie will play originals, covers and holiday favorites on guitar, banjo and harmonica.
TuckerTaters on sale
Wednesday, 19 December
Saturday, 22 December
Steve and Tom Tucker of Tucker's Farm in Gabriels have teamed up with the VIC staff to offer their famous local spuds for sale at the VIC! All proceeds will benefit VIC nordic ski programs. The VIC will have ten pound bags of Adirondack Red, Gabriels White and Heritage Blue potatoes available for pick up on Wednesday afternoon from noon to 5:00 PM and on Saturday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. 10 pound bags are $8.00. Advance orders are appreciated to provide an idea of how many bags to have on hand. Give the VIC a call 327-6241 or email Brian McDonnell. The VIC will also have TuckerTaters for sale all winter in the newly renovated retail space at the VIC.
Project Feeder-watch: Birds in Winter
Saturday, 15 December
VIC Naturalist and Adirondack Birding Center Director Brian McAllister will lead a bird walk from 9:30 to 11:30 AM to introduce
participants to winter bird species and explain how birds survive the winter months. Participants will also learn
the proper placement of bird feeders and how to collect raw data for long term research projects. Participants should bring binoculars and a field guide, and dress for the weather. The cost is $15.
Field Sketch Write Now!
Saturday, 15 December
VIC Educator Tracy Santagate will lead a "VIC Partner Program" where parents or grandparents come with their child or grandchild. Kids get their own instructor; parents get a different instructor. Both learn the same nature journaling techniques. At the end of the class, they join together for an activity to compare their new skills. This program seeks to teach basic drawing and journaling skills to students enabling them to create "free expression" sketches
to record natural observations. Students also gain a fuller appreciation of the environment, while communicating science-based natural observations. The program is from 9:30 to 11:30 AM. The cost is $20 for one adult/one child pair.
Armchair Lecture: "Beyond the Penguins: Behind the Scenes in Antarctica"
Thursday, 13 December
Mary Brown will provide a presentation in the VIC theater from 7:00 to 8:30 PM on her journey to Antarctica. Mary fulfilled a lifelong dream to visit the Antarctic continent by working there during the ’08-’09 summer season. She was assigned to a deep field camp where she participated in the logistical and survival work which makes Antarctic science possible. The cost is $5.
PSC VIC Volunteer Christmas Potluck Dinner
Thursday, 13 December
VIC volunteers will get together for a potluck dinner from 5:30 to 6:45 PM. Volunteers should bring a place setting and a dish to share.
Workshop Sunday: German Birch Bark Star
Sunday, 9 December
PSC student Sean Frantz will lead a class from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM teaching participants how to weave German stars out of ribbon and eventually birch bark. Participants will practice making 2-3 German stars out of ribbon and then make one star out of birch bark. The cost is $20. Suitable for ages 17 and up.
Workshop Sunday: Make Your Own Christmas Wreath
Sunday, 9 December
Emily Stringham will lead a workshop from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM to teach participants how to make a standard-size Christmas wreath with fresh winter greenery and a wire frame. Greenery and frame will be provided and tools will be supplied. Participants may want to bring gloves and ribbons and ornaments such as pine cones to adorn their wreaths. Participants should bring a bag lunch. The cost is $40. Suitable for ages 17 and up.
Workshop Sunday: Christmas Greenery Walk
Sunday, 9 December
VIC Naturalist Brian McAllister will lead a walk from 10:00 to 11:00 AM for all ages. Participants will learn about which winter greens to collect for wreath making, where to find them, how to collect, and what to leave untouched in the
woods. Take this before the wreath making class or as a stand-alone class. The cost is $5.00. Participants should dress for the weather. Suitable for all ages.
Workshop Sunday: Weave a 13" Adirondack Packbasket
Sunday, 9 December
Books and Baskets owner Tracy Santagate will teach participants how to weave a pot bellied packbasket with hand carved handle, double lashed rim, and skids. The workshop is from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM. All materials and tools will be supplied including cotton straps. Participants should bring their own lunch and drink. The cost is $75. Suitable for ages 17 and up.
A Guide To Stargazing
Friday, 7 December
PSC student Jonathan Rice will provide a presentation from 7:00 to 8:30 PM on the basics of stargazing, deep sky gazing, and basic cosmology. The presentation discusses the break-up of seasons for stargazing, the major constellations, and deep sky objects found within each season. The cost is $5.00 per person. The program is suitable for all ages.
Emerging Patterns: Art Exhibit and Readings
Tuesday, 4 December
This event features an art exhibit and readings by local artists, writers, poets, and students, inspired by the ecology of the Paul Smith's College VIC. It is part of a senior integrated Natural Resource Management Capstone -- an art and science collaboration. The event is from 6:00 PM -8:00 PM at the VIC Building and is free to the public. For more information, contact iconkling@s.paulsmiths.edu.
Armchair Traveler Lecture Series
Thursday, 15 November
Join Nik Santagate at 7 p.m. for a presentation and movie showing titled "Vintage Dodge Power Wagon: Army on Wheels." Free to season-pass holders and students; $5 for all others.
Volunteer Potluck
Thursday, 15 November 2012
Paul Smith's College VIC volunteers will get together with VIC staff at 5 PM for a preview of upcoming events and activates. Perspective volunteers are welcome. For more information, Call the VIC at (518) 327-6241 or email bmcdonnell@paulsmiths.edu.
Art Exhibit: Creative Companions
13 November - 22 December
Artist Gail McKay and photographer Jeri Wright will exhibit their works at the Paul Smiths VIC from 13 November to 22 December 2012.
Stargazing Night
Wednesday, 7 November
Come to the VIC from 7-9 PM for some stargazing during the new moon! We have the perfect dark sky, and, depending on the weather, we will have inside and outside stargazing. Free for season-pass holders. $5 for all others.
2012 Ski Passes go on sale
1 November
Ski passes will go on sale at the VIC on 1 November 2012. For more information, call Brian McDonnell at (518) 327-6241 or email bmcdonnell@paulsmiths.edu.
An Evening with Michael Adler
Wednesday, 24 October @ 5:30 PM
Halley's Comet returns only every 76 years; and astronomer and photographer Dr. Michael Adler is back at the Paul Smith's College VIC after just a year, with new photos and another night-sky lecture. Doors open at 5:30 PM on Wednesday, 24 October. Hors d'oeuvres will be prepared and served by Paul Smith's culinary students at 6 PM; the lecture begins at 7 PM.
Interpretive Walks
Saturday, 13 October @1:00 - 2:00 PM
Saturday, 20 October @1:00 - 2:00 PM
The VIC is providing a nature walk on the VIC trails, each highlighting a different aspect of nature. Look for varied themes and trip leaders. Feel feel to suggest a topic and tell your friends. $10/person
Owl Prowl
19 October
2 November
Join Adirondack Birding Center Director Brian McAllister at 8 PM for a night owl prowl.$10 for adults, $5 for the Paul Smith's College Community. Children under 12 free when accompanied by an adult. Preregistration appreciated. Call the VIC at (518) 327-6241 for more information or email bmcdonnell@paulsmiths.edu.
Teddy Roosevelt Bird Walks
Saturday, 13 October, 8:30 AM
Saturday, 20 October, 8:30 AM
Saturday, 27 October, 8:30 AM
Join ornithologist Brian McAllister of the Adirondack Birding Center at 8:30 AM and get a look at some of the same birds identified by a young Teddy Roosevelt when he visited Paul Smiths in the 1870s. Birders will meet at The VIC at 8:30 AM. $20/person. For more information, call the Paul Smith's College VIC at (518) 327-6241.
Live Owl Presentation
13 October
The VIC will host a life owl presentation on Saturday, 13 October at 5 PM. Five different species of owls will be presented. $10/person.
Photographic Exhibition: "Back to the Land"
Daily during October
Come to the VIC's Sunspace Gallery and check out the current display "Back to the Land: Hippie Houses and Homesteaders for the 21st century," an exhibition highlighting the domestic architecture of homesteaders in the North Country, past and present. Sponsored by TAUNY, Traditional Arts in Upstate New York.
New Moon Art Exhibit
15 October - 12 November
Artist Meg Bernstein and photographer Nadine McLaughlin will exhibit their works at the Paul Smiths VIC from 15 October through 12 November 2012.
Outdoor Painting Workshop
7 October
Adirondack artist Matt Burnett will teach Plein Air techniques at a workshop at the Paul Smiths VIC on 7 October 2012. Painters will meet at 9:00 AM, with the class lasting until early afternoon. Registration fee: $50, includes all materials. Register by 4 October.
October is Owl Month at the Paul Smiths VIC
Ongoing during October
Join Mark Manske of Adirondack Raptors as he bands saw-whet owls each night from sunset to 11 p.m., weather permitting. Manske will also give owl demonstrations on Saturdays from 5 PM. until the banding begins. Participants in the banding project must register in advance. Visit adirondackraptors.org or call (518) 521-7123 for more information. The VIC is also offering evening Owl Prowls on 19 and 30 October.
Artist
at Work Studio Tour
28 -30 September
The VIC will be a designated Artists Rendezvous Site for the Artist
at Work Studio Tour from 28-30 September 2012. The VIC will
serve as a gathering space for artists to exhibit their work for
the studio tour. The Artists at Work Studio Tour is created by
Saranac Lake Art Works. Saranac
Lake Art Works is looking to expand the opportunity for artists
outside the tri-lakes area to participate in the regional tour
by providing the VIC and the Lake Placid Center for the Arts as
rendezvous sites.
The
Adirondack Rural Skills and Homesteading Festival
Saturday, 29 September
This celebration of rural skills will showcase the talents of
a bygone era with a distinctly Adirondack flair. Exhibitions will
include logging and farming with draft horses sponsored by the Paul
Smith's College Draft Horse Club and a demonstration of competitive
lumberjack sports by the Paul
Smith's College Woodsmen's Team. Workshops will appeal to
a wide range of interests and include topics such as local and
seasonal cooking, cider making, cheese making, pack basket construction,
renewable energy, fall gardening, heating with firewood and primitive
skills. The festivities take place from 9 AM to 5 PM. $5/person
or $10/carload.
Trail
Fun Run
Wednesday, 19 September
The Paul Smith's College VIC will host a free 5-kilometer
trail fun run at 6 PM. For more information, call the VIC at 327-6241.
Art
Exhibit: Two Friends....After All These Years
Friday, 15 September
Photographer Eleanor Sweeney and artist Jackie Altman will exhibit
their works at the Paul Smith's College VIC. The opening reception
is on 15 September from 4:00 to 6:00 PM.
Northern Saw-Whet Owl Banding Program
14 September - 27 October
The Northern Saw-Whet Owl Banding Program began on 14 September and ran through 27 October. The project is one of the research programs run by Adirondack Raptors, a privately owned business that monitors and studies the local raptor populations.
Russell
Banks at the PSC VIC
Thursday, 13 September
Renowned local writer Russell Banks will present a reading at 7 PM on 13 September. Banks is the author of seventeen novels, including "the Rule of the Bone" and "The Sweet Hereafter." Banks lives half the year in the North Country and the other half in Florida, where his new novel, "The Lost Memory of Skin" is set. He has several times been a finalist for the Pulitzer and the Pen/Faulkner Awards, and acts as President for Cities of Refuge North America. He is also a member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters.
This event will offer an intimate view of Banks' realistic writing style, read in his own voice. To sign up for a pre-reading gathering with the author including appetizers and specialty non-alcoholic drinks, email acwevents@gmail.com. The reading is $5, with an extra $25 to meet with Banks before the reading. Proceeds benefit the Adirondack Center for Writing.
Teddy Roosevelt Bird Walks
Selected Wednesdays and Saturdays through September
Join ornithologist Brian McAllister of the Adirondack Birding Center at 8:30 AM and get a look at some of the same birds identified by a young Teddy Roosevelt when he visited Paul Smiths in the 1870s. Birders will meet at The VIC at 8:30 AM. $20/person. For more information, call the Paul Smith's College VIC at (518) 327-6241.
Interpretive
Canoe Paddles
Thursdays and Saturdays through September
Join a naturalist to learn about the various wetland areas around the VIC. Walk along Heron Marsh and Barnum Brook. Explore marsh, stream, bog, and pond. Check out a floating bog mat. See the aquatic flora and fauna abundant in the various habitats. $20 per person Adirondack Park Institute members receive a 10% discount. Space is limited. Reservations are required by 5 PM the night before, minimum of four people. Groups of 5 or more can book their own tour date by calling the VIC: (518) 327-6241.
Beyond
the Exhibition: Dreaming of Timbuctoo
2 August - 14 September
Dreaming of Timbuctoo is a traveling exhibition that opened at the Adirondack Museum at Blue Mountain Lake, New York, in May 2001. The exhibition tells the story of Black homesteaders granted forty acres in the Adirondacks in the 1840's and illuminates the crucial role of land and the vote in the political war on slavery and racism in New York State fifteen years before the Civil War. On 2 August, the VIC will host an opening reception and talk at 7 PM on new findings and Franklin County connections to "Timbuctoo" by exhibition curator Amy Godine. There will also be an update on the Timbuctoo Archaeology Project by Hadley Kruczek-Aaron. The exhibition is produced under the direction of the grass roots freedom education and human rights project, "John Brown Lives!" The exhibition is presented by John Brown Lives!, Adirondack Center for Writing, Six Nations Indian Museum, and the Paul Smith's College VIC. The exhibition will be the centerpiece of several programs occurring at the VIC in the month of August. Admission to the exhibition is free. There is a $5 admission for this special presentation. The exhibition will be at the VIC until September 14.
Farmers'
Market
Fridays, 8,15,22,29 June; 6,13,20,27 July; 3,10,17,24,31 August;
and 7, 14, 21 September
The Paul Smiths Farmers' Market features fresh vegetables and berries in season, breads and other baked goods, herbs, jams and jellies and plants. The market is part of the Adirondack Farmers' Market Cooperative. The market will be open every Friday throughout the summer from 2-5 PM. Local farmers are welcome to reserve a table. Call (518) 327-6241 or email bmcdonnell@paulsmiths.edu for more information.
Bird-on-Hand Demonstrations
Saturdays through the end of September
Mark Manske of Adirondack Raptors will be at the VIC on Saturday
afternoons to let folks get up close and personal with his feathered
friends: a great horned owl, an American kestrel, a barn owl,
and a Harris Hawk.
Plein Air Art: Views at the VIC
17 August - 14 September,
This art exhibit features works by Nancy Brossard and Sandra Hildreth. All the paintings were done outdoors, on location, on the VIC property. The exhibit will run through 14 September.
Mushroom
Walks with Susan Hopkins
Selected Sundays and Wednesdays, beginning 8 July
Join mushroom expert Susan Hopkins for a casual walk in the woods to look at all mushrooms and fungi. Participants will discuss and identify poisonous and edible species and point out some of medicinal value as well. The walks will take around 2-2.5 hours and be held rain or shine, so be prepared! Bring a lunch if you would like to stay after the walk to explore reference materials provided by Susan for further study. $20 for the general public. API members receive a 10% discount. Participants meet at 10 AM at the VIC. Please call the VIC to register: 518-327-6241.
Walk Dates:
- July 8, 18, 22
- August 8, 12, 22, 26
- September 12, 16