Upcoming Events at the Paul Smith's College VIC

PAUL SMITHS, NY (01/07/2014)(readMedia)-- Daily – Winter Wonders Art Show

Artists Nancy Brossard, Sandra Hildreth and Edith Urban and photographers Mark Kurtz, Eleanor Sweeney and Karla Brieant are exhibiting their work at the Paul Smith's College VIC until Wednesday, Jan. 29. Free – underwritten by Friends of the VIC.

Daily, starting Thursday, Jan. 30 – New Moon Art Show: Old Crows and Other Blackbirds

The Paul Smith's College VIC is hosting an art show featuring works by Anne Burnham, Ray Whalen, Geoff Cobb, Rebekah Wilkins–Pepiton, Michael Hart, Noreen Sadue, Linda Sauther, Arnold Sauther and others. The show runs until Friday, Feb. 28. Free – underwritten by Friends of the VIC.

Daily – VIC Map Hike

Purchase an $8 map at the VIC and use it to find your way to different checkpoints where you collect secret codes. Participants who find at least five codes are eligible for prizes and a 10 percent discount on a compass at Blue Line Sports in Saranac Lake.

Daily – Adopt a Sugar Maple

Support the development of maple sugaring at the VIC by adopting a tree for $50. We'll do the tapping, and you'll be investing in the education of an intern and the equipment to take care of your tree. You'll also get a quart of maple syrup from the tree when it's ready. (Shipping not included.) Adoption papers are available at the VIC front desk.

Wednesdays – Cross-Country Ski and Yoga

The Paul Smith's College VIC is hosting a series of yoga sessions from 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Yoga is a perfect partner to cross-country skiing. A session prior to skiing warms the muscles, joints and lungs. A yoga session after skiing will release tension and cool down the body. Season ski pass and eight sessions of yoga $160, day ski pass and yoga session $25, single yoga session $15. To register, call the Paul Smith's College VIC at (518) 327-6241.

Fridays – VIC Ski Club

Ski the VIC trails every Friday morning from 10 a.m.-noon. Weekly outings are open to those of all ski abilities. A VIC naturalist will ski with the group and point out some of the hidden gems around the trails. Preregistration is required by 5 p.m. the night before. Conditions are variable, so call ahead. Minimum group size is four skiers per day. Ski passes are required. Ski club membership is $5 per session. Free for Friends of the VIC.

Sundays – Sunday Afternoon Live-Music and Ski Series

The Sunday Afternoon Live Music and Ski Series kicks off with Celia Evans from 1-3 p.m. in the Great Room at the VIC. The series will continue through the ski season and will feature a variety of local and regional musicians. Entry is free with your ski pass. Underwritten by the Friends of the VIC.

Saturday, Jan. 11 – Winter Birding Trip to Lake Champlain

Join the Adirondack Birding Center on a trip to the shores, farm fields and meadows of the Champlain Valley, one of the best areas to go birding in the North Country. Forty species could be observed on this trip, which takes place from 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Bring a bag lunch and hot beverage. We will be birding from the comfort of a twelve-passenger van. $75/person, 25 percent discount for Friends of the VIC. Preregistration is required; please call (518) 327-6241 to register.

Sunday, Jan. 12 – Leave No Trace Family Workshop

Join Subaru/Leave No Trace Traveling Trainers at the Paul Smith's College VIC from 10 a.m.-noon for a Leave No Trace workshop and snowshoe hike on the VIC trails. Free. Please RSVP by calling the VIC at (518) 327-6241 or email Brian McDonnell at bmcdonnell@paulsmiths.edu.

Thursday, Jan. 16 – Armchair Science Lecture: Boreal Bird Project

Michale Glennon, from the Wildlife Conservation Society, will speak on the Wildlife Conservation Society's Boreal Bird Project at 7 p.m. in the VIC auditorium. $5/person, free to season-pass holders and Friends of the VIC. Underwritten by Friends of the VIC.

Saturdays, Jan. 18 & 25– Explore the VIC Snowshoe Walks

Come to the VIC at 10 a.m. to learn about the wonders of winter in the Adirondack Park with VIC naturalist Brian McAllister. Walk topics include tracking, winter survival and winter birding. $20/person, including a day pass. $10 for VIC season-pass holders. Friends of the VIC receive a 25 percent discount. Snowshoe rentals available. Preregistration is required by calling (518) 327-6241.

Sunday, Jan. 19 – "I have a dream" Cross-Country Ski Race

The VIC is holding a 10-kilometer freestyle cross-country ski race at 10 a.m. Day of race registration begins at 9 a.m. $20/person, $15 for Friends of the VIC. Hot beverages, prizes and snacks provided.

Tuesday, Jan. 28 – Introduction to Maple Sugaring

Mike Farrell, of the Cornell Maple Program, will provide an overview of the sugaring process, maple ecology and the VIC's community-based maple program. The program runs from 7-8:30 p.m. $10/person. Email Brian McDonnell at bmcdonnell@paulsmiths.edu for more information.

Wednesday, Jan. 29 – Winter Astronomy Night at the VIC

VIC staff will be bringing out the 16" Celestron Deep Space Telescope to explore the winter night sky. Dress appropriately for standing outside in cold temperatures. 7:30 p.m. $10/person, $6 for Friends of the VIC. Preregistration required; please call (518) 327-6241.

Thursday, Jan. 30 – Armchair Traveler: Trek to Annapurna Base Camp

Tom Boothe will offer a slide show on his 2010 trek to Annapurna Base Camp in the Himalaya Mountains of Nepal. 7 p.m. in the VIC auditorium. $5/person, free to season-pass holders and Friends of the VIC. Underwritten by Friends of the VIC.

Thursday, Jan. 30 – Winter Owl Prowl

Join Adirondack Birding Center Director Brian McAllister at 7:30 p.m. for a winter owl prowl. Bring snowshoes, headlamps or flashlights and warm winter clothing. $10/person, $5 for Friends of the VIC. Preregistration appreciated. Call the VIC at (518) 327-6241.