Upcoming events at the Paul Smith's College VIC

PAUL SMITHS, NY (03/06/2014)(readMedia)-- New Moon Art Show: Naturally: Photographs by Burdette Parks and Paintings by Mary Woodcock Johnson

This art show, featuring work by artist Mary Woodcock Johnson and photographer Burdette Parks, will be on display until Saturday, March 29. Free admission. Underwritten by Friends of the VIC.

Saturday, March 8 – Explore the VIC Snowshoe Walk

Join VIC naturalist Brian McAllister and learn about the wonders of winter in the Adirondack Park. Walk topics include tracking, winter survival and winter birding. The walk starts at 10 a.m. and ends around noon. Participants meet in the VIC building. $20/person, includes a day pass. $10 for VIC season-pass holders. Friends of the VIC receive a 25 percent discount. Snowshoe rentals available. Preregistration is required.

Sunday, March 9 – Sunday Ski & Music: Kevin Sabourin

The Sunday Afternoon Live Music and Ski Series continues Sunday, March 9, with music by Kevin Sabourin. Free with a day or season pass. Underwritten by Friends of the VIC. Donations accepted.

Thursday, March 13 – Armchair Science Lecture: Citizen Science: Road kill App

The VIC's Armchair Science Lecture series continues with a presentation by wildlife ecologist Danielle Garneau on a citizen-science project designed to help scientists track ecological trends. The lecture begins 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.

Friday, March 14 – Bunny Boot Ball

Kick up your feet for a thumping good time at the VIC! We'll be skiing and dancing to live music, provided by the band Crackin' Foxy, and enjoying snacks, a 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/person, $25/couple. Dress is Adirondack outdoor casual.

Saturday, March 15 – Adirondack Paintball Biathlon

The VIC has teamed up with our friends at Dewey Mountain and the New York Ski Education Foundation (NYSEF) to bring a paintball event to the Paul Smiths VIC. Registration opens at 9 a.m. The races start at 10 a.m. The entry fee is $5 for ski-club members and $10 for non-members.

Saturday, March 15 – Winter Birding Trip to the St. Lawrence Valley

Join the Adirondack Birding Center on a trip to the shoreline of the St. Lawrence River and surrounding agricultural fields near Massena. The van trip will take us to raptor-rich fields and active waterfowl gathering places along this very productive river valley. We'll search for buntings, sparrows, hawks, ducks and much more during this all-day outing. $75/person. 25 percent discount for Friends of the VIC. Preregistration is required by calling (518) 327-6241.

Saturday, March 15 – The Great VIC Rock Ski Challenge

We'll pick a 5 or 10-kilometer course that offers the best possibilities for skiing, based on the conditions. Registration opens at noon. The race starts at 1 p.m. following the Adirondack Paintball Biathlon. $20/person or $15 for Friends of the VIC. Hot beverages, prizes and snacks provided.

Sunday, March 16 – Sunday Ski & Music: Open Celtic and Traditional Jam hosted by Sue Grimm, Steve Borst and Erik VanYserloo

The Sunday Afternoon Live Music and Ski Series continues with a Celtic and traditional fiddle music jam hosted by Reel Jig Band members Sue Grimm, Steve Borst and Erik VanYserloo. Free with day or season pass. Underwritten by Friends of the VIC. Donations accepted.

Sunday, March 16 – Skate Skiing Clinic for Beginner and Intermediate Skiers

Before you put those skis away, improve your technique with experienced ski instructor and coach Sean Burke. Burke grew up skiing in Paul Smiths and has coached locally with the New York Ski Educational Foundation program. His career has taken him to Anchorage, Alaska, and Gunnison, Colo. Burke competed at the Division 1 collegiate level at Western State College in Colorado. He's worked with beginners, intermediates and experts. Burke will give you pointers to make your skiing more efficient and enjoyable. $15/person, $10 for season-pass holders and Friends of the VIC. Preregistration is required by calling the VIC at (518) 327-6241.

Friday, March 21 – No-School Day: Tapping Into Spring

Children 7 - 11 are invited to this full-day program where they'll learn about the sugar maple and how to turn sap into maple syrup. Bring your outdoor clothes for walking and playing in the snow and snack food. Don't forget your snowshoes or rent them for an additional $5. Reservations are required. Reserve your place by noon Thursday, March 20, by calling (518) 327-6241. Minimum class size is 4. $35/person, $25 for Friends of the VIC.

Saturday, March 22 – Quilt Workshop: Tree of Life Quilt Blocks

In this workshop, you will learn techniques for making half-square triangles quickly and accurately and then use these units to piece together the tree of life quilt block. This simple yet striking block will be used to complete your pillow, wall hanging or quilt. Construction of other quilt blocks using the half-square triangles will also be explored. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. $45. Preregistration is required by calling (518) 327-6241.

Saturday, March 22, & Saturday, March 29 – "Sap to Syrup" Maple Activity

Work with Paul Smith's College VIC sugar makers Tom Manitta and Kyle Dash to experience all aspects of the syrup making process. Participants will go home with a pint of fresh maple syrup. The program runs from 1-4 p.m. $25/person. Preregistration required. Limited to 10 participants per session. Contact: Brian McDonnell, bmcdonnell@paulsmiths.edu.

Saturday and Sunday, March 22 & 23 – Maple Weekend

The Paul Smith's College VIC is holding a maple weekend with sugar bush tours, maple confections, family activities, workshops and the grand opening of the VIC Sugar House.

Wednesday, March 26 – Astronomy Night at the VIC

Learn about the springtime constellations, vernal equinox and meteor showers. We'll have a lecture and then pull out the 14-inch Celestron (deep space) Telescope. 7:30 p.m. $10/person. Free for Friends of the VIC. Preregistration appreciated; please call (518) 327-6241.

Friday, March 28 – Winter Owl Prowl

Join Adirondack Birding Center Director Brian McAllister at 7:30 p.m. for a winter owl prowl. $10/person, $5 for Friends of the VIC. 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.

Saturday and Sunday, March 29 & 30 – Adirondack Maple Weekend

The Paul Smith's College VIC is holding an Adirondack Maple Weekend with sugar bush tours, maple confections, workshops, family activities and a maple run.

ABOUT PAUL SMITH'S COLLEGE

At Paul Smith's College, it's about the experience. Our programs – in fields including hospitality, culinary arts, forestry, natural resources, entrepreneurship and the sciences – draw on industries and resources available in our own backyard while preparing students for successful careers anywhere.