By Susan Elliott, courtesy of The Gables Tropical climates produce lush, colorful plant life, as well as amazingly colored birds, such as this one, photographed by Susan Elliott in Costa Rica. Friday, March 13 at 6:30 p.m. — RUTLAND — Marv Elliott, co-president of the Rutland County Audubon Society, will present “Birding in Costa Rica” showcasing the…

Courtesy of Billings Farm & Museum Margaret Schlass, a fourth generation farmer from California, grows, packs and sells onions and potatoes, and also grows melons, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, lettuces, chard, kale and alfalfa. Sutton will be featured in the documentary film, “Farmland,” showing at Billings Farm & Museum as part of an enlightening evening about farming.…

VermontVacation.com/Stephen Goodhue Fresh maple syrup, canned and bottled, sits ready to be enjoyed by sugar lovers. Sunday, March 15 at 1 p.m. — MIDDLETOWN SPRINGS — The Middletown Springs Historical Society’s 27th annual Maple Festival will be presented on Sunday, March 15 from 1 - 4 p.m. - snow, rain or shine. The event features an outdoor…

Courtesy of HFCU A well-costumed participant registers for the first Shiver Me Shamrocks 5K fun run to benefit Wonderfeet in 2014. Saturday, March 14 at 1 p.m. — RUTLAND — Kick off St.Patrick’s Day weekend by running or walking in Heritage Family Credit Union’s  second annual Shiver Me Shamrocks St. Paddy’s 5K Fun Run on March 14,…

Courtesy of Billings Farm & Museum A still from the film “180 Degrees South: Conquerors of the Useless,” showing March 14. Saturday, March 14 at 3 p.m. — WOODSTOCK — Billings Farm & Museum, gateway to Vermont’s rural heritage, will host the film “180 Degrees South: Conquerors of the Useless” on Saturday, March 14 at 3 p.m.…

Saturday, March 14 at 5 p.m. — WEST RUTLAND — The Carving Studio and Sculpture Center presents a talk by artist in residence Kevin Donegan the evening of Saturday, March 14 from 5 - 7 p.m. Donegan will be discussing his recent work in assemblage, utilizing new and found metal materials. A departure from the sculptor’s customary…

Submitted Watercolor painters of all levels are invited to recreate this flower arrangement with artist Maurie Harrington. March 14-15 — KILLINGTON — On Saturday and Sunday, March 14 and 15, Killington ART Garage and local artist Maurie Harrington collaborate in the Early Spring Watercolor Workshop. The two-day workshop will be held Saturday, March 14 from 10 a.m.…

Courtesy of Rutland Jewish Center A chamsah, or “hamsa,” is an ancient symbol used as a sign of protection and to provide defense against the evil eye. Literally meaning “five,” it is depicted as three outstretched fingers, with a thumb - or out-turned pinkies - on either side. Sunday, March 15 at 3 p.m. — RUTLAND…

March 14 - 15 — WEST RUTLAND — The Carving Studio and Sculpture Center has limited openings in Introductory Stone Carving with Bill Nutt scheduled for the weekend of March 14-15. Two full days of carving technique, using hand and power tools, introduce the beginner to visualizing a three-dimensional form in stone. Use of CSSC tools and…

Sunday, March 15 at 3 p.m. — BRANDON — The Brandon Town Players will be auditioning roles for their upcoming live radio show. Auditions will be held Sunday, March 15 and March 22 at the Brandon Senior Citizens Center, Forestdale Road (Route 73), Brandon promptly at 3 p.m. Audition materials will be provided. Performers should be prepared…

March 14 and 15 — RUTLAND — Is your young teen ready to start earning money? Are you ready for your young teen to stay alone after school or start watching younger siblings but you aren’t sure if they are ready? Register your son or daughter for our upcoming Safe Sitter® classes and have peace of mind…

Saturday, March 14 at 7 p.m. — RUTLAND — On March 14 at 7 p.m., the Rutland Curbstone Chorus will perform at Ludlow Town Hall Auditorium. The Curbstone Chorus is a barber shop oriented group that has been featured in the region for the past decade. The group sings a cappella and features songs by the…

Saturday, March 14 at 7 p.m. — RUTLAND — The Concert Handbell Ringers of the Wheeler School of Providence, R.I., an auditioned high school handbell ensemble celebrating its 35th year, will present a concert in the Chapel of the Rutland United Methodist Church on Saturday, March 14 at 7 p.m. The Wheeler School, a co-ed independent day…

Killington ART Garage recently announced ‘Paint and Sip’ with Local Artist Rae Newell. The new event be offered for the first time, Thursday, March 19. ‘Paint and Sip’ will focus on capturing the landscape of March with its blue skies and sap buckets. This Workshop is open to all levels and will be a relaxed…

Thursday, March 12 at 5:30 p.m. — RUTLAND — Just in time for St. Patrick’s Day, College of St. Joseph presents “An Irish Evening: Reading and Discussing a Short Story by James Joyce” at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 12, at Rutland Free Library. Enjoy Irish-inspired fare and refreshments with friends while listening to College of St.…