Courtesy of VINS “Archchaeopteryx” by Todd Marshall, renowned paleo-artist, on display in VINS’ “Birds are Dinosaurs” exhibit. Friday, May 22 — QUECHEE — The Vermont Institute of Natural Science presents the opening of an exciting, new exhibit, “Birds are Dinosaurs,” on Friday, May 22. The exhibit traces the amazing story of how birds evolved from dinosaurs. Take a walk…

Submitted Samples of art by Brandon artists, that can be viewed during Open Studio Weekend: Planter by Susan Smith-Hunter; “Barn Door Topiary Farm” quilt by Judith Reilly. May 23-24 — BRANDON — Brandon, Vt. has been known as a community for visual arts since the start of the Brandon Artists Guild, which brought into town fine artists…

Photo one: Courtesy of VCC. Bill LeQuier of Readsboro Glassworks, looks thoughtfully through his glass sculpture. LeQuier’s work will be on display for Open Studio Weekend along with many others. Photo two: By George Rilly. Fabric artist Judith Reilly in her Brandon studio, surrounded by her works of art behind her. Photo three: By Tom Way. Fiber artist…

By Brady Crain The view from Deers Leap looking out to Route 4 and Pico Mountain. One of the perks of running trails is view like this! It’s been an interesting week of training. Last week I did an 18.11-mile run (a loop through Plymouth and Bridgewater on Routes 4, 100 and 100A, with approximately…

After being back in the dating pool for over two years, I’ve had some time to myself and have learned more about being an independent woman. By finding love and happiness within myself (and not being depend on a man to fill that void) I feel that I’m in a much better position to share my life…

Alder and Willow Flycatchers: sibling species By Steven D. Faccio By mid-May each year I begin to look forward to the return of the alder flycatchers that nest in the willows along the stream near our house. Usually the last migrant to arrive on our property, this small, drab gray bird with its sneeze-like song,…

Like all serious literary artists, I exist within a near-constant state of writer’s block and often have to consult other people for ideas. When I ask my girlfriend Quinn what I should write about for my column, she always has the same answer: “Me.” I ask what I should write about her. She tells me…

Courtesy of Brandon Music SARAH BLACKER Saturday, May 23 at 7:30 p.m. — BRANDON — Boston’s “Sundress Rocker,” Sarah Blacker returns to Brandon Music for a release party for her new album “In Waves” on May 23 at 7:30 p.m. before embarking on a national tour. The album is Sarah Blacker’s strongest songwriting and playing to date.…

Courtesy of Flip Side Skatepark A group of young girls sits on a wall at Flip Side Skatepark, gear on and ready to learn to ride. Saturday, May 23 — RUTLAND — Flip Side Skatepark located at Giorgetti Park is one of the largest indoor skate parks in the state of Vermont, designed with transition and flow in…

Submitted “Margaritaville” by Karen Deets is a sample of the colorful, stained glass artwork that can be seen at her studio. May 23 and 24 at 10 a.m. — FAIR HAVEN — May 23 and 24 is the statewide Open Studio Weekend, sponsored by the Vermont Crafts Council. Look for the yellow road directional signs. Karen Deets…

Saturday, May 23 — PLYMOUTH NOTCH — The President Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site opens for the 2015 season on Saturday, May 23. The highlight of the season is the new exhibit: First Lady Grace Coolidge: “A Glass of Fashion.”  Mrs. Coolidge helped establish the first lady’s role of fashion trendsetter and her look reflected the best…

POULTNEY — Vendor spaces along historic Main Street for Poultney's 2015 Annual Town Wide Yard Sales in both June and October are now available for rent. They are available on a first-come, first serve basis through Poultney Area Chamber of Commerce, the event sponsor. The 2015 Yard Sale events dates are Saturday, June 6 and Saturday, Oct.…

By Mary Holland Karl Kemnitzer rides the yellow long-tail electric cargo bike up Mt. Washington. Wednesday, May 27 at 4:30 p.m. — WOODSTOCK — Wondering if an electric bicycle can replace your car? Learn about the uses, different styles, hardware, and requirements in a discussion with Karl Kemnitzer about his two electric cargo bikes that have been used…

Courtesy of Billings Farm & Museum Sample Billings’ new raw milk cheddar cheese at the 6th annual Cheese & Dairy celebration May 23 and 24. May 23-24 — WOODSTOCK — Branded Billings Farm cheese is a tangible and tasty symbol of the history and significance of the Billings Farm in Woodstock – one of the oldest continuously-operating…

May 22 and 23 — WEST RUTLAND — The Marble Valley Players and director Martin Bones are pleased to present another “Fringe Festival Favorite” for your amusement. “If you liked ‘Plague, The Musical,’  you will love ‘Saucy Jack and the Space Vixens’ on May 22 and 23!” say the Marble Valley Players. “Think ‘Saturday Night Fever’ and…