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Lilac Wand Hand-Out

The Middlebury Garden Club will distribute lilac wands on April 26 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. in the parking lot behind Ilsley Public Library. What, exactly, is a lilac wand? When in doubt, consult Google - and remain baffled. Local News's best guesses include some manner of flower arrangement or garden implement, or (the most alluring and least probable possibility) an object which is "sacred to Gemini and brings the root energy of expansion and growth," according to the Web site of Johann & Son Wandmakers, which specializes in crafting "handmade magic wands" from traditional Druidic woods. "It is sacred to bards and bespeakas erotic creative powers," the site reads. "It is well suited to the magic of union, attraction, sexual enhancement, imagination and mental concentration." Isn't ambiguity delightful?

Early Season Bike Ride in Vergennes

Strap on your helmet and get ready to peddle furiously in an early season bike ride from Vergennes to Panton on April 26. For more information about the so-called "easy" 15 to 20-mile trek with "several options," call (802) 878-4873.

Vermont Adult Learning Spring Fling

Vermont Adult Learning will hold its "spring fling," featuring a flea market, plant sale, bake sale and tasty lunch on April 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the American Legion on Wilson Street in Middlebury. Proceeds from the event - to be held rain or shine - will benefit the organization's Student Support Services Fund, which aids those who avail themselves of free classes and tutoring in basic reading, writing, math and computer skills, English for speakers of other languages and work readiness. For more information, contact Kathy Hall at khall@vtadultlearning.org or (802) 388-4392.

Wild Flower Workshop

You know the difference between blue lobelia and butterfly weed, right? And, certainly, rocket larkspur and foxglove? Ringing any bells? No? Really? Well, then, naturalist Alison Zimmer will expect to see you at the Seminary Street Extension parking area by Means Woods at promptly 9 a.m. on April 26 for an interactive lesson in wild flower and herb identification and its accompanying lore. Perhaps your newfound knowledge will enhance your odds of scoring a coveted lilac wand (whatever the heck it is) later that morning. For more information, call (802) 388-1007.

Shakespeare's The Tempest in Vergennes

Not every trip to Vergennes this weekend must be made on bicycle (though it sure would make life more interesting.) Relax, instead, in a cushy seat at the renowned Vergennes Opera House when the "All the World's a Stage" theater company presents a free performance of William Shakespeare's The Tempest on April 26 at 7 p.m. Those who are seeking a dash of the literary - but whose early modern English and attention span are both a little shaky - may be better served by "The Tempest for Children in Middlebury," to be held on April 24 at 4 p.m. at Ilsley Public Library. The performance promises to be "shortened" and "appropriate for children." Phew.