local lowdown

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Go Green Expo

On May 10-11, the University of Vermont will play host to the Going Green Expo, one of the largest expositions on sustainable energy and living in the United States. The event - modeled after similar undertakings in Manchester, N.H. and Boston, Mass. and including sponsors such as Ben & Jerry's, GroSolar, the Hempest, The Point Radio and Seven Days - will feature hundreds of exhibitors presenting on topics ranging from organic foods and eco-fashion to renewable energy and alternative transportation. For more information on "taking green to the mainstream," visit www.goinggreenexpos.com.

Community-Wide Drug Talk

So, Addison County's heroin problem is clearly raging out of control. (Yeah, we know, just go with it.) To help combat the issue, join a panel lecture and "open discussion about the growing drug presence in Middlebury" on May 10 from 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Champlain Valley Unitarian Universalist Meeting House. The clincher - free food (presumably not "special brownies"), childcare, marijuana (just kidding) and games will be provided. Organizers promise that this will not be your "traditional one-sided drug talk." For more information, call (302)-354-1461 or e-mail PhilosopherRicky@gmail.com.

Middlebury Farmer's Market

At long last, Middlebury's Farmer's Market has returned for the season! Head on down to Marbleworks on May 10 from 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. to support local farmers and artisans and stock up on all of the fruits, vegetables, cheeses, jams and jellies which you have been so desperately craving since the brutal winter chill set in.

Art Auction in Ferrisburgh

The Basin Harbor Club will hold an Arts Auction in Ferrisburgh on May 9 from 5-8:30 p.m. The event - which features a light buffet, cash bar, live and silent auction, dessert and musical entertainment - will benefit Hospice Volunteer Services. Tickets are $25. For more information, call (802)-388-4111.

Vermont Yankee Truth Tour

For several years, concerned citizens have mounted campaigns against the Vermont Yankee nuclear power station in Vernon, Vt., arguing that nuclear power production is dangerous and unethical. In recent months, opposition to this form of energy - and consequent efforts to expose "the reality behind the 'clean and green'" façade - have anything but abated. On May 9 at 7 p.m., local Native Americans will speak out at Ilsley Public Library about what they deem "the true dangers of nuclear power." For more information, call (802)-767-9131.

Hannaford Presents: "Frankenstein"

It's Halloween in May when the Hannaford Career Center presents a new (PG-rated) adaptation of Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" on May 8-10 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults, and $5 for students and senior citizens. For more information, or to reserve a seat, call (802)-382-1036.