Local Lowdown

Bernie Sanders book signing

April 28, 5 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Senator Bernie Sanders, the longest serving independent member of Congress in American history, will make an appearance at the Vermont Book Shop. The Vermont Senator will sign copies of his new book, The Speech: A Historic Filibuster on Corporate Greed and the Decline of Our Middle Class, for all who stop by. Sanders’ book is based on his recent filibuster speech, lasting nearly nine hours, on the Senate floor. Swing by the shop to meet the senator and bring home a piece of history!

 

Children’s program

April 29, 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

The Ilsley Public Library will host a free event for children in the kindergarten through the second grade. Anoushka Sinha and Gillian Lui, who are both students at the College, will lead the program. They have selected books and crafts that cater to the event’s theme: the environment. Contact either student at asinha@middleburyedu or glui@middlebury.edu for more information.

 

Bristol biomass trip

April 30, 8:30 a.m. – 4:15 p.m.

The University of Vermont, the Forest Guild and the Vermont Family Forests have collaborated to celebrate the benefits of biomass energy. They have organized a field trip, though the location is still undetermined, in addition to a conversation about the necessity to protect the forest during harvest. A tour of both a processing plant and harvested areas will be included in the $20 registration fee. This also includes lunch. For more information and details about how to register, go to http://www.uvm.edu/forestcarbon/symposium.

 

Art display and workshop in Vergennes

April 30, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Make a trip to nearby Vergennes this Saturday to witness an incredible art exhibit: a chain of 1,000 origami cranes. At the Creative Space Gallery, located at 235 Main St., Jill Abilock and other participants will string the cranes together to create a senbazuru, used to grant a wish for those in need. Attendees can help in the project and purchase crane-making kits for just $1. Proceeds will be donated to earthquake relief efforts in Japan. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to learn a new craft and give to a country in need at the same time. For more information on this beneficial event, visit http://www.creativespacegallery.org.

 

Maple Run in Middlebury

May 1, 9 a.m.

Welcome spring with a true challenge: the Middlebury Maple Run. “The Sweetest Half” is a USATF-certified half-marathon; the scenic course winds through downtown and the outlying Middlebury area. The race will start at the Middlebury Volunteer Ambulance Association, located behind Porter Medical Center. All are welcome to participate! After crossing the finish line, enjoy a post-race party with live music from “The Horse Traders.” Register online by 4 p.m. on April 28, or in person on April 30 from 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. at the Middlebury Inn and on race day from 7:30 a.m. - 8:45 a.m. at the starting line. For more information, visit http://www.middleburymaplerun.com.