MANCHESTER CENTER -- Join Kelly Moore, 2008 U.N. delegate to Nicaragua, as he presents his new documentary film "Nicaragua - On the Ground" on Wednesday, Nov. 11, at 7 p.m. at the Northshire Bookstore. This 29-minute film documents Kelly Moore’s seven-day trip to the mountains of Nicaragua, where he witnessed first-hand the vast poverty of this country and its contrasts in beauty.   Full Story

MONTPELIER-- The groundbreaking art exhibition, Art of Action: Shaping Vermont’s Future Through Art, continues to travel to communities across the state, inspiring conversations and collaborations around the issues affecting the future of Vermont. November marks the first month that all 105 pieces of artwork created for the project will be on display.   Full Story

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. -- Embark on a Roman holiday at the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute during a free, fun-filled family day celebrating the exhibition "Steps off the Beaten Path: Nineteenth Century Photographs of Rome and its Environs." From noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 8, participate in activities that focus on Rome and the exhibition.   Full Story

MANCHESTER -- Playwrights dating back at least to Shakespeare, and probably well before that, used the device of the play within a play to drive a plot forward. In "Hamlet," one of Shakespeare’s best known works, it was used to smoke out the villain of the piece. Burr and Burton Academy’s theater team is gearing up to present a play that is about another play, only this time the   Full Story

STOCKBRIDGE, Mass. -- A landmark exhibition that sheds new light on Norman Rockwell’s art and artistry will open on Nov. 7 at the Norman Rockwell Museum. "Norman Rockwell: Behind the Camera" is the first exhibition to explore in depth Rockwell’s richly detailed study photographs, created by the artist as references for his iconic paintings.   Full Story

CAMBRIDGE, N.Y. -- A new term of classes and workshops is starting up at Hubbard Hall over the next couple of weeks. This next term is packed with long-time favorites and some new courses for those just starting out. Call 518-677-2495 to register. The new term schedule is as follows: Mondays: Basic Yoga - 8:30 a.   Full Story

BENNINGTON -- The Peace Resource Center will present a showing of the film, Rethink Afghanistan at the Unitarian Universalist Meetinghouse in Bennington on Friday, Nov. 6, at 7 p.m. A discussion will follow the film. From Robert Greenwald the director of "Outfoxed," "Wal-mart: The High Cost of Low Price," and "Iraq for Sale," this full-length documentary focuses on the key issues   Full Story

GREENWICH, N.Y. - Upstairs at 111 Main St., Greenwich, is presenting Harold Ford and The Cash Band, featuring Laura Lucy as June Carter. Johnny Cash’s greatest hits will be performed live. Concert date is Saturday, Nov. 7 at 8 p.m., door opens at 7:30 pm. Harold Ford, a ghostly double of The Man in Black, naturally has the sound and look of Johnny Cash.   Full Story

ARLINGTON -- Join Martha Canfield Library in participating in two insightful Vermont Reads 2009 programs! The first program, on Sunday, Nov. 8 at 2 p.m., is a book discussion based on "When the Emperor Was Divine" by Julie Otsuka. Librarian Phyllis Skidmore will lead the discussion about the book, which according to the Vermont Humanities website, "chronicles the heartbreaking evacuation   Full Story

PAWLET -- The Dorset Players will be hosting a Murder Mystery dinner party at The Barn Restaurant in Pawlet on Thursday, Nov. 5, beginning at 6 p.m. sharp. You are cordially invited to the public hanging of the Malevolent Seven at the request of Judge Waylon Payne in the Wyoming Territory Town of Roadkill.   Full Story

Thursday, November 5 ’When in Rome’ continues with ‘Rome: The Age of the Popes’ WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. -- Examine Rome during different historic periods during the Clark’s "When in Rome" series of lectures this fall. Clark staff will lead this series, in conjunction with the exhibition Steps off the Beaten Path: Nineteenth-Century Photographs of Rome and Its   Full Story

MUSIC Kevin’s Sports Pub and Restaurant North Bennington Joe Tucker "Havana Moon" -- Nov. 6 Open Mic with Bud Mattison -- Nov. 7 Bitxx Kitty -- Nov. 13 Karaoke with Ray -- Nov. 14 442-0122 Knapps Underground Bennington Pathway to Providence, Lannen Fall, Highfire Skyline, Stay, Love Via Dance machine -- Nov.   Full Story

ARLINGTON -- It’s Shakespeare like you’ve never seen before, as Arlington Memorial High School’s Varsity Theater Players present the comedy, "The Haunting of Will Shakespeare." Performances will be held Nov. 12, 13, and 14 at 7 p.m. in the Mack Performing Arts Center. Donations will be accepted at the door to benefit the acting troupe.   Full Story

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. -- The Oldcastle Theatre Company will present the third in its series of readings of new plays in development, "Smilin’ Through" by Robert Sugarman, in the Cabaret Room of the Orchards in Williamstown Friday, Nov. 6 at 7 p.m. "Smilin’ Through," set during the Great Depression in upstate New York, explores the pressures the economic downturn placed on second   Full Story

MANCHESTER CENTER -- Beloved children’s author Jan Brett will visit Northshire Bookstore on Friday, Nov. 6, at 5 p.m. to celebrate the publishing of two books, "The Mitten: 20th Anniversary Edition," and "Jan Brett’s Snowy Treasury." Brett will be accompanied by Hedgie, her favorite friend from "The Mitten" and "The Hat.   Full Story