Around the Towns

Dummerston DMV office to reopen on Jan. 2

BARRE - The Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office in Dummerston, which was closed following flooding in July and has remain closed since then due to staffing issues, is scheduled to reopen on Jan. 2.

Amy Tatko, DMV's director of communications and outreach, confirmed the reopening date in an email to The Commons on Dec. 12.

Windham County lawmakers made reopening the Dummerston office a priority. Its closure has meant that residents needing in-person services have had trek north to DMV offices in Springfield and White River Junction.

Registrations and renewals can be done online at dmv.vermont.gov/mydmv. In-person appointments can be made online at vtdmv.cxmflow.com/Appointment/Index/57479cc4-a999-4eee-a392-0a7a474a17aa.

WNESU seeks input for superintendent evaluation process

WESTMINSTER STATION - The Windham Northeast Supervisory Union (WNESU) Board of School Directors is required to provide oversight and policy direction to their superintendent of schools, Andy Haas. As one part of that process, the board is conducting a brief survey. Students, teachers, parents, community members, and WNESU staff are all invited to provide their valuable insights.

"Even if you feel you don't have direct experience, your perceptions and comments are helpful," the board said in a news release. "In part, the survey is requesting input on organizational vision, direction, and leadership by the superintendent; the superintendent's role in promoting a positive learning environment for students; and the superintendent's role in welcoming active engagement from parents, families, and community members."

Responses are anonymous with submissions due by Thursday, Dec. 14. The survey is available at wnesu.org.

Art Gift Sale at All Souls features local artists

WEST BRATTLEBORO - The Art Gift Sale at All Souls Church, 29 South St., continues until Sunday, Jan. 7. On sale are affordable, original works of art to take home in time for unique holiday gift-giving, along with cards and calendars featuring the artists' work.

The original paintings, photographs, and multi-media creations on display were created by Maisie Crowther, Marie Gorst, Elizabeth Lewis, Beth McKinney, Trish Murtha, Ann Newsmith, and Lois Reynolds. Also available are cards and calendars featuring the artists' work. As items sell, they will be replaced by new art, so stop by often to check out the latest additions. Prices start as low as $5, and most items are less than $50.

The Art Gift Sale is open every Sunday from 11 a.m. to noon, and by appointment. Contact the church at [email protected] or 802-257-4710. For a preview of some of the artwork, visit bit.ly/744-art.

'Elf' movie and gift exchange in South Newfane

SOUTH NEWFANE - There will be a free special showing of the movie Elf on Saturday, Dec. 16, at 8 p.m. at the South Newfane Schoolhouse, 387 Dover Rd. At intermission, there will be a "white elephant" gift exchange.

Participants are asked to bring a wrapped gift under $20 for the exchange. It should be something that you'd be happy to take home, and preferably made by a local artist or artisan, or purchased from a local business. "Onesies" and pajamas are strongly encouraged, and folks wearing them will qualify for a drawing. Organizers say the event is "BYOB: Bring Your Own Bean bag, Blankets, comfy camp chairs, and adult beverages."

Monthly produce distribution in Putney

PUTNEY - The Vermont Foodbank and the Putney Foodshelf co-sponsor a monthly food drop of free produce and some nonperishables on the fourth Thursday of every month from 9 to 9:45 a.m. on Alice Holway Drive (in front of Putney Meadows, the white building across from the Putney Co-op and Putney Fire Station).

Due to the holiday season, the December Free Produce Distribution will be on

This program will take place at the Gibson-Aiken Center and is for children 5–11 years old. They require a minimum of six participants to run the program, with a maximum of 20 kids. Note that on Thursday, Dec. 28, campers will meet at the Nelson Withington Skating Facility at Living Memorial Park, and should bring skates (if they have them), a sled, and warm clothes.

Registration is required by Thursday, Dec. 21.

The museum says it plans to use the site for its summer day camp and other educational purposes. With the closure of its site at the Hogback Overlook, the museum is relocating programs and many of its live animals to the Pool Nature Center.

Currently, the site is not open to the public except for special programs and events. However, starting next summer, the museum will be opening up hiking trails. For more information, visit vermontmuseum.org, or facebook.com/vermontmuseum.

This Town and Village item was submitted to The Commons.