The Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles once again is warning the public of more scam text messages that falsely claim the recipient has an unpaid traffic ticket and is at risk of driver’s license suspension and other penalties. The DMV didn’t send these messages and doesn’t send any text or email messages demanding immediate payment. The DMV communicates with customers via the mail and in other ways that are easily recognizable as valid and official because they contain accurate and detailed personally identifiable information. If you receive an unexpected message about fines or payments, don’t click on links, don’t provide personal information, and don’t make payments.

 

Middlebury College senior and men’s soccer player Alem Hadzic is gearing up for a half marathon in Bosnia and Herzegovina and is looking to raise funds through the effort for an organization that serves children fighting cancer in that region. Hadzic will run the Mostar Half Marathon on March 21. He’s raising money for Udruženje Srce za djecu oboljelu od raka (Association Heart for Kids with Cancer), a nonprofit that supports children diagnosed with cancer, survivors and their families in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Hadzic’s parents came to the U.S. after the Bosnian War, and he previously raised funds for the Red Cross in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina through a campaign last spring. For more details on the effort visit tinyurl.com/Hadzicgofundme.

 

United Way of Addison County is inviting parents and caregivers of students in grades 6–12 to complete the Addison County Parent & Caregiver Survey, open through March 31. This survey will help local organizations and schools better understand the experiences, concerns, and needs of families across Addison County. Parents who complete the survey can choose to enter a raffle for one of three $100 gift cards to a local restaurant. Take the survey at tinyurl.com/4fm3y686.

 

The last day to view “In the Blink of an Eye,” Vergennes artist Doug Mack’s stunning photography exhibit, will be Tuesday, March 17, at the Bixby Library. Mack’s dynamic photography collection spans 50 years of his artistic growth and exploration, featuring everything from early black-and-white images taken with a Diana plastic camera, to vivid color pinhole photography and expansive drone-captured landscapes. All works are available for purchase, with 40% of proceeds supporting the Bixby Library’s programs and services. Inquire at the circulation desk if a piece catches your eye.

 

With the warming temperatures, melting snows, and Vernal Equinox next week, spring is arriving. That means that amphibians are beginning to awaken from their winter slumbers to head for nearby pools, with breeding on their mind. This means it’s time for the annual “Salamander Soirees” in Salisbury. For more than 20 years, Otter Creek Audubon Society and the Salisbury Conservation Commission have sponsored organized nights on Morgan Road, where interested citizens can help salamanders, frogs and toads safely cross the road to get from their upland wintering sites to the swamps and wetlands where they’ll breed. Two organized nights will be held this year between March 15 and April 15, scheduled according to weather conditions. To be placed on the email notification list, please email Heidi Willis ([email protected]). If you were on last year’s list and wish to remain, please email to confirm. More detailed information about location, notification, etc. will then be sent.

 

Speaking of creatures on the move, bears are beginning to emerge from hibernation with warmer temperatures. And some of them will be looking for food anywhere they can find it — such as from bird feeders and trash bins. One of the best ways we can help keep both bears and people safe is by bringing in bird feeders this time of year. Bears have an incredible sense of smell and bird seed is like a high-calorie energy bar to them. Once a bear finds a reliable food source near homes, it can quickly become a habit that’s hard to break. And they’ll teach their cubs to visit feeders too. By simply taking feeders down for the season, we help keep bears wild and reduce the chance of conflicts in our neighborhoods. Also, store trash and compost securely. To learn more about living with bears check out tis Vermont Fish & Wildlife webpage: tinyurl.com/44cnjjfx.

 

In 1996, National Bank of Middlebury made its first move outside of Middlebury. On March 18of that year it opened its Bristol branch at 5 Main St., in the space now home to The Bobcat Café. To mark the anniversary, National Bank of Middlebury will host a community celebration at the Bristol branch next Wednesday, March 18,  from 4:30 to 6 p.m. The event is free and open to everyone. Festivities include giveaways, an invitation to community members to share their favorite Bristol memories and hopes for the next 30 years, and surprises throughout the day.

 

Average gasoline prices in Vermont have risen 38 cents per gallon during the past week, averaging $3.36 per gallon right now, according to GasBuddy’s survey of 626 stations in Vermont. Prices in Vermont are 38.2 cents higher than a month ago and 25.6 cents higher than a year ago. According to GasBuddy, the cheapest station in Vermont sold for $2.88 this week; the most expensive was $3.89. Meanwhile, the national average price of gasoline has risen 51.1 cents per gallon during the past week, averaging $3.45 per gallon right now. The national average is up 54.1 cents from a month ago and 41.6 cents higher than a year ago.