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1/18/26

The 5 inches of snow this weekend has made our area look like a winter wonderland. A reminder to beware of the ice underneath, however. There will be a special Select Board Meeting on Tues, 1/20 at 8:45 AM. Check the town website for the agenda.

This sounds like an enjoyable activity at Fletcher Memorial Library on Monday, 1/26 from 5:30 – 6:30 for ages 8 through108! Zentangle art is a meditative, easy-to-learn method for creating beautiful abstract designs using structured, repetitive patterns (“tangles”) made from simple strokes like lines, dots, and curves, offering relaxation, focus, and a way for anyone, regardless of skill, to create art without pressure.

It is time for another informative Senior Planet program, Tech Tips for Emergency Preparedness on Friday, 1/30 a 1 PM in the community room at FML Handy smartphone features will be reviewed and ways to keep essential devices charged during prolonged power outages, plus ways to use social media to obtain emergency info. This program is brought to you by the Black River Good Neighbor Services & Fletcher Memorial Library w/support from Godnick Adult Center & Vermont Community Foundation. Call PML at 802-228-8921 or BRGNS at 802-228-3663

Get ready for Love Your Library 4th Annual Online Auction! This is an important fundraising event for Fletcher Memorial Library which will be celebrating its 125th year. FML is a 501 (c) 3 designated IRS non-profit. All donations are tax deductible. They are not a Municipal department. For more information call 802-228-8921or go to http://www.fmlnews.org http://www.fmlnews.org/

The funds raised help to provide online services, museum and park membership passes for loan, and many wonderful programs for all ages. These services are available to library patrons at no charge and if you live in Ludlow, Mt Holly, Plymouth, or Cavendish- you are eligible for a free library card.

The generous past donations of items and services have been essential to making the auction a success and it is hoped that there will be a good selection from which to choose again this year. Ideas for great auction items to donate – new items, gift certificates for skiing, lodging, golf, and restaurants, artisan created items, small antiques, and gift baskets. Donations will be gratefully accepted until 2/5. Bidding will begins 2/9 at 10 AM at Online @ 32auctions.com and will end 2/23 at 3 PM.

1/12/26

Well, the sun rose this Monday morning, but has disappeared behind the clouds again. Interesting as I was driving to Bridgewater yesterday that the roads were in good shape, but looking at driveways, the ice encasing them was prominent and foreboding. I am grateful that mine has been sanded!

Another holiday weekend is approaching, so I hope the ski areas will be able to mend the damage from the recent sleet and rain. For those of us who live here, Shaws in Ludlow will be absurdly busy, so we need to remember not to try to shop from noon on Friday until Tuesday! Please note the Fletcher Memorial Library will be closed on Sat, 1/17 and Mon, 1/19

I don’t have much news, so I decided to try some humor fiom the internet:

“Winter must be cold for those with no warm memories.” – Deborah Kerr
“There’s no such thing as bad weather – only the wrong clothes.” – Billy Connolly
What bites but doesn’t have teeth? Frost.
“Snowfall rouses your inner child to dream and play once more.” ― Angie Weiland-Crosby

Hope I provided a chuckle or at least a smile!

1/4/26

A new year, hopefully one with many enjoyable adventures ahead. I was awakened on New Year’s Day with a commotion by a gang of approximately 30 wild turkeys in my driveway. I can’t imagine that they were finding much to eat there. I read that they are omnivores usually foraging for nuts, seeds and berries, yet on occasion they consume salamanders, lizards and even small snakes! Doubt they were finding any of them… It has been said that Benjamin Franklin preferred the turkey rather than the bald eagle as the national bird.

Looks like these nippy temperatures will come to an end by mid-week, but I am not looking forward to the mixed precipitation in the forecast. Saturday evening the moon was obscured by the clouds, but it is shining brightly Sunday night.

For those looking for indoor activities, consider Fletcher Memorial Library. The book discussion this month will be Hey What’s Cooking? on Thursday, 1/8 at noon. Find a new recipe in one of the many cookbooks there, make the dish & bring enough to share. Please take a picture of the recipe for others.

The Grief Support Group, sponsored by Black River Good Neighbor Services meets the second Monday of the month in a private space at FML to share experiences, find comfort and learn coping strategies after a loss. For Information call: BRGNS at 802-228-3663

Don’t forget TECH TIME • W/MATT from Sydscompufix on Saturday, 1/10 from 10:30 AM -12:30 PM at FML. To sign up call 802-228-8921, then bring your device, phone or computer to get the help you need!

12/29/25

I hope that everyone had a wonderful Christmas including love-filled time with family and friends. As I am writing this Monday morning, I can hear the sleet hitting my windows. I have filled the bird feeder twice now that the finches are here. I chase them periodically to allow the chickadees and other birds to have a chance to eat!
In anticipation of this nasty, snow-eating weather, I went out snowshoeing with friends both Saturday and Sunday. Although there was not a great deal of snow cover, it was still quite enjoyable at Camp Plymouth State Park.

I was curious so research some New Year’s info. The annual tradition of gathering in Times Square for New Year’s started as a party to celebrate the opening of the New York Times building in 1904. Over 200,000 people attended. The first ball did not drop until 1907. Apparently Waterford comes up with a new ball pattern every year that consist of is 2,688 crystal triangles and it has over 32,000 lights.

There are many fascinating traditions around the world to welcome the New Year. For instance, Hershey, PA drops a giant Kiss. The island nation Kiribati rings in the new year first. American Samoa is one of the last places to celebrate. Could it really be true that Antarctica hosts an Annual New Year’s Music Festival?

Whatever your plans, my prayer is that 2026 will bring peace, good health and a sense of wellbeing to one and all!

12/21/25

So sad to see the dearth of snow after the rain. The Holiday lights at least maintain a festive spirit. I hope the same remains in your hearts.

Consider joining the Friends of Fletcher Memorial Library program: Hey What’s Cooking? (whatever you want!) on Monday 1/6 at noon. Come explore the many delightful cookbooks at FLM, then make one of the recipes to share. Please copy the recipes for others. Beverages provided, so come join the fun!

Wishing all of you a happy, healthy and safe Holiday season.

ABUNDANT LOVE & BLESSINGS

Many blessings everywhere – some are far, others near
Sparkling diamonds in the snow – flitting birds that come and go
Happy sounds that bring good cheer – thoughts of loved ones no longer here
Mixed emotions intermingling – Christmas lights bright and shimmering
Love is the message to sooth the heart – may it bring you peace and sadness thwart.

The Tyson Community Church will be having their Candlelight service on Sunday, 12/21 at 6 PM. All are welcome to attend.

12/15/25

Another frosty morning, although sunshine always makes me feel better! Looks like temps may warm up a bit as the week progresses. Lots of people coming to VT and a few fender benders, so be aware of increased traffic and perhaps give a little extra time to get places. Check the website for the agenda for tonight’s select board meeting. Of note is the mention that Cherry Nicoll, our delightful treasurer is leaving.

I attended “Alice by Heart” at WUHS on Sunday, a play that included youngsters of many ages including Josie Flaster and Simon Bergey from Plymouth. It was a rousing production directed by Marcia Bender!

The Echo Lake Inn is back in operation after a short break prior to Thanksgiving and will resume local specials on 1/6/26. In the meantime, check out their website for their special Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve menu specials. Tyson Ladies Aid enjoyed a yummy lunch there for our Christmas party on 12/4

A local Santa (helper) from town attended the Holiday Open House at Fletcher Memorial Library on 12/11. Free books were distributed and the Friends of the Library provided goodies. Adults were also welcome. Holiday ornament making will take place on Monday, 12/22 for all ages from 5:30-6:30 pm

Please note the FML program called The Healing Library which provides a series of kits designed to make a family’s journey of healing following a trauma easier to navigate. Each Kit consists of a Discussion Guide with tips for discussing the difficult subject as a family, plus an Activities Guide including holistic art and play therapy activities to assist in expression, communication, and healing. Available kits include: The Death of a Pet, The Death of a Loved One, Alzheimer’s and Your Family, and Severe Weather & Climate Engagement. Use your library card to check them out and remember that Plymouth residents are included. The Community Helpers Guide puts families in contact with support groups and organizations. Also consider the Acts of Kindness Guide.

Is SATURDAY, December 13th from 4:30 PM -6:30 PM

12/8/25

This Monday is crisp and cold, but gloriously sunny. A light dusting of snow fell overnight, so that everything is glistening.  Don’t forget the special WUHSMS – Rebuild Community Info Session meeting tonight at 6:00 pm at the town building. Come learn about education plans for our youngsters. The Town Office will be closed on 12/11 but remember the Kid’s Holiday Party will take place on Friday, 12/12 from 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm

Enjoy some happenings at Fletcher Memorial Library this week. Come to the Community Appreciation Open House on Thursday, 12/11, from 4:30 – 6:00 pm.  Check out the decorations, enjoy snacks, music, and time with Santa. Youngsters will each be given an age appropriate book.  Please note that this event is fun for all ages as we gather to socialize and to spread Holiday cheer.

The Plymouth Reading Group enjoyed a lengthy discussion about The Wealth of Shadows by Graham Moore. It is an eye-opening account that provided an understanding of the way the US participated in WWII with financial machinations long before becoming involved militarily.  The following books have been selected for the next three months.

On 1/22 (Note the day is Thursday). Peggy by Rebecca Godfrey and Leslie Jamison.

On 2/25 A Family of Spies by Christine Kuehn.

On 3/18 The Benevolent Society of Ill-Mannered Ladies (Book 1) by Alison Goodman.

Just so you have time to prepare, I understand that National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day is the third Friday of December

12/1/25

I hope that everyone had an enjoyable Thanksgiving. The snow has been granular on Sunday, so easy to sweep away. Killington and Okemo are open for the season, although not all trails are snow-covered yet. Many folks came up for the weekend to enjoy some winter fun. The Plymouth Reading group will be meeting at my house on Wed, 12/3 at 6:30 PM to discuss The Wealth of Shadows by Graham Moore. A zoom option will be available

Roads have been a bit slippery and caution is needed. I want to relay a frightening experience that a friend and I had on Saturday. We were walking on Billings Rd when we saw a vehicle go out of control. it nearly careened off one side of the road, then the driver overcompensated, sending the car off the other side of the road. Jerking the wheel again, it aimed right toward us, causing us to retreat several feet up a bank to get out of harm’s way. Our initial concern had been for the driver, but she never slowed down and continued to weave across the road after missing us. She rounded the corner out of view, so not hearing a crash, we walked back to our cars. A scary reminder that snowy roads need slower speeds to be navigated safely….

A letter from Amber about fun activities for youngsters-

Join us in 2026 at Bethany Birches Camp! Winter camp registration is open now. Kids can join for a unique weekend of fun in the snow with their friends! Activities include tubing, skiing, skating, crafting, games and delicious food. Weekends are led by the same caring, qualified young adult staff who join us in the summer. Sign up with friends or arrive ready to make new friends.