Welcome to The Plymouth Press Online

7/26/26

Lately we have had such amazingly beautiful days. Nice to have the smoke dispersed and the high humidity gone, too. My son-in-law set a trail camera up the hill on my property and the results have been interesting. Some deer as expected, a couple of coyotes and no bears. The latter tend to stay to the left side of my property. What did surprise me was the bobcat! Last winter some tracks in the snow made me wonder, but now I have proof. Although I would love to see one, I know my chances of glimpsing these elusive 15 to 35 pound creatures are slim. Adult bobcats are not social and actually only tolerate the presence of the opposite sex during the breeding season. Bobcats feed on mice, vole, rats, chipmunks, squirrels, snowshoe hares, cottontail rabbits, birds, and deer. I found it surprising that white tailed deer can be an important food source in the winter when snow depths make hunting them easier.

On Saturday, 8/1 the Calvin Coolidge Presidential Foundation and the Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site announce that they will be marking the 103rd anniversary of when America’s 30th president, Calvin Coolidge, took the oath of office at his family homestead. The live reenactment begins at 2:47 PM on the porch of the Cilley Store. Following the reenactment, museum visitors are invited to enjoy celebratory Moxie Floats, a favored beverage of President Coolidge. Typically found only in New England, this drink is “wickedly good” and “distinctly different.”

The Fletcher Memorial Library giant Annual Book Sale will be happening 8/21 and 8/22, so mark your calendar! Donations are being accepted during library hours – Monday 10-7, Tues-Fri 10-5 and Sat 10-1. Books in good condition are appreciated, so that others may enjoy reading them. Encyclopedias, textbooks, and magazines Reader’s Digests cannot be accepted. Call the library at 228-8921 with questions. Books may be left inside the back door.

The Writers Group at FML is led by Cathy Martin and meets from 3 to 6:30 pm on the first and third Monday of the month. Come share your work and receive feedback. Bring your youngsters to “Color & Chat” at FML with artist Willow Bascom on Saturday 8/8 to explore global cultures and colors. Markers and pencils provided or bring your own.

The Plymouth Book group enjoyed the discussion of Whistler by Ann Patchett and will be discussing Theo of Golden by Allen Levi on Wed, 8/19.

Join Okemo Mountain School for its annual Gravel Gallop on Sunday, 8/2 starting atCamp Plymouth State Park and experience some of Vermont’s most scenic gravel roads while supporting OMS student-athletes. This can be a fun family ride or a rewarding endurance challenge, depending upon the route for you! Choose from 9-, 32-, or 45-mile self-guided loops through Plymouth, VT. Riders can begin at 8:30 AM with the start and finish at the park. All routes were designed by Rick and Pam Trainer, local cycling experts, owners of Mountain Cycology, and OMS alumni parents.

Get ready for the much-anticipated Tyson Ladies Aid Bazaar that will be taking place on Sat, 8/8 across Rte 100 from the Green Mtn Sugar House. Come take chances on the amazing array of gift baskets, find goodies at the Bake Table, enjoy the luscious chicken BBQ, and perhaps find a book to read. Start time is 10 AM and the baskets will be raffled at 2 PM.

Here is another sample of an early print addition of the Plymouth Press. Enjoy it

7/19/26

Well, changeable weather abounds! Sudden downpours, lovely blue skies, high daytime humidity, then, nighttime cooldowns, yellow skies and gusty wind to blow out the smoke. We have had it all – Sunday was simply lovely.

I suppose that most people are aware of all the free music that is available in our area. Sunday evening at Veterans Park in Ludlow, Wed in Cavendish, Thurs in Belmont and Jackson Gore on Friday evenings. If you appreciate more classical music check out https://kinhaven.org for a listing of their free concerts.

In case you feel like traveling a bit consider going to the Maple Roots Festival in Montpelier, 7/25 – full-day festival at Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks celebrating with live music, great food and drink, and family-friendly fun. The lineup includes the Vermont Jazz Ensemble, Lara Cwass, Michael-Louis Smith, and more, along with food trucks and kids’ activities.
Trivia: Before he invented the steel plow that broke open the American prairie, John Deere was a struggling blacksmith born in which Vermont city?

Just to remind folks that there are still lots of fun activities for youngsters at Fletcher Memorial Library that Plymouth families can enjoy. For children ages 5 and under, consider the SUMMER PLAY GROUP Tuesday Mornings from 10:30am-12:00pm. SUMMER OUTDOOR STORY TIME will continue through 8/12 on Wednesdays from 10:30 – 11 AM. “Color & Chat” with artist Willow Bascom will be a special treat on Saturday, 8/8 between 10-1pm. Check out Willow at WorldFolkArt.me – you will be delighted!
A note from The Black River Academy Museum that they are heading to the Ludlow FarmersMarket: Stop by our booth for a fun day on Sunday, 7/26 between 9:00am – 1:00pm. Enjoy local Food, refreshing drinks, and homemade breads.

The Plymouth Reading group will be meeting on Wed, 7/22 to discuss Whistler by Ann Patchett. It was a bit different from some of her other books. Email me at tmmarrone@tds.net for the location if you would like to join us. The Plymouth Press email is not monitored!
Answer: John Deere was born in Rutland, Vermont in 1804. He was a blacksmith apprentice in Middlebury, but the economic crash in Vermont prompted his move west.

7/12/26

This walking before 8 AM to avoid the sun while taking doxyclyine has had many benefits. Within a few feet of my house my Merlin app identified 8 different birds. Many were familiar to me, but the Ovenbird was very loud and I was surprised to have an Indigo Bunting listed. I would love to see one of these blue beauties, so I will be keeping an eye out. Tuesday Trivia: The oldest private military college in the United States is in Vermont. What is it and where is it located?

Tyson Ladies Aid is in charge of the Tyson Library, located almost directly behind Tyson Church. It is a cozy little place with mainly non-fiction books, comfy seating, and limited hours since it run strictly by volunteers. You will likely find in open on Fridays and Saturdays from 10 AM to noon. Look for the open flag and you might find it open those hours on other days, too! Donated books are not being accepted any longer. Keep in mind that the annual TLA Bazaar will be 8/8 starting at 10 AM, with the set up being across Rte 100 from the Green Mtn Sugar House. As usual there will a table of homemade goodies, the amazing basket raffle, plus the chicken BBQ

Folks might want to check out the 7/6 select board meeting minutes. Of special note is that reappraisal is slated to begin in August. Thanks to Rick Kaminski for his many years of service since at this meeting he tendered his resignation from all Town boards. Best wishes to Cherry Nicolls on her new full-time position in Ludlow. Also, a motion was made and accepted to approve 3% wage increase for the majority of employees.

Help is coming with the Organizing and Decluttering workshop Saturday, 7/18 at 11AM at Fletcher Memorial Library with professional home organizer Kris Harmelink.I imagine those of us who have been successful with procrastinating (like me) can benefit from her ideas! I imagine those of us who have been successful with procrastinating (like me) can benefit from her ideas!

Also at FML, Journey to the Center of the Earth by Jules Verne wil be the book discussion on Mon 8/10 at 6PM. I had heard about this book, but never read it, but I am finding it interesting. Copies are available at the library.

I need to backtrack on my previous tick information, since apparently what I found online was old and no longer accurate. The state does not do free testing, but there are some private places that will do so. The information I was given, however, is that the Vermont Department of Health does not recommend tick testing unless you are having symptoms. The reasons listed were: “you may not have been infected, and even if the tick is infected and tests positive it may not have transmitted the infection to you. Negative results can lead to false assurance. You may have been unknowingly bitten by a different tick that was infected, not know it and developed symptoms of a tick bite illness. It may delay treatment, tick test results take several days and may not be available in time to make prompt healthcare decisions. Tests perform on ticks are not held to the same standard as test performed on humans. Results of testing should not be used for treatment decisions even with a negative result, people should still monitor themselves for the appearance of a rash, fever, and flu like symptoms. If any occur you should contact your healthcare provider. Although some private labs offer tick testing, the Department of Health and the Vermont Agency of Agriculture Food and Markets do not collect or test ticks from the public”

Trivia Answer: Norwich University in Northfield, Vermont

7/5/26

So many events happening this past weekend that it was difficult to pick and choose. The Naturalization Ceremony at the Coolidge Homestead was heartwarming and well worth attending. Forty-nine candidates from twenty-four countries with huge smiles on their faces received their citizenshipcertification and were cheered by family, friends, and all of us in attendance. Shortly after there was an thrilling “flyover” by 4 jets from the VT National Guard, prior to the reading of the Declaration of Independence and the procession to the cemetery to lay the wreath. Luscious food was available from Jen’s Cookin’, tucked away behind the Wilder House. If you missed these yummy offerings, you can check out her facebook page or find Jen at her stand in Tyson.

It has been warmer that usual with rather high humidity, but generally I have not found it to be overly oppressive, especially when temps are reported in the triple digits elsewhere. I had a hummingbird on my Blink this morning, then I realized I had let the food run out, so it was apparently giving me a subtle reminder! I do worry about wildlife with the many days of fireworks.

Please note that there is a Select Board meeting on Mon, 7/6 at 6 PM. The agenda can be found on the website. We rarely dislike a book, but everyone agreed the It Girl was not one that we would recommend. Moving on, The Plymouth Book Group choose three books for the next few month. Whistler by Ann Patchett for 7/22, Theo of Golden by Allen Levi for 8/10, and Finding Freedom in the Lost Kitchen by Erin French for 9/23.

Happenings at Fletcher Memorial Library this week begin on Monday, 7/6 with the Mount Holly Folk Club bringing a mix of favorite folk songs on the lawn from 4:30- 6:30 PM. Then the book discussion of Those Turbulent Sons of Freedom by Christopher S. Wren on Thurs 7/9 at 10:30 AM

I found a tick attached to my side last week. Ironically I had just completed some tick research to include in my article (did I cause this to happen?). Below is what I found online

How to Submit a Tick for Free Identification

Preserve the tick: Place it in a small bottle of isopropyl alcohol (used watertight pill bottles work well). Mail it: Use a crush-proof container and send it with the completed Tick Surveillance Submission Form to: VAAFM VT Tick Surveillance Program, 163 Admin Drive, Randolph Center, VT 05061 Agency of Agriculture Food and Markets.

Or email a photo: Take a clear, close-up photo of the top and bottom of the tick on a white sheet of paper, then email it to Eliza.Doncaster@Vermont.gov for identification That is what I did and Eliza responded immediately!

6/28/26

It seems quite fitting with the July 4th holiday approaching that I am currently listening to Those Turbulent Sons of Freedom by Christopher S. Wren for the book discussion on Thurs 7/9 at 10:30 AM at Fletcher Memorial Library. The role of the Green Mtn Boys in the American Revolution is noted in great detail and I have already learned some surprising facts about the twist and turns on both sides. Please note that the Mount Holly Folk Club will perform a mix of favorite folk songs on the lawn of FML on Monday, July 6th from 4:30-6:30pm. Bring a chair or blanket and come enjoy the performance. It will be moved inside if the weather turns rainy.

Per Rejoice Sherry, Historic Site Regional Administrator, admission to Historic Site is Free on the 4th. The historic village of Plymouth Notch celebrates America’s 250th birthday and the 154th birthday of President Calvin Coolidge with a full day of activity jointly hosted by the Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site and the Calvin Coolidge Presidential Foundation. The museum and historic village opens for touring 10:00 a.m. There will not be fireworks, but you can catch them in Ludlow on the 4th and in Woodstock ($10 parking fee) on the 5th.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE. America 250 Celebration to Take Place at President Coolidge’s Birthplace. Three-Day Event in Plymouth Notch, Vermont, to Feature Naturalization Ceremony, Orchestra Performance, Declaration Reading, Wreath-Laying, and National Debate Championship

PLYMOUTH NOTCH, Vt. — Americans from across the country will gather in Plymouth Notch, Vermont, July 2–4, 2026, as the Calvin Coolidge Presidential Foundation and the Vermont Division for Historic Preservation host a major national celebration of America’s 250th anniversary at the birthplace and boyhood home of President Calvin Coolidge.

The three-day celebration, “America 250 at the Notch,” will bring together citizens from across the country for a unique observance of the Semiquincentennial at one of America’s best-preserved presidential sites. The event will feature civic ceremony, music, student debates, living-history performances, and opportunities for public participation, all centered on the enduring principles of the Declaration of Independence.

“To spend the Fourth of July with Calvin Coolidge is especially meaningful,” said Matthew Denhart, president of the Coolidge Foundation. “A century ago, President Coolidge led America’s 150th anniversary celebration and delivered what many regard as the finest modern speech on the Declaration of Independence, ‘The Inspiration of the Declaration.’ As our nation marks 250 years of independence, there is no better place to reflect on the meaning of citizenship and self-government than with Coolidge in Plymouth Notch.”

Throughout the celebration, visitors are invited to explore the historic village where Coolidge was born, raised, and sworn in as president in 1923. The events will also celebrate the birthday of Calvin Coolidge, the only president born on the Fourth of July.

Highlights include:

• Coolidge Cup National Speech & Debate Tournament (July 2–4) — Nearly 100 of the nation’s top high school students will gather in Plymouth Notch to compete in the Coolidge Cup National Championship. Students will debate questions of constitutional government and deliver historic speeches. Members of the public are invited to serve as citizen judges or attend rounds as spectators.

• America 250 Orchestra Evening (July 3, 6:00 p.m.) — A 26-piece orchestra conducted by John M. Masko will perform beloved American favorites, including marches by John Philip Sousa and Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture, complete with live cannon fire, courtesy of the Vermont Civil War Hemlocks. Guests are invited to bring picnic dinners and gather at the historic site for this tented performance. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Guests are invited to bring a lawn-chair or blanket in the event of overflow seating.

• Naturalization Ceremony (July 4, 10:00 a.m.) — Experience one of America’s most moving civic traditions. Join us as 50 individuals take the Oath of Allegiance and become U.S. citizens in a public ceremony presided over by Judge Mary Kay Lanthier. A celebratory reception to welcome the new citizens will follow.

• Public Reading of the Declaration of Independence (July 4, 11:30 a.m.) — Vermont’s 80th governor, James Douglas, will lead visitors in a community reading of the Declaration of Independence on the Plymouth Notch Village Green, bringing Americans together to reflect on the principles that have guided the nation for 250 years.

• Ceremonial Procession and Wreath-Laying (July 4, Noon) — Members of the Vermont National Guard and the Coolidge family will lead a procession to the Coolidge gravesite, where a wreath sent by the White House will honor America’s 30th president. Direct descendants of Calvin and Grace Coolidge will read selections from Coolidge’s landmark speech, “The Inspiration of the Declaration.” Coolidge biographer and Foundation Chair Amity Shlaes and Vermont State Historic Preservation Officer Laura Trieschmann will offer remarks.

The celebration continues throughout the afternoon with a birthday party honoring both America and President Coolidge. Experience history come to life with captivating portrayals of Calvin Coolidge and John Adams, and cheer on the nation’s brightest young minds during the championship rounds of the Coolidge Cup National Speech & Debate Tournament.

6/21/26

Some lovely days last week, but storms kept rolling in and out. The wild weather of late is making life difficult on many fronts. The downpours have created deep fissures in my driveway and others have lamented the same. The small streams are swollen and the lakes below Money Brook are now an unappetizing chocolate brown color, full of sentiment. Most upsetting, of course, is the wind damage and tornado that caused destruction on Rte 4. I wonder if we officially out of the draught designation… I now have new resident – this porcupine pranced (lumbered) up my driveway and made his way up the sugar house road, presumably heading home.

It was wonderful the way the skies cleared in time for the Strawberry Festival last Wed. The evening turned out to be perfect with over 300 adults and 50+ children in attendance, plus someone forgot to invite the bugs! Praise for the hard work of all the volunteers and thanks to the community for coming out in support.

As usual, there are many interesting programs at Fletcher Memorial Library. On Friday, 6/26 at 1 PM, Senior Planet, sponsored jointly with Black River Good Neighbor Services will provide Tips for Being News Savvy Online. I can’t tell how much helpful info is provided in these workshops – consider attending. On 7/9 at 10:30 AM, join the discussion of Those Turbulent Sons of Freedom, Ethan Allen’s Green Mountain Boys, American Revolution antics, by Christopher Wren.

The Plymouth Reading Group will be discussing It Girl, a fascinating historical fiction by Allison Pataki on Wed 6/24 at 6:30 PM. Not sure of our meeting location, yet, so email me at tmmarrone@tds.net if you wish to attend. We will also be choosing books for the next few months!

There are a myriad of celebrations planned locally over the 4th. Please note this information from the Coolidge Foundation. Over three days — July 2–4 — you’ll experience a community celebration open to all that brings together history, tunes, and civic ceremony: Watch high school students from across the land debate presidential powers in the Coolidge Cup National Speech and Debate Championship — you can even serve as a judge. Attend an orchestral performance of works by John Philip Sousa and many others (6 PM on 7/3, bring a chair to sit on the lawn) Witness a naturalization ceremony welcoming new American citizens (10 AM on7/4). Join a procession to the Plymouth Notch cemetery to hear readings of Coolidge’s landmark speech “The Inspiration of the Declaration” (noon on 7/4). Encounter Calvin Coolidge and John Adams in the person of live re-enactors. Enjoy wagon rides and tour the Coolidge Historic Site.

6/14/26

What a glorious weekend weather-wise! The thunder storm Sunday night was fierce, but the flowers have bounced back.  VT is such a great place to see and enjoy wildlife. I noticed a small turtle crossing Dublin Rd during a walk the other morning. It was not as tiny as I imagine a newborn would be, but he left wet footprints on the pavement, so I assume he just ventured forth from the brook. Using my Merlin app, I finally determined that the very loud early morning chirping outside my window is a robin – the perfect wakeup call.

I have recently had a few trees cut down, allowing me to watch a deer with her head in my sand barrel. I don’t recall if Tom had added salt to the sand, but she was in no hurry to leave. I now have a terrific Home Share person living with me. We were admiring my coral-colored peonies when we observed the nearby wild berry bushes quivering. Upon further examination, we found a porcupine nibbling away.

I want to thank Dave Olster for paying the $50 fee for the domain name for the Plymouth Press from his Emergency Management budget. I appreciate Jen Flaster’s help in maintaining it and Lauren Skaskiw-Harootunian’s posting my articles. There are not many of us left from the original crew that started the written version of the Plymouth Press in spring of 1992. It was birthed through discussions of several people, including Kathy Lynds, Cyndy Bittenger, and myself in an attempt to keep folks advised of happenings in town and cost 25 cents. There may have been others, so forgive me for neglecting to mention you! I can’t recall who typed the original one by we were not familiar with clip art, so Rose Crandall illustrated it. Ellen and Orville Steward spent their anniversary at Plymouth Elementary School making copies on the antiquated mimeograph machine – a very messy job I know because I ran off several, too. The only remaining copies are housed at the Plymouth Historical Society. More to come in the future.

Gearing up for the Annual Plymouth Strawberry Festival, rain or shine at Camp Plymouth State Park starting at 5 PM on Wed 6/17. Join the many folks who gather for this delicious fundraising event. Music this year will be provided by a DJ.

Don’t forget the 6/20 Star Gazing program Carl Malikowski at the Historic Site at 7:30. Then on 6/30 at 7:30pm join Guest Speaker Paul Anderson, at BRAM for a discussion of the Revolutionary War. Light refreshments will be served.

Our students are now finished with school for the summer. I am pleased to note that Josie Flaster played a flute solo with the middle school jazz band at the Ottauquechee Yacht club recently. Congratulations to Schuyler Hagge, who was Valedictorian of the 2026 graduating class at WUHS. Check out the wonderful article about her in last week’s VT Standard.

6/14/26

What a glorious weekend weather-wise! The thunder storm Sunday night was fierce, but the flowers have bounced back.  VT is such a great place to see and enjoy wildlife. I noticed a small turtle crossing Dublin Rd during a walk the other morning. It was not as tiny as I imagine a newborn would be, but he left wet footprints on the pavement, so I assume he just ventured forth from the brook. Using my Merlin app, I finally determined that the very loud early morning chirping outside my window is a robin – the perfect wakeup call.

I have recently had a few trees cut down, allowing me to watch a deer with her head in my sand barrel. I don’t recall if Tom had added salt to the sand, but she was in no hurry to leave. I now have a terrific Home Share person living with me. We were admiring my coral-colored peonies when we observed the nearby wild berry bushes quivering. Upon further examination, we found a porcupine nibbling away.

I want to thank Dave Olster for paying the $50 fee for the domain name for the Plymouth Press from his Emergency Management budget. I appreciate Jen Flaster’s help in maintaining it and Lauren Skaskiw-Harootunian’s posting my articles. There are not many of us left from the original crew that started the written version of the Plymouth Press in spring of 1992. It was birthed through discussions of several people, including Kathy Lynds, Cyndy Bittenger, and myself in an attempt to keep folks advised of happenings in town and cost 25 cents. There may have been others, so forgive me for neglecting to mention you! I can’t recall who typed the original one by we were not familiar with clip art, so Rose Crandall illustrated it. Ellen and Orville Steward spent their anniversary at Plymouth Elementary School making copies on the antiquated mimeograph machine – a very messy job I know because I ran off several, too. The only remaining copies are housed at the Plymouth Historical Society. More to come in the future.

Gearing up for the Annual Plymouth Strawberry Festival, rain or shine at Camp Plymouth State Park starting at 5 PM on Wed 6/17. Join the many folks who gather for this delicious fundraising event. Music this year will be provided by a DJ.

Don’t forget the 6/20 Star Gazing program Carl Malikowski at the Historic Site at 7:30. Then on 6/30 at 7:30pm join Guest Speaker Paul Anderson, at BRAM for a discussion of the Revolutionary War. Light refreshments will be served.

Our students are now finished with school for the summer. I am pleased to note that Josie Flaster played a flute solo with the middle school jazz band at the Ottauquechee Yacht club recently. Congratulations to Schuyler Hagge, who was Valedictorian of the 2026 graduating class at WUHS. Check out the wonderful article about her in last week’s VT Standard.

6/14/26

What a glorious weekend weather-wise! The thunder storm Sunday night was fierce, but the flowers have bounced back.  VT is such a great place to see and enjoy wildlife. I noticed a small turtle crossing Dublin Rd during a walk the other morning. It was not as tiny as I imagine a newborn would be, but he left wet footprints on the pavement, so I assume he just ventured forth from the brook. Using my Merlin app, I finally determined that the very loud early morning chirping outside my window is a robin – the perfect wakeup call.

I have recently had a few trees cut down, allowing me to watch a deer with her head in my sand barrel. I don’t recall if Tom had added salt to the sand, but she was in no hurry to leave. I now have a terrific Home Share person living with me. We were admiring my coral-colored peonies when we observed the nearby wild berry bushes quivering. Upon further examination, we found a porcupine nibbling away.

I want to thank Dave Olster for paying the $50 fee for the domain name for the Plymouth Press from his Emergency Management budget. I appreciate Jen Flaster’s help in maintaining it and Lauren Skaskiw-Harootunian’s posting my articles. There are not many of us left from the original crew that started the written version of the Plymouth Press in spring of 1992. It was birthed through discussions of several people, including Kathy Lynds, Cyndy Bittenger, and myself in an attempt to keep folks advised of happenings in town and cost 25 cents. There may have been others, so forgive me for neglecting to mention you! I can’t recall who typed the original one by we were not familiar with clip art, so Rose Crandall illustrated it. Ellen and Orville Steward spent their anniversary at Plymouth Elementary School making copies on the antiquated mimeograph machine – a very messy job I know because I ran off several, too. The only remaining copies are housed at the Plymouth Historical Society. More to come in the future.

Gearing up for the Annual Plymouth Strawberry Festival, rain or shine at Camp Plymouth State Park starting at 5 PM on Wed 6/17. Join the many folks who gather for this delicious fundraising event. Music this year will be provided by a DJ.

Don’t forget the 6/20 Star Gazing program Carl Malikowski at the Historic Site at 7:30. Then on 6/30 at 7:30pm join Guest Speaker Paul Anderson, at BRAM for a discussion of the Revolutionary War. Light refreshments will be served.

Our students are now finished with school for the summer. I am pleased to note that Josie Flaster played a flute solo with the middle school jazz band at the Ottauquechee Yacht club recently. Congratulations to Schuyler Hagge, who was Valedictorian of the 2026 graduating class at WUHS. Check out the wonderful article about her in last week’s VT Standard.

6/7/26

The mostly gentle rain soaked everything on Saturday and although the sun was out first thing this morning, drops will be coming down by noon on Sunday. I received a news alert from Karen on Weaver Rd that there were several vehicle break-ins in that area the other night. The remnants of dirt and leaves provided a clue to the perpetrators…. Another reminder that bears are determined and resourceful at opening all sorts of doors!

Please be aware that comments can not be sent to the Plymouth Press, so use my email, tmmarrone@tds.net. This publication is for information purposes only, so no opinions, please.

I visited with Jacqueline at Camp Plymouth State Park, who said they are fully staffed (welcome back Kyleigh) and everything is set for summer fun. Will told me that the concession has snacks, candy, soda, and Wilcox ice cream. Don’t forget the annual Strawberry Festival at 5 PM on Wed, 6/17. Emergency Services will be serving from the grill and many in the community will be contributing salads and baked beans. Various options will be available to accommodate food sensitivities. Tyson Ladies Aid will have their fabulous strawberry shortcake dessert, too

Both the Inn at Water’s Edge and the Echo Lake Inn are open for the season. The locals menu of mid-wk specials will be available Tues – Thurs beginning 6/16 at ELI. A reminder about the 6/14 happenings at Bethany Birches Camp. Worship and connection at 10am. Directly followed by the chicken barbecue lunch, then at 1:30pm Summer Family Fun Day starts, featuring swimming, the pig trough, and a glimpse into camp.

There are lots of interesting activities for all ages. taking place at Fletcher Memorial Library in Ludlow that are available to Plymouth residents, so check out the website. On Monday 6/8 at 6 pm join the discussion of Theo of Golden by Allen Levi. Summer Outdoor Story Time Weds, 6/24-8/12/26, 10:30-11:00 am. Best suited for ages 6 and under. Laid back ½ hour of stories, songs and fun. Bring a blanket or folding chair and meet by the picnic table, unless rain or extreme heat, then it will be moved inside. Also check out the passes available to be borrowed for free or reduced entrance to many wonderful places – Billings Farm and Museum, Fairbanks Museum and Planetarium, VINS, etc.

At a bit of a distance, this Juneteenth With Harps program at Hildene in Manchester on Friday, 6/19 from 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm is free and open to all. Presented in the Formal Garden, enjoy music performed by The Dorset Harp Colony. Student harpists will perform a repertoire of solo and ensemble pieces, including “Lift Every Voice and Sing” to celebrate the holiday.

On Sat, 6/20 at 7:30 pm consider attending the Star Gazing program at the Calvin Coolidge Historic Site. The presentation by Carl Malikowski, a member of the Springfield Telescope Makers Club, will explain deep-sky objects such as galaxies, nebulae, star clusters, and planets. He will also share a brief history of Astronomy enthusiasts in Vermont. From 8:30 p.m. until as late as 10:00, visitors will head outdoors to view the night sky with telescopes. In the event of rain or heavy cloud cover, the presentation will still take place, but star gazing will be cancelled.