Welcome to The Plymouth Press Online

Two Rivers Ottauquechee Regional Commission (TRORC) is in the process of completing a
mandatory new regional plan which may affect you and your real estate property. Of major
concern is the new land use map. The largest map update is revising the current Regional Future
Land Use map. The 2026 Regional Future Land Use Map includes a description of the new
statutory regional future land use categories.

In order to view the map and how it affects your property (rights), go to trorc.org, and click the
link to Draft Available Here. Scroll down until you find a list, all in green, below the heading, “First
Hearing Chapter PDF Drafts – 2026 Regional Plan. Lines below the list is a sentence that states,
“You can compare the old and new maps by using this mapping tool.” Click on the word, “tool” in
order to see the map. Best to use a full – size screen on a computer for this.

Once the map appears, type in your address in the box at upper right and your property will
appear. Center and size it if necessary and then to the left, you will see where you can toggle
between the current 2025 map and the 2026 June LURBpreapp RFLU Areas showing the effect on
your property. You can then go back to where you started and scroll down to the descriptions of
the new terms. If you have any objections, comments, or concerns, you have until August 10th to
make them known.

The fastest way to accomplish this is by email to regionalplan@trorc.org. You may also copy the
Land Use Review Board at act250.board@vermont.gov. Be clear and state your concerns as
accurately as possible. By meeting the August 10, 2026 deadline, you establish what is called,
“Standing” and will allow you further correspondence with both TRORC and the Land use

Review Board, LURB.
Plymouth Planning Commission

8/9/26

Rain – too much or too little! Some of the hanging plants on my back deck seemed to be drowning, but now I need to be careful that they don’t dry out. I find it difficult to adjust to the weather with my plants/veggies/flowers. I can’t imagine how farmers handle all these weather variations. Trivia question: What Vermont newspaper has been publishing continuously since 1794, when George Washington was still president?

Lots of interesting books are being sorted at Fletcher Memorial Library for the upcoming Book Sale fundraiser, Friday, 8/21 (pre-sale from 3-6PM, paid admission) and Sat 8/22, 9AM – 3PM.(free). Come Browse! Consider joining the Book Club discussion of Journey to the Center of the Earth by Jules Verne on Mon, 8/10 at 6PM.

The minutes from the 8/3 Select Board meeting are posted on the town website. Jeff Sailer has been appointed to take Rick Kaminski’s place until voting at the next Town meeting, March 2027. Thanks to Dave Olster for noting the closure of Rte 100 north of town. Looks like the option of using the CCC road has been closed as well!
Just a reminder about voting on Tues 8/11. Polls are open from 10AM – 7PM. There has been talk lately about how to vote a split ticket. Voting in the Primaries means that you need to choose one of the three ballots – Democrat, Progressive, or Republican. You can, however, always write-in the name of someone you would like to support from a different ballot. The primaries enable candidates to run in the Nov election. The ballots are posted in the Town building, although in the future it might be helpful to have them posted on the website as well.
Thanks to those who so generously supported the Tyson Ladies Aid Bazaar on Saturday. The raffle allowed the over 80 gift baskets to find happy homes. John Murphy and crew did a wonderful job with the chicken for the BBQ and folks picked up many yummy baked goods. Jean Grover’s wall-hanging quilt was a hit and much appreciated by the Ludlow winner. Proceeds are used to provide for community needs such as: scholarships for local seniors from Green Mountain Union High School and Woodstock Union High School; gifts for the local teen shelter; and various community projects. Consider attending one of our meetings on the first Thursday of each month at 11:30 AM in the downstairs Community Room at Tyson Church.

It was an informative meeting of the Plymouth Historical Society on Sunday with guest speaker Debby McCraken, who shared information about Esther Sumner Damon, widow of Revolutionary war soldier, Noah Damon. She was his second and much younger wife and also the last Revolutionary war pensioner until her passing in 1906. Attending the meeting was Alison Messer, a recent high school graduate from Springfield, whose ancestry includes Esther. Barb Lurie, Joy Donnelly, and Midge Tucker spoke about Plymouth folks who served in the Revolutionary War, many of whom were descended from Mayflower voyagers and are buried in our several town cemeteries.
Mark your calendar for Shakespeare Alive – a Bard-Based Variety Show returning to the Union Christian Church at the Coolidge Historic Site on Sat, 9/5 at noon. These talented actors not only share Shakespeare’s words but parlay them into hilarious skits. Well worth attending, but you had better get there early to find a seat!

Trivia Answer: The Rutland Herald

Vermont Route100 will be fully closed at the Madden Brook project site in Bridgewater from 7:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 12, 2026 to 7:00 a.m. Monday, September 21, 2026.

Detour (both directions):

Traffic between Plymouth Union and West Bridgewater will detour via VT Route 100A to Bridgewater Corners, then U.S. Route 4 to West Bridgewater. Southbound traffic will follow the same route in reverse.

Detour signage will be posted and visible along VT 100, VT 100A and U.S. 4 for the duration of the closure.

8/2/26

A new month is upon us! Does that mean that summer is half over? The humidity/dew-point is creeping up a bit. Storms seem to be sweeping in and out quickly. It is so interesting to sometimes find it pouring in Ludlow and not a drop of rain in Plymouth.
Not much to report on critters this week, although I have heard (a piercing whistle) and seen a hawk in my yard, so I am fearing for my song birds. I couldn’t resist going online and found the following conjectures: “A hawk flies high and sees small details from above. Its appearance suggests you are too close to a problem and need to step back and look at the big picture.” There was an informative article about bears in VT Digger. I have received permission to publish it, so will do so at the end.

Consider joining Debby McCraken, an independent historian who will be sharing information about Esther Sumner Damon, widow of Revolutionary war soldier, Noah Damon at the Plymouth Town Office on Sunday, 8/9 at 2 PM. Did you know the names of some of the other local Plymouth Patriots – Capt John Coolidge, Deacon Daniel Clark, and Caleb Snow? The Plymouth Historical Society has a great deal of interesting town history!

It appears there is a Select Board meeting on Monday, 8/3 at 6 PM. Please go to the town website for the agenda.

Fletcher Memorial Library has a wide variety of programs for all age groups. There is even a dedicated group of Mahjong players who meet there on Tuesdays at 11 AM? Join the book discussion of Journey to the Center of the Earth by Jules Verne on Mon, 8/10 at 6PM. The Black River Grief Support Group utilizes FML as a safe space for individuals to share their experiences, find comfort and learn coping strategies after a loss on the second Monday of each month. Call Black River Good Neighbor Services at 802-228-3663 for more information. Lastly, the Friends group is busy sorting through and organizing books for the huge book sale happening 8/21 and 8/22.

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.