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3/1/26

A new month has arrived and there have been moments when it seemed almost spring-like, but this coming week promises more snow. I was in NY helping my sister last Sunday when they received 18 inches. There was a driving ban issued so that snow removal could actually take place!

Creatures are out and about. I have a red squirrel that skitters across my deck every morning setting off my Blink. I saw a mink race across Rte 100 between Frog City and Hawk. I encountered 6 turkeys on Dublin Rd – a far cry from the 20+ that had been in yard a month or so ago. Lastly, the scent of skunk pervaded Rte 100A on my way to church this morning.

Per Angela all of the ballots were mailed on the same day, yet many of us did not receive them, although mine was in my mailbox on Thursday when I returned home after completing one at the town building. The Town Meeting is scheduled as usual for 7 PM on 3/2, but I noticed on the town website that there is a Dedication Ceremony at 6:30.
Hopefully voters have received the Town Report to see the 10 articles to be voted on Monday evening that include important monetary amounts to be approved. The polls will be open from 10AM – 7PM on 3/3 to vote by Australian ballot on other items and the school budget. Don’t forget to make an appt if you want to utilize tax preparation by SEVCA volunteers from 8:30 to noon on 3/12 at ‭the Town Building (‭(802) 500-1815‬). Also, please note that Register Your Dog Day is 10 to noon on 3/21.

I attended the Senior Planet session called Tech Tips for Disaster Preparedness at Fletcher Memorial Library on Friday and found it quite informative. Regular presenters, Michelle from FML and Vicki and Joan from BRGNS, provided terrific safety ideas, including tips on special features on your phone, solar chargers and lanterns, plus much more. Reminders about free services such as VT 211 and VT Alert were highlighted.

Margo Caulfield was there to speak about the Black River Valley Resources Group (BRVRG) that covers the towns of Cavendish, Ludlow, Plymouth and Mt Holly. The focus is community preparedness (Go bags, magnets, trainings) support during the disaster (shelter etc) and long term recovery after the disaster. Although Plymouth is included, currently we do not have a representative working with the group. Anyone interested in volunteering?

Fletcher Memorial Library had a successful fundraising auction and thanks all who participated. Women by Louisa May Allcott will be the topic for the FML Book Discussion on Mon 3/9 at6PM. All are welcome. A reminder that the Grief Support Group meets at FML the second Monday of each month. Call Black River Good Neighbor Services at 802-228-3663 for more information

2/22/26

Well, that light, fluffy snow we have had this winter really spoiled me. The snow on Friday was still lovely, but dense and heavy. Looks like more snow will be heading our way this week.

Although I have still not received my ballot, the Town Report arrived and it will take some time to peruse it. Hopefully there will be a good turnout for Town Meeting at 7 PM on Monday, 3/2. It provides an opportunity to discuss the budget and to gain clarification if you have questions. It also affords time to meet fellow townsfolk! I understand that on 3/3 you should bring your ballots to vote in person or sign an affidavit stating you did not receive one. In order to vote on the School budget, you will need to vote in person.

I also noticed on the Town calendar that help with tax preparation by SEVCA volunteers is available by appointment from 8:30 am – 12:00 pm on 3/12 at ‭the Town Building. I imagine that you arrange the appt by calling the Town Office at (802) 500-1815‬. I find that calendar a bit confusing since it goes Monday – Sunday!

Have you checked out the terrific selection of items for the Fletcher Memorial Library on-line auction yet? Go to Online@32auctions.com to see the offerings. Remember that it ends 2/23 at 3 PM. A reminder about Zentangle for all ages on 2/23 from 5:30 – 6:30 at FML and The SENIOR PLANET program, Tech Tips for Emergency Preparedness has been rescheduled for Friday, 2/27 at 1 PM.

2/15/26

It has been so nice to have slightly warmer temperatures. On Sunday a friend and I went snowshoeing at Camp Plymouth State Park. Yes, the parking lot has been plowed and several people were enjoying the lovely day. We were able to follow the Vista trail loop, than proceeded to make our own trail down to the road through the cemetery – that was an adventure!

The forecast is calling for more snow this week. I have arranged to have my piles of snow pushed back in anticipation of our continuing “real” winter. Although local schools seem to have vacation the last week February, many places are off this week, so be prepared for backups coming into Ludlow and long lines at Shaws!

Some people have received town ballots by mail, as well as the Town Report. Writing this on Sunday evening, I have not received mine yet. Please be aware that you will still need to go to the Town Building to cast your school budget vote.

I was not able to attend the special school meeting on 2/15, but I understand there were a number of folks in attendance. Facts were presented to show the benefit of a new school and there were various opinions expressed. The desire for a safe and comfortable school is certainly understandable, yet the uncertainty of the ongoing debate in the legislature seems to be making people nervous.

If you are interested in providing a special play time for youngster age 5 and under, consider the Winter Playgroup on Tuesday mornings from 10:30am-12:00pm at

2/8/26

Brrrr…. It looks like we might actually get into the double digits temperature-wise this coming week. The wind has also been fierce, so walking has seemed hazardous lately. Hopefully that will change, too!

I read the Fletcher Memorial Library book, Light Pirate by Lily Brooks-Dalton, that will be discussed on Monday, 2/9 at 6 PM. It was thought-provoking, so I will be sorry to miss the conversation. No experience necessary to join MAHJONG that will take place the next 3 Tuesdays at FML at 11 AM. If puzzles are more your style, consider participating in the Puzzle Challenge on Thursday, 2/19 from 2 – 5 PM. ISign up your team – prize for fastest team!

Don’t forget the Grief Support is the 2nd Monday of each month, so the next one will be 2/9. For Information call Black River Good Neighbor Services at 802-228-3663. For little ones, Winter Story Time for ages 5 and under will continue on Wednesdays in February from 10:30 – 11:15 AM

So much happens at Fletcher Memorial Library – something for all ages. A reminder that the Love Your Library 4th Annual Online Auction starts on Monday, 2/9 with many wonderful items and gift certificates. This is an important fundraising event that allows for the variety of programs and helps purchase passes to several interesting places including: Bennington Museum and Art Center, Billings Farm in Woodstock, Echo Lake and Science Museum in Burlington, Fairbanks Museum and Planetarium in St Johnsbury, VINS in Quechee to name just a few. Be sure to make your bids before the closing at 3 PM on 2/23!

I noticed a couple of items of interest in the Select Board meeting. Noah Hoffman, Invasive Species Coordinator from VT Department of Forests, Parks, & Recreation confirmed Emerald Ash Borer has been found in Plymouth. Also Town Stephanie Seavy has been appointed as the Weigher of Coal. Check out the minutes on the Town website.

Information Session in Plymouth on the New High School & Middle School Rebuild Bond Vote

Understanding how significant affordability is for voters and how urgent rebuilding is for our communities, the School Board developed a new rebuild plan that will reduce the local share of the bond by $15 million as compared to the plan considered in 2024. Please join us to learn about the upcoming March 3, 2026 vote at the Plymouth Town Hall | Sunday, Feb. 15, 6:00 pm

Rebuild Bond Vote Article 4 Explainer – February 2026:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1uxNqVvhfZ7N2k-uIW8guEOmveBCHPfuIShs_xeYmnmU/edit?tab=t.0

More information on vote here:
https://mtnviews.org/woodstock-union-rebuild-bond-voteincluding the School Board letter to the community.

2/2/26

Frigid again this morning but the sun is shining brightly. That might be a nice pick-me-up for us, but that also meant that Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow, calling for 6 more weeks of winter. Not surprising….. A highlight this year is the upcoming 2026 Olympics spectacular. There was a reminder in VT Digger this morning about the amazing performance of Andrea Mead Lawrence, who at the age of 19 won 2 gold medals in the 1952 Winter Olympics in Oslo, Norway. Her parents owned and operated Pico ski area, offering an early start for her skiing success.

A reminder that the second installment of property taxes in due today, 2/2/26. There is also a Select Board meeting. You can find the agenda on the Town website.

Consider attending the book discussion of Light Pirate by Lily Brooks-Dalton at Fletcher Memorial Library on 2/9 at 6 PM. If you enjoy MAHJONG, you might want to consider playing at Fletcher Memorial Libraryon 2/10, 17, and 24 at 11 AM

Please note these rescheduled programs at FML The SENIOR PLANET program, Tech Tips for Emergency Preparedness has been rescheduled for Friday, 2/27 at 1 PM. Zentangle ( 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) will now take place on 2/23 from 5:30 – 6:30.

The Grief Support Group takes place the second Monday of each month at FML. For more information call Black River Good Neighbor Services, 802-228-3663. This is an example of one of the many programs offered at FML in conjunction with other community services. The 4th annual “Love Your Library” Online Auction goes live at 10 AM on 2/9 at Online @ 32auctions.com It is an important fundraiser that helps to provide for these services and programs. Gift certificates from our own Echo Lake Inn are among the donated items, as well as contributions from several local people. There is still time to donate – until 2/5. Call FLM@802–2 28–8921. I hope you will consider participating in the auction, but note it will close on 2/23 at 3 PM

Winter is humming along at Bethany Birches! We spent 2 weekends in January enjoying winter recreation with local kids. There are openings in the final 2 weekends of winter camps: Polar Bear for graded 8-11 Feb 20-22 and Lynx B for Grades 3-7 Feb 27 – Mar 1. If you know a young person who enjoys skiing, skating, tubing, friends and food we’d love to have them join us. Sliding scale pricing makes winter camp affordable for all! Find out more details here, call the camp office at 802-672-5220 or email camp@bethanybirches.org

As I am writing on Monday morning, it is still snowing.  I am not certain how much snow we have received.  The flakes are tiny and dry and actually falling through the slats of my deck!  In checking with Angela, the Select Board meeting will still take place.  See the Town Website for the agenda.

The plymouth Reading group had quite a discussion about the book Peggy Guggenheim last Thursday evening. She lived an amazing life that in many ways was tragic because of her own insecurity and needs.   She was unable to sustain any meaningful relationships, but she did preserve artwork during the war and her home in Venice exhibits many wonderful paintings. The next meeting is Tuesday, 2/24 at 6:30 pm (note different day of the week then usual).  We will be discussing Family of Spies by Christine Kuehn.

I understand from Lauren that there is an upcoming spot becoming available at the Plymouth  Schoolhouse – one full-time spot, for a child age 2, or above. Check out the wonderful Plymouth School house website to see the interesting learning experiences available there and enjoy the adorable pictures, too. https://www.plymouthschoolhousesite.com/

Don’t forget the Senior Planet program, Tech Tips for Emergency Preparedness on Friday, 1/30 a 1 PM in the community room at FML It seems particularly relevant with the recent snowstorm, since it will review smartphone features 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  

The Light Pirate by Lily Brooks-Dalton is the next FLM Reading.

Group selection for Monday 2/9 at 6 PM. It is an amazing story about resiliency in a dramatically changing world. Books are available at the library.

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!