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5/31/26

More changeable weather – in the upper 30s overnight both Friday and Saturday. I don’t believe I had a frost, but close. The other day when I went for a walk, I was surprised to find a Mallard duck couple in the stream that runs under my driveway on Dublin Rd. Perhaps they wanted some privacy!

Todd Menes mentioned a snapping turtle crossing Rte 100. I recall trying to protect one doing the same thing a few years ago. These slow-going females are on a journey of love, traveling to bury their eggs. They will snap at you, so trying to move them along can be difficult. There is a special way to pick them up without causing harm to you or the turtle, but it takes precision, so better not to try it. We share our community with many creatures – all to be admired and respected!

I understand that a tree fell and blocked the Amherst access road on Saturday, leaving some households without electricity. The Fire Dept responded with a traffic control assist while GMP made the repairs. Work is being done on a bridge nearby, but should not be much of a disruption to traffic.

Last Wed. The Plymouth Book Group had a delightful zoom book discussion of God of the Woods that was set in the Adirondacks. The next book is It Girl by Allison Partaki for Wed, 6/24. We will also be selecting books for the next several months at that time. The group is open to one and all. We enjoy a wide variety of reading material. Let me know if you would like to join. For more reading enjoyment, consider the book discussion of Theo of Golden by Allen Levi on 6/8 at 6 PM at Fletcher Memorial Library. Also at FML, the Black River Grief Support Group, sponsored by Black River Good Neighbor Services (802-228-3663) meets the 2nd Monday of each month.

The Select Board will be meeting Monday 6/1 at 6 PM – see the town website for the agenda. I did notice that there will discussion of Windsor County Sheriff services for our area. The Plymouth Press is also noted on the agenda – not exactly sure what that is about….

Adapted from Dave Olster, Plymouth Emergency Management: RT100 is closed for approximately 1.5 miles north of RT100A as of 5/29/2026 for bridge/culvert replacement. The work is expected to take approximately 14 days reopening on 6/12/2026 at 7AM. During the closure no traffic will be able to pass the construction zone. Detour signs will be posted. For more information call 802-489-6593.

A reminder that the Calvin Coolidge Historic Site in open Tues – Sun from 10 AM – 5 PM and not open on Mondays. Our Plymouth Historical Society is open on Sundays from 2 to 4 PM at the former elementary school building at 35 School drive. Stop and see the terrific volunteers and the interesting exhibits.

News from BRAM (Black River Academy Museum): Opening Day is 5/6 from 12pm – 4pm. with light refreshments. 6/13: Alumni Day, 11 a.m. – 2pm Scooping Ice Cream and coordinating with the Alumni Association serving hamburgers, hot dogs, and cake and providing music

I hope everyone enjoyed the holiday weekend and planned outdoor activities for Saturday, since Sunday was a washout. I am pleased to report that one day last week my Blink caught my bear coming up my driveway and heading directly into the woods when he returned from galavanting around the neighborhood around 1:30AM. That is fine with me – I don’t mind sharing my driveway!

I have not met the new ranger at Camp Plymouth State park, but I can see from this side of the lake that the boats are out and ready to be rented. The Historic Site is open, but only a few cars were in the parking lot on Sunday due to the rain.

The Plymouth Book Group will be meeting on Wed, 5/27 to discuss The God of the Woods by Liz Moore. We have been meeting in person and on Zoom. Email me for an update on where we will be gathering.

I would like to note that Patrick Cody is stepping down as the Executive Director of Okemo Valley TV/WLUD and will be succeeded by veteran broadcaster BJ Fennell. Patrick assures me that he will still be around until the end of June and will likely be involved in some capacity thereafter since he is not leaving the area!

Don’t forget the Friends of Fletcher Memorial Library photo contest for the fundraising calendar depicting scenes of Ludlow. I have left a couple of application with all of the details at the Town Office. Although the pictures need to be of Ludlow, Plymouth residents are welcome to submit.
From Elisabeth from Farm and Wilderness. A part time, boat access greeter needed for the Lake Ninevah Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Programs to provide courtesy boat checks and collect important data about boater use and visitation. Weekend days required, June-October. $21.50 per hour including paid training time. Must be available June 20th, 2026 to attend in person training. Must be 18+ to apply.

Description of Work: Approaching and interacting with boaters. Inspecting watercraft. Identifying and handling suspicious specimens. Collecting and reporting data. Distributing educational material on aquatic invasive species. Please send inquiries to conservation@farmandwilderness.org or call 802-487-6005.

5/17/26

The rain of this past week departed and the weekend has been wonderfully warm and sunny. Still quite a breeze, but that helped to keep the black flies from attacking! It was nearly a week without a bear sighting, but on my Blink on Sunday I saw one roaming around my house. Although I have not been able to put out my large hummingbird feeder, I have purchased lots of pansies that hopefully are allowing them to fill up!

The Holiday weekend is upon us, which means many places will be reopening for the season, including the Historic Site at Plymouth Notch and the two state parks – Coolidge and Camp Plymouth. Mark your calendars for the Plymouth Strawberry Festival on 6/17. The Echo Lake Inn will be reopening, both for lodging and dining. I noticed that Jen’s Cookin, right on 100 in Tyson has opened again, too. I heard that her chicken, bacon corn chowder is amazing! Check out her facebook page.

Don’t forget that you can review the Select Board minutes on the town website. I did notice a few items to note. Apparently most of our delinquent tax residents have been able to work out a payment plan, with only 2 properties potentially going to tax sale. Also, Keith Cappellini has been appointed to the Transportation Advisory Committee, so hopefully we will have input into the road/bridge construction in town.

Taken from Fletcher Memorial Library website, there will be a discussion of Theo of Golden by Allen Levi taking place on Mon 6/8 at 6PM. “It is a story of giving and receiving, of seeing and being seen – an unforgettable novel about the power of generosity, the importance of connection, and the quiet miracles that happen when we choose kindness and wonder.” Copies Available at FML

World Fish Migration Day (WFMD) is an event that occurs every two years in a global celebration to create awareness about the importance of migratory fish and free-flowing rivers. Todd Menees of the VT Rivers Program, along with a VT Fisheries biologist will be giving a free 20-minute slide presentation, then an 18-minute movie with great river scenery at the Long Trail Pub on Route 4 in Bridgewater on Sat, 5/23 at noon. You can also join them outside for the River Walk and a fish survey demonstration on the Ottauquechee River

Another fun local event is coming up. See Greetings from Bethany Birches Camp:

Summer is just around the corner! We are kicking off summer 2026 with a summer preview day on June 14. We’ll spend the day touching on all of BBC’s core values – nature, God, fun and community., starting with church (BBC Style) at 10am complete with camp songs, sharing from community members, and a commissioning prayer for the summer staff team. Stay to enjoy a free BBQ chicken lunch plus all the fixings. The afternoon is full of traditional BBC activities (archery, pond activities, crafts and games) led by the summer staff alongside property tours given by the leadership team. We’ll send you off with an ice cream treat by way of the Messy Monday pig trough. Can’t come for the whole day? Just let us know in your RSVP! Email camp@bethanybirches.org or call 802.672.5220

5/11/26

It is Monday morning and 30 degrees, but delightful sunshine. Since I purchased an air horn the other day, I have not seen a bear! My driveway alarm has been signaling considerable activity, so I imagine they are still around. This morning I heard then saw a doe and a fawn. I was also pleased to see a hummingbird at one of plants, although I do worry it is too cold for them. I am eagerly awaiting warm weather!

The rain has caused everything to sprout and it is good to see so much green and new growth. Don’t forget that vegetable seeds are available at Fletcher Memorial Seed Library. 

In lieu of announcements of events, I have found some interesting bear facts. I cannot vouch for their accuracy, but thought I would share them:

Bears have a keen sense of smell, even better than dogs or possibly any other mammal – purported to be 20 miles

Despite their bulk and size, bears can run up to 40 miles per hour.

In the wild, bears can live up to 25 years.

Most bears are nocturnal, although they can be active at any time of the day. Well, they are most certainly roaming around here during the day!

Most bears have 42 teeth, which is about the same number as people

Bears have two layers of fur: a short layer for warmth, and a long layer to keep water away from the skin.

5/3/26

Those wonderful warm days were quite a tease! I have been pulling back out some warm clothes in order to be comfortable. The sun often feels warm, but the wind is brutal and cold. The bears are out in full force and have been all over my yard and up on my deck. I understand that one was cruising around the Echo Lake Inn in the middle of the afternoon the other day. BTW, I believe the restaurant will be reopening this week!

I was out of town on Saturday, but as I was leaving I observed several people braving the weather and filling their green bags. Please check the town website for the agenda for the 6 PM Select Board meeting on Monday, 5/4. I noticed one of the items referred to a possible tax sale of delinquent property.

The Book Discussion at Fletcher Memorial Library on Mon 5/11 at 6PM will be the Correspondent by Virginia Evans. It is an intimate novel about the transformative power of the written word and the beauty of slowing down to reconnect with the people we love. Don’t forget the Friends of FML photo contest for the fundraising calendar of scenes in Ludlow. I have left a couple of application with all of the details at the Town Office. Although the pictures need to be of Ludlow, Plymouth residents are included.

I am not certain if bridge work has started yet on Bridge # 112 over Tinker Brook – 1.4 mile north of 100A or Bridge # 116 over Madden Brook – 4 miles north of 100A. To make matters even more complicated, work has started on Rte 4 in Bridgewater, although that is not a total closure, but the light between 4 and 100A may slow you down if you need to go around to reach Rutland. I understand that bridge work on Money Brook not be happening until 2028.

Looking for an entertaining evening out. Consider the Murder Mystery Game Night fundraiser at Black River Academy Museum on 5/14 at 6PM. The cost is $25 and food and beverages will be served – A Taste for Wine and Murder. Reserve by 5/04. For tickets, email paulaferro22@comcast.net

The Reading Group met on Wednesday and had a rousing conversation about The House Across the Lake by Riley Sager, including some alternate suggestions for the ending. The next meeting is Wednesday, 5/27 to discuss The God of the Woods by Liz Moore.

The Plymouth Schoolhouse licensed childcare is accepting applications for a Lead Toddler Teacher. The position would start in August of 2026. We look forward to welcoming a new person to the staff, so we can continue to best serve our surrounding communities with providing high quality childcare in a small setting. Learn more about the program on our website – plymouthschoolhousesite.com and apply through SchoolSpring at https://www.schoolspring.com/jobdetail?jobId=5654676

4/26/26

The sunshine has been lovely and temperatures are warming up a bit, I just wish that cold wind would stop blowing. My hope is that the breeze will kill off or at least disperse the black flies – I have seen a couple recently. The trees are budding and my daffodils are blooming nicely. The rain seemed to beat them down one day, but they are so resilient and popped back up! I saw a trivia question recently: What year was the Green Mount National Forest established. Answer at the end.

GreenUp Day on Sat 5/2 in Plymouth will include a community breakfast from 8-9:00 am. Green bags and yellow vests will be provided for safety on the roadsides, plus snack bags to take as you work. The Town does not pick up the bags at the end of the day, but there is a dumpster at the Municipal Building to take the bags on that Saturday and Sunday. If there is an item that they cannot fit in your vehicle, please call the town office 802-500-1815, leave a message of the location, and it will be picked up on Monday 5/4.

Continue spring clean-up by utilizing the solid waste district’s household hazardous waste facility (a.k.a., the HHW Depot) opening for the season on Tuesday, 5/5. The Depot, located at the Alva Waste Transfer Station in Springfield is open Tuesday and Thursday mornings by appointment. Call 802-674-9235 or go online to http://www.vtsolidwastedistrict.org to be put on the calendar. The cost is $10 per vehicle for up to ten gallons of waste. Each additional gallon is an additional dollar. Paint is free. Cash or check only.
Time for planting is at hand. Fletcher Memorial Seed Library Envelopes are now available at the FML • Vegetable seeds • Flower seeds. Come a few minutes early for the Truth is Stranger Than Fiction” Non-Fiction Book Club at 5 PM on 4/29 to check out the selection.

Join the Plymouth Book Group on Wed, 4/29 at 6:30 PM at my house to discuss The House Across the Lake by Riley Sager. It was an enjoyable mystery with a few very interesting twists and turns.

Please note that The Plymouth Historical Society, located in the former elementary school on Rte 100 will be opening each Sunday from 2 – 4 PM starting in May. The collection is well preserved with many interesting items that put our town history in context.

I just attended the latest Senior Planet program at FML, presented in conjunction with BRGNS. This time there was information about technology and health. The internet can be a wonderful resource, but also needs to viewed with an eye to accuracy and personal privacy. For instance, your cell phone can monitor all sorts things besides your steps. There are numerous special apps, but it is good to know which ones can be trusted. Each month a slightly different topic is pursued, so mark your calendar for the last Friday of each month at 1 PM. We are so fortunate to have this national program available right here, but you can also learn more by going to seniorplanet.org or calling 888-713-3495

4/18/26

Well, as predicted the temps are dropping, although I just took a lovely sun-filled walk on Sat. There is a SB meeting on Monday at 6 PM – check the town website for the details. Don’t forget all activities at Fletcher Memorial Library are open to Plymouth residents. You can enter the photo contest, so I will be leaving applications at the town building.

FML in partnership with the Friends of the Ludlow Auditorium (FOLA), is sponsoring
THE LIBRARIANS Directed by Kim A. Snyder on Wed, 4/22 at 6 PM at the Ludlow Town Hall. For more info, call FML at 802-228-8921

You don’t want to miss the next Senior Planet presentation on Friday, 4/24 entitled Healthcare & Tech at a Glance presented by Black River Good Neighbor Services & FML. It is such a helpful way to learn your way around technology and receive answers to your questions in an enjoyable atmosphere.

There will be a community book discussion of the “Truth is Stranger Than Fiction” Non-Fiction Book Club on Wed, 4/29 at FML in conjunction with the The Book Nook Bookstore, now located at Lamere Square of Akhil Reed Amar’s book, Born Equal. Books available for purchase at The Book Nook Bookstore or for lending at FML Please RSVP at 802-228-3238 or scott@thebooknookvt.com

Sign up for TECH TIME W/MATT from Sydscompufix on Sat, 5/2 at FML between 10:30 and 12:30 AM. Call for an appt, then bring your device, phone or computer and obtain answers to all your questions!

I understand that folks are invited to join F&W staff for a hike along the Plymouth Notch trail to the site of the Wetland Restoration site at Peggy’s Pond on 5/3 from 1 to 3:30 PM. .Trees to be planted. Registration is required. Option to drive to the site also available. Email conservation@farmandwilderness.org for details.

A message from Bethany Birches Camp: Summer Camp registration is open for activities for ages 5-16. Fun. Outdoors. Friends. A great space for kids to unplug, have fun and build friendships and faith. Day Camps, Overnight Camps and Leadership Development programs allow any age camper to build skills and enjoy outside adventure and friends. A tiered pricing system helps make Bethany Birches affordable for all.

4/12/26

Spring is being spring, with a mix of temperatures along with spring showers! At least the snow has not been accumulating. Green shoots are coming up, but no flowers at my house yet. My Blink captured a noise like a hummingbird which I find upsetting since it is too early for them to be here and find sufficient food. I have had a small bear in my yard, perhaps a yearling. It always amazes me how fast they can move…

I have tracked down more information regarding the Total Body Workout listed on the Town calendar at 6 PM on Wednesdays in the town building. I understand from Beth that it is a comprehensive hour of exercise with a trained instructor and the cost is $10.

I believe that the Select Board meeting was postponed last week until 4/13 at 6 PM.
A reminder that Andy Scherer will be at Fletcher Memorial Library to discuss recycling on Monday, 4/13 at 5:30. Be sure to check out the Friends of the Library Calendar Contest and submit your photos of Ludlow. Details and application available at FML.

This is school vacation week and the Youth Library at FML has a full week of events.

Mon, 4/20 – crafternoon with Shrinky dinks at 1 PM
Tues, 4/21 – Colorpalooza – coloring pages all day
Wed 4/22 – Lego Mazes
Thurs 4/23 – Movie Matinee – Zootopia 2 at 1 PM
Fri 4/24 – DogMan and Friends Celebration at 1 PM
FML and FOLA are teaming up the present The Librarians, an Indie Lens Pop-Up film screening and discussion on Wed, 4/22 at 6 PM at the Ludlow Town Hall auditorium

4/6/26

As I am writing this Monday morning, it is snowing and blowing outside – certainly not looking like a spring day! I fear I put my snow shovel away too quickly, but at least I still have a sturdy broom on my deck. The birds seem to singing cheerfully, so I shall try to follow suit.

I am planning to attend the Fletcher Memorial Library program on beavers this morning. Also this week, consider joining the discussion of the book, I See You’ve Called In Dead by John Kenney on Thursday 4/9 at 10:30 AM. It was a fun read with poignant moments. Andy Scherer, Outreach Coordinator for the Southern Windsor/Windham Counties Solid Waste Management District will be at FML on Monday, 4/13 at 5:30 PM to discuss what goes where in your household recycling bin and at the transfer station. For little ones ages 5 and under consider Spring Story Time Wednesdavs at 10:30 from 4/8 – 6/10. Time for adult caregivers to socialize, too. Please note the Dog Man and Friends Celebration on Friday, 4/17 from 1:00-3:00pm. This events will be of particular interest If you are a Dog Man, Captain Underpants, or Cat Kid fan. Drop in any time between 1-3pm and complete a scavenger hunt, make your own Supa Epic Comic, enter a raffle to win a Dav Pilkey book, take home a sample copy of the new Captain Underpants Manga and more.

I notice on the Plymouth Town website that there is a Select Board meeting at 6 this evening. I also noted mention of a total body workout for 6 – 7 PM on Wed, 4/8. I am not sure what that is all about, but I imagine staff at the town building can fill you in!

The Echo Lake Inn will be having a special breakfast on Easter Sunday lasting until noon.

The Inn will close on 4/9 and reopen on 5/22