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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

The Plymouth Schoolhouse licensed childcare is accepting applications for a Lead Toddler Teacher. The position would start in August of 2026. We value creativity, kindness and community, and helping children find the wonder in the world around them. 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.

Our emergent curriculum recognizes the importance of play and strives to create connections with the natural world. Teachers plan curriculum based on the demonstrated interests of children and the belief that children actively engage in the construction of their own knowledge. The classrooms are set up to be a teacher in itself and values natural light, green plants, quality materials and toys in warm, welcoming atmospheres. The program is located in the former Plymouth Elementary School and has a large playground, blacktop, forest classroom and garden beds.

The minimum requirements include qualifications of a Teacher Associate ~
A teacher associate is at least twenty (20) years of age, is a high school graduate or has completed a GED, and meets one (1) of the following qualifications:
– At least a Vermont Early Childhood Career Ladder Level Three (3) Certificate; or
– At least an associate degree from an accredited college with a major or concentration in Early Childhood, Child or Human Development, Elementary Education, or Child and Family Services and at least twelve (12) months experience working with groups of children from grade three (3) or younger; or
– At least a Certificate of Completion from the Registered Child Care Apprenticeship Program; or
– At least a Child Care Certificate from the Community College of Vermont and at least twelve (12) months experience working with groups of children from grade three (3) or younger; or
– At least successful completion of twenty one (21) college credits with an early childhood or school age focus and at least twelve (12) months experience working with groups of children from grade three (3) or younger.

Minimum of 2 years of professional child care experience.
Strong oral and written communication skills and basic computer skills.
High energy and the ability to work well with others (staff, children, and parents) and to foster a team environment.
A strong understanding of child development.
Excellent leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
Infant/child CPR and First Aid certification.
Must clear full background check and must pass health screening.

Paid holidays, Paid time off, Teacher position starts at $22 an hour, 90 day review and raises based on performance and education, Full time employee will earn 6 month and 1 Year Bonus

Our ideal candidates would be knowledgeable and experienced in the early childhood field as well as child focused, creative, and compassionate. If caring for children and fostering their development is your passion, then we would like to hear from you! Please send a resume with references and a cover letter to plymouthschoolhouse@gmail.com.

Learn more about the program on our website – plymouthschoolhousesite.com

3/29/26

The end of the month is upon us and Easter is almost here. Winter is still attempting to hold off spring. Passing Bromley ski area on Saturday morning the coverage was sparse, but coming back that night, it was snowing! I am happy to see some warmer temperature predicted for this week, but I still haven’t made an appt to change out my snow tires! Although I have not seen any, bears are out and hungry, so they will be eager to ravage bird feeders. Nice to see the ducks on Echo Lake – a hopeful sign of spring.

Some of you may have participated in craft workshops at Fletcher Farm in Ludlow in the past. Well, it has been re-imagined and is now called Create Together at Fletcher Farm. You can check out the upcoming schedule at http://www.CreateTogetherVT.org

Don’t miss the interesting program about beavers taking place Fletcher Memorial Library on Monday, 4/6 at 10:30 AM. Join presenters Patti Smith of Bonnyvale Environmental Center and Skip Lisle, inventor of the patented Beaver Deceiver® This presentation is co-hosted by the Black River Action Team and FML. Zoom will be available by contacting organizer Kelly Stettner (blackrivercleanup@gmail.com ) for the link!

Friends of Fletcher Memorial Library will be leading the book discussion of the book, I See You’ve Called In Dead by John Kenney Book on Thursday 4/9 at 10:30, Also, consider participating in our 1st Annual Calendar Contest. Amateur Photographers Only – One entry per person. 8 X 10 Landscape non-glossy & unframed or matted Full Details on Application Form Available at FML, 88 Main Street Ludlow, VT All Proceeds Will Support the Library.

The Plymouth Reading Group met last week and had an interesting discussion about The Benevolent Society of Ill-mannered Ladies. It provided some insights into the plight of women in England is the 1800’s with a sense of wit and intrigue. Some of us have already read the seguel. The following books were chosen:

4/29 – The House Across the Lake by Riley Sager

5/27 – The God of the Woods by Liz Moore

6/24 – The It Girl by Alison Pataki

Those who read the VT Standard hopefully saw the adorable picture of Jackson Fellows of Plymouth playing the drums at the MVSU Fine Arts Night. Made me wonder if other students from town also participated. I would love to include such news, if you let me know!

A message from Elise Johnson Parks Regional Operations Manager. We are currently looking to hire two full time attendants at Camp Plymouth starting late may until mid-September. We are also looking to hire two full time attendants at Coolidge starting 5/11-10/12. Positions can be broken down into part time as well, so it doesn’t have to be full time. Flexible Schedules/full-time and part-time starting May/June Starting pay 18.01/hour Work in beautiful locations with great people and learn new skills. Fun perks include free camping, day use, boat rentals, and fishing license! Learn more and apply online at: https://vtstateparks.com/employment.html

3/23/26

I have to admit that I was not disappointed that the rain/sleet/snow forecast did not materialize this weekend! Traveling to my grandson’s basketball tournament (they won!) in Poultney was not hazardous as I had feared. It is amazing to see how little snow is on the ground in Rutland. Even Ludlow is without much, but turn up Dublin Rd and we still have plenty!

Please note that the 3/16 Select Board meeting minutes are on the Town Website and they contain the list of appointed positions. If you have trouble finding them, you need to click on the Town Admin section. Dog licenses are due 4/1/26

I am attempting to obtain current information about the openings at both Camp Plymouth State Park and Coolidge State Parks for positions for the 2026 season.

See https://vtstateparks.com/employment.html for more details. Please note that the Plymouth Reading group did not meet last week, but we will do so at Rose Vetere’s home this Wed, 3/25 at 6:30.

This Friday, 3/27 consider joining the Senior Planet forum at Fletcher Memorial Library entitled Protecting Your Personal Information Online at 1 PM to learn how to stay safe while you surf the web! Tips for staying safe while browsing, how to recognize online scams, and when- or not- to share your personal information online will be discussed. It is a joint effort by the Black River Good Neighbor Services & Fletcher Memorial Library with support from Godnick Adult Center & Vermont Community Foundation.

Want to learn more about beavers, voice your concerns, and learn answers to your questions? Come join presenters Patti Smith of Bonnyvale Environmental Center and Skip Lisle, inventor of the patented Beaver Deceiver®, to discover facts about these industrious creatures on Monday, 4/6 at 10:30 AM. This presentation is co-hosted by the Black River Action Team and FML. Zoom will be available by contacting organizer Kelly Stettner ( blackrivercleanup@gmail.com ) for the link!

Photo of Plymouth Schoolhouse children enjoying the last of the snow and bubbles recently.

3/15/26

Typical March indecisive weather – spring is hovering, but winter keeps taking a stand. It does not appear to be time to pack up the winter clothes quite yet. The warm temps were making short work of the piles of snow, but they are looking whiter now with the 4 inches of recent snow. Those of us with unpaved driveways are loath to plow when the ground is soft and squishy. Although I do not live on a dirt road, it is sometimes neccesary to travel on one, which can be challenging. Spring will eventually get here, however!

There is a Plymouth Select Board meeting at 6 PM on Monday, 3/16 with a packed agenda including approval of non-elective officials and road closure updates.

Don’t forget that Gypsy Reel will be performing at Fletcher Memorial Library on St Patrick’s Day, 3/17 from 3 – 4 PM.

The Plymouth Reading Group will meet 3/18 at 6:30 PM to discuss The Benevolent Society of Ill-mannered Ladies by Alison Goodman. It was quite an enjoyable read! Since my driveway is too soft to bear much traffic, we will be meeting at Rose Vetere’s house on Rte 100.

Black River Academy Museum will be presenting LOVE LETTERS by A.R. Gurney,performed by Linda & George Thomson at Frank Heald Auditorium in Ludlow Town Hall on 3/28 at 7 PM. It is a fundraiser for BRAM with $10 admission. For more info email BRAM glbrehm@tds.net or Call 802-228-5050

Just a heads-up, the Friends of Fletcher Memorial Library are planning to gather pictures of Ludlow for a 2027 calendar. You do not need to be a Ludlow resident to enter, so start perusing your photos. More info to follow….

1/9/26

Temperatures are warming, so the recent snow was heavier and melting has caused driveways to become skating rinks. Winter still persists in hanging on, but we seem to be heading toward mud season. On a cheery note, the sap is flowing and spring will soon follow!

I was unable to attend our Town Meeting, but I understand the various article passed easily. The bond for the new school passed, as well. You can read the minutes on the Town website. It appears from the calendar that the next Select Board meeting is scheduled for 3/16.

I have heard it said that “everyone is Irish on St Patrick’s Day”. Irish or not, you can enjoy our renowned music group Gypsy Reel from 3 – 4 PM at Fletcher Memorial Library on 3/17. I am so disappointed that I cannot attend!

Also at FML, join the discussion of Little Women by Louisa May Allcott on Mon 3/9 at 6PM. Don’t forget the writing group with Cathy Martin is held on the first and third Mondays at 5 PM.

On Sunday I attended another exhilarating Yoh Theatre production, Treasure Island. Among the cast I saw Josie Flaster and also mom, Jen who provided delightful music. There may have been other students from Plymouth, but I am no longer familiar with all of our families, so please send me a message to share the accomplishments of our young people. Congratulations to Schuyler Hagge, part of Nordic ski team that just won the State Championship.