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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.

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.