Welcome to The Plymouth Press Online

Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard

5/26/23

Cold nights were still a threat to plants the week before Memorial weekend, but hopefully that is all behind us! Not much rain, yet reading outdoors can be perilous if you are like me and attract black flies by the clusters.

So, perhaps an indoor read could be on your agenda. The Fletcher Memorial Library Book Club will be gathering for a discussion of the Geraldine Brooks book Horse on 6/27 at 6:30 PM. Call 802-228-8921 for more details and to reserve a book.

On 5/24 our Plymouth Reading Group discussed Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus. The cast of characters generated much interesting conversation, as did the various twists and turns in the plot. The next read is Our Missing Hearts by Celeste Ng to be discussed on 6/28. We postponed our meeting to attend the Plymouth Strawberry, that is 6/21! Details to follow…

Mary O’Brien • Recycling Coordinator, Southern Windsor/Windham Counties Solid Waste Management District Board, Southern Windsor and Windham Counties notes that the local HHW Depot is open Tuesday and Thursday mornings through the end of September to dispose of bathroom cleaners, nail polish remover, paint, insecticides, chemical fertilizers, brake fluid, etc. Call her at 802-674-9235 for an appointment.  It is now very convenient since they unload your vehicle, then collect the $10 fee for up to 10 gallons of HHW (no charge for paint). Go to /www.vtsolidwastedistrict.org/ for a list of what is accepted

Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard

5/21/23

The rain on Saturday was much needed, making everything shimmer and very green on Sunday morning. Unfortunately the first wedding of the season was this weekend at the Echo Lake Inn. It looked like they had a lovely dinner on the front lawn on Friday evening, but needed to retreated to the tent for the Saturday events.

I am so happy to announce that Kyleigh Savery graduated from Castleton with a BS in Psychology last weekend. You can find her at Camp Plymouth State Park again this summer, but after that she will pursue becoming a “child life specialist”.

The Reading Group will be discussing Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus on Wednesday, 5/24. I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to hearing the opinions of others.

Many venues will be opening this coming holiday weekend. Both State parks in town and the Coolidge Historic Site will open on Friday, 5/26 while the Tyson Library will open for the season on Saturday, 5/27.

Please note that the Plymouth Cheese Factory is open from 11AM until 4 PM for the summer. Cheese will continue to be made on-site. The pop-up store at the Bridgewater mall will be opening for the holiday weekend.

We are fortunate not to have many fires in town, but last week a Frog City Road structure on the property of Michelle and Justus Pingree burned. Fortunately it was contained and did not consume their home. Many thanks to the several neighboring fire departments that responded to the mutual aid call.

Town of Plymouth, Vermont

Highway Department Position Available

The Town of Plymouth has an opening for a Town employee in its Highway Department.
This is a full-time, year-round position. Duties will include snow plowing, sanding and salting
roads, road construction, maintenance and other related duties. Applicant must hold a valid VT
CDL and have experience operating a dump truck with a plow and sander.

Competitive salary as well as a great Municipal Benefit Package to include health & dental
insurance, retirement plan, paid holidays, and paid vacation. Overtime is required in the winter
for storm events and compensation is 1.5 times the hourly rate.

Please submit a completed application to the Plymouth Town Clerk’s Office at 68 Town Office
Road, Plymouth, Vermont 05056 or email clerk@plymouthvt.org. Applications will be accepted
until the position is filled. The Town of Plymouth is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard

5/15/23

The weather was delightful again this weekend, although a bit cooler on Sunday than previous days. That full week of rain helped to mitigate the dry conditions, but I think we could use some gentle showers now. Don’t forget that burn permits are needed – contact Forest Fire Warden, Joseph Rebideau at (802) 672-5148.

I hope that everyone had an enjoyable Mother’s Day. I want to thank my family for helping me sift through some of the items in my garage and taking a truckload away! We only made a dent, but it is a start.

Something has been setting off my driveway alarm around 9 PM each night. I was finally able to see that it is a fox, who looks nice and healthy with a beautiful fluffy tail.

There is a Select Board meeting tonight at 6 PM. You can find the agenda on the town website. The town is still one person short on the highway dept staff. Applications are being accept by the Town Clerk.

Tiffany and Chris are readying Camp Plymouth State Park to open on Friday, 5/26 at 10 AM 

Here is the latest from them: We are getting ready to welcome all of you for a great season at Camp Plymouth State Park!  Day use begins daily at 10am and ends at sunset through October 1st.  Prices this year are:  Adult 14+: $5, Child 4-13: $2, Child 0-3: Free.  Passes are a great way to save and punch cards are an excellent choice if you are an every-so-often visitor. 

The playground has been repaired and is OPEN! Dogs are allowed in the park, on the grass, on a leash. Ask staff for areas where dogs can swim.

Concessions and boat rentals will be operating. The hours will vary slightly throughout the season. Generally rentals will start at 11am. Concession items will be similar to last year: ice creams, drinks, snacks. 

Fork in the Road food truck will be here Saturday and Sunday opening weekend! They will have their famous street fries with cabbage mint slaw and garlic mayo – a must try They will be here on select dates the remainder of the summer. 

Cottage guests will be pleased to know the cottages had some wonderful interior work done this winter! There might even be a few dates left to rent.

Town of Plymouth, Vermont

Select Board – Regular Meeting

Monday, May 15, 2023 @ 6:00 PM

Town Office Meeting Room

Agenda

Topic: Plymouth Select Board 

Time: May 15, 2023 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) 

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Meeting ID: 822 7108 5638 

Passcode: 910284 

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1. Call to Order and Introduction of Those Present:

1. Consideration of Any Changes, Additions or Removals to Agenda:

1. Approve Meeting Minutes:
2. May 1, 2023 Meeting Minutes

1. Review Revised Short-Term Rental Ordinance & Enforcement:

1. Review and Possibly Approve Bids for Town of Plymouth Re-Appraisal – 2026 Grand List:

1. Highway Department Budget Adjustment:

1. Mail and Warrants:

1. Other Business:

1. Possible Executive Session:

1. Adjourn:

Mark your calendars for the Emergency Services Open House from 9 AM to 1 PM on Saturday, 5/13. Come check out the equipment and these wonderful volunteers.

News From the Notch May 5th, 2023 Coolidge liked apple pie—especially apple pie with a Vermont twist. Two Coolidge fans, Rebecca Cox and Jane Hemenway, served apple pie at Coolidge gatherings this spring. Jane “Vermonted up” her pie with a square of Vermont cheddar on the side, an extra gift because a dab of whipped cream decorated the dessert as well. Rebecca for her part offered apple pie made with two other Vermont favorites—maple syrup and bacon lard. Both pies were tested by Coolidge staffers and rated outstanding.The occasion for Jane’s culinary offering (pictured above) was a Women’s National Republican Club showing of the new Coolidge documentary, Coolidge: Rediscovering an American President. Guests engaged in a Coolidge conversation after the main course (New England style chicken). Rebecca’s event was one of many Coolidge jury sessions taking place these past few weeks. And yes, if you’re wondering, there were more 1920s favorites on the menu—from Vermont pickles to chop suey, a novelty in Coolidge’s era. Bravo Coolidge Chefs!A High School to EmulateCoolidge’s education made him—especially his high school education. The emphasis on elocution, declamation, and oratory brought out the shy young man. It was at his high school, Black River Academy in Ludlow, Vermont, that Coolidge came to see the power of the word, telling an audience at graduation time in 1890: “It would be hardly too much to say, that since the dawn of civilization, the triumphs of the tongue have rivaled, if not surpassed, those of the sword.” This summer, visitors will have a chance to see the institution that made Coolidge, Black River Academy, and learn about both the Academy and its successor, Black River High School. On June 10, the Black River Academy Museum will open a new exhibit on the history of Ludlow’s Black River High School, which served the town from 1939 to 2020. Visitors will also get a feel for the old Academy of Coolidge’s time. Coolidge Foundation Ambassador Tracy Messer will join the celebration in character as President Coolidge to help bring the Academy’s history to life for the occasion. This special commemoration will begin at 11 AM and conclude at 3 PM. Admission costs $5 for the general public and $3 for seniors and students.North Carolina Students Debate Free TradeHigh school students debated the merits of free trade last weekend at the final regular season tournament of the 2022-2023 Coolidge debate season, which also served as a qualifier to the 2023 Coolidge Cup. Nearly seventy students traveled to Franklin Academy in Wake Forest, North Carolina to argue both for and against the resolution: Resolved: the U.S. federal government should adopt a policy of unilateral free trade.Making the case for unilateral free trade to debaters, CaptiveAire Founder Bob Luddy shared real world evidence from his life in manufacturing. Coolidge Debate Director Jared Rhoads elucidated the case against the resolution. Students debated in teams of two, with Sofia Cornicelli and Sophia Damian taking the first prize in the High School Varsity division. Ten students earned an invitation to compete in this year’s Coolidge Cup. The Foundation thanks 1890 Society members Justin Marwad, Jaden Rams, and Cormac Lynch for volunteering to help run the tournament. The Coolidge Debate League would not be possible without the help of our enthusiastic alumni community. Debaters advancing to the Coolidge Cup were honored onstage.Plan Your Summer at the NotchJuly 2-4: Coolidge Cup Speech and Debate Tournament On July 4, the Foundation will host the Coolidge Cup at the President Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site—culminating a year of qualifying tournaments held from Idaho to Texas to North Carolina. Debaters and declaimers qualified from across the country and will travel to Plymouth, Vermont to compete for prizes and scholarships, with a grand championship round under the big tent capping off the tournament on the Fourth.Move Cal up to the Top Ten? In this centennial year, debaters will argue both for and against including President Coolidge among the top ten greatest presidents in American history. C-SPAN’s presidential rankings poll of historians has consistently ranked Coolidge below the top twenty presidents. Debaters will consider whether Coolidge warrants a top spot.Want to spend more than one day at the Notch? The competition is open to the public, and the Foundation seeks volunteer citizen judges to score the debates throughout the tournament, which runs July 2-4. Don’t have any experience with competitive debate? We will provide all the information you need at each day’s briefing session. Learn more and sign up to judge on our website here.July 4: Fourth of July Celebration at the Notch To honor the birthday of President Coolidge and the nation that he so loved, the Coolidge Foundation and State of Vermont will lead a memorial procession from the village green to the Coolidge gravesite on the Fourth of July. Speeches about Coolidge’s legacy and declamations of Coolidge speeches will follow. Check the Coolidge Foundation’s website to stay up to date. August 2-3: Homestead Inauguration CentennialThis August marks the centennial of Calvin Coolidge’s remarkable homestead inauguration. We hope you and your family will consider making a trek to the hamlet where it all took place in this special year. We have a series of family-friendly events planned, including a 2:47 AM reenactment of President Coolidge’s legendary homestead inauguration and a Centennial Gala at the Notch. Click here to learn more about our inauguration events and here to purchase tickets to the Inauguration Gala. A Forgotten Coolidge Speech A Chickering Piano President Coolidge was one of the last American presidents to write the majority of his speeches. Indeed, Coolidge took such pride in his oratory that he published three volumes of his speeches, including Have Faith in Massachusetts which was recently republished by the Coolidge Foundation. Coolidge, however, did not write every speech that he delivered. One-hundred years ago, he spoke in Boston to celebrate the centennial of the Chickering Piano Company. Ishbel Ross reports that Grace Coolidge was “amazed at the outflow of comment on composers and rare musical items. She knew that Calvin simply did not have this knowledge. When it was over… she burst into laughter, in which her husband finally joined.”Needless to say, the piano speech never made it into any of Coolidge’s speech books. Click here to read the full speech on the Foundation’s website. Terrifying Tax Forms Friend of Coolidge and historian of taxation Joseph Thorndike recently wrote an article for Forbes about the federal income tax’s rocky beginnings in the 1910s. Thorndike notes that complexity and uncertainty challenged the taxpayer unnecessarily. Click here to read the full article online. Coolidge CalendarJuly 2-4: Coolidge Cup Speech and Debate TournamentJuly 4: Coolidge Birthday Celebration August 2-3: Centennial of Coolidge’s Homestead Inauguration About “News From The Notch” News From the Notch is the Coolidge Foundation’s email newsletter, designed to keep you connected and up-to-date on all the activities of the Foundation. We encourage you to contribute to News From the Notch. You can share stories, photos, tips, or tidbits for inclusion by emailing editor William Pettinger at wpettinger@coolidgefoundation.org. Please forward the e-blast to a friend and click here to subscribe to News From the Notch. Donate Today Copyright © 2023 Calvin Coolidge Presidential Foundation. All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: info@coolidgefoundation.org

Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard

5/8/23

Oh, what a glorious weekend after the damp and dreary days of last week! Thanks to everyone who helped me to pull out the picnic table and lawn furniture, plus planters that I will soon fill.  The black flies were not a hindrance when I was working outside on Sunday, but I understand they have made themselves well-known in other parts of town.

I have transitioned to my hummingbird feeder, but I have not seen any yet. Joanie has seen them at her feeders up the road. I did find a very confused looking female purple finch sitting on mine, obviously disgruntled about the change. 

Although I was not able to attend the 5/1 Select Board meeting, I have reviewed the minutes that can be found on the town website.  Please know that the website is becoming a valuable source of information. I decided to note a couple of items. 

Pete Fellows was reappointed as 911 coordinator, with assistance from Mike Coleman and Margot Martell. Frank Vetere has been appointed short term rental administrator, while Margot Martell will coordinatethe application process. Dave Ulster presented the town with an AED, donated by Plymouth Emergency Services, that will be installed on the wall of the town building.

Wellcome back to Tiffany & Chris at Camp Plymouth State Park! I can’t recall where I read the misinformation, but the park is located in Plymouth, not Ludlow!  We have 2 state parks in town, including Coolidge State Park on the other side of town, noted for its lovely campsites.

Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard

5/1/23

Heavy rain overnight and I understand some roads are flooded, so be careful out there. This info may seem strange with all of the recent rain, but don’t forget to obtain burn permits by calling Forest Fire Warden Joseph Rebideau at (802) 672-5148.

I had a visitor in my yard in the middle of the night (see pic). I imagine he was hoping for some delectable treats. He was not as big as the one in my tree last year, but I do make lots of noise when I come home after dark!

It looks like the Select Board meeting tonight will be dealing with many important issues. I cannot cut & paste the agenda with the new format, but you can go on the Town Website to see it.

Mark your calendars for the Emergency Services Open House from 9 AM to 1 PM on Saturday, 5/13. Come check out the equipment and these wonderful volunteers.

For those who might be interested, the 2023 WCSU Annual Report is now available at: https://www.wcsu.net/district-annual-reports

Town of Plymouth, Vermont Select Board –

Regular Meeting Monday, May 1, 2023 @ 6:00 PM Town Office Meeting Room Agenda

Topic: Plymouth Select Board

Time: May 1, 2023 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82271085638?pwd=NlJNMWFxYVVkY0p3OTJINXF0ZHIydz09

Meeting ID: 822 7108 5638 Passcode: 910284

One tap mobile +16469313860,,82271085638#,,,,910284# US +19294362866,,82271085638#,,,,910284# US (New York)

Dial by your location
+1 646 931 3860 US
+1 929 436 2866 US (New York)

1. Call to Order and Introduction of Those Present
2. Consideration of Any Changes, Additions or Removals to Agenda:
3. Approve Meeting Minutes:
   a. October 28, 2022 Special Meeting Minutes
   b. November 21, 2022 Regular Meeting Minutes
   c. December 5, 2022 Special Meeting Minutes
   d. April 3, 2023 Regular Meeting Minutes
   e. April 17, 2023 Regular Meeting Minutes
4. Re-Appoint 911 Address Coordinator:
5. Short-Term-Rental Administrator Appointment:
6. Review Revised Short-Term Rental Ordinance & Registration Form:
7. Liquor License Renewals:
8. Adoption of Broadband Plan:
9. Review and Possibly Approve Bids for Town of Plymouth Re-Appraisal – 2026 Grand List:
10. School Choice Discussion (1 hour):
11. Sheriff Contract:
12. Mail and Warrants:
13. Other Business:
14. Possible Executive Session:
15. Adjourn:

Coolidge State Park in Plymouth, and Camp Plymouth State Park in Ludlow are all hiring for a commuting Assistant Manager and attendant openings for the 2023 season! Come be part of a summer tradition and help guests create lifelong memories; join the awesome team that makes it happen!

Management positions start at $17.12 per hour, attendant positions start at $16.32 an hour. Positions can start in late April or throughout May and run until Labor Day or early October. These jobs are frequently outside and include a number of physical tasks; interacting with guests is also to be expected. Perks include free camping and boat rentals at our other parks! All ages and experience levels are encouraged to apply.

For more info and to apply, go to https://www.vtstateparks.com/employment.html for a quick, paper-free process. Hiring is happening now, so don’t delay… apply today!