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New store offers pre-packaged and cut-to-order handcrafted cheeses, other gourmet foods, and gifts.

Grafton Village Cheese invites the public to help celebrate the Grand Opening of their new Okemo Valley Retail Store over the Memorial Day Weekend. A Ribbon Cutting Ceremony with the Okemo Valley Chamber of Commerce will kick off the event Friday May 24th at 12 noon. The celebration will continue Saturday and Sunday from 10am – 6pm, wrapping up Monday at 12 noon. Each day will include cheese and gourmet food samples, live entertainment, daily raffles and kids’ activities.

The new store is conveniently located at 2568 VT Route 103 in Proctorsville, just east of downtown Ludlow. “We are thrilled to have joined the Okemo Valley community and are excited to welcome locals and visitors into our beautiful new space”, says Sherry DiBernardo, the Company’s Retail Manager. In addition to Grafton’s line of aged and infused cheddars, and cave-aged specialty cheeses, the Okemo Valley Retail Store offers a carefully curated selection of other cheeses from Vermont and around the world. Visitors will also find a wide selection of wine, beer, gourmet food products and handcrafted gifts.

As one of Vermont’s legacy cheese producers, Grafton Village Cheese Company has been handcrafting award-winning cheeses using unpasteurized milk from small family farms for over 60 years. As a subsidiary of The Windham Foundation, the sale of our cheese helps fund initiatives that promote rural prosperity and preserve Vermont’s cultural legacy.

About the Windham Foundation
Headquartered in Grafton, Vermont, the Windham Foundation is an operating foundation engaged in philanthropic, charitable, and educational activities. Since its inception in 1963, its mission has been to promote the vitality of Grafton and Vermont’s rural communities through its philanthropic and educational programs. Its subsidiaries, the Grafton Village Cheese Co. and the Grafton Inn, contribute to these endeavors as mission-driven businesses.

Contact: Sherry DiBernardo at 802-246-1000, sherry.dibernardo@graftonvillagecheese.com
For more information, visit our website: www.yourplaceinvermont.com.

The Okemo Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce is a not-for-profit, member-driven association and the voice of 300+ businesses and the communities of 12 Towns & Villages in South Central Vermont from the VT Scenic Route 100 Byway to Interstate Route 91, and surrounded by Okemo, Ascutney & Magic Mountains. OVRCC provides advocacy, support, and unified regional marketing to promote and enhance businesses in the region as well as the four-season economy.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Carol Lighthall, Executive Director, Okemo Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce
clighthall@yourplaceinvermont.com 802-228-5830
—

Leah Krieble
Okemo Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce57 Pond Street Ste #8 – PO Box 333Ludlow, VT 05149802-228-5830

lkrieble@yourplaceinvermont.com

www.yourplaceinvermont.com

5/4/24

I noticed that some of the roads have been cleared of litter – great job on GreenUp Day! Flowers are pushing through the rubble remaining from the flood last July, birds are singing and there seems to be a feeling of hope and new beginnings as we proceed into May. I was a bit dismayed by some hail on the deck last week, but that seems like a distant memory!

May Birthdays: Amber Bergey 5/27, Marcia Bender 5/10, BettyAnn Hayward 5/15, and Julia Baldwin 5/18. Sorry I missed Kathy Lynds on 4/29. Congratulations to all! 

At the recent Tyson Ladies Aid Meeting, the group scheduled a work day at the library with the plan of opening over Memorial Day weekend. There are lots of entertaining activities for various ages coming up at the Fletcher Memorial Youth Library, Ludlow.  Check it out!

Springfield Area Parent Child Center Playgroup Tuesday 10:30-12:00pm

Ages Birth-6 (Older Siblings are Welcome) Playgroups provide parents and children with opportunities to socialize, learn and have fun in a safe environment led by parent child center specialists. 

Spring Story Time Wednesdays 10:30am-11:15am April 10th – June 5, 2024

Best Suited for Ages 5 and Under Each week focuses on early literacy activities, stories, songs and ends with a craft or science exploration. Great for your child to socialize and meet new friends and for adult caregivers to connect.

No School Today Movie Matinee Tues May 28, 2024 1:00-3:00pm Snacks provided

Monday Night Multiage Crafts May 6, 2024 5:00-6:30 Ages 12 to Adult Shrinky Dinks Use shrinking plastic to make a keychain, magnet, charm, jewelry etc. 

After School Drop in Crafts Thursday May 9th and 23rd 3:00-4:30pm Ages 6 & Up

May 9th- Birdhouse Cards- Make a fun and unique card for Mother’s Day,

May 23rd- Tin Foil Doodles- Drawing on tin foil for one of a kind art creation

Someone sent me the information noted below. Wonder if it is factual? “Not everyone wanted to be part of the United States when the Revolutionary War broke out. Vermont, for instance, declared itself an independent republic from 1777 to 1791, due in part to ongoing disputes with neighboring New York, which claimed the land as its own. The future Green Mountain State adopted its own constitution and operated as a de facto independent country. In addition to having its own currency and postal service, Vermont also abolished slavery on July 2, 1777 — the first American colony to do so.”

Town of Plymouth, Vermont Select Board – Special Meeting Friday, May 3, 2024 @ 8:30 AM Municipal Building Meeting Room Agenda

1. Call to Order:
2. Board to Approve and Sign Resolution with M&T Bank:
3. Adjourn:

4/29/24

It has been a windy world lately. Sunday was beautiful and seemed to promise that spring may actually be here. Folks were out trying to pick up sticks, rake debris and generally beautify their yards. A few sprinkles on Monday are keeping down the dust!

I understand that Chris and Tiffany have returned to Camp Plymouth State Park. As with most places devastated by the July flood, there is lots of work still to be done. They are hopeful that the park will be ready for a Memorial weekend opening and are leaf-blowing and chasing geese away as I write!

GreenUp day is 5/4 throughout the state and Plymouth will be participating. Per Angela, ABLE Waste will have a dumpster behind the town building to collect the special green bags on Saturday. These bags may be obtained at the town office. Call Angela (802-500-1815) if you can’t get there during regular hours. Only those green bags with roadside litter should be put in the dumpster.

Don’t forget that the Plymouth Historical Society is open on Sundays from 2 to 4 PM. The exception will be 5/11 instead of Mother’s Day, 5/12. It is located at the former Plymouth Elementary School building on Rte 100 and has an amazing collection depicting our rich town history.

                                                   WARNINGS

Public Notice of Hearing Before the Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Adjustmentof the Town of Plymouth will be held on Tuesday, May 7, 2024 at 7 P.M. In the auditorium of the Plymouth Town Hall, located at 68 Town Office Rd., Plymouth VT to consider a Conditional Use zoning Permit and Zoning

Applicant: Daniel Nugent.   Location: 29 Campground Rd. Parcel ID: 000297

Proposal: New 12 x 21’ addition and a 8 x 12 addition to existing shed

Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard

4/21/24

Well, I thought the bears were out and wandering about, so seeing one in my yard on my Blink the other night was not really a surprise. A neighbor mentioned he has heard them singing recently. Spring brings many creatures to the fore. While walking around Amherst last week, there were numerous turtles sunning themselves, their shells glistening before they became spooked and they dove into the water. The barred owls are also making their presence known. I have recently installed Merlin on my phone and have been enjoying learning the various calls of birds chirping on my walks.

The Plymouth Book Group met last Wednesday and chose The Women by Kristin Hannah for the 5/15 discussion. Subsequent selections will be discussed at that meeting.If you enjoy reading & discussing books, also consider joining the dialogue regarding The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh at Fletcher Memorial Library on Monday, 5/13 at 6 PM.

I was not able to attend the 4/15 Select Board meeting, but it appears that the dog ordinance modification was tabled for another time. I understand there was a lengthy discussion about the petition for a revote on Town Meeting approval to exempt Bethany Birches Camp from paying the education portion of their property tax. The date has been set for Tuesday, 5/21 at 7:00 PM. Only residents attending the meeting may cast a vote. Please note that minutes from these meetings are available on the town website.

Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard

4/14/24

It was nice to see the sunrise this morning and not find snow on the ground that had been predicted! I have heard so many interesting eclipse stories, but the prevailing theme has been the good weather for it here in VT, as well as the camaraderie that added to this rare and amazing spectacle.

Although one of my grandsons & I walked up Dublin Rd last Tuesday, it appears that we turned around too soon. Apparently there was a moose visiting the area. Several neighbors saw it and Steve Heilner sent a picture. I understand from another friend that large tracks were noted going up Patch Brook Road.

As previously posted, there will be a Select Board meeting at 6 PM on Monday, 4/15. On Wednesday, 4/17 the Book Group will be meeting at 6:30 PM via Zoom to discuss The Book of Lost and Found by Lucy Foley. Books will also be chosen for the 5/15 and 6/12 meetings.

At the recent Tyson Ladies Aid meeting, it was reported that the Good Friday bake sale went very well. Discussion focussed on upcoming events including the Strawberry Festival in June and the Annual Bazaar in August. The next meeting will be 5/2, so consider joining this ambitious and community-minded group of ladies!

Town of Plymouth, Vermont Select Board – Regular Meeting Monday, April 15, 2024 @ 6:00 PM Municipal Building Meeting Room Agenda
Topic: Plymouth Select Board Meeting

Time: April 15, 2024 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85183633072?pwd=YzFYM0xsem01LzA1VVBlWlNoTldyQT09

Meeting ID: 851 8363 3072 Passcode: 709001
One tap mobile +13092053325,,85183633072#,,,,*709001# US
Dial by your location

• +1 309 205 3325 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. April 1, 2024 Regular Meeting
4. Citizen Comments:
5. Review and Approval of Increased Protection to Deposit Accounts w/M&T Bank:
6. Review and Possibly Approve Road Name Changes:
7. Review and Possibly Approve LEMP:
8. Review Dog Ordinance Enforcement:
9. Grader Replacement Discussion:
10. Review and Approve Warning for Bethany Birches:
11. Choose a Date to Adopt Planning & Zoning Ordinance Changes:
12. Sign Warrants and Review Mail:
13. Possible Executive Session:
    a. Personnel Policy Discussion
14. Adjourn:

4/8/24

This special Monday morning I am watching the sun sparkle on the snow that remains on my deck – the sun that will be eclipsed by the moon this afternoon. I can’t believe I am actually going eclipse chasing with neighbors today! Exciting, but a bit anxiety producing wondering about the traffic. Hopefully it will be a pleasant adventure.

Friends of Fletcher Library will be discussing the Age of Miracles Karen Thompson Walker on 4/10 at 6 PM. All are welcome to attend.

Farm & Wilderness Conservation is seeking contracted boat access greeters for the Woodward Reservoir and Lake Ninevah Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Programs. Greeters provide courtesy boat checks, collect important data about boater use and visitation, and prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. Position runs May-October 2024, $15/hr. Training is provided.

Required Qualifications:


At least 18 years of age
Ability to work independently at the boat access for a minimum of 4-hour shifts
Ability to use smartphone or tablet apps to collect survey data (training provided)
Comfortable speaking with the general public and asking survey questions
To learn more and apply, follow this link: https://www.fwcvt.org/fw-conservation-blog/public-access-greeters-summer-2024-0

Town of Plymouth, Vermont
Select Board – Regular Meeting
Monday, April 1, 2024 @ 6:00 PM
Municipal Building Meeting Room

Agenda
Topic: Plymouth Select Board Meeting
Time: April 1, 2024 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85183633072?pwd=YzFYM0xsem01LzA1VVBlWlNoTldyQT09
Meeting ID: 851 8363 3072 Passcode: 709001
One tap mobile
+13092053325,,85183633072#,,,,*709001# US
Dial by your location

• +1 309 205 3325 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. March 4, 2024 Town Meeting (Revised)
   b. March 18, 2024 Regular Meeting
4. Board to Appoint Three (3) Remaining P&Z Officials:
5. Board To Discuss Property Located at 1-23 Crimson Hawk Road – (Parcel Id: 000375):
6. Other Business:
7. Possible Executive Session:
   a. Personnel
8. Adjourn:

Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard

3/24/24

The predicted snow storm on Saturday actually materialized and dumped over two feet of snow here. Happily, it was light and fluffy and relatively easy to move. When the storm subsided overnight, the moon illuminated the snow showing wonderful sparkles. Then, morning brought bright sunshine and rainbows could be seen on the pristine white landscape. Yes, I admit I was hoping that spring was here, but it is only March. Perhaps spring is around the next corner!

It was an interesting Select Board meeting on 3/18, the minutes for which can be found on the town website. Town appointments were made, but the position of Community Center Director was eliminated with those duties now being handled by Town Clerk, Angela Kissel. There was good news presented by Tom Harris who explained that The US Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Operations Program wants to help remediate the source of the Black River through hazard mitigation. More details are noted in the minutes, but it seems hopeful that the problems created by Money Brook may be addressed and help may also be available to fix the Amherst Dam. The Select Board did note that the town is not agreeing to commit funds to the project. It was also nice to hear Stephanie Seavy speak about the research she has done regarding Constable duties now that she has been elected.

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