11/17/25

The inch of snow on my deck since Sunday night is thawing quickly with the sunshine and warming temperatures. I have spoken with a few people that have already enjoyed skiing at Killington. Okemo is set to open this weekend.

Thanksgiving is fast approaching. If you do not feel like cooking, there are still some openings at the Echo Lake Inn (802-228-8602) for the 6:30 or 7 PM seatings. Here are some words of wisdom about Thanksgiving “What if, today, we were grateful for everything?” —Charlie Brown “Be present in all things and thankful for all things.” —Maya Angelou

We have many local organizations that make life better for all of us in various ways. Sometimes we may need a helping hand, others times we can lend a hand to make sure the services can be provided. Ernest Hemingway put it this way: “Now is no time to think of what you do not have. Think of what you can do with what there is.” Note the letter below for ideas. Wishing one and all a blessed Thanksgiving.

Hello Plymouth Friends:

For the last several years, Okemo Valley TV has requested and received $800 from the Town. as an annual appropriation. This has helped to offset some of the costs associated with recording, television, streaming, and archiving municipal government meetings, and we’re grateful for this support. At the same time, the services we provide have increased, as have the labor costs. In particular, with the updates to the VT Open Meeting Law, we are now being relied on to support the coverage of more meetings and to also provide technical support for the AV system in the Town Office.
As such, some of our allies in Town have encouraged us to seek an increase in the appropriation. Per state statute, increases require a petition to be signed by at least 5% of the registered voters in Town, in order to be placed on the Town Meeting Day ballot & voted on by the Townspeople. We now have such a petition out at the Town Office and also Chloe’s Market.
I have a small favor to ask: If you find yourself at the Town Office or Chloe’s Market over the next couple of weeks, would you please consider signing our petition so that we can get our increase onto the ballot? By signing the petition, you are simply supporting that the question be put on the ballot, to be voted on at Town Meeting.
Thank you! Patrick, Okemo Valley TV

Please mark your calendars for WUHSMS School Rebuild Meeting in Plymouth Monday, 12/8, at 6PM. The following is important information that Jen Flaster has asked to be included:

The School District’s new Rebuild Group is developing a bond proposal for 2026 designed to be more affordable than the 2024 plan and help the community avoid even higher costs down the road. The Group is gathering public input to make sure their proposal reflects the community’s priorities. Join us for a meeting with the Rebuild Group at 6PM on Monday, 12/8 at the Plymouth Municipal Building to learn more about it.
They are seeking to take advantage of a new state funding program for school construction so voters are only responsible for approximately 75% of the total cost of the project. This can offset inflation since 2024 and ensure a more affordable path forward.
Their plan aligns with state redistricting, which does not call for building closures but focuses on the reorganization of school administration staff into larger districts. Rebuilding WUHSMS will ensure it remains a regional center of education for the 28 communities it serves + potentially more in the future.

You can enjoy the Black River Academy Museum Festival of lights with a Twist! Come join the raffle and vote for your Favorite Tree. BRAM will be open Saturday 12/6 and 12/13 from 4-7p.m. The winners of the trees will be drawn on December 17th at 6:00p.m. followed by a Holiday Celebration!
Don’t forget the Holiday Open House at the Historic Site on 12/7. The Tree Lighting will take place at 12:45 followed by caroling in the church at 1PM. This could be a lovely way to go back in time with the Holiday decorations of years gone-by and join voices together with local folks and visitors alike.