Photos from Recent Plymouth Events

With all of the weather-related problems (that is, because I was without power most of the week), I did not get Margo’s Plymouth Report from last week posted. It was, of course, in the Standard. But here are some nice photos of the Coolidge Holiday Open House and the lighting of the Memory Tree that, I believe, were meant to go with the report. I think they’re too good not to post. Please enjoy them!

Thanks to Sue Poirier for these from the Memory Tree lighting:

Pam Bruno, Sally Scarp & Sandie Small - Tyson Ladies Aid elves serving at Wilder House

Al Poirier at the lighting of the Plymouth Memory Tree

Pam Bruno, Sally Scarp & Sandie Small - Tyson Ladies Aid elves serving at Wilder House

Pam Bruno, Sally Scarp & Sandie Small – Tyson Ladies Aid elves serving at Wilder House

Pam Bruno, Sally Scarp & Sandie Small

Sally Scarp, Carol Coyne, Betty Aubin

Sue Poirier and Sally Markwell

Sue Poirier and Sally Markwell

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks to Elsa Gilbertson for these from the Coolidge Open House:

Gesine Bullock-Prado

Gesine Bullock-Prado

 Shirley Billings and Cathy Lee looking at Gesine’s book

Shirley Billings and Cathy Lee looking at Gesine’s book

Cilley Store in the background, Fred DePaul with his horses & sleigh

Cilley Store in the background, Fred DePaul with his horses & sleigh

 

 

 

 

 

Now, if only I can get my phone service back, all will be right in my world. (I hope your snow-power-phone-TV-internet issues are resolving themselves, too!)

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Update from State Rep Alison Clarkson

FROM: Alison Clarkson
DATE: 17 November 2014

Many thanks to the voters in Plymouth, Reading and Woodstock for re-electing me to be your State Representative in the Vermont Legislature. I am honored to have this job and deeply appreciate the opportunity to serve our community.

Over the last 3 months, I’ve visited 1,887 homes in an attempt to touch base with as many constituents as possible. Thank you for welcoming me and sharing your concerns. ‘Door to door’ campaigning gives you the opportunity to know me better and gives me a real sense of the people I represent, where and how they live. I enjoyed seeing old and meeting new friends in each town I serve and celebrating some of the high moments in each community from Plymouth’s Strawberry Festival to Reading’s Fourth of July celebration and Woodstock’s Chili Cook Off.

Many issues surfaced during my ‘door to door’ conversations with you – education cost, quality and funding/property tax, Vermont’s Health Connect/Exchange and health care reform efforts, high-speed internet access, affordable housing, drug related crime and drug addictions, labeling of food, speed on our highways, rumble stripes, environmental protection and economic development. I will approach these challenging issues better informed as a result of your input.

I extend enormous gratitude to my dedicated and talented ‘kitchen cabinet’, to the 36 people who drove or walked with me ‘door to door’, to those kind enough to ‘host’ a lawn sign, to those who helped with mailings, to those generous donors who financed my 2014 campaign, and to my family: Oliver, Ward and William for their patience, fortitude, and good humor during campaign season. Thanks also to the Vermont Standard, for its local campaign coverage, for its lively letters and columns, and for the honor of its endorsement.

Alison Clarkson
Vermont State Representative
Plymouth, Reading & Woodstock

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Plymouth Remembrances Past and Upcoming: Margo Marrone’s Plymouth Report

Republished with permission from The Vermont Standard.

Julia FlasterWell, congratulations to Jen & Jay Flaster & big sister Josie on the 11/14 arrival of Julia Rose, who weighed 5 lbs 12.7oz & was 19.5 inches in length. They brought their new little bundle home on Jen’s birthday, 11/16.

We had a large crowd at the Reach Out Luncheon. About 50 folks came for a marvelous turkey dinner with all of the trimmings. I will have more next week & some pictures. Thanks to everyone who cooked, served, & attended!

I understand that 11/20 was the birthday of a very special Tyson Ladies Aid member, actually our youngest member – Julia Baldwin who just turned eight. Belated Happy Birthday wishes & many blessings for a wonderful year.

Someone a little older had a birthday on 11/22 – none other than Steve Heilner, so congratulations & by the time this comes out in the paper, that luscious chocolate cake will undoubtedly be gone!

Just a quick reminder about the Coolidge Holiday Open House coming up from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Saturday, 12/6. I will follow-up with more details next week, but just remember that some of the same ladies who cooked for the Reach Out Luncheon will be making food to be served at Wilder House that day!

Please note the Tyson Church Service of Remembrance at 4:00 PM on 12/7, which is a time when we gather & light candles to fondly remember loved ones no longer with us. It is a short, but meaningful service & anyone may attend.

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Care Giver Referral Services and Respite Grants

Do you need caregiver services in your home for you or your loved ones?  The Caregiver Referral Services  is a referral service, which can provide you with information regarding private independent caregivers and licensed agencies available in the community.  The Ottauquechee Health Foundation also helps individuals in the Ottauquechee service area with respite grants for those who require temporary in-home help and have financial challenges.
If you or someone or know needs caregiver services, you can contact the Ottauquechee Health Foundation (802) 457-4188 or ohf@sover.net.
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New Book Discussion Starts Soon: Margo’s Plymouth Report

Republished with permission from The Vermont Standard

We had an interesting discussion on the Orphan Train at the Book Club meeting last week.  Although it was fiction, it was based upon a difficult period in our country’s history when children were shipped out west in an attempt to find suitable homes for them.  However, we learned that for many, they were used as forced labor instead of receiving any kind of loving nurture.  Our next book for reading is Sparta by Roxana Robinson.  This should provide insightful discussion about the plight of soldiers upon their return when we meet on 1/14 between 11- 1:00.

Well, it sounds like the Town-wide tag sale went well with $1,000 being realized by those who were vendors.  It was also a great opportunity for folks to connect with others in town. According to Terry, most folks want to have another one in the late spring with some changes in the schedule & more publicity.  Stay tuned….

MiaA tardy welcome to Mia Lillian Murray, daughter of Olivia Burroughs & Dillon Murray, who was born 7/31/14.  The family is residing with Nisa & Aaron Adams & daughter Ayla in Tyson.  Enjoy this picture of this little cutie!

Don’t forget the multi-church Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service being held at Tyson Church on Sunday 11/23 at 4:00 PM.  Come enjoy a service of praise & fellowship time afterwards.  Food Shelf donations & items for our Mitten Tree will be accepted.  Everyone is invited!

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Plymouth Residents Cheer Opening of Library Trail Bridge: Margo’s Plymouth Report

Republished with permission from The Vermont Standard

This is the season for tightening up – putting the lawn furniture away, blowing leaves, filling in cracks so the winter wind cannot get in.  I imagine that all of us are doing the same tasks, some of us with more or less enthusiasm, but perhaps more or less grumbling, too!

???????????????????????????????So, it was a pleasant break to have the Library Trail Bridge dedication on Saturday.  Thirty or so people enjoyed the brisk, but sunny afternoon celebration.  It was nice to see Tyson neighbors & those from the other parts of town as well.  The real treat was to have Bill Jarvi there, brought from Rutland by his daughter, Lauren.

The stage was set perfectly as far as I was concerned.  Outside in front of Tyson Library were plates of baked goods, cider (hot & cold), & colorful bows & a ribbon stretched across the end of the new bridge.  Carolyn Scott (President of Tyson Ladies Aid) & Ralph Michael (Select Board Chairman) were set to cut the ribbon, but it was decided to let Bill Jarvi do the honors.

A cheer went up & applause as the deed was done, then we all strolled across the sturdy bridge that stands considerably higher than the one that “Irene” dismantled.  It is a foot bridge, but quite substantial.  Posts will be placed at either end to make sure that motorized vehicles will not be using it.  If you haven’t seen it, come check it out!  A number of folks had not been in the library & seemed surprised at how pleasant it is & the quantity of books that reside there.

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It was rowdy Tyson Ladies Aid meeting last week – high energy & lots of laughter as the upcoming events were being planned.  The Reach Out Luncheon on Thurs, 11/20 will be a Thanksgiving Feast.  We will not have a speaker – probably because we will all be busy eating the luscious turkey dinner!  All are welcome to join us at 11:30 in the downstairs Community Room of Tyson Church.  It would be helpful to get a count, so you might want to email Kathy Lynds (kathylynds@gmail.com) or call Betty Aubin at 484-4130.

Several of us from Tyson Church conducted a worship service at the Gill Terrace apartments this past week & enjoyed seeing former Plymouth resident, Barbara North.  We were asked to come back on 12/5, so if anyone cares to join us, please let me know.  While over that way, I stopped to see Dorothy Pingree who is currently in the Gill Home.  Roger was there visiting her & said he tries to go each day.

Erik Johansson provided such lovely music  at Tyson Church on Sunday – harp, guitar, & another instrument that combined guitar & harp sounds, so we are hoping to have him return & provide special music for us again next month.  The Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service will be held at Tyson Church this year at 4:00 PM on Sunday, 11/23.   Non-perishable food shelf items will be collected or you can bring hats, mittens, scarves or socks for the Mitten Tree.  Everyone is invited to attend.

If you see Jen Flaster, please tell her Happy Birthday on 11/16 & wish her well with the soon-to-happen delivery of the baby, due on 11/23!  I am sure that Jay & big sister Josie are anxiously awaiting the new arrival, too!

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Wake for Captain & Mrs. Calkins

On Saturday, November 29th, from noon to 4 pm, Terry and I will host an open house wake in remembrance of my parents, Bill and Genie Calkins. My parents, “the Captain” and first-mate Genie, purchased the Milton Moore house at 741 Lynds Hill Rd in 1984, made some renovations and additions, and retired to Vermont in 1987. The Captain became involved in the Plymouth community soon after. For over a decade, he could be daily seen walking to the Notch post office with his faithful companion, JoJo, a spirited border collie, where he would chat with other Notch residents. For years, the Captain also participated in the old weekly Saturday recycling program. He became known for his delicious carrot cake which he frequently made for the group’s weekly potluck.

My mother, First Mate Genie, was not as outgoing as my dad, but she put her nursing training to work while serving a term as Plymouth’s Health Officer, and she was a source of steady friendship and help to a small circle of close friends in the area.

Bill and Genie lived and worked overseas. As a young woman, my mother was very adventurous and wanted to see the world. Together, she and I traveled throughout Europe, East Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Central America. In their travels, my parents picked up many wonderful artifacts and had some great adventures. If you knew my father, you know that the Captain turned many of his experiences into sea yarns readily told to entertain his friends, as well as to amuse chance acquaintances.

The First Mate died in August of 2012. The Captain died in July of 2014. In keeping with their wishes, we buried them in a private family ceremony. But we know they are missed by many Plymouth townspeople, many of whom have shared remembrances and condolences with us. In my parents’ honor, we invite Plymouth residents and other friends of the family who wish to do so to join us in an informal gathering of friends and neighbors, to greet one another and to see if I can do as good a job of making my father’s carrot cake as he did! Our home, so lovingly built by my parents, will be open from noon to 4 pm on Saturday, November 29th. You are welcome to stop by at any time during those hours.

–Willow Bascom

672.5390

willowbascom@gmail.com

 

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Bridge Dedication Saturday: Margo Marrone’s Plymouth Report

Republished with permission from The Vermont Standard

Well, the top of Okemo is white, so I assume it is the same at Killington. We certainly can’t complain about our Oct weather, but it appears that winter is announcing itself boldly now that we are into November! Don’t forget the Bridge Celebration on Sat, 11/8 at 2:00 PM, when the Library Trail Bridge will be dedicated. Tyson Ladies Aid will open the Library & will bake cookies. Tyson Church will provide cider. Come join the fun!

I stopped at the town-wide tag sale on Saturday & the selection of items from the 25 “vendors” was quite good. I couldn’t resist a couple of things! It sounds like sales have been excellent, but there are still many wonderful buys, so be sure to visit the Schoolhouse Community Center – Thursday 10-1:00, Friday 1:00-4:00, Saturday 10-4:00, & next Sunday noon-6:00. Many of us regret that we did not bring our items to sell, but Terry said another such sale will likely take place in the spring, so I guess we should start sorting out now!

A joint effort is underway with Tyson Ladies Aid & Tyson Church attempting to decorate a Christmas tree with mittens, hats, scarves, & socks. Some folks are knitting them, but store bought ones are fine, too. Those received by 12/14 will go to the Haven. Items received after that time will be distributed for local needs. You may bring your donations to the church on Sunday mornings between 10:00 & noon or to the Reach Out Luncheon on Thurs 11/20.

Tyson Church will be hosting the Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service at 4:00 PM on Sunday, 11/23 & items can be delivered at that point, too. We usually collect non-perishable food at that service to go to the Food Shelf in Reading or Ludlow, although we also collect such items on a continuous basis & contribute alternately to these two places.

By the way, I heard via the grapevine that congratulations are in order for Janis & Tom Brown, who are celebrating their 50th! Missed Willow Bascom’s birthday on 11/2. Others coming up are Mary Jane Crockett & Ellen Steward on 11/8 & Betty Aubin on 11/17. Best wishes to one & all!

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Plymouth Election Results 2014

From Barbara Stone, Town Clerk

Click to view the complete Nov. 4 election results from Plymouth

Summary Results:
There were 205 voters at the polls and 34 absentee ballots counted out of 488 registered voters in Plymouth.

Congressional Representative
Mark Donka – 114
Peter Welch – 110

Governor
Scott Milne – 137
Peter Shumlin – 88

Lt. Governor
Phil Scott – 158
Dean Corren – 75

State Treasurer
Beth Pearce – 118
Don Schramm – 45

Secretary of State
Jim Condos – 124
Ben Eastwood – 41

Auditor
Doug Hoffer – 152

Attorney General
William Sorrell – 109
Shane McCormack – 108

State Senator (choose three)
Alice Nitka – 170
Dick McCormack – 103
John Campbell – 96

State Rep
Alison Clarkson – 153

 

 

 

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Margo Marrone’s Plymouth Report

Republished with permission from The Vermont Standard

Well, Tom & I are taking a couple of days away to celebrate our 40th anniversary, so I have not been able to scout up much news this week! I do want to put a question out to all of you though. Does a community need a church?

We recently had our annual congregational meeting at Tyson Congregational Church. We took stock of what has been done over the past year. In addition to regular Sunday Worship services, we held our December Service of Remembrance for those who have left us, but are still living in our hearts; our annual Candlelight Service for the community & fellowship time afterwards; our Ash Wednesday observance & our Maundy Thursday meal & service & our Easter service were mentioned.

The church hosted meetings of Tyson Ladies Aid, as well at the monthly Reach Out Luncheon sponsored by both groups. We participated in the town Strawberry Festival, using the raffle money solely for meeting community needs. We gave out funds for special needs & were able to distribute several hundred dollars given to us by the National UCC after Irene hit our area. We assembled (with community help) school kits for Church World Service.

Our congregation takes great care to pray for folks in our area & many people asked to be added to our prayer list. Funerals & weddings for local people took place at the church. Without a school in town now, sadly our after-school program has ended. It was felt that we worked hard to live up to our mission of reaching out to others with God’s love, but it was acknowledged that sometimes it is difficult to keep going.

At this meeting, it was problematical to find enough people to fill the positions that are needed to run the church. Most of us are far from spring chickens, but many are handling several “jobs”. It was noted that we have lost members – some passing on, others moving out of the area, leaving some holes in our fabric.

As a result I wonder what Plymouth would be like without the church. Would it be missed? Sunday Worship church attendance throughout New England has declined. There are many things that keep folks busy on Sunday mornings.

So, is the church relevant? Are there ways that our tiny congregation can be better at serving the community? Are there folks out there who could benefit from being part of our church? I don’t have the answers, but I would greatly appreciate your comments…..

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