Care Giver Referral Services and Respite Grants

Posted on 11/25/2014 by tbascom
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

Posted on 11/20/2014 by tbascom

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

Posted on 11/19/2014 by tbascom

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

Posted on 11/13/2014 by tbascom

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

Posted on 11/08/2014 by Plymouth Press Contributing Writer

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

Posted on 11/05/2014 by The Plymouth Press

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

Posted on 10/30/2014 by Plymouth Press Contributing Writer

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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Margo Marrone’s Plymouth Report

Posted on 10/23/2014 by Plymouth Press Contributing Writer

Republished with permission from The Vermont Standard

It was so nice to go for a wonderful bike ride around the lakes (Echo & Amherst) on one of the warm days this past week. I was marveling at the still brilliant colors at one point, but when I removed my sunglasses, I realized they were creating the rose-colored leaves! In any case, I still love the golden stages of fall around here.

Cast of Shakespeare Alive

Cast of Shakespeare Alive

I attended Shakespeare Alive at the Notch on Saturday. Not as many people there this year, probably because it was an off weekend. Those of us who were present, however, enjoyed the performance. A number of folks were pulled into the action & did an admirable job of going with the flow! This talented group of actors seems to really enjoy using their talents to remind us of the Bard’s works, mostly with a humorous twist. Hopefully they will continue to come to our small community to perform for us.

At this time of year, a number of folks need & take a break. The Echo Lake had the last wedding of the season & will be closed until the day before Thanksgiving in order to complete some projects & give the restaurant staff a rest. Tina & Bruce at the Inn at Waters Edge will also be closing for a few weeks. But, Nancy tells me that Wilder House will remain open through 10/26, so you still have time to sample their yummy fare!

Well, it looks like the dedication of the new foot bridge on Library Trail will take place on Sat, 11/8 at 2:00 PM. It certainly is a substantial structure thanks to Mike Lynds & his crew! Hopefully lots of people will turn out for the ribbon cutting ceremony, which might even signal the last substantial repair of damage from tropical storm Irene. Tyson Ladies Aid will have the Library open & there will be cookies & cider on hand. If the weather is inclement & folks want to linger & chat, the Community Room at the church can be utilized.

You can also plan to attend the 9 day, indoor, Town-wide tag sale 11/1 – 1/9 , which will be a great way to clean out your attic or garage & perhaps find some treasures that others no longer need!

It was a bit disappointing that not more folks came to the Reach Out Luncheon on 10/16 to hear Janis Hall from Senior Solutions (formerly the Council on Aging). She provided some good information & also noted that considerable help is available by calling the Senior Help Line at 1-800-642-5119 for those 60 & older.

One point that was emphasized is that now is the open enrollment period for Medicare, supplemental plans & Part D prescription plans. Sometimes plans change, so it is always a good idea to check yearly to see if the cost has remained the same or if the particular meds that you take are still included. There are specialists at Senior Solutions who can help to assess the various plans in light of your needs or you can go online to check it out for yourself.

Please consider coming to the Advanced Directive Workshop with Betsy Burghardt from Mt Ascutney Hospital on Tues, 10/28 from 5:30 – 7:00 PM at the Plymouth Schoolhouse Activity Center. Completing this health care document is a wonderful gift to your family, so they know what you want done if you are unable to explain it for yourself when a medical emergency arises. This is a free program sponsored jointly by the Ottauguechee Health Foundation & our Activity Center. A light supper will be served!

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Margo Marrone’s Plymouth Report

Posted on 10/18/2014 by Plymouth Press Contributing Writer

Republished with permission from The Vermont Standard

So many people up here for the holiday weekend! Most local views are past peak, but that didn’t stop folks from coming to VT. Good for area businesses! I just saw Tyler Savery on Saturday, home for the long weekend & he seems to be adjusting to being away at school.

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Tesha Buss, Izabella and Mike Skuro

I didn’t know until a couple of weeks ago that Tesha Buss is now a mom with a lovely little girl, Izabella Skuro, born 5/31. She is still keeping up with activities at Good Commons & wants to remind folks to check out http://goodcommons.com to learn what is going on.

Also, if you didn’t get a chance to send Bill Jarvi a 90th birthday card on 10/11, feel free to send him a belated one. His current address is: 157 Heritage Hill Place, Room 49, Rutland, VT 05701

I understand that the Bethany Birches Camp auction was a huge success, raising $50,000. Funds are greatly needed to cover expenses for the building of new pavilion. Work days are also being planned, so get in touch with Brandon to learn how you can help – 672-5220

A reminder about the Reach Out Luncheon on Thurs 10/16 at 11:00, with guest speaker Janis Hall from Senior Solutions. Also, don’t forget to attend the Shakespeare Alive performance at noon on Sat, 10/18 at the Union Christian Church & have your funny bone tickled!

So, are you doing some fall cleaning? You are in look because the 9 day, indoor, Town-wide tag sale is coming up at the Schoolhouse Community Center! To sell your items, Terry Bascom, (email or call 672.5390) has provided this handy list of what you need to do:

1. Securely attach a tag to every item. Each tag must have (a) your initials, & (b) the price you want for the item.

2. Take your tag sale items to the Plymouth Schoolhouse Activity Center at any of these convenient times:
· Saturday, 10/25, 9 am – noon Sunday, 10/26, 1 – 4 pm Monday, 10/27, 10 am – noon
· Tuesday, 10/28, 5 – 8 pm 10/29, 11 am – 2 pm

3. While dropping off your things, sign up for a 3-hr shift to help staff the event. Sign up sheets will be available when you deliver your tag sale items.

4. After the 9-day sale, pick up your unsold items on any of these days:
· Monday, 11/10, 10 am – noon Wednesday, 11/12, 5 – 7 pm
· Saturday, 11/15, 9 am – noon — anything remaining after noon will be discarded!
Days for shopping will be: · Saturday, 11/1, 10 am – 4 pm Sunday, 11/2, noon – 6 pm
· Monday, 11/3, 10 am – 1 pm Tuesday, 11/4, 4 – 7 pm
· Wednesday, 11/5, 1 – 4 pm Thursday, 11/6, 10 am – 1 pm Friday, 11/7, 1 – 4 pm
· Saturday, 11/8, 10 am – 4 pm Sunday, 11/9, noon – 6 pm

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Plymouth Selectboard meeting on October 20 cancelled

Posted on 10/17/2014 by Plymouth Press Contributing Writer

NOTICE

 Plymouth Selectboard 

The Selectboard Meeting originally scheduled for Monday, October 20, 2014, has been cancelled.  The next Meeting will be held on Monday, November 3, 2014.

Ralph Michael, Chair

Larry Lynds

Russ Tonkin

 

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