New Year, New AARP Driver Safety Course

Posted on 07/19/2014 by Plymouth Press Contributing Writer

From Estelle M. Schwartz, District Coordinator, AARP Driver Safety Program

On Tuesday, August 12, beginning at 9:30AM, the Springfield Police Department is sponsoring the new 4 hour AARP Smart Driver Course. There will be a half hour lunch break, please bring a sandwich or salad with you– something to drink and something for desert will be provided.

The overall look and feel of this new 4 hour AARP Smart Driver Course is entirely different from the past courses. It has been designed to include older adult learning strategies and is now more participant-friendly and easier to follow. As a result of completing the course, participant’s will learn research-based strategies which can reduce the likelihood of their having a crash–note that since the first of the year older adults have been involved in about 1/3 of the fatalities in crashes in Vermont.

Participants will also be helped to understand the links between the driver, vehicle and road environment, learn how aging, medications, and alcohol affect driving ability and how to adjust their driving to allow for these changes.

In addition, the course can help to increase a driver’s confidence, know how to drive safely when sharing the road with other road users, and learn of some of the newest safety and advanced features on today’s cars.

For AARP Members, the fee is $15; for Non-Members, it is $20. To sign up for this new and exciting course, please call Bill at 802-672-1823.

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NOTICE: Next Plymouth Selectboard Meeting is July 28

Posted on 07/19/2014 by The Plymouth Press

From the Plymouth Selectboard

Please note that the Plymouth Selectboard will next meet on Monday, July 28, 2014, at 6:00 PM at the Town Hall.

The Selectboard will not meet on Monday, July 21, 2014.

 

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Margo Marrone’s Plymouth Report

Posted on 07/18/2014 by Plymouth Press Contributing Writer

Republished with permission from The Vermont Standard

7/13/13

Again this week, some rapidly passing storms, but also some lovely low-humidity, sunny days! We were at Camp Plymouth State Park on Wed & watched the clouds rolling in. It was funny to see most folks were not panicking. Someone with us checked her phone & announced that the storm was currently in W Rutland, so we had time for ice cream before running for cover. I wondered if others had found similar information because it seemed that everyone lingered & then packed up at once. We weren’t in the car very long when the heavens opened up, but by the time we reached home – it was over!

We had a very nice Tyson Ladies Aid picnic at the lovely home of Pam Bruno on Round Pond. Lots of good food & a few guests. Ann Mick was one, then Ann Rose & Carol Coyne each brought their granddaughters!

Echo Lake almost seemed crowded with boats on Saturday. We took our sailboat out & as we were gliding along, we passed Annie Clark & 2 friends in a canoe. The little beach at the end of Gold Brook is almost non-existent these days, but a few paddle boats came to rest on the thin margin of sand & went exploring. A couple of fishing boats were on the water, but it seemed a bit hazardous with the power boats & water skiers all out there enjoying the day.

I understand that Presidential High School Economic Debate that took place at the Notch recently was both lively & well-attended. There will be another one on 8/1 for those who are interested. Of course Old Home Days will be 8/2, so mark your calendars.

In case you were wondering about the hours for the Cheese Factory, they are 10:00 – 5:00 on weekdays & 9:30 – 5:00 on the weekends. Cheese is usually made on the weekends, but sometimes on Thursday & Friday as well. Best to call ahead – 802-672-3650

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Free Concert

Posted on 07/14/2014 by Betsy Tonkin

500 Years of Music For Guitar: From Renaissance to Contemporary

with guitarist Peter Briggs

WHEN: Saturday July 19, 2014 at 7 PM

WHERE: Church of our Saviour

                  316 Mission Farm Road,  Killington, VT

ADMISSION: Free Will Offering

Information: call 802-422-9064

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Margo Marrone’s Plymouth Report

Posted on 07/13/2014 by Plymouth Press Contributing Writer

7/6/14

The beautiful weather of Saturday & Sunday was in stark contrast to the horrific wind & rain of Thursday evening. The damage in Plymouth did not seem as severe as some of the surrounding towns. Lying in bed that night I heard a tree coming down in seemingly slow motion up near our sugar house, but fortunately it fell without hitting anything.

When we first arrived at the Notch on Friday, we noted that there were relatively few folks on hand to march to the cemetery, but right at noon throngs of people emerged & joined the procession. This year’s program was particularly poignant, with a second wreath being placed on the grave of Calvin Jr. who died 90 years ago on 7/7/1924.

The Fire Dept was called out the other morning for a burning tree along Rte 100. Apparently fire had previously gutted some of the trunk. It was smoldering & smoke was actually billowing out woodpecker holes further up the tree!

There seem to be fewer dinner options in town these days. I mentioned the Inn at Water’s Edge last week. The Echo Lake Inn is now serving dinner Tues through Thursday & on the weekends when they aren’t hosting a wedding. Best to call ahead at 228-8602!

Many of us have beloved pets, so Tyson Church will be having a Blessing of the Animals on Sunday, 7/27 after our Morning Worship Service. This is an opportunity to acknowledge the unique place our pets occupy in our hearts & to honor these special creations of God who help to fulfill our lives. We will ask for blessings for each pet individually & for their owners as we gather on the church lawn at noon. Pets should be leashed or in carriers to avoid mishaps. Pictures can be brought if it is not feasible to bring your pet.

Those of us at Tyson Church fondly remember Nina Goodridge, whose obituary was noted in last week’s Standard. Her husband, Carroll preached here several Sundays each summer for a number of years. Kathy Lynds reminded me about the time Carroll ended up in the hospital on his scheduled Sunday & Nina bravely presented his sermon that day & she did a wonderful job! She & Carroll always enjoyed telling folks that they lived in Bridgewater VA for most of the year, but visited Bridgewater VT during the summer.

Just a note to remind folks to keep an eye out for wildlife darting across the roadways, especially at night. In recent days I have encountered a number of deer, a few cats & last night a rather large porcupine was lumbering up our driveway!

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In Memoriam, Bill & Genie Calkins

Posted on 07/07/2014 by tbascom

Captain William C. Calkins of Lynds Hill Road died on July 6, 2014 at the age 85. Bill was born in Flushing, NY and grew up in both Flushing and Marion, MA, where he attended Tabor Academy. After graduation, Bill joined the Navy as an ordinary seaman, and saw brief service at the end of World War II. Following his military service, he attended and graduated from Massachusetts Maritime Academy with a Master of Steam and Motor Vessels, Any Tonnage. He was commissioned, and worked his way up to Captain of Any Tonnage vessels while serving on various oil tankers plying the world’s oceans. In 1960 he became a Port Pilot in Ras Tanura, moving his young family to Saudi Arabia. In 1968 he transferred to the Panama Canal where he began as a Transit Pilot and eventually went ashore to serve in several capacities. After stints as an Assistant Port Captain and the Chief of Local Inspectors, he became the Chief of the Panama Canal Navigation Division. He retired in 1986 and settled into his house in Plymouth.

Bill died at home, in the presence of his only child, Willow Bascom. He was predeceased by his wife, A. Eugenie (Genie) Calkins (nee Tripp) of Wareham, MA, who died at home on August 29, 2012, at the age of 84. Genie was a Registered Nurse (RN) with an adventurous spirit who accompanied her husband to Saudi Arabia and Panama while continuing to work as a nurse.  Genie took advantage of her years overseas to explore the world; she and young Willow explored widely through Africa, the Middle East, India, Europe, the Far East, and Central and South America. They visited many famous destination spots, and discovered gems off of the normal tourist’s itinerary.

In addition to their daughter, Bill and Genie are survived by their son-in-law, the Rev. Terry Bascom, as well as three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. In accordance with their request, Bill and Genie will be interred together in a private family ceremony at the Plymouth Notch Cemetery.

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Margo Marrone’s Plymouth Report

Posted on 07/03/2014 by Plymouth Press Contributing Writer

Republished with permission from The Vermont Standard

6/29/14

Well, it has been a fantastic weather weekend & I hope that everyone was able to be outside to enjoy it! I officiated a wedding at the Echo Lake Inn on Saturday with most of the guests being from PA. They loved the low humidity!

We put our sailboat at the home of friends on Echo Lake on Saturday & tried it out on Sunday. Not much wind, but it was wonderful to be out on the water nonetheless. Quite a crowd at Camp Plymouth State Park, too! Plenty of barbequing going on there, but if you are ready for some Italian food, then head to the Inn at Water’s Edge for their Thursday night Italian dinner – a 4 course meal for $25.00 including a glass of wine. Call 228-8143 for the menu & reservations.

Don’t forget the annual Calvin Coolidge Birthday celebration at the Historic Site on 7/4. You can march with the VT National Guard at noon to the cemetery for the laying of the wreath sent by the While House. Stay for the BBQ at Wilder House, then attend the group reading of Coolidge’s autobiography at 2 PM. at the Union Christian Church.

On 7/6 at 2:00 PM, Howard Coffin will present a program about the role of Vermonters in the “great conflict”. This talk is sponsored by the VT Humanities Council.

Please note that the Historical Society is open noon to 2 PM on Saturdays, but also by appointment. The exception is July 5th when the museum will be closed. Instead, come visit the exhibit at the old school house at Coolidge Historic Site during the July 4th festivities. Check out the website www.plymouthvermonthistoricalsociety.org & face book page!

Just wanted folks to know that on 6/15 the second seeded Black River Girls Varsity Softball Team beat Blue Mountain 5 to 4 in a very close game that went 8 innings. Our very own Sage Allen was a pinch runner & scored once. She was catcher on the J.V. team this year, but she came through nicely for the varsity team!

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Celebrate your 4th of July at Plymouth Notch

Posted on 06/30/2014 by Plymouth Press Contributing Writer

From Matthew Denhart, Executive Director, Coolidge Foundation

Coolidge Foundation to host its traditional July 4 celebration, featuring a
full-length, group reading of The Autobiography of Calvin Coolidge.

PLYMOUTH NOTCH, Vt. – On Friday, July 4, the Calvin Coolidge Presidential Foundation will celebrate the birth of the nation as well as its thirtieth president, Calvin Coolidge. Coolidge is the only U.S. president born on Independence Day, and July 4 has been commemorated at his birthplace in Plymouth Notch for many decades. Honor Coolidge and elevate your Fourth by attending a day of special celebrations.

The public is invited to gather at the Plymouth Notch village green at 11:30 a.m. A delegation of the Vermont National Guard will lead a march to the Plymouth Notch Cemetery. There, a wreath from the White House will be placed at the President’s gravesite in a brief ceremony with members of the Coolidge family in attendance. President Coolidge’s great-granddaughter Jennifer Sayles Harville will sing the National Anthem and Coolidge relations including Don Pollard will commence a public reading of The Autobiography of Calvin Coolidge.

At 1:00 p.m. in Plymouth’s Union Christian Church, the Coolidge Foundation will continue the full-length, group reading of Coolidge’s Autobiography. The confirmed roster of readers includes members of the Coolidge family, Coolidge impersonator Jim Cooke, Coolidge biographers Amity Shlaes and David Pietrusza, Hoover biographer George Nash, and long-time Coolidge Foundation friends and supporters like Mimi Baird, Barbara O’Connell, and William Jenney. Members of the media will also read, including radio hosts Brady Carlson of New Hampshire Public Radio, Ben Sarro of WNTK-FM, Sue Henry of WILK-FM, and editors Rich Lowry of National Review, Seth Lipsky of The New York Sun, James Ottaway, Jr., formerly of Dow Jones, and Josef Joffe, publisher-editor of Die Zeit, Germany’s leading weekly newspaper. The public is encouraged to join the reading. To reserve your spot, please contact Events@Calvin-Coolidge.org.

Other July 4 activities include a chicken barbecue at the site’s restaurant, The Wilder House, wine and cheese tasting at the Plymouth Artisan Cheese Factory, and horse-drawn wagon rides with Plymouth resident Fred DePaul. In addition, members of Fiber Arts in Vermont will showcase their latest project – a reproduction of a Coolidge family woolen blanket.

The public can tour twelve buildings at the Coolidge Site, which is owned and operated by the Vermont Division for Historic Preservation. A National Historic Landmark, Plymouth Notch is considered one of the best-preserved presidential sites in the country. At the Museum & Education Center, visitors can see the permanent exhibit, More Than Two Words: The Life and Legacy of Calvin Coolidge. This season’s temporary exhibit, The Coolidges, Plymouth, and the Civil War, has been designated a “Top 10 Vermont Civil War Sesquicentennial Event.”

For further information about July 4 programs, or other special events, contact the Calvin Coolidge Presidential Foundation, 802-672-3389, or visit the Foundation online at: www.CoolidgeFoundation.org.

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Margo Marrone’s Plymouth Report

Posted on 06/28/2014 by Plymouth Press Contributing Writer

Republished with permission from The Vermont Standard

6/20/14

The weather for the Strawberry Festival, although threatening rain during the day, turned out to be lovely that evening. I believe the park counted 435 people who were in attendance. It is such a great time to visit with folks you don’t ordinarily see. The atmosphere was congenial & cooperative, with everyone helping wherever a hand was needed. All of the figures are not in yet, but I think all three groups raised a good amount of money, that actually gets funneled right back into the community in various ways. Thanks to one & all for your hard work!

Congratulations to Isaac Sheldon on his recent engagement to Taylor Gates from New Hampshire! Also, birthday wishes go out to Dorothy Pingree (6/20) & Michelle Pingree (7/3).

Please note that effective 6/30, the Town Clerk’s office hours will be Mon – Thurs from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM & they will not be closed during the lunch hour.

This weekend at the Historic Site is all about Civil War Days from 9:30 – 4:00 on Saturday, with a special program at 2:00 about clothes that Plymouth folk would have been wearing during the Civil War! On Sunday from 4:00 – 5:30 don’t forget the Grace Coolidge Musicale & stay for refreshments afterward at the Wilder House.

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New Historical Society Hours and TS Irene Pictures

Posted on 06/24/2014 by The Plymouth Press

The Plymouth Historical Society will be open from 12-2 PM on Saturdays during the summer instead of 11-1 PM. Please make a note of the change. The museum will NOT be open Saturday July 5th. Instead, come visit us at the school house at the Coolidge Historic Site on July 4th.

The Historical Society continues to request pictures and videos from TS Irene, during the storm, immediately afterwards and during the recovery process. If you have already submitted pictures to us, Terry Bascom or the Plymouth Press, then we have the images. We will supply a thumb drive for you to down load images if you desire. If you are willing to share your personal stories, we want to hear them! Please let me know (tbone6547@aol.com or 672-3179). Before pictures get lost or deleted and memories fade, help us document this historical event.

Betsy Tonkin

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