From Sandie Small
NOTICE
The Plymouth Selectboard will be meeting on Monday, March 10, 2014, at 6:00 pm at the Town Hall
and again on Monday, March 24, 2014, at 6:00 pm at the Town Hall.
This is a change for this month only as the Town Meeting will take place on Monday, March 3.
From Margo Marrone
There will be an Ash Wednesday service at Tyson Congregational Church at 6:00 PM this Wednesday, 3/5. We are located just off Rte 100, on the Ludlow/Plymouth border – across from the Echo Lake Inn. The church number is 228-4770 or you may reach Pastor Margo Marrone at 228-5114. All are welcome to attend.
From The Plymouth Press
Plymouth voters passed the budget with little fanfare at Town Meeting on March 3. Nearly 100 people attended the meeting. The proceedings went smoothly and included both a budget presentation and update on town goals by select board member Russ Tonkin. There was one moment of dissent when the moderator called to move things along and to hold applause. As the annual opportunity to meet face-to-face, many thought that fellow attendees should be allowed to express themselves. The moderator was successful in keeping the meeting on task, and everyone had the chance to applaud on several occasions during Article 4. “Other business.”
Items mentioned under “Other business” included an update on the library bridge which washed out during Tropical Storm Irene. Funds from FEMA were assigned to an alternate project, replacement of a dangerous bridge on Hale Hollow Road, but excess funds remain. They will be used towards a footbridge across the brook by the library, which should be completed by late fall 2014. Additionally Eric Johnsen asked for volunteers to take over the organization of Green Up Day in Plymouth as he will be moving out of the area.
The school budget was more controversial. As a tuition town, Plymouth has no voice in setting the budgets of the schools that town children attend. In addition, there were more children enrolled than was budgeted. The school board is petitioning the state to amend the student count, however it wasn’t clear at the meeting whether that could be accomplished. It would have an impact on the budget, so town residents voted the budget down to give the school board an opportunity to see the process through and come back with a budget that better reflected the changing number of students in Plymouth.
Plymouth’s state representative Alison Clarkson gave an update on activities in Montpelier. As a member of the Ways and Means committee, she is helping to determine the tax rates that Vermonters will pay in the coming months among other business. She invited Plymouth residents who have had issues with Vermont Health Connect to get in touch with her directly at aclarkson@leg.state.vt.us.
Don’t forget to vote! Voting by Australian ballot is today, Tues, 3/4, with polls open from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
Republished with permission from The Vermont Standard
2/24/14
My goodness what delightful, warm days on Saturday & Sunday. Some major melting going on! Of course, by the time the paper goes to print we will be back in the deep freeze again. Oh, well, it is February in VT. From our travels south, we can consider ourselves fortunate because we have competent road crews & the needed equipment to handle winter, plus folks with experience in driving in all kinds of weather! Some visitors unfamiliar with the dangerous segment of Rte 100 just north of the Union have slipped off the road lately, so be aware that it can be particular slippery there.
Dorothy & Roger Pingree, Betty Ann & Bob Hayward are pictured with Captain Claude Weyant from the Windsor County Sheriff’s Dept at the Reach Out Community Luncheon on 2/20 downstairs at Tyson Church.
What a treat to have Captain Claude Weyant from the Windsor County Sheriff’s Dept as the speaker at the Reach Out Luncheon last week. He provided some interesting tips for home & personal safety, such as thinking like a would-be criminal. He mentioned how walking around our homes can help us to recognize potential points of entry that perhaps needed to be protected.
Since about 40% of burglaries take place because of unlocked places, it is important to secure doors & windows, plus not leave keys in obvious places. He also suggested creating the illusion that someone is at home, especially if you plan to be away for any length of time. We were glad that neighbors were able to collect the mail, plow & shovel while we were gone.
I have always wanted to have home safety checks available in Plymouth as we did in Windsor with the Safe Steps program. Things like proper lighting, especially near steps; securing of scatter rugs; using decals or tub mats to prevent slipping; exercising the proper & safe use of extension cords; having a buffer area around the stove – all help to keep us safe.
Mark your calendar for Sunday, 3/2 for Family Day at the Coolidge Museum & Education Center from noon until 4:00 PM. Enjoy the exhibit: “More Than Two Words”: The Life & Legacy of Calvin Coolidge. Old-time movies will be shown in front of the fireplace. From noon until 2:00 PM there will also be hands-on activities for all ages. Coolidge Quest will provide a chance to be outside & explore historic Plymouth Notch. From 2:00 to 4:00 PM you can enjoy some refreshments & learn more about how this wonderful site was developed. This is a joint effort with the VT Division for Historic Preservation. If the weather is inclement, it will all happen on 3/9. Call 802-672-3389 for more information.
Just to let you know that there will be a book club meeting on Thurs 3/27 at 6:30 PM, as that seemed to be the best time for those who initially responded to the idea. It will take place at Community Center, where all are encouraged to bring a favorite book or one you would like to have others read. For future times, a book can be chosen for all to read & discuss. I am really excited about this venture – thanks to Betsy Tonkin & the others who have helped to pull it together!
Lastly, a reminder about Town Meeting at 7:00 PM on Monday, 3/3 where voters can discuss the town budget & other such matters. Don’t forget that some issues are voted upon at this meeting, so come take part. You never know where the discussion might lead! Other voting, by Australian ballot, happens on Tues, 3/4, with polls open from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM. The Town Report is available at Town Hall & on-line. Especially in our small town – your vote counts!
The President Calvin Coolidge Museum and Education Center will be open on Sunday March 2 from noon to 4:00 p.m. Enjoy the museum exhibit,“More Than Two Words”: The Life and Legacy of Calvin Coolidge, old-time movies in front of the fireplace, and hands-on exhibits and activities for all ages in the classroom (from noon to 2:00). Browse photographs, newspapers, books, letters, and items from Coolidge’s era. Make a diary in the style of young Calvin and his sister Abbie, try out writing with ink pens, and more.
Bundle up and explore historic Plymouth Notch with the Coolidge Quest.
Join us at 2:00 for the program, How the President Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site Came to Be Introduction is by Amity Shlaes with Mimi Baird, John Dumville, Jenny Harville, and William Jenney. Have you ever wondered how these buildings, artifacts, and over 500 acres came to be “the best preserved Presidential Birthplace”? Hear the stories of this unique partnership that created both the Calvin Coolidge Memorial Foundation and created this Historic Site. See some early models and photographs. Refreshments follow.
Events are sponsored by the Calvin Coolidge Memorial Foundation, in collaboration with the VT Division for Historic Preservation. Snow date is March 9. Admission is free but donations are appreciated. Information: www.calvin-coolidge.org, 802-672-3389, education@calvin-coolidge.org Location – 3780 route 100A, Plymouth, VT 05056
Republished with permission from The Vermont Standard
2/16
Well, we are back from our month long excursion that led us south to get away from winter. The irony is that on 1/21, we drove in a snow storm from NJ to VA. That storm did not deliver any snow to VT! As we have done a number of times now, we took the Auto Train from VA to FL. There was a slight weather delay, but we arrived in time to have lunch with former Plymouth resident, Irene Fennell, who lives in Daytona.
Then on 1/28 as we journeyed from FL to Mobile, we ran into that epic ice storm that paralyzed the south. We navigated the treacherous Bay-way & holed up with family for the next 2 days, which actually was a pleasant way to spend the time. Throughout our travels temperatures remained fairly cool, but we were able to walk on the beach – sometimes in winter coats!
In Hilton Head, we had some “warmer” weather, providing an opportunity to ride bikes on the beach. If you have never done that, you have truly missed something wonderful! Tom was also able to play some tennis over the 12 days we were there. The next storm system to reach into the south was over by the time we went to Charleston, but we could see the devastation of broken branches as we made our way from there to see friends in NC.
We were surprised at all the snow in PA when we spent the night with Wilmer & Jean Schmell’s daughter, Mary Jane. She & her husband, Rich, were gracious hosts & even sent us on our way with a packed lunch! Thanks to Joan Day, Shaun Bemis, & Tyler & Mark Savery for tending to our house while we were gone! Also, I appreciated the preaching help of both Linda Hastings & Terry Bascom while I was away.
So, enough about us! Belated Happy Birthday to Laurie Marechaux. The Reach Out Luncheon is this Thursday starting at 11:00 AM. Two more Snow Camp sessions at Bethany Birches: Polar Bear Camp: Feb 21-23 (6th – 8th graders) & Bobcat Camp: Feb 28 – Mar 2 (3rd – 5th grade). Call 802-672-5220 for more info!
Let me know what exciting things our young folks are doing this vacation week….
Republished with permission from The Vermont Standard
1/9/14
The wonderful winter conditions will make these 3 upcoming snow camps at Bethany Birches Camp great: Lynx Camp: Feb 15-18 (4th – 6th graders), Polar Bear Camp: Feb 21-23 (6th – 8th graders), & Bobcat Camp: Feb 28 – Mar 2 (3rd – 5th grade). Call the office (802-672-5220) or visit the website (http://www.bethanybirches.org/winter-camps/)
Visit http://www.calvin-coolidge.org for more information about the President’s Day Program, Madison’s Hell on 2/16 at the Coolidge Site Coolidge Museum & Education Center. Snow date 2/17.
Did you see the suggestion on the Front Porch Forum about starting a reading group in town? Well, several folks were interested, Betsy Tonkin has set an “organizational” meeting for 2/15 at 5:30 PM at the school. To learn more & provide your ideas, be sure to attend.
Read more about the Vermont Digital Economy Project and how it can play a role in strengthening communities. It is not only a tool in times of emergency, it can build community resiliency by promoting the digital economy. According to Plymouth Activity Coordinator, Terry Bascom, there are several free programs available to Plymouth businesses, non-profits, and community agencies. Let him know if there is a program that you would like to have hosted.
Brittany Angell, best selling author of The Essential Gluten Free Baking Guides Part 1 & 2, will be at Good Commons offering her expertise at a retreat. To learn more about it & the special rates for those in the area who wish to commute, go to http://www.brittanyangell.com.
From Terry Bascom, Plymouth Activity Coordinator
AARP will be featuring its new course version, entitled “SMART DRIVER,” at the Plymouth School Activity Center. This new edition, released on January 1, 2014, contains useful and practical information based on the latest research on senior drivers. It will be presented by Plymouth resident Bill Cherico, a local AARP-trained program provider.
Some of the topics to be discussed include the new technology in vehicles, adapting to changing driving conditions and roadways, and changes in driver reaction time as we grow older.
The course is four hours in length with registration starting at 10:00 am, the program begins at 10:30 am. For current AARP members the fee is $15; non-members, $20.
Participants may bring their own lunch or use the cooking facilities at the school.
For more information, visit http://plymouthschool.org/event/aarp-smart-driver-program-2/
Republished with permission from The Vermont Standard
2/3/14
Well, as I write this, snow will be heading south of us, but Wednesday looks like more of the white stuff here! I know that our grandson, Owen will be enjoying it. He has been skiing the past several weekends & tells us he likes it! Last week when we were in Mobile, we ran into that ice storm. It closed things down for 3 days! No plows or sand trucks. They were spreading red dirt on bridges -what a mess…
I forgot to mention that we had a delightful visit with John & Sandy Kaliscak in FL, too. Some of you may remember that they were rangers at Camp Plymouth State Park for a dozen or so years.
A few reminders: Bethany Birches extended snow camp is coming up for the holiday weekend & 2/21-23 will be the time for 6th – 8th graders at the Polar Bear session. Call 672-5220 for details & registration
Don’t forget the happenings at the Notch on 2/16 from noon until 4:00 that I mentioned last week!
From Diane Kemble, Coolidge Foundation
The President Coolidge Museum and Education Center will be open on Sunday Feb. 16 from noon to 4:00. Enjoy museum exhibit, More Than Two Words: The Life and Legacy of Calvin Coolidge, old-time movies, Coolidge Quest around the village, and Plymouth Cheese Factory. Snow Date, Feb. 17. The event is free but donations are appreciated.
2:00 Madison’s Hell, lecture by constitutional scholar, Kevin Ryan, shares an intriguing look at Madisonian constitutionalism and its implications for the future of constitutional democracy in the 21stcentury. Refreshments follow.
Events are sponsored by the Coolidge Foundation, in collaboration with the VT Division for Historic Preservation. Information: http://www.calvin-coolidge.org, 802-672-3389, education@calvin-coolidge.org
Location: 3780 Route 100A, Plymouth, VT 05056
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