From the Plymouth Selectboard
Please be advised that the Special Town Meeting scheduled for Monday, May 13, 2013, regarding the budget item for the Sheriff, has been cancelled.
Said Special Meeting will be re-warned.
The voting scheduled for Tuesday, May 14, 2013, has also been cancelled.
From Jen Flaster, Chair, Plymouth School Building Committee
The Plymouth School Building Committee is seeking applicants for the Activity Coordinator position that was approved by Plymouth voters at town meeting this year. The full position description is below. We are accepting cover letters and resumes by e-mail at PlymouthSchoolEnterprise@gmail.com and the deadline to apply is May 20.
Plymouth Activity Coordinator Job Description
Position Summary
The Plymouth Activity Coordinator is a person/project manager working on behalf of the Plymouth Selectboard/School Building Committee, Plymouth residents and property owners towards building a sustainable and active community. S/he will facilitate and coordinate community activities that would utilize the use of the school building or other Plymouth assets. This would include but not be limited to: advertising space available for community/neighborhood activities or cottage industry, coordinating interested community work groups in the use of space or assets available, researching and writing grants which would stimulate and enhance community participation and project implementation, monitoring and providing access for the use of space and/or assets, and helping to coordinate neighboring community activities to provide the best possible exposure for Plymouth residents and property owners.
The Activity Coordinator position is a contract position hired at the discretion of the Plymouth Selectboard with oversight by the School Building Committee. The contract begins on July 1, 2013 and ends on June 30, 2014, unless continued annual funding is voted by town residents or other funding is secured through grants.
Primary Responsibilities
The responsibilities of the Plymouth Activity Coordinator include, but are not limited to:
Qualifications & Competencies
Compensation
The Activity Coordinator is a contract position. Compensation is $10,000 based on an average expected workload of 10 hours a week for 50 weeks. Actual workload may vary throughout the year.
About the Town of Plymouth
Plymouth, Vermont, established in 1761, historically has been a farming community. It is well known as the birthplace of Calvin Coolidge, and the Coolidge Historic Site is a year round tourist destination. Today most residents are engaged in the service sector or operate small local enterprises. An increasing number of retired seniors are calling Plymouth their home. The town’s population of just over 600 more than doubles with the addition of second home owners who come to the area for its varied recreational opportunities such as skiing, snowmobiling, fishing, hunting, hiking and off-road exploration.
The town is committed to maintaining its rural character and the beauty of its mountains, lakes, rivers and scenic vistas, not only for residents but also for second home owners and tourists alike. Current leadership is working to revitalize Plymouth’s ‘sense of place’ by planning proactively in order to establish a better future for the community.
About Plymouth Elementary School
Built in 1961, the building housed students Grade 1-8 and eventually became a K-6 elementary school. The last graduating class was in June 2009 with 2 sixth graders. The building has 3 former classrooms and a combined office/kitchen. It sits on approximately 3 acres, which include a Community Playground and small basketball court. There is a lower field used for baseball in warm weather and flooded for ice skating in winter. There was also an outdoor classroom in the woods shared with the Town Office Building. There are 2 out buildings that housed extra furniture. Currently, The Plymouth Historical Society is leasing one of the rooms and will be having an open house this spring/summer. The building has been approved as an emergency Red Cross Shelter should the need arise. The school is under lease by the town until 2015 at which point the town will own the building. It is a community resource where events can be held or possible revenue generating opportunities could be operated.
To Apply
Please send a cover letter and resume to PlymouthSchoolEnterprise@gmail.com by May 20.
The Town of Plymouth is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Download the Plymouth Activity Coordinator Position Description as a PDF.
Republished with permission from The Vermont Standard
5/6/13
These lovely warm days have certainly been a treat, making me want to get out & plant things, although we know that prudence is needed with the seasonal threat of frost! We seemed to have received a good amount of rain in April, but conditions are dry, so please be aware of the fire risk.
Our State Parks (Camp Plymouth on Echo Lake & Calvin Coolidge on Rte 100 A) will be gearing up for season, both opening on 5/24. Reservations for the pavilions & camping can be made by calling 1-888-409-7579.
The Historic Site will open 5/25 with the new Exhibition: Rooting for the Home Team: Grace Coolidge and Our National Pastime, featuring a wonderful collection of baseball memorabilia.
2013 Green Up Day participants in Plymouth. Photo submitted by Ian Dupont
The roads in town received some attention on Saturday with a crew of approximately 30 volunteers filling 80 bags of litter from all of our roads, including Rte 100 & Rte 100A. Some folks have been cleaning up trash over the past several weeks, so things are looking good! Many thanks to Art Lynds for the use of a dumpster for disposal purposes. As usual, there was a nice array of food at the noontime potluck at the Fire House following the cleanup. Always fun to see folks of all ages gather to beautify our community!
I understand that there is some question regarding voting by Australian ballot on the sheriff issue, which might mean it would have to be a vote at the evening meeting on 5/13. That would also eliminate the possibility of an absentee ballot. The Selectmen will be clarifying the situation. (Editor’s note: the vote will take place at the meeting on 5/13)
From the Plymouth Selectboard
Voting for the sheriff budget line item will be done by ballot at the Special Town meeting on Monday, May 13. There will NOT be voting by Australian ballot on Tuesday, May 14. If you want to enter the discussion and vote your opinion, you will need to attend the Town meeting at 7:00 pm on Monday, May 13.
Ralph Michael
Andy Crossman
Russ Tonkin
On April 30, 2013, the Act 250 Commission, Springfield Division, found in favor of Hawk Inn & Mt. Resort and the Salt Ash Owners Association (SAOA) over the permitting of a gravel pit operation adjacent to the resort along Route 100 and Frog City Rd.
For over a year this was a contentious issue in the community and after three months of deliberations the commission denied the permit to the applicant for not having met ACT 250 standards based on the following criteria:
1) traffic safety
2) aesthetics
3) earth extraction
4) roads and highways
5) non-compliance with the town plan
We at Hawk are pleased with this announcement as it preserves the integrity and mission of the 1200 acre compound and the services and amenities it provides to the community at large. We congratulate the commission on a comprehensive and thorough decision in its conclusions.
Respectfully,
Bill Cherico
Hawk Resident
From Russ Tonkin
The Selectboard has set some goals for the next year, and one includes rehabilitation/beautification of Plymouth Union. We already have someone willing to work on clearing brush and freeing up trees around the town hall and school. We need more help for that project and other volunteers to form a work group to consider other projects in the Union including negotiating with the general store owner and camp ground owner to see if we can improve conditions. This would include possible plantings and activities to draw people to the town over the summer and fall.
Other work groups are needed to work on developing a Plymouth Recreational hiking/snowshoeing trail map. This would be in conjunction with Farm and Wilderness and possibly Bethany Birches.
Please email me your interest in being on this work group so we can get organized and see some changes this summer. Russ Tonkin at rtonks@aol.com.
Republished with permission from The Vermont Standard
(and apologies from The Plymouth Press to Margo for the delay in posting this!)
4/28/13
Well, I don’t believe we could ask for a more perfect day than this Sunday – birds & breezes & blue skies & best of all, no bugs! We have come through a hard winter & can look forward to the beauty of VT as things begin to green up. Don’t forget to get busy beautifying the roadways with our official GreenUp Day on 5/4. Meet at the Fire Station at 8:00 with appropriate clothing & stay for the potluck lunch – always a treat!
Reach Out Luncheon – Carolyn Scott, Kathy Lynds, Betty Aubin with crafts
Although a work day has not been designated, it will be happening shortly in anticipation of the re-opening of Tyson Library on Sat, 5/25. I understand from Marge Harlow that there are many new books, so be sure to come take a look. The plan is to be open Tues – Sat from 10:00 – noon & the 1st & 3rd Mon from 6:00 – 8:00 PM.
At the Reach Out Luncheon on 4/18, a number of members from Tyson Ladies Aid & Tyson Church displayed their crafts. Some have been making hats for the Norris Cotton Cancer Center, but this talented group showcased a wide variety of items, much to the enjoyment of the those who attended the luncheon. Just a reminder, that these free luncheons are held monthly on the 3rd Thurs – a joint community outreach of both of the these organizations.
Plans are underway for the Plymouth Strawberry Festival, with the first meeting taking place at Sue Poirier’s last week. This year it will take place 6/26 – rain or shine thanks to the wonderful facilities at Camp Plymouth State Park. The usual groups will be represented – Plymouth Emergency Service, Tyson Ladies Aid, & Tyson Church. More info to follow…..
The Dupont household had a busy school vacation, hosting French Exchange student – Alexendre (Alex) Mirouze. Their outings included a tour of Ben & Jerry’s & a stop at the State House in Montpelier with Emily’s friend, Brittney P. They also made a trip to the Northeast Kingdom to visit relatives & showcased maple sugaring. Congratulations to Emily for making made High Honors for the 3rd quarter at WUMS. She had an early 13th birthday celebration 4/28 with friends from Plymouth (Julie Kowalski), Woodstock (Maggie Burns & Olivia J or OJ) & Chester (Jillian Hale). The actual date is 5/2, however. I understand that Ian posted his first article on the Plymouth Press website as an intern, writing up Green Up Day in Plymouth!
Republished with permission from The Vermont Standard
4/21/13
That was some rain we had the other night! It sounded so loud that I got up & switched on the outside light. I don’t believe I have ever seen the rain reversing directions so many times & so quickly. Yet some warm temps & nice sunshine are encouraging signs that spring is trying to get here! We still have snow on the ground is some places, but the daffodils are at least pushing through. Considering the weather events in other parts of the country, I guess we can’t complain.
Little critters have been a a bit of problem around the Tyson area. In a large plastic container where we store cat food, the lid was left ajar & Tom found 2 mice in there having a feast! I noticed a bird dead in our feeder the other day. Not sure if he had eaten himself to death or he had flown into the house & knocked himself out. I had a heck of time getting him out through the squirrel fence around the feeder – which incidentally doesn’t seem to keep the squirrels from eating there! Joan Day said she had half a dozen deer in her yard, who were likely disappointed that nothing is coming up in her garden yet.
Liza turned 90 and The United Church Ludlow celebrated with a cake on April 14. Photo by Lee Kafer.
April seems to be a big birthday month. Liza Ward had a landmark one on 4/12 with a celebration at the United Church, then a special cake made by Ruth Bostock was shared at the Reach Out Luncheon on 4/18. Cheryl Bishop’s was 4/13 & Kathy Lynd’s is coming up on 4/29. Also at the end of the month, congratulations are in order for Andrew & Austin Crossman.
Dates to remember: Sat, 5/4 for Green Up Day; 5/6 for the Selectmen’s Meeting at 6:00 PM to discuss the proposed Zoning Ordinance; Mon, 5/13 for the meeting re: Sheriff coverage for Plymouth, with voting on 5/14.
From Ian Dupont
Please join us on Saturday, May 4 picking up roadside litter. We will meet at the Plymouth Municipal Building at 8 AM. Sign in, pick up your FREE green-up t-shirt/hat, chartreuse safety vest, drinking water bottle, and trash bags. Wear long pants, work gloves, a hat, and good sturdy shoes. Pick-up trucks are needed to haul trash back to the Transfer Station. Bring a dish to share for the pot luck lunch to follow at noon. Cold beverages will be provided. Come join us in a Vermont tradition that started in 1970! Help keep Vermont beautiful! For more information, call Eric at 672-3493. Thank you!
From Estelle, Bondville Fair Coordinator
The Bondville Fair is the oldest continually operating Fair in the State of Vermont–216 years is a record!
This year, for the first time in its long history, that there will be two (2) additional Fairs on the Bondville Fair Grounds:
1) the first will be a Craft Fair as part of a Truck Pull on Saturday, June 1st (with a rain date on Sunday, June 2nd).
2) the second will be a Craft Fair as part of a Horse Pull on Saturday, June 8th (with a rain date on Sunday, June 9th).
Both June Fairs will run from 9:00am to 5:00pm with set up time scheduled for 8:00am. As this is an initial start, for what is hope to be an annual affair, the fee of $25.00 for registration covers one or both weekend dates for a 10×10 space–your choice. In addition, you are asked to bring your lunch as food venders will most likely not be present.
In addition to the above, there will be the usual Craft and Artisan section of the Bondville Fair beginning on Friday, August 23rd through Sunday, August 25th. As in the past, set up time will be Friday morning the 23rd from 9:00am until 11:45am. For a Thursday night set up, please contact me before hand to arrange a time.
The registration fee for the August Bondville Fair is, once again, $65.00 for a 10×10 space. If you desire electricity, there is an additional charge of $15.00 for the 3 days.
For all of the above Fairs, the two (2) in June and the one (1) in August, the charges include free admission for a maximum of two people per booth as well as free parking–any additional people (including children) in the car will need to pay the admission fee to the grounds.
For an application or more information, please email Estelle at grandmothersjoy@gmail.com OR call her at 802-297-1172 Or at 802-375-4831 and leave a message with your name, phone number and interest, she will get back to you ASAP.
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