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12/15/24

Cold, cold and more cold! It was 5 degrees at my house on Sunday morning. I love being able to start my car from the warmth of my house, plus my heated steering wheel is a joy. The wonders of technology that make my life much more comfortable.

The holiday countdown to Christmas and Hanukkah continues. Stores are busy and the variety of lights and decorations make nighttime driving less of a chore and more exciting. It don’t particularly like the varying road conditions brought about by rain and snow mixtures, though.

Please note that Tyson Community Church will host the annual Christmas Lessons & Carols Service next Sunday, 12/22, at 5 PM. Bethany Mennonite Church will have their Candlelight Service at 7 PM on Christmas Eve.

I was delighted to attend the Yoh Theatre production of Head Over Heals on Sunday afternoon under the direction of Marcia Bender. I know there were two performers from Plymouth. Josie Flaster and Jackson Fellows, were part of this exuberant production with wonderful singing and dancing in addition to the talented acting. Sorry if I missed others.

Photo : Before the rain – Dublin Rd

12/8/24

We seem to be drifting between a few inches of snow, then misting rain these days, which means we need to keep on our toes about road conditions. I heard that the skiing at Okemo was good this weekend, but I haven’t received any word about Killington. A friend and I planned to snowshoe on Sunday afternoon but settled for a walk instead since the snow was too wet and sticky.
Don’t forget the Emergency Services Holiday Party at the Town Building on 12/14 from 4:30 to 6:30 with gifts, refreshments and activities for our youngsters.

The Tyson Ladies Aid Christmas party was delightful with a delicious meal by VT Bliss Catering, collection of soft tissues for the Gill Home and donations for WCYS, plus an hilarious gift exchange game with dice (courtesy of Janine). Welcome to new member, Liz Naftulin!

Fletcher Memorial Library (802-228-8921) in Ludlow is having a number of interesting events:

12/13 at 7 PM, Gypsy Reel, including Jon Clinch for a Wassail concert

12/16 from 5:30-7 PM, clippings and houseplant exchange

12/30, 5:00-6:45, for youngsters, viewing of DreamWorks Animation adaptation of Peter Brown’s award-winning, #1 New York Times bestseller, The Wild Robot (PG)). Come see a shipwrecked robot learns to survive and build relationships with the animals.

12/2/24

Well, that was quite a storm on Thanksgiving – over a foot of snow that turned wet and heavy. The sunrise the next morning highlighted such beauty. I stayed at my daughter’s overnight and appreciated the view. It is amazing the way our road crews had the main roads cleared by Friday AM. That was particularly helpful for all of the folks who came to VT without winter tires!

Just a reminder about events this week, the Community Appreciation Open House at Fletcher Memorial Library on Thursday, 12/5 from 4 to 6 PM and The Holiday Open House at the Historic Site will take place Saturday, 12/7, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM.

11/22/24

Writing this on Friday as the much needed rain is subsiding. My sister in NY is amazed that they are getting snow ahead us! Christmas decorations are making an appearance, even before Thanksgiving. The Select Board will meet on 11/25 and will handle some agenda items that were not completed on 11/18. Holiday happenings are coming right up!

Consider joining the fun at the Community Appreciation Open House at Fletcher Memorial Library on Thursday, 12/5 from 4 to 6 PM. Holiday music and refreshments will be served. Also, Santa will be on hand at 4:30 for the delight of youngster and the young at heart as well.

The Holiday Open House at the Historic Site will take place Saturday, 12/7, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM. Enjoy a ukulele concert in the Grace Coolidge Great Room in the museum at 11:30. At 12:45. The tree lighting ceremony in the Wilder Barn will be at 12:45, the time that President Coolidge threw the switch on the very first electrified National tree in 1923. Throughout the day, free cookies and cocoa will be served in the Museum and Education Center and visitors can make a holiday decor craft.

Consider coming to the Overview of Forestry and Forest Ecology in Vermont on 12/9 at 5:30 pm at Fletcher Memorial library Hannah Dallas, Southern Windsor County Forester will provide some historical context for the patterns we see on the landscape, review some terminology, and discuss forest management. You many submit forestry questions to Hannah.dallas@vermont.gov prior to the presentation.

Don’t forget the EMS Holiday party from 4:30 – 6:30 on Saturday, 12/14 at the Town Office Bldg.

The 11/20 Book Group discussion of What the Fireflies Knew generated interesting discussion and we also chose reading for the next several month, skipping December. For Wed 1/15: The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride. 2/12: Fire Exit by Morgan Talty. 3/19: Ann Vickers by Sinclair Lewis. We are hoping to meet in person next time and all are invited to join us.

A bit late for some birthdays, but congratulations to Willow Bascom (11/2), Julia Baldwin (11/20), Joan Day 11/30

I imagine many are aware of the fire that took place at Grandview Lodge on 12/18. I understand that one unit was completely decimated, but the others were also damaged, including the one occupied by Angie Prior and Forrest. In speaking with Angie, they are still trying to assess the situation, so the needs are notclear at this point. A fund has been set up, https://gofund.me/140c1953 John Gubitosi also occupied a unit there and will need help. Thanks to the many fire depts that responded. We are community, which is so important during times of hazards and hardship.

10/18/24

I hope the everyone saw the incredible beaver moon this past weekend – it was glorious! I watched it rise on my way to the delicious turkey dinner at the Bridgewater Grange – always the best one around.

Although I haven’t seen bears in my yard lately, I imagine they are roaming through as usual. I understand from a neighbor that a mom and cub destroyed her feeders the other night. They are storing fat for their winter nap, so are eating ravenously.

There is a Select Board meeting at 6 this evening. Angela sent out the agenda last week, but it is also listed on the town website. Budget discussion will be taking place. The next Plymouth Book Group zoom meeting is Wednesday, 11/20 with a discussion of What the Fireflies Knew by Kai Harris. It presents an interesting perspective from a child’s early introduction to racism.

At the polls on election day I met Ryley & Alexis Ameden who recently purchased a home on Colby Pond – welcome! I believe there have been other home sales in the area and new folks to meet. Please let me know if you would like to mentioned in this column.

Although I no longer know all of our students now, I do want to acknowledge Schyeler Hagge for her part with the successful Woodstock Bike Team, Colson Kowalski on the Football team, and Colby Carlisle on the 10U ice hockey team. I imagine there are many more deserving congratulations, plus those with others kinds of achievements, so be sure to let me know!

Please note that on Monday, 12/2 there will be a book discussion at Fletcher Memorial Library in Ludlow. The book is Stranger Care: A Memoir of Loving What Isn’t Ours by Sarah Sentilles. It is a poignant story about one couple’s attempt at adoption through the foster care system