Plymouth Selectboard News – April 2013

Posted on 04/19/2013 by The Plymouth Press

From Sandie Small,  Selectboard Assistant

  • Flood mitigation buyouts– the Sue Mordecai property transfer closed this month and the Pingree and Thistle properties will close soon.
  • A safety monitoring system (smoke, fire, CO, and propane) has been purchased for the Town hall. This should be installed this spring.
  • A public hearing will be held in May on petitions to change the status of several Town roads. Watch for the warning!!
  • The Town hopes to find a grant for a foot bridge across the river on Library Road:  hopefully for completion this year.
  • A Town work group will be established to evaluate and coordinate revitalization of property along Rt 100 in Plymouth Union.  Watch the Plymouth Press for contact information.
  • Sandie Small has been hired as the Selectboard Assistant. Please contact her for Selectboard issues or to be put on the Agenda.
  • The Selectboard meets the 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month at 6:00 PM, unless a special meeting is called.
  • The Selectboard will attempt to publish on the Plymouth website and in the Plymouth Press quarterly updates on Selectboard actions.
  • Any comments or questions please contact Ralph, Andy, Russ,  or Sandie.
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Margo Marrone’s Plymouth Report

Posted on 04/19/2013 by Plymouth Press Contributing Writer

Republished with permission from The Vermont Standard

4/14/13

It certainly appears that winter does not want to release its grip & make way for spring. Hail was bouncing off the deck a few times today, while there were periods when bright sunshine gave the false appearance of a nice spring day. But, it is time to be thinking about clearing the debris from our roadsides, so mark your calendar for Green-Up Day, Sat 5/4. Per Eric Johnson (672-3493), the crew will assemble at the Fire Station as 8:00 AM to receive assignments & pick up green bags. Some folks find another day more convenient, but please be in touch with Eric so that locations can be coordinated. Plan to participate in the potluck lunch at noontime!

According to Carol Goodwin, about 20-30 people attended the meeting at the Coolidge Center which was designed to give an update on the progress of efforts behind the Scenic Route 100 Byway. Plans are moving forward for the corridor to expand to include Plymouth, along with 6 other towns in our area that will add 46 more miles to the system. Eventually another northern segment will bring the total to 138 miles. This designation will include special signs to help promote tourism by noting the special resources in town.

Landon Thomas born April 10, 2013I imagine that many folks have already received the news that our not-so-little grandson, Landon Thomas, made his appearance on Wed, 4/10. At 9 lbs,15 oz & 22 inches, he is a big boy! Everyone is doing well, including older brother, Owen, who so far seems thrilled with the new addition.

Dates to remember: 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.

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Margo Marrone’s Plymouth Report

Posted on 04/13/2013 by Plymouth Press Contributing Writer

Republished with permission from The Vermont Standard

4/7/13

Oh my, I missed another birthday, Andy Crossman celebrated one at the end of March. But, coming right up & so you don’t miss the opportunity, Liza Ward will have a birthday on 4/14!

There are a number of items of interest going on around town. Bill Cherico will again by leading an AARP Safe Driver course at the Fletcher Memorial Library in Ludlow. The cost for this 4 hour session is $12 for members & $14 for non-members. Register with Bill at 672-1823.

Tom & I attended the very interesting Historical Society talk by Bill Hoyt on Sunday re: gold mining in Plymouth & Bridgewater. Gold exploration was pursued from approximately 1850 to the early 1900s in the areas of Broad Brook, Buffalo Brook & Reading Pond Brook. Bill noted that more money was actually made through speculation rather than by mining gold! The Rooks Mine is well-known & located in Camp Plymouth Camp Park.

To learn more about the proposed Zoning Ordinance, plan to attend the Selectmen’s Meeting at 6:00 PM on 5/6. This will be an opportunity to ask questions & make comments in regard to implementing the Town Plan. Both the proposed ordinance & zoning map can be viewed at the Town Office or on the Plymouth web site under Selectboard: http://www.plymouthvt.org/selectboard.php.

As you may know, a number of Plymouth residents signed & submitted a petition to reinstatement of the line item in the 2014 budget to pay for services provided by the Windsor County Sheriff. Since there seem to be some questions & concerns about the role of the Sheriff in Plymouth, a Special Town meeting with the Sheriff Dept is scheduled for Mon, 5/13 to have a dialogue about what is provided & what is needed. Voting will take place the following day, Tuesday, 5/14 from 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM by Australian ballot. That means that an absentee ballot may be obtained if you are unable to get there to vote.

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AARP Safe Driver Class April 18 in Ludlow

Posted on 04/05/2013 by Plymouth Press Contributing Writer

Submitted by Estelle M. Schwartz, District Coordinator, AARP Safe Driver

On Thursday, April 18th, the Fletcher Memorial Library on Main Street in Ludlow, is hosting an AARP SAFE DRIVER Course. The four (4) hour course starts at 9:30am and goes to 2:30pm with an hour for lunch–you may either bring a salad or sandwich with you or go out to lunch.

By taking the Safe Driver course, drivers will refresh their knowledge of the rules of the road and learn research-based safety strategies to help maintain their confidence behind the wheel. Some drivers ages 50+ have never looked back since they got their first driver’s licenses, but cars have changed–so have traffic rules, driving conditions and the roads we travel every day. Even the most experienced drivers can benefit from brushing up on their driving skills.

The fee for the course is $12 for an AARP member and $14 for a non-member. To register, call Bill at 802-672-1823.

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Bethany Birches Hosts FREE Camp this weekend

Posted on 04/05/2013 by The Plymouth Press

From Brandon Bergey

Enjoy Food, Games, Friends & Fun for 2 hours, put on by Bethany Birches Camp. Learn about summer 2013 and win big discounts on summer camp.

Where and When
April 7 – 5-7 pm – Grace Congregational Church, in the basement of the church (8 Court Street, Rutland, Vermont 05701)
April 21 – 1-3 pm – The Little Theater in Woodstock, VT (54 River St. Woodstock, VT 05091)
April 21 – 5-7 pm – Ascutney Union Church, VT (5243 Route 5. Ascutney, VT 5030)

Email camp@bethanybirches.org or call 802-672-5220 with your name and how many people you’re bringing with you. Visit http://bethanybirches.org/freecamp/ for more info.

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Margo Marrone’s Plymouth Report

Posted on 04/05/2013 by Plymouth Press Contributing Writer

Republished with permission from The Vermont Standard

4/1/13

Well, we are into April & I hope you were nobody’s fool on the 1st! Missed a couple of February birthdays, however – Jean Fanciullo on 2/21 & Holly Ellis on 2/22.

Congratulations to Carroll & Doris Earle on their retirement – 40 plus years of service delivering mail to Plymouth & Bridgewater Corners. Matt Ennis made a banner saying “The Mail Truck Stops Here”, that was displayed at the Bridgewater Grange, where the thank-you celebration was held. Teresa Ennis was riding with her Gram on that last day & helped to make the stop at the party!

At the recent Historical Society meeting, it was announced that the painting of their front room space in the former school building has been completed. The buffing out of the floor will be next, then things will be set to go. Historic artifacts will begin to move over shortly, with a June target date for opening. One last reminder about Coleman “Bill” Hoyt’s presentation on gold mining in our area to take place at the Town Building at 2 PM, Sun 4/7 at 2 PM. Admission is free & refreshments will be served!

Bethany Birches Camp is holding free 2 hour camp sessions so people can learn about their summer 2013 programs. It will include games, snacks & big discounts on summer camp as part of the fun! It will take place at several different locations:
· 4/7 – 5-7 pm at Grace Congregational Church in Rutland. Pizza Included!
· 4/21 – 1-3 pm at the Little Theater in Woodstock
· 4/21 – 5-7 pm at Ascutney Union Church in Windsor/Ascutney. Pizza Included!
Email camp or call 802-672-5220 with your name and how many you’re bringing with you. More Info can be found at bethanybirches.org/freecamp/

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Public Notice: Hearing on Zoning Ordinance May 6

Posted on 04/04/2013 by The Plymouth Press

The Selectboard of the Town of Plymouth shall hold a public hearing to discuss the proposed Zoning Ordinance, 2/19/13 Planning Commission Transmittal Draft on Monday May 6, 2013 at 6:00 P.M. at the Plymouth Municipal Building.

The purpose of this hearing is to provide an opportunity for the public to ask questions or provide comments on the proposed Zoning Ordinance. The purpose of the proposed ordinance is to implement the Plymouth Town Plan by providing for the appropriate use of all lands in the Town of Plymouth in a manner which will promote and protect the public health, safety, prosperity, comfort, convenience, efficiency, and general welfare; to protect high elevations, steep slopes, soils, forests, shorelands, wetlands and other natural resources; to encourage the density and distribution of settlement to be in character with the rural residential environment of the town; and to further the purposes set forth in Section 4302 of the Act.

The table of contents of the proposed zoning ordinance includes: 1. General Provisions; 2. Zoning Districts; 3. General and Special Provisions; 4. Administration, Enforcement, Appeals; 5. Planned Unit Development (PUD); and 6. Definitions.

The proposed zoning ordinance and zoning map can be viewed at the Town Office. A proposed zoning map and the proposed ordinance is posted on the Plymouth web site under Selectboard: http://www.plymouthvt.org/selectboard.php. A limited number of copies of the ordinance will be available in the Plymouth Town Office.

Plymouth Selectboard

Ralph J. Michael
Andy Crossman
Russell Tonkin

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Special Town Meeting on Sheriff Services Warned for 5/13

Posted on 04/04/2013 by The Plymouth Press

The legal voters of Plymouth are hereby warned to meet at a Special Town Meeting at the Plymouth Municipal Building at 7:00 P.M. on Monday, May 13 to discuss at that time reinstatement of the budget line item in the 2014 budget to pay for services provided by the Windsor County Sheriff with the Sheriff present to answer questions.  The polls will be open Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at the Plymouth Municipal Building from 10:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M. for the purpose of voting by Australian Ballot to reinstate $68,000.00, or an amount deemed necessary, to pay for the services provided by the Windsor County Sheriff.

Dated at Plymouth, Vermont this 3rd day of April 2013

Ralph Michael, Chair

Andrew Crossman

Russ Tonkin

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Reminder: Local Expert on Goldmining in Plymouth to Speak 4/7

Posted on 04/04/2013 by The Plymouth Press

From Melissa Lynds

Plymouth Gold RushThe Plymouth Historical Society is pleased to present the History of Plymouth and Bridgewater’s Gold Industry 1850 – 1905 at the Plymouth Town Building (68 Town Office Road, Plymouth, VT 05056) on Sunday, April 7 at 2PM.

Join visitors, families and friends and learn more about Plymouth’s colorful gold mining history. “Bill” Hoyt is a local expert on gold mining and has given presentations throughout the area. The admission is free and light refreshments will be offered following the lecture and slide show.

The Historical Society table will be open for memberships, donations, and the purchase of souvenirs. Come and enjoy the story Plymouth has to tell.

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Margo Marrone’s Plymouth Report

Posted on 03/29/2013 by Plymouth Press Contributing Writer

Republished with permission from The Vermont Standard

3/24/13

Nolan's 2nd Birthday March 2013I neglected to include this picture of 2 young boys who recently turned 2 & shared a ride at Nolan Alberti’s party. I would imagine that some of you recognize our Owen(L), less than a week younger the Nolan. So glad that Nolan has done so well with his treatments & can again enjoy playing with friends!

I understand that the Notch was a quite the hub of activity this weekend with many young people availing themselves of the programs. Also I heard that Cyndy Bittinger did a wonderful job with her presentation. Kudos to one & all!

Please mark your calendar for the Plymouth Historical Society program, the History of Plymouth and Bridgewater’s Gold Industry 1850 – 1905 by “Bill” Hoyt that will be taking place at the Plymouth Town Building on Sunday, 4/7 at 2 PM. Free admission & light refreshments following the lecture and slide show.

Congratulations to the Black River High School Rock Climbing Team, who took 3rd in the State final competition on Saturday 3/16. The team rose to the occasion & climbed their best scores for the entire season! According to Bonnie Allen, they have been training since October & have improved steadily throughout the season. Also, they have consistently showed great sportsman as well, making their community very proud. Black River’s Cedar Allen took the top male climber for the state, climbing better than any climber all season at the state competition. The high school team consists of Cedar Allen, Katie Cloutier, Eli Tucker, Hannah Farrow, Sullivan Miele, Rye Greineder, Jonah Farrow, Gabrielle Miele. The middle school team did not have enough to actively compete but Sage Allen took top female climber all season. Sage climbed with Sam Farrow and Jae Greineder. The team was coached by our own Bonnie & Jim Allen. Good work!

Emptiness & Fullness
Darkness & Light – opposites?
No, the absence of one from the other
Death & Life – is the same true?
Ah, but for me – Christ covers both…
Easter Blessings!
MM

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