Margo Marrone’s Plymouth Report

Posted on 05/09/2013 by Plymouth Press Contributing Writer

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 by Ian Dupont

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)

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Notice Regarding Sheriff Budget Line Item Vote May 13

Posted on 05/07/2013 by The Plymouth Press

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

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Act 250 Decision Denies Gravel Pit Permit

Posted on 05/07/2013 by Plymouth Press Contributing Writer

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

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Selectboard Seeks Volunteers for Summer Improvement Projects

Posted on 05/07/2013 by Plymouth Press Contributing Writer

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.

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Margo Marrone’s Plymouth Report

Posted on 05/06/2013 by Plymouth Press Contributing Writer

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!

Tyson Library_May 2013

Reach Out Luncheon - Carolyn Scott, Kathy Lynds, Betty Aubin with crafts

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!

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Margo Marrone’s Plymouth Report

Posted on 04/26/2013 by Plymouth Press Contributing Writer

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.

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.

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Join Us For Green-Up Day May 4

Posted on 04/21/2013 by The Plymouth Press

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!

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Bondville Fair Seeks Exhibitors

Posted on 04/20/2013 by Plymouth Press Contributing Writer

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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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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