From Al Poirier, Plymouth Emergency Services
There has been no change in the forecast. Still predicting high winds and moderate rain for us.
Will send out another update early evening tomorrow unless there is a dramatic change in forecast in which case I will send out something earlier.
Keep up your preparations – be ready.
From Al Poirier, Plymouth Emergency Services
Update for potential bad weather next week The motto is “Prepare for the worst and hope for the best”. There is still a lot of uncertainty in the storm path. However there is a pretty high confidence that we will experience strong winds and moderate rain. We could see minor flooding but the biggest impact will be the wind. The weather “people” are clearly stressing that this is not an “Irene” but a very strong northeaster.
What does this mean for us in Plymouth. At this point in time we are looking at the potential of trees coming down which could or more than likely result in power outages. Strong winds could begin late Monday and last well into Tuesday night. Rain is expected to be moderate in the range of 1 to 3″ which could give us some moderate flooding but nothing significant.
Bottom line is that we need to be prepared. Time to clean up around the outside of the house and make sure all is put away or well tied down. Be prepared to be without power for an extended period of time.
Things could change and I will continue to post the latest information that is being supplied through Vermont Emergency Management and the National Weather Service.
Editors Note: Over the last year I had the good fortune to work closely with Elaine on the Plymouth Memory Tree to help Plymouth residents recover from Tropical Storm Irene. Our community benefited in so many ways thanks to Elaine’s dedication, even while facing her illness. I will also miss the whimsical photos she always provided to the Plymouth Press.
-Jen Flaster, Plymouth Press Editor
Below is the obituary which appears this week in The Vermont Standard.
A memorial service for Elaine Gambone, 60, who died at home after a long illness, will be held at the Bethany Mennonite Church in Bridgewater Corners on Saturday, Oct. 27 at 11 a.m.
Elaine was born Sept. 11, 1952 in Boston, Mass., daughter of Salvatore and Heloise (Lucier) Gambone.
She graduated from Woodstock High School in 1970. She attended University of Vermont and Castleton State College before graduating from Community College of Vermont in 1989 and Johnson State College in 1995. Elaine studied herbalism with Rosemary Gladstar. Elaine loved to sing and studied voice for many years and sang in area churches.
Elaine and Eric Johnsen married on September 13, 1972 and have lived in Plymouth since 1974.
They operated E&E Tree Service from 1974 to 1986 and E&E Horticultural Services from 1991 to the present.
Elaine loved to garden and created many gardens in the Plymouth-Woodstock area. Her perennial and vegetable gardens at her home on Messer Hill delighted both her and visitors alike.
Another passion was cooking, from soups to desserts. She was a master in the kitchen. She also loved to swim, hike, camp, travel and walk her dogs. Her two constant companions were Mason and Oscar, rescued racing greyhounds.
Elaine is survived by her loving husband, Eric, two brothers, Steven and Gerald, and a sister, Denise; also four nephews, Philip, Jacob, Noel and Nicholas.
The community will miss Elaine’s dedication to Green Up Vermont; she was the Plymouth coordinator for over 10 years. She resurrected the Plymouth Memory Tree Fund, a community fund that helps Plymouth residents in need. After Tropical Storm Irene, the fund morphed into Plymouth Memory Tree Community Fund, Inc. Elaine was a leading force within this organization and served as treasurer.
Donations in Elaine’s name may be made to Plymouth Memory Tree Community Fund, PO Box 47, Plymouth, VT 05056.
From Al Poirier, Plymouth Emergency Services
With the potential of a very wet and windy event early next week it is time to take out those emergency preparedness booklets and make sure you and your family are ready.
The town is doing what it can to make sure we are ready to respond but we cannot do it alone we need your help.
This is the time to make sure you have fuel for the generator, prescriptions filled, and enough food and water to support yourself for at least three days.
If anyone needs special assistance please call Al Poirier (228-3308) or send an email arpcolby@yahoo.com.
Lets be ready and stay safe.
From Al Poirer
The Plymouth Volunteer Fire Department has completed the installation of a dry hydrant at the municipal building. The installation of this dry hydrant is part of a comprehensive program to improve fire protection in Plymouth.
The Fire Department is in the process of improving fire protection in Plymouth by installing dry hydrants to improve the availability and accessibility of water for firefighting purposes. The Vermont Rural Fire Protection Task Force through the Northern Vermont Resource Conservation and Development Council provided assistance to the Fire Department in developing a plan to improve water supply in Plymouth.
The Vermont Legislature approved appropriations to assist communities in installing dry hydrants to improve fire protection in the rural area of Vermont. The Vermont Rural Fire Protection Task Force with the assistance of the Northern Vermont Resource Conservation and Development Council administers the grant program.
Dry hydrants are a preferred method of providing water for firefighting in areas where there are no water mains. A dry hydrant consists of a 6 to 8 inch pipe with a fitting to which a pump/ tanker truck can attach. The pipe connects to a water source (Pond or stream) that can supply at least 60,000 gallons under drought conditions.
This is but one example of the service your fire department provides in preparation for the next alarm.
If you have any questions about developing a rural water supply in your area, please contact the Vermont Rural Fire Protection Task Force at 802-828-4582 , dryhydrantguy@yahoo.com , or visit www.nvtrcd.org/vtrfptf.html .
Republished with permission from The Vermont Standard
10/22/12
Things are winding down all over town. Still some tourists out & about, but the roadways are less busy these days. Just to let you know that Nancy said that the Wilder House will officially be open until 10/27 for the regular hours. From that point it will be open from 9:00 – 1:00 only until the end of the month.
I attended the Selectmen’s hearing on 10/15 regarding reclassifying Library Road. It is a bit more complicated than it initially appeared! Going from a Class 3 road to a trail left some question about plowing & road maintenance, which could impact the Tyson Library & church parking along that side. Roger Carlsten & Clare King (Frank Jewell’s former property) wanted consideration of “throwing up” (the town relinquishing it) their half of Library Road, so they could reconnect the two sections of their property, which now includes both sides of the road. Most folks seemed to favor a foot bridge as opposed to a vehicle bridge. Unless there is a petition to send it to a town vote, the Selectmen get to decide, but there was no indication that they had reached a consensus.
Lucy MacKenzie Animal Blessings. Photo by Mark Stanley
I was pleased to be invited to participate in the Blessing of the Animals at Lucy MacKenzie Humane Society this past Saturday. The weather cooperated nicely, allowing the 6 congregations that were represented under the leadership of Rev. Cheryl Heater, to hold a short service, then individually bless the animals that were brought by their owners. We remembered loved pets that have passed on & also received donations for LMHS, then went inside to bless those animals as well. In the tradition of St Francis, October is the month to celebrate animals.
Please know that Tyson Church is planning to have its traditional potluck Thanksgiving Diner on Thanksgiving, 11/22 at 1:00 PM. As the plans unfold, there will be more news, but the contact person will be Denise Dean (245-4686) or email deand. Please let her know if you plan to attend, leave your contact information & what you would like to contribute to the meal! All are welcome.
Heartfelt sympathy goes out to Eric Johnsen on the passing of Elaine Gambone, who left us on Saturday, 10/20 after a courageous battle with cancer. There will be a memorial service on Saturday, 10/27, at 11:00 AM at Bethany Mennonite Church, followed by a lunch. Those who would like to come to the house afterward, are welcome to do so for the spreading of her ashes in her beloved perennial garden. Also, Eric is asking that donations in her memory be made to the Plymouth Memory Tree.
Republished with permission from The Vermont Standard
10/15/12
Although the Historic Site has officially closed, some dates have been arranged for bus tours & I understand that several hundred people enjoyed tours there this weekend. A bit sad that the leaves have mostly blown down, but I imagine they still enjoyed themselves & learned a great deal about Calvin Coolidge! Hopefully Nancy has been busy at the Wilder House – consider stopping in for lunch sometime this month…..
Oops – I forgot to note Bill Jarvi’s birthday on 10/11! Family was down on the weekend to celebrate & to help with some work around the place. I have noticed that even when chores are being done there is still a party atmosphere!
Just wanted to note a typo in the paper last week. Tyson Library closed on 10/13, not 10/30, so sorry if you missed your chance to pick up some books. By the time this goes to print, the meeting to discuss the reclassification of Library Road will have happened.
Tyson Congregational Church warmly welcomed new members on Sunday – Mike Clarke, June Capron, Denise Dean, & Maddie Dean & associate member, Kathy Tuttle!
Lots of seasonal changes taking place. The Plymouth Vermont Historical Society has closed its doors for the winter season. Of course, the collection can still be accessed by contacting one of the officers. Email addresses are posted on the Historical Society link through the town of Plymouth’s website until their own website is established. A move to the former school building is anticipated in the spring of 2013. The new membership drive will begin in January 2013 – memberships & contributions are always needed & appreciated!
Some of our local restaurants will also be taking a break. The Echo Lake Inn will stop serving on Saturday, 10/20 & reopen for Thanksgiving. Lodging is still available. The River Tavern at Hawk will also be closing 10/20 & it will reopen some time in Dec.
From Betsy Tonkin, PHS Secretary
The Plymouth Vermont Historical Society has closed its doors for the winter season. However, anyone wishing access to the collection can contact an officer. Visit www.plymouthvt.org/historical.php and scroll down to the bottom of the page to find officer e-mail addresses. The society is anticipating a move to a new building in the spring of 2013 as well as its own website. Watch for updates early next year.
Over the winter, local members will concentrate on developing collection care policies and expanding documentation of acquisitions as it prepares for a move and new software cataloging.
Thank you all for your continuing interest in Plymouth history. The Historical Society depends on your patronage and financial support. Our membership drive will once again begin in January 2013. Please keep us in mind.
Republished with permission from The Vermont Standard
10/7/12
The weather seems to have shifted into fall mode with cooler temps, but as I write this on Monday morning, at least the sun is shining! The rain on Saturday did not end in time for the late afternoon outdoor weddings planned around the area, but it had stopped in time for the Melissa Maravell concert at Tyson Church. More than 50 people enjoyed the wide variety of songs & at times joined in the singing. It was a lovely & lively evening!
Before I forget, is there anyone out there who might want to help Jen Flaster with the Plymouth Press? It is such a great vehicle for disseminating information within our community, but Jen has other responsibilities (including her little bundle of joy, Josie), so she would appreciate some help. She assures me it is easy! If you would like to become part of this worthwhile endeavor, please email her at plymouthpress (at) me.com.
We took our weekend guests to the Tyson Library on Saturday & it has really become such a cozy place, filled with an amazing number & variety of books. Monies received in memory of Betty Jarvi & Mary Gross have helped with building restoration & needed improvements. Some of the remaining funds will also be used to purchase new books. The library will be closing for the season on 10/13, but you can obtain books this weekend, then returned them to the book box, which is checked regularly.
Sherry Thornburg, Executive Director of the Ottauquechee Health Foundation (802/457-4188) was our guest at the Tyson Ladies Aid meeting last week. She told us about a number of programs that the Foundation sponsors. There are organizational grants, but also programs to help individuals, such as the Good Neighbor Grant & the Community Care Coordination Program.
Sherry will be the guest speaker at the 10/18 Reach Out Luncheon at 11:00 AM in the Community Room at the Tyson Church. The menu for that day will be soup (3 kinds) & grilled ham/cheese sandwiches. So that we know how much to prepare, if you plan to attend, please call either Kathy Lynds (672-3709) or Betty Aubin (484-9130).
Republished with permission from The Vermont Standard
10/1/12
Well, we certainly have been getting the rain we need, but that doesn’t seem to have dampening spirits around our area! Nice to see some colorful leaves these days. The Tyson Reading Rd was bright & beautiful last week & when we went down to Manchester on Sat, the trees were lovely along Rte 100 South.
We had company this weekend & enjoyed a wonderful lasagna dinner at the Catholic Church in Ludlow on Sat evening. I was so pleased that they had made a wheat-free pan, so I could eat there too. Of course we saw a number of Plymouth folks there – some working & some simply enjoying the meal! Bob & Shirley Billings were among the missing, but they were out to dinner for their anniversary instead – congratulations!
Sounds like there was good attendance at the Historic Site both days this past weekend. The 3rd Grace Coolidge Musicale will take place on 10/7 from 3:00 – 4:30 with Susan Schroeder & Abigail Charbeneau playing patriotic & classic 4 hands piano music. Plan on tea at the Wilder House following the performance!
The Historic Site will be closing for the season on 10/14, but please note that the Wilder House will remain open through the rest of Oct & will be serving a full menu. Lunch can be obtained until 2:30 each day!
I understand that this year Camp Plymouth State Park is remaining open through the Holiday weekend, so consider stopping over there. Even if it is too cold for you to swim, it is still a lovely park to enjoy sitting by the water & playing in the fields. Camping continues at Coolidge State Park as well.
Don’t forget Melissa Maravell’s performance at Tyson Church (located just off Rte 100 across from the Echo Lake Inn) at 7:00 PM on Sat, 10/6. She will be singing a wide variety of songs – something for everyone! A free-will offering will be taken & cookies will be provided.
I understand that there will be a hearing on Mon, 10/15 at 6:00 PM to discuss reclassification of Library Rd in Tyson from a Class 3 road to a trail. As most folks know, the bridge from Rte 100 to Dublin Rd along that road was destroyed during “Irene”, so consideration is being given to simply having a foot bridge instead of a car bridge there. This will be an opportunity for community input.
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