Margo Marrone’s Plymouth Report

Posted on 09/27/2012 by Plymouth Press Contributing Writer

Republished with permission from The Vermont Standard

9/25/12

Thank you to Allison Clarkson for being our speaker at the Reach Out luncheon on 9/20. We learned a bit about her & also some of the issues that will be hot topics during the upcoming legislative session. Seeing Roger Pingree there jogged my memory about his 9/9 birthday, so belated Happy Birthday to him!

Tyson Ladies Aid had a work day at Tyson Library on Saturday & they want to thank Bob, Rudy, Andy & Trinady Gross, Doug, Ann & Josh Rose, Norm & Betty Aubin & Ginny Kottkamp for all their hard work on the siding & in the gardens. Things are looking great, so be sure to get over there to check it out! The Library will be closing for the season after Sat, 10/13. The hours are 10:00 to noon.

I have had the pleasure of being in the company of both Marie & Michael Caduto recently! Marie’s talk at the Library in Ludlow last week was quite informative as we learned more about the washout at the top of Money Brook & how water picks up sediment & redistributes it. Michael was the speaker at Justin Morrill State Historic Site on Sunday, where we discussed wild edibles, then went outside to see some of them. Both presentations were very interesting!

The Cheese & Harvest Festival at the Notch was well attended with a few hundred people milling around. The rain held off & Fred took a break from giving wagon rides (pulled by his tractor) to shear sheep. Our little Owen considered petting one of the sheep, but didn’t quite feel comfortable reaching his hand out. He settled for petting an adorable & friendly little dog instead! He did enjoy the cheese samples at the Cheese Factory & the tables set up by Crowley & Cabot.

Although I did not arrive in time to attend, I understand that Adam Boyce as “Charles Ross Taggart: Vermont’s Traveling Entertainer,” did a great job. He told me he would return to Plymouth & do it again, perhaps under the auspices of the Plymouth Historical Society.

I noticed that on Sat, 9/29, there will be an opportunity to properly dispose of used or expired prescription drugs (pills or capsules) at the Woodstock Police station & the Ludlow Police station from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. There is a permanent drop-off from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Mon – Friday at the Police Dept in Windsor at 29 Union St, that will take liquids as well. Flushing them or putting them in the trash pose public health & safety hazards, so please consider these more
appropriate options!

Thanks to Robin Bebo-Long for letting me know that Madison Cassano & Sahara Bebo are also on the field hockey team. I really appreciate a heads-up on our young people, especially since I don’t even know some of their names any longer. Please feel free to contact me!

Lastly, thanks to Terry Bascom for covering for me this past Sunday. Don’t forget to mark your calendar for Melissa Maravell’s concert at Tyson Church on Sat, 10/6 at 7:00 PM! Some of you are familiar with Melissa, a singer/songwriter who has performed in our area over the years. including the Hawk summer series. She played at the church on 8/26 & was also willing to perform in the tent that day, but the lively chatter made that difficult. So, you have another opportunity to catch her! Opera trained, Melissa sings a wide variety of tunes & her rich contralto voice makes anything she sings a delight to hear. A free-will offering will be taken.

Posted in Community News, Events, Plymouth People | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Community Event Honors Resilience a Year After Irene

Posted on 09/10/2012 by Plymouth Press Contributing Writer

From Margo Marrone

8/27/12

Wow, what an amazing event Sunday turned out to be & the weather cooperated nicely! There were probably 50 or so people there for the church service & well over 100 in the tent for the remainder of the activities. Something for everyone!

Thanks to the many people who helped to make the Tender Hearts & Helping Hands Celebration happen. The planning committee of Tina & Bruce Verdrager. Carolyn Scott, Pieter Bowen, Russ Tonkin & myself helped with good ideas & practical preparation. We couldn’t have done it without Laurence Jeffrey providing his lovely tent as the location & Jim Neilson from Hawk providing some great food & paper goods.

Tyson Church made delicious desserts & members, Cheryl Bishop & Denise Dean helped with getting decorations, while Ann Rose helped to get things set-up. The teens & staff from Windsor Youth Services were an immense help & a joy to have around! Melissa Maravell played & sang in the church & a bit in the tent, but the volume of animated conversation made it impossible to hear. She has said she will come another time & do a concert in the church! It was truly a community happening for all ages, with a wide variety of dishes brought to the potluck.

Thanks to all of our speakers, who briefly gave thanks. Laurence provided the welcome & noted how wonderful it is to live in such a caring community. Jonathan Wilson from Farm & Wilderness spoke, as did Russ Tonkin on behalf of the Select Board. Jill Davies spoke for the Resource Center & the Plymouth Memory Tree Fund, while Al Poirier did the same for Incident Command & Emergency Services.

A delightful young man expressed thanks for the support given to Windsor Youth Services as they continue to rebuild their damaged youth home. Laurie Marechaux brought materials about Starting Over Strong VT & also did some face painting. Tom’s mom was sporting a lovely flower on her cheek!

I mentioned the donation received by the church from the National United Church of Christ & other donations that were received from individuals that allowed us to disburse funds within Plymouth, but also out of our borders to those in need. Forgive me if I left anyone out!

A list of possible future community events was encouraged & these were suggested: book club, writing group, Dharma group, town-wide garage sale, sledding party near the cheese factory, bingo & possibly a wild game supper. Some folks posted individual notes of appreciation on the Board, but I imagine there are some more who might want to do so. We will leave it at the church for this Sunday, than take it to the Town Hall, so others can participate!

This was a celebration of the resiliency of the community as we reached out to one another & worked to care for those around us. Al Poirier touched upon preparedness for the future & Todd Menes talked briefly about the environment factors. Both of those issues probably bear further discussion at another time.

Thanks to everyone who joined the party & made it so much fun!

Posted in Community News, Events, Plymouth People, Storm and Recovery Posts | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Margo Marrone’ Plymouth Report

Posted on 09/07/2012 by Plymouth Press Contributing Writer

Republished with permission from The Vermont Standard

9/3/12

This warm weather wants to fool us into thinking it is still summer, although it is getting darker earlier & there is a definite chill in the air. It is very enjoyable, though! We were unable to get to the Notch for one reason or another, but I understand the Shakespeare event was very well attended. These actors, from many different places, often gather in Killington. This year they decided to perform for the community & the Coolidge Foundation provided the space in the church.

I understand from Kathy Lynds, who took her grandsons – Mathew, Jake, & Jon to the Children’s Stage with Alastair Moock, that it was a wonderful interactive time for youngsters.

It sounds like the Notch was buzzing with activity this weekend with over 300 visitors on Saturday & 200 or more on Sunday. The Folk & Blues Festival attracted a good number of people both days. This is the first time in years we have missed it!

Congratulations to Midge Tucker who was elected President of the General Federation of the Women’s Clubs in VT. Fran Derlinga was elected Vice President.

September is VT Archaeology month & there will be another Tales of the Notch Cemetery on 9/18 at 2:00 PM, a time with local historians who will discuss the finely carved slate stones of the late 1700s & the final resting places of the Coolidge family & other Plymouth notables such as the spiritualist Achsa Sprague. For more details call: Bill Jenney, (802) 672-3773

Posted in Events, Plymouth People | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Buckwheat Reaping at Coolidge Site 8/29

Posted on 08/27/2012 by Plymouth Press Contributing Writer

From Diane Kemble, Calvin Coolidge Memorial Foundation

See the Drop Reaper in Action this Wednesday!
You’re invited to drop by the Coolidge Site this Wednesday, August 29, from 1 to 5 p.m. to see Fred DePaul use a drop reaper to mow the buckwheat field with his horses. This field of buckwheat was planted by Springfield, VT students this spring and Wednesday is a rare opportunity to see a drop reaper in action. The field is located near the tourist cabins and visitors are invited to take a small bundle of buckwheat home.

Posted in Events | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Margo Marrone’s Plymouth Report

Posted on 08/26/2012 by Plymouth Press Contributing Writer

Republished with permission from The Vermont Standard

8/19/12

Isn’t it interesting how quickly our bodies adjust. The lack of humidity & temps in the low 70’s with a cool breeze felt cold this past weekend, after the high humidity & higher temps of the past couple of weeks. Not complaining, though, I would rather don a sweater than be sweltering!

I hope folks are being careful on Rte 100 near Lake Amherst, where a culvert has been replaced & a strip is now gravel. Lots going on in that section of town. The boat ramp on the lake is being replaced, so there has been heavy equipment there, also.

Things are falling into place nicely for the Tender Hearts & Helping Hands Celebration on Sunday, 8/26/12. It is a town-wide event to remember & celebrate that way folks reached out to help each other after “Irene”. For those who are interested, there will be a worship service 10:30 – 11:00 at Tyson Church. At 11:30 festivities under the tent at the Echo Lake Inn will get underway & will include: thanks by various groups; a time to share individual thanks; potluck luncheon; & music by Melissa Maravell & others. Everyone is invited, so come join the fun!

Coming up 9/1 & 2 is the The Plymouth Folk & Blues, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM. Well-known & highly acclaimed musicians will be on hand again at the Plymouth Notch Historic Site. This exciting yearly event is organized by Jay Ottaway & is free, although donations are gratefully accepted. Check out the website www.plymouthfolk.com for more information. There are also wagon rides on Saturday & children’s concert both days.

Cindy Summer & Steve Heilner, photo by Michelle Pingree

It was my pleasure to officiate the wedding of Cindy Summer & Steve Heilner on Sat, 8/18 at their place, Peaceful Acres, on Dublin Rd. It was a beautiful setting out on the lawn near the pond where the 100 or so guests gathered for the ceremony. Cindy’s daughter, Cassie was the Matron of Honor & her son, Sean read from 1 Corinthians. Many local friends were in attendance & others from afar. Tom & Linda Rossi provided a wonderful meal!

Posted in Community News, Events, Plymouth People | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Stand Up Shakespeare to Perform at Historic Site on 9/1

Posted on 08/26/2012 by The Plymouth Press

From Michael Lewis, Associate Director of Stand Up Shakespeare

Calling all lovers of verse and prose and theater for a performance by “Stand Up Shakespeare” next weekend at the Calvin Coolidge Historic Site (Christian Union Church). This is our 3rd annual public performance and it has been a great success. The show is Saturday, Sept. 1st., and is free to the public.

We are a group of professional Shakespearean actors from New York City, and we’ve been gathering in Vermont for the last 12 years to work on the craft and art of performing the works (and words) of the Bard.

We do hope you’ll lend your support. View the flyer for all the relevant information.

Posted in Events | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Plymouth Report addition

Posted on 08/22/2012 by Plymouth Press Contributing Writer

8/13/12

Contributed by Margo Marrone

Oh, sometimes I am behind the times! Belated happy anniversary wishes to Marcia Bender & Scott Hepler on 8/13 & Naomi & Steve Moyer on 8/14! We attended another anniversary celebration on Sunday – the 60th for Bethany Mennonite Church. Tom & I took Owen with us & appreciated the help of Matt & Jennifer Maxham’s youngsters in entertaining Owen during church!

Assuming the warm weather will continue, there will be ham & a variety of salads for the Reach Out Luncheon on Thursday, 8/16 downstairs in the Community Room at Tyson Church. Our speaker at 11:00 AM will be Mike Clarke, talking about “Wright Way” – his home at Hawk where he has incorporated his admiration for Frank Lloyd Wright & “organic architecture “.

There are many areas of our town that still show the signs of “Irene’s” visit to our area. Yet even amid the displaced rocks and mounds of silt, greenery is emerging. You can see it along Pingree flats and on Dublin Rd where the brook overflowed its banks and washed across the road. I assume it was the Sheldon’s who planted tiny sunflowers on the barren soil near the bridge, They make me smile when I ride my bike past them!

The way folks have responded to the hardships brought in the wake of the storm is what we will be celebrating on 8/26. Please consider joining us at the Inn at Water’s Edge on Thurs, 8/16 at 1:00 PM as we finalize plans for the town-wide,Tender Hearts & Helping Hands event. For those who wish to come to church that Sunday, our Worship service will be from 10:30 until 11:00. Various groups will note their appreciation at the tent at the Echo Lake Inn, starting at 11:30. After that those who wish to thank folks for their help will have time to do so. Special notes of thanks can be written and displayed on 2 large boards, for there are many who want to express their gratitude for the way people came together to assist one another. The potluck lunch, will follow as we gather for good food and even better conversation. I hope some musicians will bring their instruments and add to the fun.

The rain this past Thursday evening meant that Melissa Maravell performed in the library at Hawk, while the storm prevailed outside. It was like a private concert for the dozen or so people who sat in comfortable chairs and enjoyed her lovely voice and the nice selection of songs. If you missed it, you can hear her at the Church of Our Saviour, off Rte 4 on Mission Farm Rd in Killington on 8/25 at 7:00 PM. A free-will offering will be taken.

The free lawn concerts at Hawk at 7:00 PM on Thursdays. This week, 8/16 will feature James Mee & Mike Sullivan. The concerts are held rain or shine. On 8/23 Woodchuck’s Revenge will be there and the final concert will be the mello sounds of Bud & Budd on 8/30.

Posted in Community News, Events, Plymouth People | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Spreading the word…..

Posted on 08/22/2012 by Plymouth Press Contributing Writer

Contributed by Margo Marrone

Reminder about theTender Hearts & Helping Hands Celebration on Sunday, 8/26/12. It is a town-wide event to remember & celebrate that way folks reached out to help each other after “Irene”. For those who are interested, there will be a worship service 10:30 – 11:00 at Tyson Church. At 11:30 festivities under the tent at the Echo Lake Inn will get underway & will include: thanks by various groups; a time to share individual thanks; potluck luncheon; & music by Melissa Maravell & others. Everyone is invited, so come join the fun! If you have an over-abundance of veggies in your garden & would like to share them, feel free to bring them along…..

Posted in Events | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Missing Cat

Posted on 08/22/2012 by Plymouth Press Contributing Writer

Hi neighbors,

Please

help me to find my cat…. My sweet kitty ZORO has been missing since Saturday and my other kitty, Boo is so upset that his brother is gone. He is missing in the Dillon Road/Kingdom Road area, he is TOOOOOO FRIENDLY. Please call 802-228-7144 if you see him.. LEAVE A MESSAGE if I am not home.

Thank you!

Laurie Marechaux

[attach 1]

Posted in Community News | Leave a comment

Plymouth Report

Posted on 08/14/2012 by Plymouth Press Contributing Writer

Reprinted with permission from the VT Standard

Contributed by Margo Marrone

8/6/12

What a sweltering weekend! As I am writing this on Mon morning, it is so nice to feel the cool & less humid breeze. The turnout for Old Home Day at the notch was down a bit & I am wondering if folks opted for cooler pursuits. On my way past the lakes on Saturday, it seemed like cars were at every point of access to the water & Camp Plymouth State Park had a nice crowd!

Plymouth Emergency Services thanks the community for their support of the BBQ on Saturday. Those at the Bake Table (Bea & John Wheeler, Shirley & Bob Billings, & Dale Lynds) tried to stay cool & keep the goodies from melting. Speaking of melting, we were close to that point during the wedding in the Tyson Church that afternoon!

Bonnie Allen made the cake for the reception at the Echo Lake Inn this past weekend & it was delicious! Apparently a compromise was reached between the bride & groom because it included both carrot cake & chocolate cake! Nice to see that both Hawk & the Echo Lake Inn have had weddings these past 2 weekends, bringing folks to our lovely town.

Apparently Steve Forbes presentation at the Coolidge Foundation Annual Meeting was well attended this past week, as was the Musicale on Sunday. I understand that Jane Berlin Pauley gave some interesting history about Josephine Baker along with singing the songs, many of which were performed in Paris because of racial overtones here in the US. Jane & Abigail Charbonneau, who played the Grace Coolidge piano are both very talented teachers at the Concord School of Music.

Final plans for the Tyson Ladies Aid Bazaar were the main topic for discussion at the 8/2 meeting. It sounds like the selection of baskets & gift certificates will be exceptional – something for everyone! Don’t forget that it is this Saturday, 8/11 at Veterans Park in Ludlow & there will be the usual chicken BBQ, done by John Murphy Jr.

There was also talk about having a children’s story time through the Tyson Library (sponsored by TLA), held downstairs at Tyson Church. Tyson Ladies is not part of the church, but a wonderful partnership exists that has helped to make the church space a real community resource. The jointly sponsored Reach Out Community Luncheon takes place there on the 3rd Thursday of each month – the next one being on 8/16. It begins at 11:00 AM with a speaker, then a scrumptious free meal is served – a nice variety of salads this time.

Please note that the Inn at Water’s Edge has offered to host the Thurs 8/16 organizational meeting to discuss the 8/26 town-wide Tender Hearts & Helping Hands celebration. It would be nice to have a number of folks bring their ideas as we make final plans to celebrate the wonderful ways people helped each other in the aftermath of “Irene”. Along with the potluck lunch under the tent at the Echo Lake Inn, it would be wonderful to have some lively music Please call & let me know if you have any suggestions & can help with planning.

Posted in Community News, Events, Plymouth People | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment