Plymouth Report

Posted on 08/03/2012 by Plymouth Press Contributing Writer

Contributed by Margo Marrone
7/30/12

I am writing this on Sunday evening, having just arrived back home to find that “someone” ate my one ripe big boy tomato that I had examined this morning and determined I would pick this evening! Well, actually it was not totally eaten – a bite was take out of opposite sides, leaving a juicy center of pulp. In addition, Sweetie, as I had affectionately named this deer, bit off all the heads of my day lilies that surround our deck. Anyone have a remedy for this mutilation?

Fortunately, someone sent me an email that helped to lighten my mood a tad. It said: “I believe dust is nature’s way of protecting furniture“. Not only did it make me chuckle, it reinforced my position that dusting is drudgery & a waste of time!

Just to let you know, the hydrant at the fire station is back in service & it is a brand new system that should serve the town better. A good way to support our Plymouth Emergency Services would be to come to the BBQ at the Notch for Old Home Day on Sat, 8/4! Besides enjoying lunch, there will be a bake sale & a number of other great activities.

At Tyson Church on Sunday morning we were treated to some delightful music by Bruce & Caleb Freeberg. They played a variety of instruments & helped to make the service a joyous occasion, including the singing of “happy birthday“ to Annie Clarke‘s mother! It is possible that they might also bring their instruments to the 8/26 celebration.

By the way, someone mentioned to me that another event is being planned for the Municipal Bldg for the same day – 8/26. I hope that folks know this event in Tyson encompasses the whole town. If in fact, another happening is being planned, I hope we can coordinate our efforts! Although we were segregated by ruined roads for a time, hopefully coming together as a town to share in a positive tribute to our resiliency will be a healthy & healing way to weather the storm! There will not be a regular church service that day, but a chance to express appreciation for each other.

We attended the service for Mike Bivins that took place in the Baker Hill Cemetery in Bridgewater Center on Sunday afternoon. A large crowd assembled to honor & remember him, including many members of his large family. A reception was held at Hawk Inn & Mtn Resort following the service & at one point a number of photos were displayed on the ceiling of the tent, with his wonderful smile beaming down on us. That affable smile will be a reminder of this kind-hearted & loving fellow – everyone‘s friend, Big Mike.

This should be a busy, but fun week for Bob & Kathy Lynds with the arrival of son, Joe, & grandsons – Jonathan, Jacob, & Joshua. Family time is so important & to be cherished!

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Emergency management request

Posted on 08/03/2012 by Plymouth Press Contributing Writer

Contributed by Russ Tonkin

Emergency Management Team Request
On August 15th at 6PM at the Town Hall, the Red Cross is conducting “Shelter” training for volunteers who might help in Plymouth emergency shelters. We are asking for volunteers to attend the training so if we do need to open a shelter we have trained volunteers. Please contact Russ Tonkin RTONKS or 672-3179 if you are willing to volunteer. We need 8-10 qualified volunteers to operate a shelter 24/7. Thank you!

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Tyson Ladies Aid Annual Bazaar on Saturday August 11th

Posted on 07/27/2012 by Plymouth Press Contributing Writer

Contributed by Sally Scarp

TYSON, VT……….The Tyson Ladies’ Aid Association will hold its 102nd annual summer bazaar on the green at Veterans Memorial Park in Ludlow, Vermont on Saturday August 11th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. rain or shine. The event will feature a chicken barbeque with corn on the cob and homemade coleslaw and baked beans. Baked goods, such as pies, cakes, cookies and bread will also be offered for sale.

“This is such a fun event, especially since Ludlow no longer celebrates the zucchini harvest”, said Janine Norman, one of the organizers. “We have some amazing bakers who are very proud of their wares and the natural ingredients they use. This year we will continue our basket raffle for over 50 themed baskets made and donated by our members”, she continues. “A special feature will be a basket of Vermont only products.”

The Tyson Ladies’ Aid Association was founded in 1880 to raise funds to bring a church to Tyson. In 1887, the Ladies had purchased the Tyson Iron Works office and established the Tyson Library at that site. After a period of inactivity, they reorganized in 1910 and have operated continuously since then, using money raised to support the library, fund scholarships and benefit the local community.

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Got VT Irene Recovery Photos? Win Potter/Nocturnals Concert Tickets

Posted on 07/27/2012 by The Plymouth Press

Contributed by Julia Carlisle via Jill Davis

Woodstock Early Bird KNOWs there are some great photographers out there….Have at it! Governor Shumlin Announces “Build Up Vermont” Photo Contest Gov. Peter Shumlin launched ‘Build Up Vermont’ Thursday to encourage residents and visitors to share their views of the state – using their cameras. The emphasis of this initiative is to showcase photography of communities and destinations within Vermont in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Irene, celebrating the recovery efforts since the Aug. 28 storm. The centerpiece of Build Up Vermont is a website that will allow people to post their pictures, view the growing photo gallery and vote for their favorite shot.

“What better way to reflect the hard work and remarkable spirit of Vermonters than by promoting images of the progress we’ve made in the last 11 months,” the Governor said. Build Up Vermont is a collaborative between the Governor’s Irene Recovery Office and the Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing. Photos are submitted to http://www.BuildUpVT.com, and viewers can vote on their favorites as part of a photo contest to win tickets to see Vermont musician Grace Potter perform at the Grand Point North Festival at Burlington’s Waterfront Park in September (visit http://www.grandpointnorth.com for more information).

“It is vital for Vermont to share images and honest, real-time perspectives of our active and accessible communities as we approach the one year anniversary of Tropical Storm Irene,” Tourism and Marketing Deputy Commissioner Steve Cook said. “Tourism is critical to Vermont’s economy and BuildUpVT.com will show potential Vermont vacationers that we are vibrant, we are beautiful and we are open for business.” To submit a photo, view the gallery or get more information, visit http://www.BuildUpVT.com.

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Plymouth Report

Posted on 07/27/2012 by Plymouth Press Contributing Writer

Contributed by Margo Marrone

7/23/12

Isn’t the wildlife in VT incredible! Linda Seader called the other day about the horrible noise of the night before, when it sounded like one creature was killing another in the woods behind our houses. According to the game warden, the best guess seems to be 2 male raccoons fighting over a female! I haven’t personally seen any bears, but I understand they are in the neighborhood; causing problems wherever they can find food with their great sense of smell, even closed refrigerators are not safe!

I have had some birds pecking at my windows lately. They look something like juncos, but I am not really sure what they are. After perching on several window sills and knocking on the glass, they decided to make a nest in one of my hanging plants. The inconvenience and mess of that was annoying, but then they started flying into my sliding glass door – starting at 4:30 AM! I assume it was their own reflection that caused them to be aggressive, probably trying to protect the emerging nest. Perhaps I was not very kind, but I removed the nest and placed it in another location, then had to barricade that plant and another one to keep them away! We already have a nest in the peak above our back door and I was splattered one day when I went out….

Perhaps some of you saw the antique cars that were touring the area last week. I believe there was a rally in Rutland. I understand that they caused quite a stir at the Historic site. A number of them came down Dublin Rd on Friday. I wondered if they had traveled on Patch Brook Rd! Although it has been fixed nicely since “Irene”, it is still quite narrow. I want to thank the driver of the large truck that backed up a considerable distance the other day to a spot where I could get past it. Backing up is not my thing……

We had company from CA last week and we all took Owen to Camp Plymouth State Park. The water was refreshing and he couldn’t wait to get into it. I have had a number of folks ask if the beach is open – yes, it is! These same friends helped to move the BBQ grill from the Echo Lake Inn to the church for Thursday’s Reach Out Luncheon. We sang Happy Birthday to Barbara North, who is currently residing on the Kingdom Rd.

Also, I just received a request for Plymouth to be a part of a special publication that the VT Standard is putting together for the one-year anniversary of Irene, that will focus on good stories and outcomes.
There will be a special section about local heroes and charities, so if you’d like to nominate someone or some organization who stepped up during the flood or the recovery, now’s the time to do so. Please get back to me by 8/4.

This goes right along with our 8/26 celebration, which has been renamed Tender Hearts and Helping Hands. The focus will be a celebration of the wonderful care provided by community members for one another during the after-math of “Irene”, It will begin at the church at 10:30 AM, with a potluck luncheon in the tent at the Echo Lake Inn at noon. There will be a board set up in the back of the church where folks can write a brief thank-you note to those who helped them. If you have a funny story to tell or a special appreciation you would like to express, there will be time to do that at the church.

Deepest sympathy to the family, friends,and co-workers at Hawk of Mike Bivins on his sudden passing while working on Lake Amherst on Sunday. Maybe we can best remember him by emulating the warmth of his smile.

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Music by Bruce and Caleb Freeberg

Posted on 07/27/2012 by The Plymouth Press

Contributed by Margo Marrone

Everyone is invited to come enjoy special music by Bruce & Caleb Freeberg during our Sunday worship service at Tyson Congregational Church, starting at 10:30 AM this Sunday, 7/29/12.

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SAVE THE DATE! Celebration of Irene Response

Posted on 07/26/2012 by Plymouth Press Contributing Writer

Contributed by Tom & Margo Marrone

Hearts & Helping Hands – Sunday 8/26/12

A celebration of the wonderful care provided by community members during the after-math of “Irene”, with a potluck luncheon immediately following church in the tent at the Echo Lake Inn. Church is at 10:30.

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Plymouth Report

Posted on 07/19/2012 by Plymouth Press Contributing Writer

CoContributed by Margo Marrone

7/16/12

Tom & I enjoyed listening to Gypsy Reel at Hawk on Thursday evening & we didn’t find the bugs to be bothersome. It is so wonderful to hear good music & look up into the sky & watch the clouds – so peaceful & it is free! This Thursday at 7:00 will be John Lyons on electric & acoustic guitar. By the way, I heard that the fireworks were cancelled at Hawk on the 7th – too late to get the word out about the change….

Please note that the Historical Society meeting will be held 7/22 – 4:00 PM at Town Hall. Be aware of this change of place! Lots going on at the Notch for Old Home Day, 8/4. I am curious about the three famous early Plymouth women who will be portrayed at 10:00 AM. Later in the afternoon there will be a presentation on Women’s History in the Grace Coolidge Era. The rededication of the Coolidge Homestead will feature Gov Jim Douglas & Coolidge family members

Music will be provided by Farm & Wilderness musicians & also fiddler Adam Boyce. There will be crafts, games, wagon rides along with traditional Vermont artisans & don’t forget the Emergency Service chicken BBQ – always a delicious meal. If that is not your cup of tea, the Wilder House will also be serving food. Come out & enjoy the fun! If Sat doesn’t work for you, consider attending the Grace Coolidge Musicale on Sunday, 8/5 from 3:00 to 4:30.

The anniversary of Tropical Storm Irene visiting our area will be upon us shortly. In conjunction with his position with Starting Over Strong Vermont, Terry Bascom sent out a wonderful list of resources. One of them Listen, Protect, Connect falls right in line with our planned celebration at Tyson Church on 8/26/12 – We‘ve Come A Long Way, Baby – Let‘s Give Thanks!

We hope that folks from our community will join us to tell stories of how neighbor helped neighbor & to rejoice in the progress that has been made. In addition to time together in the church, a potluck luncheon is being planned. Laurence has very kindly offered the use of the tent at the Echo Lake Inn for this part of the event. Please mark your calendars & plan to attend!

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Plymouth Report

Posted on 07/13/2012 by Plymouth Press Contributing Writer

Contributed by Margo Marrone

It was wonderful to see so many people at the events at the Notch on 7/4. I drove to the cemetery because I had Owen with me, so it was fun to see the marchers as they approached, led by the National Guard & carrying the wreath from the White House. We also took Owen for a wagon ride & enjoyed chatting with Fred & the other passengers.

Lunching at a table next to Elizabeth Von Trapp, we were also able to meet & chat with her, as well. When I commented that I wasn’t so sure I could keep Owen quiet for her performance, she suggested resting on the lawn outside to listen, which worked nicely, since she has such a strong & lovely voice.
Others were also outside, resting in the shade of a tree where they could hear the music!

The Historic Site was a happening place again on Saturday 7/7, with a wedding that took place in the church & a reception under a tent & in the Great Room. This happy celebration for a bride & groom from NH took place while the usual flow of tourists & local folks were milling around!

The Tyson Ladies Aid July meeting on 7/5 was a fantastic potluck picnic at the home of Carol Coyne. As usual, the food was great & Denise Dean & Mary Jane Crockett were inducted into the group. Plans were discussed for the upcoming Bazaar, which will be held 8/11 at Memorial Park in Ludlow. So, mark your calendars to come enjoy the BBQ & purchase goodies from the bake table. We will have a number of “baskets” & gift certificates in our drawing, too!

I want to be sure to welcome back to town Dorothy & Roger Pingree! They are now residing with Justus & Michelle in the new modular home erected on Frog City Road.

The Celebration of Life for Betty Jarvi took place on Friday, 7/6 at Tyson Church. Family, friends, & former colleagues gathered to honor Betty, to share memories & to comfort one another. Tyson Ladies Aid, of which she was a long-time & devoted member, organized & served lunch in the tent at the Echo Lake Inn following the service. Many thanks to all who helped & especially to Laurence for providing such a lovely place to gather. Betty’s dedication to our community, her service on various boards & in several organizations, & her special love for the Tyson Library, helped to enrich our town.

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Preparing for the Anniversary of Irene…And Beyond

Posted on 07/10/2012 by The Plymouth Press

Contributed by Terry Bascom

Even though it has been almost a year since Tropical Storm Irene wreaked havoc on Vermont, many Vermonters are still experiencing complications in their efforts to recover their lives and adapt to new circumstances. Some survivors are just now beginning to experience the shock that hit them, which was suppressed while they addressed their most pressing needs to find food, shelter and long-term safety.

Often, it is only after we have taken care of our most basic needs that we human beings allow ourselves to feel the shock and fear that has gripped us and motivated us for months. Also, it is not unusual for survivors to experience the return of stress reactions, or to experience heightened reactions to a disaster as we approach the first anniversary.

Here in Plymouth and across the state a FEMA-funded response to Tropical Storm Irene, called Starting Over Strong Vermont (SOSVT), has been helping individuals and communities understand the psychological responses to disasters, the process of recovery, and the ways good friends and neighbors can continue to support affected individuals move toward stability, safety, and a new sense of normalcy.

SOSVT personnel have been on the ground since last September; we are funded through this October. As we approach the end of our grant period we are turning our attention to community awareness and education. Our goal now is to educate as many people as we can in as many ways as we can about the process of recovery from disaster, how to spot stress reactions, simple techniques to help yourself or someone you know when disaster-related stress begins to show itself, and how to prepare for future emergencies.

Here are a selection of resources, materials and websites that can help you to better understand the recovery process, learn how to be a genuine help to others in their times of stress, and equip yourself to better respond to a future crisis.

Psychological First Aid
The Disaster Recovery Cycle – a brief overview of the process of recovery following a disaster
Understanding Emotional Reactions in Ourselves and Those We Care For
What to Expect in Your Personal, Family, Work and Financial Life after a Crisis
Tips for Survivors of a Traumatic Event: Managing Your Stress
Listen, Protect, and Connect: Families and Communities – a guide to help communities help one another in times of disaster
Easy Psychological First Aid – a simple way to help when a person is caught up in anxiety or stress

Children and Families
Listen, Protect, and Connect: Parents and Children – a guide for parents to help address family and child stress, including some self-directed analysis worksheets
Helping Young Children Heal after a Hurricane
Parent Guidelines for Helping Children after a Hurricane
Tips for Talking to Children and Youth after Traumatic Events
Trinka and Sam – a story to help young children deal with their feelings after a hurricane
School Curriculum – graded units to help teachers address disasters in their classrooms

Emergency Responders
Surviving Field Stress for Responders – the draft of a manual that discusses the body’s response to high-stress situations, how that manifests, how responders can moderate personal stress, help one another, and recognize and treat stress in the public
First Responder Stress – a brief outline suitable for a responder education component

Emergency Preparedness
Family Emergency Plan – a downloadable planning document with wallet card-sized reminders of key information
Basic Disaster Supply Kit – basic and supplemental supplies recommended by the U.S. government. Be sure to also review the links “Maintaining Your Kit,” “Kit Storage Locations,” “Water,” and “Food.”
Community Preparedness – Government guidance on building a local infrastructure in advance of disaster

Other Helpful Information
Flood Clean-up and Mitigation – Guidance from the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources
Emergency Preparation for Pet Owners
Emergency Preparation for Older Persons
Emergency Preparation for People with Disabilities

More resources are located on our website, Starting Over Strong Vermont. To speak with a team member, call us toll-free at: (855) 767-8800.

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