11/11/24

A day of remembrance is at hand. I just wish all the wars were at an end, but alas, that is not the case. We can still remember past heroes and pray for peace, however.

Who knows what to wear these days! The lovely warm days seem like a bonus, so I hope everyone has been able to get outdoors to enjoy them. I was delayed getting home the other day when a flock of turkeys refused to move along. As I slowly tried to proceed, half a dozen of the 20+ group decided to run up the road ahead of me. Sharing the road now includes these silly birds, along with walkers and bikers. Best just to smile and greet them.

I wanted to share info about the BLACK RIVER MEMORY CAFÉ taking place 11/14 at the United Church in Ludlow at 48 Pleasant Street at 11AM. Everyone gathers in the dining room, then the caregivers peer group meets separately. This time Ludlow Ambulance staff will describe the definition of crisis, when to make a 911 call and what to expect. Also, Joan Frangiose will share her experience with Hospice and the impact it had on her journey. Care recipients meet in a separate space with experienced and trained volunteers. There will be live music with Martha Mitchell. All are welcome.

All Town Offices will be closed on Monday, November 11, 2024 in Observance of Veterans Day!

Thank you to all who have served!

11/3/24

Again we are experiencing a mix of weather – lovely and warm one day, then freezing cold the next! I put away the outdoor furniture then brought back out a few chairs on Thursday to sit on the deck. The wind has been pretty incredible. While puttering outside, I could hear trees falling in the woods and was glad they were not causing a problem in my yard.

I don’t seem to have much local news at the moment. I imagine the most pressing topic on the minds of everyone is the Tuesday election. The town offices will be closed, and voting will take place there between 10 AM and 7 PM. It seems that many people have voted by mail, but if you plan to do so in person, you should bring your ballot with you.

On a lighter note, don’t miss this fun time for youngsters at Fletcher Memorial Library in Ludlow at the Movie Matinee on Friday 11/8, from 1:00-3:00 pm where they will be showing The Good Dinosaur. It is a heartwarming adventure about the power of confronting and overcoming your fears and discovering who you are meant to be. Snacks will be provided. It sounds like we adults could perhaps profit from such advice!

All Town Offices will be closed on Tuesday, November 5^th as the building is only open for Voting from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

Be sure to come out and vote if you have not already.

Thank you.

10/28/24

I do not recall seeing snow in the forecast, but I awoke to a coating of white on my deck! It has disappeared from the trees but still lingers on my deck. Thank goodness, Isaac came on Friday and helped me put the outdoor furniture away. Guess it is time to start thinking about putting on my snow tires, although it appears there might be a brief warming trend mid-week.

Still seeing wooly bears crossing the road, presumably looking for the perfect cozy place to hibernate, often under bark, a rock or even a fallen log. Apparently they are also known as Hedgehog caterpillars. Folklore has it that the more black, the more harsh the winter. I hate to dispel this myth, but it seems age, species, and how long it has been feeding contribute to the coloring. I just learned that the fur, called setae, does not protect them from the cold, but actually helps them freeze correctly and they molt six times before becoming an adult tiger moth.

I understand the first Plymouth Trunk & Treat event on Sat 10/26 was well attended with many bags of goodies being given out, face painting and games. It was very much a joint community effort including the Fire Dept, Bethany Birches Camp, Snow Sneakers and others. Thanks for the pics, Missy!

Many of you may be aware there was a substantial brush fire in Ludlow this past weekend. Just a reminder that conditions are conducive to fires right now and there is a burn ban in effect. Jim Allen (802-384-3482) is our fire warden and burn permits are required.

Camp Open House

Want to bring friends to camp who are new to BBC? Invite them to join you at camp to learn more about what we do at winter and summer camp.

Anyone who comes will get a 15% discount on their session of choice!

Sunday, October 27th
1:30pm-3:30pm

Bethany Birches Staff will be located at all activities, and computers and staff will be available to help sign campers up!

Open House Schedule
1:45 – 2:00  Camp Tour

2:00 – 3:00  Rock Climbing
2:30 – 2:45  Camp Tour
3:00 – 3:15  Camp TourAvailable the whole time

– Snacks
– Camp Crafts
– Card Games & 9 Square
– Roasting S’moresFollow us on our NEW Instagram page to stay updated

2025 Camp Dates

*summer registration opening Nov. 1st*

10/21/24

Delightful weather continues and I really need to focus on yard cleanup today, but first I am going for a walk with neighbors. Had not seen many deer in my yard lately, but there was one the other morning. Perhaps trying to find a safe place during bow season.

Some places are closing for the season. Plymouth State park closed a couple of weeks ago and Tiffany and Chris are off to other pursuits. Just a reminder to use the special designated parking area when walking in the park. The Historic site closed this past Sunday, but the Cheese Factory remains open.

During the recent Book Group discussion, everyone seemed to enjoy Becoming Madame Secretary by Stephanie Dray. The portrayed of Francis Perkins painted in this book provided insights into discrimination against women, the inhumane working conditions faced by factory workers, and also touched on mental health issues. Our next meeting is Wednesday, 11/20 with a discussion of What the Fireflies Knew by Kai Harris.

I recently received an inquiry from Black River Good Neighbor Services asking if folks would like to learn more about their programs and services. They do offer a nice meal once per month at the Community Center in Ludlow and I have seen Plymouth folks there. They would include a meal with their informational meeting here in town if there is interest. In years past,  prior to Covid we offered monthly community lunches at Tyson Church, often with speakers. Please let me know if you might be interested, then I will locate a venue for it to happen!