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11/22/24

Writing this on Friday as the much needed rain is subsiding. My sister in NY is amazed that they are getting snow ahead us! Christmas decorations are making an appearance, even before Thanksgiving. The Select Board will meet on 11/25 and will handle some agenda items that were not completed on 11/18. Holiday happenings are coming right up!

Consider joining the fun at the Community Appreciation Open House at Fletcher Memorial Library on Thursday, 12/5 from 4 to 6 PM. Holiday music and refreshments will be served. Also, Santa will be on hand at 4:30 for the delight of youngster and the young at heart as well.

The Holiday Open House at the Historic Site will take place Saturday, 12/7, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM. Enjoy a ukulele concert in the Grace Coolidge Great Room in the museum at 11:30. At 12:45. The tree lighting ceremony in the Wilder Barn will be at 12:45, the time that President Coolidge threw the switch on the very first electrified National tree in 1923. Throughout the day, free cookies and cocoa will be served in the Museum and Education Center and visitors can make a holiday decor craft.

Consider coming to the Overview of Forestry and Forest Ecology in Vermont on 12/9 at 5:30 pm at Fletcher Memorial library Hannah Dallas, Southern Windsor County Forester will provide some historical context for the patterns we see on the landscape, review some terminology, and discuss forest management. You many submit forestry questions to Hannah.dallas@vermont.gov prior to the presentation.

Don’t forget the EMS Holiday party from 4:30 – 6:30 on Saturday, 12/14 at the Town Office Bldg.

The 11/20 Book Group discussion of What the Fireflies Knew generated interesting discussion and we also chose reading for the next several month, skipping December. For Wed 1/15: The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride. 2/12: Fire Exit by Morgan Talty. 3/19: Ann Vickers by Sinclair Lewis. We are hoping to meet in person next time and all are invited to join us.

A bit late for some birthdays, but congratulations to Willow Bascom (11/2), Julia Baldwin (11/20), Joan Day 11/30

I imagine many are aware of the fire that took place at Grandview Lodge on 12/18. I understand that one unit was completely decimated, but the others were also damaged, including the one occupied by Angie Prior and Forrest. In speaking with Angie, they are still trying to assess the situation, so the needs are notclear at this point. A fund has been set up, https://gofund.me/140c1953 John Gubitosi also occupied a unit there and will need help. Thanks to the many fire depts that responded. We are community, which is so important during times of hazards and hardship.

10/18/24

I hope the everyone saw the incredible beaver moon this past weekend – it was glorious! I watched it rise on my way to the delicious turkey dinner at the Bridgewater Grange – always the best one around.

Although I haven’t seen bears in my yard lately, I imagine they are roaming through as usual. I understand from a neighbor that a mom and cub destroyed her feeders the other night. They are storing fat for their winter nap, so are eating ravenously.

There is a Select Board meeting at 6 this evening. Angela sent out the agenda last week, but it is also listed on the town website. Budget discussion will be taking place. The next Plymouth Book Group zoom meeting is Wednesday, 11/20 with a discussion of What the Fireflies Knew by Kai Harris. It presents an interesting perspective from a child’s early introduction to racism.

At the polls on election day I met Ryley & Alexis Ameden who recently purchased a home on Colby Pond – welcome! I believe there have been other home sales in the area and new folks to meet. Please let me know if you would like to mentioned in this column.

Although I no longer know all of our students now, I do want to acknowledge Schyeler Hagge for her part with the successful Woodstock Bike Team, Colson Kowalski on the Football team, and Colby Carlisle on the 10U ice hockey team. I imagine there are many more deserving congratulations, plus those with others kinds of achievements, so be sure to let me know!

Please note that on Monday, 12/2 there will be a book discussion at Fletcher Memorial Library in Ludlow. The book is Stranger Care: A Memoir of Loving What Isn’t Ours by Sarah Sentilles. It is a poignant story about one couple’s attempt at adoption through the foster care system

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!