Margo Marrone’s Plymouth Report

Posted on 04/27/2012 by Plymouth Press Contributing Writer

Republished with permission from The Vermont Standard

4/23/12

Our strange weather continues, but with possibly heavy snow predicted for Buffalo & parts of PA, guess we can’t complain! Things are starting to come alive, even in areas hard hit by “Irene“, green is poking through the silt & debris. Although I haven’t been in that direction, I understand that daffodils are coming up along the damaged lawn at the Duponts!

Don’t forget to come out & lend a hand at GreenUp Day on 5/5 – 8:00 AM, behind the town building. Along similar lines, I noticed in the Message ads for picking up junk cars. I spoke with Ed Johnson in Weston (824-8197) & he will come to Plymouth to collect them. His ad says that he will pay for junk cars! Also listed was Chet at 875-3788, who advertised that he will pick up junk cars & scrap metal for free, plus he will buy cars. Just think, we could really clean up Plymouth, even our own yards!

Kudos to Farm & Wilderness for being named one of the “Best Places to Work”. Many folks became familiar with their staff through the wonderful help they provided during the “Irene” clean-up effort. They tackled some very messy jobs with sensitivity, hard work, & a sense of humor. During the summer, F&W is the largest employer in town & the positive reports of their employees led to this notable designation.

Approximately 50 people attended the Selectmen’s hearing on the Town Plan on 4/16, where it was noted that we have been without a current Plan for quite some time. There were individual questions about where certain parcels were on the new map. It was pointed out that the former plan did not have sections designated as resort areas, which has been rectified in the proposed Plan.

Wendell Beckman, Chairman of the Planning Commission, indicated that work has begun to update the zoning regs, in the event the new Plan is adopted, which will be by Australian ballot after the date has been duly warned. The Select Board can adopt the new zoning map when the Plan has been passed & changes made in conformance with the new Town Plan. There will be a special meeting with The Plymouth Planning Commission in & Two Rivers-Ottauquechee Regional Commission on May 1 at 7 pm at the Town Offices to learn about proposed changes to the current Plymouth Zoning.

I have not been able to attend, but I wanted to let folks know that the Act 250 hearings regarding the proposed gravel pit are continuing, as both sides present their arguments for & against it. Discussion has revolved around noise levels, but will continue on such issues as dust, traffic, etc. I understand that it still needs to come to the town for final approval.

I see that Anna Hepler was part of the recent “Seussical” performance at the Bridgewater School. Also, Holli Olsen is currently on the Lacrosse team at WUHS. Since school is out this week, perhaps I will have more news on what our youngsters have been doing with their time off!

There was a Celebration of Life at Tyson Church this past Saturday for Pearl (Lynds) Warren, who was born in Plymouth on 3/8/1914, the daughter of Walter & Janetta (Donovan) Lynds. This petite, but spirited lady was 4-wheeling a little over a year ago & there‘s a picture to prove it! She was known for her love of animals (canines, Piper & Little Bear in particular) & also for her horse-backing riding. Many generations were present to honor her & share memories. Missy Lynds had corresponded with Pearl over the years while she lived in Ludlow & she read some letters from this delightful woman, who remained alert & amiable throughout her 99+ years.

Thanks to Dan Brinton for an interesting presentation at the Reach Out Luncheon last Thurs on his time roughing it in the wilds of Canada. One of the teens from Windsor Youth Services assisted in getting past some technical problems! It was a terrific lunch of roast pork, mashed potatoes, green beans with mushrooms, & applasauce – thanks to the good cooks of Tyson Ladies Aid!

Last, but not least, don’t forget the presentation on Sunday, 5/6 at 1:00 PM at the Town Building by Civil War historian, Howard Coffin‘ “Vermont and the Civil War”. There will be a Plymouth Historical Society meeting on Sunday, 4/29 at 3:00 PM at the home of Mike Clarke, 149 Hawk Hollow Lane.

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Plymouth Farmer’s Market Getting Started

Posted on 04/26/2012 by The Plymouth Press

From Sue Poirier

A group of very enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers are in the process of establishing the start of a Plymouth Farmer’s Market.  Our first year will start out small but will offer the opportunity for the community to sell products from their gardens, baked goods from their kitchens and some crafts.

This could be a GREAT opportunity for young, old and in-between to come together as a community, socialize, pick up some home made/home grown ‘stuff’, for the the kids to grow a little garden and sell products to friends and neighbors to earn some spending money….oh, the possibilities are endless.

If you’re planning a garden, think about adding an extra row for OUR Market!  If you’d like to be involved in making this happen behind the scenes, let me know (Sue Poirier: 228-3308)!  We’d love to get more people involved in this COMMUNITY INITIATIVE!!!  Oh yes, we’re also pursuing finding a place to establish a community garden too!  More info to follow …

Our next meeting is May 8th, Tues. at 7 pm at the town hall.  We’d love to get you involved. In the meantime, plant those gardens!!
—————– 
As an fyi, the Strawberry Festival is a go and will be held on Wed., June 20th at Plymouth State Park.  

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Rep. Dennis Devereux’s Message From Montpelier

Posted on 04/25/2012 by The Plymouth Press

Legislative Report from Rep. Dennis Devereux for Ludlow, Mount Holly, and Plymouth

An important issue that our committee wanted to address was the response to a search and rescue situation this past January. When a nineteen-year-old hiking in the Ripton area did not return home, his family called the emergency number. It was a very cold night with little snow on the ground. The state police leader at the scene decided to wait until morning to start the search. Unfortunately, when they found him the next day, he had suffered a broken leg and died from exposure.

The family, understandably, wanted answers to the lack of response from the Vermont State Police which takes the lead in these situations. My Committee on Government Operations asked those in leadership positions within the departments to explain why this happened, and what changes will occur to ensure this response will not happen ever again. After taking testimony from the Deputy Secretary of Public Safety, the officers that lead our State Police in charge of these search and rescue operations, and the head of our game wardens, it became obvious they were already making changes. A rough bill was drafted to get our concerns onto paper. Our committee felt it was also important to hear from the head of Stowe Mountain Rescue, a retired state police officer who led many search and rescue operations, and other stakeholders to implement some improvements right away, and at least require that more people receive the specialized training.

Some of the recommendations included earlier notification to both the local and regional responders. The creation of additional trained teams, including certified SAR volunteers that could become part of a statewide response system. The Department of Public Safety shall have the lead responsibility in any municipality without an established police department. We are seeking to get more people trained in the incident command system now used by the state police.

Our committee also felt strongly about setting up a SAR strategic plan committee that would review the existing structure, look at other state’s models, and develop a database of resources capable of assisting in each area of the state. Several bill drafts led to the recent passage of H.794. There was strong support, and we hope the senate has time to give its approval. I think all of us want to know that everything is being done as soon as possible to find anyone who is missing.

Please contact me with a message and your concerns at 800-322-5616, or ddevereux@leg.state.vt.us, or at home at 802-259-2460.

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Help Clean Up Plymouth On Green Up Day – May 5

Posted on 04/25/2012 by The Plymouth Press

From Elaine and Eric, Plymouth GreenUp coordinators

We are gearing up for yet another 1st Saturday morning in May cleanup of Plymouth roadsides. This year, we have the debris of that naughty Irene to deal with besides the usual business of roadside trash. Please plan to meet back at the Plymouth Municipal Building at noon for the annual potluck when we hope to raise discussion about the larger messes in town. We would like you all to be present for the group photo which gets published in The Vermont Standard. The photo shoot will be @ noon or so. Then, we eat and talk. More details of the day:

Green Up Day falls on the first Saturday in May, the 5th. Once again, Plymouth will be participating in this statewide event. We will begin the day @8 AM, meeting behind the Plymouth Municipal Building. Sign in, pick up your official GreenUp bags, and establish your route. We will give you an official GreenUp t-shirt or hat, some available in organic cotton, as well as a safety vest. Please wear sturdy boots/shoes and gloves and carry a water bottle. Also, we need some pickup trucks to haul the collected trash back to the Transfer Station. Please plan to join us back at the Municipal Building at noon for a pot luck lunch (beverages provided) and brain storming session. Our primary cleanup efforts will focus on town roadsides. If there is interest shown in cleaning up Irene debris, we hope to form plans for clean up projects beyond Green Up day.

Please plan to come to the pot luck, enjoy a great lunch, and share your stories. If you Green Up before Green Up day, kindly let us know the roads you have cleaned up so that we don’t send volunteers out to roads that don’t need attention. For more information, call Eric or Elaine @ 672-3493 or email eehort@vermontel.net. You can also visit the web: http://www.GreenUpVermont.org

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Margo Marrone’s Plymouth Report

Posted on 04/21/2012 by Plymouth Press Contributing Writer

Republished with permission from The Vermont Standard

4/16/12

Many folks have been fascinated by the huge lottery that was just won & intrigued by the desire for anonymity. But none of that here! Ryan Blanchard sold tickets in our area to fund-raise for the 2013 National Boy Scout Jamboree. He & his family want to thank community members for their support. The grand prize, a Naked Table, was won by our own Rachel Lynds! The two hand mirrors were won by Sarah Woodhead & Chris Blanchard.

Julia Baldwin & Janine Norman's dog, Kelly at the Ladies Aid Bake sale in Ludlow on Good Friday

Don’t forget the Reach Out Luncheon, Thursday, 4/19, at Tyson Church, starting with a speaker at 11:00. Join us for this roast pork dinner! The picture is Julia Baldwin & Janine Norman’s dog, Kelly, decked out for Easter at the Ladies Aid Bake sale in Ludlow on Good Friday.

As May approaches, many of us will be gearing up for GreenUp day on Saturday, 5/5. Elaine & Eric are spearheading the effort here in town, as they have done for many years. If you want to clean up an area ahead of time, that is an option, but please let them know (672-3493), so that same area is not assigned again. Also, some trucks are needed to bring the filled bags back to the transfer station.

On that Saturday, volunteers gather at 8:00 AM behind the town building where we sign in, collect the official GreenUp bags, & choose a route along one of the town roads. You can receive an official shirt or hat & put on a safely vest. For those who have not participated previously, it is important to have sturdy shoes/boots, wear gloves, & bring water to keep hydrated. Some of us make stab sticks to help grab the paper without undue bending.

One of the most enjoyable parts is the potluck lunch that takes place at noon in the fire station. The food is both varied & delicious, but one of the highlights is the sharing of stories about the day’s adventures. It is simply amazing what is out there & the tales of daring to retrieve it are often very entertaining!

The following Day, Sunday, 5/6 is Civil War historian, Howard Coffin‘s presentation at 1:00 PM at the Town building, “Vermont and the Civil War”. It is a free VT Humanities Council event hosted by the Plymouth Historical Society. This will also be an opportunity to renew your membership, purchase items, & bring memorabilia you might want to loan for the Plymouth exhibit at the History Expo in June. Light refreshments will be served. Call Missy Lynds (672-3547) for more information.

Plymouth’s Irene Recovery Assistance is looking for a willing volunteer with good organizational & communication skills, to be project manager to oversee the organization of Mennonite volunteer teams coming into Plymouth to help with clean up & construction projects related to storm recovery. Responsibilities would also include being the point person for volunteers supplied free of charge by the state to assist with projects not covered by FEMA or other recovery funds, until the Irene anniversary date. This person would help to supervise the demolition/restoration projects related to the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program in the event a grant is awarded to the town. Please call Betsy Tonkin (672-3179) or Jill Davies (203-919-6393) if you are interested.

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Two Public Hearings Tonight – April 16

Posted on 04/16/2012 by Plymouth Press Contributing Writer

From Russ Tonkin

On 4/16 there are two public hearings. One is on reclassifying a segment of TH48 from class 3 to class 4. That hearing is at 6PM. The second is a public hearing on the town plan. This is NOT a vote but to hear comments. That hearing is at 6:30 PM. Copies of the town plan and zoning map are available in the town office.

Official Warning:

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

TOWN OF PLYMOUTH

Notice is hereby given by the Plymouth Selectboard of a Public Hearing to be held Monday, April 16th at 6:30 p.m. at the Plymouth Town Office, Plymouth, Vermont for the purpose of hearing comments on the proposed Plymouth Town Plan. The Town Plan covers all lands within the Town. A copy of the proposed Plymouth Town Plan and maps are available for review on the Town’s website and at the Plymouth Town Clerk’s Office during normal business hours.

Outlined below is a list of section headings of the proposed Town Plan:

I. INTRODUCTION
II. LAND USE
III. TRANSPORTATION
IV. UTILITY AND FACILITY PLAN
V. TELECOMMUNICATIONS FACILITIES
VI. NATURAL, SCENIC, AND HISTORIC RESOURCES
VII. EDUCATION
VIII. ENERGY
IX. HOUSING
X. ADJACENT MUNICIPALITIES AND THE REGION
XI. IMPLEMENTATION

Dated this 20th day of March, 2012

Ralph Michael, Chair
Plymouth Selectboard

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Margo Marrone’s Plymouth Report

Posted on 04/13/2012 by Plymouth Press Contributing Writer

Republished with permission from The Vermont Standard

4/9/12

I am writing this article on Monday & watching the weather vacillate between April showers & snow showers. What crazy weather! Perhaps it will lessen the danger of fires if the rain predicted for this week does materialize.

In speaking with Joe Rebideau, our fire warden, he indicated that burning is not currently advisable. This time of year when things have not greened up yet, the ground is dry, & the winds are frequently blowing, provides a perfect scenario for even small fires to get out of control. Don’t forget to call for a permit – 672-5148.

The Ladies Aid Bake Sale was quite a success – thanks to everyone who baked & those who supported it! So many people pass by when we are set up outside Shaw’s & Rite Aid, It is fun to visit with folks, as well.

This is the time of year when many establishments take a break. Although open for lodging, the Echo Lake Inn restaurant it closed until June. I understand that the River Tavern at Hawk is still open on Friday & Saturday evenings.

I want to thank those who helped to make our Easter service one of celebration at Tyson Church. The cross made several years ago by Shawn Ellison & Linda Hastings was decorated beautifully with flowers by Linda & Denise & Maddie Dean. At the end of church, folks were encouraged to leave their burdens at the foot of the cross & to take some of the flowers as a reminder of new life in Christ. Our choir quickly practiced a hymn prior to our service, that greatly added to our Worship!

Just a reminder that the Selectmen’s hearing on the Town Plan is taking place at 6:30 PM on Mon, 4/16. There will be discussion at 6:00 PM about changing the Unknown Soldiers Rd from class 3 to class 4.

Belated birthday wishes to Anne Brown, whose birthday I missed last week! In case you are interested in obtaining a VT Strong license plate, you can obtain one from Bill Jenney at his office at the Historic Site. This time of year it might be helpful to call ahead – 672-3773. The fee of $25 provides funds for the VT Food Bank & the VT Disaster Relief Fund. They are to be placed over your front license plate.

The 1st Farmer’s Market meeting was held 4/2 & Sue Poirier was selected to be the coordinator. Despite the permits & other regulations that will need to be put in place, the group seems excited & willing to put forth the effort. Consideration was given to planning the market to coordinate with the hours of recycling. Produce/food & crafts would be included & there was talk about selling CSA shares, too. The next scheduled meeting is 4/24 at 7:00 PM at the Town Hall, so consider getting involved.

No shortage of community events taking place in Plymouth! The 1st Strawberry Festival planning meeting (4/10) will be over by the time this goes to print & hopefully I will be able to include information about it next week. In any case, mark your calendar for Wed, 6/20! Please note that the Historical Society will be having an informative program on 5/6 at the town hall – more info to follow…..

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Margo Marrone’s Plymouth Report

Posted on 04/07/2012 by Plymouth Press Contributing Writer

4/2/12

A new month & right on cue – April showers, although there were a few snow flakes mixed in! Some folks have flowers up & blooming already. I wonder if the plant world is equally as confused as we are with this strange weather. It is nice to have the birds back, too. I haven’t seen any bears, but bird feeders are attractive to them this time of year!

Speaking of flowers, Tyson Ladies Aid will be distributing plants for Easter to those who are having health issues or are not able to get out very often. Don’t forget their Bake Sale will take place on Friday morning, 4/6, in front of Shaw’s in Ludlow. There are many excellent bakers, so there will be all sorts of goodies!

I had a nice chat with Jessica & Hunter Melville (formerly of Plymouth) the other day as they were walking their dog up Dublin Rd. They had been to see Sandy Lampert, Jessica’s mom. Speaking of dogs….. I heard that Linda Sedder’s dog, Playboy recently had some teeth pulled. Aging takes it tolls on people & animals as well. Our cat, Snickers, can’t hear or see very well these days, which means she doesn’t panic over the vacuum cleaner any longer, but she keeps walking into things.

There seem to be a number of birthdays this month. Best wishes to Liza Ward (4/12), Cheryl Bishop (4/13), Brandon Bergey (4/19) & Kathy Lynds (4/29). Congratulations also the Jen & Jay Flaster, who are expecting their 1st child! That also is a good reason for someone to volunteer to help Jen with the Plymouth Press, since their lives will become a bit busier in the next couple of months – Jen is due 7/3! Please do consider offering assistance – it is such a wonderful vehicle for disseminating local news.

I haven’t been to that end of town this past week, but Chet & Meredith Hathaway’s former mobile home was resting at the pull-off at the top of the Notch the week before, awaiting a new location elsewhere. I guess a new residence will be erected on its former site on Messer Hill!

A big thank-you to Chef, Kevin Barnes of the Echo Lake Inn, for taking those unsightly rocks off the church property last week that were placed there by “Irene“. By the way, our Maundy Thursday meal & service will take place 4/5 at 6:00 PM. All are welcome to attend & also to come to our Easter Celebration at 10:30 AM on 4/8.

Another very nice piece of news, Susan Mordecai, through a realtor friend, found a lovely little foreclosure on Dead End Road that was affordable & will allow her to stay in Plymouth! That is happy news for us & she is pleased to be able to stay here, where she experienced such kindness & support after the flood.

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Margo Marrone’s Plymouth Report

Posted on 03/30/2012 by Plymouth Press Contributing Writer

Republished with permission from The Vermont Standard

3/26/12

Creatures abound!  The other day while Tom & I were out for a walk, we came across a male & a female mallard on Dublin Rd.  They crossed the road to where neighbors formerly had chickens.  The water in the brook was moving very rapidly – certainly not a tranquil pond setting, so they seemed to appreciate the bread Kathy Wasco threw out for them.

At a pond on the other side of town, a young bull moose has been causing some excitement.  The way I heard it from Elaine Gambone, when the moose appeared at the DePaul’s pond, one of the horses was spooked, broke loose & ended up all the way down to the Berkman’s (Fred Pope’s former residence), necessitating a long walk home!

Please note that the Mon, 4/16 Selectmen’s hearing on the Town Plan is taking place at 6:30 PM.  Often meetings start at 7:00, so be aware of this different start time if you want to attend.  I know there are concerned citizens on both sides of the proposed gravel pit issue, so this meeting might draw a crowd, since the Plan includes provisions for the types of businesses seen as appropriate for Plymouth.  It would be nice if the discussion could be courteous & not reminiscent of the incivility of the school debates.  Focusing on the issues & not on personalities, with a desire to hear everyone’s point of view with an open mind, will be important.

I am sad to report that there have been some robberies in our area – local businesses along Rte 100.  The Tyson Store & the Green Mountain Sugar House both had their front doors smashed on the same night.  Although the perpetrators fortunately did not do a significant amount of damage, losses were incurred & the sense of security has been shattered.  Just to set the record straight, we keep no money at Tyson Church…..

Palm/Passion Sunday is 4/1 & Easter is 4/8, both of which will be celebrated at our regular Sunday morning Worship services at 10:30 AM.  Also, all are welcome to attend our Maundy Thursday meal & service, starting at 6:00 PM on 4/5.  We will share in the Lord’s Supper that evening.

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Effort To Reopen Plymouth Gravel Pit Ignites Controversy Among Residents – The Vermont Standard

Posted on 03/24/2012 by The Plymouth Press

The Vermont Standard has launched an e-edition which is free through March 31. This week’s Standard covers the latest on the Gravel Pit:

Effort To Reopen Plymouth Gravel Pit Ignites Controversy Among Residents – The Vermont Standard.

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