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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!

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.