Welcome to The Plymouth Press Online

Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard

6/10/24

Lovely sunshine this Monday morning after the strange weekend weather. The sun would shine brightly, then the rain would pour down every twenty minutes or so! I am afraid that the free weekend at Camp Plymouth State was not inviting or well-attended as a result.

I think I have figured out the recent intrusion of bears on my deck. There was one on Saturday night, shortly after I had returned home from dinner with friends. He ran rather reluctantly when I hollered and made noise. It provided a reminder that I used to honk my horn coming up the driveway after dark.

Around 6 AM this morning I heard noise on the deck and there were two bears! Again they ran when I banged around, although one stopped on the bank to look at me. For years I have put fruit and veggie peelings across the road from my long driveway for the deer. Well, I am thinking that the bears have caught my scent and followed it right up to my back door!

Sympathy to the family of Jack Sailer on his recent passing. He was an important part of the Plymouth community serving in many different capacities within our town. I also understand that Laura Billings has passed on as well. She enjoyed out community luncheons until Covid put a stop to them.

I missed Sue Poirier’s birthday on 6/4. Matt Harootunian and I share 6/14. Gwen Groff is 6/25. Congrats to all!

Long time Fire Warden, Joseph Rebideau announced that he would not be looking to do another five (5) year term. Monday night at the Select Board meeting, Jim Allen was appointed as the new Fire Warden, effective July 1st. Michael Lynds was re-appointed as the Deputy Fire Warden. As of July 1st, if you need a burn permit, please contact Jim Allen at 802-384-3482 We want to thank Joe Rebideau for all of his years of service to the community.

The Town recently received several grants from The Vermont Community Foundation:

1. $3,000.00 to be used for a Community Event for Town Residents to recognize and promote emergency services’;
2. $21,544.00 for Plymouth Emergency Services to purchase an ATV for improved and expedited access to remote locations during disaster;
3. $11,985.00 for Plymouth Emergency Services to purchase five (5) new portable radios as well as a new Connex box for Emergency Management to keep supplies dry in the event of an emergency.

The Short-Term Rental department will begin to issue tickets/violations for those who are not in compliance with the STR Ordinance.

The American Flags have been received and will be going up on the telephone poles within the next week or so. If you see the fire department in the roads, please go careful as they are mounting the flags.

The Town is looking for a Volunteer Recreation Coordinator to oversee a Recreation Committee. Please send letter of interest and resume to the Plymouth Town Clerk at clerk@plymouthvt.org.

Brief Description:

Under the direct supervision of the Select Board, the Recreation Coordinator is responsible for the management and leadership of the Recreation Committee.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1.         Design and implement recreational programs to include both summer and winter recreation programs.

2.         Manage and provide leadership for all volunteers of the Recreation Committee.

3.         Establish rules for recreation programs and facilities.

4.         Work cooperatively with youth, adult and all other organizations in the community.

5.         Ability to volunteer a varied schedule to include evenings and weekends depending on season and activities.

6.         Distribute program information to the community.

7.         Fundraising and small grant writing.

8.         Attend Select Board meetings to keep community up to date on progress/events.

9.         Develop advertising, marketing and promotional materials for events.

Qualifications: 

1.         Ability to assess goals to ensure successful implementation of activities.

2.         Experience in management and leadership is helpful.

3.         Knowledge in Microsoft Word and Excel along with website and social media applications.

4.         Must be CPR certified.

Please submit a cover letter and resume to the Plymouth Town Clerk’s Office at 68 Town Office Road, Plymouth, Vermont 05056 or email clerk@plymouthvt.org. Letters of interest will be accepted until the position is filled. The Town of Plymouth is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard

6/3/24

Another lovely sunny day this Monday morning, although I think my garden would appreciate being watered by a gentle shower. Heads-up, you can call Joe Rebideau (802-672-5148) for your fire permit for the rest of the month, but after June he will be retiring! Thanks, so much for your many years of service.

I am aware that my property is part of the bear corridor, but I had not seen one in quite some time until last evening. Around dusk a rather large one set off my driveway alarm. I turned on the spot light and watched this fellow walk briskly up my driveway into the woods, completely ignoring the light or me gawking from the deck. Just a reminder that we share our space with some amazing creatures.

Speaking of nature, Bethany Birches camp will be having a Family Fun Day on 6/15. Come prepared to “swim in the pond, play games like Gaga and Whizzball, hang out with all of the counselors, and cook dinner over a fire- just like we do at camp! To RSVP just add it as a session when signing up for camp or email camp@bethanybirches.org.” I understand there are a few openings for the summer camp sessions, so register now!

I think that most folks are aware that the Historic Site is not open on Mondays. Please know that the Plymouth Cheese Factory is open with their many varieties of yummy cheese, including a selection of other VT products. I have been assured that the rumor that the store will close whenever the one in Bridgewater is completed is absolutely false.

Many summer programs will be happening in June. Summer Reading 2024 at Fletcher Memorial Library in Ludlow will run from 6/17 – 8/2 and is open to all kids ages infant to teen. “There will be activities such as “Wednesday Morning Outdoor Story Times, Crafty Tuesdays, Afternoon Family Programs and other fun events such as movie matinees and STEM explorations. Participants may choose to take the summer reading road trip challenge, keep track of their reading using a reading log, or just read for fun.” Don’t forget to pick up the Summer Reading Starter Kit. I heard that the opening of Tyson Library on Sat, 5/25 welcomed six youngsters to find the dinosaurs. Details are still pending, but it appears the times will be 10 to noon Tues – Sat and possibly Monday evening.

Zoom Information: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85183633072?pwd=YzFYM0xsem01LzA1VVBlWlNoTldyQT09

Meeting ID: 851 8363 3072 Passcode: 709001

One tap mobile  

+13092053325,,85183633072#,,,,*709001# US

Dial by your location  

• +1 309 205 3325 US

+1 929 436 2866 US (New York)

Agenda

• Call to Order
• Consideration of Any Changes, Additions or Removals to Agenda
• Approve Meeting Minutes
• Citizen Comments
• Review and Sign Windsor County Sheriff’s Department Law Enforcement Service Contract
• Resilience Initiative for Vermont Empowerment and Recovery (RIVER) Project
• Review and Approve M&T Bank Fraud Protection Services
• Review/Approve Revised Bidding Policy for Purchasing Goods & Services
• Act 82 Abatement of Education Property Taxes
• Discussion on Possible Formation of a Volunteer Recreation Department
• Fire Warden Appointments
• Vermont Community Foundation Grants Received
• Other Business
• Sign Warrants & Review Mail
• Next Select Board Meeting Date
• Possible Executive Session
• Adjourn

Plymouth FD Chief Kirk Turner Retirement

After 24 years of being Plymouth Fire Department’s Chief, Kirk Turner has retired from this position in the department.  Kirk has been a member of Plymouth Fire well before his election of Chief in 2000 and the Emergency Services groups in Plymouth want to recognize Kirk’s dedication and contributions to the safety of our community and surrounding communities by hosting a retirement party in his honor. 

Below is the details for the party:

Location:  Plymouth Town Hall

Date: Wednesday, June 12th

Time:  4 – 7 pm.

A formal recognition and presentation to Kirk will take place at 5:30 pm.

Please join us in showing our appreciation to Kirk for everything that he has done for us.  We will have hors d’oeuvres and punch at the reception for all.  Let’s make this a very memorable occasion for Kirk and come out to support him as he has supported the community over these many years.  If you have any questions feel free to call Sue at 802-236-2683.

Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard

5/24/24

The warmer weather seems to be signaling a busy summer ahead. The deer are already nibbling on my hostas and the black flies continue to nibble on me! Noting some fun events below.

Elisabeth from Farm and Wilderness has sent me some interesting activities. Registration is needed. Questions can be answered at conservation@farmandwilderness.org or 802-422-3761

Lake Ninevah Wetland Paddle Saturday June 8th, 1:00pm,-3:00pm

Paddle and exploration of Lake Ninevah’s Fen with VT. Dept. of Environmental Conservation Wetland Scientist Charlie Hohn. This event is free but pre-registration is required. Boats and life jackets available to borrow. Click here to learn more and sign up: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lake-ninevah-wetland-paddle-tickets-899180040707?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

Community Garlic Mustard Pull Sunday July 13th,10am-11:30am, Sawyer Hill Road

Help Farm & Wilderness Conservation manage a patch of invasive garlic mustard on our conserved land. We will learn about the biology of garlic mustard and how we manage this invasive species. Participants will help pull an infested area of garlic mustard and get to taste test garlic mustard pesto! This event is free but pre-registration is required. Click here to learn more and sign up: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/farm-wilderness-conservation-community-garlic-mustard-pull-tickets-910552485997?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

Just a reminder about Vermont Days, statewide, June 8 & 9, 2024 that celebrate some of the special places in Vermont with a entire weekend of free entry into Vermont State Parks and Vermont State Historic Sites.

The Quechee Balloon Festival is June 14-16, 2024. Enjoy the Craft & Music Festival is New England’s longest-running hot air balloon festival.

Town Offices will be closed on Monday, May 27, 2024 in Observance of Memorial Day. Be Safe.

The figures are in, the GreenUp dumpster weighed in with 480 lbs of trash. Good job cleaning up our town!

The Plymouth Reading Group had a heartfelt and in-depth discussion of The Women. Even though we lived through that era, the negative impact of the Vietnam War’s unpopularity upon those who served in it was truly tragic. Due to scheduling conflicts, please note the various days of our next several gatherings, all of which are at 6:30 PM and we hope to do in person! Mon, 6/17 is Russian Winter by Daphne Kalotay at my house. Tues, 7/23 is American Beauty by Shana Abe. Wed, 8/14 is Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson. Our group is open to one and all.

We had a very interesting discussion of The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh at Fletcher Memorial Library last Monday. The idea of messages conveyed by various flowers was fascinating, but I will not let it diminish my appreciation of the beauty of all flowers and even some weeds! Michelle very kindly provided flowers for each of us to make a bouquet to take home. In light of current interest in the book The Women by Kristin Hannah, there will be a discussion about it with Michelle on Wed, 5/22 at 6 PM

Memorial Day weekend seems early this year. The Historic Site and State Parks in our town are hustling to get ready for their 5/24 openings. The Lakes seem to be clearing up and folks are out and about on boats while bikes are traveling our roads. Hope everyone can enjoy the approaching summer as we share the beauty of our area with visitors as well.

Please note this special event at Tyson Library-
Opening for the 2024 season on 5/25/24, 10 am to noon!
Rain or shine.
Come and help us find all the dinosaurs that have moved in over the winter and an archaeologist dig for bones etc!! Please come and check out our children’s section, mystery’s and history of Tyson and Plymouth books. Cupcakes and lemonade on hand!!

Also news from this evening- The tax exception for Bethany Birches Camp passed! I have never seen so many at a meeting…