Welcome to The Plymouth Press Online

1/4/26

A new year, hopefully one with many enjoyable adventures ahead. I was awakened on New Year’s Day with a commotion by a gang of approximately 30 wild turkeys in my driveway. I can’t imagine that they were finding much to eat there. I read that they are omnivores usually foraging for nuts, seeds and berries, yet on occasion they consume salamanders, lizards and even small snakes! Doubt they were finding any of them… It has been said that Benjamin Franklin preferred the turkey rather than the bald eagle as the national bird.

Looks like these nippy temperatures will come to an end by mid-week, but I am not looking forward to the mixed precipitation in the forecast. Saturday evening the moon was obscured by the clouds, but it is shining brightly Sunday night.

For those looking for indoor activities, consider Fletcher Memorial Library. The book discussion this month will be Hey What’s Cooking? on Thursday, 1/8 at noon. Find a new recipe in one of the many cookbooks there, make the dish & bring enough to share. Please take a picture of the recipe for others.

The Grief Support Group, sponsored by Black River Good Neighbor Services meets the second Monday of the month in a private space at FML to share experiences, find comfort and learn coping strategies after a loss. For Information call: BRGNS at 802-228-3663

Don’t forget TECH TIME • W/MATT from Sydscompufix on Saturday, 1/10 from 10:30 AM -12:30 PM at FML. To sign up call 802-228-8921, then bring your device, phone or computer to get the help you need!

12/29/25

I hope that everyone had a wonderful Christmas including love-filled time with family and friends. As I am writing this Monday morning, I can hear the sleet hitting my windows. I have filled the bird feeder twice now that the finches are here. I chase them periodically to allow the chickadees and other birds to have a chance to eat!
In anticipation of this nasty, snow-eating weather, I went out snowshoeing with friends both Saturday and Sunday. Although there was not a great deal of snow cover, it was still quite enjoyable at Camp Plymouth State Park.

I was curious so research some New Year’s info. The annual tradition of gathering in Times Square for New Year’s started as a party to celebrate the opening of the New York Times building in 1904. Over 200,000 people attended. The first ball did not drop until 1907. Apparently Waterford comes up with a new ball pattern every year that consist of is 2,688 crystal triangles and it has over 32,000 lights.

There are many fascinating traditions around the world to welcome the New Year. For instance, Hershey, PA drops a giant Kiss. The island nation Kiribati rings in the new year first. American Samoa is one of the last places to celebrate. Could it really be true that Antarctica hosts an Annual New Year’s Music Festival?

Whatever your plans, my prayer is that 2026 will bring peace, good health and a sense of wellbeing to one and all!

12/21/25

So sad to see the dearth of snow after the rain. The Holiday lights at least maintain a festive spirit. I hope the same remains in your hearts.

Consider joining the Friends of Fletcher Memorial Library program: Hey What’s Cooking? (whatever you want!) on Monday 1/6 at noon. Come explore the many delightful cookbooks at FLM, then make one of the recipes to share. Please copy the recipes for others. Beverages provided, so come join the fun!

Wishing all of you a happy, healthy and safe Holiday season.

ABUNDANT LOVE & BLESSINGS

Many blessings everywhere – some are far, others near
Sparkling diamonds in the snow – flitting birds that come and go
Happy sounds that bring good cheer – thoughts of loved ones no longer here
Mixed emotions intermingling – Christmas lights bright and shimmering
Love is the message to sooth the heart – may it bring you peace and sadness thwart.

The Tyson Community Church will be having their Candlelight service on Sunday, 12/21 at 6 PM. All are welcome to attend.

12/15/25

Another frosty morning, although sunshine always makes me feel better! Looks like temps may warm up a bit as the week progresses. Lots of people coming to VT and a few fender benders, so be aware of increased traffic and perhaps give a little extra time to get places. Check the website for the agenda for tonight’s select board meeting. Of note is the mention that Cherry Nicoll, our delightful treasurer is leaving.

I attended “Alice by Heart” at WUHS on Sunday, a play that included youngsters of many ages including Josie Flaster and Simon Bergey from Plymouth. It was a rousing production directed by Marcia Bender!

The Echo Lake Inn is back in operation after a short break prior to Thanksgiving and will resume local specials on 1/6/26. In the meantime, check out their website for their special Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve menu specials. Tyson Ladies Aid enjoyed a yummy lunch there for our Christmas party on 12/4

A local Santa (helper) from town attended the Holiday Open House at Fletcher Memorial Library on 12/11. Free books were distributed and the Friends of the Library provided goodies. Adults were also welcome. Holiday ornament making will take place on Monday, 12/22 for all ages from 5:30-6:30 pm

Please note the FML program called The Healing Library which provides a series of kits designed to make a family’s journey of healing following a trauma easier to navigate. Each Kit consists of a Discussion Guide with tips for discussing the difficult subject as a family, plus an Activities Guide including holistic art and play therapy activities to assist in expression, communication, and healing. Available kits include: The Death of a Pet, The Death of a Loved One, Alzheimer’s and Your Family, and Severe Weather & Climate Engagement. Use your library card to check them out and remember that Plymouth residents are included. The Community Helpers Guide puts families in contact with support groups and organizations. Also consider the Acts of Kindness Guide.

Is SATURDAY, December 13th from 4:30 PM -6:30 PM

12/8/25

This Monday is crisp and cold, but gloriously sunny. A light dusting of snow fell overnight, so that everything is glistening.  Don’t forget the special WUHSMS – Rebuild Community Info Session meeting tonight at 6:00 pm at the town building. Come learn about education plans for our youngsters. The Town Office will be closed on 12/11 but remember the Kid’s Holiday Party will take place on Friday, 12/12 from 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm

Enjoy some happenings at Fletcher Memorial Library this week. Come to the Community Appreciation Open House on Thursday, 12/11, from 4:30 – 6:00 pm.  Check out the decorations, enjoy snacks, music, and time with Santa. Youngsters will each be given an age appropriate book.  Please note that this event is fun for all ages as we gather to socialize and to spread Holiday cheer.

The Plymouth Reading Group enjoyed a lengthy discussion about The Wealth of Shadows by Graham Moore. It is an eye-opening account that provided an understanding of the way the US participated in WWII with financial machinations long before becoming involved militarily.  The following books have been selected for the next three months.

On 1/22 (Note the day is Thursday). Peggy by Rebecca Godfrey and Leslie Jamison.

On 2/25 A Family of Spies by Christine Kuehn.

On 3/18 The Benevolent Society of Ill-Mannered Ladies (Book 1) by Alison Goodman.

Just so you have time to prepare, I understand that National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day is the third Friday of December

12/1/25

I hope that everyone had an enjoyable Thanksgiving. The snow has been granular on Sunday, so easy to sweep away. Killington and Okemo are open for the season, although not all trails are snow-covered yet. Many folks came up for the weekend to enjoy some winter fun. The Plymouth Reading group will be meeting at my house on Wed, 12/3 at 6:30 PM to discuss The Wealth of Shadows by Graham Moore. A zoom option will be available

Roads have been a bit slippery and caution is needed. I want to relay a frightening experience that a friend and I had on Saturday. We were walking on Billings Rd when we saw a vehicle go out of control. it nearly careened off one side of the road, then the driver overcompensated, sending the car off the other side of the road. Jerking the wheel again, it aimed right toward us, causing us to retreat several feet up a bank to get out of harm’s way. Our initial concern had been for the driver, but she never slowed down and continued to weave across the road after missing us. She rounded the corner out of view, so not hearing a crash, we walked back to our cars. A scary reminder that snowy roads need slower speeds to be navigated safely….

A letter from Amber about fun activities for youngsters-

Join us in 2026 at Bethany Birches Camp! Winter camp registration is open now. Kids can join for a unique weekend of fun in the snow with their friends! Activities include tubing, skiing, skating, crafting, games and delicious food. Weekends are led by the same caring, qualified young adult staff who join us in the summer. Sign up with friends or arrive ready to make new friends.

11/17/25

The inch of snow on my deck since Sunday night is thawing quickly with the sunshine and warming temperatures. I have spoken with a few people that have already enjoyed skiing at Killington. Okemo is set to open this weekend.

Thanksgiving is fast approaching. If you do not feel like cooking, there are still some openings at the Echo Lake Inn (802-228-8602) for the 6:30 or 7 PM seatings. Here are some words of wisdom about Thanksgiving “What if, today, we were grateful for everything?” —Charlie Brown “Be present in all things and thankful for all things.” —Maya Angelou

We have many local organizations that make life better for all of us in various ways. Sometimes we may need a helping hand, others times we can lend a hand to make sure the services can be provided. Ernest Hemingway put it this way: “Now is no time to think of what you do not have. Think of what you can do with what there is.” Note the letter below for ideas. Wishing one and all a blessed Thanksgiving.

Hello Plymouth Friends:

For the last several years, Okemo Valley TV has requested and received $800 from the Town. as an annual appropriation. This has helped to offset some of the costs associated with recording, television, streaming, and archiving municipal government meetings, and we’re grateful for this support. At the same time, the services we provide have increased, as have the labor costs. In particular, with the updates to the VT Open Meeting Law, we are now being relied on to support the coverage of more meetings and to also provide technical support for the AV system in the Town Office.
As such, some of our allies in Town have encouraged us to seek an increase in the appropriation. Per state statute, increases require a petition to be signed by at least 5% of the registered voters in Town, in order to be placed on the Town Meeting Day ballot & voted on by the Townspeople. We now have such a petition out at the Town Office and also Chloe’s Market.
I have a small favor to ask: If you find yourself at the Town Office or Chloe’s Market over the next couple of weeks, would you please consider signing our petition so that we can get our increase onto the ballot? By signing the petition, you are simply supporting that the question be put on the ballot, to be voted on at Town Meeting.
Thank you! Patrick, Okemo Valley TV

Please mark your calendars for WUHSMS School Rebuild Meeting in Plymouth Monday, 12/8, at 6PM. The following is important information that Jen Flaster has asked to be included:

The School District’s new Rebuild Group is developing a bond proposal for 2026 designed to be more affordable than the 2024 plan and help the community avoid even higher costs down the road. The Group is gathering public input to make sure their proposal reflects the community’s priorities. Join us for a meeting with the Rebuild Group at 6PM on Monday, 12/8 at the Plymouth Municipal Building to learn more about it.
They are seeking to take advantage of a new state funding program for school construction so voters are only responsible for approximately 75% of the total cost of the project. This can offset inflation since 2024 and ensure a more affordable path forward.
Their plan aligns with state redistricting, which does not call for building closures but focuses on the reorganization of school administration staff into larger districts. Rebuilding WUHSMS will ensure it remains a regional center of education for the 28 communities it serves + potentially more in the future.

You can enjoy the Black River Academy Museum Festival of lights with a Twist! Come join the raffle and vote for your Favorite Tree. BRAM will be open Saturday 12/6 and 12/13 from 4-7p.m. The winners of the trees will be drawn on December 17th at 6:00p.m. followed by a Holiday Celebration!
Don’t forget the Holiday Open House at the Historic Site on 12/7. The Tree Lighting will take place at 12:45 followed by caroling in the church at 1PM. This could be a lovely way to go back in time with the Holiday decorations of years gone-by and join voices together with local folks and visitors alike.

11/16/25

Such strange weather – snow when not predicted and none when forecasted. It is amazing to drive along and cross the line of sleet, then suddenly nothing falling from the sky. However, the wind is ever-present these days, as noted by my rosy wind-burned cheeks when I return from a walk. The four inches of snow have been washed away and I wonder what this week will hold!

There will be a Select Board meeting at 6 PM on Monday, 11/17. Don’t forget the Turkey Dinner on Saturday, 11/22 from 5 to 7 PM at the Town Building.  It is with sadness that I note the recent passing of my neighbor on Dublin Rd, Carolyn Scott.

Fletcher Memorial Library is still offering the Writing Group with Cathy Martin from 5 – 6:30 PM the 1^stand 3^rd Mondays. For youngster 5 and under, join Story Time on Wednesdays from 10:30-11:15 AM to enjoy stories, songs, and a craft or science exploration.

Beginning November 21, 2025, VINS invites visitors to experience the forest after dark as thousands of twinkling lights transform the Nature Center’s trails and exhibits. Sparkle Dome, Fiery Tower, Dancing Lights Pavilion, and Under the Black Light Sea, each one a stunning blend of light, movement, and cutting-edge creativity. the glow continues at the campfire area, where you can warm your hands and enjoy hot chocolate, cider, and local snacks available for purchase.

Community letters from PAL-VT and the Memory Tree

Dear PAL-VT Supporters,

Exciting news – we’re moving forward with Amherst Lake Dam! PAL-VT has partnered with DuBois & King, Inc., a leading regional engineering firm, to conduct the Phase I engineering study of Amherst Lake Dam. While we received notification of a federal grant award from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in late 2024, we made the strategic decision to proceed using funds you donated in our 2023 campaign rather than wait for federal timelines.

By late November 2025, DuBois & King will complete three essential components:

1. On-site inspection documenting current concrete conditions and structural concerns

2. Hydraulic analysis determining how the dam performs under various flood scenarios, including the 1,000-year flood event required under new Vermont regulations

3. Breach analysis confirming the hazard classification and producing inundation maps showing downstream impacts

We continue collaborating with the Vermont Dam Safety Program and broader watershed initiatives. Once we have results, next steps may include conceptual design alternatives, engineering design and permitting, then construction.

We Still Need Your Help While your 2023 donations funded this initial study, additional resources will be needed as the rehabilitation scope becomes clear. Donate today at www.palvt.org or mail checks to: PAL-VT, P.O. Box 412, Ludlow, VT 05149. All donations are tax-deductible. We’re taking decisive action at a pivotal moment. Thank you for your continued commitment to preserving this vital community resource.

With gratitude, The PAL-VT Board of Directors Questions? Contact us at board@palvt.org

Dear PLYMOUTH FRIENDS and NEIGHBORS, 

Thank you to all who have provided past generous support of the Plymouth Memory Tree Community Fund. This holiday season, we hope you will consider offering your support. Your generosity has enabled the Plymouth Memory Tree Fund to serve as a vital community resource, a lifeline for Plymouth residents in financial need. The Memory Tree Fund generally receives five to ten requests for assistance each year, with the exception of flood relief efforts in 2011 and 2023, when both need and our ability to help was substantially more.

In 2025 we have made grants totaling over $7,700 to date. This year the Fund has helped Plymouth residents with support for an emergency well repair, tire repair, work-truck repair, emergency ambulance services, utility costs, and to replace home appliances. We partnered with local service organizations to fund the repair of a home with extensive damage from a water leak and mold. In this year when need is high, we increased by 20% our annual support for three organizations that serve Plymouth residents (Black River Good Neighbors, Black River Senior Center, and the Reading-West Windsor Food Shelf). Additionally, the Fund continued to offer academic scholarship assistance for graduating seniors who reside in Plymouth.

Established in 1991 to honor the memory of Eliane Sailer, the Fund has traditionally invited contributions both to support our mission and to memorialize and honor loved ones, commemorating them with a lighted holiday Memory Tree. In lieu of a formal lighting ceremony, we will support the Plymouth Fire Department’s annual holiday tree again this year, and place memorial and honoree decorations on the tree for the Holiday Party on December 13. Members of the community wishing to support your Plymouth neighbors may send donations to the Plymouth Memory Tree Community Fund at P.O. Box 47, Plymouth, VT 05056. We welcome donations to memorialize or honor of loved ones. The Fund is tax exempt under section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code, so donations to the Fund are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law.

Plymouth residents who require assistance should contact one of the directors of the Fund (Anne Brown, abrown@vermontel.net; Karen Bruyn, kwbruyn@gmail.com; Robert Fishman, rlf254@gmail.com; Jennifer Flaster, jenflaster@me.com; Linda Olster, lindandaveo@aol.com) with questions and to receive an application form by email. Hard copies are available at the Town Clerk’s office in the Plymouth Municipal Building. Our very best wishes for the holidays and the coming year,

The Plymouth Memory Tree Community Fund Board Jen Flaster