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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

11/3/25

Clocks have been changed, but I have yet to reset my lights that are on timers. This first Monday in November is cold, crisp, and sunny. Not sure why my hanging plants have not been frosted since the overnight temps have been in the twenties. I am not complaining – still enjoying their beauty! Snow on the top of Okemo on Saturday morning. We know it will be here soon….
Please note that the Plymouth Historical Society (located at the former Plymouth Elementary School) will be open the first and third Sundays, 2-4 p.m., for the months of November, 2025, through April, 2026. If you have not had the pleasure of visiting this amazing historical collection, plan to take a Sunday drive and check it out.
Many of us are used to seeing wild turkeys in our travels, but roast turkey seems to be on the minds of many. You can start to satisfy your turkey hankering this Thursday at the Catholic church in Ludlow. This fundraiser (donations appreciated) by Black River Academy Museum will be 11/6, from 6:00pm to 8:00pm.

Next, mark your calendar for the Bridgewater Grange’s annual turkey supper on Saturday, 11/15, from 5-8:30 p.m. Children eat for half price. Seating starts at 5:30 p.m. For takeout orders, call Alice at 802-672-3790 by 5 pm on Mon 11/14, for pickup on 11/15, from 4:30-5 p.m.

If you are still craving more turkey, you can attend the free dinner at the Plymouth Town Building from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm on Saturday, 11/22. If you still need more and don’t feel like cooking your own, the Echo Lake Inn is offering Thanksgiving dinner. Call 802-228-8602 for reservations.

Come learn more about online shopping at the SENIOR PLANET presentation on Friday, 11/7 at 1PM at the Ludlow Community Center, brought to you by the Black River Good Neighbor Services and Fletcher Memorial Library with support from Godnick Adult Center & Vermont Community Foundation. For more information call FML 802-228-8921 or BRGNS 802-228-3663

Looking for a moderately steep hike, consider joining Farm & Wilderness Conservation staff on 11/9 for a trek along the Plymouth Notch trail from 1 to 3:30 PM. This event is free and open to all ages, children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Preregistration (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/community-hike-and-tree-planting-tickets) is required for all participants and each participant needs to register individually so we can accurately plan how many folks to expect. As per F& W policy, no dogs or pets please.

Reminders about events at Fletcher Memorial Library include the book discussion of In the Time of the In the time of the Butterflies by Julia Alvarez on Mon 11/10 at 6 PM. Also note Tech Time with Matt Sydorowich of Sydscompufix, on Saturday, 11/15 from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm. Matt will offer one-on-one assistance with your device, phone or computer. Please call the library at 802-228-8921 to register!

10/27/25

Cold and blustery this Monday morning. Looks like it will not get out the 40s for the next few days. My pepper plants are still living in the garage at night and are slowly turning red although the rest of the garden has been put to bed. Not sure what the porcupine in my backyard was crunching the other night, but it was loud!
Don’t forget the VEEP/NHEEP HOME HEAT TRANSFER Mon.10/27 5-7PM at Fletcher Memorial Library. Also at FLM ‘Trick or Treat, GAOLOWEEN Friday 10/31 from 3:00-5:00pm with treats, coloring pages and a craft.

Bethany Birches Camp Open House Sunday, 11/2 from 1:30pm to 3:30pm. In addition to tours of the property and meeting staff members, there will be plenty of snacks, games and rock climbing happening for a fun afternoon, so bring a friend. Also, get a 15% discount on a session of your choice if you sign up that day.

The Black River Academy Museum is hosting their Annual Appeal Dinner on Thursday, 11/6, from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at the Church of Annunciation in Ludlow with Matt Denhart, President, Calvin Coolidge Presidential Foundation as the speaker. Donations welcome and very much needed to make urgent repairs.

10/20/25

I was away until Friday and thank my friends and neighbors for watering plants, taking in packages and various other tasks while I was gone. I left my pepper plants in the garage and they are finally turning red!
On this Sunday night I am hearing my wind-chimes singing out. It did not seem to faze the bear that just strode up my driveway. I had not seen one in weeks and I wonder if this is the cute little one of earlier this summer. This guy was considerably larger as he lumbered along….

There was an amazing turnout at the Echo Lake Inn on Saturday for the Celebration of Life for Tom Gianola, including numerous chums from childhood through grad school. Of course many local people were in attendance since Tom had endeared himself to the community during his time in VT. The staff at the Inn is taking a break, but it will be open for Thanksgiving Dinner and is accepting reservations.

Another loss in our area, John Norton passed away on 10/16. He was a longtime deacon at Tyson Congregational church and helped with numerous excavation projects for the state, town and folks within the community. For years John could be seen walking along Rte 100, most recently with his walker. A graveside service for family members and friends will be held on Thurs 10/23 at 1:00 pm at Pleasant View Cemetery in Ludlow.
The Plymouth Book Club will meet on Wed, 10/22 at 6:30 at my house to discuss Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon. Trunk-or-Treat will take place at the Town Building from 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm on 10/25. More Halloween fun at Fletcher Memorial Library Trick or Treat on Friday, 10/31 from 3:00-5:00. You can make a quick craft, receive coloring pages and enjoy a treat!

Also at FLM please note the VEEP/NHEEP Community Workshop – Home Heat Transferon Mon. Oct. 27th 5-7PM The aim to get a local conversation going about energy and climate, with a focus on what we all can DO • Engage in hands-on explorations to answer the question “How can we use less energy to heat our homes yet still keep them warm in the winter?” • An educator will lead the group through activities that help you understand the modes of heat transfer, insulation and sealing materials, and the connection between weatherizing our homes and the environment. • A community action partner joins the event to present available options for residents to apply to their home, including information on financial support.

10/13/25

Well, today (Monday) is dreary and drippy. The rain forecast seems to have changed, so it does not appear this storm will greatly improve our drought sitution. In anticipation of heavy rain, yesterday I swept out the entrance to the basement and lifted the drain cover. I guess that toad actually lives there! Two tiny ones scurried away while I was sweeping. Looks like I have permanent house guests…

I attended the Senior Planet session last Friday at Fletcher Memorial Library with about 20 other people, where we were presented with an overview of AI and its pros and cons. Senior Planet is a nonprofit organization whose purpose to enable older adults to come together and find ways to learn, work, create, exercise, and thrive in today’s digital age. Senior Planet programs are designed around five impact areas: financial security, social engagement, creative expression, health and wellness, and civic participation. All five areas represent opportunities in the lives of older adults where technology can have a transformative effect.

Senior Planet is the flagship program of Older Adults Technology Services (OATS) pioneered in 2004 by Tom Kamber and a group of dedicated volunteers to help older adults learn and use technology. OATS formally joined the AARP family as a charitable affiliate in 2021 which has allowed it to grow and serve more people. The program last Friday was a collaboration between Black River Good Neighbor Services & Fletcher Memorial Library with support from Godnick Adult Center and Vermont Community Foundation. I will keep you posted on the next meeting.

I was perusing the minutes from the last Select Board Meeting when I noticed the events listed on the Town website calendar. So glad that is up and running! Please note the Fire Dept open house from 11 – 2 on 10/18 and the Trunk or Treat on 10/25 from 4 to 6 PM

Autumn & Life (MM)

Crimson leaves, plus orange & gold

are drifting into my planter

of once lush impatiens.

yet they blend together

Two different seasons,

During this time

of in-betweeness.

One seeps into the other

how much like life….

10/5/25

Warm weather has returned for the moment. After bringing in and covering plants earlier in the week, I have put them all back outside to bask in the sunlight. The forecast indicates rain this week, which we certainly need. Friends and I enjoyed the Fire Dept chicken BBQ on Saturday and joined bus loads of visitors for a delightful stroll around the Historic Site.

Mark your calendar now for the end of Daylight Saving Time at 2 AM on 11/2. The Old Farmer’s Almanac says it is all about conserving energy and making use of sunlight. So, setting the clocks forward in the spring gives us more natural light in the summer evenings, and setting the clocks back in the fall gives us more daylight in the winter mornings.

Because the end of DST marks a shift to fewer hours of daylight, soaking up the sun earlier in the day will regulate your internal body clock and help you feel less tired. The Sunshine Protection Act was proposed as a United States federal law that would make daylight saving time permanent. Although the U.S. Senate passed the bill on March 15, 2022, both houses of Congress haven’t passed it.

Speaking of light, I just learned that there will be a special program held at Fletcher Memorial Library on Monday, 10/6 from 5:30 to 6:30 PM called “Be Bright at Night” The VT Dept of Health is concerned that folks walk, drive or bike safely as the days become shorter. Free reflectors and safety tips will be distributed.

A reminder that there will be a Select Board meeting at 6 PM on Mon, 10/6.
Don’t forget these other upcoming FML programs. Discussion with Sasha Hom on Thurs 10/9 at 10:30 AM regarding her book, Sidework, On Friday, 10/10 at 1 PM join the Senior Planet program to learn more about AI and Chat GPT.

On Sunday, 10/12 from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Ludlow Mini Park, come out to support the Black River Academy Museum that I understand is in dire need of funds for some much-needed and substantial structural repairs. Breakfast and lunch will be served or buy something at the Bake Sale.
Black River Good Neighbor Services will be sponsoring a Grief Support Group at FLM on the second Monday of each month. This will be a safe space for individuals to share their experiences, find comfort and learn coping strategies after a loss. For more information, all BRGNS at 802-228-3663