Welcome to The Plymouth Press Online

Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard

4/21/24

Well, I thought the bears were out and wandering about, so seeing one in my yard on my Blink the other night was not really a surprise. A neighbor mentioned he has heard them singing recently. Spring brings many creatures to the fore. While walking around Amherst last week, there were numerous turtles sunning themselves, their shells glistening before they became spooked and they dove into the water. The barred owls are also making their presence known. I have recently installed Merlin on my phone and have been enjoying learning the various calls of birds chirping on my walks.

The Plymouth Book Group met last Wednesday and chose The Women by Kristin Hannah for the 5/15 discussion. Subsequent selections will be discussed at that meeting.If you enjoy reading & discussing books, also consider joining the dialogue regarding The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh at Fletcher Memorial Library on Monday, 5/13 at 6 PM.

I was not able to attend the 4/15 Select Board meeting, but it appears that the dog ordinance modification was tabled for another time. I understand there was a lengthy discussion about the petition for a revote on Town Meeting approval to exempt Bethany Birches Camp from paying the education portion of their property tax. The date has been set for Tuesday, 5/21 at 7:00 PM. Only residents attending the meeting may cast a vote. Please note that minutes from these meetings are available on the town website.

Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard

4/14/24

It was nice to see the sunrise this morning and not find snow on the ground that had been predicted! I have heard so many interesting eclipse stories, but the prevailing theme has been the good weather for it here in VT, as well as the camaraderie that added to this rare and amazing spectacle.

Although one of my grandsons & I walked up Dublin Rd last Tuesday, it appears that we turned around too soon. Apparently there was a moose visiting the area. Several neighbors saw it and Steve Heilner sent a picture. I understand from another friend that large tracks were noted going up Patch Brook Road.

As previously posted, there will be a Select Board meeting at 6 PM on Monday, 4/15. On Wednesday, 4/17 the Book Group will be meeting at 6:30 PM via Zoom to discuss The Book of Lost and Found by Lucy Foley. Books will also be chosen for the 5/15 and 6/12 meetings.

At the recent Tyson Ladies Aid meeting, it was reported that the Good Friday bake sale went very well. Discussion focussed on upcoming events including the Strawberry Festival in June and the Annual Bazaar in August. The next meeting will be 5/2, so consider joining this ambitious and community-minded group of ladies!

Town of Plymouth, Vermont Select Board – Regular Meeting Monday, April 15, 2024 @ 6:00 PM Municipal Building Meeting Room Agenda
Topic: Plymouth Select Board Meeting

Time: April 15, 2024 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
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Meeting ID: 851 8363 3072 Passcode: 709001
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• +1 309 205 3325 US
  +1 929 436 2866 US (New York)

1. Call to Order and Introduction of Those Present:
2. Consideration of Any Changes, Additions or Removals to Agenda:
3. Approve Meeting Minutes:
   a. April 1, 2024 Regular Meeting
4. Citizen Comments:
5. Review and Approval of Increased Protection to Deposit Accounts w/M&T Bank:
6. Review and Possibly Approve Road Name Changes:
7. Review and Possibly Approve LEMP:
8. Review Dog Ordinance Enforcement:
9. Grader Replacement Discussion:
10. Review and Approve Warning for Bethany Birches:
11. Choose a Date to Adopt Planning & Zoning Ordinance Changes:
12. Sign Warrants and Review Mail:
13. Possible Executive Session:
    a. Personnel Policy Discussion
14. Adjourn:

4/8/24

This special Monday morning I am watching the sun sparkle on the snow that remains on my deck – the sun that will be eclipsed by the moon this afternoon. I can’t believe I am actually going eclipse chasing with neighbors today! Exciting, but a bit anxiety producing wondering about the traffic. Hopefully it will be a pleasant adventure.

Friends of Fletcher Library will be discussing the Age of Miracles Karen Thompson Walker on 4/10 at 6 PM. All are welcome to attend.

Farm & Wilderness Conservation is seeking contracted boat access greeters for the Woodward Reservoir and Lake Ninevah Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Programs. Greeters provide courtesy boat checks, collect important data about boater use and visitation, and prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. Position runs May-October 2024, $15/hr. Training is provided.

Required Qualifications:


At least 18 years of age
Ability to work independently at the boat access for a minimum of 4-hour shifts
Ability to use smartphone or tablet apps to collect survey data (training provided)
Comfortable speaking with the general public and asking survey questions
To learn more and apply, follow this link: https://www.fwcvt.org/fw-conservation-blog/public-access-greeters-summer-2024-0

Town of Plymouth, Vermont
Select Board – Regular Meeting
Monday, April 1, 2024 @ 6:00 PM
Municipal Building Meeting Room

Agenda
Topic: Plymouth Select Board Meeting
Time: April 1, 2024 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
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)

1. Call to Order and Introduction of Those Present:
2. Consideration of Any Changes, Additions or Removals to Agenda:
3. Approve Meeting Minutes:
   a. March 4, 2024 Town Meeting (Revised)
   b. March 18, 2024 Regular Meeting
4. Board to Appoint Three (3) Remaining P&Z Officials:
5. Board To Discuss Property Located at 1-23 Crimson Hawk Road – (Parcel Id: 000375):
6. Other Business:
7. Possible Executive Session:
   a. Personnel
8. Adjourn:

Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard

3/24/24

The predicted snow storm on Saturday actually materialized and dumped over two feet of snow here. Happily, it was light and fluffy and relatively easy to move. When the storm subsided overnight, the moon illuminated the snow showing wonderful sparkles. Then, morning brought bright sunshine and rainbows could be seen on the pristine white landscape. Yes, I admit I was hoping that spring was here, but it is only March. Perhaps spring is around the next corner!

It was an interesting Select Board meeting on 3/18, the minutes for which can be found on the town website. Town appointments were made, but the position of Community Center Director was eliminated with those duties now being handled by Town Clerk, Angela Kissel. There was good news presented by Tom Harris who explained that The US Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Operations Program wants to help remediate the source of the Black River through hazard mitigation. More details are noted in the minutes, but it seems hopeful that the problems created by Money Brook may be addressed and help may also be available to fix the Amherst Dam. The Select Board did note that the town is not agreeing to commit funds to the project. It was also nice to hear Stephanie Seavy speak about the research she has done regarding Constable duties now that she has been elected.

/

Okemo Valley, VT: The Okemo Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce celebrates the 4
th AnnualBest of Vermont Summer Festival on Saturday, August 24 from 12 noon – 7 pm and Sunday,
August 25 from 10 am – 4 pm in Ludlow, Vermont. This event will take place at Okemo Field on
Route 103 in Ludlow. Use of the field was generously donated again by Lead Sponsor Okemo
Mountain/Vail Resorts.

This festival is a great opportunity for everyone including locals, new residents, second homeowners,
and visitors to enjoy specialty foods; wine, spirits & brew tastings; artisan products; fine art; live
music; agriculture demos; children’s activities, antique vehicles; and more! We are excited to
announce Okemo’s Waffle Cabin will be joining the fun! The Best of Vermont Summer Festival will
be marketed throughout the Okemo Valley region, the state of Vermont, New England and the
Northeast.

Mary W. Davis Realtor & Associates is the festival’s Presenting Sponsor this year. Other sponsors
are in process and will continue to be listed on the chamber’s special festival web:
https://www.yourplaceinvermont.com/best-of-vermont-summer-festival.

The chamber’s festival committee is seeking additional sponsors, vendors, and volunteers. They are
also seeking special event sponsors for other special festival activities. Sponsor and vendor forms are
now available on the festival website page. To learn more, go to:

• Sponsoring: https://www.yourplaceinvermont.com/sponsorships
• Vending: https://www.yourplaceinvermont.com/vendors
• 
  Discounts will be given to participating Okemo Valley Chamber Members and returning vendors will
  also be given preferential locations.
• 
  Sponsors or vendors who are not yet members of the Okemo Valley Chamber who are interested may
  join online HERE: https://www.yourplaceinvermont.com/online-application
• 
  In the photo, committee members (left to right) are Carol Lighthall (OVRCC), Mark Wiegand
  (Okemo), Shawn Kershaw, Leah Krieble (OVRCC), and Sue Chadwick (Mary W. Davis). Photo taken
  by Donald Dill.
• 
  Committee members not present include: Jennifer Esposito (Jasper Forest), Karen Kraut (Yeah Wine
  Shop), Selina Meisenhelder (ONE Credit Union), and Jean Pagliughi Esq.
• 
  Okemo Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce, 57 Pond St. Suite 8 – P.O. Box 333, Ludlow, VT 05149
  802-228-5830 http://www.YourPlaceInVermont.com
• 
  Volunteers are welcomed for the festival committee as well as for festival set up, break down and
  during the event. Those interested in participating may also contact Chamber Director Carol directly
  by emailing her at clighthall@yourplaceinvermont.com.
• 
  The Okemo Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce is a not-for-profit, member-driven association
  and the voice of 300+ businesses and the communities of 12 Towns & Villages in South Central
  Vermont along the VT Scenic Route 100 Byway surrounded by Okemo, Ascutney & Magic
  Mountains. OVRCC provides advocacy, support, and unified regional marketing to promote and
  enhance businesses in the region as well as the four-season economy.
• 
  FOR MORE INFORMATION:
  Carol Lighthall, Executive Director, Okemo Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce
  clighthall@yourplaceinvermont.com 802-228-5830

Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard

3/18/24

As I am writing this on Monday morning, the sun is struggling to push through the clouds and large snow flakes are fluttering in the wind. Although no snow yesterday, there were periods of sun and rain, sometimes at the same time. Even a bout of hail descended upon us briefly in the mid-afternoon! Some areas have little snow remaining on the ground and I am grateful that my driveway is not rutted. Getting the sure-pak from my lawn back into my driveway will be a challenge, however.

A previous post noted the Select Board meeting for tonight, 3/18, but if you missed it you can also find it on the Town website. If you were unable to attend Town Meeting, it was recorded and available at Okemo TV.

I just spoke with Elisabeth at Farm and Wilderness regarding the scheduled snowshoe outing for Saturday, 3/23. It appears that snowshoes will not be needed since there is so little snow remaining, but a hike will at least be happening. Registration is needed to obtain the details, although this is a free event. To do so go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/community-hikesnowshoe-tickets-785349640917?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

Ludlow, VT: The Okemo Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce the grand re-opening of Mojo Cafe, a beloved locally owned modern Mex-Orleans restaurant in Ludlow, VT. Mojo Cafe offers a flavorful fusion of Mexican and New Orleans cuisine. Rebuilding after the 2023 flood, which required them to find a new location, they have now opened their doors at 145 Main Street. The team has been working diligently to be able to return and everyone is so excited to welcome them back to town.

The ribbon cutting event marked a significant milestone for Mojo Cafe and signifies the strength, heart, and commitment of local businesses throughout the region who were affected by the floods of 2023. At the ribbon cutting, Owners John and Jodi Seward celebrated with their long-standing team members, Jake Mailhiot and Richard Kachmar. Chamber Executive Director Carol Lighthall holding the ribbon on the left and Assistant Chamber Director Leah Krieble on the right.

Mojo Cafe is your ticket to a unique and delicious dining experience with an amazing menu, offering burritos, po boys, tacos a la carte, craft beers, and so much more! For both loyal customers and new guests, it’s a place you won’t want to miss! Stop by Tuesday through Saturday (doors open at 4pm) to dine in or order take-out online (same day pre-orders can be placed beginning at 2pm for take-out). Come hungry and leave happy!

Leah Krieble

Okemo Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce

57 Pond Street Ste #8 – PO Box 333

Ludlow, VT 05149

802-228-5830

lkrieble@yourplaceinvermont.com

www.yourplaceinvermont.com