It’s Winter Again, Select Board Meeting 3/18: Town appointments & flood remediation update ~ Margo’s Plymouth report

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.

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2024 Best of Vermont Summer Festival Seeking Additional Vendors & Sponsors

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
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Recent meetings on Okemo TV, upcoming Farm and Wilderness Community Hike ~ Margo’s Plymouth report

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

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Okemo Valley Celebrates the Grand Re-Opening of Mojo Cafe in their New Location

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

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“Friends” of Fletcher Memorial Library Present The Age of Miracles

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Select Board Agenda for Monday, March 18, 2024 at 6:00 pm

Town of Plymouth, Vermont Select Board – Regular Meeting Monday, March 18, 2024 @ 6:00 PM Municipal Building Meeting Room Agenda

Topic: Plymouth Select Board Meeting
Time: March 18, 2024 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

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  1. Call to Order and Introduction of Those Present:
  2. Consideration of Any Changes, Additions or Removals to Agenda:
  3. Approve Meeting Minutes:
    1. February 5, 2024 Regular Meeting
    2. March 4, 2024 Town Meeting
  4. Leslie Wright, Civil Engineer – Natural Resources Conservation Service (via zoom):
  5. Appoint/Sign Southern Windsor/Windham Counties Solid Waste Management District Rep:
  6. Board to Appoint Town Officers:
  7. Board to Discuss Constable Position/Duties:
  8. Board to Review, Approve, and Sign Town Road and Bridge Standard Documents:
  9. Board to Vote on Community Center Director Position:
  10. Board to Review and Possibly Approve Day Care / Community Center Usage:
  11. Board to Review and Approve Vermont 100 on 100 Relay Scheduled for Saturday, August 10th:
  12. Discussion About 553 Echo View Drive – Property Taxes:
  13. Review and Possibly Approve the Vermont Journal for Legal Advertising:
  14. Mail and Warrants:

a. Receipt of P&Z Ordinance Changes

  1. Other Business:
  2. Possible Executive Session:
  3. Adjourn:
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Changeable weather, Little Women Yoh production, Election results & Plymouth Historical Society invite ~ Margo’s Plymouth report

Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard

3/11/24

This changeable weather has been quite challenging. Friday was so delightful that I walked twice. Saturday morning was a bit breezy, but the walk was still enjoyable. Then by the afternoon we were back to winter! Snow totals seemed to vary considerably. I cleared 5 inches from my deck Saturday before bed and another 8 had accumulated by late morning on Sunday. The totals were less in other places, a few inches in Bridgewater and not much at all in Rutland. By Sunday afternoon, walking was pleasant in Woodstock.

I attended the Yoh theatre production of Little Women on Sunday. A lively cast of various ages and amazing singing in addition to the animated acting. Many local people were involved with making the sets and costumes, plus handling the sound and lighting.

The town website has the election results. Financial concerns were on the minds of most folks and that seems to have been influential in their voting choices. Back to the drawing board on some issues.

The Plymouth Historical Society is seeking new members. If you have never been into their space at the Community Center (the former elementary school), you will be impressed by the collection. It will be open and volunteers will be on hand Sunday, 3/17 from 2 – 4 PM to help with genealogy exploration.

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Okemo Valley Celebrates Grand Opening of Yeah Wine Shop in Lamere Square

Ludlow, VT: The Okemo Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce recently celebrated the grand opening of Yeah Wine Shop, a natural wine store, in Lamere Square in Ludlow, Vermont. The ribbon cutting event was accompanied by a wonderful wine tasting afternoon. Yeah Wine Shop has a vast variety of natural wines made both locally as well as from around the world. Stop by to browse their unique selection of natural wines with both big and subtle flavors.

For the ribbon cutting ceremony, Karen Kraut, Owner, and Eric Kraut cut the ribbon together with Chamber Executive Director Carol Lighthall holding the ribbon on the left and Assistant Chamber Director Leah Krieble on the right.

Images by Donald Dill.

For more information, visit our website http://www.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 from the VT Scenic Route 100 Byway to Interstate Route 91, and 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


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
http://www.yourplaceinvermont.com

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Town meeting tonight, voting tomorrow, upcoming talk at Ludlow Auditorium & time change ~ Margo’s Plymouth report

Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard

3/3/24

So, here we are in March and the shift to Daylight Saving Time happens on 3/10 – spring ahead! I read recently that getting up a little earlier than usual the week before the clocks change can help to make the transition easier.  It might be worth a try.

My article is going out before Town Meeting voting and the Tuesday Australian ballot items. The weather will be good, so there that is no excuse to avoid voting!  My hope is that there has been thoughtful consideration of the proposals and that differences of opinions can be presented calmly and respectfully.

Grandparents. Jeri and Mark Savery are excited about the arrival on 2/13 of Chase Stephen Titus Savery weighing 7 lbs 11 oz and 20 1/2 inches long, born to Tyler Savery and Leah Titus. Congratulations!

There is an exciting program taking place on Friday, 3/15at 6:00 PM at the Ludlow Auditorium on Depot Street. Karen Land, a three-time Iditarod participant, will be speaking about her experiences in the sport of mushing and she will also be bringing two of her dogs with her. it is a collaboration of three local libraries: Fletcher Memorial, Cavendish and Mt. Holly libraries.  This free and family friendly event should be fun for all ages.

 Plymouth Historical Society Annual Meeting will take next Sunday afternoon, March 10 at 2pm.  All are invited and new members are encouraged to attend.

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Fletcher Memorial Library Presents The Cookbook Book Club!

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