Welcome to The Plymouth Press Online

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.

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Meeting ID: 851 8363 3072 Passcode: 709001

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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…

Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard

5/19/24

It is Sunday evening and the weather has finally become nice. The ground seems dry and flowers seem thirsty lately. If it is going to be cloudy, I would almost prefer a gentle rain. The figures are in, The GreenUp dumpster weighed in with 480 lbs of trash. Good job cleaning up our town! Please note there will be a Select Board meeting on Mon, 5/20 at 6 PM. The re-vote of article 6 of Town Meeting on Bethany Birches Camp tax status is Tues, 5/21 at 7 PM

An important and time-sensitive message from Tiffany at Camp Plymouth State Park: So many have asked to help be a part of getting Camp Plymouth ready for opening and here is the chance. Date: Monday, May 20th. Time: between 9am-4pm – come for an hour or whatever fits your schedule – just RSVP please!

Location: Park in Day Use Dirt Hiker parking lot DO NOT DRIVE INTO THE PARK!!!! Activity: Mostly picking up sticks and clearing camping field and possibly in another field area. This may seem like a small task, but to us, this is huge! We cannot mow until we get all the objects removed and even an hour of help with an extra pair of hands is incredibly helpful. What to bring if possible: Rake, gloves, water bottle, snacks.

RSVP: Please give a heads up if you can make it and we will keep a look out for you! Can email: tiffanydemar@gmail.com IMPORTANT: The park is a major construction zone right now. A lot of big equipment is moving all over. We want to stay together and not have people wandering around the park – so please look for us in the big field and DO NOT drive into the park. To do: Everyone will need to sign a volunteer form when they arrive. Any minors must be accompanied by an adult. Thank you so much for wanting to be a part of getting Camp Plymouth back together again!

Topic: Plymouth Select Board Meeting

Time: May 20, 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

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1. Call to Order
2. Consideration of Any Changes, Additions or Removals to Agenda
3. Approve Meeting Minutes
4. Citizen Comments
5. Appointment of New Town Treasurer
6. Review and Approve Liquor License(s)
7. Review and Possibly Approve Cost for Placement of American Flags on Poles in Plymouth
8. Ratification of the M&T Bank Line of Credit Current Expense Note and Exhibit A
9. Review Grader Quote
10. Animal Control Officer / Nuisance Dog Hearing
11. Discussion on Benefits for Employees
12. Reminder of Billings Road Bridge Closure
13. Sign Warrants and Review Mail
14. Next Select Board Meeting Date
15. Possible Executive Session
16. Adjourn

Registered Voters in the Town of Plymouth are asked to attend a Special Meeting Tuesday, May 21, 2024 at 7:00 P.M. in Town Hall Auditorium regarding the following:

1. To see if the legal voters of the Town of Plymouth will vote to exempt the property owned by Bethany Birches Camp, Inc., located at 2610 Lynds Hill Road (parcel # 000167) from the educational portion of their property taxes for a period of 5 years commencing with the 2024 tax year.
2. To take comments from the public on the draft Town of Plymouth zoning ordinance that was approved by the Planning Commission after a warned public hearing on February 6, 2024, and presented to the Selectboard at their regularly scheduled meeting on March 18, 2024.