Welcome to The Plymouth Press Online

Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard

12/25/23

My initial writing was on 12/21 in order to meet the early VT Standard deadline. The sun was shining brightly that day, a welcome sight after the persistent downpour last Monday. I know there were places where the unrelenting rain caused some flooding and damage, but I was pleased to see that the destruction was minimal for most folks in our immediate area. It was helpful to have the message from Al Poirier detailing road issues and places to avoid.

Snow was not forecast for the near future, although some flurries persisted, not enough for us to have a white Christmas.The fog on Christmas Day was a bit disheartening, but I noticed several folks out for a mid-afternoon walk. Being out after dark on several occasions lately, the decorations and lights are lovely – creative and cheerful. I am choosing to let the Spirit of this season bring hope, peace, joy, and love despite the weather! I hope that you can do the same as we welcome in the New Year.

Area Resources: The mission of the ottauquechee health foundation is to help people in need access essential health services. OHF grants are available to individuals and also in the form of community grants. Their service towns include Barnard, Bridgewater, Hartland, Killington, Plymouth, Pomfret, Quechee, Reading, and Woodstock.

Mark your calendar for the Sunday, 1/28 Pickleball fundraiser tournament at the Woodstock athletic club from 12:30 to 2:30 PM. Register at ohfvt.org/pickleball-tournament

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The pictures below (thanks to Angela) are from the Emergency Services Christmas party

Here’s a rare find for you…

You probably haven’t seen much film footage of Calvin Coolidge.

And how often have you heard the Vermont twang of “Silent Cal”? Even less often, we’d bet.

Or how about his vivacious wife, Grace Coolidge?

That’s why this Christmas newsreel is such a delight. You get to see and hear both President and Mrs. Coolidge.

After the Coolidges left the White House, Santa Claus visited them at their home in Northampton, Massachusetts.

Enjoy this short reel, which raised money for tuberculosis research through the sale of Christmas Seals. You’ll see how Grace was as extroverted as Calvin was introverted.

Coolidge Takes the Presidential Debate Stage

GOP candidates named their favorite presidents at the NewsNation debate earlier this month…

…and Calvin Coolidge earned high praise.

Governor Ron DeSantis said Coolidge was “one of the few presidents that got almost everything right.”

DeSantis added, “He understood the proper role of the federal government under the Constitution.”

This praise for Coolidge drew enthusiastic applause from the debate audience.

The New York Times expressed befuddlement. But John Hendrickson took another view.

See the Praise for Coolidge
News from the Coolidge Community
2023 Coolidge summer intern Marisol Balderas has been named a John Jay Fellow. Congratulations, Marisol.

On CNBC’s Squawk on the Street, Jim Cramer praised FedEx founder Fred Smith’s recent speech at the Coolidge Winter Gala: “It’s so informative—talking about the huge amount of debt that the government has taken on in just the last few years. It’s calling for a debt freeze.” Many thanks to Arthur Seeligson for alerting us to Cramer’s words.

Historian Jerry Wallace reviews two recent Coolidge books for the Coolidge blog.

Watch historian Hal Wert discuss his new book, Hoover vs. Roosevelt: Two Presidents’ Battle over Feeding Europe and Going to War.

The Coolidge Foundation just published the first issue of the Coolidge Review. This new magazine illumi­nates the values that guided our nation’s thirtieth president—commonsense ideas that too rarely get a hearing these days. It features top contributors from many fields as well as outstanding Coolidge students.

Upcoming Events

January 18: Coolidge Scholarship application deadline

January 27: Coolidge Cup Debate at Southern Methodist University

February 19: Open house at Coolidge House in D.C.: book party for Garland S. Tucker’s 1924: Coolidge, Davis, and the High Tide of American Conservatism

March 7: Coolidge Foundation national conference at the Library of Congress: “America in Debt”

July 4: Calvin Coolidge birthday celebration at Plymouth Notch

Silent Cal Speaks
“Christmas is not a time or a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and good will, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas.”
—President Calvin Coolidge, 1927 Christmas message

Monday, December 18, 2023

Brief update on road conditions. 

 Billings Road and Scout Camp Road are passable and should only be used if needed to get to and from your home. Be very careful as there is standing water and some conditions that we would only expect during mud season.

There is water coming over Route 100 along Lake Amherst as there is a culvert that is failing on the West side of the road.

Just north of Echo Lake Inn, Echo Lake is on the edges of the pavement of the north bound lane.

Anyone traveling tonight should be extremely careful because conditions can still be changing.  If you do not need to go out, stay home.

Stay safe

Al Poirier

Emergency Management Director

12/18/23

It is just after noon today (Monday) and the rain has slowed for the moment. I took a brief ride around the south end of town. My driveway has held nicely and the all too familiar sound of rocks crunching in the stream that runs under it was not heard – a good sign! The roiling water is lapping at the bridge near the bottom of Dublin Rd, but so far has remained contained. The homes below it and the Echo Lake Inn do not seem to be in jeopardy at the moment.  Here’s hoping the rain stops. As far as I know, the Select Board meeting will still happen this evening.

On a more upbeat note, Robin Hood, the Musical at Woodstock Union High and Middle School this past weekend was so much fun. The huge cast was exuberant and those with speaking parts delivered them with gusto. Kudos to Marcia and the many people who worked hard to have this production brighten the season and work its wonders!

The Holidays are upon us and no matter how or if you choose the celebrate, may peace and joy come into your hearts.

Money Brook

Pingree flats below Money Brook

Lower end of Echo Lake with water at the edge of the road

Bridge at the lower end of Dublin Rd

Looking up from the bridge in the previous pic

Town of Plymouth, Vermont Select Board – Regular Meeting Monday, December 18, 2023 @ 6:00 PM Municipal Building Meeting Room Agenda

Topic: Plymouth Select Board Meeting
Time: December 18, 2023 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85183633072?pwd=YzFYM0xsem01LzA1VVBlWlNoTldyQT0 9
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 Meeting to Order:
2. Consideration of Any Changes, Additions or Removals to Agenda:
3. Approve Meeting Minutes:

a. December 4, 2023 Regular Meeting Minutes

4. Ryan Palmer – Windsor County Sheriff’s Department:
5. Lauren Skaskiw & Caitlin Gagner – Childcare Community Center:

6. Two Rivers Ottauquechee Regional Commission:

7. Select Board to Review and Sign the Following:
   1. Resolution
   2. Tax Certificate
   3. Current Expense Note
8. Town Constable(s) Role and Responsibilities:
9. Errors and Omissions:
   1. 1672 Hale Hollow Road
   2. Scott Terrace
   3. 2112 Messer Hill Road
   4. 99 Owen Road
   5. 35 School Drive (2)
   6. Grand View Lodge
10. Mail and Warrants:
11. Other Business:
12. Set Date for Next Meeting:

a. Next meeting is scheduled for Monday, January 8, 2024 @ 6:00 p.m.

13. Possible Executive Session:

1. Staffing
2. Community Center
3. Annex Building

14. Adjourn:

Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard

12/11/23

The Sunday into Monday snowstorm has only produced 2 inches on my deck. I have not noticed the wind that was predicted, but that is fine with me! This past week has been a whirlwind of activity with all of the Holiday festivities. I noticed some other Plymouth residents at the VSO concert at the Paramount on Sunday. It was wonderful.

The Fletcher Memorial Library Open House drew a large crowd. Santa was a big hit with the many children who attended as was the craft-making. Don’t forget the Plymouth Emergency Services Holiday party for youngsters on Tues, 12/19 from 5:30 – 7:30 PM at the Town Hall. Refreshments and gifts for all.

The Tyson Ladies Aid Christmas party was well-attended and great fun. Catered by the Eatery, the food was fantastic. At the November meeting, the group awarded money to various important causes – $1000 each to LARCF (Okemo Valley Disaster Relief), the Doggie Park and to Greven Field in Cavendish.

Also, get ready to enjoy the Bethany Birches Family Fun Day on Saturday, 12/17 from 10 AM – 3 PM. It is always nice to have snow, but no matter what, there will be plenty of activities both indoors and outdoors with a free lunch at 12:30. Something for all ages!

Please note that the Tyson Church Candlelight Service will be Friday 12/22 at 5:30 PM this year. The Christmas Eve Service at Bethany Mennonite Church will be at 7 PM on the 24th.

Reprinted with permission from the Vermont Standard

12/4/23

Well, it was a wild mix of rain and snow overnight, but I ended up with a soggy six inches of snow on my deck to shovel. Actually, I was surprised that it was not that difficult to clear. An added complication today (Monday) was a fallen tree at the bottom of Dublin Rd that brought down the wires. Power was back on within a few hours. The Select Board is meeting this evening, 12/4 and here are the highlights:

Al Poirier, Emergency Management Coordinator – Update:

Michael Coleman – Zoning Ordinance Changes:

Bridge #46 on TH 42 – Update:

Select Board to Review and Possibly Approve Personnel Policy Changes:

Review and Sign NEMRC Contract:

Plymouth is within the area served by Fletcher Memorial Library in Ludlow. Please note that there is a Patron Appreciation Holiday Open House on Wed, 12/6 from 3:30 to 6 PM. Santa will be on scene at 4:30 and books will be given out to youngsters! Some yummy treats will be provided as well.

A neighbor advised me that she saw a bear on her trail camera last week meaning they are still wandering around. Perhaps the snow will encourage them to settle in for a long winter’s nap!

Topic: Plymouth Select Board Meeting
Time: December 4, 2023 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85183633072?pwd=YzFYM0xsem01LzA1VVBlWlNoTldyQT0 9
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 Meeting to Order:
2. Consideration of Any Changes, Additions or Removals to Agenda:
3. Approve Meeting Minutes:
   1. November 1, 2023 Emergency Meeting Minutes
   2. November 6, 2023 Regular Meeting Minutes
4. Al Poirier, Emergency Management Coordinator – Update:
5. Michael Coleman – Zoning Ordinance Changes:
6. 6. Bridge #46 on TH 42 – Update:
7. 7. Select Board to Reapprove Business Credit Cards with M& T Bank:
8. a. Approval to include name of person to apply for a Business Credit Card as the Primary Administrator as well as the dollar amount of total card limit ($7,500.00 each).
9. Select Board to Review and Possibly Approve Personnel Policy Changes:
10. Review and Sign NEMRC Contract:
11. Mail and Warrants:
12. Other Business:
13. Set Date for Next Meeting:

a. Next meeting is scheduled for Monday, December 18, 2023 @ 6:00 p.m.

13. Possible Executive Session:
14. Adjourn: