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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)

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Meeting ID: 851 8363 3072 Passcode: 709001

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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:

Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard

11/27/23

Hope that everyone had an enjoyable Thanksgiving. Nice to see the sun today (Monday) after the dire prediction of a wintry mix. In the middle of the night I had six inches of snow on my deck, but by morning, it was condensed to three! Heavy rain during the wee hours, plus strong wind changed the consistency and made it very hard to shovel.

Mark your calendar for the Fireside Chat featuring Plymouth resident Jon Clinch, who will discuss his latest book, The General and Julia on Friday, 12/8 at 7 PM at Fletcher Memorial Library. This discussion is sponsored by the library and the Book Nook

I believe the next Select Board meeting will be 12/4. We will post the agenda when it is determined and Angela sends it to us.

I have not received any official word by the Holiday Open House that will be taking place on Saturday, 12/2 at the Calvin Coolidge Historic Site. I am copying the information I gleaned from the website:  Winter is ready to fall upon the quiet village of Plymouth Notch. Before the snows deepen, join the residents of the village as they celebrate the holiday season. The Coolidge birthplace will be festooned with fresh greenery as it would have been during Christmastime in Calvin Coolidge’s childhood. The greenery continues throughout the village where wreaths don the doors of the homes and lanterns. Visitors can warm up in the museum where pianist Steve Morse will be taking song requests on Grace’s piano. At 12:45PM a tree lighting ceremony will call into remembrance the moment President Coolidge threw the switch on the very first lit National tree in 1923. Immediately following at 1PM, the warmth of the village’s Union Christian Church will welcome visitors for a time of caroling. Don’t forget to pick out gifts at the museum gift shop clearance sale. This is a free and family-friendly event! 

The Okemo Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce recently celebrated the Grand Opening of new chamber member Chloe’s Market at the former Plymouth Country Store with customers and local & state officials.

Owner Rick Martin cuts the ribbon with Vermont State Representative Tesha Buss holding the ribbon on the left and Chamber Director Carol Lighthall holding the other end on the right. Photo courtesy of Images by Donald Dill.