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11/3/25

Clocks have been changed, but I have yet to reset my lights that are on timers. This first Monday in November is cold, crisp, and sunny. Not sure why my hanging plants have not been frosted since the overnight temps have been in the twenties. I am not complaining – still enjoying their beauty! Snow on the top of Okemo on Saturday morning. We know it will be here soon….
Please note that the Plymouth Historical Society (located at the former Plymouth Elementary School) will be open the first and third Sundays, 2-4 p.m., for the months of November, 2025, through April, 2026. If you have not had the pleasure of visiting this amazing historical collection, plan to take a Sunday drive and check it out.
Many of us are used to seeing wild turkeys in our travels, but roast turkey seems to be on the minds of many. You can start to satisfy your turkey hankering this Thursday at the Catholic church in Ludlow. This fundraiser (donations appreciated) by Black River Academy Museum will be 11/6, from 6:00pm to 8:00pm.

Next, mark your calendar for the Bridgewater Grange’s annual turkey supper on Saturday, 11/15, from 5-8:30 p.m. Children eat for half price. Seating starts at 5:30 p.m. For takeout orders, call Alice at 802-672-3790 by 5 pm on Mon 11/14, for pickup on 11/15, from 4:30-5 p.m.

If you are still craving more turkey, you can attend the free dinner at the Plymouth Town Building from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm on Saturday, 11/22. If you still need more and don’t feel like cooking your own, the Echo Lake Inn is offering Thanksgiving dinner. Call 802-228-8602 for reservations.

Come learn more about online shopping at the SENIOR PLANET presentation on Friday, 11/7 at 1PM at the Ludlow Community Center, brought to you by the Black River Good Neighbor Services and Fletcher Memorial Library with support from Godnick Adult Center & Vermont Community Foundation. For more information call FML 802-228-8921 or BRGNS 802-228-3663

Looking for a moderately steep hike, consider joining Farm & Wilderness Conservation staff on 11/9 for a trek along the Plymouth Notch trail from 1 to 3:30 PM. This event is free and open to all ages, children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Preregistration (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/community-hike-and-tree-planting-tickets) is required for all participants and each participant needs to register individually so we can accurately plan how many folks to expect. As per F& W policy, no dogs or pets please.

Reminders about events at Fletcher Memorial Library include the book discussion of In the Time of the In the time of the Butterflies by Julia Alvarez on Mon 11/10 at 6 PM. Also note Tech Time with Matt Sydorowich of Sydscompufix, on Saturday, 11/15 from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm. Matt will offer one-on-one assistance with your device, phone or computer. Please call the library at 802-228-8921 to register!

10/27/25

Cold and blustery this Monday morning. Looks like it will not get out the 40s for the next few days. My pepper plants are still living in the garage at night and are slowly turning red although the rest of the garden has been put to bed. Not sure what the porcupine in my backyard was crunching the other night, but it was loud!
Don’t forget the VEEP/NHEEP HOME HEAT TRANSFER Mon.10/27 5-7PM at Fletcher Memorial Library. Also at FLM ‘Trick or Treat, GAOLOWEEN Friday 10/31 from 3:00-5:00pm with treats, coloring pages and a craft.

Bethany Birches Camp Open House Sunday, 11/2 from 1:30pm to 3:30pm. In addition to tours of the property and meeting staff members, there will be plenty of snacks, games and rock climbing happening for a fun afternoon, so bring a friend. Also, get a 15% discount on a session of your choice if you sign up that day.

The Black River Academy Museum is hosting their Annual Appeal Dinner on Thursday, 11/6, from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at the Church of Annunciation in Ludlow with Matt Denhart, President, Calvin Coolidge Presidential Foundation as the speaker. Donations welcome and very much needed to make urgent repairs.

10/20/25

I was away until Friday and thank my friends and neighbors for watering plants, taking in packages and various other tasks while I was gone. I left my pepper plants in the garage and they are finally turning red!
On this Sunday night I am hearing my wind-chimes singing out. It did not seem to faze the bear that just strode up my driveway. I had not seen one in weeks and I wonder if this is the cute little one of earlier this summer. This guy was considerably larger as he lumbered along….

There was an amazing turnout at the Echo Lake Inn on Saturday for the Celebration of Life for Tom Gianola, including numerous chums from childhood through grad school. Of course many local people were in attendance since Tom had endeared himself to the community during his time in VT. The staff at the Inn is taking a break, but it will be open for Thanksgiving Dinner and is accepting reservations.

Another loss in our area, John Norton passed away on 10/16. He was a longtime deacon at Tyson Congregational church and helped with numerous excavation projects for the state, town and folks within the community. For years John could be seen walking along Rte 100, most recently with his walker. A graveside service for family members and friends will be held on Thurs 10/23 at 1:00 pm at Pleasant View Cemetery in Ludlow.
The Plymouth Book Club will meet on Wed, 10/22 at 6:30 at my house to discuss Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon. Trunk-or-Treat will take place at the Town Building from 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm on 10/25. More Halloween fun at Fletcher Memorial Library Trick or Treat on Friday, 10/31 from 3:00-5:00. You can make a quick craft, receive coloring pages and enjoy a treat!

Also at FLM please note the VEEP/NHEEP Community Workshop – Home Heat Transferon Mon. Oct. 27th 5-7PM The aim to get a local conversation going about energy and climate, with a focus on what we all can DO • Engage in hands-on explorations to answer the question “How can we use less energy to heat our homes yet still keep them warm in the winter?” • An educator will lead the group through activities that help you understand the modes of heat transfer, insulation and sealing materials, and the connection between weatherizing our homes and the environment. • A community action partner joins the event to present available options for residents to apply to their home, including information on financial support.

10/13/25

Well, today (Monday) is dreary and drippy. The rain forecast seems to have changed, so it does not appear this storm will greatly improve our drought sitution. In anticipation of heavy rain, yesterday I swept out the entrance to the basement and lifted the drain cover. I guess that toad actually lives there! Two tiny ones scurried away while I was sweeping. Looks like I have permanent house guests…

I attended the Senior Planet session last Friday at Fletcher Memorial Library with about 20 other people, where we were presented with an overview of AI and its pros and cons. Senior Planet is a nonprofit organization whose purpose to enable older adults to come together and find ways to learn, work, create, exercise, and thrive in today’s digital age. Senior Planet programs are designed around five impact areas: financial security, social engagement, creative expression, health and wellness, and civic participation. All five areas represent opportunities in the lives of older adults where technology can have a transformative effect.

Senior Planet is the flagship program of Older Adults Technology Services (OATS) pioneered in 2004 by Tom Kamber and a group of dedicated volunteers to help older adults learn and use technology. OATS formally joined the AARP family as a charitable affiliate in 2021 which has allowed it to grow and serve more people. The program last Friday was a collaboration between Black River Good Neighbor Services & Fletcher Memorial Library with support from Godnick Adult Center and Vermont Community Foundation. I will keep you posted on the next meeting.

I was perusing the minutes from the last Select Board Meeting when I noticed the events listed on the Town website calendar. So glad that is up and running! Please note the Fire Dept open house from 11 – 2 on 10/18 and the Trunk or Treat on 10/25 from 4 to 6 PM

Autumn & Life (MM)

Crimson leaves, plus orange & gold

are drifting into my planter

of once lush impatiens.

yet they blend together

Two different seasons,

During this time

of in-betweeness.

One seeps into the other

how much like life….

10/5/25

Warm weather has returned for the moment. After bringing in and covering plants earlier in the week, I have put them all back outside to bask in the sunlight. The forecast indicates rain this week, which we certainly need. Friends and I enjoyed the Fire Dept chicken BBQ on Saturday and joined bus loads of visitors for a delightful stroll around the Historic Site.

Mark your calendar now for the end of Daylight Saving Time at 2 AM on 11/2. The Old Farmer’s Almanac says it is all about conserving energy and making use of sunlight. So, setting the clocks forward in the spring gives us more natural light in the summer evenings, and setting the clocks back in the fall gives us more daylight in the winter mornings.

Because the end of DST marks a shift to fewer hours of daylight, soaking up the sun earlier in the day will regulate your internal body clock and help you feel less tired. The Sunshine Protection Act was proposed as a United States federal law that would make daylight saving time permanent. Although the U.S. Senate passed the bill on March 15, 2022, both houses of Congress haven’t passed it.

Speaking of light, I just learned that there will be a special program held at Fletcher Memorial Library on Monday, 10/6 from 5:30 to 6:30 PM called “Be Bright at Night” The VT Dept of Health is concerned that folks walk, drive or bike safely as the days become shorter. Free reflectors and safety tips will be distributed.

A reminder that there will be a Select Board meeting at 6 PM on Mon, 10/6.
Don’t forget these other upcoming FML programs. Discussion with Sasha Hom on Thurs 10/9 at 10:30 AM regarding her book, Sidework, On Friday, 10/10 at 1 PM join the Senior Planet program to learn more about AI and Chat GPT.

On Sunday, 10/12 from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Ludlow Mini Park, come out to support the Black River Academy Museum that I understand is in dire need of funds for some much-needed and substantial structural repairs. Breakfast and lunch will be served or buy something at the Bake Sale.
Black River Good Neighbor Services will be sponsoring a Grief Support Group at FLM on the second Monday of each month. This will be a safe space for individuals to share their experiences, find comfort and learn coping strategies after a loss. For more information, all BRGNS at 802-228-3663

9/28/25

Flowers, trees and gardens seem to be uttering a sigh of relief with the rain this week. Before its arrival, work was being done in the brook running along Dublin Rd that has caused horrendous damage to the houses and the Echo Lake Inn during Irene and the 2023 flood. Hopefully that will help to mitigate future issues.

There is a drain going into my basement that gets clogged at times. When I notice the water rising there, I lift the drain cover so it does not come into my house. I did so last week, then on Saturday I decided that I needed to clean it out & replace the cover so I don’t twist an ankle if I use that door. As I was cleaning out the muck around the edge, I peered into hole and there was my huge toad! He disappeared from view and I proceeded with my clean-out, but wondered if I should replace the cover. I did for a time as I brought items out that door, but when I finished, I set the cover ajar to give him an escape hatch in case he needed it…

A reminder about programs being held this week at Fletcher Memorial Library. On Mon, 9/29 at 5:30 PM is “Be Ready Before Disaster Strikes!” Then on Tues, 9/30, is the 6 PM meeting about changes to the Current Use Forest Standards.

Don’t forget the happenings at the Fall Festival at the Historic Site on Sat, 10/4. Think apples!

“Friends” of Fletcher Memorial Library are excited about meeting with author Sasha Hom on Thurs 10/9 at 10:30 AM as she leads our book discussion of Sidework, a lyric, page-turning novella about a homeless Korean adoptee and mother of four. Sasha Hon lives off-grid on a 600- acre land co-op amid 5,800 acres of conserved land situated within Vermont.

I admit to being a bit intimidated by AI, so I am looking forward the FLM session that is being sponsoredjointly with Black River Good Neighbor Services called SENIOR PLANET on Friday, 10/10 at 1 PM. With support from Godnick Adult Center & Vermont Community Foundation come learn more about Chat GPT, too.

Another fun event will take place on Sunday, 10/12 from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Ludlow Mini Park, corner of Main & Depot Streets in Ludlow. This is the Black River Academy Museum’s (think Calvin Coolidge) Annual Fall Festival fundraiser where they will be serving delicious food for breakfast and lunch, plus lots of goodies at the Bake Sale.

9/22/25

Leaves are falling quickly – showers of them at times. Driving various places, such as the Tyson/Reading Rd, there are some lovely bright leaves, but the draught seems to have drained the color is many places. Rain is expected this week.

Last week five Tyson residents gathered on the Echo Lake Inn porch for a wonderful dinner.  Although there are weddings taking place most weekends, they are open with the locals menu Tues – Thurs if they have reservations.  Call 602-228-8062 to make one.  They will serve dinner on Sunday 10/12 but will close for a break after 10/16, opening the Wed before Thanksgiving.

On 9/11 I was pleased to be able to attend the Memory Cafe sponsored by Black River Good Neighbor Services at the United Church in Ludlow. The caregivers meet upstairs to share experiences and receive support, while those with dementia gather in the social hall, have snacks and enjoy supervised time with music and a special pet dog. It is a very comfortable and caring environment that takes place the 2^ndThursday and 4^th Monday of each month.  For more information call 502-228-3663.

For youngsters K – 6^th grade, consider CRAFTY TUESDAY at Fletcher Memorial Library on 9/23 from 3:30 – 4:30. This week make cool magnets, keychains or pendants with shrinking plastic.

A reminder about the fundraiser Bethany Birches Auction on 9/27. So much fun even if you are not interested in bidding. Come enjoy breakfast, browsing the crafts, then stay for lunch! The timetable of events and on-line bidding are available on the website.

Please note that the Fall Festival at the Coolidge Homestead will take place from 10 AM – 4 PM on Saturday, 10/4. Come enjoy wagon rides with Farmer Fred, plus heritage apple tasting, and cider pressing demonstrations. Attend Michele Pagan’s program about 19th century schoolgirl samplers and the socioeconomic clues about each sampler’s creator. Bring your appetite to the Plymouth Fire Department Chicken BBQ – good food and a fund-raiser, too. Plymouth residents receive free admission if they show a driver’s license that demonstrates Plymouth residency. This would provide free admission for immediate family members (i.e. children, parents, spouses) but does not include admission for other guests.

9/14/25

Writing on Sunday evening when the dark clouds did not deliver any rain. Mid-afternoon there were a few drops on my windshield, but it was just a tease. While watering my pepper plants a toad appeared, apparently wanting to be sprayed. The weather forecast keeps pushing rain far into the future. Burning seems out of the question these days.

I attended the 9/8 Select Board meeting, then the public meeting to review and approve the pre-grant application for $250,000 for further study of Money Brook. Folks might want to watch the recorded account or at least look at the minutes on the website. At this point, the town is not committed to putting forth any funding since this is only a study.

I have exciting news about the opening of Jen’s Kitchen immediately to left of the former Tyson Store on Rte 100. Work has been ongoing on the adorable little shack with tables outside. I stopped and met Jen and Robin and even sampled some delicious pea soup. In additions to burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches and salads, Jen is making use of her Italian heritage with offerings such as baked ziti, meatballs, and mac and cheese. The plan is to be open daily from 11:30 to 3:30, although they hope to remain open later on Fridays.

The much anticipated annual Bethany Birches Camp Auction will be taking place on Sat, 9/27. You can find all the details on-line, but the fun includes absentee bidding (closes Fri, 9/26), breakfast at 9 AM, including a preview, then at 10 the live auction begins! Children’s activities by staff will be available. At the conclusion of the auction, lunch will be provided by Granite Air Center and Jesse’s BBQ. The funds that are raised make assistance available for campers so all can attend. In addition to the auction items, there are craft items to purchase. You can also enjoy time afterward to enjoy this beautiful space and chat with your friends.

Nobody wants to contemplate another flood disaster or even a severe snow storm in our area, but this program at Fletcher Memorial Library called, Be Ready Before Disaster Strikes! seems prudent. The Upper Valley Medical Reserve Corps will be at FML on Monday, 9/29 at 5:30 pm for a free Personal Preparedness Planning presentation. Learn how to: ✔ Build a go-bag for your household (pets included!)
✔ Create evacuation and shelter-in-place plans
✔ Stay connected with loved ones during an emergency
✔ Access tools and resources like VT-ALERT & CARE

On 9/30, 2025 from 6 – 8pm at FLM there will be a discussion regarding the changes to the Current Use Forest Standards for landowners in the program. It will focus on discussing the standards, how and why they are changing, what it means for landowners, and will also provide opportunities for input, questions and answers. Registration for this program is required. Interested participants can register via email- keith.thompson@vermont.gov.

Although the Echo Lake Inn is usually busy with weddings on most weekends, don’t forget the mid-weeks specials Tues – Thurs. They will, however, be open for dinner on Sunday 10/12, also offering dinners Tues – Thurs that week before taking a much needed break. The plan is to re-open again the Wed before Thanksgiving.