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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.

9/8/25

Another lovely sunny morning in the 40s at my house. I admit to being somewhat horrified at the sudden change of color, foretelling the approach of winter. I am not ready! We certainly did not receive the much-needed rain that was supposed to come our way. This draught is upsetting and also a fire hazard. There is absolutely no water flowing under my driveway and I know folks who have run out of water.

Little bear, my nickname for him, is ambling up and down my driveway daily. I am still discouraging his forays into my yard. I imagine next year he will not be so little or cute! I refilled my hummingbird feeder on Sunday, but alas, I think they may have departed. I will leave it up a bit longer in case others traveling south need a hit on their way through.

The Select Board meeting should be quite interesting. Check out the agenda on the website.

After such busy Labor Day weekend, this one was a bit more laidback. The Community Picnic at Bethany Mennonite Church took place outdoors since the rain stopped and the sun appeared. A couple of campers from Coolidge State Park joined us. I hope that people are aware that Camp Plymouth State Park on Echo Lake will remain open through 9/28 with the concession for snacks and boat rentals available.

Thanks to Betty Stear and Kathy Kaminski for their hard work reorganizing Tyson Library. It is now a comfortable place to read and peruse the book selection. The season is nearly over, but some volunteers have opened a day here or there.

There are still many activities taking place at Fletcher Memorial Library, where Plymouth residents are most welcome. The next Book Club will be Monday, 9/15 at 6 PM. You are encouraged to come discuss any book that you have enjoyed and would recommend to others. For those ages 5 and younger, come to story time on Weds from 10:30 to 11:15 (9/10-11/19)

Plymouth Bridge Work
Vermont Route 100A

Construction Update:
As of Friday, September 6th, guardrails, bridge rails, waterproofing membrane, and final pavement have been installed. Cold River Bridges is continuing to place shoulder material and perform cleanup work into early next week. Asphalt plug joints are scheduled for Monday, September 8th, followed by final line striping later that week. These steps will largely complete the project, with any remaining minor work scheduled for later in September and October.

Traffic Impacts:
Daily lane closures will continue at Bridge #9 on VT 100A next week for plug joint installation and line striping. Traffic will be controlled by a temporary signal, and two-way traffic will be restored outside working hours. Drivers should proceed with caution, as workers may be near the roadway.
DATE: September 5, 2025
Bridge 9 Fact Sheet

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Contact Information
Leah Beckett
Public Information Consultant
802-489-6593 | leah.f.beckett@imegcorp.com
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9/1/25

What a delightful weekend with many visitors to our area. Since today is still part of the Holiday weekend, it seems that many people are enjoying one more lovely day here. Still quite dry, so I spoke with Jim Allen, our fire warden, who indicated that he is not issuing burn permits at the moment.

An update on my snake visitor. I had left the basement door ajar for many hours following our encounter, hoping he would find his way out. Alas, the next time I did laundry, he was curled up in front of the door. Since he was so slender, I was able to open the door over him and flip the mat to cast him out. He actually tried to come back inside! I did notice an orange ring near his head. Apparently he is a harmless ring-necked snake.

We had a stimulating conversation about Leaving Coy’s Hill at our Book Group meeting on Wednesday evening – five of us in my dining room and one participant on the zoom. We had barely started when someone noticed the bear sauntering down my driveway, so we all went to the window to observe him. My driveway happens to be a bear corridor, so it is not unusual. I don’t feel the need to chase him unless he wanders into my yard.

We discussed several books and chose the following for the next three months selections:

September 24 – The Queens of Crime by Marie Benedict
October 22 – Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon
December 3 – The Wealth of Shadows by Graham Moore

In my opinion, the Shakespeare Alive performance was the best yet and I have been attending for many years! At one time I would take the picture of the actors outside Union Christian church with my iPad to send to the VT Standard. This year Rick Russel photographed inside and out, so I will be anxious to see his pictures.

I attended the Sunday Folk and Blues concert and was amazed at the number of people and furry companions in attendance. Many seemed to be from afar. Woody Guthrie’s grandson, Krishna sang This Land is Your Land and we all sang along.

I did want to mention that Bethany Mennonite Church will be having the Annual Community Picnic on Sunday, 9/7. Feel free to join us for the morning service at 10:45 that will include a labyrinth walk and communion. If you prefer, just come at 11:30 for lunch, games and fellowship.