Welcome to The Plymouth Press Online

Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard

I have been away for a few days, but I believe there has been less humidity and cooler temps. Friends watered my tomato plants – thank you. It looks like Monday will be pretty much of a washout with over an inch of rain. Hope it does not undo any road repairs…

While I was gone, my blink noted a bear wandering around the house. Perhaps he was safe-guarding it for me. I don’t necessarily appreciate the gifts he is leaving in my driveway, however!  It appears that my hummingbirds have left for the season, but on occasion, I see one coming through finishing up the last bit of nectar, probably passing through from the north.

Please note that there is a Select Board meeting on Monday, 9/18. I will get back on the news look-out and have more to offer next week.

Town of Plymouth, Vermont Select Board – Regular Meeting Monday, September 18, 2023 @ 6:00 PM Community Center Meeting Room Agenda

Topic: Plymouth Select Board Meeting
Time: September 18, 2023 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
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1. Call Meeting to Order:
2. Consideration of Any Changes, Additions or Removals to Agenda:
3. Approve Meeting Minutes:
   a. August 21, 2023 Regular Meeting Minutes
4. Review and Possibly Approve Dog Ordinance:
5. Update from Elaine or Cherry on Spending for Storm Recovery:
6. Updates on Town Grants; Discuss Funds that are Available:
7. Deposit Account Update from Treasurer:
8. Review and Approve Liquor License:
   a. Chloe’s Market, LTD – Second Class License – 5543 VT Route 100
   b. Haystack Catering, LLC. – Request to Cater Permit – 401 Farm & Wilderness Road
9. Mail and Warrants:
10. Other Business:
11. Possible Executive Session:
12. Adjourn:

The Vermont Agency of Transportation (AOT) is using accelerated construction to replace Bridge No. 102 (and the failing culvert) on VT 100 in Tyson.

DATE: September 15, 2023

TRAFFIC IMPACT: Construction will occur Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. During guardrail operations early next week, one-way alternating traffic will be managed by flaggers. The road will be open to two-way traffic outside of working hours. Drivers should also look for construction vehicles entering the roadway. Please continue to travel with caution.

CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES: This week, the contractor, Belden Construction, continued backfilling at the wingwalls. They also placed crushed stone for the roadbed and conducted paving. Next week, guardrail installation will occur, followed by slope grading and interim site cleanup.
LOCATION: VT 100 in Tyson, 3.4 miles north of VT 103, before VT 100A.

PROJECTED COMPLETION: September, 2023

Project Fact Sheet
Did someone forward you this email? Join this list by emailing Hannah Brockhaus at the email address listed below (reference VT-100 Ludlow Emergency Culvert).
Contact Information
Hannah Brockhaus
Public Information Consultant
802-673-1264 | hbrockhaus@fhistudio.com

It’s too early to predict the path of Hurricane Lee and its potential impact on Vermont but it’s not too early to be prepared.

As always, we all should be prepared for the unexpected. 

How can we prepare:

    1) We should be in a position to be self-sufficient for 3 to 5 days.

            – Food (some non-perishable that don’t need refrigeration – don’t forget water)

            – Fuel for vehicles (as a general rule don’t let your tanks drop below a quarter of a tank)

            – Home heating fuels (sufficient to last 10 days, in case deliveries are delayed)

            – Generator (if you’re lucky enough to have one). Is it ready. Enough fuel for extended running.

            – Medications, can be difficult in planning but make sure all scripts are current and none are sitting at the pharmacy                 waiting to be picked up

            – Flashights and batteries 

    2) Have a plan

        – Can we safely shelter in place – if not, where are we going.

        – Make sure your neighbors and family know what your plan is if you need to evacuate. This should be done today (if             we needed to leave our home, we would head to…..). If the plan has to change, make every effort to let someone             know. 

        – Have a bag ready for evacuation – ideal pre-packed but at least have a list of what you need to grab to put one             together. Items to think about – clothes, medications, flashlights, energy bars, water and a first aid kit. Think about             blankets, gloves, hats, rain gear, boots (time of year changes the needs). 

The above is not an exhaustive list but maybe it can be a starting point to think about what is needed.

If you are requested to leave your home by emergency personnel, please take it seriously. Their recommendation is for your safety and for their safety. Rescuing people during an event is dangerous and may not even be possible. 

Al Poirier

Emergency Management Director, Plymouth

arpcolby@yahoo.com

802-236-5046

Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard

9/11/23

There is always a note of sadness on this day and it seems so amazing that this horrible day was 22 years ago. Healing is a long, slow process. As I am writing, the sun is still shining, but more rain is predicted. Leaves are starting to change color, but many seem to be falling to the ground. Incredibly, my phlox are still flourishing and the tomatoes are ripening.

Many people are still hard at work bringing back the roads and buildings after the flood. Hopefully improvements are part of the process. Thanks Tiffany for sending this amazing video to show what is happening at Camp Plymouth State Park – https://youtu.be/DBxCY7aZcQY?si=FHyjKANE4mirIm0r

The MUSIC ON THE MOUNTAIN concert/fundraiser for Sunday, September 17 at 2 PM will now be held on the Belmont Village Green – please note the change of venue. Come enjoy Carlos Ocasio and Frydaddy plus Jamie Ward and Jenny Porter.

Don’t forget the Bethany Birches fundraising auction, in person on 9/30. This event allows many youngsters to attend the camp who would otherwise not be able enjoy the wonderful programs, Please check out https://bethanybirches.org/benefit-auction to learn the details. Consider donating an item or craft. It is such a delightful event in a beautiful location, but you can bid on-line as well.

For those of you who have been wondering about the annual tag sale – it is happening! Per Lauren, the Plymouth Annual town-wide Tag Sale will be Sunday 10/8 from 9am-6pm at the Community Center. It is open to all Plymouth residents and those in adjoining communities. For more information contact Lauren Skaskiw-Harootunianat 802-417-6895 to sign up and learn more.

The HUB is here to help!

The HUB is committed to ensuring everyone in our community is safe and cared for.

If you’ve had a setback or change in circumstances that makes it difficult to pay your bills, and live in Barnard, Bridgewater, Killington, Plymouth, Pomfret, Reading, or Woodstock. We’re here to help!

Four Ways to Contact The HUB a Project of Woodstock Community Trust, a non profit 501c3 organization.

1. Online: Complete an Application at: https://apply.thehubneighbors.org/form
2. Phone: 802-457-7214
3. Email: apply@thehubneighbors.org
4. Pick up an Application: Outside the Ottauquechee Health Foundation office at Simmons House at 30 Pleasant Street, Woodstock.

The Vermont Agency of Transportation (AOT) is using accelerated construction to replace Bridge No. 102 (and the failing culvert) on VT 100 in Tyson. DATE: September 8, 2023

TRAFFIC IMPACT: During roadbed and paving operations next week (Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.), one-way alternating traffic will be managed by flaggers. The road will be open to two-way traffic outside of working hours. Please travel with caution.

CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES: This week, the contractor, Belden Construction, placed rapid-set concrete for closure pours between the main culvert and each wingwall. They also grouted gaps between the pre-cast culvert pieces and the lifting points. They have also begun placing riverbed material within the culvert and backfilling at the wingwalls. Next week, roadbed construction and roadway paving will occur, followed by placing stone fill on slopes outside the roadway, placing river stone above the culvert inlet and below the outlet.

LOCATION: VT 100 in Tyson, 3.4 miles north of VT 103, before VT 100A.

PROJECTED COMPLETION: September, 2023

Note: Some local roads are closed due to the July flooding. Please plan ahead.

Contact Information
Hannah Brockhaus
Public Information Consultant
802-673-1264 | hbrockhaus@fhistudio.com

Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard

9/4/23

Oops, I didn’t get my article into the VT Standard for the early deadline for this week.  Although hot and a bit humid, this recent sunny weather seems more like summer than July and August! The weekend seemed ideal for the events at the Notch. The Union Christian Church was full for the Shakespeare Alive production that was wonderful as usual.  Many visitors were meandering around learning about Calvin Coolidge and life in VT.  I was able to attend the Folk and Blues Festival (thanks Jay) on Sunday and that was well attended as well.

It seems that road conditions are very much in flux these days. Rte 100 was completely closed for 4 days last week in the area of the former Tyson Store. Several circumstances caused delays as the crane had some issues, then the crew found another bridge under the road that impeded progress. At this time, the road is open, but only the gravel base is in place. I have been told that delays may happen as work continues this week, but that at least one lane should remain open.

Per Tiffany, Camp Plymouth staff continue working on cleaning up and maintaining the grounds. Even weeks after the flood, picnic tables are still being found as the water visibility improves and some of the neighbors move their docks. Tiffany and Chris are working on some much-needed projects such as painting the concessions bathrooms, so hopefully those will be looking a lot better for visitors next season! (see pic)

According to Mary O’Brien • Recycling Coordinator, Southern Windsor/Windham Counties Solid Waste Management District Board, Southern Windsor and Windham Counties, the HHW Depot will only be open for one more month this year. So, now is the time to get rid of your hazardous waste by calling (802-674-9235) for an appt – $10 per vehicle allows you to bring ten gallons of HHW, with only $1 charge for an additional gallon.  The site will reopen again in May and you can visit http://www.vtsolidwastedistrict.org for more information. Paint up to 5 gallons per day also be brought to your local Aubuchon’s, Bibens, or Sherwin-Williams stores.

Farm And Wilderness Camp will hold an open house, including lunch on 9/23, from 10 AM to 3:30 PM For more information and to reserve your tickets for tours, hikes and farm activities visit https://go.farmandwilderness.org/fall-open-house-2023

Event Description: Roadwork – Updated
VT 100 is now OPEN between Ludlow and Plymouth, at Tyson village. Drivers are advised to take it slow due to gravel surface and narrow lanes. Signs for such are in place.

Start Time: Aug 29 2023, 6:00 AM
Anticipated End Time: Sept 1 2023, 5:00 PM

Area Notification: Windsor County

The Vermont Agency of Transportation (AOT) is using accelerated construction to replace Bridge No. 102 (and the failing culvert)on VT 100 in Tyson. DATE: August 31, 2023 TRAFFIC IMPACT: Bridge 102, along VT 100 in the vicinity of Tyson Store, is now expected to reopen Friday afternoon by 5 p.m. Over the holiday weekend, the roadway surface will consist of compacted, smooth crushed stone. Signage will be in place to warn drivers of the road surface. Lane closures will be in place next week during working hours (Tuesday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.), facilitated by flaggers. Please travel with caution.CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES: This week, the contractor, Belden Construction, installed the new bridge structure, including placement of pre-cast elements, forming closure pours on the wingwalls, and backfilling the culvert. Next week, roadway paving will occur, in addition to placement of stone fill on slopes outside the roadway, placing river stone inside the culvert, and other site clean-up. LOCATION: VT 100 in Tyson, 3.4 miles north of VT 103, before VT 100A. PROJECTED COMPLETION: September, 2023 Note: Some local roads are closed due to the July flooding. Please plan ahead.

Event Description: Roadwork Closure – Updated

UPDATE: VT-100 at the Ludlow-Plymouth townline will continue to be CLOSED for culvert replacement until the afternoon of Friday, Sept 1st. NO through traffic. Updates will follow upon reopening
Start Time Aug 29 2023, 6:00 AM
Anticipated End Time Sept 1 2023, 2:00 PM