Welcome to The Plymouth Press Online

Vermont launches Clean Up Day, a flood recovery volunteer effort

The flood waters have receded, and, for most of us, life in the Woodstock area is starting to feel almost normal again. However, there are many individuals and families in our community who continue to face significant financial challenges because of flood-related losses and damage and lost income due to persistent business closures. 

If you have already given to The HUB’s 2023 Flood Response, thank you! The HUB and its community partners have already begun helping more than 70 individuals and families from  Barnard, Bridgewater, Killington, Plymouth, Reading, and Woodstock who were hit hard by the July flood. 

If you have not yet made your gift or are able to give again, we still really need your support! The amount The HUB is able to raise will determine how much help we can provide in the months to come. Gifts of any amount are truly appreciated; every gift will be put to good use. Learn more and give at https://woodstockcommunitytrust.org/the-hub/flood-2023-relief-fund.html

Thank you again for your generous spirit,

The HUB Leadership Team

Denise Lyons, Jill Davies, Marian Koetsier, Meg Seely

The HUB is a project of Woodstock Community Trust, a 501c3 non-profit organization. 

Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard

8/14/23

I was away this weekend at Lake George, but I understand from a neighbor that the skies are blue today, 8/14, and the rain that was received on Saturday night hopefully did not cause any additional damage. Here at Huletts Landing, the storm was pretty intense.  Heading home today.

My late phlox are blooming and that always makes me a bit melancholy because it means summer will be coming to a close. It doesn’t seem like we have had much of a summer with all the rain and so strange for VT to have such humidity, too. Maybe we will have a glorious autumn!

At the select board meeting last week, I learned about the phases of repair with FEMA. The emergency phase allows emergency vehicles to get to folks, so now we are onto the repair stage, which is most welcome. Caution was expressed again about traveling on roads that are marked closed, such as Kingdom Road in Tyson. It is rather dicey to travel on it, but more than that it causes disruption in the repairs, so the request is not to use it at this time.

At that same select board meeting in Rick Kaminski said that that the structural supports have been done on the town building end he still hopes the town office can be re-opened there by late October. The bond has been requested, per the previous town vote.

Don’t forget the important special town meeting on Tuesday 8/15 at 7 PM at the community center regarding short term rental policy. The initial provisions were approved by town vote, but later some revisions were proposed. A petition by several concerned voters has resulted in this new vote because they would like the original ordinance to stand.  You can check out the details on the plymouth town website. Please note that there are no absentee ballots, so you need to attend the meeting in order to have your vote count.

This seems to be a hot button issue in many surrounding towns, some of which are looking to Plymouth for guidance. Although there is no official count of the number of STRs in town, there is thought that it may be over 100.  Issues at hand center around parking, noise level, and waste water.

Although work is being done at our beloved Camp Plymouth State Park, it is looking doubtful that it will reopen this season. There is no official word yet according to Tiffany.  In the meantime, we send our best to the staff, as they continue their cleanup and restoration efforts!

Town of Plymouth, Vermont Select Board – Special Meeting

Wednesday, August 9, 2023 @ 11:00 AM Community Center Meeting Room

Agenda

1. Call to Order:
2. Discuss FEMA Process on Road Reimbursement:
3. Other Business:
4. Adjourn:

Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard

8/7/23

Well, we had some lovely weather recently, although Friday nights downpour was a bit much. Right now it is raining so gently and it would be lovely if that continued to be the case.

I had an enjoyable evening at the Calvin Coolidge gala last Thursday evening and was glad to be able to attend this special time for honoring our most famous citizen!

Road repairs continue and we owe a huge note of gratitude for the many people working so hard to undo the flood damage. I know there are many people still experiencing hardships and I just hope that everyone is availing themselves of offered services.

  The Select Board meeting is tonight, 8/7 with several topics of interest to discuss. Thanks to Angela for sending the agenda directly to Lauren to be posted on the Plymouth Press.  I sincerely hope that the posting of resource information has been helpful. I am aware that many people would like to hear about progress on the town building, so hopefully that will be reviewed.

I appreciate Lauren sharing the information below about the farmers market at the community center on Sundays. It is wonderful to have something local.  The Plymouth farmers market will be running next Sunday, but taking a break August 20, and then resuming for the last Sunday of August and the month of September before ending in early October. The market is held from 3-6pm at the Plymouth Community Center (35 School Drive) Recently, at the market, Fiddler’s Green Farm has fresh produce, beautiful flowers from Taylor Lynds garden, Olga Talavona’s amazing baked goods and Griffins blueberry lemonade make it a great place to shop! Blueberries from Sugar Hill Berry Farm are also at the Market and are delicious!

Town of Plymouth, Vermont
Select Board – Regular Meeting

Monday, August 7, 2023 @ 6:00 PM
Community Center Meeting Room

Agenda
Topic: Plymouth Select Board Meeting
Time: August 7, 2023 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82271085638?pwd=NlJNMWFxYVVkY0p3OTJINXF0ZHIydz09
Meeting ID: 822 7108 5638
Passcode: 910284
One tap mobile
+16469313860,,82271085638#,,,,910284# US +19294362866,,82271085638#,,,,910284# US (New York)
Dial by your location
+1 646 931 3860 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. July 17, 2023 Regular Meeting Minutes
   b. July 20, 2023 Emergency Meeting Minutes
   c. July 25, 2023 Special Meeting Minutes
4. Discussion on Private Roads and Culverts:
5. Discussion on Converting Private Road(s) to a Town Road(s):
6. Discussion and Possibly Approve Loan Term/Product for 3 Million Dollar Loan:
7. Review and Sign GIA Grant Agreement #GA0623:
8. FEMA Update(s):
9. Town Roads Update:
10. Plymouth Press Update by Margo Marrone:
11. Mail and Warrants:
12. Other Business:
13. Possible Executive Session:
14. Adjourn:

https://vtdigger.org/2023/07/31/cleaning-assistance-available-for-flood-damaged-homes/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=VTDigger Subscribers and Donors&utm_campaign=391f701a1e-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2023_08_01_12_58&utm_term=0_-391f701a1e-[LIST_EMAIL_ID]

https://vtdigger.org/2023/07/31/efficiency-vermont-to-provide-grants-to-renters-and-homeowners-impacted-by-flooding/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=VTDigger Subscribers and Donors&utm_campaign=391f701a1e-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2023_08_01_12_58&utm_term=0_-391f701a1e-[LIST_EMAIL_ID]

Don’t forget the Plymouth Fire Dept  chicken BBQ on Saturday, 8/5/23

The President Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site has reopened following this month’s floods in Vermont. We look forward to welcoming you to the Notch for the Coolidge Centennial celebrations!

Wednesday, August 2, 2023

10:00 AM – 5:00 PM ~ Tour the Historic Site

Explore the buildings and grounds of the President Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site, often called the “Best Preserved Presidential Birthplace in America.”

4:00 PM ~ Coolidge Foundation Annual Meeting, Union Christian Church

Coolidge Foundation members are invited to join chairman Amity Shlaes and president Matthew Denhart at the 2023 Annual Meeting to learn how the Coolidge Foundation is sharing President Coolidge’s legacy and values with Americans across the country. Musical performances and declamations by Coolidge Scholars will enliven the hour. The Annual Meeting will be held in Plymouth’s Union Christian Church: 43 Messer Hill Road, Plymouth, Vermont. The Annual Meeting is open to all current members. You can renew your membership online, here.

5:00 PM ~ Grace Coolidge Remembers, Coolidge Homestead

Mev McCurdy performs as Grace Coolidge

6:30 PM ~ 100th Anniversary Gala, Under the Big Tent

Join Coolidge friends from far and wide for a once-in-a-century gala celebration. Cocktails begin at 6:30 PM, followed by dinner at 7:30 PM. Vermont’s own Governor Jim Douglas will emcee as we toast President Coolidge and all those who work to keep his legacy and values alive. (Tickets for the gala are sold out)

Late Evening ~ Coolidge Readings, Union Christian Church

Come to the Union Christian Church for a late-night group reading of the entire Autobiography of Calvin Coolidge. Sign-up in advance to lead the reading of a section, or simply join us in the church and we will assign you a section to read. This group reading will lead up to the Homestead Inauguration Reenactment at 2:47 AM. Click here to register.

Thursday, August 3, 2023

2:47 AM ~ Homestead Inauguration Reenactment, Coolidge Homestead

In the early morning of August 3, 1923, Calvin Coolidge was sworn in as the thirtieth president of the United States. Coolidge’s father, Col. John Coolidge, by his authority as a notary public, administered the oath of office to his son. This dramatic, yet profoundly humble, ceremony set the tone for the Coolidge presidency.

10:00 AM – 5:00 PM ~ Tour the Historic Site

Explore the buildings and grounds of the President Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site, often called the “Best Preserved Presidential Birthplace in America.”

11:00 AM ~ Official Naturalization Ceremony, Under the Tent

American citizenship is a high estate. He who holds it is the peer of kings.

— Calvin Coolidge, 1924

Immigrants living in Vermont will take the Oath of Allegiance and become official U.S. citizens in a naturalization ceremony hosted by the Coolidge Foundation and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Join us at this moving one-hour outdoor ceremony and help congratulate the new Americans. A reception with light refreshments will follow. A naturalization provides the ideal opportunity for school age children and young adults to observe what it means to choose to be an American.

Lunch ~ Pack a Picnic to Enjoy at the Notch

Food options for purchase are very limited at the Notch. Therefore, we advise you plan to pack a picnic to enjoy with family and friends on the grounds of the Historic Site.

2:00 PM ~ Coolidge Centennial Ceremony

Please join us for a public ceremony marking the centennial anniversary of the Coolidge presidency. The ceremony will take place in front of the Coolidge Homestead in Plymouth Notch, and will conclude with a reenactment of the 1923 inauguration.

2:47 PM ~ Homestead Inauguration Reenactment (Reprise), Coolidge Homestead

Join us for a reprise of the Homestead Inauguration Reenactment, held in the afternoon for those unable to join the earlier overnight rendition.

4:00 PM ~ Special Presentation: Coolidge and the 1923 Tokyo Earthquake, Church

One of Coolidge’s first challenges as president came in September 1923 when the Great Kanto Earthquake struck Japan, killing thousands and devastating the country. The response of President Coolidge and the American people is still remembered in Japan today. Join us to learn more as Gov. Jim Douglas interviews Professor Yuichi Ono of Japan’s Tohoku University.

6:00 PM ~ Theatrical Premiere of Coolidge: Rediscovering an American President

Join us at the Woodstock Town Hall Theatre for Vermont’s theatrical premiere of the new Coolidge film. Hosted by Pentangle Arts. Address: 31 The Green, Woodstock, VT, 05091.

Friday, August 4, 2023

10:00 AM – 5:00 PM ~ Tour the Historic Site

Explore the buildings and grounds of the President Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site, often called the “Best Preserved Presidential Birthplace in America.”

Saturday, August 5, 2023

10:00 AM – 5:00 PM ~ Tour the Historic Site

Explore the buildings and grounds of the President Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site, often called the “Best Preserved Presidential Birthplace in America.”

11:30 AM — President Warren G. Harding Memorial Service, Union Christian Church

A memorial service for President Harding was held in Plymouth in the days following the  sudden passing of America’s twenty-ninth president. Step back in time and join us for a period recreation with hymns and readings.

2:47 PM ~Homestead Inauguration Reenactment (Reprise), Coolidge Homestead

Join us for a reprise of the Homestead Inauguration Reenactment, held on Saturday afternoon for those unable to join the August 3 celebration.

Questions? Please contact Colleen Stamos at cstamos@coolidgefoundation.org. 

MARC (Multi-Agency Resource Center) will be coming back to the Ludlow Community Center this week.  They will be there from Wednesday, August 2 – Friday, August 4 from 9 am to 5 pm.  This includes, FEMA, Red Cross, Economic Services, SBA as well as other agencies.  If you have not been in to see them, please stop in.

Ludlow Community Center hours this final week will be as follows:
Tuesday 10-6
Thursday 10-6
Saturday 10-6

There is an abundance of hand sanitizer as well as alcohol wipes. Stop in and grab a few boxes.