Welcome to The Plymouth Press Online

Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard

9/24/23

Well, we are officially into the autumn season and still no frost. I did bring in the remaining tomatoes and have started fall cleanup in my yard. I notice the several others are doing the same. I haven’t observed much color yet, although there are fallen leaves in my driveway. Those coming to VT to see the foliage will need to be careful since several roads have not been fully repaired yet.

I gleaned this information from the minutes of the 9/18/23 Select Board meeting. Chloe’s Market, site of the former Plymouth Store and owned by Rick Martin will hopefully open 10/3 with Hannah Davidson as Store Manager. She mentioned that the store is still looking for help. Their planned hours of operation will be Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday 7:30 am to 5:30 pm. Friday and Saturday open until 7:30 pm and closed on Mondays. The gas pumps would be available during business hours.

Congratulations to Ben Lynds and Gabrielle Hilder who were married at their home on Saturday 9/23! I admit that I am not consistent with birthday acknowledgements, but I did notice that best wishes should go out to Steve Moyer on 10/18 and Robert Buchan on 10/25. Mark your calendars for the Fall Festival at the Coolidge Historic site on 10/7. Details to follow!

Don’t forget The Bethany Birches Camp auction that will take place this coming Sat, 10/30. This is the 20th year of the benefit auction that helps to provide funding for the amazing activities at both summer and winter camps and a few other events in-between. There will be luscious food to enjoy as you preview the items in this lovely setting, but if you cannot be there in person, you can still support the effort by bidding on-line. This is an opportunity to mingle with friends and others who are like-minded about providing wholesome experiences for campers.

The following is a message from Brandon “Tuna” Bergey, Executive Director of Bethany Birches

Good morning dear friends.

The leaves are changing, the air is cool in the evening, and campers are into their school year. That means it’s time for the annual benefit auction! I want to give you a couple updates about the auction this year.

Challenge Match: a generous, and faithful supporter has offered to increase her challenge match for the kids to camp fund to $15,000 this year. See the details and help us collect all of the challenge dollars here: https://event.auctria.com/603d0ad2-ca20-4335-be8c-0c0041be1975/6f883eb0787811eaa1612dbaed5276f0

Online: this is for you if you know you can’t make the auction (which is sad and we will miss you). There are two ways to participate.

This weekend, we opened the online auction and it will be live until Friday evening. Check it out here:

You can pick up a kayak, ski tickets, week of camp, Kitchen Aid mixer, quit, etc.
The live items are available to you as well, through our “absentee bid” process. View the live items list here and fill out the absentee bid form here:

Fun, Food, and Community: as always, there will be delicious food at no cost to you, thanks to our sponsors Gallagher Flynn and Jesse’s BBQ. There will be lovely people to spend the day with, fun times for any kiddos you bring along with you, and one of the best auctioneers on the East Coast who will do his best to make fun of anyone he can.

For the sake of helping young people develop their relationship with God, I hope to see you this Saturday!

Brandon “Tuna” Bergey
Executive Director

Do you own land in Vermont? Does it need any clearing, or other work? A long time camp supporter (Gerry Hawkes) has donated a day of time with all the resources of Forest Savers. Trees, invasive brush, trail building… if it has to do with the earth’s surface, he is almost certainly able to tackle your project.

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 22, 2023

TRAFFIC IMPACT: Construction will occur Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. During paving operations in the middle of next week, one-way alternating traffic will be managed by flaggers. The road will be open to two-way traffic outside of this work.

CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES: This week, the contractor, Belden Construction, installed guardrail, placed driveway gravel, and placed seeds and mulch on slopes. Clean-up and restoration of staging areas and demobilization of equipment also occurred towards the end of the week. Next week, wearing course paving will take place, followed by centerline and edge line painting (weather permitting). Tree and shrub planting by the culvert outlet will also be planted next week. This will complete the project.

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

PROJECTED COMPLETION: September, 2023

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

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