Welcome to The Plymouth Press Online

6/20/23

Well, I just returned from a week in ME and we had some of the same dreary weather as down here. This week looks good, however, especially tomorrow (6/21) for the Annual Strawberry Festival. I was part of the Tyson Ladies Aid group cutting up strawberries this evening and they were big and juicy! I hope that many of you will join the festivities from 5 – 7:30 at Camp Plymouth State Park – fun for the whole family, plus free admission to our lovely park during those hours.

BBQ hot dogs and burgers cooked by Emergency Service, a variety of salads, and luscious strawberry shortcake with ice cream by Tyson Ladies Aid. Music throughout the evening by Adam Boyce and Sue Hunt, plus children’s activities. Tyson Church will run a 50/50 raffle. What a wonderful way to spend a summer evening that also provides funds for emergency services, scholarships, and other community needs. In addition, you are able to chat with neighbors and friends. How perfect!

Please note that the bear population seems to be quite robust around our area this year. They seem to be constantly roaming about my yard and others have reported the same. The picture below shows the rear end of a bear contemplating jumping off Bob and Kathy Lynds’ deck.

News release from the Notch.  On the Fourth of July, Celebrate the Births of our Great Nation and our 30th President. Calvin Coolidge is the only U.S. President to be born on Independence Day. This year, to commemorate July 4th, the President Calvin Coolidge Coolidge State Historic Site in Plymouth Notch will host a day of festivities and events for the public from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.  

Start the day in the Union Christian Church at 9:00 a.m. for a reading of the Declaration of Independence with the Coolidge Foundation. At 11:30 the Coolidge Family will judge the “Grace Coolidge’s Icebox Cookie Baking Competition” on the porch of the Cilley General Store. The National Guard will kick off a parade to the cemetery for the laying of a wreath at the President’s Grave at 12:00 p.m. Immediately following, enjoy a slice of President Coolidge’s birthday cake, wave an American flag, and listen to an old-time string band. In the afternoon explore the historic village, see cheesemaking in John Coolidge’s 1890 factory by Plymouth Artisan Cheese, and watch The Coolidge Cup, a national invitational speech and debate tournament sponsored by the Calvin Coolidge Presidential Foundation. The public and media are welcome. 

New to this year’s July 4th festivities is the Icebox Cookie Baking Competition. Members of the public are invited to bake and bring a dozen cookies using First Lady Grace Coolidge’s cookie recipe to be tasted and judged by members of the Coolidge family.  

“On his birthday, Calvin Coolidge enjoyed homemade treats lovingly baked by his mother Victoria, a childhood housekeeper, and later First Lady Grace. What better way to honor Coolidge’s birthday today, 151 years later, than with a recipe that was familiar to him?,” says Rejoice Scherry, site administrator. 

Visitors to the President Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site can explore the new exhibit, “Coolidge’s Contemporaries: The Ascension of Early 20th Century World Leaders.” This special exhibit compares President Coolidge’s unorthodox but humble oath of office to the ascension ceremonies of other influential leaders from across the globe. For more information on the State Historic Sites and events visit their website. 

Town of Plymouth, Vermont Select Board –

Regular Meeting Monday, June 19, 2023 @ 6:00 PM Community Center Meeting Room Agenda

Topic: Plymouth Select Board Meeting

Time: June 19, 2023 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

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1. Call to Order and Introduction of Those Present:
2. Consideration of Any Changes, Additions or Removals to Agenda:
3. Approve Meeting Minutes:
   a. May 15, 2023 Regular Meeting
4. Review and Possibly Approve Policy Changes:
   a. Cash Receipts & Returned Check Policy
   b. Reserve Fund Balance Policy
   c. Facility Use Policy
5. Review and Approve NEMRC Bulk Time Purchase Agreement:
6. Discussion on Traffic Ordinance:
7. Discussion on Phone System:
8. Highway Department Report:
9. Short-Term Rental Discussion, if People Have Questions:
10. Mail and Warrants:
11. Other Business:
12. Possible Executive Session:
13. Adjourn:

Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard

6/12/23

Strange weather these days. I have been at baseball games when the sky has suddenly opened up and drenched us! After my grandson Owen’s 6th grade graduation in Ludlow on Friday, the ride around town on the fire truck started out dry, but became soggy at the end. It still seems like my garden is a bit dry, however.

It wasn’t too long after I arrived home the other evening, when I noticed that the motion light on the garage had come on again. I imagine it is the same bear that has been nosing around my yard. He started up the deck to my back door, but scampered away when I opened the inside door. I had hoped to take his picture.

According to Tiffany at Camp Plymouth State Park, attendance has been down, but hopefully it will pick up as school lets out & the weather cooperates. Tyson Library is open most mornings from 10-noon. Free passes or reduced price ones are available there. I will try to obtain the exact places where they can be used.

There will be a Select Board meeting on 6/19 and I imagine that Angela will put out the agenda as soon as it is determined. Please note that effective 6/12 appointments will be needed to access land records from the town office. You may call 802-672-3655 or email clerk@plymouthvt.org to arrange a Monday or Thursday appointment.

I am out of the loop with our students these days. I do recognize Damon Rogers, Ursula and Fred DePaul’s grandson and Norah Harper, daughter of Beth and Cliff Harper. Congrats to all.

Some of these birthdays have passed, but best wishes in any case. Sue Poirier (6/4),
Theresa Steward (6/14), BetteAnne Sailer, and me (6/14) and Gwen Groff (6/25).

I just learned that this Sat, 6/10 and Sun, 6/11 are free admission days to VT State Parks for day use and state-owned historic sites.  Saturday is also Free Fishing day for both residents and non-residents, allowing fishing without a license.

President Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site Announces Its Summer Concert Series

Opening concert to feature piano students from Vermont and New Hampshire.

Plymouth, Vt. – The President Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site is hosting four free summer concerts as a part of the ever-popular Grace Coolidge Musicales series and the 18^th Annual Plymouth Folk and Blues Festival. Regional and internationally renowned musical acts will feature classical, folk, jazz, and blues music.

“We are kicking off our concerts by honoring First Lady Grace Coolidge’s passions for teaching and music by inviting piano students from the region to take the stage,” said Rejoice Scherry, Historic Sites Regional Administrator. “We hope to encourage blossoming talents by providing students with a unique opportunity to walk in the shoes of Rachmaninoff.” Grace Coolidge’s piano at the Coolidge Museum and Education Center was once famously played by the Russian virtuoso and will be featured in all the musicales. 

The President Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site concert dates for 2023 are:

• Sunday, June 18^th at 2:00 p.m, Grace Coolidge Musicale #1 featuring student musicians,
• Sunday, August 20^th at 2:00 p.m, Grace Coolidge Musicale #2 featuring Abby Charbeneau and Susan Cobb playing four-handed piano repertoire,
• Saturday, September 2^nd & Sunday, September 3^rd, Plymouth Folk and Blues Festival,
• Sunday, September 24^th at 2:00 p.m, Grace Coolidge Musical #3 featuring Elizabeth Borowsky, piano and Cecylia Barczyk, cello.

“We are excited to provide a variety of wonderful music programs that promise to entertain and inspire, whether you are a devoted classical or blues music fan or simply seeking an evening of fun for the whole family,” said Vermont State Historic Preservation Officer Laura V. Trieschmann. “Music is one of the many ways to explore our Vermont state historic sites, experiencing the music loved by Calvin and Grace Coolidge.”

The Grace Coolidge Musicales are free thanks to the support of the Alma Gibbs Donchian Foundation. The Plymouth Folk and Blues concert, organized by Jay Ottaway, is free and donations of food for the Vermont Food Bank are appreciated. ThePresident Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site is open Tuesday – Sunday through Oct. 22, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.  For more information on the Vermont State Historic Sites and the 2023 events schedule visit their website. 

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About the Division for Historic Preservation
The Vermont State Historic Sites are owned and operated by the Division for Historic Preservation, which is part of the Department of Housing and Community Development.  The Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) works to support vibrant and resilient communities, promote safe and affordable housing for all, protect the state’s historic resources, and improve the quality of life for Vermonters.

Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard

6/4/23

Well, the balmy days of last week have disappeared for the time-being, replaced this weekend by chilly and damp weather. The rain was needed, but layered clothing was necessary in order to be comfortable!

Please make note that the Town Office will be closed on 6/7 and 6/8, while the move to the Annex takes place.

The regular 6/5 Select Board meeting to discuss road name changes has been cancelled, but according to the website, there will be an informal gathering. The next regular SB meeting will be 6/19.

The Plymouth Farmers Market began for the season on 6/4 and will continue on Sundays, rain or shine from 3 – 6 PM until October. There is no vendor fee, so bring your goods and/or come to shop and socialize.  Contact Lauren at (802) 417-6895‬.

An interesting event will be taking place on 6/10 at 7 PM at Bethany Mennonite Church in Bridgewater, when John and Wendy Hiers will be showing pictures and talking about their trip to Antarctica.  Light snacks and time to chat will follow. All are welcome.

The annual Plymouth Strawberry Festival will take place at Camp Plymouth State Park on Wed, 6/21 from 5 – 7:30 PM. Admission to the park is free at that time. Plymouth Emergency Services will be serving up burgers and many community members will be preparing salads. Tyson Ladies Aid will dish up their famous strawberry shortcake. Wonderful that Adam Boyce and Sue Hunt will again be providing music. You can also participate in the Tyson Community Church 50/50 raffle. Plan to attend!

Plymouth Property transfers can be accessed on the Towns website, https://www.plymouthvt.org/

The Town of Plymouth has an opening for a Town employee in its Highway Department. This is a full-time, year-round position. Duties will include snow plowing, sanding and salting roads, road construction, maintenance and other related duties. Applicant must hold a valid VT CDL and have experience operating a dump truck with a plow and sander.

Competitive salary as well as a great Municipal Benefit Package to include health & dental insurance, retirement plan, paid holidays, and paid vacation. Overtime is required in the winter for storm events and compensation is 1.5 times the hourly rate.

Please submit a completed application to the Plymouth Town Clerk’s Office at 68 Town Office Road, Plymouth, Vermont 05056 or email clerk@plymouthvt.org. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. The Town of Plymouth is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard

5/26/23

Cold nights were still a threat to plants the week before Memorial weekend, but hopefully that is all behind us! Not much rain, yet reading outdoors can be perilous if you are like me and attract black flies by the clusters.

So, perhaps an indoor read could be on your agenda. The Fletcher Memorial Library Book Club will be gathering for a discussion of the Geraldine Brooks book Horse on 6/27 at 6:30 PM. Call 802-228-8921 for more details and to reserve a book.

On 5/24 our Plymouth Reading Group discussed Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus. The cast of characters generated much interesting conversation, as did the various twists and turns in the plot. The next read is Our Missing Hearts by Celeste Ng to be discussed on 6/28. We postponed our meeting to attend the Plymouth Strawberry, that is 6/21! Details to follow…

Mary O’Brien • Recycling Coordinator, Southern Windsor/Windham Counties Solid Waste Management District Board, Southern Windsor and Windham Counties notes that the local HHW Depot is open Tuesday and Thursday mornings through the end of September to dispose of bathroom cleaners, nail polish remover, paint, insecticides, chemical fertilizers, brake fluid, etc. Call her at 802-674-9235 for an appointment.  It is now very convenient since they unload your vehicle, then collect the $10 fee for up to 10 gallons of HHW (no charge for paint). Go to /www.vtsolidwastedistrict.org/ for a list of what is accepted

Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard

5/21/23

The rain on Saturday was much needed, making everything shimmer and very green on Sunday morning. Unfortunately the first wedding of the season was this weekend at the Echo Lake Inn. It looked like they had a lovely dinner on the front lawn on Friday evening, but needed to retreated to the tent for the Saturday events.

I am so happy to announce that Kyleigh Savery graduated from Castleton with a BS in Psychology last weekend. You can find her at Camp Plymouth State Park again this summer, but after that she will pursue becoming a “child life specialist”.

The Reading Group will be discussing Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus on Wednesday, 5/24. I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to hearing the opinions of others.

Many venues will be opening this coming holiday weekend. Both State parks in town and the Coolidge Historic Site will open on Friday, 5/26 while the Tyson Library will open for the season on Saturday, 5/27.

Please note that the Plymouth Cheese Factory is open from 11AM until 4 PM for the summer. Cheese will continue to be made on-site. The pop-up store at the Bridgewater mall will be opening for the holiday weekend.

We are fortunate not to have many fires in town, but last week a Frog City Road structure on the property of Michelle and Justus Pingree burned. Fortunately it was contained and did not consume their home. Many thanks to the several neighboring fire departments that responded to the mutual aid call.

Town of Plymouth, Vermont

Highway Department Position Available

The Town of Plymouth has an opening for a Town employee in its Highway Department.
This is a full-time, year-round position. Duties will include snow plowing, sanding and salting
roads, road construction, maintenance and other related duties. Applicant must hold a valid VT
CDL and have experience operating a dump truck with a plow and sander.

Competitive salary as well as a great Municipal Benefit Package to include health & dental
insurance, retirement plan, paid holidays, and paid vacation. Overtime is required in the winter
for storm events and compensation is 1.5 times the hourly rate.

Please submit a completed application to the Plymouth Town Clerk’s Office at 68 Town Office
Road, Plymouth, Vermont 05056 or email clerk@plymouthvt.org. Applications will be accepted
until the position is filled. The Town of Plymouth is an Equal Opportunity Employer.