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Plymouth Emergency Services Open House, Sat., May 13, 9 – 1 pm

See fire engines up close & personnel.  Check out the gear we use to put out wildland fires (yes, Plymouth did have one!).  See our ice water rescue equipment.  How much water is that fire truck spraying into the Black River?  Want to learn Hands Only CPR or how to Stop the Bleed? Talk with EMTs and Fire Fighters and maybe even sign up to join us!  Meet your neighbors who volunteer and share a hot dog with our great crew!  Hope to see you there! 

Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard

4/10/23

Although I still have snow in places, one section of daffodils is now exposed and they are pushing toward the sun. I find myself doing the same as spring struggles to take hold. Even though the sun has been shining, the cold breeze has at times been strong, requiring hats and coats. Renewal is taking place and hope flourishes!

I was finally having Easter brunch at my house again, post Covid. At least that was plan until my septic system decided to invade my basement bathroom. No need to describe the scene, but we gathered at another relative’s home after church instead. As I am writing, A1 is downstairs pumping away the muck.There are many wonderful people who graciously deal with life’s messes…

Here is a request from Program Director, Anna “Meatball” Martin from Bethany Birches Camp, looking for summer staff to join their team. Working at BBC provides a time for personal growth, skill development, and a deeply rooted sense of community. The following positions need filling: Media Coordinator, Cook, Boys Counselor, Office Assistant – all 18+ years of age. Assistant Counselors can be 17, however. Check out their website to learn more and find information about the various camp offerings – www.bethanybirches.org

I think everyone is anxious for our new Town Clerk, Angela Kissell, to come on board. She will start on 4/17. The hours for the Town Office continue to be 8 AM to 4 PM, Monday through Thursday.

Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard

4/2/23

Spring is here and a new month, but some days it still feels like winter. I have enjoyed some lovely, sun-filled days and Saturday there was actually a warm breeze. Sunday I was bundled up as I gazed out at the drifts of snow in my yard, yearning for the true emergence of springtime. My poor buried daffodils!

Here is warm-weather fun for which to look forward – the first Plymouth Farmers Market is scheduled for Sunday June 4th from 3-6pm at the Plymouth Community Center. Similar to last year, It is free to be a vendor. Both indoor and outside space is available so the event will be held rain or shine. Be creative and plan to be there from June-October.  Sign up to be a vendor bycontacting Lauren Skaskiw (802 417 6895).

Don’t forget the Select Board meeting this evening, Monday 4/3. With permission I will jump the gun and announce that the Board has appointed Angela Kissell to the position of Town Clerk! Although a Ludlow resident, she is known to many because she is a member of the Plymouth Fire Dept. Certainly Beth Lombard and Elaine Pauley have done a wonderful job of picking up the pieces in the interim, so I applaud them as well.

View from Margo’s Window

Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard

3/27/23

What a glorious sun-filled morning – there is even some melting taking place! I see a few snow flurries in the forecast for later, but hopefully they will not amount to much. I imagine we are all ready for spring…

At last week’s reading group meeting, we chose books with tentative dates for the next several month. We are all excited to read Charles F by our own Cassie Horner, that will be discussed on 4/19. We encourage new members, so consider joining us.

5/24, Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

6/21, Our Missing Hearts by Celeste Ng

7/19, The Spectacular by Fiona Davis

I recently spent a couple of days visiting Angela Miccio who previously had her Bed and Breakfast across of the Plymouth School. She helped with the Plymouth Press when it was in print version and has many fond memories of her years in town.

We have recently lost two former residents. Peggy Janney, who passed away on 3/10/23, had a home at Hawk and was a lively fixture around town. She was very much a people person, assisting anyone who needed a helping hand. There will be a service of remembrance in the spring.

Ellsworth Tatro, fondly known as “Tate” passed away last week. He was a gregarious and cheerful fellow, who always had interesting stories to tell. Consistently a hard worker, he was part of the Town Road Crew for a number of years. Per his wish, no services are planned.

6 pm – Call the meeting to order and introduction of those present.

Changes to the agenda

School Board discussion

Sheriff contract

Town employee handbook approval

Town Clerk appointment

Final approval of reserves for building project

CAI Tech go or no go

Mail and Warrants

Adjourn

Jay Kullman is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Plymouth Selectboard
Time: Apr 3, 2023 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
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The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department has begun to receive reports of bears coming out of their dens as the weather warms. Now is the time to take these proactive steps to help prevent bears from looking for food in your yards and neighborhoods:

Take down your birdfeeder. Between late March and December, birdfeeders should not be used. You can attract birds by planting bird-friendly native plants instead. Check out Audubon’s Native Plants for Birds Program: https://www.audubon.org/native-plants

Make your garbage inaccessible. Store garbage in a secure structure and a bear proof container. Learn how to make your garbage can bear proof here: https://vtfishandwildlife.com/sites/fishandwildlife/files/documents/Learn%20More/Living%20with%20Wildlife/Living%20with%20Bears/bear-resistant-retrofit-polycart.pdf

Dispose of garbage frequently. If you have pick-up services, wait until the morning to put your garbage out.

Demand bear proof dumpsters for your community. Your garbage hauler should be able to provide these.

Follow steps for composting in bear country. Compost needs to be 3 parts brown materials to 1 part kitchen scraps, turned frequently, and kept in a sturdy tumbler or bin: https://vtfishandwildlife.com/node/260

Use electric fencing to keep chickens and bees safe. Fences need to be 4,000-6,000 volts, tested regularly and baited: https://vtfishandwildlife.com/node/1996

Clean your grill after every use. For added effectiveness, keep your grill in a secure outbuilding between uses after cleaning.

Make bears feel uncomfortable in your yard. Yell, bang pots and pans, or use other noise devices from inside your home. Never shoot a bear to scare it. Even BBs can seriously injure bears.

Please report your bear encounters to Vermont Fish & Wildlife. These reports allow us to help you prevent future bear incidents. They also give us information to help all Vermonters better coexist with bears: https://anrweb.vt.gov/FWD/FW/WildlifeBearReport.aspx

Following these steps can save bears’ lives, and help protect you, your neighbors, and your property. Please do your part to be a good neighbor and help keep Vermont’s bears wild! If you have questions, contact the Vermont Fish and Wildlife department at 802-828-1000, or fwinformation@vermont.gov.

Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard

3/20/23

Writing on Monday morning and the sun is shining brightly. The heavy snow of last week seems to be compressing, but there is still plenty of it around! Plowing has not been easy since the ground underneath is soft. Is spring really almost here?

The Select Board schedule is off this month, so the meeting will be tonight, 3/20. I understand that Daniels Construction will be starting the Stickney Bridge Project soon, weather permitting. I am told that will mean one way traffic across the bridge until July.

At the 3/13 SB meeting, it was noted that there may be other options for financing the Town Building renovations, including a possible grant that can help to defray cost. It was discussed that another property tax sale may be scheduled for this fall.

Discussion is taking place regarding the Short Term Rental regulations. There are differing opinions about these measures, but in essence they are a protection for neighboring properties, renters and those renting. Some of us are concerned about the waste water implications in particular.

The reading group will be meeting via Zoom on Wed evening at 6:30 to discuss Flying Solo by Linda Holmes. We will choosing the next several books to share, too.

February 20, 2023

• 6 pm – Call the meeting to order and introduction of those present.
• Changes to the agenda
• School Board discussion
• Fire Truck contract
• Sheriff contract
• Town employee handbook approval
• Town Clerk appointment
• Mail and Warrants
• Adjourn

Join Zoom Meeting

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 Meeting ID: 883 4713 8689

Passcode: 143124

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Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard

3/12/23

I am certainly ready for spring, but in the meantime, snowshoeing is keeping me & my friends occupied. Karen Evans & I trekked up the Vista Trail at Camp Plymouth State Park on Sunday and it was a perfect day for it! Others had packed down a trail, but it is still a bit challenging. Below are some pictures.

I was not able to attend Town Meeting but I understand that everything passed. As unlikely as it may seem, there were no questions on the budget!  I took this picture – seen on election day, but don’t worry, he didn’t vote!

Don’t forget the next Select Board meeting will be Mon, 3/13.  It appears there will be discussion of tax sales and an update on Town Clerk interviews.

Folks living near the Tyson Reading Rd experienced a power outage on 3/6. Thanks to Jan Schimp, here is a picture of the cause.

Taken from FPF:  High school students and parents, what’s next? Whether you’re college-bound, thinking of training or apprenticeships, or not sure, VSAC’s free event is for you. Attend in person at UVM or join via Zoom for live workshops and resources on March 18.

Selectboard Agenda

March 13, 2023

• 6 pm – Call the meeting to order and introduction of those present
• Changes to the agenda
• Approve the minutes from the last meeting
• School Board representation
• Tax Sale continuation
• Parcel Data from CAI
• Town Employee handbook approval
• Update clerk interviews – appointment
• Mail and Warrants
• Adjourn

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88347138689?pwd=dnRjQUlYT0lXR0k3SlYrVW9aNHNlUT09

 Meeting ID: 883 4713 8689

Passcode: 143124

One tap mobile

+13126266799,,88347138689#,,,,*143124# US (Chicago)

+19292056099,,88347138689#,,,,*143124# US (New York)

 Dial by your location

Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kdyuDWKca9