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7/27/25

We finally received some much needed rain, although it did come on Saturday, so I imagine some weekend plans were impacted. My gardens seem to be smiling! Not sure whose garden it has been sampling, but I did notice a rotund woodchuck as it plodded across the road.I wanted to share the near catastrophe of a friend whose cat recently munched on some day lilies. This cat needed to spend several days at the vet being detoxified. So, I am including this information, hopefully to prevent others from enduring such a mishap. “Many common household and garden plants are toxic to cats. Lilies, including various types like Easter lilies and tiger lilies, are particularly dangerous, potentially causing kidney failure even from small exposures. Other toxic plants include sago palm, oleander, aloe, and kalanchoe, as well as certain types of philodendrons, azaleas, and chrysanthemums.”

The 102nd Inauguration Reenactment of President’s Calvin Coolidge’s homestead inauguration will take place on 8/2 at 2:47 PM on the porch of the homestead with Gov Jim Douglas on hand. Moxie floats will also be available. If you are interested in keeping up on town Administration news, the Select Meeting minutes are posted on the town website. The 7/7 minutes provide considerable good information. The next Plymouth book group will meet on Wednesday, July 30 at 6:30 PM to discuss. The Briar Club by Kate Quinn

Mary T. O’Brien, Recycling Coordinator for our area has asked that this information be circulated. For additional info you can reach her at 802-674-9235, mobrien@marcvt.org or http://www.vtsolidwastedistrict.org. The Southern Windsor/Windham Counties Solid Waste District’s household hazardous waste depot (HHW Depot) in Springfield, is open through September, Tuesday and Thursday mornings, by appointment. There is a fee of $10 per vehicle for up to ten gallons of HHW. Cash or check – no credit or debit cards. Bring in as much paint as you want – there is no charge for that since people who buy paint in Vermont pay a fee on each can which helps to pay for its recycling or proper disposal. We will remove the material from your car or truck, accept your money, and you can get on with your day.

Please note that the Friends of Fletcher Memorial Library are collecting gently used books for our Book Sale. Donations may be brought to FML during regular hours, Mon: 10 AM to 7 PM, Tues-Fri: 10 PM to-5PM and Sat: 10 AM to -1PM. Donations of items in good condition are appreciated.t Proceeds help to fund library services. Then come find some terrific buys at the pre-sale ($5 fee) on Friday, 8/15 from 4 – 7 or the regular sale on 8/16 from 10 AM to 3 PM

The Town Office has received a lot of calls and/or emails. The property tax bills will be mailed out today.

Thank you,

Clerk’s Office

7/21/25

If you like hot weather, it is here! The humidity/dew point has been high, but the wind has made it mostly bearable. My gardens are crying out for a lengthy gentle rain and I would add, preferably overnight. We are definitely fortunate to have so many lakes and other places for a cooling swim.

On Friday, 7/25 at 1 PM Vermont author Jo Knowles, writer of several middles grade novels as well as picture books, will be at Fletcher Memorial Library to share her experiences as an author and love of literacy. Participants will be able to choose 2 free books, too! Also, please remember that books in good condition are being collected at FML for the fundraiser book sale on 8/15 – 16

I just learned about a delightful activity taking place at Camp Plymouth State Park on Sunday, 7/27 starting at 8:30 AM. It is a fundraiser for the Okemo Mountain School to help provide scholarships for local student athletes and features bike rides of 9, 32 or 45 miles. The entrance fee of $65 (adult) and $35 (youth) includes day use of the park, lunch and a beverage. Register and learn more at OKEMOMOUNTAINSCHOOL.ORG. Of course, the park is a terrific place for everyone to enjoy picnicking, boating and swimming and is open from 10 AM until dusk.

Amid the turmoil of our times,, a number of people will become US citizens on Thursday, 7/31 at 11 AM at the Calvin Coolidge Presidential Museum right here in Plymouth. The oath will be administered by U.S. District Court judge Mary Kay Lanthier. Tami Bowen, Office Administrator & Executive Assistant sent me this announcement: Come help us honor President Coolidge’s commitment to the principle that “Divine Providence has not bestowed upon any race a monopoly of patriotism and character.” Please join us for a cookie and lemonade reception immediately following the ceremony, hosted by the Calvin Coolidge Presidential Foundation and the National Society of Colonial Dames of America in the State of Vermont.

Condolences to Randy’s family. Tyson, VT – Randall Lee Shimp, 73, passed away peacefully on June 26, 2025, at his home.Randy was born on January 19, 1952, in Lewistown, PA, a son of Robert R. and Elizabeth L. (Shenk) Shimp. He graduated from Mifflin County High School in 1969 and later attended Davis and Elkins College in Elkins, WV, where he met, Janet A. Bieling. They were married on October 14, 1973, in Centerville, PA. The couple settled in West Windsor, VT, where they started their family, later moving into the home he built in Tyson VT.

Randy worked in concrete starting in High School and later in construction management for many years, overseeing projects across Vermont, New Hampshire, Connecticut, and Utah. Most recently, he was employed by the Town of Cavendish in the Water Department, retiring in September of 2023.He was a proud member and past Worshipful Master of Black River Lafayette Lodge #85 F&AM in Ludlow, VT. In his younger years, Randy was an avid soccer player and skier. He spent over 15 years teaching skiing at Killington. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating, and most of all, tinkering, fixing, and building things—activities that brought him great joy. He was always up to tinker with his grandchildren and teach them his skills.

He is survived by his partner, Janet A. Shimp of Tyson; two daughters, Erin L. Shimp of Rutland and Jaclyn A. Olmstead (Richard G, III) of Ludlow; four grandchildren, Eliza R. Bridge, Richard G. Olmstead IV, Finnlee R. Olmstead, and Shannon L. Olmstead; four siblings, William Shimp, James Shimp, Betsy Olsen, and Barb Barton, all of Lewistown, PA; as well as many loving nieces and nephews. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends and all who knew him. A Masonic memorial service will be held Sunday, August 3rd, at his home.

7/14/25

Well, you may have noticed that I skipped writing last week. I was two and a half weeks without water despite the valiant efforts of several people and I thank them all for their amazing efforts! It was finally determined that the issue was the connection from my spring to the house. Neighbors and family provided wonderful overnight accommodations and water for my plants and me. So last Monday Valley Artisan began the work of drilling a well. A big thank you to my neighbor, Shawn for doing the digging! I now have a wonderful stream of water into my home.

Of course, life went on without me. You can watch the Select Board meeting of 7/7 on Okemo TV. Lots of folks were around for the Holiday weekend. The weather has been hot and humid, but with rain interspersed at times. Grateful that flooding did not occur here, but our hearts go out to those up north who suffered. I was amazed to see two baby fishers run across Dublin road right in front of my car. They were very dark and very fast!

The Friends of Fletcher Memorial library are collecting for the annual book sale, to be held on 8/15, from 4-7 PM and 8/16, from 10 AM – 3 PM. Donations in good condition may be brought to the back door of the library, but please no magazines, encyclopedias, or condensed books.

Don’t forget that many wonderful programs are available at FML including Tech Time with Matt from Sydscompufix on Saturday, 7/9 10:30 AM-12:30 PM, call to sign up, 802-228-8921 and bring your device, phone or computer to get the help you need. Also Healthy Living for Brain & Body will take place 7/21 with a discussion about how lifestyle choices impact the aging process. Learn about important research into diet, exercise, cognitive activity and social engagement. Come and develop a plan for healthy aging!

Right here at Coolidge Historic Site you can view the 1929 Phantom of the Opera silent film on Sat, 7/19 at 7 PM at the Wilder Barn. Some seating available, but consider bringing a chair and perhaps even picnicking on the grounds prior to the showing.