Welcome to The Plymouth Press Online

Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard

3/6/23

Such wondrous sunshine this AM sparkling off the new foot plus of snow! I would prefer dumps of snow in January and February, but we do not have a say in the matter. Snowshoeing twice last week was wonderful and I hope to get out again this week.

Many important issues to discuss and vote at tonight’s Town meeting. My hope is that the dialogue will be respectful and pertinent. Voting to fill town positions will be from 10 AM – 7 PM tomorrow at the Town building. 

Birthday congratulations to Taylor Lynds on 3/17 and Jean Fanciullo and Bob Lynds on 3/21.

Some great news from Lauren:  The Plymouth Schoolhouse licensed childcare is expanding their hours! Enrollment and program visits are happening now; to secure spots for Summer and year round childcare. The Summer program will have a mixed aged group of young and older children. Year round care will be geared more for infants, toddlers and preschoolers. People interested in learning more can contact Director Lauren Skaskiw at 802-417-6895. Space is limited, and enrolling early is strongly encouraged. The Plymouth Schoolhouse accepts families on subsidy.

Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard

2/26/23

I am writing this on Sunday at 4 PM, as the snow begins to fall again. We did not receive the 14 inches of snow that was predicted for Thursday, but over 2 days I did remove 7 inches of snow from my deck. I considered myself fortunate that the couple of times I ventured into Ludlow, the traffic was not backed up.  I do know that Mt Holly and Shrewbury families trying to attend the basketball finals on Friday evening at the Community Center found themselves stuck in traffic from Jackson Gore for over 20 minutes, though!

Fletcher Memorial library extends thanks to those who participated in their on-line raffle. It was quite successful and it was nice to see local folks, some from Plymouth, come to offer support on the final evening.

I do not have much news to report this week, but don’t forget the Town Meeting on 3/6 where most items will be voted from the floor. See details on the Plymouth website. There are several important issues to discuss. One of them is concerning a new fire truck. Thanks Angela for the picture of some of the volunteers who assisted with the Emergency Services fundraiser spaghetti dinner. Voting for various town positions will take place on Tuesday from 10 AM to 7 PM.

It seems that many area Emergency Service/Fire Depts are busy with fundraising, so take note of the one listed below the pictures!

Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard

The Select Board meeting on 2/20 was quite informative. Dr Elliot Rubin, our school board director joined the meeting via Zoom and connected us with Ben Ford, who is Chair of the finance committee of WCUUSD. He provided a wonderfully comprehensive presentation that was too detailed to note here. Okemo Valley TV recorded the meeting, so you can access it from there. I did learn that the Education Fund also derives money from sources other than property taxes, such as taxes on gasoline and internet purchases. He also said that 75% of the budget reflects people cost – salaries and benefits. There will be an informational meeting Thurs 3/2, 6:30pm – 7:30pm at WUMHS to discuss the articles being presented to voters. You can go to their website for more info and Zoom instructions.

In addition, there were several members of the Plymouth Fire Dept on hand to discuss the dire need to replace our 33 year old fire truck. In the past, they have hunted for used trucks in an effort to be frugal. That means taking castoffs from other departments that need retrofitting which can be costly. Also, they do not come with warranties! In view of our town topography, a 4-wheel vehicle is needed. Per Fire Chief, Kirk Turner, surrounding fire companies have been contacted and none are willing to cover our town, except for mutual aid assistance for a serious blaze. It was also pointed out that homeowners insurance rates would rise considerably if there is not a local fire dept. Currently our PFD has raised $100,000, but trucks run about $500,000, thus the need to ask for town funds. Unfortunately, their request for a grant was not successful. Most of those present seemed in favor and the truck would actually be a town asset.

So, there is much to consider as Town Meeting approaches. There are additional copies of the Town Report at the Town Office if needed. The positions noted in Article 1 will be voted by Australian ballot on Tuesday, 3/7. The other Articles will be discussed and voted at the Town Meeting at 7 PM on Monday, 3/6.

COVID has been hard on all of us.  Many have said that it has been hardest on the kids, and it seems to keep getting harder. I sit on the House Education Committee and last week we heard about the shortcomings of a program called Success Beyond Six, the program that allows schools to access Medicaid funds to pay for pediatric mental health services.

Under Success Beyond Six, mental health professionals from certain non-profits called Designated Agencies come into our schools to provide mental health services for children and, importantly, to provide outreach beyond school hours to support a child’s parents and family members – something schools can’t do.

At a time where we need mental health professionals more than ever, these agencies are constrained by a problem we hear about almost daily in the news, workforce shortage.  

According to testimony before my committee, Success Beyond Six agencies employ roughly 5,900 people statewide, but they had 414 job vacancies in 2019.  By last October, that number had increase to 1,077 vacancies.

So, we have fewer professionals and we have more children requiring mental health services. And, according to the testimony we heard, these kids tend to need services for a longer period of time than they did prior to COVID.  

These factors, taken together, equal a crisis. 

When a Designated Agency is at capacity, they are allowed to not take any more kids. Our schools don’t have the ability. Our schools are obligated to care for every child, not just educate them, even if the school doesn’t have the qualified staff.   

Schools are left with no choice but to hire extra paraeducators and counselors to help troubled children.  The schools cannot draw down Medicaid dollars, only the Designated Agents can draw down the Federal funding in providing services, plus the schools cannot reach out into the homes and families. 

According to the testimony we heard, hiring in the mental health sector is challenged by low entry wages, sometimes as low as $17 an hour with an associate’s degree. 

It’s not a job for the faint of heart. Sometimes it involves the danger of being injured by troubled youths, and it is challenging to see the many causes of children in crisis, including adult substance abuse and negligence. 

And, as is always the case with attracting workers from out of state, would-be mental health workers often can’t find housing.

The testimony we heard is both timely and compelling. We need educators in our schools to educate and we need mental health professionals to deal with mental health issues. The problem is complex and it will take some work by the various legislative committees to sort things out.

I expect that solutions will include additional funding for Designated Agencies, educational incentives with loan forgiveness for mental health professionals and creating more housing for all workers. 

This year, I think the Legislature has a strong motivation to bring solutions to the problem.

Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard

2/19/23

I couldn’t believe that I was able to go for a walk one day in sneakers – who ever heard of such a thing in the middle of February! Then last Friday to awake to the rumble of thunder was another anomaly. Sugar makers have been scrambling to get their trees tapped, a bit earlier than usual for many. A long-range forecast just predicted heavy snow in March which will dampen the hopes of those dreaming of rapidly approaching spring….

It was a pleasant gathering at the spaghetti dinner hosted by Plymouth Emergency Services on Saturday evening. Although I did not partake in the desserts, I was told they were exceptional, especially the apple pie!

The upcoming Select Board meeting to take place on 2/20 will provide an opportunity to learn more about the need for updated fire equipment, so hopefully folks will attend and hear what is said. Also, please note that there will a School Board presentation from 6 to 6:30. As most folks are aware, there are proposals for significant upgrades at the Middle and High School in Woodstock. It will be important to obtain accurate information and to see what the financial repercussions might be. Go to the Town website to find the Zoom information if you prefer that option.

Just a reminder that Plymouth Emergency Services will be hosting a free community spaghetti dinner THIS Saturday, February 18 from 5:30 – 7:30 at the Plymouth Town hall. Come celebrate mid winter  and reunite with your friends and neighbors while enjoying a great ‘home cooked meal’ .With the winter half over it will be great just to laugh, share good times and enjoy the community spirit!  The meal will consist of spaghetti, a choice of  meat or meatless sauce, rolls, butter, salad, dessert. 

Donations accepted but not expected. We hope to see you there!   

Questions? call Sue at 802-236-2683.

Selectboard Agenda
February 20, 2023

6 pm – Call the meeting to order and introduction of those present
Changes to the agenda
Fire Truck Discussion
Mail and Warrants
Adjourn

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Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard

2/12/23

What a strange winter it has been so far – snow, sleet, rain, and wind swirling around us. At times everything is frozen solid, then a warm spell with have everything dripping. It is lovely when the day sets up for a nice walk, however!

In clarification of the warning for our 3/6 Annual Meeting, articles 2 – 7 will be voted on Monday evening by those attending. The positions noted in Article 1 will be voted by Australian ballot on Tuesday, 3/7

The reading group will be discussing The Only Woman in the Room by Marie Benedict on Wed, 2/15 at 6:30. It centers around Hedy Lamarr, her life as Hitler moves into Austria, then her escape to the US and attempts to influence radar innovations. 

Join the Farm and Wilderness Ice Cutting at Flying Cloud Sat, 2/18 from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM to increase your knowledge and enjoy winter!

Need something else fun to add to your calendar? Consider the Plymouth Emergency Services free community spaghetti dinner on Saturday, 2/18 from 5:30 – 7:30 at the Plymouth Town hall. This group of volunteers provides many services to our town. Some of their calls require them to check properties when alarms are set off or wires are down, which means needing to go to our more isolated areas, where 4 wheel drive is definitely needed.

Some of our fire dept folks have recently participated in cold water rescue training. In addition, they are called out when accidents occur and have also helped with search and rescue, plus assisting in mutual aid situations. Always willing to lend a hand, their assistance has been requested for recent water leaks and furnace malfunctions. They do have a meter that tests CO, propane and methane levels, too. Let’s support them and maybe even consider joining their ranks!

Plymouth Emergency Services will be hosting a free community spaghetti dinner on Saturday, February 18 from 5:30 – 7:30 at the Plymouth Town hall. Come celebrate mid winter  and reunite with your friends and neighbors while enjoying a great ‘home cooked meal’ .With the winter half over it will be great just to laugh, share good times and enjoy the community spirit!  The meal will consist of spaghetti, a choice of  meat or meatless sauce, rolls, butter, salad, dessert.  Donations accepted but not expected. We hope to see you there!   Questions? call Sue at 802-236-2683.