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From Richard Ruggiano – klickrr@aol.com

PAL VT, is a non-profit, 501c3, philanthropic organization, that was formed to Preserve Amherst Lake, one of the more pristine lakes in VT. The lake, in spite of its beauty and irreplaceable resources, was slated to be demonstratively changed by the proposed removal of the dam (Amherst Dam) at its southern end. The dam is one of the many privately owned dams in VT. Over that course of the last year and a half, it became abundantly clear to us that the only course of action to prevent the dam’s removal was through the transfer of ownership of the dam. Hence, the immediate focus for the organization has been to save the dam from destruction by doing what was necessary to acquire it.

Thanks to the relentless work of the members of PAL VT, the transition of the dam ownership to PAL VT took place in January of this year. As the new owners of the dam, we have begun the process of determining the next steps needed to restore the dam to its former glory.

Our hope is to be able to make the necessary repairs to ensure that the dam can continue to regulate the water flows that support the lakes along the Black River and return Amherst Lake to her past water levels that supported the ease of movement throughout the lake.

Our next step is to hire authorized engineers to inspect the dam and provide the necessary information for the State to approve the repairs that will need to be made to, and around the dam. PAL VT has been very fortunate to have a number of members and volunteers who have contributed to our success thus far, but to fully accomplish all that we have set out to do will require the help and support of many of your readers. We have much to do and as the lakes thaw and summer quickly approaches, I hope all the friends and lovers of the outdoors and the lakes and streams in and around our area will go to PALVT.org for further information and to assist in our cause to save the dam. Because if we succeed, we all benefit.

Richard Ruggiano

PAL VT

PO Box 412

Ludlow, VT 05149

Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard

4/23/23

I hope folks didn’t put away all their warm clothes because we are still in that variable weather time of year. The bears don’t seem to mind, though and have happily come out of hibernation. I have not seen any yet, but they are around and busy destroying feeders and suet baskets!

Lots of people seem to be out picking up twigs, raking torn-up lawns and trying to put things back in order. Three of our fire personnel did their part this past weekend by erecting an informative new sign near the town office building. Many thanks to Steve Radonis, Dave Olster, and Kirk Turner!

The repairs to the Stickney Bridge in Tyson seem to be coming along nicely. Tom at the Echo Lake Inn is hopeful it will be done before his wedding season gets into full swing. The construction on Rte 100 is manageable with the traffic light, but sometimes it takes a bit of time for it to change. I fear I have become an impatient person!

According to the Select Board, the State inspects and issues a yearly report on the condition of bridges. One on the back road by Hawk is slated for repair, too. At the recent SB meeting, Mike Coleman was appointed as 911 Coordinator.

Also at that meeting, Josh Rose brought up the issue of school choice. It was several years ago that Plymouth voted to join WCUUSD, thereby relinquishing our ability to send our youngsters to schools in towns outside the union. There are several families with young children on the Tyson end of town who would opt for Ludlow, but it does not seem that will be possible. There is talk of having a meeting for further discuss this issue, so spread the word.

Don’t forget to wish Kathy Lynds happy birthday on 4/29. Bob has now returned from the Gill Home. Sorry that I missed Sally Dolloff’s on 4/1, so belated congratulations.

Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard

4/17/23

A few April showers today, but the weekend was glorious. Although I had tasks to accomplish indoors, I opted to do some raking instead. I saw many people doing spring cleanup, as well. A special thanks to all of those who have assisted me to get back on track with my septic system.

I don’t believe the agenda for tonight’s Select Board Mtg was posted, but you can find it on the town website. The Reading Group will be discussing Charles F by our own Cassie Horner on Wed, 4/19 at 6:30 PM via Zoom. A heads-up for the Emergency Services Open House on Sat, 5/13, from 9 AM to 1 PM.

Special School Report:

Much appreciation for Margo’s offer to include a Windsor Central Unified Union School (WCUUSD) Board report in her Plymouth column. The District & Board have been very busy this spring. Check out Superintendent Sherry Sousa’s recently released Annual Report highlighting the District’s accomplishments and progress, as well as challenges ahead. WES Principal Maggie Mills has an important message in the most recent Board Book (bottom page 8) from April 3rd. District Library Media Specialist Joyce Yoo Babbit was featured in a Vermont Public’s Vermont Edition story about the 1,2,3 Ready! Read! Review! Podcast she created, featuring students from the District. And lastly, we on the Board welcome community participation and involvement, so feel free to join us (either in person or virtually) at an upcoming meeting. The Board Meeting schedule is here.– Elliot Rubin, MD, FAAP, (a WCUUSD Board Member Representing Plymouth)

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.