Welcome to The Plymouth Press Online

Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard

12/11/22

Writing on Sunday evening as the snow is falling lightly. There seems to be an inch or so, but three are predicted. I bet the ski areas are pleased after all of that rain!

Come enjoy the Fun Day for all ages on Saturday December 17th from 10am – 4pm (come when it suits your family) at Bethany Birches Camp. Lunch Provided!

Here are the Reading Group choices for books over the next 3 months. Happy reading!

1/11 — Family Tree by Susan Wiggs

2/15 — The Only Woman in the Room by Marie Benedict

3/22 — Flying Solo by Linda Holmes

From the Select Board – Community Discussion: Housing in Plymouth, 12/19 at 7:30 PM

There is a lot of talk about the ongoing housing crisis in Vermont by employers, families, government and non-profits. The local discussion will be held in the Plymouth Municipal Building and will start with locally identified needs and possible solutions. Our local State Representative Tesha Buss will join us to share what she has learned about Government Funding for Accessory Dwellings, and Moderate Income Housing Development, as well as the HomeShare Vermont program and Plymouth local government representatives will be there as well for zoning and infrastructure questions. If you are interested in helping to solve the problem, someone who’s housing needs are not fully met, investing in a project, or just learning more, please join us. Okemo Valley Television will be providing coverage and zoom video conferencing support. Please contact jkullman@plymouthvt.org if you have questions.

Join Zoom Meeting

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Also, Rep-Elect Tesha Buss Windsor-5 (www.teshabuss.com) has shared some resources.

Programs for Individuals:

Rebates for energy efficiency/electrification projects

Help with heating

Funding to repair vacant rental units or add an accessory dwelling unit

Emergency rental assistance

Child care financial assistance

Subsidy for groceries

Subsidy for internet service

Help with utility bills

First Generation Homebuyer Grant

Funding for projects that spur economic recovery (like housing or childcare projects, or agriculture, arts, recreation or food businesses)

Funding for agricultural and forestry businesses

Health insurance plans and subsidies — remember you must register for Health insurance by Dec 15 for a January 1 start date. Also take note that the income thresholds were increased allowing more Vermonter’s access to tax credits to lower their monthly premiums!

BROADBAND

It is likely that Federal funds are coming to VT to help install more Broadband infrastructure, but many of the Federal map locations state that broadband is available at locations where broadband doesn’t exist yet. Be a part of the solution to get broadband to every house in VT, no matter how rural! Click on this article below to learn more and to follow the links to check the status of your home and business. It is very simple to challenge your location, if the map says broadband is available when it is not.

https://vtdigger.org/2022/12/09/officials-urge-vermonters-to-challenge-errors-in-fccs-new-broadband-map/?utm_source=VTDigger+Subscribers+and+Donors&utm_campaign=39d7e2134d-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2022_12_10_03_05&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_dc3c5486db-39d7e2134d-%5BLIST_EMAIL_ID%5D

Tesha also noted THE HUB: a 501c3 Project of Woodstock Community Trust, non profit

– Is a new program that makes it easier for you to get help during a time of need.

– Is a central point of contact for you.

– Is a connection with an experienced community volunteer who responds quickly and will help you get assistance.

– Is confidential and respectful of your situation, whether due to divorce, job loss, family illness, financial stress, and food or heat insecurity.

– Can help you if you live in Barnard, Bridgewater, Killington, Plymouth, Pomfret, Reading, or Woodstock.

– Works with many local organizations such as Barnard Helping Hands and Ottauquechee Health Foundation.

Contact The HUB

1. Online: Complete an Application at: https://apply.thehubneighbors.org/form
2. Phone: 802-457-7214
3. Email: apply@thehubneighbors.org
4. Pick up an Application: Outside Ottauquechee Health Foundation at Simmons House, 30 Pleasant Street, Woodstock. Feel free to attend the Christmas Eve Service at Bethany Mennonite Church at 7 PM on Christmas Eve. All are welcome

Note from Jennifer Coolidge Harville Hello All! I saw Bill at the Coolidge Holiday Open House this past Saturday. He looks wonderful. He is walking a couple of miles each day. Well rested. Taking time to do the things that he wants to do.

No snow at the Notch. Rainy, but a good core group attended. This was my first time attending the Open House. Rejoice’s mom did a hand crank sewing demonstration, we stenciled cards, Terry G. guided wreath making. The tree was set up in the Wilder Barn. President Coolidge, aka Tracy Messer, made remarks and then lit the tree. He offered some information about the Coolidge years in the White House. Did you know that Mrs. Coolidge had 200 roses sent out to the business owners in DC where she purchased holiday gifts?

We sang carols at the church with the accompanied by Steve Morse on the pump organ and Rejoice Sherry played violin. It was beautiful. Between hymns ‘President Coolidge’ shared more anticdotes about Coolidge White House Christmases 1923-1928.

Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard

12/4/12

Here we are into December and we have had both snow and rain. At the moment, almost all of the snow is gone from my yard. What is on the ground, however, are plenty of twigs and branches from the severe wind. Today (Sunday) afforded a nice walk when the wind was at our backs!

Folks have been asking if it is ok to put out bird-feeders. I haven’t seen any evidence of bears lately, but my feeder is high up and inaccessible, so I cannot be sure.  Thanks to friends and neighbors who have so kindly helped bring 40 lb bags of sunflower seeds into my basement. That seems to be a favorite food!

Please note that there is a Community Appreciation Evening planned at the Fletcher Memorial Library on Wednesday, 12/7 from 3:30 – 6:00 PM. Enjoy festive music and light refreshments, plus a chance to see Santa.  If you have not visited this 121 year old historic building, come check it out!

The next book group meeting is also on Wednesday, 12/7 at 6:30 PM via Zoom.  Discussion of the book Powder Days: Ski Bums, Ski Towns, and the Future of Chasing Snow by Heather Hansman is the topic, but in addition we will determine the next few months of reading.

The agenda for the 12/5 Select Board meeting is noted below.

• Call meeting to order

• Introduction of those present

• clerk applicants – training

• Special Staff Meeting in DEC 13 – payroll, training

• Budget for FY24

• Mail and Warrants

The scheduled site visit to the Salt Ash Inn has been canceled for tomorrow, due to illness.

Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard

11/28/22

Coming to the end of November and the rain has washed away most of the snow.  Sounds like the World Cup at Killington was able to proceed and the precipitation did not appear until the end.  Driving home from ME last evening was a bit of challenge with the rain, heavy at times.

Since I have been away, I don’t have much local news.  Thanks to friends for checking my house while I was gone!  The Planning Board will be doing a site review at the Salt Ash Inn at 5 PM on Tuesday, 11/29 to help them make a decision on the feasibility of the cannabis retail store proposed for that location.

Don’t forget the happenings at the Coolidge Homestead on Saturday, 12/3.  1PM tree lighting at the Ciley Store, singing afterward at the Union Christian Church, on-site visit from “Calvin Coolidge” (Tracy Messer), plus vendors and craft opportunities.  The Cheese Factory will be open, too.  Fun for everyone!

Please note that Santa will be making an appearance at the Fletcher Memorial Library on Wed, 12/7 from 3:30 to 6 PM.  Enjoy refreshments and free books for youngsters (as long as they last).

Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard

11/20/22

Although I was enjoying the warmer weather, I will say that the snow is lovely. I just wasn’t ready for it! The colder temps have allowed it to stay around. Killington is likely quite happy with their World Cup events and I believe that Okemo may be opening this coming weekend.

In speaking with Midge Tucker, I learned that due to illness, the 11/26 and 27 Craft Fair sponsored by the Historical Society has been canceled. I understand that they are hoping to provide other activities, such as Sunday afternoon movies at the Community Center on a monthly basis. New members are always welcome!

Prepare to have some fun at the Coolidge Holiday Open House on Sat, 12/3. Gather for the lighting of the Christmas tree, singing carols, and other entertainment.

It is with great pleasure that I announce the arrival of Lauren and Matt Harootunian’s twin sons, Logan and Landon, who join big brother, Liam.

I missed some November birthdays and others are coming up: Willow Bascom (11/2), the younger Julia Baldwin (11/20), and Joan Day (11/30). Congratulations one and all!

Condolences to the family of Julia Pierson, formerly of Dublin Rd, who passed away at the Gill Home this week. There will be a memorial service at Tyson Church at 1 PM on Friday, 12/2.

A reminder about the important Select Board meeting at 6 PM on Monday, 11/21. There are so many crucial issues to be discussed – weatherization/bond issue, cannabis moving forward, pending law suit, audit review, budget and more. Attend in person or via Zoom.

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Meeting ID: 883 4713 8689

Passcode: 143124

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Big Brother Liam proudly holds one of his twin brothers

Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard

11/14/22

A few snow flurries in the air yet this morning. It does seem that those recent warm days are gone. Well, it is the middle of November, so it should not be a surprise! Folks are beginning to consider the upcoming holidays. Please note the Holiday Craft Fair on 11/26 & 27 at the Community Center. There is no admission charge.

Mark your calendar for Holiday events at the Historic Site on Saturday, 12/3. This will be delightful family-friendly time and although admission is free, donations are always appreciated. The Tree lighting will take place on the porch of the Cilley General Store at 1:00, followed by caroling at he Union Christian Church with pianist Stephen Morse. Tracy Messer will be on hand as President Coolidge.

While touring the Site, you will be able to make stenciled holiday stationary with local artist Polly Forcier; constructor purchase a live wreath with Terry Guilick and shop at the Cheese Factory. What fun!

There seems to be some consternation about the election outcomes, so please know that a petition to reconsider any article can be submitted with a written petition including signatures of 5% of registered town voters. Also, the VT Journal article regarding the 11/7 special town meeting contained several errors.

For those concerned about the confusing language of the Bond issue, I understand that will be a topic of discussion at the next Select Board meeting scheduled for Monday, 11/21. I have included the proposed agenda below;

Call meeting to order

• Introduction of those present

• LHMP

• Retail Cannabis next steps (if passed)

• Weatherization/bond discussion

• Fire Truck

• Pending lawsuit

• Audit review

• Lister proposal for digitized records $3K setup and annual fee

Budget

• Mail and Warrants

Holiday Craft Fair, Plymouth Community Center Route 100, Plymouth, VT.

Saturday and Sunday, November 26 and 27 from 10AM to 4pm.

No admission fee.

Masks optional.

Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard

11/6/22

Wow, this weather has been amazing – I guess I removed my window screens too soon! I hope that everyone was able to get outside and enjoy it since temps will be dipping again. I spent several days in ME recently and really enjoyed the sunsets because I can’t see any from my house.

Some of you may remember Dick and Marilyn Geise who lived on Dublin Rd over 30 years ago, then moved back to Ohio. They were delightful neighbors with three children who came back to visit a number of times. It has been learned that Marilyn recently passed away. If anyone would like to send condolences to Dick, his address is: 4115 Woodsly Drive, Batavia, OH 45103; phone: 513-256-8949.

A reminder that the wonderful turkey dinner is on for Saturday, 11/12 at the Grange in Bridgewater at a cost of $15. Dinners may be ordered to go by calling 802-672-6223 by Friday and pick-up will be at 4:30. The other option is to eat-in from 5:30 – 8 PM. Either way, it will be delicious!

In addition to the Board, there were a dozen or so people at the 11/1 Planning & Zoning meeting, many of whom had questions regarding the proposed cannabis retail store at the Salt Ash Inn barn. Several of the issues brought up were not within the purview of these boards, but the concerns expressed by several people regarding parking and traffic backing out into Rte 100A could be deemed “undue adverse impact”. Of course, ballots (pink) were mailed out to voters and that will be the determining factor in whether the town as a whole is in favor of a local dispensary.

There are many important items to be discussed at the Special Town Meeting at 6 PM on Monday 11/7: the proposed building renovation and Bond issue; the adoption of the Declaration of Inclusion; the declaration of becoming a Second Amendment Sanctuary town; plus addressing questions regarding the proposed cannabis retail sale within Plymouth.

Directions for how to join meeting by Zoom:

11/4. Cross Lake, ME

Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard

10/31/22

Well, I am writing this on Halloween, but I don’t anticipate any treat-or-treaters to stop here this evening, although I always have treats available just in case! Perfect weather recently to tend to outdoor tasks to prepare for winter. All my planters and most of my outdoor furniture is now safely stored away. As far as I am concerned, the snow can hold off for a bit longer.

The Jarvi field on Dublin Rd has been a favorite place for a dozen or so turkeys lately. Sometimes they venture over to my house and set off my driveway alarm. I understand they may only be hunted with a shotgun, bow and arrow, or crossbow. I am not sure how these wild creatures compare with domestically raised one, however.

For those who are interested, the Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Adjustment consideration of an application for Conditional Use and Permit and Variance for: Salt Ash Land LLC 4738 RT100A Plymouth, VT 05056 to consider change of occupancy of Salt Ash Inn from lodging to retail sales will take place on Tuesday, November 1, 2022 at 7:00 P.M., in the Town Hall. I assume the request was made as a result of the desire to sell cannabis from that location, the vote for which is now on the ballot.

For your info, the Echo Lake Inn is currently closed for dinner, but will reopen on 11/23. Be sure to make reservations for Thanksgiving Dinner – 802-228-6802