Welcome to The Plymouth Press Online

Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard

2/29/22

Well, August marches on and although there has been a recent crispness to the air, heat and humidity are still with us at times. I missed the thunderstorm that struck our area last Friday in the early afternoon, but when I arrived home that evening, I found plants, twigs, and branches strewed everywhere.

At first I didn’t even notice the tree leaning on my house. Somehow it broke and appears to have bounced on the ground before bending toward my dining room. I am assuming that is what took the brunt of the impact and meant no damage to my roof. I feel very blessed and also very grateful to Justin who came the next day and spent over an hour rigging lines and pulleys, then safely taking it to the ground. He even cut it up and pushed it over the bank for me.

The holiday weekend is fast approaching with many activities both in Plymouth and neighboring towns. At the Notch, don’t forget Shakespeare Alive at noon on Saturday and the Folk and Blues festival on both Saturday and Sunday from 2-5 PM. You might even be able to squeeze in a visit to the Plymouth farmers market on Sunday afternoon, too!

With a successful primary behind us, Tesha Buss, Windsor-5 state representative candidate, welcomes all to gather for a joyful evening celebrating local food, music, and community!

Bethel resident, award-winning songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Laurie Goldsmith will perform original tunes with roots that span multiple musical genres. Woodstock’s Cows Like Shrimp will follow with a heavy dose of blues-infused rock n’roll.

Come hungry! Event admission includes lite bites from Watroba’s of Reading. You may also opt to purchase Mediterranean eats from Plymouth’s favorite food truck Fork in the Road and delectable desserts by Woodstock’s Holly Pierce of The Soul Chef. This event is BYOB. TB for VT cups provided. Child care optional, see below!


End Of Summer Send Off!

When: August 27, 2022 from 5:45 – 10pm

Where: The Little Theatre in Woodstock, VT

Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door.

To purchase tickets, visit http://www.teshabuss.com

Child Care at The Community Campus!

Childcare for ages 5 years -13 is available at The Community Campus (TCC).

Where: TCC is located above Rainbow Playschool at 281 North Barnard Road.

When: 5:30pm – 9:30pm.

Price is $35 per child

All activities and dinner included in price.

Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard

8/21/22

Hot weather has returned, but I have not found the humidity to be oppressive. I understand that the dew point is a better determinant of comfort. I found this info online: “A 50°F (10°C) dew point will always feel comfortable outside regardless of the temperature or humidity. Whereas a 50% humidity will feel different depending on the temperature. So if you want a real judge of just how “dry” or “humid” it will feel outside, look at the dew point instead of the RH. The higher the dew point, the muggier it will feel. This is why the dew point is so much more useful than humidity.”

There are a few events in the near future that should be fun. There will be a concert at the Coolidge visitors center on Sunday, 8/28 at 3:00 PM with music by Dan and Liz Faiella. Liz has studied Irish fiddling, as well as trained in classical violin. Dan studied with folk musician David Surette and classical guitarist David Newsam. I am told that their music is both lively and enchanting, so mark your calendar.

Please note that Shakespeare Alive! A Bard-Based Variety Show will return to the Union Christian Church at noon on Saturday, 9/3. You need to be quick in order to pick up on the witty use of the Bard’s amazing lines. Masks will be required as is the case at most indoor performances these days. There is no entrance fee, but donations are always appreciated.

Also, more music is on tap thanks to Jay Ottaway at the 17th Plymouth Folk and Blues Festival on Saturday, 9/3 and Sunday, 9/4 from 2-5 PM. As usual, the concert is free, although donations are gladly received. Don’t forget to bring a non-perishable food item for the VT Foodbank collection. To learn more about the performers, please go to www.plymouthfolk.com

I want to relay the story of a good deed performed by John Farrell, the Office Administrator for the Calvin Coolidge Presidential Foundation and Rejoice Scherry, Site Administrator for the State Historic Site. Carolyn Dashef shared the tale of how they came to her rescue when she was in need of help in front of the Post Office. Initially assisting with a call for roadside assistance that would have taken 2 hours for help to arrive, John jumped right in and changed the flat tire with assistance from Rejoice. The smiles on their faces show their cheerful willingness to be of service. That sounds like a good deed Calvin Coolidge would applaud!

I appreciate the message from Tim Sink regarding the recent PALVT.ORG press release, that will be in a separate posting. Also, Tesha Buss sent her news about an upcoming event, which will also be in another message.

Now is the time to prepare for the 10th Annual Town-Wide Tag Sale slated for Sunday 10/9, from 9am-6pm at The Plymouth Community Center. Contact Lauren Skaskiw by calling or texting 802 417 6895.you would like to be a vendor and sell your treasures.  Since indoor space is available, this event can proceed rain or shine!

Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard

8/13/22

Those hot, sticky days faded away the last several days and it was 49 degrees Saturday morning at my house. We could still use a bit more rain, but the blistering heat seems to have subsided for the moment – a welcome relief.

It turned out to be a perfect day on Saturday for the Tyson Ladies Aid Bazaar that was held at Fletcher Farm and was quite successful this year. Thanks to the many people who worked so hard and to our faithful customers!

What a wonderful discussion at the Reading Group this week. The intricacies of The Lincoln Highway were debated at length. Thanks to Rose, our Zoom coordinator, who found a great list of questions for us the consider. Thanks to Cassie for her ongoing leadership of the group, too.

Here is the list of upcoming reads and the dates of our discussions. We welcome new participants, so consider joining us.

September 14 — The Island of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak

October 12 — The Violin Conspiracy by Brendan Slocumb

November 9— The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton

December 7 — Powder Days: Ski Bums, Ski Towns, and the Future of Chasing Snow by Heather Hansman

BTW, if you would like to learn more about the current Lake Amherst initiative, you may do so at http://palvt.org/

If you are interested in the agenda for the 8/15 Select Board meeting, please note that is posted on the Town website. I understand that they are still of need of someone to record minutes at these meetings.

I have a pleasant update on my recent car wash adventure. In the mail this week I received a check to cover 2 car washes, along with a very nice apology letter. It was much appreciated and great PR.

Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard  

8/7/22

This relentless steamy weather has apparently been driving people to visit camp Plymouth State Park in droves. I understand that the weekend before 1400 people were counted and this past weekend over 1000. Sprinkles of rain here and there have not caused people to relinquish activities at the park, but also they have not provided relief for the dry conditions that are turning grass brown and causing plants to wither.

Route 100 has now been paved all the way to 103, although the lines have not been done yet.  The workmen seemed to be diligent and delay times were usually not too long. It now seems to be smooth sailing!

I understand that the crowd at the historic site for Old Home Day was not as large as some of years, but there were many competing events this past weekend. Plymouth Fire Dept enjoyed a good turn out for the BBQ and I am told that being there and visiting with folks was a highlight for many.

The reading group will be meeting at 6:30 PM via Zoom on 8/10 to discuss The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles. It should be an interesting discussion. This time we will be choosing books for the next three months, too.

I have heard that there are still folks interested in and working on preserving the dam between Amherst and Echo Lakes. I look forward to receiving more information, so that the latest can be included in the Plymouth Press.

Don’t forget that the Tyson Ladies Aid 8/13 Bazaar will be held at Fletcher Farm this year, including their wonderful and varied basket raffle, book sale, fabulous bake sale, and of course delicious barbecue. There will be other vendors there also, so plan on attending!

Back by popular demand, the Tyson Ladies Aid Bazaar is on target to be held on Saturday, Aug. 13, 2022 from 10 – 2 pm at Fletcher Farms on Rte 103 just south of Ludlow.

Bring your family and friends to enjoy a great couple hours viewing and taking a chance to win one or more gift baskets tthat are sure to please everyone, young to old. The imagination and creativity that these ladies put in to creating these unique and fun baskets covering many themes are unsurpassed. covering lots of fun themes. AND take advantage of some of the best BBQ chicken you’ve ever tasted! On top of that, these Ladies are known far and wide for their home made baked goods of which there will be many for your enjoyment and for sale. What fun!

New this year is the location of this beloved event. We are holding it in conjunction with Fletcher Farms 75th anniversary on their site at Rte 103 just south of Ludlow.

All proceeds from the bazaar baskets, Chicken BBQ and bake sale go towards supporting scholarships to local h.s. seniors, community support and running the FREE Tyson Library. Please come join us and help us support your community while enjoying a fun event. For further information contact Janine Norman at 802-228-8764.

Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard

7/31/22

I have routinely been seeing a 4-legged creature in my yard of late. I barely recognized the mangy fox because there is absolutely no fur left on its tail. In light of recent reports of rabid foxes in Ludlow, I have been somewhat concerned. Yet, as I did some internet research, there was mention that mange can cause them to be less fearful. It settled in the sun on my upper bank and rolled around, possibly trying to sooth its itchy condition.

We are so fortunate to have an abundance of wildlife in our area, yet sometimes sharing space can cause issues. I have previously noted bear “invasions” and I recently heard about a flotilla of geese chasing a swimmer on Woodard. In the meantime, the hummingbirds are busy sipping at flowers and feeders and the butterflies are fluttering in great profusion. Lots to ponder and enjoy.

I seem to be out of the loop on local happenings these days. I know we are at the end of July, but I just realized that Plymouth Old Home Day is coming up on 8/6 at the Coolidge Historic Site. As usual, the re-enactment of the Presidential oath of office will be happening with current Coolidge family members assuming the roles. Come enjoy demonstrations of sheep shearing, straw hat braiding, spinning and take a wagon ride or play old-fashioned games. Last but not least, savor lunch at the Emergency Services chicken BBQ!

Select Board Agenda for 81/22 at 6 PM

Carol goodwin – scheduling town vote on bond issue

Ambulance contract updates

Cell phone tower contract

Speed on Kingdom Road

Stickney bridge bids

Constable

Select board clerk and website administrator

Macawee Pond Road decision

Cemetery funds request

ARPA grant request

Warrants and mail

Future discussion and decisions

upcoming elections

building renovation and bond

inclusion statement

sanctuary town

Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard

7/24/22

Well, this sustained hot weather is a bit oppressive, but swimming in the lake makes it bearable. That and my heat pump set on AC keep me quite comfortable. I am still having a water issue, so have needed to restrict watering. As I write this on Sunday evening, I am awaiting the predicted rain, but alas, it seems to be slow in arriving.

I am happy to report that the injured bear cub rescued by my neighbor, Mark, is making good progress and can hopefully be returned to the wild at some point. The game warden transported the little fellow to The Kilham Bear Center, which is a 501(c)(3) non-profit whose mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and release orphaned, abandoned, and injured black bear cubs. It is an expensive proposition and donations can be maek C/O Ben Kilham, PO Box 37, Lyme, NH 03768

There was a delightful birthday gathering today on Dublin Rd to celebrate Bill Kelley. It also provided me with the opportunity to see friends that I hadn’t seen in ages and to meet new new people!

I hope that folks are availing themselves of the Plymouth Farmers Market on Sunday afternoons. Tyson Ladies Aid is gearing up for the Annual Bazaar, including the amazing array of gift baskets, the legendary bake table and book sale on Saturday, 8/13. This year it will take place at Fletcher Farm which will afford better parking. Mark you calendars!

Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard

7/17/22

Bright and sunny again today (Sunday), but hopefully some much needed rain will arrive tomorrow. I am being careful with my water usage after my sadly diminished spring let me down a couple of weeks ago. So, in order to save my water, I decided to go to the car wash in Chester yesterday and had an interesting experience.

I paid, pulled in and stop when signaled to do so. I was wondering why there was only one pass of soapy water. Then the green light flashed telling me to exit. As I contemplated the situation, I noticed that the bar was coming down in front of my car, so I really couldn’t move forward. The door behind me was closed.

I hoped that perhaps when the bar reached the bottom it would rise again, but that isn’t what happened. I couldn’t get out of my car with apparatus blocking me in, so I called 911. Was this truly an emergency? I was patched through to a very nice fellow who tried to call the company – the number was no longer valid. Then I was transferred to a lovely gal who dispatched an officer from the Chester police dept. He indicated that this had happened in the past! Anyway, he managed to open the back door, through which I left, with a streaky car….

There has been an issue on Echo Lake this week regarding a boat that is making huge waves & causing consternation and damage to docks and such. My suggestion is to let the Select Board know your concerns to see if anything can be done about the situation. This lake is much too small for these boats and I understand that legislation is going to be undertaken on the state level in the future. Everyone needs to be mindful and respectful so the all can enjoy this beautiful lake.