Welcome to The Plymouth Press Online

Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard

6/12/22

I have been enjoying time outside walking, visiting and planting because the wind is keeping the bugs away! A little rain this evening (Sunday) will mean that I won’t need to water either. The rain held off for the gathering at Good Commons today, where Tesha Buss continued her campaign as a candidate for VT House of Representatives. She spoke about her desire to help improve daycare and affordable housing opportunities, a livable wage and simplification of the process for developing a business here in VT. Folks who did not attend missed a fabulous BBQ!

So nice that for the fourth year the Plymouth Memory Tree has awarded financial aid scholarship grants to graduating seniors from our town. This year the awards went to Eric Blanchard, Liam Harper and Evan Kurash. Congratulations!

Coming up on Wednesday, 6/15 the Book Group will meet at 6:30 pm via Zoom for a discussion of The Little Paris Bookshop by Nina George. It was an unusual story that explored the meanderings of Monsieur Perdu, self-described as a literary apothecary. “From his floating bookstore in a barge on the Seine, he prescribes novels for the hardships of life.”

I am including a report from Todd Menees about last month’s gathering regarding the dam between Amherst and Echo Lake. For more information visit http://www.amherstlake.org or go to amherstlakefriends@gmail.com

Close to 28 Folks arrived at the O’Loughlin’s home on May 28, 2022 to see the failing Amherst Lake dam for the first time and a “wake-up” vision for all but one who paddles the lake. The Owners and attendees spoke about the possible project outcomes including a dam removal if the Owner’s can not find a buyer of the dam for a future repair. Many folks commented that the Dam Owners are behind the 8-ball and said “I’d remove the dam too, if I were them” in different ways. This was an informal neighborhood meeting, and the diverse group included two Preserve Amherst Lake (PAL) Board members, landowners on Amherst Lake and Echo Lake, Hawk Mountain owners, some Plymouth residents and 2nd home-owners, and a couple who live in Town who had attended the town virtual meetings, and three Black River Action Team members.”

Don’t forget to come out to the Plymouth Strawberry Festival on Wednesday, 6/22 from 5 – 8 at Camp Plymouth State Park – tasty BBQ and salads, yummy strawberry shortcake, and time to socialize, rain or shine.

Per the State Website: “This year, celebrate the arrival of summer during Vermont Days, an annual event designed to connect Vermonters and visitors to the state’s history and outdoor activities. 

Vermont Days will be held Saturday, June 11, and Sunday, June 12, 2022. The weekend celebration includes free entrance to Vermont State Parks and Vermont State Historic Sites, and Free Fishing Day on June 11

Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard

6/622

Cool nights, marvelous sunshine and blue skies as I write on Monday – yay! The ground is still rather dry, but the rain of last week brought out the vibrant greens and many lovely flowers. The weather led more folks to Camp Plymouth State Park this past weekend. I understand from a neighbor that the food truck there has amazing offerings, so you might want to go check it out – Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays for the moment.

I attended the Plymouth Farmers Market on Sunday. Only Rebecca was on hand for this first week, with a large selection of items – skin care products, CBD items, eggs, and some veggies. Nice to find spaghetti squash so early in the season. This event will be ongoing on Sundays from 3 to 6 pm. There is no fee for vendors and the Community Center will be available in case of rain or for bathrooms..

Thanks to the Pingrees for resurfacing the pickleball court at the Community Center. It looks great and for the moment games are being played M, W, and F at 9 a.m. The Wednesday time will probably change to late afternoon when Lauren’s Plymouth Schoolhouse day program opens for the season.

Just to let know that our own Emily Dupont will be the woodland fairy in the Little Red Riding Hood ballet to be held at the Paramount on Sunday 6/12. The shows are at 1 and 6 pm. More info and tickets can be obtained at https://www.paramountvt.org/event/little-red-riding-hood

The Plymouth Strawberry Festival is rapidly approaching after a two year Covid hiatus. Come join the fun at Camp Plymouth State Park on Wednesday, 6/22 from 5-8 pm This wonderful community fundraising event is held rain or shine and the park entrance fee is graciously waived for this time period. Enjoy music provided by Adam Boyce and Sue Hunt, the BBQ by Plymouth Emergency Services, and as usual luscious strawberry shortcake by Tyson Ladies Aid.

Maybe at the Strawberry Festival we will even get to meet our new Tyson resident, Vaughn Rose, born a couple of months ago to Josh and Jamie Rose and welcomed by big brother Smith. Although we are a bit older, Happy Birthday to Sue Poirier (6/4), Matt Harootunian & me (6/14) and Gwen Groff (6/25).

By the way, just in, former Plymouth business owner Tesha Buss has extended an invitation for an afternoon BBQ on 6/12 at Good Commons from 3-6 pm “to celebrate summer, catch up with old friends, and show support for (her) VT House of Representatives campaign! Food provided by Good Commons with music by Cows Like Shrimp. This gathering is BYOB and due to parking limitations, carpooling is appreciated!”

Plymouth Farmers Market

Starts Sunday June 5th, 2022

3pm-6pm weekly on Sundays until early September

Located at The Community Center (formally the Elementary School)

35 School Drive Plymouth VT, 05056

(No fee for vendors!)

Rain or Shine

Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard

5/27/22

There are just so many interesting things starting up for the season, that I decided to do a special issue.

Before I note the places that are reopening for the season, I do want to mention that there will be an opportunity to learn more about and also to view the Amherst Lake dam at 1534 Scout Camp Rd on Saturday 5/28 anytime from 1- 4 PM. On hand will be DEC river management engineer Todd Menees and others to discuss the future of the dam. It is a short walk through the forest to see the dam up close, so dress appropriately. Beverages and snacks will be served.

Both Coolidge State Park off Rte 100A and Camp Plymouth State Park on Scout Camp Rd are opening for the season on Friday, 5/27. Tiffany tells me that the Concession will have ice cream, beverages and snack food. Plus, the Fork in the Road food truck will be on hand for more substantial food, such as hot dogs, grilled cheese, gyros, salad and more! It will be there Friday, Saturday and Sunday from late morning until mid-afternoon for this holiday weekend. It is anticipated it will be at the park on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays in the future.

The Calvin Coolidge Historic Site will begin the season on Saturday, 5/28 and be opened as it was last year, Tuesday through Sunday from 10 AM until 5 PM. Be sure to meet the new Site Administrator, Rejoice Scherry!

Also, Tyson Library will open on Tuesday, 5/31 from 10 – noon. Regular days will be Tuesday through Friday and if volunteers can be found, possibly on Saturday. It will also be open every other Monday evening from 6 – 7 PM.  Please note the passes to State parks and State Historic Sites are available at the library.

Have a safe and wonderful Memorial Day weekend!

Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard

5/23/22

The adage about the weather in VT is certainly holding with a difference of almost 20 degrees the last two days. Everything seems to be blooming and the birds and little creatures seem quite happy. Bears are on the prowl raiding garbage cans and the remaining bird feeders. Be aware!

This was a weekend of celebrations in Plymouth. There was a party to commemorate both Bob & Pat Lambert for their 80^th birthdays this month and also their anniversary that I believe hit the 57 year mark. Believe it or not, I understand that Bob was surprised by the festivities. Congratulations!

On Sunday there was a well-attended retirement gathering for Bill Jenney, who has recently retired as the Administrator at the Calvin Coolidge Historic Site at the Notch after 34 years of outstanding service. It was a delightful celebration with many of the current and former staff, community members and several dignitaries, including former governor, Jim Douglas.

A very young Bill was shown in a video from his early tenure at the NY State Museum in Albany. His later years in Plymouth were noted by a factual and amusing video, that brought much laughter. We wish him well and hope to have him visit often.

Picture of Bill by Kathy Lynds

Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard

5/16/22

Well, seems like we might have bypassed spring and jumped right into summer! We were more than 10 degrees warmer than my cousin in Charleston SC a few days last week. The sun has been delightful, but rain is needed and appears to be arriving later today (Monday). There is still a fire hazard that has understandably caused Joe to be cautious with issuing fire permits.

I am pleased to announce that Jaclyn Olmstead is the new Town Clerk. She is well-known in town, having grown up in Plymouth, daughter of Jan and Randy Shimp. Best of luck as she learns this new job and interacts with folks!

The Book Group has chosen selections for the next three month. For June, it is the Little Paris Book Shop by Nina George. One review notes: “Monsieur Perdu calls himself a literary apothecary. From his floating bookstore in a barge on the Seine, he prescribes novels for the hardships of life. Using his intuitive feel for the exact book a reader needs, Perdu mends broken hearts and souls.” Sounds like an interesting read for 6/15.

The Vanderbiltsby Anderson Cooper will be discussed on 7/13 and The Lincoln Highwayby Amor Towles is slated for 8/10.

Tiffany and Chris are back at Camp Plymouth State Park and already hard at work readying for the opening at 10 AM on Friday, 5/27. if the current weather is any indication, many of us will be heading to the beach for a swim. Dogs on a lease are permitted, but not on the beach. Park Fees are currently: $4 per adult ages 14 and over, $2 per child ages 4-13, $0 per child ages 3 and younger.

Purchasing a pass, good at any VT State Park is economically advantageous: $90 – vehicle pass admits up to 8 ppl in a vehicle with seatbelts. This pass is PER vehicle and gets connected to your license plate so it cannot be shared between two cars. $50 – additional vehicle pass price for those who use two vehicles for their families coming to the park. $30 – individual pass good for that individual’s entry for the entire season. For $30 you can obtain a punch pass good for 10 adult entries giving a savings of $10 dollars.

There is no reason to miss out, so check out the Venture Vermont Challenge as a fun way to get free day use entry to any park for this season and next. Families, kids, adults, anyone, can fill out this form, take photos, submit the form and photos, and you will have earned yourself a cool medallion and free day use entry for each individual that completes the program. Also, libraries offer day use coupons, too.

Please note that the Annual Strawberry Festival will happen again at the park this year on Wednesday, 6/22 after a Covid hiatus. More details to follow, but mark your calendars!

Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard

5/9/22

Such a gorgeous morning (Monday) – it must be spring because the black flies have arrived! Things are greening up nicely, too. I know that many people are cleaning up their yards, but don’t forget that burn permits are needed,. Call Joe Rebideau at 802-672-5148 to obtain one.

The book group will be meeting on Wednesday, 5/11 at 6:30 pm via Zoom to discuss The Push by Ashley Audrain. We will also be selecting new books for June, July and August, so plan to be part of that process.

There will be a special meeting on Monday, 6/6 at 6 PM to discuss discontinuing class 4 road, TH39. Call the Town Hall for details on the 4:30 site visit if you are interested.

Just a reminder about the celebration scheduled on 5/22 at 3:00 PM at the Coolidge Museum and Education Center for Bill Jenney to thank him for his many years of energetic and seamless attention to details at the Coolidge Homestead.

I really appreciate the reporting in the VT Journal on the Select Board meetings in Plymouth. I hope that folks are checking it out. You may have noticed that road work has commenced on Rte 100, so expect delays.

Just a few quotes to brighten your day. “Laughter is timeless. Imagination has no age. And dreams are forever.” Walt Disney “It’s important to have a twinkle in your wrinkle.” – Unknown