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Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard

7/10/22

I was surprised to see the thermometer reading 44 degrees this morning (Sunday), but it warmed up nicely. That made me very happy since I was having dinner for neighbors who helped me to get my water back up and running. It was a team effort to determine that the tile in the spring had refilled, then to prime my water pump. Not everyone who participated was able to attend, but it seemed nice to have dinner out on the deck with friends. Now we need some rain to raise the water level!

Bears have been causing problems here in town. I have heard that one killed a fawn and there are also tales of chickens being taken. One friend had a bear barge into her small mud room, but fortunately it didn’t get into her trailer. It is wonderful to have so much wildlife all around us, but they seem to be getting bolder and are appearing during the day as well as at night. I have heard that they don’t like ammonia and some folks are using that as a deterrent.

The book group will be meeting on Wednesday, 7/13 at 6:30 PM to discuss Vanderbilt: The Rise and Fall of an American Dynasty by Anderson Cooper. I found it quite enlightening, so there should be a lively interchange. I am not certain it has been determined yet if we will meet in person and/or on zoom this time.

In speaking with Mary O’Brien, there has been a change in Hazardous Household Waste disposal. A temporary site has been found in Springfield where you can take bathroom cleaners, nail polish remover, paint, insecticides, chemical fertilizers, gasoline, etc.on Tuesday and Thursday mornings until the end of September. Call Mary at 802-674-9235 for an appointment and directions.

The next Select Board meeting is scheduled for Monday, 7/11, so I have noted the agenda as posted on the Town website below:

6:00 Call to order and intro of those present

6:05 Warrants and Mail

Hawk Tax Sale update

Highway ordinance for Sheriff

Cannabis Board

Ambulance Contract

Constable

Town land on Johnson Farm Road – Forester/logging

Parking lot – upcoming decisions

Tax rate

Macawee Pond Road

Upcoming election –

• Building renovation and bond

• Inclusion statement

• Sanctuary Town

Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard

7/4/22

I hope that everyone had a nice 4th of July weekend! There seemed to be lots of people finding respite here in VT. I did not make it to any of the festivities at the Coolidge homestead this weekend, but I have heard there was good attendance. The construction on Rte 100 stopped on Friday, but I imagine it will happening in full force on Tuesday!

I attended the fireworks in Brownsville with friends on 7/3 and they were exceptionally good this year. Of course, nighttime has been bringing the sounds of backyard celebrations for over a week now and I imagine they will continue.

Just a quick note about the HOMEOWNER ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (HAP). From what I understand, if you are behind on housing expenses due to the COVID-19, you can apply to Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA) for federal American Rescue Plan funding. Qualifying expenses include: missed payments on mortgages, utilities (water/sewer, electricity, home heating), property taxes, and homeowner or condominium association fees. You must own your VT home and have it as your primary residence. There are financial guidelines and grants take into consideration household size. I was told that funds are still being provided, but I received the impression that the sooner you apply the better. Learn more at vermonthap.vhfa.org or call (833)221-4208

Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard

6/26/22

It appears that summer is back, but I have appreciated the fact that the humidity has been relatively low. The plants (flowers and veggies) are doing well and adding some soaker hoses has allowed me to escape the bugs! The rain this morning (Monday) is most welcomed.

I have to say that there were not many biting insects on the prowl at the Strawberry Festival on Wed. Perhaps it was the cold weather that kept them away, but it didn’t prevent over 300 from attending and enjoying themselves. It was nice to see familiar faces, yet many new people were there, also. As usual, volunteers from Emergency Services and Tyson Ladies Aid worked together and there was a 50/50 raffle by Tyson Church. Adam and Sue provided great music, too.

The Select Board meeting on 6/20 attracted a number of participants and several more people attended via Zoom. I am hopeful that the VT Journal will make note of the meeting particulars in the issue this week, since there were several important discussions including: the scope of Select Board approvals in regard to an inclusion statement presented by Todd Menees and a previously approved firearms statement; interim appointment of Beth Lombard as part-time Town Clerk; and an update on Town Hall renovations.

I have learned from Kristi Rollins that her mom, Karen Mansfield, passed away peacefully on 6/21/22. Many will remember Karen from her time as a resident here, in particular when she was administrative assistant at the Coolidge Foundation during the time it was housed in the basement at the Union Christian church. Condolences to family and friends.

It’s 150th birthday for Calvin Coolidge, so hopefully folks can join some of the activities! As usual at noon on 7/4, the Vermont National Guard will lead a march to the cemetery where a wreath from the White House will be placed at the president’s gravesite. Afternoon activities include tours of the historic village, birthday cake, wagon rides, Stringfield Springers old-time string band, traditional craft demonstrations, and children’s games, all free although admission is charged to tour the historic buildings. The Coolidge Cup National High School Debate will finish up on 7/4 and be followed by the award ceremony. As you can see it will be an exciting time!

Pictures by Sue Poirier

The Black River Action team is looking for volunteers (adults & teens) to help de-Phrag Amherst Lake at 9 AM on Saturday, 6/25, starting at the Hawk marina.  

You will need to bring a shovel and will be shown how tackle invasive Phragmites reed that have taken over the northern shoreline.  You can register to assist with this worthwhile endeavor at https://DePhragAmherstLake.evenbrite.com.  

You are encouraged to bring:  “a sense of humor, a bottle of water, bug and sun protection.  Footwear should be such that will stay on your feet and can get muddy – no flip flops, sandals or crocs.”  Contact Kelly Stettner with questions at 802-738-0456.

Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard

6/19/22

Wow, aren’t these temperatures crazy! I have been glad that I left some turtlenecks in my drawer. I did stop at Camp Plymouth State park today (Sunday) and was practically blown away by the wind. I bought lunch, a yummy chicken dish, but brought it home to devour it. There were several people at the park and a number of them were patronizing the food truck. I highly recommend it!

It is exciting to see that the Town website has been updated. As a matter of fact, the agenda for the 6/20 Select Board meeting is posted and it appears it will be a very informative one with a wide variety of issues being addressed from Ancient roads to the Amherst dam to the Town Clerk position.

You may have noticed that a petition to the Plymouth Select Board has circulating for the town to adopt a Declaration of Inclusion that 52 towns have already adopted since Gov. Scott approved it in 2021. According to Todd Menees, “this is a grassroots effort working with community leaders to reinforce the message that Vermont is a safe and welcoming place for all. Two speakers from Vermont Declaration of Inclusion will be present at Monday’s meeting to discuss this Vermont initiative.” For more information go to https://vtdeclarationofinclusion.org/

There was a nice write-up in the VT Standard this week about Rejoice Scherry, the new Administrator at the State Historic site at the Notch. I will try to speak with her and report more here. Perhaps she will attend the Plymouth Strawberry Festival this Wednesday, 6/22 at Camp Plymouth State Park from 5-8 PM. The proceeds from this fundraising event go back to community in various ways via Emergency Services and Tyson Ladies Aid. By the way congratulations to Eric Blanchard who was awarded the TLA Scholarship this year.

Don’t forget about the Sunday afternoon Farmers Market at the Community Center from 3-6 PM. No fee for vendors and an opportunity to pick up local items and visit with folks!

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