Welcome to The Plymouth Press Online

Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard

5/2/22

Wasn’t Sunday a glorious day! Spring seems to be bouncing in and out this year.  I want to thank Andrew Crossman for cleaning up my yard while I was gone. It looks like April showers are continuing into May, but the ground seems rather dry, so that is probably a good thing.

I was away again this past weekend, so I am not up on all of the local news. I did learn that Green up day is Saturday 5/7. ABLE Waste Management will be accepting the designated green state bags at Fast Trash locations from Plymouth and Bridgewater residents for free. You can pick up these special bags at the Town Building, so that no fee will be charged.

In speaking with Tina, there will be a Celebration of Life for Jeff Rebideau on Saturday, 5/21 at 1 PM at 2275 Old Turnpike Rd in Mt Holly. She has a tent and will be providing meat, but side dishes would be greatly appreciated. This will be a special time to come together and share fun-filled memories and to support one another.

Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard

4/25/22

Well, I was in Florida for a few days, which was delightful because I visited former Plymouth resident, Irene Fennell.  It is always so wonderful when friendships last through the years and you can pick up right where you left off. 

Since I was away, I don’t have much news except a request from the Select Board for landscaping help. They were wondering if there are folks with green thumbs who would like to volunteer to beautify town property with plantings and flowers.

 I am told that they will pay for the materials, but are hopeful that there are creative people interested in bringing beauty to our town. The contact person is Rick Kaminski at rkaminski@plymouthvt.org

Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard

4/18/22

Knowing what to wear these days is problematic with sunny, warm or cold with rainy and snowy conditions coming and going with regularity! Easter attire included sweaters and heavy coats this year.  Writing on Monday morning the sun is shining brightly, but Tuesday’s forecast of several inches of snow is unnerving.  My snow shovels remain handy and my car is still adorned with snow tires, so I guess I am all set.

The Personal Librarian generated a great discussion during book group.  What makes it so special is that each person picks up on slightly different details so that more meaning is obtained from each selection. It was nice to have Rose’s from friend, Pam, join us on zoom. Our next book is The Push by Ashley Audrain, that will be discussed on Wednesday, 5/11. I gather it is a thriller that includes debate over the nature/nurture issue.

 I see that work has been done to grade most roads and they seem to be in good shape now, despite the horrendous mud season.  I don’t believe Patch Brook has been touched yet and the last I checked there were some severely washed out places.

Everyone is out trying to clear the winter debris from yards but the weather is not always cooperating. I have not heard about Greenup day, but it is usually the first Saturday in May. More to come on that….

I am still having difficulty with my computer, even though Matt came and helped me clean it up. If anyone is knowledgeable and feels like helping me on my iMac, feel free to get in touch!

Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard

4/11/22

Monday has dawned bright and beautiful – so nice to see the azure sky and sparkling sunshine! We all know that April means spring showers, but it will a day to work in my bedraggled yard.

I imagine that most folks are aware that Sandie Small submitted her resignation at the last Select Board meeting. Many thanks to her for doing this detailed job for several years with a bright smile on her face. According to the Selectmen, the town office will be open only on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday for the time-being until additional staff can be hired.

The Book Group will be reviewing The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict on Wednesday evening 4/13 at 6:30 via Zoom. It is about Belle Da Costa Greene, who was the personal librarian to financier J.P.Morgan. It is non-fiction, but I found it to be riveting as she gained expertise and confidence at a time when women were not well-accepted in the world of rare books, manuscripts and art that became world-renowned.

In other town news, I understand that 15 property owners paid their balances prior to the tax sale, which is so encouraging. It sounds like it will be another summer of road work extending along Rte 100 from Rte 4 to Rte 103. The same company that did such a nice job on 100A will be handling this project, starting at Rte 4 beginning in May. Happily, there is not to be full road closure, but one-way traffic as they proceed.

The Select Board is seeking applications for the Town Clerk position that will be an appointment until the election in March of 2023. The VT Journal will post it, but here are some of the specifics. Applicants need to be Plymouth residents. Duties include a wide range of responsibilities such as: setting up elections, recording deeds and licenses, warning meetings and posting minutes, dispersing information to other town departments, grant application and reporting.

Lastly, let’s join together at the Coolidge Museum and Education Center to celebrate Bill Jenney and thank him for his many years of tireless attention to details at the Coolidge Homestead on 5/22 at 3:00 PM. He will be difficult to replace!

What: This is a public ‘forum’ for anyone that would like to brush up on first aid topics.  Come with your questions or email them with your registration ahead of time.  Topics to be covered right now include: Hands only CPR for adult, child and infant, stroke symptoms, emergency first aid when you are out in the woods…

When: Tuesday, April 26th

Time: 6:30 – ????

Cost: Free .  This is done as a community service for Plymouth residents by the Plymouth First Response Team.

The class will be taught by an AHA certified CPR/First Aid instructor, EMS instructor/coordinator.  It is not a certification course.  

Registration is required ahead of time so that we can accommodate all. 

Please contact the Town Assistant Clerk Monday – Thursday or email  asstclerk@plymouthvt.org

Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard

4/4/22

Writing on Monday morning, the sun is shining brightly. It was interesting that during the night I looked outside and saw the stars of the big dipper shimmering in the sky, but also snowflakes! Such strange weather these days.

 I actually don’t have much news today. In addition to our group of five, plus one dog, walking the neighborhood the other day, many others were enjoying time on Tyson Road. I assume some were staying at the Echo Lake Inn. One disheartening issue, however, is the litter along the road and into the woods. It is difficult to comprehend why some folks can’t find a better place to discard their cans and bottles.

Well, I am already late with noting some April birthdays. Sally Dolloff was 4/1, Dana Dolloff was 4/3. I believe that Shirley Billings is 4/12, Cheryl Bishop is 4/13, Brandon Bergey is 4/19 and Kathy Lynds is 4/29. Congratulations to one and all!

Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard

3/27/22

There were some lovely warm days this week that beckoned several of us on Dublin Rd to get out and go for a community walk. Some of us ventured out again today (Sunday), at a time when the blowing snow had subsided a bit. Although the flurries have been happening all day, not much has accumulated. That may change as the snow is predicted to continue overnight. Spring is being elusive. At least the wind has been drying out some of the mud!

I am wondering if the bears are disgruntled about this wintry weather. They were out in force this weekend, with several people reporting bird feeders being mangled and suet feeders missing all-together! They even set their sights on beehives as they are emerging from hibernation.

I understand and some of you may have seen that there was a VT Fire Academy training at Woodward Reservoir on 3/19 and 3/20 that provided Technician certification for Ice and cold-water rescue. Over 30 Fire fighters from Fire Departments throughout Vermont participated. Congratulations to Steve Radonis for becoming Technician level certified and offering Plymouth another level of protection!

A poem A.A. Milne that is not quite true yet: 

She turned to the sun.                                                                   

 And shook her yellow head,                                                                          

 And whispered to her neighbor:                                   

 “Winter is dead.” 

photo by Rick Kaminski

Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard

3/21/22

One of my weather apps noted there might be snow this morning (Monday), so waking up to sunshine instead was delightful! I also had a frisky doe prancing up and down my driveway and setting off my alarm today She seemed excited about the prospect of spring, as are the myriad of chirping birds. Yes, it is still early and not time to retrieve the hummingbird feeder from the garage yet, but there are hopeful signs that winter may be retreating.

Of course we still have snow in the Dublin Rd area, but that is not unusual. As a matter of fact several young fellows had a mishap on Patch Brook Rd when GPS sent them that way back to their rental house in Mount Holly. Those of us who live here are aware that road is closed in the winter, but the snow bank left by the town plow usually alerts folks from out-of-town. However, the rain had melted the snow, allowing access. One of their vehicles skidded into the ditch, which was actually better than going off the cliff on the other side. AAA was of little help, but neighbors here on our road very kindly responded and rescued the truck on Sunday. There was much celebration and thanksgiving! It seems it might be prudent to have signs on either end indicating the winter closure.

I was pleased to see that the VT Journal extracted considerable information from last week’s Select Board meeting. This publication is becoming a valuable information source for what is happening in Plymouth.

I was able to attend the Yoh Theatre presentation of “The Three Musketeers” on Sunday. It was wonderfully energetic and entertaining. I am not sure if any Plymouth students were involved (I just know the names these days), but of course Marcia Bender is the talented director. Donations for Ukraine were also collected.

Please note that someone from Senior Solutions plans to be at the town hall on Thursday, 3/24 from 1:00 – 3:00 PM. Residents 60 and older can drop by and learn about 3Sq. VT and fuel assistance (LIHEAP) and other nutrition and assistance programs like Meals on Wheels. This is an excellent opportunity to learn about resources for yourself or others.

Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard

3/14/22

More interesting weather around here! The 10 inches of snow we received in Tyson was somewhat denser that previous storms, so even the strong winds (a neighbor clocked a 45 mph gust) did not blow it away. The birds are depleting my feeder very quickly these days, but singing cheerfully despite the up and down temperatures.

I understand that congratulations are in order for the 65^th anniversary of Phylis and Donald Martin that took place on 3/9. Also, happy birthday to Taylor Lynds on 3/17.

The book group will be meeting via Zoom on Wednesday, 3/16 at 6:30 PM to discuss All That She Carried: The Journey of Ashley’s Sack, a Black Family Keepsake. As one reviewer noted, “a poignant story of resilience and of love passed down through generations of women against steep odds”

With a pleasant nod to warmer weather, please note that the Plymouth Farmer’s Market is planning to start Sunday 6/5 from 3-6 PM. Located at The Community Center each Sunday, there will be no fees for venders, just at opportunity to provide wonderful fresh produce and other items for sale. Plus a time to socialize!

I just learned about a meeting on Tuesday – sorry for the late notice. From 11 AM – 1 PM, there will be a someone from Senior Solutions at the Town building who will be providing information on 3Squares food benefits and fuel assistance. You do not need an appointment to attend. 

Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard

3/7/22

Writing this on Monday morning and the clouds have now filled the sky. The brief sunshine this morning encouraged a walk, although it began to sprinkle before getting home. Yesterday afternoon temps in the mid 60s were amazing, but while out for a walk with a neighbor about 3:30, a sudden gust of wind nearly knocked us over. New birdsong could be signaling spring, but that seems a bit premature since it is only the beginning of March!

I believe there were 20 to 25 people who attended the informational town meeting last Monday and it was a fairly quiet group. A few people also joined on zoom. All of the articles were approved and I was amazed that there were no questions raised about the town budget.

Charlie Kimball attended and provided answers to a number of questions. He mentioned legislative concerned about workforce housing that is quite limited and broadband expansion, both of which are being discussed. He also noted that he is running for lieutenant governor, so he will not be our representative how much longer.

There was a fairly low turnout for voting and all of the articles passed. Congratulations to Naomi Moyer, our new part-time Lister and Elliott Ruben, our new school Director for Plymouth. Selectman Rick Kaminski let me know that 28 properties are scheduled for tax sale on 4/7 and there will be a second tax sale in May and possibly another in June.

I am experiencing some computer issues, so doing this article from my iPad without access to the few names I have on my birthday list. Hopefully I can get back on track soon!