Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard
2/27/22
Well, the nearly bare ground is covered in white again – lovely light and fluffy snow that was easy to push off the deck. To my way of thinking, that is the best kind! A few of us enjoyed the new powder over at Camp Plymouth State Park today. Our group used snowshoes, several others had cross-country skis and a few just boots. The dogs were certainly enjoying romping in it, but a startled grouse did not appreciate their presence.
I learned from Jay that the Select Board meeting last Monday was not available because Okemo Valley TV could not be there. This will be a busy week with the information-only Town Meeting at 7 PM on Monday, 2/28. It will be in person, but also available on Zoom at: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88347138689?pwd=dnRjQUlYT0lXR0k3SlYrVW9aNHNlUT09Meeting ID: 883 4713 8689. Passcode: 143124One tap mobile. +13126266799,,88347138689#,,,,*143124# US (Chicago)+19292056099,,88347138689#,,,,*143124# US (New York) Dial by your location Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kdyuDWKca9
Voting by Australia ballot will take place at the Town Building on Tuesday, 3/1 from 10 AM to 7 PM and will include all of the Articles, plus the School Budget. In completing my absentee ballot I noticed that Lister candidate Naomi Moyer’s name was spelled Meyer, but most of us know her well! There was nobody on the ballot for School Director, so I am attaching a letter of recommendation by Pete Fellows for a write-in person, who is eager to serve in that capacity. Don’t forget to vote!
Per Pete: A fellow Hale Hollow-er (not holler-er) Elliot Rubin is running to fill Josh Linton’s vacant seat. See below for some background. You will need to write him in though. We have known him and his wife for many years now and just wanted to let you all know what an asset they are to our little community. Elliot is a retired pediatrician and is excited to serve his community in a new way. He is thoughtful and is also willing to speak up and advocate for children.
Hello, my name is Dr. Elliot Rubin, and I would like for you to consider me as a write-in candidate for the Windsor Central Supervisory Union School Board, representing Plymouth. My wife and I moved to Plymouth full time in 2020 to start our retirement. I have, for the last 36 years, been in practice as a primary care community Pediatrician in central NJ. I am thrilled to be back in Vermont having graduated from UVM Medical School in 1981. I feel that my experience as a primary care Pediatrician, caring for children from birth to young adulthood and their families, would positively inform my decision making as a school board member. I am excited for the opportunity to make this transformation from clinical Pediatrics to serving our local community in another way, as a Plymouth WCSU School Board representative.
Please consider writing-in my name in the Australian Ballot on Tuesday, March 1st, 2022 at Plymouth Town Hall where in person voting is from 10am-7pm. Please also consider passing my name and this notice along to your Plymouth friends and neighbors.
Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard
2/20/22
It is certainly a windy world of late. Whether the weather is frigid or slightly warmer, that wind just doesn’t want to quit! I actually went snowshoeing last Thursday morning and it was sunny, fairly mild and delightful. Of course, that was before the wind picked up and the rain rushed in. The 3 inches of snow from morning snow squalls on Saturday succeeded in covering up the ice and I know of several people who slipped and fell as a result.
As the poem “Wind On The Hill” by A. A. Milne says: No one can tell me, Nobody knows, Where the wind comes from, Where the wind goes.
When the Book Group met on 2/9, the books for the next several months were selected. The book for 3/16 is All that She Carried: The Journey of Ashley’s Sack, a Black Family Keepsake by Tiya Miles. For 4/13 the choice is: The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray. The 5/11 book is The Push by Ashley Audrain.
Hopefully voters have received the Plymouth Town Report by now or have had an opportunity to look at the information on the town website. The Select Board will answer questions at their meeting on 2/21 at 6:00 PM, in person or via Zoom in advance of the Information only Town Meeting on 2/28. To join go to: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88347138689?pwd=dnRjQUlYT0lXR0k3SlYrVW9aNHNlUT09Meeting ID: 883 4713 8689. Passcode: 143124One tap mobile. +13126266799,,88347138689#,,,,*143124# US (Chicago)+19292056099,,88347138689#,,,,*143124# US (New York) Dial by your location Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kdyuDWKca9
Just a reminder about the upcoming informational meeting on Thursday, 2/24 at 6:30 P.M. to explain the 2022-2023 proposed budget the Windsor Central Unified Union School District. You can access this zoom meeting on the Windsor Central Supervisory Union website.
In order to provide clarification, Recycling Coordinator, Mary O’Brien has provided information regarding the 6 mandated materials for recycling in VT, which are listed below:
1. Paper – newspapers, mail, phone books, mixed paper, and newspapers; NO paper towels, tissues, or hardcover books
2. Aluminum – clean cans, foil, pie tins and trays, NO scrap metal, pots or pans
3. Cardboard – clean and dry cardboard, cereal, cracker, and Kleenex boxes; NO juice cartons or greasy pizza boxes
4. Steel – clean cans (incl. tin), lids, empty aerosol cans; NO pesticide sprays or paint cans
5. Glass – clean jars and bottles; NO window glass, light bulbs, ceramic dishes, or tableware
6. Hard Plastics – #1 water and salad dressing bottles, #2 milk and juice jugs; NO plastic bags, Styrofoam, or any black plastic
Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard
2/13/22
Isn’t it interesting that a sunny day in the 30s feels like spring! I think it has been the strangest weather this winter – longer periods of cold, stubborn cloudiness, mixed precipitation. My yard is crisscrossed with diverse tracks – deer, foxes, turkeys, squirrels, all looking for some nourishment.
It is hoped that the Town Report will be in the mail and on the website shortly, so that townsfolk can review the information, especially the Town Budget. The Selectmen have agreed to address questions at the next regular Select Board meeting, scheduled for 2/21. You may attend the meeting or tune in via Zoom to pose questions. Join Zoom Meetinghttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/88347138689?pwd=dnRjQUlYT0lXR0k3SlYrVW9aNHNlUT09Meeting ID: 883 4713 8689. Passcode: 143124One tap mobile. +13126266799,,88347138689#,,,,*143124# US (Chicago)+19292056099,,88347138689#,,,,*143124# US (New York) Dial by your location Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kdyuDWKca9
Don’t forget about the informational school budget hearing to be held via audio/video on Thursday, 2/24 at 6:30 P.M. to explain the 2022-2023 proposed budget. Noting Article 2 (paraphrased): Shall the voters of the Windsor Central Unified Union School District approve the school board expending ($24,314,318), which has been determined necessary for the ensuing fiscal year? If approved, it is estimated that this proposed budget, will result in education spending of $19,567 per equalized pupil. See their website for details.
Per the Mountain Times, “this projected spending is $1,558,680 or 6.85% higher than spending for the current year. As such, the pre-CLA adjustment tax rate for FY 2023 will be $1.5125 per $1,000 appraised value, a decrease of $.11 from the previous year. The fact that WCUUSD has experienced a 5% increase in enrollment, may mean lower budgeted cost per pupil.” Plymouth will also be voting in a school board director, all of which will take place at the Town Building on 3/1 along will the other town items to be voted.
This winter has been a cold one, so please know than an application for the VT Seasonal Fuel Assistance (LI-HEAP) program can be done online at www.benefitsapplication.com/program_info/VT/LIHEAP or in person at the local LI-HEAP office. Also, the Woodstock Area Relief Fund, Barnard Helping Hands, Kings Daughters, Bethany Mennonite Church and Ottauquechee Health Foundation have joined forces to provide a centralized application for those needing help with home heating bills and this includes Plymouth residents. Grant money for up to $1,000 will be paid directly to the provider, so go to https://bit.ly/3JxvybE for the online application or call 802-457-7214.
Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard
2/7/22
Well, here it is, Monday morning and sunny! Actually the sunrise yesterday morning was spectacular, but it was nice to see the less flashy morning glow today, too. What strange weather last week. Snow reached our area, but kept flip-flopping over to sleet or rain. That made for crunchy snow with ice crystals. Ludlow was overflowing with skiers this weekend. When it warms up a bit, a friend and I are planning to snowshoe today.
I feel so fortunate to be surrounded by wonderful wildlife. Famished finches are decimating my sunflower seed feeder, while the chickadees demurely sneak it to pluck a seed and depart to eat it. The other night (well 3:30 AM) I saw a fox roaming around my dooryard. When I turned on the floodlight, it even paused in the driveway so I could see its beautiful busy tail.
There has been some confusion about the warning for Town Meeting on 2/28, which is now also posted on the Town website. The Monday evening meeting will be both in person and available via Zoom. As a result, this will only be an informational meeting according to the Select Board with voting on the articles by Australian ballot on Tuesday. Per Sandie, the Town Report should be ready to mail later this week, so folks will have an opportunity to examine it and formulate questions. You may also call her (802-672-3655) for an absentee ballot.
The book group will meet by Zoom on Wednesday, 2/8 at 6:30 PM to discuss Whistlin’ Dixie in a Nor’easter by Lisa Patton. Although containing some stereotypical comments about Vermonters, it also pokes fun at southerners as well. Ideas for the next books for upcoming months will be discussed, too. All are welcome to participate!
Birthday best wishes to Lisa Obriskie (2/8) Scott Hepler (17) Naomi Moyer (25). I am sure there are many folks to celebrate, so let me.
A few more property transfers:
894 East Ash Rd $260,000.00 KKJ Investments LLC to Jason & Jessica Pollard
71 Pollard Rd $716,000.00 Kathleen Brown to Pollard Rd LLC
Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard
1/30/22
Despite the buildup to a Nor’Easter this weekend, barely an inch accumulated on my deck! Actually, there has been much disappointment expressed. In speaking with a friend near Boston yesterday, they were hammered with 2 feet of the white stuff, but it remained more of a costal storm, to the east of us. I imagine it will make it easier for my fuel delivery on Tuesday, however.
I see there is snow in the forecast for mid-week, so perhaps discussing Whistlin’ Dixie in a Nor’easter by Lisa Patton on Wed, 2/9 will still be appropriate. The book group will be choosing titles for the next several months at this meeting. All are welcome to join us.
At least half a dozen turkeys, sometimes called a rafter, are circulating through the neighborhood here in Tyson and they often take flight when some of us are out walking. They become startled, then they startle us!
About 30 people attended the unique Saturday event on Lake Amherst, featuring VT native Les Hobbs, who demonstrated ice fishing techniques to beginners. In addition to learning tips, tricks, and ice safety, rainbow trout, perch and pickerel were caught. In an attempt to bring awareness of the crucial issue on this lake regarding the degrading dam, The Preserve Amherst Lake Association, who organized the event, served hot cider, cider donuts, hot dogs and sugar on snow. A few donations were received, but it you would like to know more, go to www.amherstlake.org Our Facebook page:Amherst Lake Friends or email: amherstlakefreinds@lskaskiw
Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard
1/24/22
It looks so lovely outside with the bright sunshine, azure blue sky and dusting of sparkling snow. But…. it is still very cold as I write early on Monday morning. It was nice to have a bit of a reprieve from the frigid weather yesterday as six of us enjoyed snowshoeing at Camp Plymouth State Park. I was surprised that there were not more people, since the parking area is kept plowed for easy access.
I imagine that folks are using increased quantities of fuel lately and the prediction is for more arctic blasts heading out way. Don’t forget that help is available. Grant money can be paid directly to the provider for those living in Barnard, Bridgewater, Killington, Plymouth, Pomfret, Reading or Woodstock. This includes help paying your oil, propane, electric bill, wood or pellets. You can apply for a one time grant (up to $1000) by going to https://bit.ly/3JxvybE to fill out the online application or calling 802-457-7214.
Even the wildlife is struggling with our below normal temps. I watched a doe pawing at the snow on my bank by the pole barn She seemed to find something and was happily nibbling for a time. My birdfeeder is squirrel-proof, but I do drop some seed on the ground when filling it. Everybody needs to eat!
Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard
1/15/22
I am beginning to write this article on Sunday evening. The temperatures made it into the teens today, but it seemed warmer with the bright sunshine and lack of wind. I watched the glorious full moon rise, but clouds have now overtaken it. Around midnight the snow is forecast to start and various sites predict differing amounts of snow accumulation. Waking in the morning will likely be white with swirling snow!
The Book Group, with assistance from Rose met via Zoom on 1/12 to discuss Lady Editor: Sarah Josepha Hale and the Making of the Modern American Woman’Author by Melanie Kirkpatrick. She was an incredible lady, ahead of her time in many ways. Although promoting domestic duties for women, she encouraged increased educational opportunities and Vassar has many of her papers, a tribute to her influence. Undetered by several rejections, she was finally able to have Abraham Lincoln declare Thanksgiving a national holiday. The words to “Mary Had a Little Lamb” are credited to her as well. Our next selection for 2/9/22 is Whistlin’ Dixie in a Nor’easter by Lisa Patton, which seems somewhat relevant at the moment!
The Zoom meeting on Monday, 1/10 regarding the privately owned dam connecting Amherst and Echo Lakes was very interesting. Matt Murawski, an engineer, presented his report and answered questions from the 40+ people who attended. Three alternatives and estimates were noted given the old dams current condition and need for repairs: full restoration ($530,000), partial repair ($480,000) and removal ($240,000). In order to obtain a better understanding, the meeting may be viewed at https://youtu.be/1Yfcyte7niY. The Amherst Lake Friends group is being formed with the hope of raising funds, so to learn more about that, go to https://www.facebook.com/groups/309015463907280/
Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard
1/9/22
Despite the forecast for snow, the precip seems to be holding at freezing rain on Sunday morning. Not a happy prospect for skiers or snowmobile enthusiasts or for me wanting to get out there to snowshoe! In any case, the big chill will be coming our way, so bundle up.
Yesterday I was watching 4 turkeys meandering on the other side of my driveway. When I checked this morning there were only 3, so I wondered if the 4th had been gobbled up. But, no, it eventually showed up – just late to the party! BTW, you still have time to wish Kris Lynds a Happy Birthday on 1/28.
It seems like prices for everything are escalating. Please note that the Woodstock Area Relief Fund, Barnard Helping Hands, Kings Daughters, Bethany Mennonite Church and Ottauquechee Health Foundation have joined forces to provide a centralized application for those seeking help with their home heating bills.
Grant money will be paid directly to the provider, so if you live in Barnard, Bridgewater, Killington, Plymouth, Pomfret, Reading or Woodstock and need help paying your oil, propane, electric bill, or paying for wood or pellets, you may be eligible for a one time grant (up to $1000). Go to https://bit.ly/3JxvybE to fill out the online application. If you are not able to complete the online form call 802-457-7214.
December property sales:
Johnson Farm Rd (land) $470,000 Norman Chapdeline to Kristina Noonan
94 Library Rd $470,000 Roger Carlstein to Paul Sasso
149 Hawk Pond Rd $523,500 Mary E Hendrickson to Robert and Randi Fais
671 Lynds Hill Rd $400,000 Arthur and Julie Lynds to Phillip and Halsted King,
96 Bear Hill Rd $770,000 Mark and Linda Ryan to Lawrence Anastasi
133 Snowy Owl Lane $535,000 Graeme Smith and Angela Posillico, to Jades Plus Realty LLC
Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard
1/3/22
The New Year is upon is and who knows what it will hold. True that Covid and many other hardships abound, but I prefer to enter 2022 with a bit of optimism. I always feel like I should be able to make a new start.
“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step” is a common saying that originated from a Chinese proverb. So, I am not making any huge promises to myself. I am blessed with wonderful friends and family members and I want to continue to relate in loving ways toward them and all who cross my path.
Just a reminder that the Reading Group will be discussing the book Lady Editor: Sarah Josepha Hale and the Making of the Modern American Woman’Author by Melanie Kirkpatrick on 1/12/22 at 6:30. She certainly was an amazing woman and ahead of her time in many respects.
The only birthday that I have listed is Katherine Pingree on 1/10, so send me more!
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