Welcome to The Plymouth Press Online

Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard

9/11/22

I am writing this on 9/11 and it brings back memories of that fateful day. The events don’t fade with time because it seems so inconceivable that such a horrendous atrocity could take place on our shores. This seems like a time to recall those who lost their lives, but also to note with gratitude the selfless assistance offered by so many.

I hope that everyone had an opportunity to view that amazing moon the other night. Although the full moon was actually on Saturday, it was Friday evening that my friend Betty and I saw it. The pictures we took could never compare with the huge orange globe that appeared in the sky. To add to the splendor, an owl flew beside the car in such close proximity, that it startled us. The wonders of nature!

Yet, we need to respect the creatures around us and to be aware of possible dangers. Bears live among us, so a healthy distance should be observed. I usually beep my horn as I drive up my driveway at night, to allow both of us a chance to avoid each other. Neighbors related a scary encounter with a rabid skunk that attempted to attack them in their yard. No injury resulted and the poor sick animal was eventually shot.

I haven’t seen the minutes from the 9/6 Select Board meeting, but the agenda listed discussion of the recent sale of the Plymouth Store in the Union area of town and discussion of the request by the Salt Ash Inn to conduct retail sales of cannabis. I would imagine there will much future discussion and permits needed on both of these items. Perhaps the VT Journal will do a synopsis of the meeting as they have done in the past.

The reading group will meet via Zoom on 9/14 to discuss The Island of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak. I liked it, although it was a bit different to see events through the eyes of the various characters, including the perspective of a fig tree. It should be a lively discussion!

Although the Plymouth Farmers Market is winding down, you can start getting ready for the 6th Annual Plymouth Town Tag Sale on Sunday, 10/9 at the Plymouth Community Center from 9AM until 6PM. Residents (and friends of residents!) are invited to participate as vendors and the fee of $5 will be subtracted from your total sales. Contact Lauren Skaskiw, Community Center Director at 802 417 6895 for more details.

All items need to be marked with secure tags that note your initials and the price. Tables and floor space are available on a first-come, first-served basis and you can bring your treasures and set up on Wed 19/5 from 4:30-6:30PMand Sat 10/8 from 10:00AM-2:00PM. Volunteers are needed to handle the sales, 2 each for the following shifts: 9-12AM, noon-3PM, and 3-6PM. If you are not selling, consider coming out to peruse the offerings!

I understand that on 9/17 from 1 to 4 PM, Farm & Wilderness will be exploring common aquatic plants found in Woodward Reservoir, followed by an optional paddle on the lake. This event is free and open to folks of all ages, but those under the age of 18 must have an adult with them. Light refreshments are available during the events and participants are encouraged to bring their own water and snacks for the afternoon. For more Information and to register go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/402632965037.

Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard

9/6/22

A bit late this week and I missed the early deadline for the VT Standard, but I did want to share some news with all of you. As you know, we are receiving much needed rain, although the past 2 days have been rather gloomy. Good for attending to indoor projects!

There was much happening in town this past weekend. The Shakespeare Alive performance was outstanding as usual and was viewed with great enthusiasm. The church was full and reverberated with laughter as the Bard’s words tumbled out in various new circumstances. Well done!

I was able to attend the Saturday part of the Folk and Blues Festival. Those in attendance filled the lawn and included all ages and many dogs, who seemed to get along famously. I understand that a similar crowd enjoyed the music on Sunday, as well.

On a more somber note, Sandie Small passed away unexpectedly on 8/27. She was an important part of our community serving as Town Clerk from 2015 until earlier this year. Hailing from NJ, she and her husband purchased their parcel of land at Hawk in1987. She was well-known within our community and I will always remember Sandie’s warm smile. No services are planned at this time.

In speaking with Tiffany at Camp Plymouth State Park, I have learned that although it will remain open until 9/25, you might be disappointed to hear that the food truck is gone for the season. You can still enjoy the park, however, and possibly even more now that the geese have departed. Apparently there was a three week period when 30 geese, including babies decided to take up residence on the lake. The park opens at 10 AM each day and boats may be rented from 11 until 4. Also, there is some mid-week availability at the cottages, the week of 9/12 and 9/19 if anyone is interested.

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