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.”
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!”
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.
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 80th 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
Bill with Jenny and Sheridan Harville (John Coolidge’s granddaughter and great-granddaughter)Carol Collins with Jenny Harville. Carol put together the plants on the tables Cake by Teresa Ennis
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!
The Plymouth Press welcomes your submissions. Click the link below to send news, information about events or articles of interest. Put your headline in the e-mail title.
To submit information to be published: E-mail us
Welcome to The Plymouth Press Online 