Welcome to The Plymouth Press Online

Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard

12/26/21

I hope that everyone had a delightful Holiday and that the weather did not upend your plans. I stayed over Christmas Eve with family in Ludlow and the rain/sleet that continued for most of the next day, totally encased my car in ice. I was watching the forecast, so when the precipitation stopped mid-afternoon, I was able to chip away the ice and head back to Tyson. The main roads were good, but side roads were rather slippery. Driveways seemed to be glazed, but I made it up mine and into the garage without mishap. I could almost hear my car breath a sigh of relief!

The other day I was jolted by something hitting my dining room window where my sunflower feeder hangs high off the ground. I knew it was probably a bird, so I rushed over in search of the victim. I had to actually hang out before I saw it. Sure enough, a bird was sprawled on top of my heat pump condenser. Its wings were spread out and its head was immobile, cocked to one side. I thought the worst and went to get my camera before deciding my next move.

When I returned, however, the small hawk was standing up albeit wobbling a bit. It was moving its head slowly and seemed rather baffled. My thought was that it had tried to make a meal of one of the smaller birds feasting at my feeder, so of course I spoke to it. It looked up at me and the next thing I knew it took flight, seeming to have weathered the ordeal. Perhaps it just needed my words to prod it into action.

Please note that the town is looking for a part-time Lister. At the moment, this is an appointed position due to a vacancy. Applicants must have Plymouth residency in order to qualify. The starting rate is $15/hour, although prior experience will be considered. If interested, please call Sandie at the Town office (802-672-3655) and submit a resume, so that an interview with the Select Board can be arranged.

The New Year is fast approaching. Often that may signal a time to make meaningful changes. Despite the continuing threat of Covid, perhaps the hopeful thing to do is to give some thought to pleasant possibilities and shifts that can increase our health and happiness. Sending blessings your way for 2022!

Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard

2/19/19

Looks like we will have a white Christmas after Saturday’s storm!  As usual, our road accrued a bit more than some places.  I think I cleaned 10 inches off my deck.  Easy the first two times I went out, then the last time it was a bit like sleet.  In any case, I was plowed early, plus a neighbor very kindly brought his amazing machine up & finished off the driveway to perfection!  Resurrecting a poem from 2015.  Wishing you a joyous Christmas and hope for the New Year.

Christmas Blessings

Christmas comes upon us

With its sparkle and its rush.

We need to look beyond it

And to seek the peace and hush,

That come when to the manger

We bring our hopes and fears ~

The Holy Babe of Bethlehem

Has come to wipe our tears.

Although the world’s in turmoil

With disharmony and strife,

Jesus, our precious gift from God,

Was born to bring us life.

So may this season be for you

One of joy and love,

Filled with many blessings,

Shining like the Star above.

Winter Family Fun Day!

WFFD Schedule

10:15 – 11:45 Choice Activities
11:45 – 12:30 All Group Event
12:30 – 1:30 Lunch
1:30 – 2:00 Kids Hang Out!
(Your kids will enjoy some outdoor fun with camp staff while you relax and catch up with other parents)
2:00 – 3:30 Choice Activities
3:30 – 4:00 S’mores
4:00 See you at Winter Camp!

We ask that all attendees wear a mask while indoors (except while eating). Camp will have additional disposable masks if yours become wet/unusable.

Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard

12/13/21

After a dreary Saturday, Sunday and today are a nice change.  The sunrise was lovely this morning and made for a very pleasant walk.  I still have some snow, but many areas are back to brown.  There is much speculation about whether we will have a white Christmas!

I know that some sections of Plymouth experienced a power outage during the special town meeting on Monday evening, so many of the Zoom participants faded away.  Personally I thought it was an important session because the Select Board did an excellent job of explaining the history/research and discussion that led them to make the proposals. 

Per Sandie, on Tuesday all of the articles passed – Article 1 (authority to transfer funds) – 56 to 14, Article 2 (town hall renovations) – 53 to 17, and Article 3 (short-term rental ordinance) – 44 to 26.  Also of note, the Selectmen voted at their meeting to mandate masks in the Town Building.

Due to inclement weather and thanks to Rose, the Reading Group met via Zoom on 12/8.  Discussion of Blue Desert resulted in a lively conversation including the changing landscape of the desert as war dominated the world and the way various countries infringed upon the rights of others.  We also noted the role of women in different cultures and the way they shifted over a period of 50 years.  Our next book for 1/12/22 will be Lady Editor: Sarah Josepha Hale and the Making of the Modern American Woman’Author by Melanie Kirkpatrick.

Unfortunately Holiday activities will not be happening at the Coolidge Homestead this year due to escalating Covid cases.  It is still possible to socialize outdoors and I hope that is keeping folks from feeling isolated.  Joy was the Advent focus this Sunday and I hope that everyone has been able to sense their own blessings and experience joy.

Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard

12/5/21

A lovely walk this afternoon (Sunday) with a neighbor, ahead of the anticipated rain.  Not looking forward to a soggy beginning to the week, but even less enthused about the prospect of ice when the temps plummet again.  Guess we need to get our grippers out!

This week is the special town meeting and vote:  Monday night 12/6 at 7 PM for the informational meeting, then voting will take place on Tuesday 12/7 from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM.  Article 1 To see if the voters will authorize the Select Board to assign fund balances in accordance with 24 V.S.A. § 2804.  Article 2 To see if the town will vote to appropriate the sum of $950,000.00 for repair of the town hall roof, completing deferred maintenance, performing energy/weatherization upgrades, and the addition of solar.  Article 3  To see if the Town will approve a short-term rental ordinance.  Check the Town website for more details.

This is the participation via Zoom information that I was sent:  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83689624802?pwd=L0M4R001SjlOaDY5dFU0Sng0WlBoQT09

Meeting ID: 836 8962 4802.  Passcode: 486405 One tap mobile.  

+13126266799,,83689624802#,,,,*486405# US (Chicago)+19292056099,,83689624802#,,,,*486405# US (New York)Dial by your location.  Find your local #: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kbLTgM31U1

Meeting ID: 836 8962 4802. Passcode: 486405

How nice to have this stunning new art by Willow Bascom, who donated her time, energy and talent to make this amazing owl for the front of the Plymouth Community Center. Learn more about Willow and see her work on her website: https://www.willowdraws.com.  Many thanks to Matt Harootunian for installing it!  Never fear, the old paintings formerly on the front of the Community Center will be relocated to the Town Hall, to preserve them and brighten up the walls. 

Please note that the Tyson Community Church (located across from the Echo Lake Inn at the corner of Route 100 South & Dublin Rd) will have a pre-Christmas Candlelight Service on Sunday, 12/19 at 4:30 PM. All are invited and masks are optional.  Plan to remain for refreshments downstairs in the Social hall afterward.

Well, sorry to have missed Jeremy Ennis’ birthday on 11/30 and Beth Lombard’s on 12/4.  You still have time to congratulate Andy Buchan-Groff (12/11) and Simon Bergey (12/14).  Please let me know others to include!

Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard

11/28/21

So, winter is upon us! I just barely brought the Thanksgiving decorations inside before the snow began on Friday. I was glad that I pushed the snow off the deck into the driveway twice that evening because it was quite dense and hard to move, even a few inches at the time. The remaining 3 or so inches in the morning, seemed lighter and easier to remove. Here in Tyson, I had about 10 inches of snow, but apparently many areas received much less. It certainly was a winter wonderland on Saturday!

On Thanksgiving morning, my drive alert sounded and it seemed so fitting to look out and view a line of turkeys waddling down my driveway. Then on Sunday morning at 4:44 AM (digital clock), I was awakened and decided to see what was happening out there. Although cloudy, the moon was providing some light so that I could see two graceful shapes silhouetted against the snow. Since I didn’t need to turn on a light I was able to watch them meander along, then suddenly sprint up the bank and disappear into the woods.

The World Cup women’s giant slalom at Killington was canceled due to high winds after nine racers participated in the first run on Saturday. The conditions were difficult with the wind speed, noted at one point as being 30 miles per hour, that cause whipping snow and poor visibility. Sunday brought slalom win No. 46 for the 26-year-old American, Mikaela Shiffrin, who is said to have honed her skills nearby at the Burke Mountain Academy as a teenager.

Well, the Hagge family is at it again, but this time it was younger daughter, Beatrix Hagge who participated in the 30th annual West Hill Shop Kid’s cyclocross bicycle race on November 14 and came in very close second in her category. Congrats!

Ayla Price is still dancing with the Dance Factory. This year will have the lead as the sugar plum fairy in the Nutcracker that will be held at Green Mt High School on 12/11 and 12/12. She was also just inducted into the National Honor Society. Nice work!

Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard

11/19/21

Writing again so soon because of an early VT Standard deadline, a result of the upcoming holiday.  A friend and I were victims of an erroneous weather forecast at 10 this morning.  Although there was a bit of snow on my deck early today, the weather prediction did not indicate more precipitation.  Yet, as we ventured forth we encountered sleet, hail, and a mini-blizzard  Oh well, this is VT and we are toughening up for winter!

Please take note that the Plymouth Artisan Cheese Factory is open despite the fact that the Historic Site is closed for the season.  Their hours are 11 AM to 4 PM and the small museum is also open for a self-guided tour.  They may be reached at 802-672-3650 or www.plymouthcheese.com.

Tom at the Echo Lake Inn just advised me that the restaurant will be open 11/25 – 11/27 from 5:30 – 9 PM for more turkey!  They are full for all three seatings on Thanksgiving, however.  Their winter menu will be in effect on weekends starting 12/3.  On 12/22 the plan is to be open six days per week.

Just a reminder about the dates for the special town meeting:  Monday night 12/6 at 7 PM for the informational meeting, then voting will take place on Tuesday 12/7 from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Information on the Short Term Rental proposal and the repairs to the Town Building can be found on the Town website.  

Thanksgiving is coming  

Feasting forthcoming 

  Meal prep upcoming

\We will join at the table  

Hungry and able  

All cozy and stable

We’ll each note a blessing  

Dig into the dressing  

And enjoy decompressing

Call 802-672-2277 or cell, 603-359-3058 to learn more about Moxie