Welcome to The Plymouth Press Online

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!

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.