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6/30/25

The end of June and it is difficult some days to tell whether summer has arrived. Seems to either be cold and damp or sweltering and humid. We have enjoyed the several lovely days in between, however. Sunday evening I attended The Sound of Music performance by BarnArts on Rose Hill. It was delightful, the weather perfect, and the view spectacular. It was also fun to see Plymouth youngsters Josie and Julia Flaster in prominent roles as two of the children. The acting and the music were just wonderful. Sorry if you missed it!

There is so much going on at the Calvin Coolidge Homestead this weekend. Please refer back to the 6/16 issue for all the details. It appears that the weather will be good with clear skies, lower temps, and less humidity. Don’t forget you can cool off at Camp Plymouth State Park, too.

Folks might want to check out the minutes from the 6/12 Select Board meeting for info about town finances. Also, keep in mind that intensive bridge work being done on Rte 100A is scheduled to begin on 7/7, meaning there will be no through traffic to Rte 4 for possibly over a month.

On Thursday 7/10 at 10:30 AM “Friends” of Fletcher Memorial Library will presentJames by Percival Everett. I have not finished this reimagining of Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, but so far it has been intriguing especially since it is told through a slave’s perspective. Everyone is welcome, even if you have not read it. It is also nice and cool in FML community room!

VINS, the VT Institute of Natural Science will be at FML on Friday, 7/11 at 1 PM with their Color Our World program.  In partnership with the Vermont Summer Reading Program, meet three of our animal ambassadors, and learn how nature’s palette can startle, impress, and even fool the eye! Witness the rainbow of techniques our wildlife uses to hunt, hide, and survive in this 45 minute program geared towards families and children of all ages!

6/22/26

Such crazy weather – hot/cold, rainy/sunny, but the wind seems to be a constant factor throughout these transitions. Tom & I did not give much thought to cooling off the house when we installed our heat pump. Now, I don’t know what I would do without it! I seem to have bats living above the flood lights on both decks from the evidence I am finding there. I know they eat bugs, which is great, although I wish they would relocate to a tree.

The Plymouth Book group is scheduled to discuss Tom Lake by Ann Patchett on Tuesday, 6/24 at 6:30 pm. It appears that Zoom is the best option this time. Thanks Rose for making that happen.

I attended Holly Sullivan’s program via Zoom at Fletcher Memorial Library last Friday relating to her senior thesis research findings on Lake Amherst. It is fed by the Black River whcih is a high energy waterway and sediment deposits show previous glacial activity, as well as accumulation from recent flooding.

Over 350 people attended the Strawberry Festival last Wed. The rain stopped and the evening was actually quite lovely. Good food, great music, and relatively few bugs!

Be sure to check out the summer youth programs at FML, including crafts for ages 12 & up on 6/23 from 5:00-6:30 pm and the 6/24program with Becky Auger from HireAbility Vermont and Jenn Cobb from VABIR for a relaxing morning of chatting and creative expression forages 14-18 from 11 to noon. There are so many wonderful opportunities for youth, so go to http://www.fmInews.org/youth.html or call Sacha at 802-228-8921

it is so nice to see the Echo Lake Inn sign back up! Many brides and grooms are enjoying their weekend wedding celebrations there, but don’t forget the mid-week specials Tues – Thurs evenings. The menu items are truly amazing, but you will need a reservation – 802-228-8602.

6/16/25

Nice to see the sun this Monday morning, plus it looks like it will be warmer today.  Some places have experienced flooding with all the rain.  The streams are running quickly and the lakes in Plymouth are quite high.  Despite the weather animals abound in my yard including birds, bears and raccoons. We share our world with so many wonderful creatures!

Hopefully the weather will cooperate for the annual Strawberry Festival on Wed, 6/18 at Camp Plymouth State Park from 5 – 8 PM. Lots of lucious food, including the amazing and renowned strawberry shortcake, plus music by Adam Boyce and Sue Hunt that is always a treat! The fee admission to park at that time allows for a swim or boat ride in addition to other activities for the young at heart. Proceeds are well used for various community needs.

Come learn about Flood Mud by attending an informative talk by Dartmouth College student Holly Sullivan at Fletcher Memorial Library in Ludlow VT on 6/20  at 11 AM. Sediment in Lake Amherst has been extreme of late and is the subject of Holly’s senior thesis. For remote access via a “Zoom Room” call 857 345 0004; contact Holly with questions at holly.m.sullivan.25@dartmouth.edu

Tami Bowen from the Calvin Coolidge Foundation tells me they are looking for Citizen Judges for the Speech & Debates Coolidge Cup being held July 2nd, 3rd and 4th. Choose from any of the three days and judge as many as you’d like. No experience is necessary in speech, debate or judging. Training will be provided. To learn more and to register to judge go to coolidgefoundation.org/debate or call Tami at 802-672-3389, Ext. 100.

There are many events taking place at the Historic Site on July 4^th, which is also the birthday of Calvin Coolidge. The Declaration of Independence and moment of reflection will happen at 9 AM at the Union Christian Church. Join the processional to the cemetery at noon, led by the VT National Guard, where a wreath will be laid at the president’s grave and readings will be offered by the president’s descendants. The ceremony will be emceed by the 80th Vermont Governor, James Douglas. At 1 PM John Masko will conduct a 13-piece orchestra playing a wonderful array of musical selections. Birthday cake will be served after the concert. Throughout the day, the Calvin Coolidge Presidential Foundation will host the Coolidge Cup national speech and debate competition. Come join the fun!

6/9/25

Well, these rainy Saturdays are tough to take. It was amazing to see so many people at Beverly Johnson’s graveside service despite the downpour. A heartfelt tribute to Bev and to her family members. This Monday morning is brightening up and the wind is helping to keep the mosquitoes at bay. Concerning, however is the air quality that has been in the 90’s lately due to the Canadian fires. I hope those with breathing issues have been able to stay indoors.

I know that most of us are busy and cannot be present at Select Board meetings or even attend on Zoom, so it is very helpful to be able to review the minutes on the town website. The bridge repair schedule has been causing much consternation, so I am including an email I recently received from the state. Please note the full closure on 100A starting 7/7.

DATE: June 6, 2025 VT Agency of Transportation

A long-term southbound lane closure is now in effect on Vermont Route 100A leading to Bridge 9. Traffic is being controlled primarily by a temporary signal, with flaggers assisting during certain operations. This traffic pattern will remain in place until July 7, when a full closure of the bridge is scheduled to begin.Starting June 24, nearby Bridge 4 will see additional activity. ADA Traffic Control will be on site to manage flagging and signage while geophysics staff conduct lane-specific work. The work will begin in the northbound lane and is expected to take only a few hours per lane, with completion anticipated within a single day.

With school soon closing for the summer, it can be challenging to keep youngsters occupied. Don’t forget that Fletcher Memorial Library in Ludlow is available to Plymouth residents and has a number of free passes for a variety of interesting places, so check out their website. Adults, too! The Bethany Birches Camp Fun Day on Sunday, 6/14 can be a great way to start summer vacation.

Since our weather has been cold and rainy, it is fortunate that Tyson Ladies Aid does not need to pick the berries for their delicious strawberry shortcake offered at the annual Plymouth Strawberry Festival starting at 5 PM at Camp Plymouth State Park on 6/18. Hopefully the precipitation will hold off that day, but the pavilion does provide some shelter. The park entrance fee is waived for this amazing community effort that includes hot dogs and various burgers offered by EMS, plus baked beans and various salads from the community. Kids crafts, face painting, touch a truck, and terrific music by Adam Boyce and Sue Hunt help to make this fund-raising event so much fun. Plus you can go for a swim, see friends and perhaps meet some new folks!

Register here: https://www.triquest.co/