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7/21/25

If you like hot weather, it is here! The humidity/dew point has been high, but the wind has made it mostly bearable. My gardens are crying out for a lengthy gentle rain and I would add, preferably overnight. We are definitely fortunate to have so many lakes and other places for a cooling swim.

On Friday, 7/25 at 1 PM Vermont author Jo Knowles, writer of several middles grade novels as well as picture books, will be at Fletcher Memorial Library to share her experiences as an author and love of literacy. Participants will be able to choose 2 free books, too! Also, please remember that books in good condition are being collected at FML for the fundraiser book sale on 8/15 – 16

I just learned about a delightful activity taking place at Camp Plymouth State Park on Sunday, 7/27 starting at 8:30 AM. It is a fundraiser for the Okemo Mountain School to help provide scholarships for local student athletes and features bike rides of 9, 32 or 45 miles. The entrance fee of $65 (adult) and $35 (youth) includes day use of the park, lunch and a beverage. Register and learn more at OKEMOMOUNTAINSCHOOL.ORG. Of course, the park is a terrific place for everyone to enjoy picnicking, boating and swimming and is open from 10 AM until dusk.

Amid the turmoil of our times,, a number of people will become US citizens on Thursday, 7/31 at 11 AM at the Calvin Coolidge Presidential Museum right here in Plymouth. The oath will be administered by U.S. District Court judge Mary Kay Lanthier. Tami Bowen, Office Administrator & Executive Assistant sent me this announcement: Come help us honor President Coolidge’s commitment to the principle that “Divine Providence has not bestowed upon any race a monopoly of patriotism and character.” Please join us for a cookie and lemonade reception immediately following the ceremony, hosted by the Calvin Coolidge Presidential Foundation and the National Society of Colonial Dames of America in the State of Vermont.

Condolences to Randy’s family. Tyson, VT – Randall Lee Shimp, 73, passed away peacefully on June 26, 2025, at his home.Randy was born on January 19, 1952, in Lewistown, PA, a son of Robert R. and Elizabeth L. (Shenk) Shimp. He graduated from Mifflin County High School in 1969 and later attended Davis and Elkins College in Elkins, WV, where he met, Janet A. Bieling. They were married on October 14, 1973, in Centerville, PA. The couple settled in West Windsor, VT, where they started their family, later moving into the home he built in Tyson VT.

Randy worked in concrete starting in High School and later in construction management for many years, overseeing projects across Vermont, New Hampshire, Connecticut, and Utah. Most recently, he was employed by the Town of Cavendish in the Water Department, retiring in September of 2023.He was a proud member and past Worshipful Master of Black River Lafayette Lodge #85 F&AM in Ludlow, VT. In his younger years, Randy was an avid soccer player and skier. He spent over 15 years teaching skiing at Killington. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating, and most of all, tinkering, fixing, and building things—activities that brought him great joy. He was always up to tinker with his grandchildren and teach them his skills.

He is survived by his partner, Janet A. Shimp of Tyson; two daughters, Erin L. Shimp of Rutland and Jaclyn A. Olmstead (Richard G, III) of Ludlow; four grandchildren, Eliza R. Bridge, Richard G. Olmstead IV, Finnlee R. Olmstead, and Shannon L. Olmstead; four siblings, William Shimp, James Shimp, Betsy Olsen, and Barb Barton, all of Lewistown, PA; as well as many loving nieces and nephews. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends and all who knew him. A Masonic memorial service will be held Sunday, August 3rd, at his home.

7/14/25

Well, you may have noticed that I skipped writing last week. I was two and a half weeks without water despite the valiant efforts of several people and I thank them all for their amazing efforts! It was finally determined that the issue was the connection from my spring to the house. Neighbors and family provided wonderful overnight accommodations and water for my plants and me. So last Monday Valley Artisan began the work of drilling a well. A big thank you to my neighbor, Shawn for doing the digging! I now have a wonderful stream of water into my home.

Of course, life went on without me. You can watch the Select Board meeting of 7/7 on Okemo TV. Lots of folks were around for the Holiday weekend. The weather has been hot and humid, but with rain interspersed at times. Grateful that flooding did not occur here, but our hearts go out to those up north who suffered. I was amazed to see two baby fishers run across Dublin road right in front of my car. They were very dark and very fast!

The Friends of Fletcher Memorial library are collecting for the annual book sale, to be held on 8/15, from 4-7 PM and 8/16, from 10 AM – 3 PM. Donations in good condition may be brought to the back door of the library, but please no magazines, encyclopedias, or condensed books.

Don’t forget that many wonderful programs are available at FML including Tech Time with Matt from Sydscompufix on Saturday, 7/9 10:30 AM-12:30 PM, call to sign up, 802-228-8921 and bring your device, phone or computer to get the help you need. Also Healthy Living for Brain & Body will take place 7/21 with a discussion about how lifestyle choices impact the aging process. Learn about important research into diet, exercise, cognitive activity and social engagement. Come and develop a plan for healthy aging!

Right here at Coolidge Historic Site you can view the 1929 Phantom of the Opera silent film on Sat, 7/19 at 7 PM at the Wilder Barn. Some seating available, but consider bringing a chair and perhaps even picnicking on the grounds prior to the showing.

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.