Welcome to The Plymouth Press Online

Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard

8/23/20

My goodness, the storm on Sunday evening was fierce!  We were on Lake George today and storms threatened, but didn’t materialize.  I do not know who left the lovely flowers that I found on the deck upon my return – beautiful glads and cheerful black-eyed Susans. Such a thoughtful and lovely gift, many thanks.

I went for an abbreviated walk with a friend around 7:15 that evening.  The sky was rose-colored, but thunder began to rumble, so we turned back and headed for shelter.  Even with the recent storms things are dry.  I just wish this rain could be a little less intense!

I hope that the weather cooperates for the spreading of the newly delivered wood chips  at the community playground that were purchased jointly by the Town and the Plymouth Schoolhouse Childcare.  Rick Kaminski will be bringing his tractor on the Saturday, 8/29 but help will be needed.  Please mark your calendar and venture over to lend a hand!

The discussion of the Priest’s Grotto provided a better understanding and a greater appreciation for the hardship and determination of this extended Jewish family as they hid for their lives deep within caves in the Ukraine for months on end. Most of us found it difficult to comprehend spending so much time tucked away from sunlight.

Our book for next time will be the fiction bestseller, The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett.  “It’s a poignant family story that doesn’t shy away from the intersections of race, class, and gender—all while capturing the reader’s heart and mind in a way only Bennett can.”

The meeting will be Thursday, 9/17 at 6:30 pm via Zoom.

Dear Plymouth friends and neighbors,

We have secured through donations everything we need to add a nice Pickleball Court at the Community Center. The only thing left is: WE NEED HELP. We need folks that are able to handle a hand post hole digger or a shovel to dig holes for the posts. Then we need several hands to put up the fencing, including driving staples into pressure treated posts, and carrying bags of concrete mix. Then we could use help painting the lines for the Pickleball Court. We will be using our net for the rest of this season and we have balls and a couple of paddles to share. I am working with Pickleball Central to get a grant for a nice portable net for next year.
Please consider putting in some time to enhance our community.
Please call us if you can lend a hand. Tell us days/evenings that you can help and we will be there too. Thank you.
Sincerely. Rodrick Pingree 8027738767
Katherine Pingree. 8023537969
PS. We would like to get this done soon so you all can come play or learn to play this really fun racquet game!

Cloth Face Masks for Plymouth Residents

Plymouth Emergency Management has received an allotment of cloth face masks to distribute to Plymouth Residents.  Our shipment included 150 masks which is equal to 25% of our census full time population.

Face masks will be distributed through the town office which is open Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. every week.  Distribution will be on a first come first served basis and limited to one face mask per resident living in Plymouth.  You will be asked to indicate your address and sign for your mask(s) at the time of distribution.  If we have any face masks left after Labor Day, non resident home owners may call the office to apply for a mask.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard

8/16/20

I was just sitting out on the deck (Sunday) and needed to come in to get a sweater.  I am really not ready to change seasons yet and hope that summer sticks around a bit longer.  I now have three lovely wind chimes, each with a different tone.  The melody is quite enchanting and comforting!

The other night I was listening to a mouse in the closet – again!  There was a week not long ago when I trapped 8 in a four day period.  One night as I was lying in bed, I actually heard the trap snap, yet I waited until morning before disposing of it.  As I toss them into the woods, I wonder whose meal they will become.  I hope something makes good use of them.  It does seem strange that so many are venturing indoors during the summer when it is usually the cooler weather that drives them in.

The Book Group meetings this Thursday via Zoom at 6:30 to discuss The Secret of Priest’s Grotto: A Holocaust Survival Story.  I have not yet had a chance to watch the accompanying documentary, No Place on Earth, but hope to do so within the next day or so.

I have heard of several college students returning to their respective schools for the fall term.  Some will have actual classes, others on-line, and a few seem to be having a combination of both.  VT is gearing up for the return of out-of-state students, trying to be prudent about the possibility of COVID coming with them and taking needed steps to ensure a rapid response.  What a strange and perplexing time.

VT schools will be opening after Labor Day and again there are a variety of options.  Much has been learned about virtual classes, but it can still be rather difficult for students and school personnel.  Hopefully the precautions that are being taken will safeguard everyone.  A bit of extra patience and fortitude will be needed.  This is a time of uncertainty, but one to most certainly extend extra kindness.  

8/9/20

It was nice not to have to water the plants the other day, but it did rain hard and I guess many people were impacted.  Today (Monday) is heating up, so Melissa, my grandsons & I are heading to Camp Plymouth State Park to cool off with a swim.

I notice that my fall phlox is beginning to bloom, which is an unwelcome signal that summer is starting to wane.  It has been a gift to be able to visit with people out on the deck these past several months and still maintain social distancing.  I believe our COVID-19 numbers are the lowest in the country, which is another plus.

I recently learned that Rebecca Ruplin has a farm stand where you can purchase fresh organic produce, eggs, preserves, and herbal products.  She lives at 2185 Lynds Hill Road, on the left just before you reach Bethany Birches Camp.  I am looking forward to going up there myself!

I just discovered that my aloe plant seems to be melting near the bottom.  It is an oozing mess!  I know it has needed to be divided and transplanted for quite some time.  Wondering if that is why it has become weepy.  Anyone have any thoughts on that?

 Rte 100 Parcel ‘A’, 5.01acres          $55,000       Ralph,Judith, & Jeremy Michael to Russ and Jillian Kikkert

Voting

Tuesday, August 11, 2020

10am to 7pm

Voting begins at 10AM at the Town Hall, on Tuesday August, 11, 2020. All voters will check in outside the front door before you can enter the Town Offices to vote. We will be permitting two voters at a time. There may be a brief delay when checking in, so you may need to stand in line for a bit.

Please bring a pen or pencil with you to mark your ballot. We will have hand sanitizer available, so please use them if you would like.

After entering the building, please follow the markings on the floor to help you proceed in the correct direction.

Remember to wear a face mask- and practice social distancing of 6 feet between yourself and another voter. This is for YOUR protection…

Those wishing to vote, but are cautiously apprehensive, please know that we can send you an absentee ballot- BUT the ballot must be returned to our office by Monday August 10th to be counted. Just call the Town Clerk at 802 672 3655. If you have a fever, have tested for COVID-19, or have other symptoms, please request an absentee ballot.. do not come to the Town Hall to vote for the safety of others.

Voting Guidelines 8.11.20 2

Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard

8/2/20

As they say, what a difference a week makes….  There is not much news around town, but I do want to take this opportunity to thank folks for their gracious kindnesses.  So many have reached out to Melissa and me and made us feel surrounded by love.  Thank you one and all.

Although only immediate family took part in the graveside service for Tom, please feel free to stop by his grave if you are so inclined.  It is a lovely view and the stone he chose for his mom is already in place up top and to the left on the hill.  I want to thank the Plymouth Volunteer Fire Department members for honoring Tom with a last call.  It meant a great deal to us.
A number of people have been relating amazing stories about creatures relaying encouraging messages from loved ones who have departed.  So far I have heard about a raccoon, a butterfly, a fox, and an eagle.  During the Bethany Mennonite Zoom church on Sunday, a rather large hummingbird perched on a branch outside my dining room window.  He sat there for almost an hour and even let me draw close to take his picture!
I just want to remind folks that VT primary elections will take place on Tuesday, 8/11.  Voting by absentee ballot is certainly an option, but there will be staggered voting, wearing masks in the Town Building and an outside alternative, too.

I know that some of you are already aware that Tom died in Echo Lake on Monday afternoon.  We assume it was his heart & that he simply slid under the water unnoticed.  His countenance was peaceful.

We have not made arrangements, but anticipate a small, immediate family graveside time.  We do not want to put anyone is harm’s way.  We would appreciate hearing funny stories about Tom – fond memories, so please send some to me.  I regret I cannot respond to all the emails & texts at this point, but we (Melissa, Chris, & I) appreciate your thoughts & prayers.

Peace, Margo

Email me at: tmmarrone@tds.net