Welcome to The Plymouth Press Online

Warm weather has visited our area again (actually, not sure it ever left us!), so dips in the lake have been a terrific way to cool off.  Milfoil has apparently been an issue with Lake Pauline and Lake Rescue needing remediation efforts, although I haven’t heard about this problem in our lakes in Plymouth.

Some rain has helped the parched landscape, too.  I didn’t think the storm on 7/23 provided more than a heavy downpour, but I guess I was wrong.  Those of us with TDS telephone service were effected from 8 PM that evening until nearly 5 PM on Friday.  I thought the internet would be out as well, but happily that wasn’t the case.

I have no idea how many hummingbirds have taken up residence at our house, but keeping the feeders full has become quite a challenge.  I was sitting on the deck where the small old-fashioned feeder is located.  Not only were the hummers bickering with each other, but bees kept vying at the feeder, too.  Long ago I lost that tiny red end piece that would prevent them from drinking.  Most hummingbirds showed respect for these insistent insects and often waited on the railing for their turn.  Every once in a while a more aggressive bird would challenge the tiny intruder and they would partake in a dance of darting after one another.  Reminds me of some human interactions!

I found this enchanting quote called Ultrasonic love in National Geographic: “Other birds can’t hear the love songs of the Ecuadorian hillstar hummingbirds. When the male chirps—inflating his throat, causing iridescent throat feathers to glisten princely purple—only birds of his kind can hear, AP’s Christina Larson reports. That’s because the mating call is at 13.4 kilohertz. That’s considered “ultrasonic” for birds, which generally can’t hear above nine or 10 kilohertz. Why so high-pitched? So that the sound of love can conquer a background soundscape of mountain winds, streams, and the songs of other birds, one researcher says.”

I have been hearing good things about the newest level added to the canopy walk at VINS, which might mean it is time to check out!  Also, if you are itching to get out and hear some live music, concerts are scheduled for the Brown Bag Concert Series on Fridays canopy walk at VINS at 5:30 PM on the Woodstock History Center Back Lawn (food and wine on sale courtesy of Bentleys Restaurant) and 6 PM on Wednesday evenings on Svec Memorial Green in Proctorsville (food orders available from Murdocks and Outer Limits Brewery)

We had our Zoom Book Club meeting the other night and discussed Dirt, which apparently was entertaining with stories about the adventures of Bill Bufford’s learning French cooking.  I admit that I did not read it….  The book for 8/20 is The Secret of Priest’s Grotto: A Holocaust Survival Story by Peter Lane Taylor and Christos Nicola.  This is a quote from one reviewer:  “The layout of this book is unique and superb — it includes both contemporary color photos and historic b/w photos of the families involved in the hiding from the Germans, as well as location photos, and artifacts.  The narrative is just detailed enough to hold interest but not get bogged down.”

Congratulations to Schuyler Hagge for having her picture chosen for the VT Standard photo contest!  I agree that here in VT with its beautiful vistas, a sense of calm and hope prevails.  Thoughts on a bike ride this week:  After a stormy night, the sunshine emerges and dances upon the dewdrops spread across the leaves. Some are red, others blue and a few green. Hope surges as beauty penetrates my heart and I say thank you, Lord

Reprinted with the permission of The Vermont Standard

I guess I need to start by admitting that I really have nothing to report this week!  A couple of early morning bike rides have been nice.  The rains came and watered the gardens a bit.  Many folks seem to be vacationing in VT and enjoying the beauty of our area.

Although I did not go near our delightful lakes in Plymouth, I understand from friends that Camp Plymouth State Park drew a large crowd this past weekend.  Also, it was quite windy, causing waves in the water even without many power boats in evidence.  I am told that many people were on the water with paddle boards and kayaks, though.

According to Ranger Chris, Sustainable Eats has a food truck there from 11 AM – 3PM on Tuesday and Wednesday, as well as Friday through Sunday.  Also the playground is open now!

Those of us who are local could easily lament the sustained hot temperatures and humidity, although most often things cool down at night.  So without further ado, here is a ditty…

Reprinted with the permission of The Vermont Standard

7/6/20

Well, the holiday weekend has come and gone – a very different one for most of us.  Cars were streaming into Ludlow on Friday afternoon and I don’t believe I have ever seen so many boats on Echo Lake.  We watched one man fishing, sitting in a chair on a round 5 foot diameter “boat”.  He was catching and releasing.  He headed over to Camp Plymouth State Park and after emptying his craft, he simply rolled it away!

There were a couple of professional pyrotechnics by a few towns, but also many backyard fireworks were being set off far into the night.  Beautiful as these displays are, I always feel sorry for the animals – domestic and wild.  I think some people opted to watch them on TV instead.

We had a bit of excitement in Tyson Sunday evening when 2 hikers became lost trying to go from Dublin Rd up to Tiny Pond.  I don’t know all the details, but apparently they were wandering for 5 hours without water or proper shoes.  Many thanks to Angela who responded for Plymouth Emergency Services. I believe others may have accompanied her and after dealing with two bouts of heavy rain and near darkness, the couple was located.  They all exited the woods in Mt Holly and the Ludlow ambulance checked them out.  Lessons to be learned:  don’t wander into unknown territory ill-prepared…..

Tyson Ladies Aid will have the Annual Picnic this Thursday at the Pingree’s on Pingree Flats.  Tyson Library is opening 7/7, operating 10 AM to noon Tuesday through Saturday.  Masked are required and only one person or family group may enter at a time.  TLA gave two $1500 scholarships this year to Eve Cole (WUHS) and Sara Swartz (BRHS)

As with most things these days, there are some changes at the Historic Site.  Many things, including the church are closed, but the Museum & Education Center (where the new Roaring Twenties exhibit is located), main levels of the two barns, and Coolidge Homestead are open.  The cheese factory has curbside service.

Although storms seem to be cycling in and out, if you can, take a refreshing dip in one of our lovely lakes.  We live in such a beautiful spot!

Reprinted with the Permission of The Vermont Standard

6/28/20

Another week of erratic temperatures & spritzes of rain, sometimes only lasting 10 minutes!  Some days have been almost perfect with lower humidity and a nice breeze.  So much for which to be grateful, especially that we are not having hazy skies with dust from the Sahara desert.  Family and friends in FL, AL and TX are experiencing dangerous air quality in addition to their spiraling COVID cases.

I had the privilege of watching an Eastern Phoebe teaching the baby bird to fly the other day.  I heard insistent chirping on my deck and went to investigate.  The baby was continuously fluttering from chair to table to floor, then eventually up to a plant to join the parent.  This scene played out for several minutes, until the little one finally swooped up into a nearby tree.  I cheered!

I enjoyed chatting with Chris, the new ranger at Camp Plymouth State Park.  They opened officially on 6/26.  The day use fees are the same – $4 for adults and $2 for youngsters aged 4 to 13.  There will be no concession, boat rentals, picnic tables, or carts.  The good news is that you can bring your own volleyball, horse shoes and other necessities and still enjoy a great time at the beach or on the grass at this beautiful place.  Please have masks with you and make sure to wear them when interacting with staff and actually anyone not part of your group.  After all, it is a courtesy and protection for others.

Although the official notice has not been published, I understand that the Coolidge Homestead (672-3773) plans to open 7/1 with hours being 10 AM until 5:00 PM, Tuesday through Sunday (closed Mondays), until October 18th.

According to Art, compliance with the 7/1 mandate to keep these items out of the trash: spoiled leftovers, meat, bones, and fat, vegetable scraps, fruit scraps, egg and nutshells, coffee grounds and filters, tea leaves and tea bags (staples removed), milk, cheese, and yogurt, soup, liquids, and yard debris under 1/8 inch, organics collection will be available at any Fast Trash locations, in residential curbside/off-curb pickups, as well as in dumpster rentals.  You will be able to purchase fully compostable bags in 2 sizes – 13 gal and 33 gal.  Please go to the A.B.L.E. Waste Management website for additional information and click on Compost Collection or call 672-3569.

If you see Michelle Pingree on 7/3 be sure to wish her Happy Birthday!  Betty Stear’s is coming up on 7/21 and Carolyn Scott’s on 7/31.

The Echo Lake Inn will be opening on 7/9, seating 40 indoors and more out-of-doors. Please note that reservations are required, so call 1-800-356-6844.

Thanks, Elaine for providing the following property transfer information.

5 Woodpecker Rd    $319,900    Michael and Joanne Fournier to David and Debra Christiansen

747 Dix Hill Rd     $447,500    David Goldstein and Claudia Rodriguez to Katherine Provost

2699 Hale Hollow Rd.    $197,000  James Duff to Allyson Robaczynski and Brandon Doyle

651 Salt Ash Rd       $565,000     Peggy Janney to David and Annamarie Haught

2823 Rte 100 A      $269,000     Martina Hamilton and Caitlin Hurtgen to Matthew O’Hara and Elena Chaynikova

148 Hawk Hollow La.   $270,000  Frances Ginsberg to James and Christine McCahon

Thunderstorms are expected on Saturday and Sunday, so the Community Work Day at The Community Center is pushed until Monday, June 29 from 3 until 5 PM.

Weeding the playground is top of the list, gardening gloves are recommended!

Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard

6/21/20

Well, summer is certainly upon us and going for a dip is the way to cool off!  We have great friends with a house on Echo Lake, but Camp Plymouth State Park will officially open on Friday, 6/26.  Of course, you may go there now and park in the off-season parking lot – the former group field.  Masks are needed and social distancing should be observed.

I had an interesting discussion with a large doe the other morning.  As I burst out my back door to water the garden, I startled her and she jumped into view.  As I spoke to her, she stopped and turned, seeming to listen to me.  I told her that she was beautiful and welcome to visit, but asked that she not eat my flowers.  She lingered for a minute or so, hopefully processing my request, then she bounded off into the woods.

There are so many amazing creatures around here.  Turkeys wander into our yard and the chipmunks are prolific this year.  Bears seem to be in abundance.  Thanks to Steve Radonis for sharing this mother and cub who have been wandering through his yard.

I apologize for leaving Owen Coates off the list of graduating seniors from WUHS. Best of luck as he heads off to Quinnipiac College this fall.  Also, congratulations to Ian Dupont, who recently graduated from Champlain College with a BA in Fine Arts in filmmaking.  He is already employed at Scout Digital in Burlington.

Thanks to Katherine and Rodric Pingree for hosting the Community Luncheon outdoors at their place on Thursday.  Hot dogs, green and also macaroni salad, plus dessert were enjoyed by those who attended, included teens and counselors from Windsor County Youth Services. 

The book discussion (via Zoom) was also on Thursday and although “American Dirt” contained graphic descriptions of the hardships endured by those migrating to the US, everyone agreed it was eye-opening and a good read.  Some of the most disturbing parts depicted the horror of conditions and the activities of the drug cartels in some countries below our border, especially for young girls.  The next book is titled “Dirt” by Bill Bufford, which will be discussed on 7/23.

Lauren is looking for help at the Community Center and writes: on Sat, 6/27 from 11 AM to 1 PM there will be a community workday at the Plymouth community center. There are dandelion greens growing up through the wood chips on the playground, and the front garden bed could use a good weeding. Many hands make light work, and any help to spiffy up our shared community space would be much appreciated. 

It is nice that some places are beginning to open up.  VINS is pleased to be one of them.  Snacks may be purchased, but you will need to bring your own water and of course, a mask.  I didn’t realize that a new upper level has been added to the Canopy Walk, so consider going over to check it out.

I stopped in the Woodstock Farmer’s Market the other day and was pleased to be able to pick up a couple of delicious salads.  As usual, the array of luscious fruits and veggies was wonderful!

Saturday, June 27 from 11 AM to 1 PM there will be a Community Workday at the Plymouth Community Center (35 School Drive). There are dandelion greens growing up through the wood chips on the playground, and the front garden bed could use a good weeding.

Many hands make light work, and any help to spiffy up our shared community space would be much appreciated.

Thank you!

Reprinted with permission of the Vermont Standard

6/14/20

Yes, it appears that we still need to layer our clothing – the heat even came on the other morning!  That’s ok, still no better place to be and I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.  It appears that many folks are coming up to enjoy our lovely state. The pandemic still haunts us, but with prudence we can still be outdoors and soak up the beauty all around us.

Speaking of beautiful places, per Brandon, “Bethany Birches Camp is working hard to alter its programming to keep up with industry and state guidance in order to offer a summer camp program this year.  Summer camp is as important as ever this year! Spots are limited, but you can see the schedule here: http://www.bethanybirches.org/summer-camps-dates/”

Congratulations to Plymouth graduates from WUHS, Evie Cole and Charlotte Caron and also to former resident Theresa Steward.  It has not been an ideal way to celebrate, but I hope they have felt honored by the various ways folks have tried to make this time special for them.  I hope I haven’t missed others from town, but please let me know if I did and I will mention you next week!

It has been many months since we have held the community luncheon.  I believe February was the last one.  Katherine & Rodrick Pingree have offered to cook hotdogs and have folks come to their open field on Thursday, 6/18 at 11:30, where we can all spread out and socialize with appropriate distance.  There will be macaroni salad and green salad, as well as dessert.  It looks like the weather will be good, but they have a large barn in case of rain.

You may have noticed how lovely the lights on the Stickney Bridge in Tyson look these days.  A big thank you to the North family (Richard and Doug) for maintaining them and brightening up the night!

You may recall that the dog license deadline was postponed.  If you have your dog’s rabies certification and would like to get your new license, you may call the Town Office (802-672-3655) and they will prepare the paperwork and give you an appointment time.

Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard

6/7/20

What a glorious bike ride I had last Thursday!  At 8 AM it was 60 degrees, a cerulean sky, and a light breeze.  There was relatively little traffic as I rode along Rte 100 and enjoyed viewing the lake sparkling in the sunlight.  I wish my knowledge of bird calls was more extensive because there were many different songs floating on the air.  A myriad of shades of green greeted me all around the lake and the delightful scent of lilacs reached me at several points.  Aren’t we fortunate to live in such a beautiful place – I feel very blessed!

June BDs. Sue Poirier – 6/4, Tom Marrone 6/6,  Margo Marrone & Matt Harootunian – 6/14,  Gwen Groff – 6/25.  By the way, you can still get cheese at the Plymouth Cheese factory (802- 672-3650) these days and pick it up curbside.  Jesse told me the story of Rebecca the Raccoon.  Apparently the Coolidges were sent a raccoon from Mississippi in1926, supposedly to feast upon for Thanksgiving dinner.  However, they choose to raise her as a pet and she roamed the halls of the White House munching on shrimp and persimmons, with eggs being her favorite.  An embroidered collar was made for her for Christmas saying “White House Raccoon” and she was walked outdoors on a leash.  She was one of many pets!

How wonderful it was to gather outside of Tyson Library for our 6/4 Tyson Ladies Aid meeting, the first in several months.  The weather cooperated nicely and we brought our own chairs and lunch, positioning ourselves at a distance from one another.  It was so nice to share camaraderie, joys and concerns.  Despite the need to cancel two fundraising events (the Good Friday Bake Sale and the Strawberry Festival), the group was able to pay for banners for the Black River High School seniors and will still provide two scholarships for graduating seniors – one from Black River and the other from Woodstock Union High School.

It was decided that Tyson Library will open for the season on 7/7, the hours being 10 to noon, Tuesday – Saturday.  Only one patron or family may enter at a time and masks will be needed to do so.  Weather permitting, games/cards will take place on Thursdays!

Mark your calendars for the 5/30 Household Hazardous Waste Collection from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the Springfield transfer station located at 135 Fairground Road/100 Recycle Way.  Visit www.vtsolidwastedistrict.org for more information, call 674-9235 or email mobrien@swcrpc.org

Please remember that during these days of COVID-19 wearing a mask is a sign of courtesy and concern for others.