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Attention All:  The Tyson Store on Rte 100 has a wonderful service available to everyone.  They are offering call in and pick up curbside service !  They have poultry, meats, household staples (eggs, milk, cheese, and oh so many other things!).  Oh, and their deli is open too.  Great sandwiches! This service is  especially helpful during this period of distance socializing (read social isolation)!!!

Give them a call!  Take advantage of this free service which not only helps you, it helps all of us by significantly reducing your social contacts which in turn reduces OUR risks.  AND it also helps support our great local business who has always been there for us when we need them!

Although they are open 7 days/week from 7 a.m to 6 pm, give them a call and order your supplies!  Take advantage of their call in and pick up curbside service. Their number is 802.228.2284. Stay safe and well everyone.

Reprinted with the permission of The Vermont Standard

3/29/20

Well, the month of March is coming to an end. That seems like a good thing in light of COVID 19. Writing this on Sunday, it would be easy to let the dreariness outside be reflected in my mood. That will not be helpful, however, so I choose to see the positives that abound around me.

So many days this week there have been walks in sunlight – sharing pleasantries with family and friends that I encountered along the way. We have new neighbors up the road. I have not met them yet, but I intend to walk up there soon. They have a lovely large porch so we can chat with appropriate distance!

We had a good day in our sugarhouse, finishing the season with another 10½ gallons, which is a lot for us in one day! I was pleasantly surprised to find fresh fruit and veggies during senior shopping hours at Shaws in Ludlow last Tuesday. There were relatively few patrons, nobody in the check out line with me and staff was cheerful and efficient.

Robins are here, as well as purple finches. Oh, I need to thank Scott for bringing us another bag of sunflower seeds. As usually happens this time of year, our driveway is closed off, so he walked all the way up to our house with it!

I forgot to mention last week that I believe I saw a bobcat up in our woods. I caught a glimpse of it from our window as it slowly meanderied up the ridge, until it disappeared behind the sugarhouse. A cute little chippy spent considerable time seeming to look at me through the sliding glass door. He sat on our outdoor fireplace peering in, but I didn’t want to disturb the cat sitting on my lap, so I did not get a picture.

I participated in the Writing Circle sponsored by the Norris Cotton Cancer Center at DHMC on Tuesday evening. Such a diverse and delightful group of folks who write in response to prompts given by Marv Klassen-Landis. Connections – important and so needed right now. I will share below a silly little piece I wrote that night.

Although it was a challenge, I managed to hook into Zoom to join other congregants of Bethany Mennonite Church. Isn’t technology amazing! I would love to hear how some of you are doing and the ways that you are coping with these stressful times.  Be well, Margo

Ponderings

A time to take apart and a time to put together

Can I be productive during this pandemic?

Perhaps tackle a project or two

Well, I am only marginally motivated

Maybe I should compose a list

Alas, I just want to make calls and connect

Perchance, by multi-tasking I can do both!

If needed, contact the Disaster Distress Helpline external icon

Call 1-800-985-5990

Photo is of local Liam Harootunian, enjoying a springtime “walk” with his parents and canine friend Chulu.

From Sandie Small, Plymouth Town Clerk

Because of the coronavirus situation, please be advised our Fire Warden will not be issuing any fire permits at this time.

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Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard

3/22/20

So, this is my regular day to write and there really is not too much to say. We have been encountering many people during our daily walks on Dublin Rd and for the most part we all keep a respectable distance from each other while sharing warm greetings and good cheer.

Today some of us walked along Scout Camp Road, behind Echo Lake and there were several cars parked at the state park. The air was cool and the sunshine warm – a perfect combination. I know the some folks are feeling they need to stay indoors to maintain an acceptable distance. Whatever you prefer, I just hope that everyone is getting exercise and remaining in contact with other people. Social isolation can easily lead to depression, so by whatever means suits you, please reach out and stay connected.

Exercising and doing Tai Chi on the deck has been a new and lovely morning routine lately. Of course, I still have to bundle up, but my baggy coat allows me to stretch and move freely. Rather than my usual music, the birds provide their own symphony these days.

Speaking of birds, this pair of geese was swimming away from us, but when my friend readied her camera, they turned around in unison like a well orchestrated dance and seemed to pose for the picture!

By the way, I did speak with Able Waste and they still plan to maintain their regular schedule of both trash and recycling pick-ups. isn’t nice to know that something has remained unchanged! Peoples United Bank has requested appointments be made for inside services, although drive-through is still available.

I also wanted to note that the dog license registration date has been extended until 5/1, but Sandie said you are welcome to send in your check along with proof of rabies inoculation.

Lastly, a quote for the day rom Peter Marshall and it says: “When we long for life without… Difficulties, remind us that oaks grow strong in contrary winds and diamonds are made under pressure”.

3/20/20

Thought I would share some resource details with folks. This is information I gleaned today (Friday), but as we all know, things keep changing constantly these days!. Being on the Ludlow side of town, I know more about what is happening over this way. Feel free to email other updates to me and I will pass them along.

As far as Rutland is concerned, Price Chopper has senior hours from 6 – 7 AM daily, whereas Hannafords has senior times those same hours, but only Tues – Thurs. Shaws in Ludlow has senior hours on Tues & Thurs from 7 – 9 AM. Tina at the Tyson Village Store has no paper products or cleaning supplies, but they are still open and making sandwiches.

Many folks are aware that the Woodstock Farmers Market will process orders for pickup (no sandwiches being made!), but you need to submit your order online or by phone 24 hours in advance. Mac’s Market told me they are operating as usual.

Rite Aid in Ludlow is keeping to the regular schedule for the time-being, but Ludlow Pharmacy is only using their drive-up window. The banks is Ludlow have different operating procedures. At the moment Peoples United is open 9 – 2 both inside and at the drive-through. Berkshire only has drive-though service but is operating with their regular hours.

The Town Office and the Lister’s office are closed to the public for the time-being  but personnel will be available for phone and email inquiries.  As previously noted, Plymouth Emergency Management has created a new email account specifically for COVID-19. If anyone has a COVID issue or would like to be put on a ‘at risk’ list, please send an email to covid19plymouth@yahoo.com

Also, Okemo Valley TV is a wonderful resource. We do not have cable, but were able to see the latest Select Board meeting on their website. Cable TV channels can go to the Schedules page of the website (okemovalley.tv). The website provides local programs (and health info.from the CDC & State of Vermont), plus the 10-most recent programs will show up on the homepage. For a full searchable catalog of video on demand, go to the Videos page (okemovalley.tv/videos).

I hope that some of this information will help folks navigate these changing and stressful times. Take care & be well.

Plymouth Emergency Management has created a new email account specifically for COVID-19.  If anyone has a COVID issue or would like to be put on a ‘at risk’ list, please send an email to covid19plymouth@yahoo.com . This email will be monitored on a daily basis and we will respond to your concerns as quickly as possible.

We are ready to help in any way we can and will direct you to other resources if we cannot do it ourselves. These are very trying times and we want to do what we can to make life easier for all our Plymouth households.

Mercy: If you have two cloaks and your neighbor has none… (Luke 3:11)

Tyson Community Church has temporarily closed in response to the governor’s call for social distancing.

However, we have not abandoned our worship altogether. As the church’s pastor, I have been posting my weekly sermons on the church’s Facebook Page since beginning our leisurely exploration of Mark’s gospel, where they have been read by a larger community than ours. During this closure, I will continue to prepare and publish weekly sermons, and I am going to experiment with providing an audio file version, too. Stay tuned!

Our small faith community has also been fortunate to attract the musical talents of Erik Johannson who plays multiple instruments, including guitar, harp, recorder, and (of course) organ. He is a gifted musician and a long-time writer of worship songs – a number of which have been published in worship song compilations. Last Sunday, our first after closing, he provided us links to online hymns and songs by email that complemented the sermon theme. Whenever he is able to continue doing so going forward, I will include the links with the week’s sermon.

Using social media to keep our connections during this challenging time is brand new for us. We are exploring and experimenting, and learning as we go. Meanwhile, we are pretty darned happy with who we are becoming as a worship community, and we’re eager to remain connected in spirit even if we must be physically separated.

https://www.facebook.com/TysonCommunityChurch/

Reprinted with permission of The Vermont Standard

3/16/20

Well, it’s Monday morning – a new day and a new week begins. The sun is shining brightly and the birds are happily chirping. Perhaps the sap will run today and sugaring can continue.

There are some things that continue unchanged, yet there is so much that is constantly changing. This COVID 19 outbreak has caused considerable disruption in most of our lives. The interconnectedness of the world has both pluses and minuses.

The fact that life has slowed down a bit might be considered a positive occurrence, however. The need to evaluate what it is important to do now and what can wait can be another plus. How wonderful that we still have so many ways to communicate with one another so that physical isolation does not mean a lack of connection. It has been heartwarming to hear from friends with offers to shop for us – many folks are reaching out in so many ways.

As most of you have likely guessed, the 3/19 Community Luncheon has been canceled. Feel free to wear green on the 17th even if you simply remain at home, though! The corned beef had already been purchased, but is safely in the freezer, so we plan to use it next month.

Please note also that Tyson Church will be closed at least until the end of the month.

In the meantime, may the promise of spring and the beauty of VT help to ease frustration and fear. Be well and blessed.

• Coronavirus or COVID-19 is a respiratory illness, much like the flu. At this time, the risk of COVID-19 in our communities is low; in contrast, the risk of flu is high. Unlike the flu, COVID-19 is not particularly dangerous for children; however, It is dangerous for older adults and those with lung conditions.  It is therefore wise to practice ‘calm preparedness’ in protecting ourselves and our community. The below information is applicable to both COVID-19  and the flu.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol). As soon as soap and water are available wash your hands. Hand sanitizers are not as effective as soap and water.
• Avoid touching your face which includes eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Maintain a six foot distance.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• If you feel sick call your health care provider and follow his/her directions.

Printed with permission from The Vermont Standard

3/8/20

Balmy weather over the weekend and the sap is running! It is amazing how little snow is left, especially if you travel from our immediate area. Our course, you turn up Dublin Rd and it still looks like winter! By the way, so nice to have those couple of huge holes filled in – thank you.

Well, Town Meeting moved along rather quickly and all of the articles passed, most without much discussion. Selectman Rick Kaminski reviewed the survey results that hopefully will provide direction for town leaders. With a fairly new Board of Selectmen, (welcome Jay Kullman), we were advised of their plan to examine the town finances in more depth within the coming months. It was nice to have time to chat after the formal meeting was adjourned.

There were no local contests, so everyone on the ballot was elected. In reviewing the presidential primary election results, it was interesting to see that Trump and Biden received 48 and 47 votes respectively, while Sanders received 70. Assorted votes went to other candidates and some were turned in blank.

Tyson Ladies Aid met on Thursday, 3/5, after having to cancel the February meeting twice because of the weather! Discussion centered on the Good Friday Bake sale that will be held outside Rite Aid in the shopping plaza in Ludlow on April 10th from 10:00 until noon. As usual, there will be an amazing array of goodies from which to choose – pies, cakes, cupcakes, and other adorable Easter treats. Mark your calendars!

The Book Group will be meeting this Thursday, 3/12 to discuss Boo Walker’s Red Mountain. It was a very different book from our last one, so it will be interesting to hear the comments and gain different perspectives. These discussions really enhance our understanding of the characters!

Plans are underway for the 3/19 Community Luncheon to take place downstairs at Tyson Church. I understand that the corned beef has already been purchased and the work schedule set for prep of the traditional boiled dinner in honor of St Patricks Day. For those who attended last year, Michelle is using the same delicious recipe and she will have assistance from Nancy Hagge. Dessert will be a delightful surprise and I am still working on the music piece!