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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/

6/2/25

Well, more wild weather recently! Perhaps June will see the end of these cold temps, wind and rain. I couldn’t believe how two of my hanging plants dried out very quickly and I imagine the wind was the culprit.
The Select Board will be meeting at 6 today. You can find the agenda and zoom info on the website. In speaking with Jacqueline at Camp Plymouth State Park, she wanted to make sure that everyone is aware of the free park entrance on 6/14 and 15.

Coming up on 6/9 at 6 PM consider attending the discussion of the Seed Keeper by Diane Wilson at Fletcher Memorial Library. On Saturday, 6/14 at 11 AM join professional home organizer Kris Harmelink for helpful tips for successful home organizing. On 6/23 from 5 to 6:30 PM ages 12 & up can gather with friends in the activity room. Supplies will be available for jewelry making, drawing, painting and more.

Please note that Sunday, 6/15 will be fun day at Bethany Birches camp providing a taste of summer camp with activities led by camp staff (pond time, archery, playground, gaga, group games, craft hut, etc) and property tours given by the leadership team. There will be a church service at 10 featuring camp songs, community members with reflections on 60 years at BBC, then the commissioning prayer for the summer staff team. There will be a chicken BBQ for lunch. Come to any or all of these activities. Please RSVP, so we know how to prepare – (802) 672-5220

5/23/25

Rain, rain, and more rain that will hopefully come to an end for most of the holiday weekend. Everything is greening up nicely despite being a bit soggy.

The Plymouth Reading group met on the 21st and engaged in a lively discussion about A Month in the Country by JL Carr. Although the book started out at a slow pace, it picked up and contained several mysteries. The 6/24 selection is Tom Lake by Ann Patchett.

Fletcher Memorial Library will be closed Monday, 5/26 in observance of Memorial Day. Join the discussion of The Seed Keeper by Diane Wilson on 6/9 at 6 PM and learn about a Dakhóta family’s struggle to preserve their way of life. Also, consider attending the Writers Group hosted by Catherine Martin from 5 – 6:30 PM on the first and third Mondays. For more information: 802-228-8921

A message from Bethany Birches Camp. Last month we experienced a severe ice storm. While it was beautiful, it also took down a lot of branches and trees throughout the property. We’re looking for individuals who are able bodied and enjoy working with their hands. We need your help, so sign up to let us know you’re coming.

Sunday May 25th, at 1 PM, we will host a noon potluck lunch and do 3-4 hours of work together. Work to include: sawing and bucking logs, loading the wood chipper, moving firewood. Bring: sturdy, closed shoes. Clothing that can get dirty, any tools you wish to use (we have eye glasses, gloves, and everything else needed. IF you would like to bring a wood chipper, please let us know, and then we wouldn’t rent one)

If that doesn’t suit, maybe Thursday mornings will. Starting this Thursday, join us from 9am- noon to help get camp ready for summer. You will work with the facilities team, mostly on outdoor projects. We’ll do this May 22 and 29, and June 5 and 12.

5/19/25

Well, it appears we are having a pause in our spring weather. After some lovely days last week, it is cold, damp, and dreary! Everything is greening up nicely, however, so I hope we can manage to make our own sunshine for the moment.

There will be a select board meeting this evening, including Charlie Kimball
This is the weekend that places will open with the promise of fun warm weather activities. Our state parks and the Historic Site will be among them. I understand that last years ranger from Calvin Coolidge State park (where camping is enjoyed) will be at Camp Plymouth State park (our lakeside day facility) this summer.

The Plymouth Reading Group will be meeting this Wed to review A Month in the Country by JL Carr. We will also be deciding on books for the next few months. Tyson Library also plans to open. A schedule will be forthcoming soon.

Come to Fletcher Memorial Library Saturday, May 31st 10:30am-12:30pm for Tech Time with Matt from Sydscompufix. Call to sign up, 802-228-8921, then bring your device, phone or computer to get the help you need!