Grace Coolidge Musicale — Margo’s Plymouth Report

Reprinted by permission of The Vermont Standard.

Peyton, and baby Kobe Joyner, grandchildren of Elaine and Bruce Pauley.

7/22/18

So sorry about the fire, but also glad that much was able to be salvaged. The response in VT is so heartwarming – folks jump in to help in so many ways. The sense of community runs deep.

Tom and I walked up the road the other day and noticed that the brook running under our driveway was dry. Quite a contrast to the raging torrent when “Irene” visited town. All the vegetation was glistening today (Sunday)  and seemed to be happy with the rain. Today signaled a day for me to accomplish a few things indoors, which is needed every once in a while!

We had a nice crowd for the Community Luncheon last Thursday. Thanks to Windsor County Youth Services for handling the BBQ and to the several volunteers who provided salads, fruit, and dessert. Also, it wouldn’t have happened if the Echo Lake Inn didn’t lent us their grill – thanks, Tom!

Aren’t grandchildren wonderful. The picture is Peyton, 3 year old sister of Kobe, born July 6, 2018, to Mike and Lauren Joyner.  Peyton and Kobe are the joy of grandparents Bruce and Elaine Pauley and it is easy to see why!

The second Grace Coolidge Musicale will take place on Sunday, July 29, at 4:00 p.m. [at the Calvin Coolidge Homestead church, I believe -ed.] The 45-minute concert is free, although donations are always welcome. This performance will feature the Mairzy Doats Duo – mezzo-soprano Ellen Nordstrom and pianist Abigail Charboneau. Please join them for popular tunes of World Wars I and II and the years between, with a special tribute to Irving Berlin. To add to the fun there will be vintage costumes and décor.

 

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August 7 Public Forum on Land Use Warned

On August 7, 2018 at 7:00PM the Town of Plymouth Planning Commission & Zoning Board of Adjustment will hold a public forum to discuss potential changes to future land use in the Town of Plymouth and review the current town plan.

Please visit the Two Rivers – Ottauquechee Regional Commission Site @

http://www.trorc.org/towns/plymouth

for the current town plan and zoning ordinance.

Public input is encouraged.

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Two Student Plays to be Performed at Bookstock. And RIP John Wheeler — Margo’s Plymouth Report

Reprinted by permission of The Vermont Standard

7/16/18

Isn’t it fortunate that we have lovely lakes in our town where we can cool off on hot days? I drove through Reading on Sunday afternoon and hit a cloud burst. Coming up Tyson/Reading Rd I could see where the rain stopped. Needless to say, when I arrived home, I had to water my gardens!

How exciting that two of our Plymouth students are having their one-act plays performed at Bookstock – Anna Helpler’s is “What a Piece of Work is Will” and Julia Kowalski wrote one entitled “’Right Back at It”. They will be presented on Saturday, 7/28 on the Green in Woodstock.

It is with sadness that I note the passing of John Wheeler. He was a fixture in our area in many ways. As a member of the Plymouth Fire Dept, he worked hard at fighting fires, but also put out some wonderful dinners as well. The younger generation will always recall his role as Santa Clause! When Tom and I visited on Saturday, he was on comfort care and Bea was by his side. Please note the funeral will take place on Thursday, 7/19 at 11:00 AM at the Church of the Annunciation in Ludlow. Tyson Ladies Aid, of which Bea was an active member for many years, we be handling the luncheon there.

The Community Luncheon will still take place at Tyson Church at 11:30 on Thursday, 7/19.

Real estate in moving and we have had another two property transfers. 1. 463 Crown Point Road for $182,000, Michael Shannon to Alexander Baker. 2. Land on Round Top Road for $2,800 from the Iain Mackay Disclaimer Trust to Laurie Cieciuch and Christine Cohen.

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Reading Group Activities — Margo’s Plymouth Report

Reprinted by permission of The Vermont Standard

6/29/18

It seemed like my plants were screaming “help, I’m drowning” after those torrential downpours the other night. I usually have little dishes under those I put out on the deck, but needless to say, they were full and overflowing. I guess the opposite problem will occur when the projected heatwave hits us. Oh well, if all our problems were so inconsequential!

Tom and I attending Our Town at the Weston Playhouse the other night.  Christopher Lloyd has not lost his touch and the play was both entertaining and thought-provoking.

We had another lively discussion of Rules of Civility by Amor Towles at the Reading Group. The interesting mix of characters was quite intriguing. This time we are reading Behold the Dreamers by Imbolo Mbue. Thanks to Nancy Hagge who brought the book from the Killington Library to the Town Building, where it can be signed out. We will discuss it on 8/2 at the Community Center at 6:30 PM.

There are so many wonderful happenings in our area to celebrate the 4th of July – not all of them on that date either. Of course, there are many interesting things going on at the Notch. By the time the paper comes out, I hope that folks will have taken advantage of many of the activities available in our area!

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Local Inns Offer Dining Specials; Preview of July 4 Celebrations at President Coolidge Homestead — Margo’s Plymouth Report

Reprinted by permission of The Vermont Standard

Plymouth residents and friends queuing up at Wednesday’s Strawberry Festival (photo: S. Poirier)

Strawberry Festival music was offered by Adam Boyce and Sue Hunt (photo: S. Poirier)

6/24/18

Unsettled weather continues, but there have been some simply wonderful days. One of them was the day of the annual Strawberry Festival. This event, a collaborative effort of Plymouth Emergency Services, Tyson Ladies Aid, and Tyson Church drew a large crowd of local folks and visitors to Camp Plymouth State Park on 6/20, where a light breeze helped to keep the bugs at bay while everyone ate and enjoyed music by Adam Boyce and Sue Hunt. As usual, there was much excitement as friends, family and visitors won many marvelous raffle prizes! Thanks to the hard workers, park staff and everyone who participated and joined in the fun.

Here is an interesting promotional idea by Tina and Bruce at the Inn at Water’s Edge, in addition to their regular weekly Thursday evening dinners. Enjoy a free 4 course birthday dinner on Saturday or Sunday during the one week prior to or following your birthday. As always call 802-228-8143 at least 48 hours in advance to make a reservation and be sure seating is available. You will need to bring your license for verification!

The Echo Lake Inn is currently offering a $32 pairing special, which includes a beverage with your meal. Reservations are requested by calling 802-228-8602. They will be serving dinner this coming Thursday, Friday and Saturday, but plan to be open on Wednesdays after 7/11.

Don’t forget the many special events taking place at the President Coolidge Historic Site on July 4th from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM to celebrate the birth of our nation, plus the birthday of Calvin Coolidge, our 30th President. There will be a reading of the Declaration of Independence at the Union Christian Church, then at 10 AM watch the induction of 20 new US citizens. At noon the people parade to the gravesite, led by the Vermont National Guard.

You can enjoy lunch at the Wilder House with free birthday cake before you take advantage of the many other ongoing activities – wagon rides, music by the Springfield Springers old-time string band, cheese making at the Plymouth Artisan Cheese Factory, children’s games on the Aldrich House lawn, spinning demonstrations by Fiber Arts in Vermont, and the Plymouth Historical Society’s one-room schoolhouse exhibit, in addition to the Coolidge Cup National Debate Tournament and Calvin Coolidge impersonator, Tracy Messer at 4:00.

While there check out the “More Than Two Words: The Life and Legacy of Calvin Coolidge” exhibit and the new, “Presidential Holiday: The Coolidge Summer Retreats, 1924-1928.” For further information, call 802-672-377

There was one property transfer to note: 6/14/18, 325 Dix Hill Road for $310,000, Bermuda Institute of Ocean Science and Jean Pimm to Steven and Marcheta Dalene.

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Don’t Miss the Strawberry Festival Wednesday Evening! — Margo’s Plymouth Report

Reprinted by permission of The Vermont Standard

6/17/18

BBQ, Strawberry dessert, raffle, music, and friends! Wednesday evening’s Strawberry Festival supports local services.

You never know what wonders nature will place along your path. Walking in Ludlow the other day I watched a small red squirrel chasing a larger grey one. That fierce little guy was in hot pursuit!

Recently our family enjoyed an amazing weekend in Burlington, where we surprised Tom for his birthday with a sailboat ride through Whistling Man Schooner Company. It was a perfect day – sunny, warm and breezy enough to move us nicely through the beautiful waters of Lake Champlain. So, if you are looking for some different way to enjoy nature, I would highly recommend it. Plus, Church Street always provides entertainment and interesting shopping!

Reminder about the annual Strawberry Festival starting at 5:00 PM on Wednesday evening at Camp Plymouth State Park – food, fun, and Adam Boyce for entertainment.

The Reading Group will meet on Thursday, 6/21 at the Community Center at 6:30 PM to discuss Rules of Civility by Amor Towles. All are welcome.

Celebrate the weekend! Refresh your body and soul! Join Dawn for yoga at the Community Center Sunday mornings.

Consider attending Sunday morning yoga with Dawn Wetzel at 10:30 AM at the Community Center. The cost is $12 per class or $90 for 10 classes. You will need to bring your own mat. For more information contact: dedicatedyoga@gmail.com

I understand that the New England Brass Band (NEBB) will provide a free performance on Tuesday, July 3rd at Albert Bridge School in Brownsville beginning at 5 PM. Starting at 6 PM, there will be music, food, then fireworks at dusk at Ascutney Mountain. It is a lovely spot and perfect for kids to work off some energy.

 

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Sunday Yoga Class at the Community Center

 

Start the week with a Gentle Vinyasa Flow Yoga class, held at the Plymouth Community Center (35 School Drive, Plymouth VT). The class will leave you feeling relaxed, stretched and centered.

10:30am-11:30am, Sunday mornings

Cost: $12 a class or 10 classes for $90

All levels welcome, please bring your own mat.

Instructor Dawn Wetzel, E-RYT500

Email Dawn with questions or to learn more: dedicatedyoga@gmail.com

pexels-photo-374694-1

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Free Camp Day, and Strawberry Festival! — Margo’s Plymouth Report

Reprinted by permission of The Vermont Standard

6/11/18

There will be NO snow tubing at Bethany Birches Camp’s Open House day, but there will be lots of fun! Come get some!

Line up! Our Town’s annual Strawberry Festival is marching over the horizon! Don’t miss the party. That would be a real ‘Dave’ move.

Come enjoy a free day at Bethany Birches Camp on Saturday, 6/16 from 2:00 – 6:00 PM where you can swim in the pond, play games, meet the staff, and cook dinner over a fire – just like they do at camp!

Also, join the fun at the annual Plymouth Strawberry Festival on Wednesday, 6/20 at Camp Plymouth Camp Park on Echo Lake starting at 5:00 PM.  BBQ by Emergency Services, Strawberry shortcake by Tyson Ladies Aid, and the raffle by Tyson Church.  All these organizations work together to benefit the community. 

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Congratulations to our Graduates! And Summer Activities Begin! — Margo’s Plymouth Report

Reprinted by permission of The Vermont Standard.

Emily Dupont stars as Alice at the Paramount Theater, Rutland, on June 10, 2018

6/4/18

Here we are at the beginning of June and the weather has been delightful. Well, some think too warm at times, but just perfect for me! Today (Monday) is a different story. Perhaps the chillier temps will kill off some of the ravenous bugs, however.

School is winding down and for our local high school seniors at WUHS, a new adventure will be starting. Congratulations to Micah Cole, Andrew and Austin Crossman, and Emily Dupont. May the future be bright for all of you!

Speaking of Emily, come out to see her at the Paramount for her lead role in Alice in Wonderland. She has been dancing for many years and this performance will highlight her dedication and hard work. There will be two shows: 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM on Sunday, 6/10.

For those who might be looking for a better way, there will be a free backyard composting workshop at the Reading Town Hall on June 14 from 6 – 7:30pm. The workshop, led by VT Master Composter Cat Buxton is sponsored by the So. Windsor/Windham Counties Solid Waste Management District. Workshop attendees may purchase a “Soil Saver” composter (one per household) for the heavily discounted price of $35 (suggested retail is $120) and a “Sure-Close” kitchen pail for $5. Please call or email to sign up for the workshop and composter/pail by contacting Mary O’Brien at 674-9235 or mobrien@swcrpc.org or Ham Gillett at 674-4474 or hgillett@swcrpc.org. Remember that July 1, 2020 all Vermonters will be asked to keep their food scraps out of their trash!

Things are popping here in town! In addition to attractions at the President Coolidge Historic Site, Wilder House is open from 10 AM to 5 PM, as is the Cheese Factory, where you can visit the Cheese Museum upstairs and try some free samples, 7 days per week. Both State Parks are in full swing. Camp Plymouth on Echo Lake opens daily at 10:00 AM and is currently enjoying visits by local school groups, who seem to be enjoying the ice cream at the concession!

The Echo Lake Inn (802-228-8602) is open for dinner on the weekends this month and is offering a house beverage with their entrees. The Inn at Water’s Edge (802-228-8143) will be reinstating their dinner specials around the middle of June.

There are many birthdays in June, but I believe I also neglected to note Julia Baldwin on 5/18. This month: Sue Poirier (6/4), Tom Marrone (6/6), Matt Harootunian and me (6/14), Gwen Groff (6/25) and Georgianna Whalen (6/26). Congratulations to one and all!

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Tyson Library Opens; Coolidge Homestead Summer Programs Begin; Strawberry Festival Comes Soon — Margo’s Plymouth Report

Reprinted by permission of The Vermont Standard

The Tyson Library in Ludlow, Vt., is home to a wonderful range of summer reading material.

5/28/18

Well, more strange weather this weekend – rained when not predicted, then nothing when it was supposed to be wet! Looking around the country, however, we are fortunate not to have had heavy rain and flooding, tornados, hail, or spewing volcanoes! Plus the tag sale at the Community Center was mostly undercover, so a few sprinkles was not a hindrance.

Please note the passing of Ed Farmer on May 3rd after an extended illness. Condolences to his wife, Sharon. She was able to gather some of his tools and have a tag sale this past weekend with the help of her daughter and son-in-law.

They Tyson Library, under the auspices of Tyson Ladies Aid is open, basically from 10 AM to noon, Tuesday through Saturday. This tiny building houses an amazing number of books – come check it out!

Don’t miss our annual Strawberry Festival coming this month!

Our State Parks are open for the season. According to staff at Camp Plymouth, the black flies are waning and the water is chilly, but still nice. Don’t forget that the annual Plymouth Strawberry Festival will take place there on Wednesday, 6/20 with food by Emergency Services, strawberry shortcake and all the fixings by Tyson Ladies Aid, and a wonderful raffle by Tyson Church. This is a terrific way to gather with family and friends, plus meet new folks, as you support these community organizations that do so much for our town. Admission to the park is free for this 5:00 PM event.

Calvin and Grace Coolidge

The Coolidge Homestead is in full swing in the Notch. Don’t forget the “Grace Coolidge Musicale” on Sunday, June 3. Pianist Abigail Charbeneau and violinist Bozena O’Brien will perform Beethoven’s Violin Sonata No. 5 in F major and other selections at 4:00 p.m. This 45-minute concert is free and open to the public; donations are welcome.

There have been some recent property transfers: 5/9/2018, 743 Chapman Road went from Janice Mathews to Denis Young for $177,500; 5/21/2018 78 Coopers Trace from William and Samantha Newcombe to Derek Lacks and Colleen O’Reilley-Lacks for $275,000, and 5/23/2018 1343 Salt Ash Road went from Cathleen Fitzgerald to Philip McKenna and Ellen LaPlace for $285,000.

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