Hunting Season Opens — Margo’s Plymouth Report

Posted on 10/23/2017 by The Plymouth Press

Reprinted by permission of The Vermont Standard.

Margo and Melissa participate on  DHaD Hero Fundraiser’s Team Nolan

10/23/17

What strange weather, but it has been wonderful for so many outdoor activities as well as the usual autumn cleanup and winter prep. It was also perfect for those of us who participated in the CHaD Hero Fundraiser on Sunday. Melissa ran and I walked the 5K on Team Nolan, a child who overcame his cancer and is now a delightful 6½ year old.

Speaking of youngsters, it is exciting to note the PlayGroup, taking place every second Saturday of the month at The Plymouth Schoolhouse Childcare and Community Playground. The hours are 9 AM to 1 PM, but Lauren says to come at whatever time works for you and enjoy socializing as your child explores the classroom, various play materials and the large playground. There is a basketball court and ample lawn space for running and games. You are asked to bring your own snacks. The cost is $3.00 per child.

We were pleased that EMTs, Dan Stoughton and his son, Greg from the Ludlow Community Ambulance Service were able to join us at the Reach Out Luncheon last week. Many questions were answered and information was given about the ambulance service membership program starting November 1st that costs $45 per year per household and will cover any applicable deductible or co-payments associated with ambulance transports. Plymouth residents who live south of Rte 100A are served by Ludlow. You may obtain an application online.

Just a reminder that hunting season has started for various animals. Archery season for deer and turkey, plus early black bear hunters may be out, so be aware when walking in the woods. VT Fish and Wildlife can provide the particulars.

Although the [President Calvin Coolidge] Historic Site in now closed, keep in mind that the Holiday Open House will take place on 12/2.

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Local Establishments Plan Thanksgiving Meals — Margo’s Plymouth Report

Posted on 10/17/2017 by The Plymouth Press

Reprinted by permission of The Vermont Standard

Bill Jarvi marks his 93rd birthday!

10/16/17

Well, a change in the weather this Monday morning! No complaints though, it has been delightfully mild and many of the trees are still lovely. I see where a tropical storm has caused destruction in Ireland and the CA fires are still an issue, but here in Plymouth, we have been blessed with an extended warm spell for the numerous autumn activities.

Sorry to say that I missed Bill Jarvi’s birthday, which was 10/11. He is still looking quite dapper these days! You can still send him a card at 57 Heritage Hill Pl, Rutland, VT 05701. I don’t have many birthdays on my list, so feel free to send me yours.

The Reach Out Luncheon (a partnership meal of Tyson Ladies Aid and Tyson Church) will take place 10/19 in the Community Room at the church. We usually start to gather about 11:15 AM and this month feel free to wear an interesting hat as a pre-Halloween treat. A story will be shared and there will be a special guest from the Ludlow ambulance service. This cheerful gathering takes place every month to provide a social time for anyone and everyone in the community. Come meet some new folks as you enjoy this month’s menu of grilled ham and cheese sandwiches, soup, salad and dessert are provided at no charge. You might enjoy it so much that you will want to volunteer to help!

The quarterly Plymouth Historical Society meeting will take place 10/26 at 7:00 PM. Their mission to preserve and to savor the history of our town is an important one, so consider becoming part of this group. All are welcome.

Please be aware that our eating establishments are taking a well-deserved break but will be open and ready to serve us again next month, so call for reservations. The Inn at Water’s Edge (228-8143) will be offering a 4-course thanksgiving dinner for $25 with Tina’s grandmother’s special stuffing. The bar opens a 3:00 PM and the meal will be served at 4:00.

The Echo Lake Inn (228-8602)  will be offering three Thanksgiving Day servings at 3:00, 5;00 and 7:00 PM, serving crab, roast beef and turkey for $39 and $20 for children under 13. The Five Corners Pub will be open weekends until the end of Oct then take a break, reopening around Thanksgiving.

The Book Club has decided on a lighter selection this time – The Last Bus to Wisdom by Ivan Doig. We will meet to discuss it on 11/16, so grab a copy and join us!

We are having our Annual Tyson Church meeting at the beginning of November. We are very grateful for the response to our Let’s Rise Above the Waters campaign to help recent hurricane victims – over $2300 will be sent out this week to the UCC Emergency US fund. Although we are a tiny congregation, our mission is to follow Jesus by spreading His love through serving the community. We have provided for various local needs, including sending 4 youngsters to Bethany Birches Camp. We would like to know what other ways we can be of help to others. So, please get in touch with me and I will pass along your suggestions.

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Plymouth “Irene” Video Wins Award! — Margo’s Plymouth Report

Posted on 10/10/2017 by The Plymouth Press

Reprinted by permission of The Vermont Standard

The documentary on Tropical Storm Irene in Plymouth is available from the Historical Society.

10/8/17

More crazy weather – here and elsewhere. I started washing and putting away warm weather clothes. Silly me, I had to dig some of then out again! I officiated an outdoor wedding at the Echo Lake Inn on Saturday and it rained up until 30 minutes before the ceremony, but we did proceed as planned. The church was cold and damp Sunday morning, so we turned on the heat briefly. Then when we opened the door to leave, that hot, humid weather hit us full force. I do hope that all of you have been enjoying the amazing foliage colors and that spectacular sunset on Saturday!

Some exciting news – “Irene- Ruin to Renewal” has received 2nd place in the Northeast regional Alliance for Community Media awards, in the documentary category. This is quite an honor and testimony to the hard work that went into making it! (Copies are available from the Plymouth Historical Society.)

I understand that the 15th Annual Bethany Birches Benefit Auction went very well. I love what was on the BBC website and I quote “This particular Saturday was abnormally warm. A perfect match for the abnormal generosity at the auction. We started out with Larry’s (Derstine) syrup. Each quart sold for $400! That’s abnormal”.

Have you been waiting for Yoga to come to the Community Center? Well, it already started on 10/8! Morning Yoga With Dawn takes place from 10:30am-11:30am Sunday mornings. The cost is $12 per class or 10 classes for $90. All levels welcome, but you need to bring your own mat.

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot was an interesting read and should provide for lively discussion at the book club meeting on Thursday, October 12 at 6:30 pm at the community center. Come join the group!

One last reminder, the Historic Site is still open and getting there is much easier these days with Rte 100A open.  So, you still have time to visit through 10/22, grab a bite to eat at Wilder House, and check out the Cheese Factory!

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Antique Apple Festival, Final Grace Coolidge Musicale, and Farm and Wilderness Day Camp are Among the Offerings for October — Margo’s Plymouth Report

Posted on 10/04/2017 by The Plymouth Press

Reprinted by permission of The Vermont Standard

10/1/17

I am writing on the 1st of October – the beginning of a new month! The weather has certainly shifted this week. It was only last Monday that Tom and I took Owen and Landon swimming at Camp Plymouth State Park after school, then on Friday some of my planted were frosted. Folks are asking about the fall colors and wondering if we have lost the brilliance of autumn for this year. I had been enjoying the orange and red beginning to show on the Tyson/Reading Road before the heat wave hit. Guess we will have to wait and see!

Welcome to Plymouth, Oliver Robbins!

There seems to be a baby boom going on around here! Kat and Ed Robbins and older brother Jasper welcomed Oliver John Robbins, who was born on 9/16 (also Kat’s birthday!) at Alice Peck Day Hospital. Congratulations!

Speaking of youngsters, coming up Saturday 10/7 from 9:30-11:30 AM, there will be a free Family Fun Event at the Farm and Wilderness’s Barn Day Camp. it’s open to the public, which will provide a great opportunity to see the facility and meet some new folks. For more information, you can visit www.farmandwilderness.org/familyfun.

I hope that all of you have been frequenting our local restaurants because it is time for many of them to take a much needed break. I understand the last night the Echo Lake Inn will be serving dinner to the public is Sunday October 15th. They ask that you call (802-228-8602) ahead for reservations. The Inn at Water’s Edge will serve their last meal of the season on Saturday, 10/14. Their phone number is 802-228-8143. I am not sure about the Five Corners Pub, so you will need to stop in there to check it out!

Get ready for many fabulous happenings at the President Coolidge State Historic Site this coming weekend at the Plymouth Notch Antique Apple Fest on 10/7 from 10:00 – 4:00. For music lovers, plan to attend t he final Grace Coolidge Musicale of the season, taking place at 4:00 PM on Sunday 10/8.

I want to thank everyone for their generosity in participating in our church effort to help flood victims through the UCC Emergency USA fund. We are nearing the $2,000 mark and will be sending in the money shortly. If you would still like to participate in the flood relief effort, checks can be made out to Tyson Church, with the notation that it is for flood assistance. The mailing address is 39 Dublin Rd, Ludlow 05149, even though we are actually located in the town of Plymouth!

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Antique Apple Festival, Last Grace Coolidge Musicale — Margo’s Plymouth Report

Posted on 09/26/2017 by The Plymouth Press

Reprinted by permission of The Vermont Standard.

9/25/17

This Monday is another amazing weather day! Yesterday I joined Tom at Camp Plymouth State Park when I returned from MA and even went for a swim at 4:00 PM because it was delightfully warm, even at that hour. There were dozens of beach-goers enjoying this late September treat of summer weather. Only one disappointing occurrence – someone dropped a bag of garbage on the path. Isn’t it frustrating when folks come to enjoy the beauty and then so carelessly destroy it……

Elliott May Rogers

Congratulations to Tony and Melissa Moore (Liza Ward’s niece) on the 9/7 birth of their first grandchild, Elliott May Rogers. Not sure how this works, but perhaps Elli would be Liza’s great great niece.  Parents are Jennifer and Bryce Rogers.

How exciting to see Dana Dolloff’s picture on the front page of the VT Journal accepting the Chamber mixer prize of $72, that he immediately donated to the UCC Emergency USA Fund via Tyson Church! We are still accepting checks made out to Tyson church with the designation “flood” and will send the entire amount raised within the next couple of weeks.

Get ready to celebrate apples at the Plymouth Notch Antique Apple Fest on 10/7 from 10:00 – 4:00. There will be the usual apple recipe contest (call 672-3773 for details) cider making, wagon rides, BBQ (weather permitting), cheese making and craft demonstrations. At 2:00 PM, Ann Collins will talk about her book, Vintage Pies. You can also check out the heirloom apples in the orchard!

The final Grace Coolidge Musicale will take place at 4:00 PM on Sunday 10/8. Cellist Kate Jensik and pianist Abigail Charbeneau will be performing and the inclusion of f Rachmaninoff’s Vocalise has special meaning to the program, since the composer was a favorite White House guest during the Coolidge Administration.  

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Plymouth Notch Apple Festival Just Around the Corner — Margo’s Plymouth Report

Posted on 09/19/2017 by The Plymouth Press

Reprinted by permission of The Vermont Standard

9/18/17

Can you believe this weather – so chilly in August, now hot in September! Tom went to Plymouth Camp State Park on Saturday and there 20 -30 people there, most of them swimming, too.

It was an amazing concert to raise funds for the UCC Emergency USA Fund this past Sunday at church.  Headlined by Jamie Ward, it included a range of performers including: Eric King, Luke Zelis and our own Tesha Buss.

Jamie Ward, Tesha Buss and daughter, Isabella, then Owen Perrino, Owen Bishop, and Landon Perrino at the Hurricane Irma Fundraiser held at Tyson Congregational Church

It was wonderful to finally meet Tesha’s daughter Isabella, too. We had three other youngsters join us on Sunday and they made this sign using their hands and adding their contributions.

Several people who could not attend sent checks to help recent hurricane victims and we will be accepting donations for the next couple of weeks. Checks made out to Tyson Congregational Church and noted to be for the flood relief effort can be sent to our mailing address, 39 jDublin Rd, Ludlow 05149. Since the UCC sent us funds to disburse when Irene paid us a visit, we feel strongly that we should pay it forward.

I heard from Michelle Pingree that it was a harrowing experience being in FL while Irma was passing through. She and Justus saw destruction in the Tampa area & noted flooding in Sebastian, where her mom lives.

Don’t forget the Reach Out Luncheon in the Community of Tyson Church on Thursday, 9/21!

The next book club meeting will be Thursday, October 12 at 6:30 pm at the community center. The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot should provide an interesting discussion about ethics in science.

Coming up at the Historic Site: Plymouth Notch Antique Apple Fest Saturday, October 07, 2017 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Also the Grace Coolidge Musicale #4 on Sunday, October 08, 2017: 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm

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Jack Whalen’s Funeral; Relief Fundraiser Concert — Margo’s Plymouth Report

Posted on 09/11/2017 by The Plymouth Press

Reprinted by permission of The Vermont Standard

9/10/17

In light of weather events around the country, we certainly cannot complain about some rainy days. Actually, it was a pleasant surprise that I was able to officiate the outdoor wedding at the Echo Lake Inn this weekend, since rain had been predicted.

I imagine that the UCC Emergency USA Fund will be disbursing money to FL as well as TX and other areas of need. When we made our plans for the fundraiser and concert on 9/17, there were not as many people being impacted as there are now. Please consider joining us this coming Sunday at 10:30 AM for a concert by Jamie Ward.

If you cannot attend, please feel free to send a check to Tyson Congregational Church (mailing address – 39 Dublin Rd, Ludlow 05149), with the notation of disaster relief or flood. Then we will combine the contributions and send a check to national UCC for this special fund they have established. It seems important for our church to participate because we were sent $2000 to distribute locally after Irene and many other churches in VT were also provided with funds.

We are a small community, so when folks pass on, it seems like a big loss. Condolences to the family of Jack Whalen who passed away suddenly on 9/4. His service will be at the church at 11:00 AM on Monday, 9/11.

Because of the early submission for last week’s addition, the picture of the Shakespeare Alive troupe could not be published, so here it is now – thanks to Jamie Ward!

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Flood Relief Fundraiser Planned

Posted on 09/09/2017 by The Plymouth Press

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A Quiet Week — Margo’s Plymouth Report

Posted on 09/06/2017 by The Plymouth Press

Reprinted by permission of The Vermont Standard

Bill Jarvi at his grand-daughter’s wedding (8/19/2017)

9/1/17

Having to report early, there is not much new news! Returning over the Tyson/Reading Road on Tuesday, I was amazed at all the color – mostly orange at the moment & primarily close to the road. The change seems to have taken place almost overnight! I guess these nippy nighttime temps have started the process.

I wanted to share this delightful picture of Bill Jarvi with daughters, Lauren & Kristen that was taken at Lauren’s daughter Hillary Gerardi’s wedding to Bradley Carlson on 8/19 in Barton. So wonderful that he could be there & enjoy this family celebration!

I forgot to mention last week that we had 8 youngsters attend Children’s Sunday at church. Lisa Marks read a book about filling others buckets with kindness and then took the children downstairs to decorate their own buckets. We adults are taking the kindness mandate to heart and hopefully will be having a fundraising event for those devastated by the flood waters.

Our condolences to Art Baker on the recent passing of his wife, Melanie.

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Local Labor Day Weekend Activities — Margo’s Plymouth Report

Posted on 08/28/2017 by The Plymouth Press

Reprinted by permission of The Vermont Standard

8/27/17

Plymouth residents say goodbye to Russ and Betsy Tonkin, who are moving to CT.

Yes, there definitely is a nip in the air! I am wondering what our wet weather this summer will mean for the fall foliage colors? A few trees have started, so it won’t be too long before we know the answer! I understand that Camp Plymouth State Park will remain open until 9/10 this year, so you still have a chance to enjoy some time there. From what I have heard, 100A has opened, with one lane traffic during the week!

Thirty or so people attended the potluck dinner last Thursday night for Russ and Betsy Tonkin. Larry Lynds presented Russ with a plaque for his service on the Select Board. Both Betsy and Russ have worked hard on various town projects and they will be missed. With a delightful assortment of food, we all enjoyed the casual meal and conversation and the opportunity to wish them well.

There is so much happening over the Holiday weekend that nobody should be bored! Shakespeare Alive! At noon on the 2nd at the Union Christian Church, plus the Plymouth Folk and Blues Festival taking place from 2:00 – 5:00 on both 9/2 and 9/3. There will be many other wonderful things happening at the [President Calvin Coolidge] Historic site, so make your way there and enjoy them!

Please note the Local Household Hazardous Waste Collections for Plymouth residents at the Springfield Transfer Station from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. on September 9 and at the Goodyear building in Windsor from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. on September 16. Visit www.vtsolidwastedistrict.org or call 674-9235 for a list of items. Bring in a mercury fever thermometer and receive a new digital fever thermometer. 

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