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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Upcoming Events at the President Coolidge Historic Site — Margo’s Plymouth Report

Posted on 08/21/2017 by The Plymouth Press

Reprinted by permission of The Vermont Standard

8/21/17

I am writing this on the day of the eclipse! Hope everyone has protective eye gear, although the best views will likely be on TV since VT is not on the major sweep. We came back from Lake George around 10:00 PM last night and glancing at the beautiful starry night sky, I remembered why I love living here.

I do want to remind folks that the senior passes to National Parks are going from $10 to $80 at the end of the month. I understand that Marsh Billings in Woodstock is out of passes, as are many other sites. They are, however, offering rain checks between 10:00 AM and 4:30 PM if you are interested.

As summer winds down there are many happenings taking place, especially at the Coolidge Historic Site.  On Sunday, 8/27 Abigail Charbeneau and Susan Cobb will be playing duets for the third Grace Coolidge Musicale at 4:00 PM. The concert is free although donations are appreciated.

Coming up on Labor Day Weekend, get ready for another fantastic Shakespeare Alive! A Bard-Based Variety Show  at noon on 9/2 in the Union Christian Church, presented by the Stand Up Shakespeare Company . If you have never been to one of these performances you are in for a real treat. You will need to have your “thinking cap” on, however, for this marvelous, fast-paced and funny show. Go to https://www.facebook.com/Shakespeare-With-Benefits-Stand-Up-Shakespeare-469550256419634/ for more information.

Also, please note the 13th annual Plymouth Folk and Blues Festival taking place from 2:00 – 5:00 on both 9/2 and 9/3. Thanks to Jay Ottaway for organizing this wonderful group of entertainers. Please bring non-perishable food items for the VT Food Bank and come enjoy some lively music in this wonderful outdoor venue.

There will be much more going on at the Historic Site over the holiday weekend, so come relish the lovely scenery, the history, various food offerings and the friendly atmosphere. Lots to do for everyone!

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Celebrating New Life, New Opportunities, and Milestones in Plymouth! — Margo’s Plymouth Report

Posted on 08/14/2017 by The Plymouth Press

Reprinted by permission of The Vermont Standard

8/13/17

Finlee Robert Olmstead, born 7/8/17, to Rich and Jaclyn Olmstead

What a glorious day this Sunday turned out to be. I purposively waited until the sun left my yard to write this report! Although there were a few moments of concern when the sky darkened and the winds picked up at the Tyson Ladies Aid Bazaar yesterday, but the rain held off and everyone seemed to enjoy this amazing yearly fundraiser. Thanks for all the hard work and contributions that helped to make it a success. On hand were the several free or reduced rate passes that can be obtained at Tyson Library to a number of places – the State Park, Coolidge Homestead, Billings Museum, and ECHO in Burlington to name a few. The Library is open from 10 to noon, Tues – Saturday.

I have been remiss in noting the birth of Finnlee Olmstead on 7/8, the second son of Rich and Jaclyn Olmstead. A belated happy birthday to Sandie Small (8/11) and congratulations to Steve and Naomi Moyer who just celebrated an anniversary!  Art Baker has been thrilled to see a Canadian Lynx in all its splendor by his house. The joy of living in VT!

The Reach Out Luncheon (co-sponsored by Tyson Ladies Aid and Tyson Church) will take place this Thursday, 8/17 in the Community Room downstairs at Tyson Church. The teens from Windsor County Youth Services will be helping with the BBQ and also providing entertainment. There is no charge and it is a fun way to visit with friends and enjoy good food at the same time! Dot Pingree, who used to attend regularly, sends her regards.

How nice that Barbara Wanamaker will be offering free knitting lessons at the Community Center on 8/23 (learning to read patterns and basic stitches) and 8/30 (progressing with the work) at 1:00 and then again at 6:30 for those who are interesting in learning. Bring size 7 or 8 needles and a skein of medium weight yarn in a light color. Experienced knitters can bring projects in process. Let her know your interest at bewanamaker@gmail or 802-396-0130.

Some of you know that Betsy and Russ Tonkin will be moving to CT shortly. Betsy has been very active in the Historical Society and the Reading Group among other things. Russ has been the Town Health Officer and has served on the Select Board for several years. There will be a potluck meal at 6:00 PM on Thursday, 8/24 at the Town Building to thank them for their service and to wish them well. Please join us!

As usual, we thoroughly enjoyed having Melissa Marvell bringing her special music to Tyson Church on Sunday. Please note that our Children’s Sunday will be 8/27 this month with a story and craft by Lisa Marks. Please let me know if you plan to bring your youngster(s) so she can have enough craft materials on hand.

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Free Knitting Classes coming to the Plymouth Community Center!

Posted on 08/07/2017 by lskaskiw

FREE Knitting Classes will be offered at The Plymouth Community Center by Barbara Wanamaker, Wednesday August 23rd, 2017 at 1pm and 6:30pm and again on August 30th at 1pm and 6:30pm.

Students will need to purchase yarn and needles to bring with them to the first class. U.S. size 7 or 8 bamboo needles recommended and one skein of a medium weight yarn in a light to medium color so stitches are easier to see. The wooden needles work slower and are easier to handle for beginning students . Experienced knitters can bring a project in progress or whatever they wish. These supplies can be purchased at Joann Fabric, Walmart, and Green Mountain Fibers in Rutland.

The first class will be an introduction- how to read patterns and moving onto basic stitches, starting the group off with basics to start a simple project. The next week, the students can bring back their work and assistance will be given with any problems and questions answered. Patterns using stitches they learned in the first class can be introduced as well.

Please RSVP to bewanamaker@gmail or 802-396-0130

Plymouth Community Center is located at 35 School Drive, Plymouth VT.

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