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.

Posted in Community News | Leave a comment

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. 

Posted in Community News | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

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!

Posted in Community News | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

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.

Posted in Community News | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

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.

Posted in Community News | Leave a comment

Successful Old Home Day at Coolidge Despite Rain Showers; Tyson Ladies Aid Bazaar Coming Right Up! — Margo’s Plymouth Report

Posted on 08/07/2017 by The Plymouth Press

Reprinted by permission of The Vermont Standard

President Coolidge Comes to Life

President Coolidge at the Education Center’s Museum

8/6/17

Well, I will try again to send out the Plymouth Report – with our new computer I was not successful last week, although I was not aware that it didn’t go through! So, yes indeed, Bill Jarvi did arrive at the Cafe at Delight on 8/4 and held court as he does each month when he comes to town! Hard of hearing, but delightful as ever and wanting to be remembered to folks.

Please be aware that 100A is open on the weekends and before 8:00 AM and after 4:00 PM during the week. I was disappointed to see that the sign coming from Ludlow did not make this clear and the sign at the bottom of the Notch Hill says closed, even on weekends, which is not the case! You can easily get to the Historic Site and the Cheese Factory during the designated open times, so spread the word!

All of the wonderful events did take place at Plymouth Old Home Day despite the dire weather forecast. Bill Jenney praised the “delicious” chicken BBQ by the Fire Dept and expressed appreciation to the Coolidge Foundation (Homestead Inaugural reenactment), Coolidge State Park (state parks display), and Farm and Wilderness Camps (musical entertainment) for their participation. The few sudden downpours did not dampen spirits and by mid-afternoon, there was a nice crowd enjoying all of the exhibits and programs.

Although it was going to be an advance notice, the Tyson Ladies Aid Bazaar is now upon us – Saturday, 8/12 from 10 AM – 2 PM at Veterans Park (across from the Baptist Church) in Ludlow. Should rain threaten that day, it will be shifted to the Ludlow Community Center. Come purchase tickets for the imaginative baskets and numerous gift certificates; peruse the Book Table; stock up on yummy treats at the Bake Table, then enjoy the luscious chicken BBQ. All proceeds assist TLA in providing scholarships for local high school graduates (BRHS & Woodstock HS), supporting Tyson Library, and meeting other community needs.

Join us at Tyson Church this Sunday, 8/13 at 10:30 AM when we will be joined by Melissa Maravell, who will be sharing her wonderful music with us. Please also note that we are currently looking for someone to job-share to help play the organ for us on Sunday mornings. Although we are a tiny congregation, we love to sing 3 or 4 hymns each week, so please get in touch with Ann Rose (802-228-7151) if you would be interested in joining our music team.

Posted in Community News | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Information Meeting by VTrans Coming on August 7th

Posted on 07/26/2017 by The Plymouth Press

Posted in Public Service Notice, Town News | Leave a comment

President Coolidge Homestead “Old Home Day” Coming Soon — Margo’s Plymouth Report

Posted on 07/24/2017 by The Plymouth Press

Reprinted by permission of The Vermont Standard

Coolidge Old Home Day, 2014. (Image: T. Bascom)

After being bombarded by large pellets of hail in Ludlow the previous Monday evening, it has been nice to have sunshine this past weekend.

My only animal encounter this past week was with bickering hummingbirds who nearly crashed into me while chasing each other from the feeder. Why can’t they play nice and share?

 As I am writing this, we are on our way home after visiting friends on Webster Lake in NH, then Pontoosuc Lake in MA. This has been a “Lake” week for us with a trip to Lake George last Tuesday!

Our next Book Club selection is “A Piece of the World,” by Christina Baker Kline about Andrew Wyeth’s mysterious painting, “Christina’s World.”  With the upcoming move, Betsy will only be joining us for this book discussion on 9/7, but Cassie Horner will be taking over as organizer with help from the rest of the group!  All the best to Betsy and Russ, who have contributed greatly to our town over their years here in Plymouth.

Mark your calendar for Old Home Day at the Notch on 8/5. More details next time! 

Please note the informational meeting on 8/7/17 at 6:00 PM by the Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) to  discuss Bridge #115 over Reservoir Brook

Posted in Community News | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Bears, Eating, and Reading — Margo’s Plymouth Report

Posted on 07/17/2017 by The Plymouth Press

Reprinted by permission of The Vermont Standard

7/16/17

I hope that folks are more tuned into the closing of Rte 100A than I am.  I had just made note of it last week, but when I had to do an internment at the Notch Cemetery, I didn’t remember until I was on my way.  Traveling at a good clip, it took me 20 minutes from the bottom of the hill to go around!

I had an interesting bear encounter the other evening.  On my into the house at 7:30 PM, I noticed the small hummingbird feeder was empty.  So, I brought it inside, washed and refilled it, then headed back out the door to replace it on the deck.  As I stepped out and was about to let go of the door, I heard a commotion on the bank just across the driveway.  I froze as 2 large bears emerged about 20 feet from me.  They were as startled as I was and froze in their tracks too.  Time seemed to stand still as the 3 of us stared at one another.  The idea that I could certainly get to the edge of the deck and hang the feeder crossed my mind, but I decided against it.  The bears, obviously not seeing me as a threat, finally turned up the hill between our barn and sugar house and ambled further up into the woods.  My fear subsided and awe took over – they were very handsome!

The Reach Out Luncheon will take place this Thursday in the newly painted Community Room of the church.  The menu is chicken, pasta salad, potato salad & tossed salad with strawberry dessert.  Come join the fun!  Coming up this week is Justine Jeffery’s birthday and on 7/30 is Bea Wheeler’s.  While visiting John Wheeler this past week as the Gill Home, he said to send his regards to folks in town.

Thursday evening at 6:30 PM will be the Reading Group discussion of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Annie Barrow and Mary Ann Shaffer.   It was very light and entertaining, even though it told about the German occupation of the Channel Island of Guernsey during WWII.   Don’t worry if you haven’t read it, feel free to join the group and help to choose the next selection.

Posted in Community News | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Josiah Wood’s Tavern Opens for One Day Only! Come Celebrate with Us!

Posted on 07/12/2017 by Plymouth Press Contributing Writer

Posted in Events | Tagged , | Leave a comment