It’s Been a Quiet Week in Plymouth Lakes — Margo (Garrison Keillor) Marrone’s Plymouth Report

Posted on 01/30/2017 by The Plymouth Press

Reprinted by permission of The Vermont Standard

This is Garrion Keillor (to help any who don't know the reference...)

This is Garrison Keillor
(to help any who don’t know the title reference…)

1/29/17

I don’t know if I have been too busy to hear any news or if things have been pretty quiet around here lately.  A couple of weeks ago there was a bit of excitement as a mink was devouring bunnies on Dublin Road, but thanks to Joan Day, one little guy has been kept safe and well fed.

I noticed that there was an article about the new musical instrument station at the Montshire Museum.  When we took our grandsons there a couple of weeks ago, they couldn‘t wait to try out all of the various instruments.   The drum and cymbals was a biggest hit!

I wish I had a better understanding of Act 46 Planning Survey, but I am afraid that I don’t.  I missed the informational meeting that happened several weeks ago, so I am not sure about the ramifications of these choices or even what schools are included.  Maybe I can get some clarification for next week!

Make sure to offer Happy Birthday greetings to Eric Johnson (2/2), Scott Hepler (2/17), Laurie Marechaux (2/21), and Naomi Moyer (2/25).

A friend and I attended a very interesting workshop and tea at Northern Naturals and Gardens in Belmont this past Saturday.  Gretchen Gregory has opened a darling little store (only open a few hours on the weekends) with a focus on herbs – teas, dips, skin products.  She is a wealth of information and loves to share what she has learned about the health benefits of herbs and how to incorporate them into our lives.  You can reach her at northerngardensvt@gmail.com.

——

Editor — More on Garrison Keillor, for your mid-winter entertainment. This from February, 2014:

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Winter Activities at Bethany Birches Camp and the Plymouth Schoolhouse Activity Center — Margo’s Plymouth Report

Posted on 01/23/2017 by The Plymouth Press

Reprinted by permission of The Vermont Standard.

bethany-birches-snowcamp

Tubing at Bethany Birches Winter Camp

1/23/17

Warm temps and rain – does this qualify as the January thaw?  Although the main roadways are clear, secondary roads can be slippery and driveways are often hazardous because of the rain, melting and freezing.  I am wearing my yaktrax just to get from the house to the garage these days!  I have noticed more ice fishing on Echo Lake this year, despite water on the surface of the ice this weekend.  However, I understand that snow will likely blanket us again before this issue comes out!

These conditions are not a worry for those attending the Bethany Birches Winter Camps.  There will be Family Fun Days on two Saturdays – 1/28 and 3/4.  The weekend fun for grades 3-6 is Bobcat and takes place 2/10-12.  Grades 4-7 can attend Lynx, 2/18-21.  Then 2/24-26 is Polar Bear for grades 7-9.   For more information, go to www.bethanybirches.org or call (802) 672-5220.

What a lively and enjoyable discussion of The Outside Boy, took place this past Thursday during the Book Club meeting.  We also spent some time catching up on news around town!  Our next book is Mink River by Brian Doyle.  We will be gathering to chat about it on 2/23.

I don’t believe it was icy conditions that caused a car to careen into that yellow house on Rte 100, just north of the 100A intersection, but it certainly caused some major damage.  The good thing is that I don‘t believe there were any injuries.

mindfulness_poster_UK

Saturday Mindfulness program continues at the Activity Center

I attended Susan Mordecai’s Rise and Shine with Mindful Movements at the Community Center on Saturday morning.  What a lovely way to start the day with gentle stretches and mindful breathing.  It is taking place on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays from 8:00 – 9:00 AM.

Also at the Community Center, you can take voice lessons from Dan Laubach, a recent graduate of Cairn University’s music education program with a concentration in voice.   The cost is only $20 for a 30 minute lesson or $35 for a 45 minute lesson.   Contact him for more details or to set up a time –dan.laubach711@gmail.com, or call 802-332-3324.

January is National Radon Action Month, and the Vermont Department of Health is giving away FREE radon test kits! To get your free kit, send an email with your name, mailing address, physical address and phone number to radon@vermont.gov, or call 1-800-439-8550.

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Reachout Luncheon, Reading Club, Mindful Movement Program Coming Up — Margo’s Plymouth Report

Posted on 01/17/2017 by The Plymouth Press

Reprinted by permission of The Vermont Standard.

mindfulness_poster_UK1/15/17

Still struggling to write 2017 – where do the years go!  Trying to organize my calendar.  The Reach Out Luncheon is Thurs 1/19 in the Community Room at the church.  Since I wasn’t at the Tyson Ladies Aid meeting on the 5th, I have no details, but I assume it will be delicious as usual and I heard there will be a speaker.  How’s that for vague information!

The Book Club is meeting this Thursday at 6:30 PM at the Community Center to talk about The Out Side Boy.  I am really enjoying it and hope to finish it in time for the discussion.   Of course, a priority for this week is the Montshire Museum with my grandsons – first things first!

Don’t forget the 1st and 3rd Saturday mornings from 8:00-9:00 AM for Rise and Shine with Mindful Movements at the Community Center with Susan Mordecai  smordecai6@gmail.com.

The past week at church was busy with memorial services for Mark Stocker on Wed and for Roy Pierson on Friday.  It is so wonderful the way the community rallies to provide refreshments – Tyson Ladies Aid for Mark’s and the neighbors and friends for Roy‘s.  Both were well-known in the community and will be missed.  Heartfelt condolences to both families.

Happy Birthday to Cindy Vosburgh on 1/20.  I am sure there are more causes for celebration, so please let me know about them!

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Property Taxes Due Feb 1

Posted on 01/16/2017 by The Plymouth Press

From Sandie Small, Plymouth Town Clerk

Notice to Plymouth Residents

Please remember that the second half property taxes are due

in the office of the Town Clerk on

Wednesday, February 1, 2017.

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In Memoriam: Roy M. Pierson

Posted on 01/11/2017 by The Plymouth Press

in-memoriamRoy M. Pierson, 85, of Dublin Road died Monday, January 9, at the Veterans Administration Hospital in White River Jct., VT, following a period of failing health. He was born in Springfield, VT on December 10, 1931, and had been a lifetime area resident.

Roy was a veteran of the US Army, serving during the Korean War. He had been employed as a Quality Control Technician by Precision Valley Communications in Springfield, VT. Roy was an avid reader. He enjoyed crossword puzzles and bird watching. He served as a volunteer librarian at the Tyson library as well as a member of the Tyson’s volunteer fire Department.

On July 4, 1964, he married the former Julia Massey. They had been married for 52 years. Members of his family include two sons, Scott Pierson and his wife, Tammy, of Vernon, CT, and Michael Pierson of Tyson, VT; and a daughter, Sheila Pierson-Roy and her husband, Jon, of Strafford, NH. Roy had four grandchildren, Benjamin Roy, Timothy Roy, Britney Pierson-Thomas, and Caitlin Pierson; and four great-great grandchildren, Reagan E. Roy, Calvin B. Roy, Turner B. Roy, and James E. Thomas, IV.

There will be no visiting hours. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, Jan. 13, at the Tyson Congregational Church, 39 Dublin Road, Ludlow, VT, with Margo Marrone, pastor, officiating. Committal services will be held in the spring in the Plymouth Notch Cemetery.

The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to the VA Patient Activity Fund, 215 N. Main Street, White River Jct., VT, 05009, or the American Lung Association, VT Chapter, 372 Hurricane Lane, Williston, VT, 05495.

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Mindfulness Movement Program at the Community Center — Margo’s Plymouth Report

Posted on 01/10/2017 by The Plymouth Press

Reprinted by permission of The Vermont Standard.

1/8/17

Well, we are home from our 8 day vacation to warmer places and have had to put on more clothes!  We left home and then flew out of Logan just ahead of the 12/29 storm.  We enjoyed a long overdue cousins’ reunion and New Year’s Eve in Charleston, then headed to FL.  Spent 2 days with Sandy and John Kaliscak (former ranger at Camp Plymouth State Park).  Then we proceeded to Sarasota to visit friends from our former White Plains days.  Isn’t wonderful to have such good friends that you can pick up right where you left off, even after not seeing each other in several years?  It was a very enjoyable trip, but it is always nice to get back into your own bed!

It looks like more nice happenings at the Community Center.  You can participate on the 1st and 3rd Saturday mornings from 8:00-9:00 AM in Rise and Shine with Mindful Movements.  That will entail gentle stretches and chair yoga to awaken the body and settle the mind. Sounds like a wonderful way to bring in the new year with sixty minutes of self-care.  The program began 1/7, so sorry I was not here to note it at that point.   Donations accepted but not expected.  Contact Susan Mordecai with questions or to RSVP: smordecai6@gmail.com

On a sad note, condolences go out to the family of Mark Stocker, who passed away suddenly this week.  Please note that the calling hours at Adams Funeral Home will be Tues, 1/10 from 4:00 – 6:00 PM.  The memorial service will be at Tyson Church at 2:00 PM on Wed, 1/11.  Tyson Ladies Aid will be assisting with refreshment downstairs in the Community Room following the service.

This is Children’s Sunday (1/15) at Tyson Church, when we dedicate some time during our 10:30 AM Worship service to youngsters in our area.  We have a children’s story, then a craft time downstairs.  All are welcome to join us!  Also, we are looking for a part-time organist.  If you are interested, please leave a message on the church phone (228-4770) or email me.

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Plymouth Memory Trees Seeks Member of the Board

Posted on 01/04/2017 by The Plymouth Press
Consider a seasonal gift to the Plymouth Memory Tree to help fellow townies.

Consider a seasonal gift to the Plymouth Memory Tree to help fellow townies.

The Plymouth Memory Tree is seeking a person to serve on its Board of Directors. The Memory Tree is a non-profit organization which provides financial assistance to residents of Plymouth, Vermont who are in need. Meetings are generally held when an application for assistance is received, usually, no more than six times a year.

Those interested should submit their curriculum vitae to Robert Fishman (rlf254@gmail.com) or to PO Box 4, Plymouth, VT 05056. An applicant need not be a permanent resident of Plymouth.

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Plymouth Christmas Season Activities; New Events at Schoolhouse Community Center — Margo’s Plymouth Report

Posted on 12/21/2016 by The Plymouth Press

Reprinted by permission of The Vermont Standard

Consider a seasonal gift to the Plymouth Memory Tree to help fellow townies.

Consider a seasonal gift to the Plymouth Memory Tree to help fellow townies.

12/19/16

What a roller-coaster ride with the weather lately – hope everyone has managed to stay dry, warm and upright!  The snow, rain, then freezing temps have left us with a dangerous undercoating of ice.  I received several calls from people who had planned to attend our Annual Community Candlelight Service, but who were uneasy about the road conditions.

We still had enough brave souls that allowed us to fan out around the sanctuary in a circle to sing Silent Night with our lit candles.  It was wonderful to have Erik Johansson to add special music with his harp.  Thanks to the teens and staff from Windsor Youth Services, who helped with many tasks that evening.  Our offering this year is going to a local family in need.  Tyson Church will be having Worship at 10:30 AM on Christmas morning.

Speaking of snow, local metal sculptor Paul Machalaba is apparently willing to do some shoveling in the Plymouth/Ludlow area.  He is a metal sculptor/welder living in Plymouth, with a studio in Woodstock, specializing in large abstract aluminum works, plus he also does custom welding and design year round.  You can reach him at Paulmachal@aol.com

How nice that Energy Healing Classes by Maggie Dembinski will be offered at Community Center some time in January!  You can learn about these various techniques that will promote healing and assist your body to become relaxed, plus more energized.  The fee will be $15 per class, but contact Maggie with for additional information at: maggiebinski@gmail.com.

Thanks to the Sullivan’s for donating a lovely small upright piano for use at the Plymouth Community Center.  Also, appreciated was the help of Matt Harootunian & Greg Skaskiw, who moved the piano!  Now the plea is going out for someone who might want to give piano lessons there, then for students who are interested in learning to play.  Contact Lauren Summer Skaskiw at 802 855 7566 or lskaskiw@gmail.com if you are interested.

I just attended a fabulous workshop at Kripalu – Windows to the Soul led by Mark Grossman, an optometrist and acupuncture practitioner.  Thus a slightly different Christmas poem this year.  Many blessings!

JOURNEY ONWARD
The journey of life is one we all must take –
Times can be tough with many choices to make.
Yet as Christmas approaches, we can turn our gaze
To the reason we celebrate and the manger displays.
We may become stuck and our vision impaired
Unless we are mindful and have openly declared
That Jesus, the Christ is born anew every year
And then welcome Him with both joy and good cheer.
So now may the Holiday bring you delight
And the Holy One fill you with peace and new sight.

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It’s Plymouth Historical Society Membership Renewal Time

Posted on 12/13/2016 by The Plymouth Press
The Plymouth Historical Society documentary on Tropical Storm Irene is available.

The Plymouth Historical Society documentary on Tropical Storm Irene is now available.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Looks like Vermont will have a white Christmas! The Plymouth Historical Society wishes you a fun filled, safe holiday and all good things in the coming year.

Please consider becoming a member or renewing your membership for 2017. Five dollars per person affords you a membership for 2017 and supports the activities and mission of the Society. A donation of any amount is always gratefully received! Send your check, made out to the Plymouth Historical Society, and accompanied by our Membership Form, to the address at the top of the form. Or, follow instructions on the form to pay with paypal.

(The Form is available to download here in either Word or PDF format.)

Our activities for 2017 include updating and expanding our website, completing and dedicating the memorial garden in front of the community center, erecting a permanent Community Center sign along Rt. 100, rotating exhibits, adding new artifacts to the museum, cataloging and digitizing the entire collection for online research and access, and a new and exciting program for the fall.

The debut of the documentary film, “Irene: Ruin to Renewal,” focusing on Plymouth, was a huge success. If you are looking for a last minute Christmas gift, DVDs are available for $10 at the Plymouth Town Hall, Monday through Thursday between 8 am and 4 pm. If you would like one shipped, contact Betsy Tonkin at 802-672-3179 or tbone6547@aol.com to complete your order.

Thank you for your support. Keep in touch by watching our website and facebook page. The museum will reopen in May but is always available for visits by prior arrangement.

Betsy Tonkin
Plymouth Vt. Historical Society

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Late Fall in Plymouth — Margo’s Plymouth Report

Posted on 12/13/2016 by The Plymouth Press

Reprinted by permission of The Vermont Standard.

12/11/16

The snow is just starting as I am beginning to type on Sunday night – right at the predicted time of 9:00 PM!

It didn’t seem that cold today when I went for my walk, especially with the nice sunshine.  Yesterday was a bit nippy, so I drove up to Joan Day’s to see her latest “hatch” of bunnies.  At this time she has 3 big ones and 5 new babies – so cute!  There are others around the neighborhood, too, but I heard there is a fox in the area, too….

I am disappointed that I was not able to get to the latest Yoh Theater performance, but I understand is was wonderful.  I know that several Plymouth students participated – acting or being stage help, but I hesitate to list names for fear of leaving anyone out.  We have lots of talent here and of course, Marcia’s leadership is outstanding.

I understand there was a good turnout for the Holiday doings at Coolidge this Saturday, with many folks stopping at Wilder House to warm up with soup, chili, and other goodies being sold by Tyson Ladies Aid.  I didn’t make it over there to help, but I heard many of the husbands were there to lend a hand!  By the way, if you see Carol Coyne on 12/17, wish her a Happy Birthday.

This Sunday for Advent the topic was joy and the holidays can certainly be a joyous time even amid the hectic pace of the season.  Of course, there is some sadness as well.  Our condolences go out to the Moyer family on the passing of Danny, who formerly lived in town.  I always remember his warm smile, although I had not visited him at Stoughton House for some time.

Following church today we formed a Prayer Circle and lifted a number of people who are experiencing health difficulties.  I have received permission to mention a couple of them who have connections to Plymouth, so you might ask for comfort and healing for Dale Wade and Doris Earle, both of whom are in Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center

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