Correction to Margo’s Plymouth Report Title

Posted on 08/16/2016 by The Plymouth Press
Oops!

Oops!

We erroneously titled Margo’s Plymouth Report to say the Irene video will debut this weekend.

It will debut next weekend, the 27th-28th.

Margo correctly identified the date in the body of her Report. The error is ours; we created the title.

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Plymouth Documentary on Tropical Storm Irene Debuts This Weekend — Margo’s Plymouth Report

Posted on 08/16/2016 by The Plymouth Press

Reprinted by permission of The Vermont Standard.

Thanks to the Volunteers at Pingree's 10/29/11

Tropical Storm Irene remembered with a new documentary film this weekend at the President Coolidge Education Center.

8/14/16

Can you believe this heat?  A day here or there is one thing, but this sustained hot weather and humidity is so un-Vermont-like!  Since we live in the middle of the woods, it is not usually a problem, but lately the only cool place is our basement.  Thank goodness we have refreshing lakes, too.

Thanks to everyone who came out to the Tyson Ladies Aid Bazaar on Saturday.  It was moved to the Ludlow Community Center, which is located in the old Armory.  No air conditioning, but with fans, it was a bit cooler than outside.  When the downpour came at 1:30, it would have been a disaster if we had been in Veterans Park as initially planned.

I understand that Richard Moore’s son, Timothy, who grew up in Plymouth passed away on 8/4 at the age of 59. He was well-known in the fire fighting community.  Sorry I did not know earlier to advise you about his celebration of life that was held 8/13.

Please note that the Reach Out Luncheon will be held downstairs at Tyson Church on Thursday, 8/18, starting at 11:00 with June Capron as our speaker.  The BBQ will include chicken and hot dogs!

Another reminder at the “Irene” film to be shown at the Historic Site.  Check with Midge (midgetucker@gmail.com or 672-3086) to see if Saturday, 8/27 at 7:00 PM is booked up.  There are probably still openings for the showing at 3:00 PM on Sunday, 8/28, though.

Also, please mark your calendar for the new organ dedication to be held at Tyson Church during our regular morning Worship at 10:30 AM on 8/28.  We want to thank everyone for participating in our successful fundraising effort.  All are welcome and encouraged to attend!  Refreshments to follow.

 

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August, and the Living is Good in Plymouth — Margo’s Plymouth Report

Posted on 08/08/2016 by The Plymouth Press

Reprinted by permission of The Vermont Standard

august-image-clipart8/7/16

Oh, I hate having to type August these days and we have already passed the 1st week.  It seems that the hummingbirds are already gorging themselves in anticipation of their long journey south and personally, I am not ready for autumn to be around the corner!

Tyson Ladies Aid met around the noon hour on 8/4 and finalized plans for the Annual Bazaar to be held on Saturday, 8/13 at Veterans Park in Ludlow.  Some of you may recall that it was held on a Thursday on the lawn of Tyson Church for many years, with a big dinner that evening.   Well, times have changed and the venue has been shifted to the weekend in a more populated place.

Baked goods are still a priority, but a huge selection of gift certificates and baskets make the raffle a wonderful opportunity to win some great prizes.  The chicken BBQ is always delicious, too!  Funds go to support scholarships, help with the monthly Reach Out Luncheon, and many other community needs.

A lively discussion ensued at the Book Club on 8/4 about Fannie Flagg’s The All Girl Filling-Station’s Last Reunion.  As usual there were differing opinions, but that makes it even more fun!  Our next selection is America’s First Daughter by Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie, an historical novel from the perspective of Jefferson’s daughter.  A bit longer than some of the selections we have read, so we are giving ourselves extra time.  Our next meeting will at 6:30 on 9/29.

There was a good turnout for Old Home Day and basically the weather cooperated, except for a brief downpour.  My grandsons and I went on a wagon ride and were entertained by Farmer Fred as we jostled along.  Thanks to Theresa Steward for babysitting for them for a couple of hours for me.  She ran hard with them and they took a nice nap a bit later!

I understand that the Naturalization ceremony was wonderfully moving and included folks from many different countries.  A number of them came through the Fire Dept BBQ line and they were beaming.  Setting up behind the barn allowed the smoke to be contained & utilizing the tables under the barn was ideal, especially when the rain came!  Thanks to everyone who lent a hand and to those who purchased and enjoyed the chicken & fixings.  I understand that John Dupont used John Wheeler’s baked beans recipe, then he brought a dinner down to the Gill Home, where John W is rehabbing after his hip surgery.

The next meeting of the Historical Society will be Thursday, 8/18.  Also, in light of the overwhelming response, another showing of the documentary “Irene: Ruin to Renewal,” has been set up for Sunday, 8/28 at 3:00 PM in order to accommodate everyone.  Again, please make your reservation with Midge atmidgetucker@gmail.com or 672-3086.

On another note, the Echo Lake Inn has been extremely busy with weddings and reunions this summer and could use some extra help (breakfast servers, grounds assistance, and housekeeping help).  If interested, call 802-228-8602.

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Old Home Day at Calvin Coolidge Historic Site!

Posted on 08/01/2016 by The Plymouth Press
See the Coolidge Basket Quilt, among many artifacts, at the Coolidge Old Home Days Celebration on Saturday.

See the Coolidge Basket Quilt, among many artifacts, at the Coolidge Old Home Day Celebration on Saturday.

Reprinted by permission of The Vermont Standard

8/1/16

This seems to be family season for us, my sister and brother-in-law, plus my cousin’s son from Texas were here last week.  We had a delightful picnic at Camp Plymouth State Park with our grandsons and their parents.  We really are so fortunate to have such a wonderful place right here in town that is open 10:00 AM until ½ hour after sunset.  Lush grass, nice BBQ units and picnic tables, plus refreshing Echo Lake provide a good way to cool off on these hot days.

The Reading Group will meet on Thursday, 8/4 at 6:30 at the Community Center to discuss Fannie Flagg’s The All Girl Filling-Station’s Last Reunion.  Feel free to attend even if you have not read the book!

Don’t forget Old Home Day at the Coolidge Homestead is this Saturday, 8/6.  The Naturalization Ceremony will take place at 11:00 AM.  Plan to attend the special program and book signing with the authors of Intimate Grandeur.  Bring your historic clocks and pocket watches to the Green Mountain Timekeepers Society to learn more about them.  Please note that the reenactment of Calvin Coolidge’s “Homestead Inaugural” will take place at 2:47 PM .

Enjoy wagon rides, old-time music, sheep shearing, craft demonstrations, and Clara’s historic children’s games sponsored by the Vermont Historical Society.  Come savor the chicken BBQ sponsored by the Fire Dept.  By the way, I need a babysitter for Owen (5) and Landon (3) for a couple of hours, so I can help with serving.  Let me know if you are available!

Get ready for the fabulous Tyson Ladies Aid Bazaar that will be held at Veterans Park in Ludlow on Saturday, 8/13.  As usual there will be an amazing array of baskets and gift certificates for the raffle, scrumptious baked goods, huge book sale, and the chicken BBQ.  Funds that are raised are utilized to help with community needs such as scholarships at WUHS and Black River and they also help maintain our tiny but extremely well-stocked Tyson Library.  All your friends will be there, so join the crowd!

Bill Cherico, AARP Smart Driver Instructor (672- 1823 or wbcherico@comcast.net) will be leading a course right here at the Community Center on Friday, 9/16 at 10:00 AM.  This four hour session (bring a lunch) is designed to keep seniors up to date on their driving skills as they age, promote independence and mobility, and it usually helps to save on car insurance.  The cost, paid at the time of registration, is $15 for AARP members and $20 for non-members. Reserve a spot with Lauren Summer Skaskiw (802-855-7566)

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Tropical Storm Irene Documentary

Posted on 07/22/2016 by Betsy Tonkin

Seats are filling up! Don’t forget to make your reservation for the debut of “Irene: Ruin to Renewal” produced by the Plymouth Historical Society and LPCtv. The film will be shown at 7 PM at the Coolidge Historic Site on August 27th. The fifth anniversary of the storm is a time to reflect on past memories and rejoice in the recovery. The event is FREE and refreshments will be served.

Storm erosion by Jim Nielsen

Storm erosion by Jim Nielsen

Kingdom Rd. during the storm by Tom Ellis

Kingdom Rd. during the storm by Tom Ellis

Call Midge at 802-672-3086 or email midgetucker@gmail.com to secure your seats.

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Summer’s Half Gone! But There’s More to Do! — Margo’s Plymouth Report

Posted on 07/19/2016 by tbascom

Reprinted by permission of The Vermont Standard

Sheep shearing demonstration at the Plymouth Old Home Day

Sheep shearing demonstration at the Plymouth Old Home Day

7/17/16

Amazing weather these days, sunshine sprinkled with downpours of rain!  I was visiting John Wheeler and others at the Gill Home last Thursday when the skies opened up.  As I approached Tyson, I noticed that the roads were dry – not a drop had fallen here!

This has been a music weekend for us.  The Opera North performance on Saturday the 16th at Marsh/Billings was amazing.  Then, Bruce & Caleb Freeberg performed at church on Sunday afternoon, following a fantastic potluck lunch.  We capped things off by going to hear Gypsy Reel at the bandstand in Ludlow Sunday evening.  Isn’t it wonderful to have all of these free concerts to attend!

Making note of August happenings is a bit disheartening for me since it seems like summer is proceeding too quickly, but here goes….  The Reading Group will be discussing Fannie Flagg’s The All Girl Filling-Station’s Last Reunion on Thursday, 8/4 at 6:30 at the Community Center.

Don’t forget Old Home Day at the President Coolidge Historic Site on Saturday, 8/6 which will include the Naturalization Ceremony at 11:00 AM.  There will a special program and book signing with the authors of Intimate Grandeur, plus the Green Mountain Timekeepers Society will be on hand, so bring your historic clocks and pocket watches to learn more about them.  At 2:47 PM the reenactment of Calvin Coolidge’s “Homestead Inaugural” will take place.  Also, you can enjoy wagon rides, the chicken barbecue, old-time music, sheep shearing, craft demonstrations, and Clara’s historic children’s games sponsored by the Vermont Historical Society.  Wow, lots to do – don’t miss it!

It was nice to see Irene Fennell (formerly of Tyson) and some of her family in church.  Eleven of them are staying in the area for a week.  Also in church today there was profusion of color on numerous hats in honor and memory of Rose Frye.

Condolences go out the family’s of Norman Dupont and Eliza Ward,  Norm passed away on 6/12 after a long illness. His service will be held on the Plymouth Notch Cemetery on Saturday 7/23 at 1:00 PM.  Liza passed away on 7/13 and her graveside service and time of remembrance will take place at 2:00 PM on Sunday 7/24 at the Notch Cemetery.

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Plymouth Activities for the Second Half of July — Margo’s Plymouth Report

Posted on 07/11/2016 by The Plymouth Press

Printed by permission of The Vermont Standard

July Field7/10/16

Well, not the best weekend for a wedding, but there was one at the Echo Lake Inn on Saturday and I imagine that everyone enjoyed it despite the weather.  We had one at the church on Wednesday, no rain but quite a bit of heat and humidity.  VT is such a lovely place, no wonder so many couples want to have their destination weddings here!

I understand from Bill Jenney that they estimate there were 800 people in attendance at the President Coolidge Historic Site on the 4th.  It was a prefect day for the parade – even a slight breeze.  Speeches were short and sweet, noting the honorable character of President Coolidge.

On Sunday, 7/17, there will be a program at the Notch in the Union Christian Church about the flower garden planted by Carrie Brown Coolidge, Calvin’s stepmother in the early 20th century.   Apparently Allen and Rose Buswell spent three years in battle with invasive Bishops weed (goutweed) before eradicating it and restoring the garden in line with historical records.  Although the program is free, donations to the garden maintenance fund are always appreciated.

The Plymouth Reading Group is reading Fannie Flagg’s (of “Fried Green Tomatoes” fame) “The All Girl Filling-Station’s Last Reunion.”, which is reputed to be funny and entertaining.  We will discuss it on Thursday, 8/4 at 6:30 at the Community Center.

By the way, John Wheeler is having rehab at the Gill Home in Ludlow, following his hip surgery.  Don’t forget that Liza Ward is still there, too!   Bill Jarvi will be at the Cafe-at-Delight in Ludlow on Friday, 8/5 at 10:00 AM before an 11:00 AM appointment.  He loves to see folks there!

I saw the Front Porch notation about a cook being needed at Farm and Wilderness’ Timberlake camp which is a seven-week residential camp for up to 120 9-14 year old boys, To apply contact Julie Sanderson at julie@farmandwilderness.org or 802-422-3761.

Consider joining us at Tyson Church on 7/17 for Worship (10:30 AM), when we will have a summer potluck lunch at noon, followed by music with Bruce & Caleb Freeberg at 1:00 PM.  We are hoping the weather will be nice so we can be outside.  We will also serve maple creemie ice cream, so consider joining us for all or part of these activities.  This is also a special time to remember Rose Frye by wearing hats as she always did.  All are welcome!

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Celebrate Our Own: President Coolidge and Life in Plymouth — Margo’s Plymouth Report

Posted on 07/03/2016 by The Plymouth Press

Reprinted by permission of The Vermont Standard

Calvin and Grace

President Calvin and Grace Coolidge

7/1/16

Consider the interesting events at the Coolidge Historic Site on 7/4.  Join Fred DePaul for wagon rides beginning at 10:00 AM.  Folks are invited to gather at the village green at Noon, when a Vermont National Guard delegation leads the march to the Plymouth Notch Cemetery to place the wreath from the White House at the Calvin Coolidge’s grave-site in honor of his birthday.

Amity Shlaes will be the speaker at the brief ceremony there.  Windsor chair maker George Ainley and other Vermont artisans demonstrate traditional crafts will be on hand.  Sample Plymouth Artisan Cheese and enjoy the Plymouth Historical Society’s special exhibit about one-room schoolhouses, plus children’s games on the Aldrich House lawn.  Farm and Wilderness Camp musicians perform at 11:00 AM and a marathon reading of Coolidge’s autobiography begins at 1:00 PM.

Oh, the glories of living in VT – sailing on Echo Lake and watching the eagle fly overhead, chirping birds that greet you in the morning and the many shades of green and lovely flowers this time of year!  Hope that everyone is taking the time to enjoy these blessings.

I visited John Wheeler at DHMC the other day, following his fall and hip replacement.  He conveys his greetings and his desire to return home, but he will be having rehab at a place yet to be determined.

There are a couple of enjoyable events taking place at Tyson Church in the next couple of weeks.  Many of you may be familiar with the amazing talent of Melissa Maravell who has performed in several venues within our area over the years.   We are happy that she will be presenting a mini- concert during our 10:30 AM church on July 10th.  All are welcome.

Then on 7/17, which is Children’s Sunday, we will have a summer potluck lunch at noon, followed by music with Bruce and Caleb Freeberg at 1:00 PM.  We are hoping the weather will be nice so we can be outside.  We will also serve maple creemie ice cream, so consider joining us for all or part of these activities.

Condolences are extended to the family of George Wade, who recently passed away.  Born and raised in Tyson, he and his family have lived in the Ludlow area and are known to many. It is so nice to have Sally and Bruce Markwell back in town for a time this summer!

Don’t forget to frequent our local restaurants.  The Inn at Water’s Edge (2288143) is having their delicious Thursday and Friday specials.  Five Corners Pub (672-3223) at the Salt Ash Inn is becoming a local gathering place.  The Echo Lake Inn (672-8602) will be having many weekend weddings, so you are encouraged to dine there Monday through Thursday.

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June Doings in Plymouth — Margo’s Plymouth Report

Posted on 06/28/2016 by The Plymouth Press

Reprinted by permission of The Vermont Standard

Opening New Road at F&W (2016)

Nellie the Goat helps to open the newly routed main road at Farm and Wilderness camp.

6/26/16

Well, another Strawberry Festival has come and gone.  The morning rain gave way to a lovely day and lots of folks turned out for this collaborative community event.  Not the largest crowd ever, but 420 is the count according to Chris at the park.  Thank you so much for your support!  The raffle brought in over $1,300 before expenses, so the Tyson Church Community Fund has been replenished and we can continue to provide assistance when needs arise within our area.  I haven’t been told the totals for Emergency Services (BBQ) or Tyson Ladies Aid (strawberry shortcake).

From what I have heard from one of the Day Campers at Bethany Birches this week (my grandson and his friends) it was a great success.  Please note that Sage Allen, a member and co-captain of the Black River Rock Climbing team will be competing in the nationals 7/14-19.  Her hard work has really paid off – wishing her well!

I noticed 2 Plymouth students whose name I recognize on the 4th quarter honor roll from WUHS.  Congrats to Anna Hepler for her 9th grade Summa Cum Laude standing and Julia Kowalski  for her 9th grade Magna Cum Laude standing.  I do not know the names of all of our students from Plymouth, especially those who have recently moved to town.  Please be sure to send me information about their accomplishments – we want to celebrate with them!  Grace Vosburgh was the recipient of the Tyson Ladies Aid scholarship from WUHS this year.

Farm and Wilderness is grateful to the Town of Plymouth for approving the re-routing of Farm and Wilderness Road, the main entrance to the office and camps. The grand opening of the road was celebrated on Friday with a ribbon cutting ceremony, including a procession led by Executive Director, Rebecca Geary and Nellie the goat.  Ralph Michael designed the road, which will greatly improve safety for the campers.

Village Harmony Bandcamp will be singing on Wednesday, June 29 at the Shrewsbury Town Hall and Thursday, June 30 at the Rochester Community Center, both at 7:30pm.   Based in Vermont, Village Harmony is dedicated to the study and performance of traditional polyphonic singing and sponsors an extensive program of traveling singing camps for teenagers and adults across the globe. Each group meets for a week-long rehearsal retreat before going on the road for a concert tour.   Village Harmony has been a place where teenagers who don’t follow the beaten path have been able to come together and experience the sheer power of making music as a community with their peers.

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Tropical Storm Irene Documentary Film to be Shown in Plymouth

Posted on 06/27/2016 by Betsy Tonkin

On August 27th 2016, at 7 PM, the documentary film “Irene: Ruin to Renewal,” which recounts Plymouth’s astounding recovery from the catastrophic storm,

Rt 100 bridge washout near Hawk Mt. Resort. Photo by Jim Nielsen

Rt 100 bridge washout near Hawk Mt. Resort. Photo by Jim Nielsen

will be shown at The President Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site in the large reception room. The film features dynamic interviews and many photos and videos of Tropical Storm Irene and its aftermath. The story honors the Plymouth recovery efforts and shows how disaster reconnected the town. It is produced by the Plymouth Vermont Historical Society’s Irene Video Committee in partnership with Ludlow Public Community Television and debuts on the fifth anniversary of the storm.

Seating is limited and reservations are required. Please call 802-672-3086 or email Midge at midgetucker@gmail.com. The event is FREE and refreshments will be served.

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