Muddy Roads and Easter Week Services — Margo’s Plymouth Report

Posted on 03/15/2016 by The Plymouth Press

Holy Week3/14/16

Well, the sudden rise in temperatures certainly did a number on our back roads.  I heard that there were ruts a foot deep in some places!  Many folks had long walks over very muddy roads when they had to abandon their cars.   It took some doing, but our road crew worked long and hard to make the roads passable within a day or so.

Tom and I attended the YOH Theater production of The Three Musketeers on Friday evening, under the direction of Marcia Bender.  Plymouth students Ian DuPont and Anna Hepler were among the talented cast in this hilarious play.  Marvelous fencing, intricate dancing, and funny lines made it most enjoyable!  I know that several folks in town also had a hand in lighting, set design and costumes.  Nice job!

Come celebrate St Patrick’s Day at the Reach Out Luncheon (jointly sponsored by Tyson Ladies Aid and Tyson Church) on Thursday, 3/17 in the Community Room of the church.  For our listening pleasure, Adam Boyce will be joining us!

I wanted to include a note of gratitude to the many people who responded to a medical emergency at Hawk a couple of weeks ago.  The severe icing conditions caused an accident with injuries and getting to the scene without mishap was quite a feat.  Emergency Services personnel, assisted by the Town road crew who spread sand, and the Sheriff all worked together to provide the needed assistance and made sure that the ambulance could safely navigate the road to get there.  It is comforting to know that these folks are out there!

I understand that Bethany Birches Camp is looking for staff, including counselors, cooks, maintenance, office administration and a video producer.  The positions generally run from the second week in June through the second week in August.  For more information contact the camp office at 802-672-5220 or email dan@bethanybirches.org

We are gearing up for three special services at Tyson Church.  This week is Palm Sunday and also Children’s Sunday, where we will have our youngsters playing “instruments” and waving palms.  It should be quite an energetic gathering!  On 3/24 we will have our Maundy Thursday supper (6:00 PM) and service (7:00 PM).  The meal will be simple – soup, along with veggie and fruit platters in our Community Room.  Our service will take place in the sanctuary, where our time together and Scripture reading will be enhanced by wonderful drawings by Willow Bascom.  The Lord’s Supper will be served.  Everyone is invited to attend either or both events.

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Ladies Aid Benefit Bake Sale Coming on Good Friday — Margo’s Plymouth Report

Posted on 03/08/2016 by The Plymouth Press

Reprinted by permission of The Vermont Standard.

Bake Sale Cookies

Mmmm…cookies!

3/7/16

Well, it is Monday morning and we just had a mini snow shower!  Four of us had a ladies outing yesterday afternoon and walked around Camp Plymouth State Park.  We found patches of grass amid ice-covered pools of water.  The sun was lovely and the sky was bright blue as we carefully picked our way toward the lake, pondering whether there would actually be a dump of snow yet this year…..

Tyson Ladies Aid is in baking mode and will have lots of goodies at the annual Good Friday Bake Sale on 3/25.  It will take place at the Shaws (Ludlow) shopping plaza from 10:00 AM until 1:00 PM.

Warm birthday wishes to Holly Ellis (3/22), but most of all congratulations to Tom and Holly on the birth of their first grandchild – Sophie, born on 1/8/16 to Jackson and Nathalia, who used to live on Dublin Road!

By way of follow up to last week’s note about Aaron Fishman’s award-winning East Bali Cashew project, I understand that you can order them from Amazon.

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“The Three Musketeers” Comes to Woodstock High School

Posted on 03/03/2016 by The Plymouth Press

three musketeersThe Yoh Theater Players at Woodstock Union High School and Middle School will present The Three Musketeers on Friday, March 11 (7pm), Saturday, March 12 (7pm) and Sunday March 13 (2pm) at the Yoh Auditorium at the high school.

This adaptation is based on the timeless swashbuckler story by Alexandre Dumas, a tale of heroism, treachery, close escapes and above all, honor.  Come see Plymouth students Ian Dupont and Anna Hepler and a cast of twenty-five high school/middle school students.

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Plenty of Good Eatin’ in Plymouth! and Our Easter Events — Margo’s Plymouth Report

Posted on 03/03/2016 by The Plymouth Press

Reprinted by permission of The Vermont Standard.

Brrr!

2/29/15

Not much snow left in many places, but I had heard that skiing at Okemo was good after the snow last week.  The smell of sap being turned into maple syrup is in the air!  Of course it is raining as I write, but temps are predicted to plummet again.  The cycle of freezing and thawing continues.  I did take a spill on my driveway last week, even with my cleats on, so please be aware and careful!

Please note that you can stay right in town and enjoy delicious cuisine. I was not aware of the $28 Friday evening dinner specials at the Echo Lake Inn this winter.  Choice of 4 entrees, plus soup or salad and dessert. I believe that is happening through March, but call 228-8602 for more details.  Of course there are ongoing specials at the Inn at Waters Edge.  Thursday is Italian night – set menu for $25 including a glass of wine.  Call for reservations – 228-8143.  Friday night is $35 with a bottle of wine and a choice of meat, fish or poultry.   Other delicious fare is available at the Five Corner Pub and Brewhouse on the other end of town.  Bon appetite!

Robert and Wyldon Fishman are the proud parents of Aaron Fishman, whose company, East Bali Cashews received the 2015 United States Secretary of State’s Award for Corporate Excellence.  While visiting Bali, Aaron learned that cashews were being shipped to India and Vietnam for processing.  He was able to obtain backing to establish a processing plant near the harvest site, which has provided over 300 new jobs, while employing a 90% female workforce to help impoverished families, as well as building an early learning center for the children of those families.

We had a planning meeting for the upcoming events at Tyson Church.  Please mark your calendars for our Palm Sunday service on 3/20.  That will also be Children’s Sunday, so there should be enthusiastic palm-waving going on!  Our Maundy Thursday meal (6:00 PM) and service (7:00) will be 3/24, when we recount the events of the Last Supper and Jesus‘ arrest and ill-treatment.  Communion will be served and all are welcome.  We will again have our resplendent flower-decorated Cross where we can unpack our burdens and take flowers to remind us of new life.

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Election Results for Plymouth

Posted on 03/02/2016 by The Plymouth Press

More than 200 residents turned out to vote on March 1. The election results for the town and presidential primary provided by the Town Clerk were as follows:

Town and Town School District Election
Town Moderator (1 year) – Tom Harris
Selectperson (3 years) – Ralph Michael
Lister (3 years) – Tom Marrone
Trustee of Public Funds (3 years) – Bobbi J. Lambert-Lynds
First Constable (2 years) – Richard G. Olmstead III
Second Constable (2 years) – Justus Pingree
School District Clerk (2 years) – Sandra Small
Del. Tax Collector (1 year) – Kathleen Billings
Grand Juror (1 year) – Carol Coyne
Town Agent (1 year) – Carol Coyne
Cemetery Commisioner (3 years) -Michael Pierson
School Director (2 years) – Rebecca Thomas Geary
School Director (3 years) – 18 write ins
School Moderator (1 year) – Tom Harris

Presidential Primary – Republican Candidates
(Total Votes – 87)

Jeb Bush – 2
Ben Carson – 6
Chris Christie – 0
Ted Cruz – 6
Carly Fiorina – 2
John Kasich – 20
Rand Paul – 0
Marco Rubio – 8
Rick Santorum – 0
Donald Trump – 39

Presidential Primary – Democratic Candidates
(Total Votes – 141)

Hillary Clinton – 27
Rocky de la Fuente – 0
Martin O’Malley – 0
Bernie Sanders – 114

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Third Annual Memorial Day Weekend ‘Antiques and Treasures’ Town Tag Sale Planned

Posted on 02/22/2016 by tbascom

Antiques and Treasures post imageHave you noticed it’s no longer dark at 4:30 in the afternoon? That’s a sure sign of Spring!

With Spring, we are planning another Memorial Day Weekend “Antiques and Treasures” town tag sale. This year we will be open May 28th and 29th (Saturday and Sunday).

Every Plymouth resident and property owner is welcome to participate as a vendor – so, as you start your Spring cleaning, remember to set aside items you’d like to sell.

I’ll publish more information in March. Meanwhile, if you have questions, you can contact me:

email: terry.bascom@yahoo.com

phone: 672.5390

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Town Meeting Coming, Student Art Exhibit — Margo’s Plymouth Report

Posted on 02/22/2016 by The Plymouth Press

Reprinted by permission of The Vermont Standard

Plymouth Town Sign2/22/16

What a mixed bag lately as far as weather is concerned.  Amazing how the 5 or so inches of snow we received last week could so quickly turn to mush.  Of course, that didn’t happen in all places, especially on steep driveways that turned to glare ice instead!  Thank you to the congenial and brave UPS man who walked a package up our driveway in the pouring rain.

I am so disappointed that my mind was elsewhere when I was taking a class in Lebanon last Saturday because at the end I meant to locate the Ava Gallery and peruse the The 8th Annual Best of the Upper Valley High School Exhibition to see the artwork of Ian Dupont.  This is a noteworthy event comprised of selections from seventeen area high schools to showcase the talent of local students.  There is still time, however, because the event runs through 3/11.

Well, Annual Meeting is drawing near, so be sure to attend at 7:00 PM on Monday 2/29 if you want to have a say on items that do not require voting by Australian ballot. The main item is Article 3, “To see if the Town will vote to raise $1,201,921 in taxes to pay estimated expenses in the amount of $1,251,921”, but you never know what else might come up!  The school meeting will be held immediately following.   Under consideration is “Shall the voters of the Plymouth Town School District approve the school board to expend $1,003,636.00”.  I imagine everyone would like to examine the budgets, which are noted in the Town Reports that are being mailed to registered voters this week.  Others can pick up a copy from Sandie at the Town Office.

Voting by Australian ballot for Town Officers will take place on 3/1 from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM.  These include:  Town Moderator, Selectman, Lister, Collector of Delinquent Taxes, Trustee of Public Funds, Cemetery Commissioner, First Constable, Second Constable, Grand Juror, Town Agent, School District Clerk/Treasurer, School District Moderator, and 2 School Directors.  There are no contested offices.  Ralph Michael is the Selectman up for re-election and Tom Marrone is the Lister whose term is up.  Mike Pierson is running for Cemetery Commissioner in place of his dad.  Rebecca Geary was appointed previously to fill a School Director vacancy and now needs to be duly elected.  There is still a School Director vacancy since Robert Fishman isn’t seeking another term, so there can be a write-in for that position.

Lastly our best wishes go to Jody Blanchard as she pursues other employment opportunities.  We will miss her pleasant manner and smiling face.  Applications are being sought to fill that position.

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Plymouth Book Group March Selection

Posted on 02/20/2016 by Betsy Tonkin

WHEN: Thursday March 31, 2016
6:30 – 8:00 PM
WHERE: Community Center (School)
Discussion: Midnight in Broad Daylight by Pamela Sakamoto
This non-fiction is a well-researched and beautifully written account of a Japanese-American family who ended up on opposite sides of WWII. It is told from both the American and Japanese perspectives and includes poignant insights into Japanese-American relations as well as the Japanese experience in America. Divided loyalties, love, loss, separation, redemption and reconciliation will keep the reader captivated.

Call Betsy (672-3179) or email (tbone6547@aol.com) with questions

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Warning — Annual Town Meeting February 29, 2016

Posted on 02/17/2016 by Plymouth Press Contributing Writer

Warning

 The legal voters of Plymouth are hereby warned to meet at the Plymouth Municipal Building at 7:00 PM on Monday, February 29, 2016, to transact at that time business not involving voting by Australian Ballot or voting required by law by ballot.   The polls will be open Tuesday, March 1, 2016, at the Plymouth Municipal Building from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM for the purpose of voting by Australian Ballot.  The business to be transacted will include:

 Article 1.             To elect Town Officers for the ensuing year(s) by Australian Ballot:    Town Moderator, Selectman, Lister, Collector of Delinquent Taxes, Trustee of Public Funds, Cemetery Commissioner,  First Constable, Second Constable, Grand Juror, Town Agent, School District Clerk/Treasurer,  School District Moderator, and  2 School Directors.

Article 2.             To see if the Town will vote $10,036.50 for Human Services to be allocated as follows:

A.       Visiting Nurse Alliance                                   $2,050.00

B.      HCRS – Mental Health Services                     $   568.00

C.      Red Cross                                                           $   250.00          

D.      Black River Senior Center                                $2,000.00

E.       VT Center for Independent Living                  $   175.00

F.       Windsor County Partners                                $   500.00

G.      Green Mountain Eco. Develop. Corp.            $   309.50                 

H.      Green Up Vermont                                            $     50.00

I.       Black River Good Neighbors                              $   300.00

J.        Fletcher Memorial Library                                $1,200.00

K.       Black River Area Community Coalition          $   500.00

L.       Vermont Trails and Greenways                       $     35.00

M.    LPCTV                                                                    $   600.00

N.      Tyson Library                                                       $   500.00

O.     Plymouth Historical Society                              $   900.00

P.       Plymouth Memory Tree                                    $   250.00

Q.     Plymouth Press                                                   $     50.00

R.      VT Rural Fire Protection Task Force                $   100.00

S.       Qttauquechee Health Foundation                  $   200.00

Article 3.             To see if the Town will vote to raise $1,201,921 in taxes to pay estimated expenses in the amount of $1,251,921.

 Article 4.             To transact any other necessary and legal business.

 Dated at Plymouth, Vermont, this 29th day of January 2016.

 Ralph Michael, Chair

Lawrence Lynds

 Russ Tonkin

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Local Students Achieve Scholarly Recognition! — Margo’s Plymouth Report

Posted on 02/17/2016 by The Plymouth Press

Reprinted by permission of The Vermont Standard

Bethany Birches Pavilion (1) (Feb, 2016)

Inside Bethany Birches’ new pavilion.

2/14/16

A nippy Valentine’s Day – possibly meant for cuddling up in an attempt to stay warm!  Sorry that the Plymouth Press website is down for the moment, but hopefully it will be back up and running soon.

I just wanted to recognize some of our area scholars.  These are names that I recognize, but I imagine there are others who may be new to our area.  Please feel free to contact me with the interesting things our young people are doing.  Anna Hepler (9th grade), Julia Kowalski (9th grade) and Andy Buchan-Groff (12th grade) are on the  Summa Cum Laude list.  Lonnie Enis’ granddaughter Teresa (11th grade) made the Magna Cum Laude list.  Congratulations to one and all!

There are several students practicing for the next Yoh Theatre play as I write.  I am hoping to have more information for the next report.

A roll-over on Pingree Flats on Saturday resulted in vehicle damage, but fortunately no injuries were reported.  I believe our Fire Dept assisted with that terrible fire in South Reading as well.  From pictures, only a few brick walls remain standing.  As I am writing this article on Mon morning, there is another huge fire on Rte 131 in Amsdem, I believe.  This cold weather and the need to keep warm can set up these tragedies, so please be careful.

Exciting news at Bethany Birches Camp, the big doors at the pavilion have been installed making it a warm and inviting space for campers!   See pic.

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