Okemo – Jackson Gore Ski Trail Plans for Christmas Week

Posted on 12/21/2015 by tbascom

I received this from the Okemo Valley Area Chamber of Commerce last night, who received it on December 19th from Bruce at Okemo, to share with the broader community.

Okemo Logo EuroThe Okemo snowmakers are working hard and the temperatures look like they will be cooperating thru the weekend.  We have a very aggressive plan to be executed. Snowmaking has been strong and many objectives were met.  Below are some highlights and information on where we are, where we are headed and the Crystal ball of the future

 Snowmaking has been going on since Friday afternoon.  The objectives are to work on some of the existing terrain while at the same time heading into new territory.  Our plan is to run as many snow guns as possible with the temperatures that we have.  With Saturday night being the coldest night we fully anticipate having up to 200 guns running across the resort.  Okemo is working hard to have the Jackson Gore base area open by Monday.  We can assure our loyal guests that the entire Okemo team is laser focused to making this happen.

Our snowmaking plan continues to be to make snow on trails that will be for the good of many. What this means is that we will work on trails many people can ski and ride, we will be staying away from expert trails, we won’t be working on terrain park trails, but will put out rails and hits on existing terrain, and we will work to spread out across the mountain.

 Once we get the Jackson Gore area open our anticipated trail count will be around 25. With these trails we will have 8-10 lifts operating during the holiday week.

 Our Terrain park features will be on the upper section of Sapphire.  Okemo is committed to having some aspects of our terrain parks on the side of the Sapphire trail so all our guests can enjoy what they want on the slopes

 There will be a shuttle service between Jackson Gore and the slopes until the Jackson Gore Base area is opened. This shuttle service will be operating through the day to move skiers and riders as needed.  Okemo will also be enhancing our shuttle service through the Christmas Holidays in the Solitude condominiums and Solitude Single Family homes areas.

 Round House – Open for the season on 12/19                  *Sushi station opening 12/27

Coleman Brook Tavern – Open for the season for Lunch and Dinner

Epic – Open for the season                                                *Epic Deli opening 12/19                 *Epic Starbucks  – Opening 12/28

Sugar house – Open 12/26                                                *Smokey Jo’s – Opening 12/19    *Sugar House Tia noodle station – Open 1/04

Siena – Open for dinner 12/18 & 19. Winter Holiday schedule after Christmas

Base Starbucks – Open 12/26

Summit Vermont Pizza & Sky Bar– Open 12/26               *Jump Asian Cuisine Open 12/28

Sitting Bull Vermont Pizza – Open  12/28

The ticketing kiosks located at the base of the Sunburst as well Solitude will be opening after Christmas.  Until that time guests will need to go down to the Jackson Gore base area or the Clocktower base area for their tickets. Guests with Real.Easy cards who have registered them can load tickets on their cards on line and go direct to the lifts.  A great suggestion for those who are not near a ticket location.

The long range forecast if for milder weather to return after the weekend and go through Christmas Eve.  Around Christmas it is looking like some colder weather will be in place for hopefully some snowmaking.

Our plan moving forward with the next cold snap will be to shore up any existing terrain challenges and then heads towards another trail in Solitude, Wardance or lower Chief, and look at some lodging trails such as Sachem or some in the Solitude area.  We also will begin heading toward South Face with Count Down, Sprint, Moments rest on the list.  This will happen when the next long term cold spell arrives.

  Iknow these challenges have not been easy on anyone, but a large part of the battle is remaining positive and optimistic.  Negativity is contagious, but optimism will change attitudes and bring about a vision that things will be better.  Our guests believe in Okemo.

Bruce Schmidt
Vice-President & General Manager
Okemo Mountain Resort (twitter.com/okemogm, www.okemo.com)

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Unseasonable Weather! — Plymouth Report from Margo

Posted on 12/15/2015 by The Plymouth Press

Reprinted by permission of The Vermont Standard

Pic is Brian Hayes on bench on top, standing Landon Perrino, sitting in back Owen Bishop, side is Crystal Hayes, sitting in front Owen Marks, & Owen Perrino. Gingerbread church by Rose Frye.

Pic is Brian Hayes on bench on top, standing Landon Perrino, sitting in back Owen Bishop, side is Crystal Hayes, sitting in front Owen Marks, & Owen Perrino. Gingerbread church by Rose Frye.

12/13/15

I don’t know what to make of these balmy temperatures.  I can’t imagine the ski areas are pleased with this turn of events, especially when CA received quite a snowfall!  I don’t think there is any doubt that the white stuff will come, however…..

So many activities going on that it is impossible to get to all of them.  Taking a break from the Santa domination of Christmas, the youngsters at our Children’s Sunday talked about Jesus’ place in the holiday mix.  They also gleefully dismantled and ate the lovely gingerbread church so beautifully crafted for us by Rose Frye.  Don’t forget the Community Candlelight Service at 7:00 PM on Sunday, 12/20!

Although it was a sparse crowd at the Memory Tree Lighting on Sunday, it was amazing how many names were on the list to be remembered – treasured folks missing from our midst.  By the time we chatted and had refreshments in the Community Center, the tree and luminaria really looked quite lovely.

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Wits End?

Posted on 12/14/2015 by Plymouth Press Contributing Writer

Are you at your wits end dealing with a loved one’s addiction problem?

Come to a free, open and confidential discussion with other people like you. Share what works and what doesn’t with a Licensed Drug and Alcohol Counselor present.

2nd & 4th Tuesdays of every month at 6pm at Fletcher Memorial Library, Ludlow.

Sponsored by the Okemo Community Challenge Grant and Black River Area Community Coalition (BRACC).

For more info please call BRACC at 802-228-7878

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Memorial Tree Lighting, Candlelight Service and More! Margo’s Plymouth Report

Posted on 12/09/2015 by The Plymouth Press

Reprinted with permission of The Vermont Standard

Ladies Aid at Wilder House 2015 (2)12/6/15

Tyson Ladies Aid broke with tradition and gathered at the Inn at Water’s Edge for the Christmas party this year. Tina provided a wonderful lunch, served with flair by Bruce.  Gifts for the Windsor Youth Services homes, special tissue boxes for the Gill Home and more hats, gloves, and mittens were brought by the members. A good time was had by all!

The Inn at Water’s Edge (228-8143) is back offering Thursday (Italian night) and Friday night dinner specials.  Dinner is available other nights with advance reservations, too. The Echo Lake Inn (228-6802) is serving on weekends, but will be open during the week after the 19th.

Quite a crowd gathered at the President Coolidge Historic Site on Saturday for the various events. Of course, the sleigh ride became a wagon ride, but folks didn’t seem to mind the mild weather. When I was leaving, however, I noticed that the horses appeared to be tired of taking the same route repeatedly, but Fred was finally able to move them in the right direction!

The soup, chili, and pies were a big hit at the Wilder House. There were many of us fromLadies Aid at Wilder House 2015 (1) Tyson Ladies Aid serving and chatting with customers. It was a jovial crew to say the least and at the end, several husbands came over to assist with clean up. Funds raised go for a number of different projects, one of which is the scholarship program serving seniors from WUHS and Black River.

Don’t forget that the lighting of the Memory Tree will take place on Sunday, 12/13 at 4:00 PM at the former Town Office/Historical Society building. Weather permitting, luminaria will light the way to the new Historical Society site at the Schoolhouse Community Building, where the Plymouth Historical Society museum will be open and light refreshments will be served from 4:00 to 6:00.  Visitors are welcome to explore the museum and Historical Society members will be available to answer questions.

Another community event will be taking place at Tyson Church on Sunday, 12/20 at 7:00 PM – the Community Candlelight Service.  The chorus from Black River High School will be providing some special music, but we will also be singing a number of Christmas carols.  As usual there will be a social time downstairs afterward with lots of goodies.  If you have a special recipe and would like to bring some cookies, feel free to do so!  All are welcome.

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December Celebrations — Margo’s Plymouth Report

Posted on 11/30/2015 by The Plymouth Press

Reprinted by permission of The Vermont Standard

Brrr!

Brrr!

11/20/15

Well, you can’t be in 2 places at once, so Tom and I enjoyed a delicious lunch with the VT Standard family at the Public House in Quechee on 11/19!   As a result, I missed the Reach Out community turkey luncheon sponsored by Tyson Ladies Aid and Tyson Church.  I understand from Kathy Lynds that there was “an amazing array of delicious food made by at least 14 Ladies Aid and church members.”

Teens from Windsor County Youth served those who were unable to negotiate the buffet table.  Sorry to have missed visiting with everyone.  Kristen Jarvi even brought Bill over for the event.  There will not be a luncheon in December, but plan to attend the 3rd Thursday in January!

The sock, mitten, and hat tree is located in the downstairs community room at the church and will be accepting donations until December 13th, then these items will be given to Black River Valley Good Neighbor for distribution.  Bought or homemade items can be given to Sandie Small at the Plymouth Town Office or left at the Green Mountain Sugar House, if you cannot bring them to the church on a Sunday.

Get ready for the Coolidge Historic Site Holiday Open House on Saturday, 12/5.  Decorations will reflect what was popular during the late 19th century and will include winter exhibits at the Museum and Education Center, Aldrich House, and the 1924 Summer White House office.  The Cheese Factory will be open, as usual with a nice variety of cheeses.  Something enjoyable for everyone – sleigh rides, old-time music, children’s holiday activities, and also craft demonstrations.

Plan to enjoy a snack or lunch at the Wilder House Restaurant from 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM, where Tyson Ladies Aid will have a nice array of food, including homemade pies, hearty soups and chili, plus several hot beverages.  Also, please note the special cancellation at the historic Plymouth post office.

I enjoyed seeing Jay Flaster at Shaws the other day and learned that Julia just had her 1st birthday.  She is a petite and pretty little girl in contrast to my grandson, Landon, who was with me and huge for his age (2½)!  Did you know that you can obtain a Fruit Card at Shaws which entitles youngsters who accompany you to a free apple or banana?

Being away, I missed November birthdays and will probably forget to include some.  Please feel free to let me know if I missed you!  Willow Bascom (11/2), Karen Evans (11/7), and Mary Jane Crockett (11/8).

The season of Advent starts on Sunday, 11/29.  This 4 week period prior to Christmas is important in preparing for the birth of Jesus, the Christ.  Feel free to join us at Tyson Church for our 10:30 AM Sunday morning worship services as we open our hearts to the Light of the World.  We will have our Service of Remembrance on Sunday, 12/6 at 4:00 – a time to acknowledge our feelings of missing loved ones no longer with us to celebrate the Holidays.  We will light candles in remembrance.  Also, mark your calendars for our annual Community Candlelight Service at 7:00 PM on 12/20.

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Margo Marrone’s Plymouth Report

Posted on 11/05/2015 by Plymouth Press Contributing Writer

Republished with permission from The Vermont Standard

11/1/15

A new month & what will it hold! Seems like relatively few people around these days, but we know that will change when ski season starts in earnest. By the way, did folks see that Kevin Lasky’s picture won a prize. Not exactly sure where it was taken, but it is very nice.

We had a lively discussion at the Reading Club meeting the other evening about The Aviator’s Wife. I have always been fond of Gift from the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindbergh, so this historical novel about her life was very interesting. Taking a break over the holidays – our next book is The Race for Paris by Meg Waite Clayton for 1/7/16.

The Echo Lake Inn (228-8602) restaurant is closed now until 11/25. Dinners will be served starting at 3:00 PM on Thanksgiving. Aside from that week when meals will be served Wed – Sat, the restaurant will be open mainly on weekends until the snow flies. I will include info about the Inn at Water’s Edge next time!

I noticed the letter in last week’s paper regarding bicycling two abreast. Riding on Rte 100 and also driving there often, I was surprised to hear about the statute that allows it. I have been buzzed pretty closely by passing vehicles, even though I usually ride to the right of the side white line. I consider this to be unnecessary and rude.

On the other hand, I have experienced the frustration of having to go into the other lane because cyclists are riding side-by-side and paying no attention to the traffic around them. I don’t believe that riding that way is prudent or safe on a main thoroughfare. Our roads are so charming and biking them is so much fun, but they do get busy at times with folks going about their normal daily affairs. Common sense and courtesy go a long way toward making our roads safe for all who use them. If you want to ride next to each other, best to choose a less traveled back road with good visibility.

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Fall: A Season of Change — Margo’s Plymouth Report

Posted on 10/28/2015 by The Plymouth Press

10/26/15

Amazing weather!  I went for a bike ride last Thursday and the colors were still lovely.  We traveled to CT this weekend, so were able to relish fall all over again.  I wish it had been less frigid for Vera Davis’ graveside service on 10/23, but her warmth showed through in any case.

I was unable to attend Fly By Night at WUHS, but I understand from Kathy Lynds that Marcia Bender directed an amazing performance.  She “led the young cast in an incredibly complex combination of music and dialog that came off flawlessly.”  I am told that Ian Dupont did an outstanding job as Mr McClam, singing wonderfully.  Eve Cole and Anna Hepler sang in the chorus and Andrew Buchan-Groff played in the three-piece band.  Way to go performers!

Fall seems like a time for adjustments.  This weekend our systems will need to adjust to daylight saving time, something to which my body usually takes me some time to acclimate.  November 1st will also bring an additional alteration in my schedule because I will be on Sabbatical from then until 11/28.  Wonderful people will be covering for me, including two Sundays by Terry Bascom.  The congregation is mobilizing, so things should run quite smoothly!  You can always leave a message on the church phone (228-4770) and someone will be checking the answering machine.

LPCTV sent the following announcement for Plymouth residents:  Have something to say about your Comcast cable service? Is there anything you would like to see happen with that service over the next 11 years? How about community access TV stations like ours? Would you like to see our channels in HD? Our video on demand?  Since PSB is considering Comcast’s renewal for a Certificate of Public Good, the license that allows it to provide telecommunications service in the State, now is the time to let your views be known, but it needs to be done by NOVEMBER 1st.  Send your comments to the Clerk of the PSB at christine.peterson@vermont.gov) re Docket 8301.  Also to Patrick Cody at Vermont Access Network  pcody@lpctv.org).   Let your voice be heard.

Thanks to Sandie Small, who attended the meeting with ABLE Waste (802-672-3569), I have a few highlights to report.  The cost of this curbside recycling service will be covered through property taxes, but residents do need to sign up.  Each resident will be given one recycling bin, although additional ones (specific for handling by ABLE trucks) with lids may be purchased for $15.  The Town is divided into 2 sections with 100A being the dividing line, with alternating Monday pick-up between the North (starting 10/26 & the South (starting 11/2), beginning at 7:00 AM.  Hawk West has the same schedule and procedures as the Town as the roads are maintained by the Town. The other side of Hawk (East side) falls under Hawk procedures.  Second home owners will be on a “call” basis.

From 10/19:  I understand that a bald eagle has been spotted in Tyson and I also heard that there is a moose wandering around Rte 100 in the Union.  The only animals on my horizon lately are mice!  They seem to be preparing for winter by trying to find a warm and comfy home in our house and garage.

Things are winding down at the Notch for the season, although the Cheese Factory is still open and the Wilder House will continue serving until the end of the month.  There still seem to be a good number of buses around town and so far the colors are quite nice in some areas, although showers of leaves are falling quickly now.

This past Sunday was our Annual Church Meeting at Tyson Church, but the most exciting agenda item was the new organ.  Music is an important part of our worship.  The age of our organ was showing and we needed to replace it.  As a result we are fundraising to cover the $7,000 cost.  Feel free to join our effort!  We are excited about the Community Candlelight Service that will take place at 7:00 PM on 12/20 with extra special music.

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Free Seniors Oral Health Screening in Plymouth – Margo’s Plymouth Report

Posted on 10/14/2015 by The Plymouth Press

Reprinted by permission of The Vermont Standard.

Photo by Terry Bascom (10/13)

Photo by Terry Bascom (10/13)

10/11/15

Even with temperature all over the place and heavy rain, the fall colors are still pretty.  I didn’t dare bike along Rte 100 over the holiday weekend, but I was out last Thursday and enjoyed a brisk ride!  Please remember that folks are wandering our roads sightseeing – sometimes looking at the leaves and not concentrating on their driving, so be careful…..

Well, I missed Bill Jarvi’s 91st birthday which was 10/11.  Also, my previous notation of a new family member, Greer Ryan McQuillen was incorrect.  She is his great-granddaughter!

There are a couple more openings with the dental hygienist who will be at Tyson Church in the morning before the Reach Out Luncheon on 10/15.  This is a wonderful opportunity to have your teeth examined and evaluated for free.  See the notice below!

It was a pleasure this Sunday to welcome two new members into our Tyson Church congregation.  Both Cindy Summer & Rose Frye have been attending for some time and are now officially members of our church family.  This coming week, 10/18 is our Children’s Sunday when we have a special story and activity planned.  All are welcome!

Plan to attend the 2:00 PM meeting on Saturday, 10/24 at the Municipal Building to learn more about the new recycling regulations.   Life is full of changes, but hopefully this new way will be better for the environment and eventually easier for us!

Free Oral Health Screening For Older Adults in Plymouth, October 15, 2015

What:   ‘Smiles for Seniors’ is a new program providing free oral health screenings and fluoride varnish for older adults by a licensed dental hygienist.  Also, a great goody bag with a cool battery-powered spin brush is included for all participants.  Folks with dentures are also welcome to attend.

Who:  This new program is available to all Vermont older adults with a goal of improving access to preventative oral health services for older adults.

When:  Appointments are available Thursday morning,  October 15th.  Call 802-457-4188 to make an appointment.

Where:  Tyson Church

For more information or to schedule an appointment call the Ottauquechee Health Foundation, 802-457-4188 or email: ohf@sover.net

This program is sponsored by the Ottauquechee Health Foundation, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Community Health, Vermont Oral Health Coalition,  Alice Peck Day Memorial Hospital Community Health, and Dr. Mark Knott, DDS.

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Important Informational Meeting about New Trash and Recycling Regulations

Posted on 09/30/2015 by The Plymouth Press

ABLE Waste will be hosting an informational meeting on the new recycling regulations and requirements initiated by the state of Vermont. All Plymouth property owners and renters are affected and should attend the meeting.

Saturday, October 24, 2015, 2 pm

Plymouth Municipal Building, 68 Town Office Rd.

You can read a copy of the ABLE Waste informational flyer on the Plymouth Directory website here.

 

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Blessing of the Animals and a Presentation on the Finnish Exhibit

Posted on 09/29/2015 by The Plymouth Press

9/27/15

How does life get so busy?  I’ll bet most of you ask that question, too.  Not much time to gather news.  Anyway, the Blessing of the Animals will be held at Lucy MacKenzie next Saturday, 10/3 at 1:00.  Please bring your pet or a picture (real or in your heart) and join us.

Alice Suojanen will be the 11:00 AM speaker at the 10/15 Reach Out Luncheon in the downstairs Community Room of Tyson Church, talking about the Finnish Exhibit at Black River Museum.  She will be bringing some artifacts with her, so it should be very interesting.

On a happy note, Bill Jarvi’s latest grand-daughter has arrived, Greer Ryan McQuillen.  Congratulations to parents, Luke and Laura, and also to grandmom, Kristen!

Tweedledee, tweedledum
Been a busy week, so I’m on the run
So hold your horses, just wait and see
When next week comes there just might be
A thought or two from this old muse
So lend a hand – send me some news!

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