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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Fall is in the Air –Margo’s Plymouth Report

Posted on 09/21/2015 by The Plymouth Press

Reprinted by permission of The Vermont Standard

9/20/15

Harvest Basket

Harvest Basket by Elaine Gambone (2011)

Brrr… an autumn chill in the air on Sunday.  A foretaste of what is to come.  But the weather has been lovely, so we really can’t complain.   I walked up into our woods a bit and took some pictures of the shadows emerging through the falling leaves now that the sun is a bit lower in the sky.  Just like life, changes are inevitable, but each produces its own beauty.

There were numerous events going on this weekend, but we were busy doing things at home.  I understand that Rick Russell was at the Notch taking pictures, so hopefully some of the Antique Apple Festival activities will be in the paper.

We did manage to get to the roast pork supper at the Bridgewater Congregational Church on Saturday evening and it was delicious!  Saw many Plymouth folks – the

Duponts, both older and younger Sailers, Shirley Billings picking up dinners to go and I heard that Dale Lynds had already been there to obtain meals for Bea and John Wheeler.  We brought Karen Evans and John Hennelly with us because we know where to find good food and we love to have others accompany us!

A cacophony of sound accompanied our opening hymn this past Children’s Sunday at Tyson Church with a number of different “instruments” being played by the five 2 – 4 year olds in attendance.  Mrs B (Cheryl Bishop) led the discussion on kindness and assisted the children with a special craft while we adults considered the meaning of random acts of kindness.

The Bethany Birches 50th anniversary weekend and the benefit auction (9/26) are fast approaching.  You can bid on-line, but being there is much more exciting!  For more information, call the office at 802-672-5220 or go to camp@bethanybirches.org

It is with sadness that I report the passing this part week of Michael Alexander (husband of Tammy Hayes Alexander).  It was back in the late 1990’s that he worked at the Echo Lake Inn.  Calling hours will be 5:00 – 7:00 PM on Saturday, 10/3 at Aldous Funeral Home in Rutland. Our condolences to the family.

On a completely different note, just a reminder that open enrollment for Medicare, Part D pharmacy coverage and supplemental plans begins 10/15 – 12/7/15.  This is the time to consider the various plans that are available in VT and evaluate your needs for 2016, so you can make appropriate changes.

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13th Annual Benefit Auction at Bethany Birches Camp; Marcia Bender New Theater Director at Woodstock Middle/High School — Margo’s Plymouth Report

Posted on 09/18/2015 by The Plymouth Press

Reprinted by permission of The Vermont Standard

Shakespeare Alive! performers at Calvin Coolide Homestead (9/5/15)

Shakespeare Alive! performers at Calvin Coolidge Homestead (9/5/15)

9/13/15

A bit of sweater weather over the weekend, but I understand the temps will be going back up.  Tom and I have been enjoying taking Owen and Landon swimming on the recent hot Wednesdays when we babysit for them.  Have you noticed some of the leaves changing?  I guess it is that time…..

“Wow”, is all I can say about this year’s Shakespeare Alive performance on 9/5!  I have attended for the last several years, but the performers really outdid themselves this time.  There seemed to be heightened energy within the group.  The lines were crisp and the singing wonderful – highlighting the Bard’s play on words.  Sorry if you missed it!

In a similar vein, I just heard the good news that Marcia Bender is the new Theater Director at  WUHS/MS.  She has big shoes to fill, but from past performances, I think she will do an outstanding job.  So, congratulations and we will be looking forward to future shows!

Our next book club meeting will be Thursday, 9/17 at 6:30 at the Schoolhouse Community Center.  The book we read over the summer was Good in Bed by Jennifer Weiner, which should prompt a lively discussion.

The Reach Out luncheon will also be this Thursday, serving sloppy joes, cuke and tomato salad, and cake for dessert.  We are hopeful about having someone to discuss fraud issues, so consider joining the group around 11:00 in the Community Room of Tyson Church.

I understand that we will be having the first annual Plymouth Notch Antique Apple Festival this Saturday, 9/19.  Apparently it is a much enhanced version of our usual Harvest festival, so check it out!  Cheese making, cider tasting, orchard tours and VT artisans will be featured, along with children’s activities, music by Adam Boyce, antique cars, and apple-inspired everything you can imagine.  Anne Collins, author of Vintage Pies will be on hand and the Plymouth Historical Society will have a display.

Children’s Sunday will be happening again at Tyson Church on 9/20.  Join us for our 10:30 Sunday Morning Worship service and enjoy seeing these youngsters learn about the attributes of Jesus.  There is always much for us as adults to glean as well!

I am behind with September birthdays, so belated best wishes to Roger Pingree (9/9)

Did I forget last week to note the date of the 13th Annual Benefit Auction at Bethany Birches Camp? Well, it will be Saturday, 9/26, starting with a preview at 9:00 and the auction at 10:00. There will be many wonderful items from which to choose, so go on-line and take a look. For additional information about the auction or the weekend camping opportunity, call the office at 802-672-5220, or go to camp@bethanybirches.org.

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Labor Day Weekend (and Early September) Activities in Plymouth, VT! Margo’s Plymouth Report

Posted on 09/05/2015 by The Plymouth Press

Reprinted by permission of The Vermont Standard

8/31/15

The students and teachers have had a few days of school to start the academic year and now the Labor Day holiday weekend is upon us.  The Notch will be hopping!  Come enjoy the 9/5 events:  Shakespeare Alive at noon, Wilder House BBQ starting at 12:30, and Folk and Blues Concert from 2:00 – 5:00.  More Folk and Blues on Sunday at the same time.  If you would like to see the cheese-making process, stop at the Cheese Factory from 10:00 – 1:00 on Saturday.  In addition to sampling the various cheeses, you can take a walk through the small upstairs museum and even see a DVD on the history of cheese-making in VT.

I can’t begin to make note of the many activities associated with VAST BLAST that will be held at Jackson Gore on 9/12.  All VAST members are invited to this Annual Meeting sponsored by Windsor County Snowmobile Clubs.  It is family friendly and includes industry demonstrations,  snowmobile expo exhibitor area,  BBQ lunch, formal dinner banquet with live music and dancing as well as a variety of family adventure activities.  Additional plans include a DHART landing, silent auction, benefit scramble-style golf tournament, and a 50/50 raffle.  Something for everyone!

Also on 9/12, from 7:30 – 9:30 PM you can enjoy a Fiddle Concert featuring Freeman Corey and Friends at Pingree Barn, 4140 Rte 100 in Plymouth for a donation of $5.00.   You will need to bring your own chair and probably some bug spray because the warm weather is keeping these little critters alive.  There are a few openings for the catered meal at 6:00 PM that costs $10.00, but you will need to make a reservation for the dinner by calling 802-353-7969 or emailing kmpingree@mac.com

Jarvi Grandson Wedding (08.14.15)Congratulations to Bill Jarvi on the marriage of his grandson, Tyler Scofield, of Lexington SC, to Dawn Newton on 8/14/15.  His mom is Kristen Jarvi.  Best wishes.

Please add to your calendar the 13th Annual Benefit Auction at Bethany Birches Camp, the proceeds from which pay for lots of kids to go to camp!  Donations of new items are needed and you may call the office at 802-672-5220, or email camp@bethanybirches.org. Since this is BBC’s 50th Anniversary Celebration Weekend, I understand you can spend the entire weekend and camp out in a shelter. There will be a bonfire and s’mores, gaga tournament, music, stories, and much more.  For more information about the Benefit Auction, visit http://www.bethanybirches.org/benefit-auction/

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