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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September Selectboard Meetings Warned

Posted on 09/01/2015 by The Plymouth Press

NOTICE 

Please be advised that the Plymouth Selectboard

has scheduled its Meetings for September

at 6:00 PM at the Town Hall as follows:

 

Monday, September 14, 2015

 

Monday, September 28, 2015

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Annual Labor Day Weekend Folk and Blues Festival – The Fall Music and Food Edition of Margo’s Plymouth Report

Posted on 08/26/2015 by The Plymouth Press

Reprinted by permission of The Vermont Standard 

Jay Ottaway, founder of the Plymouth Folk and Blues Festival

Jay Ottaway, founder of the Plymouth Folk and Blues Festival (Click  photo for line-up.)

8/23/15

Are you as glad as I am that our heat wave is over?  It just seems so strange to have that many hot, humid days in a row.  When I was at recycling on Saturday, Tyler told me he can’t wait for snow or at least temps only in the 50’s.  I would not go that far, but it was wonderful to lose the extreme heat and get back to our pleasantly chilly VT nights!

The talk by State geologist, Marjorie Gale sponsored by the Plymouth Historical Society attracted about 40 people and was very interesting.  She said that Plymouth has it all in terms of rock formations, dating back 1.4 million years.  VT is actually older than NH.  One point of interest that was noted – Mt Ascutney was at one time a volcano!

Following the graveside service for Jean Hoskinson on Friday, there was a very nice lunch served at Wilder House.  The intimate and relaxed atmosphere, plus the nice array of food, gave folks a chance to remember Jean and to socialize a bit.

So, speaking of the good food at Wilder House, please note that they will be having a chicken BBQ there on Saturday, 9/5 starting at 12:30.  That gives you time to eat after the noon Shakespeare Alive performance and before the Folk and Blues concert!  You can also catch more Folk and Blues on Sunday from 2:00 until 5:00!

There are more tastebud teasing places to eat in Plymouth.  The Echo Lake Inn (228-8602) has been booked most weekends this summer for weddings, so the restaurant has been closed for dinner on Friday and Saturday.  That is not the case over this holiday weekend, so you might want to take advantage of the opportunity.

Of course, the Inn at Water’s Edge (228-8143) serves a fixed menu both Thursday and Friday nights that might strike your fancy.  This Thursday the menu is as follows: Stuffed Beef Braciole, Shrimp Scampi, or Chicken Milanese.  You need to call for a reservation ahead of time.

There seems to be a food-oriented theme this week.  I do want to thank Terry Bascom and John DiGioia for their help barbecuing at the Reach Out Luncheon.

Music is also alive and well in Plymouth!  All are invited to the Freeman Corey and Friends Fiddle Concert at the Pingree Barn at 4140 Rte 100 in Plymouth on 9/12 from 7:30 to 8:30 PM.

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Reach Out Luncheon Changes Venue; Folk Concert Returns — Margo’s Plymouth Report

Posted on 08/17/2015 by The Plymouth Press

Reprinted by permission of The Vermont Standard 

Click image for more details.

Click image for more details.

8/16/15

We were sitting on a friend’s deck overlooking Echo Lake late afternoon on Saturday and watched the clouds overtake the sky, obliterating the blue.  Rumbles of thunder could be heard in the distance and the beach at Camp Plymouth State Park suddenly became quiet and empty.  At least most the day was lovely!  Hope you can get in some days at the park because it will be closing on 9/13.

Please note that due to unforeseen circumstances, the Reach Out Luncheon BBQ on Thursday, 8/20 willnot be held at Happy Acres, but will take place in the Community Room at Tyson Church.  Thanks to Tom at the Echo Lake Inn for loaning us the grill again this year and to Terry Bascom, our BBQ chef extraordinaire!

The graveside service for Jean Hoskinson will be held at the Notch Cemetery on Friday, 8/21 at 11:30.  Folks will be gathering at Wilder House following the service.

Don’t forget the Plymouth Historical Society event on Sun 8/23 at 1:00 PM at the Town Hall. This will be a presentation by State geologist, Marjorie Gale, who will be tying together events in history with the geology of our area.  It is free and refreshments will be served.

Keep in the mind the various activities that will be taking place in the Notch in the beginning of September.   The Plymouth Folk and Blues Festival will be from 2:00-5:00 PM on both Sat 9/5 and Sun 9/6.  Organized by Jay Ottaway, it is usually a wonderful mix of music.  At noon on Sat, 9/5 don’t miss the amazingly talented group of actors who will perform “Shakespeare Alive!” at the Union Christian Church.

Last week, the Ladies Aid Society hosted another successful  bazaar on the Green in Ludlow. Member Betty Aubin took these commemorative photos:
Ladies Aid Bazaar (2015) 1 Ladies Aid Bazaar (2015) 2 Ladies Aid Bazaar (2015) 3 Ladies Aid Bazaar (2015) 4

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Plymouth Playground Refreshed; Reach Out Luncheon BBQ Coming! –Margo’s Plymouth Report

Posted on 08/11/2015 by The Plymouth Press

Reprinted by permission of The Vermont Standard

Playground Rehab 7 (Skaskiw)8/10/15

Ten campers from Farm and Wilderness Tamarack Farm teen Playground Rehab 5 (Skaskiw)camp recently helped to spruce up the Plymouth School Community Playground by spreading truckloads of new mulch.   Larry Lynds and the Plymouth road crew assisted by removing Playground Rehab 2 (Skaskiw)the old mulch and regrading.  Thanks to Russ Tonkin for his coordinating efforts for the Selectboard, and to Activity Coordinator Terry Bascom and Schoolhouse Committee member Jen Flaster for their input on the project’s conception and design.

In speaking with Art Lynds recently, he said that he is awaiting the arrival of a new truck that will assist with curb-side recycling in town.  He is hopeful that it will be in place soon and then he is planning to hold a town-wide meeting to discuss the new State regulations and their implementation.  That will probably take place some Saturday in September.

Belated Happy Birthday to Sandie Small whose birthday was 8/11.  Also, please note the passing of Jean Hoskinson on 8/4 after a long battle with cancer.

The Tyson Ladies Aid Bazaar was wonderfully attended and many thanks go out for all of those who helped, gave donations and came out to support the event.  TLA provides scholarships to our high schools in Woodstock and Ludlow; supports the Tyson Library; and provides funding for numerous community needs.  Their help with the Reach Out Luncheon is invaluable.

The Reach Out Luncheon will be held at Steve Heilner’s at 2146 Dublin Road on 8/20.  It will be our summer BBQ and also provide an opportunity to see his two donkeys – Moses & Noah.  It is a lovely setting with open fields and a pond.  We will meet at the church at 11:00 and caravan up there.

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Our Community United to Rehabilitate the Town’s Playground

Posted on 08/06/2015 by The Plymouth Press
Before

Before

Ten Farm and Wilderness campers recently helped the Town of Plymouth refresh our Community Playground, located at the old Plymouth Schoolhouse Activity Center. The campers were participants in the Tamarack Farm teen camp. Their participation was coordinated by Tamarack Farm camp director Amy Bowen.

The campers spread mulch around the revived playground after Plymouth Town employee and Selectboard member Larry Lynds and the Plymouth road crew contributed hours to the project, removing old mulch, regrading the playscape, and delivering truckloads of new mulch. Plymouth Selectboard member Russ Tonkin coordinated the project on behalf of the Selectboard. Plymouth Activity Coordinator Terry Bascom, and Schoolhouse Committee member Jen Flaster, who is also the Development Director at Farm and Wilderness Camp, participated in the project’s conception, design, and execution. Altogether, the rehabilitation of the Community Playground represents a great collaboration between Plymouth town government, residents, and local business.

In addition to offering a refreshed playscape for our growing numbers of young children, the new playground provides an additional beautiful and safe resource for “Plymouth School,” the state-licensed pre-school and primary grades program offered by Plymouth resident Lauren Skaskiw. Plymouth School is located in the Library room of the Activity Center.

These photos are courtesy of Lauren Skaskiw:

Playground Rehab 1 (Skaskiw) Playground Rehab 2 (Skaskiw) Playground Rehab 3 (Skaskiw)

Playground Rehab 5 (Skaskiw) Playground Rehab 6 (Skaskiw) Playground Rehab 7 (Skaskiw)

 

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How Geology Influences History

Posted on 08/04/2015 by Plymouth Press Contributing Writer

Plymouth Geological MapMarjorie Gale, State Geologist and Director of the Vermont Geological Survey, will present a program on the geology of Plymouth. The program is scheduled for August 23, 2015, at 1 PM in the Plymouth Vermont town hall. Marjorie, who  has 18 years of experience working as a geologist in the Agency of Natural Resources, will focus on 3 bedrock maps of Vermont (produced in 1861, 1961, and 2011), on the big ideas that developed in geology, and on major changes that coincided with historical events (the Civil War, development of plate tectonics, space program, etc).  She will draw on some of our local history as well, to show links between local history and geology.

The program is sponsored by the Plymouth Vermont Historical Society.  It is free, and refreshments will be served. For more information, contact Robert Fishman at rlf254@gmail.com.

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Summertime! And the Livin’ is Good! — Margo Marrone’s Plymouth Report

Posted on 07/29/2015 by The Plymouth Press

Reprinted by permission of The Vermont Standard.

Tyson Library

Tyson Library

7/27/15

Interesting weather lately – bright sunshine, sudden cloud bursts, starry nights!  At times it has played havoc with summer activities.  Last week at Camp Plymouth State Park two families I know were rained upon.  Melissa was there on Wednesday with Owen and Landon, as were Morgan Sailer-Carlisle with Harper and Colby when the skies opened up.  Of course the youngsters thought it was a great adventure!

Old Home Day this coming Saturday, 8/1 from 10:00 to 4:00, will provide activities for all age groups and hopefully the weather will cooperate.  Come enjoy wagon rides, a noon barbecue, old-time music, sheep shearing, craft demonstrations, and old-fashioned children’s games.  Paul Wood, agricultural historian will speak at 1:30 PM  and the reenactment of Calvin Coolidge’s “Homestead Inaugural” will take place at 2:47 PM.

I had mentioned previously that Bea Wheeler’s birthday is 7/30, but I wanted to be sure that folks know she is back home, in case you want to send a card.  Liza Ward still remains at the Gill Home.

Tyson Church is pleased that Melissa Maravell will be providing special music at our 8/9 Morning Worship service at 10:30.  We first met Melissa when she performed at the outdoor concerts at Hawk and her music is wonderful.  Everyone is invited to join us.

New book stacks at Tyson Library

Tyson Library bookstacks

Have you stopped in to Tyson Library lately?  It is open for the season with the following hours: 1st and 3rd Mondays 6-7 PM, Tuesday through Saturday 10-noon. This adorable little building just off Dublin Road may seem small from the outside, but it contains many books and is well worth a visit!  Don’t forget that passes are available there for many local attractions, too!

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