Summer is Here, and the Eatin’ is Good! –Margo’s Plymouth Report

Posted on 06/01/2015 by The Plymouth Press

Reprinted by permission of The Vermont Standard

Summer Dining

5/31/15

Compared to the crowds of the holiday weekend, this one seemed pretty quiet.  It was wonderful, however, to attend the gathering for Sam Moyer and his bride, Renee.  Although they were married in January, this celebration allowed those of us who have known Sam over the years to meet Renee and offer our best wishes!  The occasion was enhanced by lovely music from the Bethany Mennonite church congregation.

The school year is drawing to a close, so be mindful that youngsters may be out and about from now on.  I hope to have information about our local graduates for next week’s report.

Although I have only been out on my bike once so far, there have been more bikers on our roads with the nice weather.  Some do not seem aware that riding side by side is not a good idea.  Many of us, however, try to be mindful of staying to the side and not impeding traffic.  Hope we can all be courteous!

It was wonderful to have Erik Johansson at Tyson Church this Sunday.  We sang some traditional hymns, but he also played and sang some of his own compositions which were very uplifting.  One he even wrote on Sunday morning!  We hope to have him back again.  In honor of Trinity Sunday, we had Neapolitan ice cream (3 in 1) with toppings!

Serving strawberries at the Plymouth Strawberry Festival

Serving strawberries at the Plymouth Strawberry Festival

The prizes for the Strawberry Festival raffle are piling up thanks to the generosity of local individuals and businesses.  To date there are over 30, including gift certificates for food, services, and activities.  You don’t need to wait until the Festival on 6/17, several of us are keeping a supply of tickets on hand, so feel free to get in touch!  All of the proceeds go directly to meet community needs.

I understand that Lauren Skaskiw’s plan to have childcare available at the Schoolhouse Community Center this summer is coming along nicely.  She is a licensed Early Childhood Educator, who is currently teaching Preschool.   Starting in mid-June, she will be providing care for up to 6 children, ages 3 and above, each day Monday through Friday and she already has a number of youngsters signed up.  Check out www.literacyfundamentals.org or call her at 802 855 7566.   She is excited about bringing the garden back to life with the children. The resurfacing of the playground space will be undertaken by those at Farm and Wilderness Camp

Please note that good food is again available here in Town.  Wilder House (672-4313) at the Historic Site is open for the season, 7 days per week, from 9:00 – 4:00.  Tina and Bruce at the Inn at Water Edge (228-8143) are back from vacation and are again offering their Thursday and Friday evening dinner specials.  The Echo Lake Inn (228-8602) had their 1st wedding this past weekend.  The restaurant will be open from 5:30 – 8:30 PM Monday through Thursday starting 6/8.  I guess I should mention that the concession at Camp Plymouth State Park is also open for business!

Posted in Community News | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Special Meeting: Wednesday, May 27 at 3:00 pm

Posted on 05/26/2015 by The Plymouth Press

From the Plymouth Selectboard

NOTICE
(Change of Date)

A Special Meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday, May 27, 2015, at 3:00 pm at the Town Hall to award a contract for the inspection of asbestos and lead at the Community Center.

Ralph Michael, Chair
Larry Lynds
Russ Tonkin

Posted in Town News | Tagged | Leave a comment

How to Hire a Caregiver Panel Discussion – June 10

Posted on 05/20/2015 by The Plymouth Press

From Sherry Thornburg, Ottauquechee Health Foundation

On Wednesday, June 10, area residents are invited to a panel discussion “How to Hire a Caregiver” from 5:30-6:30pm at the Norman Williams Public Library in Woodstock. Speakers include representatives from the Thompson Senior Center, MAHHC, Woodstock Terrace as well as others who work closely with families to support care decisions.

There is no charge to attend and light refreshments will be served. For more information contact ohf@sover.net or call 802-457-4188.

View the invitation in PDF

Posted in Events | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Summer in Plymouth: Fun Family Things To Do! –Margo Marrone’s Plymouth Report

Posted on 05/19/2015 by The Plymouth Press

Reprinted by permission of The Vermont Standard

Tyson Library Facade5/18/15

The Memorial weekend is upon us and is bringing more exciting activities and opportunities to our area.  The Antiques and Treasure Sale at the Schoolhouse Community Center on Rte 100 will take place on all three days.  We brought our items, which include a number of kid-related toys, vehicles and equipment.  More things are coming in all the time.  It should be a great event, so even if you don’t have things to sell, come check out the bargains!  For more info, get in touch with Terry Bascom at 672-5390 or terry.bascom@yahoo.com

The Coolidge State Historic Site will be opening and there is a wonderful new exhibit, Grace Coolidge “A Glass of Fashion,” that examines 1920s style and her role as a fashion trendsetter.  Glittering beads, low hipped waists, and ragged hemlines appeared on even the most formal dresses for state occasions.  Come see gowns, jewelry, evening bags, ostrich feather fans and other elaborate accessories typical of this stylish era.

Tyson Library StacksTyson Library will open for the season on 6/1.  Library Hours and Librarians  – 1st and 3rd Mondays 6pm-7pm/Sally Markwell; Tuesday 10am-12pm/Jane Wallace; Wednesday 10am-12pm/Betty Aubin; Thursday 10am-12pm/Carolyn Scott; Friday 10am-12pm/Roy Pierson; Saturday 10am-12pm/Julia Baldwin; Marge Harlow will fill in as needed.  This adorable little building just off Dublin Road contains many books and is well worth a visit!  Some day passes for Camp Plymouth State Park are available there, too.

Our 2 local camps will be getting into full swing in June.  Brandon Bergey at Bethany Birches Camp, where 90% of the campers are from VT, wants everyone to know that they try to make their camping experience very accessible to Plymouth residents – $200 per week.  Call 802-672-5220 or email camp@bethanybirches.org with questions.  When Rebecca Geary spoke at the Reach Out Luncheon, she mentioned that Farm and Wilderness Camp (802-422-3761) has some scholarship funds as well.

Our 3 State parks will be opening for the season on the holiday weekend.  I spoke with the new ranger at the Coolidge Park on Rte 100A, Sean Dempsey, who said camping will be great there this season.  For reservations within 2 wks, call 672-3612.  Otherwise call 888-401-7579 or go on the website.

As far as Camp Plymouth (228-2025) is concerned, Chris is back and the park is ready for fun.  I understand that fees will be increasing effective 7/1, including adult tickets, boat rentals, punch passes and vehicle passes (currently $80 which includes 8 people).  So, if you plan to make use of this wonderful facility, consider purchasing your punch or vehicle pass before the change!

Don’t forget the Strawberry Festival at Camp Plymouth from 5-8 PM on Wed 6/17.  Come out and enjoy the BBQ with great salads and homemade baked beans, wonderful strawberry shortcake with fresh berries, and the huge raffle that benefits local community needs.  Thanks to Adam Boyce, who will be providing music again.  Face-painting for those young-at-heart, and all sorts of other things!  The most fun as far as I am concerned is seeing friends and neighbors.  The park entrance fee is waived for the event, and it is held rain or shine.  Hope to see you there!

Posted in Community News | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Book Discussions, Town-Wide Tag Sale, and Strawberry Festival – Margo Marrone’s Weekly Report

Posted on 05/13/2015 by The Plymouth Press

Reprinted by permission of The Vermont Standard.

5/11/15

April Showers (frogs)Well, I guess spring is really here!  Not just the temps, but the black flies have hatched and the hummingbirds are back, plus some thunder storms have passed through our area.  Yet these are minor inconveniences and take nothing away from heading outdoors without bundling up.

Mothers Day turned out to be less stormy than predicted, which was very nice.  I was taken out for brunch and I hope all mothers were treated well on this special day.  At church youngsters heard a cute story and made handprints on prepared cards with a lovely poem honoring moms.

A belated Happy Birthday to Justus Pingree, whose birthday was 5/5!

reading-clubWe had a nice book discussion of Still Alice last Thursday and thanks to Betsy Tonkin (with some help from Russ!) the movie was streamed and we were able to watch it at the Community Center.

The Reach Out Luncheon will be Thurs 5/21, offering steak and cheese sandwiches, salad and yummy dessert.  The guest speaker with be Patti Potter, the supervisor of the Ludlow Transfer station, who will discuss some of the new state regs, so plan to join us.

Antiques and Treasures post imageGearing up for the Memorial Day weekend Antique and Treasure sale.  I guess with the onset of bugs, I won’t mind staying inside to start marking our offerings!  Consider participating by getting in touch with Terry at 672-5390 or terry.bascom@yahoo.com for details and to sign up for a 3 hour shift.

Strawberry Festival Attendees

Strawberry Festival Attendees

Tyson Ladies Aid is moving ahead with its part (the strawberries) of the Strawberry Festival, which will be Wed, 6/17 at Camp Plymouth State Park, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM.  The church will be starting its part (the raffle that goes solely for community projects like the RO luncheon and needed funds to community members) by looking for raffle items.  Emergency Services will be canvassing town for volunteers to make salads and such for the BBQ.   I will note more details soon.

Posted in Community News | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Plymouth “Antiques and Treasures” Sale Update

Posted on 05/09/2015 by tbascom
Antiques and Treasures post image          We now have 5 new sandwich boards to help market our town-wide Memorial Day Weekend “Antiques & Treasures” sale at the Schoolhouse Activity Center. They will be out at key intersections in the next few days.
          Meanwhile, you can help market the event! Download flyers here, or pick some up at the town office, and post them in Plymouth and in surrounding towns. The more marketing we all do, the bigger our turn out and the greater success we will have.
014          Also be sure to stop by and see what’s available on  Sat – Sun – Mon (May 23 – 25), 9 am – 6 pm.
          It’s not too late to participate as a vendor. All you have to do is securely tag every item with your initials and price. (Use 3 letters for your initials to avoid risk of duplication.) Then take your items to the schoolhouse to put on display on any of these days:
            Saturday, May 16, 9 am – noon
            Sunday, May 17, 1 – 4 pm
            Tuesday, May 19, 5 – 8 pm
            Thursday, May 21, 9 am – noon
          While delivering your items, sign up for one 3-hour shift to help staff the event.
          Questions? Contact Terry Bascom, Plymouth Activity Coordinator, at 672.5390 or terry.bascom@yahoo.com.
Posted in Events | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

The Weather’s Fine! It’s Spring Cleaning Time! –Margo’s Plymouth Report

Posted on 05/09/2015 by The Plymouth Press

Reprinted by permission of The Vermont Standard.

5/4/15

What a glorious weekend and start to the week.  Time to get out some warm weather clothes and maybe even my bike!  Hope everyone was able to be outside and enjoy these lovely days.  My sister and brother-in-law were visiting and it was so nice to sit out on the deck.  Perhaps the black flies haven’t realized that it is May yet because I haven’t seen any so far!

I understand from an initial report that fewer folks participated in GreenUp this year.  We picked up some green bags and plan to get out there this week.  ABLE will be taking these bags for a week or two, so there is still time to help clean up and beautify our town.

The Reading Group will be meeting this Thursday at 6:30 at the Community Center to discuss Still Alice.

I have heard about some May birthdays:  Julia Baldwin (5/18), Betty Ann Hayward (5/15) and Wendy Olsen (5/10) – wish them well, if you see them.  I am sure there are more, so let me know.

The Committal service for Ellen Steward will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, 5/9.  I understand that Kathy Lynds will be welcoming guests at her home afterward.  It seems fitting that things are beginning to bloom since both Ellen and Orville were such flower lovers.

I am hating having to spend some time indoors today to price items for the big Antique & Treasure Sale at the School House Community Center over the holiday weekend, but it will be great to downsize and make life simpler – I hope!  Consider participating by getting in touch with Terry at 672-5390 or terry.bascom@yahoo.com for details and to sign up for a 3 hour shift.

We had a musical treat at church this Sunday with the surprise visit of Erik Johansson with his harp.   We are hoping that he will be able to come again soon, possibly at the end of the month.   Children’s Sunday is 5/10 with special activities to honor moms.  Consider joining us at 10:30 AM.

 

Posted in Community News | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Townwide Memorial Day Weekend “Antiques & Treasures” Sale Flyer Now Available

Posted on 04/30/2015 by tbascom

The Memorial Day Weekend (Sat-Sun-Mon) “Antiques & Treasures” sale is coming! Don’t forget to start putting your tagged items aside to deliver to the Plymouth Schoolhouse Activity Center. (Scroll down to my April 13th post for more information about how to participate as a “vendor”.)

Here’s a link to an advertising flyer you can download and print to help us market the event. (The flyer is under the image of the Plymouth sign.)

Especially if you are going to be a vendor, we’d like your help in getting the word out by posting flyers on bulletin boards and in store windows around town and in neighboring towns.

You can also pick up pre-printed copies of the flyer at Town Hall starting Monday, May 4th.

 

Posted in Community News | Tagged | Leave a comment

With May Come Many Community Activities and Events! –Margo Marrone’s Plymouth Report

Posted on 04/30/2015 by The Plymouth Press

Reprinted by permission of The Vermont Standard.

4/27/15

April is drawing to a close and it has been quite a month of variable weather!  Last Thursday we watched sleet bouncing on our deck in the morning.  When it cleared later in the afternoon, Tom and I ventured out for a walk.  At our turn-around point, suddenly the wind picked up and clouds obliterated the sun.  Then the snow began, shifting and swirling around us and causing white-out conditions.  Ugh – enough – perhaps May will be better!

Hopefully the weather will cooperate for GreenUp Day on Saturday, 5/2.  Those able and interested can pick up bags and assignments at the Fire Station at 8:00 AM.  Don’t forget the potluck lunch at noon.  By the way, some of you may have noticed Liza Ward picking up trash on her daily walks along Rte 100.  Be sure to slow down when you see her!

Later on 5/2, consider participating in the 4th Annual Kentucky Derby Gala to benefit our local non-profit community TV station and media center – LPCTV.  It will take place at  Willie Dunn’s Grille, Okemo Valley Golf Club in Ludlow from 5:00-8:00 PM.  Tickets are $25 in advance ($30 at door) and you may call 228-8808 for reservations.  Sounds like an enjoyable evening with Derby viewing, syndicated horse racing, and charity betting. There will be Southern-inspired food and Cash Bar.

Please note that the Historical Society is seeking a few people interested in Plymouth’s history who would like to further the mission of the Society by helping with collecting, preserving and displaying artifacts that illustrate our wonderful and colorful town history.  Museum hours planned on Saturdays from 12-2 PM if volunteers are available.  Consider attending the 7:00 PM meeting on 5/20 at the Schoolhouse Activity Center to learn more or contact any of the following folks:
Mike Clarke (mfcibnr@aol.com), Robert Fishman (rlf254@gmail.com), Joy Donnelly (joy@svaha.com), or Betsy Tonkin (tbone6547@aol.com).

If you have items to sell, think about participating in the 3-Day Memorial Day Weekend indoor Community-Wide “Antiques and Treasures” Sale at the Plymouth Schoolhouse Activity Center on May 23 – 25, 2015.  Contact Terry Bascom, Activity Coordinator at 672-5390 or terry.bascom@yahoo.com for details and to sign up for a 3-hour shift.  There is a small $5 fee to cover costs, but it is a great way to weed out, plus visit with folks and perhaps meet some new people.

So nice to have Dorothy and Roger Pingree join us for church on Sunday so we could congratulate them on their 63rd anniversary!  We are working on some special activities for our Children’s Sunday on 5/10, when we will help them honor their moms.  All are invited!

Posted in Community News, Public Service Notice | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

April Showers and Outstanding Student Accomplishments – Margo Marrone’s Plymouth Report

Posted on 04/21/2015 by The Plymouth Press

Reprinted with permission of The Vermont Standard

April Showers (frogs)4/19/15

I hope that everyone was able to get out and enjoy the wonderful weather on Sunday, since it is predicted that the first part of the week will be rainy. April showers, including sleet!

News this week runs the age gamut.  Congratulations to Cindy Summer on becoming a first-time grandmother with the birth of Kirsten Eva Dittrich, born on 4/15 to her son Sean and daughter-in-law Nicole.  Cindy says that Skype is wonderful, but she can’t wait to go out to Seattle to hold her!

Well done to Anna Hepler who made the 8th grade Principal’s list, and to Julia Kowalksi for making High Honors.  I am sure there is more news regarding our young people. We all love to hear about their activities and achievements, so be sure to send me the information.

On a heavier note, sympathy is extended to the family of Ellen Simmonds, who passed away on Saturday morning at Springfield Hospital.

Green-Up is fast approaching on 5/2.  Julie DuPont and Bobbi Lynds are spearheading the effort and tell me that volunteers can pick up bags and discuss their destinations at 8:00 AM that morning at the Fire Station.  Folks are encouraged to bring safety vests if possible to help keep everyone safe while walking the roads, although there will be a few available to borrow.  Those special green bags should be accessible at recycling this Saturday.  ABLE will continue to take bags for a few weeks afterward, for those who cannot participate on the actual day.

We had quite a feast for our April birthday celebration at Tyson Church on Sunday following our Worship Service.  In light of the number of children who attended church on Easter, we have decided to dedicate one Sunday each month as Children’s Sunday and gear activities to them.  Our 1st such service will be on Mother’s Day, 5/10, when we will help them to honor their moms.  The service will at our usual time – 10:30 AM.

Posted in Community News | Tagged , , | Leave a comment