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Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard

1/20/20

Well, it’s definitely back to winter around here! I couldn’t believe the number of folks who ventured to our area for this holiday weekend. I imagine that local businesses are glad to have them. As the snow was falling on Saturday evening, we went with several friends to the roast pork dinner at the Catholic Church in Ludlow and the mood was festive.

I was surprised that there were not more people snowshoeing at Camp Plymouth State Park on Sunday afternoon because it was delightful over there when Karen Evans and I and another friend spent a fun-filled hour taking in the beauty.

Thanks to everyone who prepared, served, and participated in the Community Luncheon last Thursday! Tacos were a bit hit – thanks to Nancy Kessling for gathering and organizing all of the ingredients. Joy Donnelly’s little cheese cakes vanished quite quickly, too! It was nice to have a few words from recently appointed Selectman, Rick Kaminski. He will be sending out a survey so that folks can express their thoughts about our town for consideration.

I am including a note from Bethany Birches Camp, where a Superbowl party for Plymouth residents will again be held this year.  We will open up the building around 6pm on Feb 2. While we wish we could cook for all and host you right, we will have just finished a winter camp for young people hours before and our cooks will be back to their regular jobs on Mon. So this will be potluck. We will provide a big screen (10′), surround sound, chairs, picnic tables, plates, cups, bowls, napkins, silverware, trash cans… everything you need to eat and drink whatever you bring. If you have young children and want to bring their bike or scooter or similar, there will be space for them to ride indoors. Come to the Bethany Birches parking lot and follow the signs.

This will also provide an opportunity to get to know this wonderful facility, where birthday parties (https://www.bethanybirches.org/birthday-party) can take place and cabin lodging is often available.

Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard

1/13/20

As I write this on Monday morning, snow flurries are filling the air. The ground is bare in spots – a bit depressing for this time of year. My concern, however, is that part of our driveway is down to dirt, but icy patches still remain & now I can’t see where they are! Such strange weather, but other places are getting deadly weather, so I guess we can’t complain.

I understand that a dozen or so folks attended the VT Department of Financial Regulation’s free presentation on how to protect your personal information and not be scammed and that it was both interesting and helpful

There was an amazing and far-reaching discussion about the Stranger in the Woods at the Book Club meeting. We welcomed new folks to the group, one being a gentleman, which provided a slightly different perspective – hope this continues! The next selection is A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles, which apparently was one of five Summer 2019 reading picks by Bill Gates. You can obtain a loaner copy at the town office (thanks to Nancy Hagge). The next meeting is scheduled for 2/13 at 6:30.

Yeah, the Community Luncheon is almost here! Come enjoy making your own tacos with lots of yummy ingredients, plus a luscious dessert and maple creemie (thanks to Ann Rose). You can also meet newly appointed Selectman, Rick Kaminski.

Just a heads-up, The Plymouth Schoolhouse is accepting children 8 months and older. There will only be openings for 4 children, so you should contact Lauren (lskaskiw@gmail.com) to make sure to get a spot on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays; from 8am-4pm. The sessions will begin the last week of June.

Reprinted with permission of The Vermont Standard

1/5/20

Strange happenings at our bird feeder this year. Initially upon putting it up in November we had our usual conglomeration of birds – chickadees, finches, nuthatches and titmouse. Then, at a certain point most, except for a handful of chickadees, seemed to disappear and the feeder no longer needed constant filling.

I was fearful that some larger bird was gobbling them up! Attending the activities at VINS this weekend with Tom and our grandsons, it was confirmed that certain hawks will haunt bird feeders to satisfy their hunger. However, at the time of the ice storm last week our usual array of small birds returned and were ravenous. And yes, the woodpeckers came back and attempted to horde the suet as usual.

By the way, VINS can be an exciting place to visit, even at this time of year. The canopy walk was amazing. The tower allows you to see a spectacular view as it puts you at the marvelous height of 4+ giraffes!

Don’t forget the VT Department of Financial Regulation’s free presentation on how to protect your personal information and not be scammed. Come to the Community Center on 1/7 at 10:00 AM to hear all about it!

A reminder that the Book Club will meet this Thursday, 1/9 at 6:30 pm at the Community Center to discuss The Stranger in the Woods by Michael Finkel. It was a fascinating read about a young man who lived a solitary existence in the woods of ME for decades, so the discussion should be interesting.

I understand that this past weekend was the first of the Snow Camps at Bethany Birches Camp and that many of the summer counselors were on hand to make sure it was a fun-filled time! Sessions include activities for 3rd – 8th graders, plus winter program for teens and families.

Jan 31- Feb 2, 2020. – Polar Bear (Grades 7-9)

February 7-9, 2020. – Bobcat B (Grades 3-6)

February 14-17, 2020 – Lynx A (Grades 4-7)

February 21-23, 2020 – Lynx B (Grades 4-7)

The VT Department of Financial Regulation will be giving a FREE Outreach Presentation on how to protect your personal information and not get scammed Tuesday, January 7th at 10:00 am at the Plymouth Community Center. 35 School Drive.

Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard

12/27/19

I hope that everyone had a delightful Holiday. Despite no recent snow, at least most of us have some on the ground. Be aware of icing conditions, however, so that you start the New Year on the right foot(ing)!

Don’t forget the VT Department of Financial Regulation’s free presentation on how to protect your personal information and not be scammed. Come to the Community Center on 1/7 at 10:00 AM to hear all about it!

It is time to begin planning the January Community Luncheon. Anyone excited about planning and making the main dish? Tyson Church very kindly reimburses up to $50 for the entree ingredients. Once we know what is planned, others usually agree to provide sides and dessert. Let me know!

Does it seem like our town is being bought and sold with abandon these days? Take a look at the latest transactions within the last couple of months.

1) 182 Upper Round Top Rd   $60,000   Steven Caulkins to James and Laura Kiernan

2) 1496 Hale Hollow Rd.    $225,000      John Saradjian Trust to Marion Dodd Trust

3) 39 Harrier Way    $530,000   John and Karen Morneau to Garrett and Susanne Cook

4) 4283 Route 100   $118,000     Margaret Dembinski to Tessa Buss

5) 170 Frog City Rd      $375,000   Mark and Tara Murphy to Nathan and Erica Melzer

6) 260 Kingdom Rd       $375,000    Peter Jazowski to Joshua Lenthall and William Giesey

7) 88 Ann’s Way    $148,000    Warren Evanko to Michael Casuto

8) 366 Crimson Hawk Rd    $195,000      Gerald and Irene Crossland to Jeffrey Kross and Marlena McNamee

9) 958 Hale Hollow Rd        $270,000    Joan Rubin to Juan Gonzales and Gregory Faux

10) 401 Great Roaring Brook Rd    $400,000       Mark and Maura Scully to Jonathan and Lisa Duke

11) Lynds Hill Rd, 69.85 Acres     $200,000    William and Hilda Yates to James, Mary, and Christopher Ottaway

Reprinted with permission by The Vermont Standard

12/16/19

I know some folks have been lamenting the early snow, but I found the heavy rain and intense wind of this weekend to be more disturbing. We hosted a small neighborhood gathering Sunday afternoon and the dusting of new snow certainly seemed to make it more festive. It was lovely to have four year old Eugene in our midst!

The weather didn’t exactly cooperate for the cupcake decorating class, but four of us did join Teresa Ennis and we made some wonderfully interesting creations. It was very helpful to have her expertise and appropriate tools, plus the delicious cupcakes that she brought for us. Thanks, Teresa!

Our Book Club meeting last Thursday and the discussion of Marley by local author, Jon Clinch, led to several interesting topics – many having nothing to do with the book! It is so much fun to come together and talk about so many ideas, thereby trying to solve the problems of the world with amazing wit and humor….

Our next book is The Stranger in the Woods by Michael Finkel which we will discuss on Thursday, 1/9 at 6:30 pm at the Community Center. Thanks to Nancy Hagge, we are able to obtain multiple copies of books from the Killington Library. This latest one will be available on Wednesday at the town office. We are planning ahead and looking forward to A Gentleman in Moscow the following month.

Please note that Candlelight Service at Tyson Church will be held at 4:30 PM this year. Erik Johansson joined me for Christmas carol singing at Gill Terrace last week. He is an amazing and versatile musician and he will be there, so consider attending.

Christmas Love

The gift of Christmas is Love

Flowing freely from above

It plays out near and far

As we learn to follow the star

It leads in the darkest night

Helps to make our fears take flight

May it fill your heart with peace

And provide you with sweet release.

MM (12/16/19)