Community Thanksgiving Dinner! — Margo’s Plymouth Report

Posted on 11/12/2018 by

Reprinted by permission of The Vermont Standard

Members of the Town of Plymouth and the Tyson Congregational Church are teaming up to offer a community Thanksgiving dinner. You are invited!

1/9/18

Well, I don’t seem to have much news this week, although there are probably many things of which I am unaware! I do want to make sure folks know that the Community Luncheon, which will be a turkey dinner, is taking place on Thursday, 11/15 downstairs at Tyson Church. All are welcome.

In light of the approaching holiday of Thanksgiving, I thought I would mention something for which I am grateful. A seven year old boy was just presented with an award at school for his kindness. Mentioned was the fact that he plays so well with others – encouraging even those with whom he is not friends to join in. He is kind accepting others and cheerfully includes them. It seems like he sees others with his heart. I am working to perceive the world and all those in it that way myself!

Advance information. There will be much happening at the Notch [President Coolidge Homestead] on 12/1, so mark your calendar. I will have more details about all the activities in the future, but please know that Tyson Ladies Aid will be at Wilder House that day with luscious soups and pastries. Plan to be there, too!

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Bridgewater Community Chorus Event; Community Center Grant Awarded — Margo’s Plymouth Report

Posted on 11/05/2018 by

Reprinted by permission of The Vermont Standard

Plymouth Community Center Coordinator Lauren Harootunian receives State grant to help upgrade Community Center.

11/2/18

I am writing this on Friday and there seems to be a heatwave going on – 55 degrees feels pretty warm. It amazes me that despite all the rain, some trees are still holding onto their leaves. Please watch out for turkeys on the roadways, I have come across several flocks and they don’t move out of the way very quickly. Don’t they know that Thanksgivings is almost here!

How exciting that the Plymouth Community Center has received a grant of $6000, that will be used toward the needed roof repairs and exterior painting of the building. Nice work Lauren! She applied for this funding from the Dept of Buildings and General Services, under their Building Communities Grants program. The work will begin in the spring.

I understand that there are several Plymouth residents who are part of the Bridgewater Community Chorus that will be giving a free concert on Saturday, November 10th at 7 pm at the North Universalist Chapel. There will be acapella four-part harmony music including songs from South Africa, Sisak’s “Omnis Una,” “Prayer of the Children” by Kurt Bestor, gospel music, and original compositions by members of the chorus! For more information, contact Marcia Bender at 672-1797 ormarciab@vermontel.net.

Please note that the Community Luncheon for November will be an early Thanksgiving feast. Several members of Tyson Ladies Aid have agreed to help with preparing food, as well as a number of regular attendees. In order to prepare properly, it would be helpful to get a count of those who might be coming. You can call me (802-228-5114) in order to help us figure out how many we need to serve. It should be a great meal and enjoyable gathering. Looks like I will be making the turkey unless someone else just can’t wait to do it! We will gather at 11:30 as usual.

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Are You Ready to Vote? — Margo’s Plymouth Report

Posted on 10/30/2018 by

Reprinted by permission of The Vermont Standard

Tuesday, November 6

10/26/18

I am writing this on Friday morning and the day is very pleasantly full of blue sky and sunshine. I even went out on the deck to exercise – all bundled up and holding on so I didn’t blow away! Isn’t it amazing how that bright golden ball can perk up your spirits. I try to retain that image when the gray days roll in.

I was able to participate in the “Telling our Stories” program at Norris Cotton Cancer Center again this past week. Former patients, caregivers, and staff read or sing thoughts from their experiences, sharing their hearts, as well as their heartaches. Yet so often, humor surfaces, and yes, it is good medicine. At the end I will share the piece that I wrote.

News alert – the Reading Group will not be meeting until 11/29 to discuss Pachinko by Min Jin Lee. It turns out to be slightly longer than anticipated, plus it had to be obtained through inter-library sharing, so it was delayed. In speaking with others, it is an interesting read that sheds some light on Korean/Japanese history and struggles. Do consider getting it, then join us for the discussion!

Reminder….. Elections are coming up on Tues 11/6, so get out and vote. Plus, it is an enjoyable way to meet and greet your neighbors from across town.

I am just amazed at the way houses and property are changing hands these days in our town

1) 9663 Route 100, $280,000 by Paul Darr and Christine Baranowski to Killington’s Brookside Manor, LLC

2) Colby Pond Road 3.05 Acres, $40,000 by Gregory Ellis to Sean and Terri Teasdale

3) 1534 Scout Camp Road, $675,000 by the Rentoul Grevatt Estate to Lake Sons, LLC

Sheltering

Illness or injury is disorienting. It is like free falling through an unfamiliar void where nothing seems normal. You want to become grounded – to see clearly, but it is impossible. Then ever so slowly, compassionate faces begin to appear. Loving hands tenderly reach out to you. Soft whispers of encouragement float around you. The distress might not lessen, but you are not alone on this journey. Somehow, there is shelter even in the turmoil. That is what we can be for one another.

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Here Comes Winter! — Margo’s Plymouth Report

Posted on 10/24/2018 by

Reprinted by permission of The Vermont Standard

Late Fall at the President Coolidge Homestead, Plymouth Notch (T. Bascom, photo)

10/19/18

All of my hanging plants are toast, along with the lovely blooming planters. Well, actually, they were frosted! Funny how we use words. I was hoping for a few more weeks of their beauty because I have special friends coming to visit, but alas, it was not meant to be.

I have to admit that the snow glistening in the trees the other morning was lovely with the bright sun shining on it. I guess I am just not ready to move into the next season. That applies to other areas of my life as well…..

Happy news for Kathy and Bob Lynds because they are welcoming two new grandchildren into their family. Daughter Elizabeth and her husband David have recently adopted Serenity Rosalynn, age 8, and Juan Raphael, age 6. The youngsters have been living with the Howes for some time, but now it is official!

Although it was a slightly smaller group at the Community Luncheon, we had fun sharing mouse stories, those tenacious little rodents who seem to slip in to our homes through such tiny spaces. Contemplating a nice pre-Thanksgiving dinner on 11/15 – stay tuned!

Besides mice getting settled in, folks are settling into our town or at least buying into it. Please note the following property transfers:

1. 205 Weaver Hill Road, $327,000; Amar Medjid and Eileen Seibert to Jeffrey and Rachel Faunce

2. 1782 Route 100 A, $113,500; Eileen Downes to Joshua Linton

3. Chapman Road, 7.6 acres, $25,000; David Damon to Little Ascutney, LLC

4 1546 Lynds Hill Rd, $65,000; Mike and Melissa Lynds to NRC, LLC

5. 124 Goshawk Drive, $228,000; Spec in the Woods, LLC to Kevin Galletta

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“Date Night” Childcare at the Community Center Available Saturday ; Yoga Classes Have Resumed — Margo’s Plymouth Report

Posted on 10/15/2018 by

Reprinted by permission of The Vermont Standard

Remember you’re not just parents! Register your child for Saturday’s Date Night!

10/13/18

Although there are still some visitors coming up to see the leaves, it seems like we are coming into a down time. I actually love what I call the “golden phase” of foliage with only a few splashes of red and orange left, but a soft golden glow instead.

Another “Date Night Childcare” will take place at The Plymouth Schoolhouse on Saturday October 20th, from 4pm-8pm for children ages 3 and over for $20 per child. Besides Lauren, Maddy Cassano will be assisting, which means a few more youngsters can be accommodated. So, pack dinner for them and register at 802 417 6895 orlskaskiw@gmail.com.

Start the week right! Join Sunday Morning Yoga!

Also, at the Community Center, Yoga class is taking place at 10:30 on Sunday mornings and will continue into the Fall. $12 a class or $90 for 10 classes. Spare mats are available and  all levels are welcome.

Silent Cal says “…..”
Well, nothing, actually, because he’s silent. But you can stop by and visit his Homestead until the end of the month anyhow!

The President Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site will be open through October 21st so make a point to get there if it has been on your agenda but you haven’t made it yet this year! For further information, please call (802) 672-3773 sites online at www.historicsites.vermont.gov.10/5/18

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Bill Jarvi Celebrates 94 Years; Community Luncheon Scheduled — Margo’s Plymouth Report

Posted on 10/08/2018 by

Reprinted by permission of The Vermont Standard

Happy 94th Birthday, Bill Jarvi!

10/5/18

Writing this on Friday, at the start of the Holiday Weekend. It seems that several visitors searching out foliage views didn’t want to wait because the restaurants and roadways have been busy places lately. Twice within the past week I have encountered foxes running across the road, so do be careful of our wonderful and varied wildlife!

This is the time of year when some establishments take a much-needed break. Please note that the Inn At Water Edge will stop serving dinner on 10/14. The restaurant at the Echo Lake Inn will close 10/20, although they will re-open for three seatings on Thanksgiving.

The Reading Group met on 10/4 and there were mixed feelings about Ripe for the Picking by Annie Hawes. It was agreed that it was interesting to learn about some of the customs of this small town in Italy, especially the olive and wine production. Our next selection is Pachinko by Min Jin Lee, which will acquaint us with Japanese/Korean culture.  We will meet on 11/1 and everyone is welcome to join the discussion.

Sally and Dana Dolloff hosted a delightful early birthday party for Bill Jarvi (see picture), who will turn 94 on the 11th. He even had an extra serving of the ice cream cake! In attendance were daughter, Kristen Jarvi, Joan Day, as well as Tom and me.

I understand that the Meals on Wheels program serving Ludlow, Cavendish and Plymouth is in desperate need of volunteer drivers to bring home-delivered meals on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Please contact Black River Valley Senior Center, 10 High Street, Ludlow, VT 05149, 802-228-7421, brvsc10@gmail.com if you can be of help.

Another Community Luncheon is planned for 10/18 in the Community Room at Tyson Church. Hearty soup, cheese and fruit platters, and the teens are providing some luscious desserts. Join us at 11:30 and be thinking about some of your most interesting mouse stories to share. These tenacious little creatures are preparing for winter by coming inside. Tell us some of your strategies for dealing with them, too!

These are the most recent property transfers:

PCN Road, Land 2.6 acres $30,000 Renelda Higgins Walker to Sewell Family Trust

38 Birch Landing, Unit 1 $274,000 Raymer McQuiston to Daniel and Katie Uriano

4344 Route 100 $274,500 Tony & Melissa Moore to Vetere Family Trust

107 Blueberry Ledge Ridge # 44 $55,000 Daniel Murphy to Okemo Investments, LLC

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Apples, Moose, and Bear, O My! — Margo’s Plymouth Report

Posted on 10/03/2018 by

Reprinted by permission of The Vermont Standard

9/28/18

Storms, floods, earthquakes – the world is full of natural disasters. Yet, here in VT our big nature news is that a rather large moose is wandering around town! Sharon LaFrance on Rte 100 in the Union had the big fellow in her driveway and I understand that Kathy Lynds saw him on Lynds Hill as well.

I heard a rumor that there was a bear break-in recently in town, but I don’t have any details to share. I know that on warm evenings, I still make sure to close and lock the door off our deck in order to discourage any unwanted four-legged guests. By the way, the other day I watched a chipmunk nibbling on my potted parsley plant – who knew these little creatures liked parsley!

Well, as I write, the new month is almost upon us. That means that the annual Plymouth Notch Antique Apple Fest will be happening. Mark your calendar for Saturday, 10/6, from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m, so you don’t miss out on all of the apple fun at the [President Calvin Coolidge] Historic Site. You can check out the heirloom apple orchard, try some apple peeling with an antique kitchen implement, and run or walk in the 5K race.

As usual there will be wagon rides, sheep shearing, cheese sampling and self-guided tours at the Plymouth Cheese Factory. Yummy food will be available at the Wilder House. Youngsters will enjoy period games and hands-on activities, plus an apple treasure hunt. Join Anne Collins at 1:30, to hear about and sample some old-time recipes.

I understand there will be an opportunity to learn more about medicinal plants from Northern Naturals and Gardens. Of course the day would not be complete without listening to fiddle music by Adam Boyce or meandering through the booths of the Vermont artisans who will be on hand. For more information call 802-672-3773 or visit: www.HistoricSites.Vermont.gov.

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