LPCTV Award; Antique Apple Festival; Bethany Birches Annual Auction — Margo’s Plymouth Report

Posted on 09/19/2016 by

Reprinted by permission of The Vermont Standard.

apples9/17/16

I had the scariest thing happen the other day.  I went to a reputable site to find a phone number.  Apparently another layer was put over that site with a phone number, which as I recall was in red.  When I called the rather strange number, the fellow said he could help me with the incorrect order I had received if I would give him access to my computer.  I hung up!  Looking up that site again, that red part was no longer there and I found the correct number.  So, what’s with that?

Check out http://www.bethanybirches.org/benefit-auction or call Bethany Birches Camp office (672-5220)to get the details on the 9/24 auction and the raffle.  The preview begins at 9:00 AM and in additions to donuts and coffee, you can enjoy quiche and fruit this year – all for free and the lunch, too.  Bidding starts at 10:00 AM, but don’t forget the online option.  Enjoy popcorn all day!

LPCTV has been named the Okemo Valley Region Chamber of Commerce “Member of the Month”.  Join them for an open house on 9/29 from 5 – 7 PM with a tour of the facilities and wonderful nibbles from area restaurants.  Due to limited space, reservations are needed.  Call 228-8808.

On Saturday, 10/1/16, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM come to the Plymouth Notch Antique Apple Fest at the President Coolidge Homestead – a harvest celebration with emphasis on apples!  Visit the new heirloom orchard with its unusual and rare antique apple varieties.  Enjoy Linda Radtke performance of “Vermont History through Song” at 1:30 PM.  There will be activities for the whole family: apple recipe competition, cider pressing, wagon rides, historic farm and craft demonstrations, plus barbecue and harvest treats, cheese making, and guided tours of the Plymouth Cheese Factory.  Contact: 802-672-3773 for more information.

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Wilder House Concession Opportunity

Posted on 09/12/2016 by
The Wilder House (July 4, 2013)

The Wilder House (July 4, 2013)

Through the State of Vermont’s Division for Historic Preservation, the President Coolidge State Historic Site is looking for someone interested in operating the Wilder House Restaurant concession.

This is a great opportunity. The Division maintains responsibility for the maintenance and upkeep of the building and its capital equipment; the concessionaire is responsible for the operations. Apart from normal state taxes, there is no remuneration to the State or the Division for use of the facility. It doesn’t get much better than that!

For more information, please contact William (Bill) Jenney, the Regional Historic Site Administrator, by telephone at 802-672-3773 or by email at William.Jenney@vermont.gov.

 

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Reach Out Luncheon and Historical Society Meetings; Upcoming Bethany Birches Silent Auction — Margo’s Plymouth Report

Posted on 09/12/2016 by

Reprinted by permission of The Vermont Standard

happy-fall9/11/16

Well, I had so much to talk about last week, but not much new for this week.  So, I guess that means that I have been out of touch!  In any case give me a hand by providing some local news.

All are invited to the monthly Reach Out Luncheon downstairs at Tyson Church on Thursday, starting at 11:00.  It is jointly sponsored by Tyson Ladies Aid and Tyson Church.  Sloppy Joes, chips, salad, and apple crisp with ice cream will be served.

I noticed that Andy Buchan-Groff is playing football again this year and I believe they won the season opener.  I don’t have any information on our other students, so please send me some!  It’s not bragging, it is simply interesting for our community to know about our young people and what they are doing.

Don’t forget the Plymouth Historical Society meeting on Thursday, 9/15 at 7:00 PM.  On tap for discussion are:  the recent gala showing of “Irene: Ruin to Renewal“, how to disperse copies of the video, the Memorial Garden, and other items as well.

If you missed collection and safe disposal of household hazardous wastes last week in Springfield, you still have an opportunity at the Weathersfield Transfer Station between 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM on 9/17.

The Bethany Birches Camp Annual Benefit Auction will be here before you know it – Saturday, 9/24.  More items are needed and don’t forget you can bid online, but being there is lots more fun!  The views from up there are spectacular and the folks are delightful.

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Camp Plymouth to Close for the Season, Caligraphy Comes to Plymouth, and Fall’s Hazardous Waste Disposal Days Arrive — Margo’s Plymouth Report

Posted on 09/07/2016 by

Reprinted by permission of The Vermont Standard

2016 cast of Shakespeare Alive performed at Union Church, President Calving Coolidge State Historic Site

The 2016 cast of the Stand-Up Shakespeare Company performed in Union Church at President Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site

9/4/16

There is definitely a nip in the air these mornings, but the days have been sunny and delightful.  I saw an article recently confirming fewer apples this year, which concurred with my observations of the trees in our neighborhood.  A friend with an apple orchard in CT tells me that untreated trees often revert to production bi-annually, so that may be part of what is happening near us.  I do miss freezing up batches of applesauce, though.

In my opinion this year’s “Shakespeare Alive!” by the Stand-Up Shakespeare Company was the best ever!  This talented group of actors nailed every single vignette, using humor and the Bard’s words to full advantage.  It was well-attended and I feel sorry for those who missed it….

We attended the Sunday Folk and Blues performance and as usual it was wonderful.  Of course, the weather was perfect, too.  I am told that over 300 people were there on Saturday and possibly 250 folks on Sunday.  Thanks to Jay Ottaway for organizing this terrific music event!

With these sunny days, be sure to take advantage of the last weekend at Camp Plymouth State Park.  The final day for the season will be 9/11.

Don’t forget the special days set up for the collection and safe disposal of household hazardous wastes that include Plymouth residents.  On 9/10 the collection will be at the Springfield Transfer Station from 9:00 AM until 1:00 PM and the same times apply to the one on 9/17 at the Weathersfield Transfer Station.  Only businesses must register and will be charged.  If you bring in a mercury fever thermometer, you can receive a new digital fever one in exchange.  For more information, call 674-9235 or visit http://www.vtsolidwastedistrict.org.

I understand there is a wonderful opportunity to attend a free demonstration of Calligraphy and Lettering Arts with Artist Kate McKulla at the Plymouth Community Center on 9/28 at 7:00 PM. Children are encouraged to attend with their parents, plus there will be an Open House for The Plymouth Schoolhouse Childcare at the same time.  A weekly Calligraphy class is being planned for a number of weeks thereafter at a cost of $20 per hour.

I found an amazing product recently at the Upper Valley CoOp in White River Junction.  It is called Best Bee Savvy and is made by Tita Manice of Bridgewater.  It contains wonderful ingredients: Organic Coconut Oil, Organic Beeswax, Certified Lemongrass Essential Oil, Certified Grapefruit Essential Oil, and Certified Ylang Ylang Essential Oil.  This product is packaged in the most adorable jar, so it is perfect for a gift, too!  You can also find it on-line.

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Remembering “Irene” and Looking Forward to a Fun Weekend — Margo’s Plymouth Report

Posted on 08/29/2016 by

Reprinted by permission of The Vermont Standard

"Irene: Ruin to Renewal" video cover

“Irene: Ruin to Renewal” video cover

8/28/16

Monday was a lovely morning for a bike ride and I met several others enjoying the sunshine and light breeze.  We are so blessed to live here!  I have been noticing a slight change in the air and even saw an orange maple leaf on the ground – changes to come……

“Wow” is all I can say about Irene: Ruin to Renewal, the collaborative effort between the Plymouth Historical Society and LPCTV.  I know it took considerable effort by a number of people to bring all the pieces together, but the result is a very professional portrayal of the devastation, along with the compassion and the resilience of our community.  I can’t wait to obtain a copy of the video!

Laurence noted in the video the town-wide party that was held in his tent at the Echo Lake Inn.  I believe there were at least 200 people who came together to mark the one year anniversary and to celebrate the way the community responded with helping hands and caring hearts.   The planning committee for the event, Pieter Bowen, Russ Tonkin, Jim Neilsen, and Tina and Bruce Verdrager represented the various parts of town and we even enjoyed treats by Tina when we met!  Everyone provided food, with Jim serving up a substantial amount from Hawk that day.  Fond memories.

Riding there this morning I was reminded of the wedding that I officiated at Hawk after the flood.  The bride had so looked forward to crossing over the bridge into the field to join the groom.  However, the ceremony took place on the only grassy area, at the corner of Salt Ash and Billings Roads.  The tent for the reception was set up in front of the library and potted plants were strategically placed, hiding the bleakness of the surrounding area and generating hope for the couple and for the town.

Again this year there will be a performance of “Shakespeare! Alive”  at noon at the Union Christian Church on 9/3 when this beloved group of professional actors will regale us with humorous interpretations of the Bard’s writings.

Don’t forget the 11th Annual Plymouth Folk and Blues Festival 9/3-4 starting at 2:00 PM both days with a fabulous line-up of performers organized by Jay Ottaway.  Bring a donation for the VT Foodbank and relax with others who appreciate good music. Enjoy other activities for the whole family at the Historic Site – something for all ages!

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Irene Video Premier, Organ Dedication, Plymouth Resident Runs for State Rep — Margo’s Plymouth Report

Posted on 08/23/2016 by

Reprinted by permission of The Vermont Standard

Image result for sailing on echo lake vt

Margo and Tom take their little dinghy out for a spin on Echo Lake.

8/22/16

As I write this article on Sunday evening, the gardens are being watered!  Such variable weather.  Tom and I went sailing on Echo Lake on Friday and dark clouds filled the sky at times.  They were so dark and pervasive that we couldn’t believe it wasn’t raining.  There was a brisk breeze that helped us move along nicely!

Not sure the reason, but attendance was down a bit at the Reach Out Luncheon last Thursday.  There was an amazing amount of food – chicken and corn from the Tyson Ladies Aid Bazaar, pasta salad, green salad, and potato salad.  Thanks to Jean Fanciullo, Narda DiGioia, and Michelle Pingree for the salads.

Terry Bascom very kindly borrowed the grill from the Echo Lake Inn and grilled hot dogs for us.  Joan Day made two jello cakes that were a big hit.  Our speaker was June Capron who discussed volunteering she has done since retiring.  The teens were particularly interested in learning about service opportunities in the US and other countries.

I understand that refreshments are being served at the Saturday evening (7:00 PM) and Sunday afternoon (3:00 PM) showing of “Irene: Ruin to Renewal” video.  Saturday is full, but you can still make a reservation for Sunday by contacting Midge at midgetucker@gmail.com or 672-3086.  If you have a favorite cookie recipe and want to make some to share, please let Midge know, too!

By the way, belated anniversary congratulations to Cindy Summer and Steve Heilner!  Also, I hope that Sandie Small had a Happy Birthday on 8/11 and Elaine Pauley on 8/24

We are planning to make our organ dedication service at Tyson Church on 8/28 at 10:30 AM, one filled with music, using favorite hymns and noting a little history about them.  We hope folks will join us and also stay to enjoy refreshments after the service.

I try very hard not to be political in the column, but it has been brought to my attention that we do have a VT House candidate who is from Plymouth and Keith Cappellini has indicated his desire to give our town some representation in Montpelier, which certainly would be nice for a change.

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Correction to Margo’s Plymouth Report Title

Posted on 08/16/2016 by
Oops!

Oops!

We erroneously titled Margo’s Plymouth Report to say the Irene video will debut this weekend.

It will debut next weekend, the 27th-28th.

Margo correctly identified the date in the body of her Report. The error is ours; we created the title.

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