Welcome to The Plymouth Press Online

Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard

1/10/21

It seems like January is moving along quite quickly and the slightly longer daylight hours are certainly heartening.  I am still using my grippers to get from the house to the garage, but then removing them.  If you have ever tried to shop wearing them, you know how slippery and dangerous that can be!

Karen Evans and I ventured over to Camp Plymouth State Park on Sunday afternoon to snowshoe.  It was delightful.  Although there was evidence of many recent visitors – walkers, cross country skiers, dogs and other creatures, there were only two other cars in the designed parking area.  The snow was crunchy under the trees, but smooth out in the open.  We noticed that a porta-potty has been placed near the concession building for the convenience of those enjoying the park.

Bethany Birches Camp will be holding a Family Fun Day on Saturday, 1/16 from 11 AM – 4 PM. Activities will be outside and masks are required (2 per person), along with bringing your own lunch.  Covid protocol will be closely followed.  Check the website: camp@bethanybirches.org for options to sign up since attendance is limited to 50 individuals.

Just a heads-up on the proposed Airbnb ordinance that will be discussed at the special informational meeting at 6:00 PM on Wednesday, 1/27.  It is quite comprehensive and can be found on the Town website by clicking on the Bulletin Board.  Also at that meeting there will be discussion about the Select Board appointing the Collector of Delinquent Taxes, which has previously been an elected position.  Per Sandie, please call the Town Office to reserve one of the twenty in-person spots for the meeting.  A code will be forthcoming for those wanting to attend via Zoom, so email her with your desire to receive it.

Apparently WARF is still providing financial assistance of up to $1000 for a number of towns, including Plymouth.  For more information you can call 802-281-9902 or apply at www.woodstockarearelieffund.org.

Sincere condolences to the family of Ralph Michael, who passed away on 12/28/20.  He played a major role in serving the Town of Plymouth in several capacities over many years.

Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard

1/4/21

Writing this on Monday, the sun is beginning to shine and cause sparkles on the new-fallen four inches of snow.  It is winter and so important to see the beauty rather than the momentary inconveniences.  I think I could have made it down my driveway with my trusty Subaru, but my plow guy is here already!

I wanted to alert folks to the delightful performance of the Nutcracker in which Ayla Price of Dublin Rd was the Dew Drop Fairy in the Dance Factory of Springfield performance.  You can watch it on Okemo Valley TV.

A new year and I imagine we are all speculating about what it will hold.  On a day like today, it seems easy to be optimistic.  I was helping my youngest grandson with a homework assignment and came across this pun – When you dream in color, is it a pigment of your imagination?  Wishing you colorful dreams for 2021 and that they all come true.

More property transfers:

1) 81 Harrier Way       $520,000      Robert and Judith Zimpfer to Mario, Matthew, Nicholas, and Paul LaRosa

2) Dix Hill Rd. 11.25 Acres       $55,000        Nancy Coe McLane to Robert and Barbara Bessette

3) 81 Goshawk Dr      $512,000      Maurice and Robin DeFina and Lawrence DeAntonio to Terrence and Leanne Dunn

4) 101 Birch Landing # 9      $340,000    John and Linda Bermingham to Timothy and Erin Colleran

5) Route 100 1.5 Acres      $16,500      Justina Pingree and Roland Sinotte to Alan and Karla Bradis

6) 84 Dillon Rd       $200,000      Peter and Sandra Mollica to Mitchell Rae and Joel Quinones

7) 894 Scout Camp Rd        $554,900           Estate of Thompson Eddy to Paul and Jesse Glynn

8) 790 Grand View Lodge Rd      $285,000        Mark Bredice to ABC Homes, LLC

9) 553 Echo View Dr. 3.10 Acres      $112,000       Michael Bentley to Erik and Annamaria Forselius

10) 388 Snowy Owl Ln.    $785,000    Robert and Carol Stohrer to John Ruiz

11) Dam Road  1.5 Acres     $45,000         Kevin Chu to Charles Duffy and Marta Flanagan

Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard

12/27/20

I hope that everyone had a very merry Christmas and that folks were able to reach out to loved ones, even if it was not a face-to-face gathering.  Isn’t it amazing how the rain demolished all that snow. It cleared my roofs, except for a small amount in the valleys. But the best part was that there was nothing left on my driveway to freeze and become hazardous. 

I do feel sorry for all of the people who have come up here to enjoy skiing, since I am not sure that the ski areas have fared very well. The cold temps may ease the situation with man-made snow. I have been walking daily with neighbors and for the most part there has been very little wind, which makes these early morning jaunts delightful. 

The sunrise on the 26th was breathtaking and the sprinkling of light snow the last couple of mornings has whitened up the snowbanks, making them look fresh and clean. I don’t know about dining in other areas of Vermont, but there is a holiday Dining in Okemo Valley guide that lists many places for eat-in and take-out dining.  I will say that three of us obtained the Christmas day dinner from the Echo Lake Inn, which was delicious.

I don’t have a great deal of news, but I imagine people are occupied with their loved ones at this time of year in any case. The next book for our Reading Group is The Book of Lost Friends by Lisa Wingate.  Our Zoom meeting to discuss it will be Thursday, 1/21 at 6:30. 

I have heard so many people say they will be glad to say goodbye to 2020. It certainly has been a difficult year on so many levels.  I haven’t noticed that people are making many New Year’s resolutions, however. I do hope that everyone will attempt to think positively about this upcoming year and will try to take good care – physically, mentally and spiritually. I found this quote by Voltair “think for yourself and let others enjoy the privilege of doing so too”. That in itself sounds like a good stress reliever.  Wishing everyone many blessings for the New Year.

Reprinted with permission of The Vermont Standard

12/20/20

In my last report, the snow had melted, then Wednesday into Thursday, we received about 40 inches here in Tyson.  I tended to my back deck on three separate occasions, easily moving the light and fluffy snow off into the driveway.  Although the morning walks have been brisk, there has been little wind, making getting out in the fresh air delightful.

One of my neighbors brought over his tractor/snowblower and did an amazing job clearing my driveway and dooryard. (He also assisted folks all up and down the road).  My regular plow fellow finished up the next day and even shoveled up from my basement.  The grandson of another neighbor cleared my other deck.  Blessings were coming one right after the other. Since I didn’t need to go anywhere, I could appreciate the beauty of the snow sparkling in the sunshine.

Looking for some special culinary treats, check out the website for the Echo Lake Inn.  Meals in the restaurant or to go are available and special feasts planned for Christmas and New Year’s Eve.

Christmas Blessings (MM 12/3/05)

Christmas comes upon us

With its sparkle and its rush.

We need to look beyond it

And to seek the peace and hush,

That come when to the manger

We bring our hopes & fears ~

The Holy Babe of Bethlehem

Has come to wipe our tears.

Although the world’s in turmoil

With disharmony & strife,

Jesus, our precious gift from God,

Was born to bring us life.

So may this season be for you

One of joy and love,

Filled with many blessings,

Shining like the Star above.

Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard

2020 – a year of transitions

Last December we were frantically searching to find a place for Christmas dinner so that Tom & I could meet with the Gedney & Stern families.  Albany turned out to be the halfway point & we actually had a nice meal & enjoyed spending the Holiday together.  This year,  with COVID flourishing, even going to a restaurant seems questionable. 
It would be impossible to list all of the cordial gatherings that took place in the beginning of 2020, but there were many dinners & wonderful times with family & friends. When the pandemic began to take center stage, then walking together seemed to become the way to socialize.  

We did tap out & made maple syrup, but already knew it would be our last season.  Thanks to the folks who helped with the various tasks that sugaring entails.  It was a blessing to have been able to stockpile some of our syrup, so we are still gifting & enjoying it.

It was a strange summer – much too warm & humid for such an extended period in VT.  As a result, swimming in Echo Lake was almost a daily ritual & we were glad to have several friendly points of access.  Lake George provided a delightful outing for my 75th birthday.

Then came the end of July & the world turned upside-down.  On a beautiful summer day, Tom & I brought Owen (9) & Landon (7) to the state park on Echo Lake.  The boys & I dove right in and they quickly garnered quite a collection of rocks.  We took them back to the shade to show Poppy & soon a lesson in juggling began. Later the boys ventured back into the water with Tom while I remained in the shade.  As usual, he swam out further to enjoy some solitary time in the water.  When the boys returned & we realized that Tom was missing, I quickly surmised what had happened.

Blessing:  a beautiful day with family, a gentle sinking below the surface in a beloved lake, & a peaceful transition to eternity.  Because of COVID we were only able to gather a few at a time to honor Tom – at the cemetery, on Echo Lake & at Lake George.  The tender presence of family & friends via calls, cards, & emails has been a great comfort.  We have many fond memories & funny stories & now a wonderful structure built by Chris called Poppy’s Place. 

I hope that all of you reading this can smile as you recall Tom & the times you shared with him.  I believe he would like that.  I certainly would appreciate it.  In peace & love, may the New Year bring you abundant joy & blessings. 

With heartfelt affection, 

Margo

Advent leads from darkness to light

Heavy hearts can find their load lightened

As the days lengthen, our spirits can be brightened

For with the Love that came to illuminate our way

We can rejoice in past joys & look forward to new blessings

May it be so –

Amen

Reprinted with permission of The Vermont Standard

12/13/20

Well, between the warm temps and the rain, the snow has melted on my 2 decks without any effort on my part!  I understand that skiing at Okemo was actually quite good on Sunday morning – more like spring skiing apparently. More my speed, I have gone for nice walks with friends both Friday and Sunday.

Please note that the Plymouth Memory Tree was lit on 12/6 with the list of remembrances being read.  Check it out at the “municipal complex” on Rte 100. It seems like many people have taken the governor’s suggestion to heart and have placed various lighted decorations on or outside their homes.  This is a way to brighten our lives during the darkest part of the year and to bring a note of optimism and cheer during these stressful times.

The next book group is meeting on a Friday for a change, 12/18 at 6:30 PM via Zoom.  The discussion will be about Miss Benson’s Beetle by Rachel Joyce.  I haven’t finished it yet, but it should provide a good discussion!  

Many of us have experienced losses this year, so I wanted to mention that Bethany Mennonite Church will be offering a Longest Night service on Monday, 12/21 at 7 PM via Zoom. This will be a simple, quiet “Blue Christmas” service, for anyone who is grieving losses of any kind. This will be a time to name losses,  seek hope together, and turn toward the coming Light on this longest night of the year.  Please contact Wendy at gardenersjournal at gmail.com for a Zoom link.coming up this week.

Now for the latest silly joke to come my way:  What falls in winter but never gets hurt?  Snow!

Stay safe and well.

Sunday December 6, 2020

Since 1991 when the Plymouth Memory Tree Community Fund was established to honor the memory of Eliane Sailer, Plymouth residents, friends and neighbors of Plymouth have memorialized and honored loved ones by donating to the Memory Tree Fund.

The Plymouth Memory Tree, located at the town municipal complex was lit this afternoon at 4PM.

The ceremony was led by Anne Brown starting with a short prayer and followed by reading the list of remembrances.

The tree will be lit every night through the winter season to memorialize and honor all our loved ones that have passed away.

The Plymouth Memory Tree Community Fund is here to help any Plymouth resident in need of financial assistance.

Applications are available at the Plymouth Town Hall or contact any of the officers below to have an application emailed or mailed to you.

The Plymouth memory tree thanks all of it’s donors that make this assistance possible.

With sincere thanks, the Plymouth Memory Tree Board Anne Brown 802-353-1182, abrown@vermontel.net Karen Bryun 802- 558-3829, kwbruyn@gmail.com Robert Fishman 802-672-1201, rlf254@gmail.com

Jen Flaster 802-672-5074, ​jenflaster@me.com Al Poirier 802-236-5046, ​arpcolby@yahoo.com

Applications or donations can be mailed to: Plymouth Memory Tree Fund, P.O. Box 47, Plymouth, VT 05056

Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard

12/6/20

That delightfully warm day last week seemed like the perfect one to wash the car – maybe one of the last until spring.  All the regular hoses had been put away for the season, but I found a short one in the basement (you never know what you will find when you start a cleaning project).  I had used it once before and there seemed to be a very small leak where the nozzle attached to the hose.  Since it had rained and the car was wet, I simply soaped it up.  Then, as darkness was descending, it was time to rinse it off.  I turned on the water and immediately got a face full of it.  After the initial shock, it struck me as funny, so I continued rinsing the car and myself at the same time.

I understand from a friend in Mt Holly that they received about 4 inches of snow from what was predicted to be a nor’easter on Saturday.  Here in Tyson it started as rain so by the time the snow came, most of it was absorbed.  I don’t even think there was an inch of accumulation.  That wind was the most frightening part of that weather system.  Line crews were out long hours in many places.

Real estate continues to change hands here in town, as noted below:

1) 182 D Upper Round Top Rd    $107,500   Brad and Suzanne Murphy to Ryan Metz

2) 1492 Dublin Rd   $480,000   Robert Maples to Todd Kowalczyk

3)  Route 100 SA1-75 1.02 Acres      $5,500     William Ruddy to Richard Dickinson

4)  228 Great Roaring Brook Rd     $545,000     Alan and Susan Mitchell to Stephen                                   Remsen and Ellen McCray

5) 174 Meadow Hawk Rd    $535,000     Dean Kolbas to Anthony and Sarah Nappa

6) 3110 Route 100 5.53 Acres   $38,000   Ralph, Judith and Jeremy Michael to Martin                                              Higgs and Kathleen White

7) 303 Frog City Rd     $1,150,000     Fletcher Coleman to Eric and Jenifer Perez

8) 363 Salt Ash Rd    $785,000    Robert and Carmen McCloskey to James and Tracy                        Young

9) 583 Route 100   $339,000   Carmen Citro to David and Debra Christiansen

Reprinted with the permission of The Vermont Standard

11/31/20

I hope that folks were fortunate enough to see the wonderful way the sun was sparkling on the crystals on the tree branches on Sunday morning.  A rainbow of colors made the morning look magical.

I neglected to note the very interesting discussion of The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson that transpired at the last Zoom Book Club meeting.  It was enlightening in many ways and helped to explain the way people of color struggled in the south, even after the Civil War, but also how the migration north brought about many hardships and often caused family disintegration.

This month’s selection is Miss Benson’s Beetle by Rachel Joyce and the discussion will take place on Friday, 12/18 at 6:30 PM.  Please note that the day has been changed from Thursday to Friday this time.  It is about two very different women on a life-changing adventure.  Per one review: there are tough obstacles and harrowing scenes. The ending is not pat, nor fully happy. But it is hopeful. There is resilience, there is redemption, and there is beauty — great beauty.  So, think about finding a copy and joining the group!

Birthday wishes to Andy Buchan-Groff (12/11) and Simon Bergey (12/14).  This picture was taken outside of the Tyson Store when my grandson, Owen Perrino, reported the buck he had taken.  His dad, Chris is quite a hunter and Owen seems to be following in his footsteps.