Welcome to The Plymouth Press Online

Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard

10/18/21

Well, quite a shift in the weather!  I have really been enjoying the weather this fall, lovely warm days and amazing autumn vistas.  Yet, we knew we were on borrowed time and colder temps would come our way.  I will probably wear my winter coat to my grandson’s soccer game later today (Monday).

It is with great sadness that I note the passing of Jeff Rebideau, known as Spanky.  He was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and son, plus an avid hunter and fisherman.  Although Tina ran the Tyson Store with the help of their daughters, Jeff could be seen there often.  Many of us have relied upon his help with plumbing issues and those for whom he plowed in the winter are wondering how they will manage.  Jeff’s smile and sense of humor were his trademark and he will be greatly missed.  Condolences to Tina and the girls and his dad, Joe.

Mention has been made often of the biking enthusiasm and skill of 8th grader, Schuyler Hagge.  Recently she has been participating in a series of bicycle races sponsored by Vermont Youth Cycling.  Points were accumulated in a series of four races on different tracks:  Slate Vail Trail in Poultney, a track in Randolph, Mt. Peg Trails in Woodstock, and Cochran’s Enduro in Richmond.  Congratulations to Schuyler who placed 2nd in the Girls’ A group for Vermont. It should be mentioned that biking is a family affair enjoyed by her parents and younger sister and they excel in the sport, too!

The Book Group met last week and discussed Anxious People by Frederick Bachman.  Although many found the beginning slow-paced, the longer we talked, the more awed we became with the intricate web of characters and events packed into this book. It was noted that many of the characters were initially unappealing, but as the story progressed and insights unfolded, they became quite likable.  

Upcoming books and corresponding dates are: 10/10 – Agent Sonya – Moscow’s Most Daring Wartime Spy by Ben Macintyre, which highlights actual spy activity reflecting allegiances for those espousing Communism, Fascism, and Western democracy. 12/8 – Blue Desert by Celia Jeffries. 1/12/22 – Lady Editor: Sarah Josepha Hale and the Making of the Modern American Woman’Author by Melanie Kirkpatrick.  2/9/22 -Whistlin’ Dixie in a Nor’easter by Lisa Patton

The informational meeting originally scheduled for Wednesday, 11/3, has been postponed, as has the voting on Thursday, 11/4.  Monday night 12/6 is the new meeting day and Tuesday 12/7 will be the vote..  However, the essence of the Warning is the same and details on the proposals may be found on the town website by scrolling down under the Bulletin Board heading.  You will need to click on the items for the particulars.

Disheartening News:  Some folks had gone over to check out the progress on Rte 100 and learned that it will not completed as previously indicated.  A representative from VTrans attended the 10/18 Select Board meeting and indicated that the new estimated date for reopening is now the week of November 22nd.

Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard

10/11/21

Well, it certainly is challenging to figure out what to wear these days.  I am not complaining, however, since the leaves are lovely and outdoor activities abound.  I bought a small pumpkin the other day for my deck and was surprised (and a bit annoyed) that some creature nibbled most of the stem off!

The Holiday weekend brought swarms of visitors to our area. Woodstock had its share of sightseers and activities.  I did not venture into Ludlow, but there were events taking place on Saturday and Sunday.  Many people headed up Rte 100 to attend the tag sale at the Community Center on Sunday.  I only did a 3 hour stretch, but I understand that the entire day was busy.  Proceeds exceeded $1,800 for the individual vendors and many also gave generously to VVSA (VT Volunteer Services for Animals Humane Society).  Some items were also being sold to assist with the Lake Amherst project.

A delightful gentleman with a French accent entered at one point wondering about the designation “Tag Sale”. He and his wife are apparently new in town and were unfamiliar with the term.  We warmly ushered him in and all enjoyed a chuckle.  The camaraderie was amazing and it felt reasonably Covid-safe with everyone wearing masks and windows and doors open.  Lauren did a fantastic job organizing the event!

I am including the recent warning issued by the Select Board about the upcoming meeting on 11/3 and voting on 11/4.  I hope to obtain details about the budget request and short-term rental ordinance to share with you next time.  

Warning 

The legal voters of the Town of Plymouth are hereby Warned to meet at the Plymouth Municipal Building at 7:00 PM on Weds, November 3, 2021, to transact at that time business not involving voting by Australian Ballot or voting required by law by ballot. The polls will be open Thursday, November 4, 2021, at the Plymouth Municipal Building from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM for the purpose of voting by Australian Ballot. The business to be transacted will include: 

Article 1 To see if the voters will authorize the Selectboard to assign fund balances in accordance with 24 V.S.A. § 2804. 

Article 2 To see if the town will vote to appropriate the sum of $950,000.00 for repair of the town hall roof, completing deferred maintenance, performing energy/weatherization upgrades, and the addition of solar, as outlined in Option D, prepared by William Maclay Architects. 

Article 3  To see if the Town will approve a short-term rental ordinance. 

Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard

10/4/21

Well, the hummingbird feeders have been cleaned and stored for the winter, only a few tomatoes remain on the vine, and the leaves are coming down.  Yes, the season is changing rapidly now.  The Tyson/Reading Rd was lovely last week.  The rain held off for the Harvest Fair in Ludlow and hopefully for the events in the Notch last weekend and it would be nice if it did so for the upcoming festivals and celebrations this weekend, too.  

Don’t forget to visit the Historic Site which will be closing for the season on the 17th. Best of all, the town Tag Sale is still on for Sunday, 10/10, from 9 AM until 6 PM!  The best part is that it will be under cover.  All items will be marked with a price and initials, plus masks should be worn.  Call Lauren Skaskiw at 802-417-6895 for more details.

I know it is disappointing that the Rte 100 construction is behind schedule.  I have only been delayed about 12 minutes, but I understand others have experienced longer wait times.  It seems that no matter where you go these days, you will eventually hit road construction.

I found a couple of quips on patience. “I had my patience tested. It’s negative.” Unknown  “Patience is the art of concealing your impatience.” Guy Kawasaki. “Patience is the ability to idle your motor when you feel like stripping your gears.” Barbara Johnson

Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard

Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard

9/27/21

Well, still no frost yet and some lovely fall days this past week.  A bit glum this morning (Monday), but there are always indoor projects that clamor for attention.  I need to find an appropriate and safe spray for plants that should come back inside soon.  Suggestions appreciated!

The Bethany Birches Auction was an amazing event.  The weather cooperated nicely and folks enjoyed themselves in this beautiful outdoor venue.  My grandsons helped to distribute the items and people were extremely generous.  When things went for high prices, Owen finally deduced that the bidders really just wanted to give money to the camp!  It is heartwarming to know that scholarships are available so that many campers will be able to attend.

The road construction on Rte 100 is apparently somewhat behind, so the road will not be fully open this week.  There is a chance that it might have one lane open soon, but when appears to be unclear at this point.  This situation may impact the feasibility of holding the Tag Sale slated for 10/10.  If one lane is open, or the paving of Route 100A is complete, Lauren feels it can go forward.  Otherwise it will be rescheduled.  Stay tuned…

I understand that 5 of our volunteer firemen participated in an Extraction Training recently.  We are so fortunate that we have few fires, but it is nice that these folks continue to increase their skills to meet whatever circumstances arise.

The Vermont Agency of Transportation (AOT) is using accelerated construction to improve VT-100 in Plymouth and VT-100A, which spans Plymouth and Bridgewater. DATE: September 24, 2021 VT-100 TRAFFIC IMPACT: VT-100 will remain closed between Route 4 and VT-100A (see map). The road will not reopen by September 26 due to construction delays. Detour signs and message boards are in place to direct traffic. Please travel with caution.  CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES: This week the contractor completed installation of culvert 114, and has been removing existing culvert 115. Next week, the contractor will install new guardrail at culvert 114, and continue cleaning off the ledge at culvert 115 so that a concrete foundation can be installed.The existing culvert 115 has been exposed for future concrete foundation installation. LOCATION: VT-100 in Plymouth between VT-100A and Route 4. PROJECTED COMPLETION: October 2021 VT-100A TRAFFIC IMPACT: There will be alternating lanes of travel at active construction work during construction hours (6:00 am until 6:00 pm). Travel will be managed by both flaggers and Automated Flagger Assistance Devices. Stop on red, go on flashing yellow, and mind the gate!  REMINDER: During the VT-100 closure (see above), VT-100A is the dedicated detour route. Please plan your travel accordingly. CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES: This week, Pike Industries continued paving and guardrail operations. During next week, this work will continue and plug joints will be installed where the roadway meets the bridges. Alternating lanes of travel will be in place during these activities.   Crews conducting paving operations along VT-100A. LOCATION: VT-100A between VT-100 and Route 4, connecting Plymouth and Bridgewater. PROJECTED COMPLETION: October 2021 Contact Information Hannah Brockhaus Public Information Consultant 802-673-1264 | hbrockhaus@fhistudio.com

Detour and projects map