Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard
3/1/21
It is amazing to see the snow rapidly diminishing with the rain this morning. Even so, my driveway is so decreased in size, that turning around has become a bit of a challenge. My wind chimes have been blowing in the breeze and playing lovely music, but I notice the ground has become littered with twigs and branches now. More wind is predicted tonight, too.
It seems like little creatures are beginning to scamper about. I have noticed red squirrels and chipmonks scurrying up and down the snow banks. One fellow managed to get to the outside of my dining room window and was hanging on there peaking in at me. He still couldn’t reach the bird feeder and finally dropped out of sight.
Neighbors have mentioned seeing fox tracks. While walking near Hawk the other day, sun was sparkling off the stream where the ice was melting, leaving small islands of snow in the middle. There were tracks on the banks and also on this snow patch, so it appears that some water creatures have been venturing forth, as well.
It seems that there has been confusion about the Annual meeting and voting protocol this year. I understand that the Town Report may still be in process of being printed, so I don’t believe it has been mailed yet. You can go to the Town website, under the Bulletin Board section and find the report there – all 80+ pages of it! If you scroll to the very end, you will find the School budget information.
Inns/restaurants in town seem to have been doing a brisk business of late. Take note that the Inn at Water’s Edge (802-269-0920) will be changing their $50/person prix fixe dinners to Thursday. According to Tom at the Echo Lake Inn, there will be prix fixe offerings there as well. More on that next time.
Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard
2/21/21
It continues to be winter here in VT. We are familiar with it, prepare for it and generally know how to deal with it. Not so for those in Texas. That it has been an utter nightmare for folks there is to put it mildly. As is often the case, those on the fringes have suffered the most. I have family in Katy, TX and they consider themselves to be lucky, since they lost power for a mere 20 minutes and only their cold water pipes froze. The hardships of others have been much worse, so it puts into perspective our occasional inconveniences due to winter.
School will be back in session this week, but I know that it has been a busy vacation for my grandsons. Snowmobiling was a big activity, but they also thoroughly enjoyed tubing at Bethany Birches Camp. Covid protocol was in place and numbers were limited as a result, but with a reservation, the safe outdoor fun was a delightful treat in that beautiful setting.
Speaking of students, it was nice to hear that Schuyler Hagge was on the 7th grade honor roll list for Summa Cum Laude and Calef Hepler on the 12th grade list for Magna Cum Laude. Congratulations on your accomplishments.
Perhaps it was the result of snow being forecast for Monday, but there seemed to be many people parking at Hawk and walking the road behind the lakes on Sunday. The sky was a brilliant blue and the moon could be seem against it. What a great place to live!
The Book Club met last Thursday and despite the fact that most of us did not find Spindle City by Jotham Burrello to be one of the better books we have read, it did generate considerable conversation. The consensus was that the characters were not well developed and nobody felt uplifted by it, although there were a few insights about Fall River and plight of the textile industry. Our next book, Mud Season by Ellen Stimson is our selection for 3/18, which should be a lighter read. It was initially chosen to coincide with our local mud season, but with the amount of snow on the ground, that may have been optomistic!
According to Sandie Small, the Town Report should be mailed out in another week, but you can find voting information under the Bulletin Board section of the Town of Plymouth website. Please note that details for attending the 3/8 Town Meeting via Zoom are listed there; the sample ballot for those running for election; plus the other articles, which will be also be voted on 3/9 are listed further down under the Town Meeting warning. Call the Town Clerk’s office (672-3655) if you would like an absentee ballot.
A final thought: Laughter is the sun that drives winter from the human face.-Victor Hugo
Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard
2/14/21
As I write on Sunday evening, there is no snow falling – yet! But, it is time to prepare for more of the white stuff coming our way. My hope is that it will be light and fluffy. My driveway has been plowed and sanded nicely, but as is true of many dooryards, it becomes tighter and tighter with each storm. For next year I might need to consider a small snowblower for the decks and would appreciate suggestions for something I can manage.
This is school vacation week and the crowds have arrived in our area. Most of us know to plan ahead and avoid stores during this time. I did meet my new neighbors and brought them some maple syrup. They in turn brought me roses for Valentine’s Day!
Another gathering for the Book Club – Thursday, 218 at 6:30 PM to discuss Spindle City by Jotham Burrello. Thanks to Rose Vetere for hosting with her zoom connection.
Perhaps folks saw the warning in the VT Journal and know that Town Meeting will be at 7 PM on 3/8 with limited seating – a maximum of 20 people. Call the town office (802-572-3655) to make a reservation if you would like to be there or to let them know to send you the link so you can attend remotely. All items will be voted by Australian ballot on 3/9. Absentee ballots may be requested.
When doing your taxes, remember that there is a place to donate to the Non-game Wildlife Fund to help some of Vermont’s threatened and endangered species. These donations support work to monitor songbirds, salamanders, butterflies, and bats. It also protects habitats for bald eagles, loons, peregrine falcons and spiny softshell turtles. I understand that every dollar you give is matched by grant money from the US Fish & Wildlife Service.
Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard
1/7/21
As I write this on Sunday afternoon, a gentle snow is falling. I am certainly getting my exercise shoveling this winter! Thanks to Chris and Donnie for raking and chopping the ice/snow off my roof. I am about to venture out to see if it is light enough for my leaf blower to handle. Here’s hoping it will do the trick.
I am glad there are delightful ways to deal with winter. I enjoyed a walk with Naomi yesterday at Hawk and behind the lake. My grandsons do not have school tomorrow, so I think I will take them snowshoeing – a good way to spend time together and have some fun, too. I would consider a nap afterward, but I doubt they will agree.
I see that the VT Standard included a comprehensive Windsor Central Unified District budget report last week. It is difficult to keep track of the school information, so it was wonderful to be able to review it. The budget and additional news can be viewed at www.wcsu.net. Please note that there will be an informational audio/video conferencing meeting at 6:30 on 2/25. Look under the School Board section for the link.
Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard
2/1/21
I am late in writing my article because I have been attempting to prepare for the anticipated Nor’easter coming our way. A few quick items at the pharmacy, then distributing peelings outside for the animals, plus securing anything that might blow around. It is amazing that there are still such huge clumps of snow in the trees. Here’s hoping that the power outages are limited!
Not much news today. There was considerable input at the recent Zoom meeting, with a wide range of opinions expressed about the proposed Airbnb regulations. Clarification was requested and received about the tax collection issue. Although the voter turnout was quite low last Thursday, both articles were approved, which will allow the Selectmen to appoint the Collector of Delinquent Taxes and to pay that person on a part-time basis.
Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard
1/24/21
Some nippy temps lately and wild wind. As I look at the rest of the country, I guess we are not having more than a normal VT winter. Of course, our snowfall has been fairly light the last couple of years. The road crews, utility workers, and snowplow operators have been kept pretty busy lately. My leaf blower has been a tremendous help when the snow is light. Some areas still need to be shoveled, but I keep telling myself that it is good exercise.
We had a good discussion 1/21 about Lisa Wingate’s book, The Book of Lost Friends. The fact that some slave owners moved their slaves to TX after emancipation in order to keep them subjugated was an eye-opener for several of us. The book also brought into perspective the long-term consequences of slavery. The Book Group has chosen the next three selections: Spindle City by Jotham Burrello for 2/18; Mud Season by Ellen Stimson for 3/18; and The Girl with the Louding Voice by Abi Dare for 4/15. Since we meet via Zoom, it is a safe and enjoyable way to discuss these books. All are welcome to participate.
Just a reminder about the special meeting on Wed, 1/27 at 6:00PM to discuss proposed Airbnb regulations and the appointment of the Collector of Delinquent taxes. Contact Sandie at the Town Office to zoom information.
Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard
1/17/21
Well, this is turning out to be quite a winter! The snow Friday into Saturday was so heavy that I struggled to clear my deck. Yet Saturday night’s was mostly light and fluffy. I believe we received a total of 14 inches here in Tyson. We are definitely in a snow zone – Rutland had mainly rain.
I heard that 20+ inches fell on Lynds Hill, though. I understand that several brave families made it to the Bethany Birches Camp Fun Day on Saturday and while adhering to Covid precautions, did indeed have fun. Snow camps will be happening this year with similar safeguards. For more information and to register, please go to camp@bethanybirches.org or call 802-672-5220.
Polar Bear (Grades 7-10) February 12-14
Lynx A (Grades 4-7) February 19-21
Bobcat (Grades 3-6) February 26-28
Lynx B: (Grades 4-7) March 5-7
I was told that moose tracks have been seen on Scout Camp Rd recently. When I worked in Windsor and traveled the Tyson/Reading Rd, I used to see these huge creatures regularly. Snowshoeing on the Patch Brook Rd on Tuesday, we did not see moose tracks, but plenty of deer ones. I admit that I have trouble distinguishing dog, coyote, and fox, which were there as well.
Just a reminder of the special meeting to discuss the proposed Airbnb regulations and the appointment of the Collector of Delinquent Taxes coming up on 1/27. Voting will be on 1/28 and I imagine that absentee ballots can be obtained if you call the Town Building.
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
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