Newsletter Issue 23

FEATURES IN THIS ISSUE:
- FROM THE TOWN CLERK
- FROM THE ASSESSOR
- Back in the Ice Ages
- FROM THE VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT
- Newsletter has a new e-mail address & mailing address
- Interviews with town officials:
Rob Baker, Town Board
Bob Brown, Town Board
Lew Somers, Town Board
- Letters to the Editor Invitation
- New Farm Building Regulations Now In Effect
- Head Start Program – Recruiting
- Chenango Area Recover Team – help for flood victims
- Project Recovery – from Chenango Health Network
- Plymouth Picture Project – OLD or NEW
- FROM THE WATERSHED COMMITTEE
- Flood Insurance
- Bank Stabilization Methods
- From the Newsletter Staff
- Notices and ads
- CALENDAR OF EVENTS- Business Directories

FROM THE TOWN CLERK

I have a few issues I need to bring up:

Town Records: In the year 2001, I received a Grant for a Records Inventory. This was to obtain ALL Town Records scattered throughout the town that were stored in barns, cellars, etc. that were over a year old and no longer needed by the Town Official who had them. This was a necessary step to take to preserve our remaining records, as many years ago many records that were stored in a basement were destroyed by fire. Unfortunately however, after my request for all records, there was another fire that destroyed about 20 years of Justice records. I had asked that these records be turned over to me but he said they were okay, and then turned them over to another town official and were lost. I had 2 different requests from the state requiring the disposition of cases many years ago and had no record as they were burned.

Per the "Record Retention and Disposition Schedule MU-1" published by the State of New York, there are many records that are required to be kept 50 years or more, or to never be destroyed and to be contained in one secure place free from fire, floods or animal damage. Due to the fact that this Town does not have a Municipal Building containing a fire proof room, I requested of the Town Board and received a container which provides security from all of the above threats. Therefore, I am asking once again that all Town officials with records over a year old, to be turned over to me as required to avoid any more losses.

Dog Licensing: I find once again that there are dogs that are not being licensed. The Town is once again in need of a dog enumerator to rectify this problem. If anyone is interested in this job, please contact me at 336-2116.

Also, there is a "Dog Control Law" in the Town of Plymouth that has been in effect since 2003. This means that all dogs are to be kept confined to their own property and not running rampant all over, as I have witnessed many times throughout the town. At this time of year dogs are known to pack up and chase deer, which is against the law. Anyone wishing a copy of this law can receive a copy by contacting me, your Town Clerk. If you love your pet and want nothing to happen to it, keep it home.

Taxes: Just a reminder that each month you are late in paying yours taxes, there will be an additional 1% penalty incurred. The final date to pay taxes at my office is May31st, as shortly thereafter, remaining unpaid taxes will be turned over to the county tax collectors office.

Finally I wish to thank Pete Marshall for seeing that the Town Clerk’s driveway is kept open and free of ice to prevent injury to the towns people coming to my office on business.

On a final note, wishing you all a good spring, hopefully it doesn't rain with all this snow, and cause any more flooding.

Marie Whaley, Town Clerk, 336-2116; hours: W, Th, F 3-7; Sat 9-1

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FROM THE ASSESSOR

What an unusual winter this has been. Two storms, one in February and the last yesterday (March 15th). Sure hope this is our last one because Spring is supposed to be next week.

Have to thank all those that got their exemption applications to me on time.

Must stress the new address I have (since November 2006). The Forest exemption property owners are still sending them to PO Box 913. Kindly change your records for next year. You should be using 130 Beale Street, Norwich, NY 13815. I know quite a few send them with return receipt. After one year they will no longer be forwarded but sent back to you. So that means the next mailing of exemptions must have the correct address or they will not be received on time (March 1st)l. We had an Assessor's meeting February 15th at the City of Norwich conference room. A few Assessors were there along with Ed Smith with ORPS, Syracuse. We again addressed the issue of County Wide Assessing. All are not in
favor of this.

If anyone has any concerns or issues to discuss with me, kindly feel free to do so at 607-336-4600 or drop me a line.

Mary Manley, Assessor

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BACK IN THE ICE AGES

(picture here)
by Patrick Bankich, freelance reporter


Despite what some people may believe, there actually was a time when you could not simply walk over to the refrigerator, open the door, and pull out a carton of milk to pour into your coffee. Back in the day, you had more to worry about in terms of your food spoiling than simply making sure the fridge stayed plugged in. Some of you reading this today may question how this amazing feat was accomplished. Others, including Mary Slater, Plymouth resident, will remember the icehouses of old as a vivid memory.

Mrs. Slater describes her family’s icehouse as a large box built so that the top was positioned a short distance above the path leading to it. As soon as the ponds were frozen thick enough, they would begin to cut the ice. The blocks were cut to the approximate dimensions of 22” x 24” and were then handled using ice tongs. These tongs resembled those pictured above. After the blocks were dragged to the icehouse, they were slid down to the bottom. According to Mary, they continued to slide the blocks into the house until the bottom tier was full. They would then shovel snow on top of the ice and pack it in between the blocks to keep them from freezing together. After the snow was packed in, sawdust was packed around the outside edges and about an inch of snow was piled on top. This was repeated until the ice was stacked to the top of the icehouse. Mary said that this process of filling the entire house took about a week. She also mentioned that before they filled their own house, they would lend their neighbors a hand with theirs. Amazingly, this ice would last them into the fall of the next year, using a half a block at a time to keep the milk cans cold.

Some people might read this and praise God for technology. Although the electric refrigerator, along with many other modern conveniences, has made life a lot simpler, the old way of doing things might not have been that bad. “I loved to cut ice” is the spirited remark from Mary that proves this to be true.


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FROM THE PLYMOUTH VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

Well now we are getting into the spring time and it will be time to do your yard work and burning your brush and tree limbs that fell over the winter. I would like to take this time to give you some hints when burning your brush. If it is dry and windy, burning your brush would not be a good idea. Your fire could start a grass fire or even worst set your house or other buildings on fire. If you are burning make sure you have a garden hose next to the burn pile and if all possible wet the area around your burn pile, also when you are burning your brush make sure you are there watching it at all times. If you are burning and you leave it unintended and the fire department is called to come put the fire out, you could get a fine from the D.E.C. If you have any questions on burning or what you could burn, feel free to call me at 334-6805 or stop in the fire house on any Wednesday night.

Also I am happy to say that the fire department received a $64,000.00 grant from F.E.M.A. This money we received had bought the department a therm-imaging camera and full turn out gear for all our firefighters. Two years ago the department got the same grant and bought 12 state of the art S.C.B.A. (self-contained-breathing-apparatus). Between the grants the department received and what the fire department has bought for equipment, we have saved the tax-payers over $120,000.00. And by the end of March the fire department is taking the delivery of a new 2006 International engine . The department members and I would like to say thank-you to all the tax-payers for this new truck which was needed to better serve our community.

Thank You and Be Safe
Mathew Bates, Plymouth Fire Chief


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NEWSLETTER HAS A NEW E-MAIL ADDRESS AND MAILING ADDRESS

You may now send your change of address, articles, information, complaints, comments to our new e-mail address: plymouthnewsletter@frontiernet.net. New mailing address: Plymouth Newsletter, 213 Pierce Road, Plymouth, NY 13832.

Hope this helps bring in your freelance articles for publication!!

Sandy Bonell Pierce, Temporary Editor, 334-3481

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INTERVIEW WITH TOWN BOARD MEMBER: ROB BAKER

1. Tell us about your family.
Hello, I'm Rob Baker, one of your Town Councilmen. Allow me to introduce myself, and my family - my wife Zoe', and my two sons - Stanton (age 5) and Bryce (age 3). Oh yeah - we have one on the way too! We moved here from Fredericksburg, Virginia when I got out of the Marine Corps after 12 years, but we're both originally from nearby. My wife grew up in South New Berlin, her maiden name is Thomsen. I grew up in North Norwich at Stanton's Farm Market, graduating from Sherburne Earlville in 1987.
2. What is your occupation?
In 1991, upon graduating from the Naval Academy, I entered the Marine Corps and I served 5 years in Camp Pendleton, CA, then attended the Naval Postgraduate School for 2 years for my Masters, served 4 years in Quantico, totaling nearly 12 years in the Marines. In September 2003, we got out of the Marine Corps (we wanted our kids to be close to their Grandparents), and we moved home. I took a job working for a DoD Contractor, representing the Marine Corps at Lockheed Martin in Owego, NY but working from home. Four months after being home and just getting used to civilian life, I was recalled back to the Marines to Camp Lejeune, NC to the 2nd Marine Division as a Reservist in January 2003 for 2 years - yes, I got to go to Fallujah / Al Anbar, Iraq. Zoe' and Stanton stayed here, Bryce was born 5 months after I was recalled and I came home when I could. I demobilized and came home in January of 2005.
Currently, I am a Department of Defense Contractor working from my home working for Ocean Systems Engineering Corporation (OSEC) with a title of Senior Engineer. I support the Marine Corps in Quantico, Virginia, working as the Software Test lead on a Joint Service Command and Control mapping software application - one that plots where all our troops are on the battlefield and more. I travel frequently to San Diego, CA, Charleston, SC as well as to Quantico, Va.
I am also a Lieutenant Colonel in the Marine Corps Reserves - having just attained this rank in November of 2006. I am a Command and Control Systems Officer with the Marines, and I am currently drilling with the Marine Air Ground Task Force Staff Training Program in Quantico, Va as an Intelligence Officer. I now have 15.5 years with the Marines - 5 or more to go. I plan on doing this contractor work for a few more years, with an ultimate goal of landing a job teaching high school math and coaching Track and Cross Country locally in this area.
3. How long have you done this?
Like I said above, since January 2005.
4. Tell us about your home/neighborhood.
We live on County Route 16 near State Route 23, on the corner of Pierce Road and CR 16 at the old goat farm that we bought from Dave Funk - where the shiny Airstream trailers are - Yes, one of my passions is restoring these Vintage relics.
5. How long have you lived in the town?
We've been slowing working on the house making it ours…wow - we've already been here in Plymouth over 4 years now. It doesn't seem possible. We moved here to Plymouth in July of 2002.


6. What do you like best about the town?
We really like the country aspect / small town atmosphere of Plymouth and low cost of living as compared to Northern Virginia or California. We really like that we are just outside of Norwich, it is a short trip to Binghamton, Utica, or Syracuse. We love Plymouth's central location! Plus it is close to our parents. Here in Central NY we have the four seasons and are relatively safe except for the floods - but we have no Earthquakes (like we did in California), no Hurricanes (like we did in North Carolina). Location, location, location! We have great neighbors too!
7. What would you change if you could?
I would get cell phone service to the Plymouth area. For work, I'm contacted via cell phone, but if I am working at home, they can't - no cell service in Stuart's Corners - just like your place I bet. Our town needs cell phone service - for the Town Highway, for Emergencies, for Safety. I would also put a slower speed limit on the County Route 16 here at Stewarts Corners - I swear the traffic is practicing for the Nextel Cup.
8. How long have you served on the Plymouth town board?
Since January of 2006, a little over a year now.
9. When did you first start serving in public office?
January 2006, I was elected in November 2005.
10. What motivated you to serve on the town board?
I wanted to give something to my town. I also wanted to be involved in what goes on here. I've already learned a ton, and continue to do so. My family has long been involved in small town politics, with my Grandfather, Don Stanton, serving North Norwich as Supervisor, Highway Superintendent, and Town Councilman, my Aunt has been North Norwich's town clerk for over 25 years, and my dad has been a North Norwich Town Justice for over 10 years. I guess you could say it's in the family. I just want to make a difference if I can - and one of the ways to do that, I believe, is to be involved. So, I ran for Town Council and was elected.
11. What would you like to see for the future of our town?
A Town Building / location with public Internet access - wifi. Better communications between the town board and the residents. (this newsletter is great!) Cellular phone Service. A town web site. A Rail Trail. I want Plymouth to be the envy of the State. We need a town facility to house our town government. Ideally, this would be a town hall with a nice little town park that our Residents can utilize and get something back in return. Coming home to visit my parents, on leave, I grew accustomed to the nice little park that the town of North Norwich has - their residents use that little park alot. Our town clerk and one of our justices work out of their house. I've always wondered why we do not have a Town Hall. As I travel across Chenango County, I see other towns with these facilities, but not Plymouth - Why? I want to see a Town Hall at a minimum. A nice Playground would be nice. Wifi in the town hall - a place where people can go to access the internet. The closest right now is the Norwich library. Why? One other item I would like to see is solid Cellular service on our two corridors - up Rt 16 which is a major corridor to Syracuse, and SR 23, a major corridor to Cortland and I81. I feel it is not only a convenience issue, but one of safety as well. A town web site would be nice - it will aid in better communications. I would love to see a Rail trail (http://www.railstotrails.org/index.html ) from Plymouth to Norwich - connecting us to our “Down Stream” neighbor. That's a long term item but I feel something like that could be accomplished.
12. What do you like best about serving our community on the board?
Being part of the decision making process within the town to hopefully be bettering the town. A side benefit is getting to know more of my neighbors and fellow residents. Seeing Democracy in action, even at this low level, is great too - being able to freely hear what our residents are concerned about and their views are precious! With what I've seen, we have it VERY good compared to other places in the world - and many take it for granted!
13. What do you like least about it?
Three things. First, that not everyone can be satisfied all the time. Second, that my job takes me away often and that I am not here as much as I wish I was for the town. I do not like that. Another item that I think could be changed is that I do not get the chance to meet more people as not many people attend the board meetings (2nd Monday of the Month at the Fire House beginning at 7pm). Come on down and see what your town board is doing for us!

14. When does your term end?
In 2008 I think.
15. Will you run again?
Yes! My job takes me away a lot. This makes it hard to make every board meeting - but I have many times drove home from Virginia, usually from Reserves, to make the board meeting, and return to VA upon the board meeting adjourning. My future aspirations are Town Supervisor (when I am working locally), Chairman of the County Board of Supervisors, and I have always thought of running for Congress in the future. Who knows where the road will take me.

End interview

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INTERVIEW WITH TOWN BOARD MEMBER: BOB BROWN

1. Tell us about your family.
I was born and brought up in Plymouth.
2. What is your occupation?
Retired.
3. How long have you done this?
Retired about 14 years ago.
4. Tell us about your home/neighborhood.
I live in a farming community. The closest working farm is about 4 miles away.
5. How long have you lived in the town?
I have lived here all of my life except for about eight years.
6. What do you like best about the town?
I like to live in the country. The town of Plymouth is quiet and rural.

7. What would you change if you could?
I’m pretty much satisfied with Plymouth just the way it is.
8. How long have you served on the Plymouth town board?
Many, many, many years on and off. I’d have to go back and research it to be more accurate..
9. When did you first start serving in public office?
Back in the late 70’s or early 80’s.
10. What motivated you to serve on the town board?
So I could understand how the town operates, how the money is spent, and I always figured everyone should serve at least once in some elected office to know how it works so when it’s time to vote you know what’s going on and can vote intelligently.
11. What would you like to see for the future of our town?
I’d like to see us have a town hall. That’s one of the biggest things we need. We need a place for meetings and Plymouth Days. I’d like to see a park again. Many people really miss having one. It’s a nice place for our families to go.
12. What do you like best about serving our community on the board?
I have more information and know what’s going on – what the town wants to do and what it doesn’t want to do. More people should let us know what’s on their minds.
13. What do you like least about it?
I like pretty much like everything about being on the board. I can’t think of anything right now that I don’t like.
14. When does your term end?
I have two more years, I think 2009.
15. Will you run again?
I haven’t made up my mind yet.

End interview

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INTERVIEW WITH TOWN BOARD MEMBER: LEWIS SOMERS

1. Tell us about your family.
I’ve lived in this neck of the woods for 50 years, only being away for two years when I was in the service. I have nine grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren. They’re all pretty much grown up now.
2. What is your occupation?
I’m a retired machinist and maintenance worker from the Norwich Pharmaceutical Company.
3. How long have you done this?
I worked for the company for 38 years.
4. Tell us about your home/neighborhood.
I live on Route 23 and have relatives living on both sides - just below Bob Brown.
5. How long have you lived in the town?
I have lived here almost all my life.
6. What do you like best about the town?
Never really gave it a thought. Most of the people here are very friendly. I like the cold weather even better than the warm.
7. What would you change if you could?
I’ll get back to you on that. I’ll have to give it some thought.
8. How long have you served on the Plymouth town board?
About 12 years.


9. When did you first start serving in public office?
With my first appointment to the town board about 12 years ago. Someone moved away and the board appointed me for the first term.
10. What motivated you to serve on the town board?
My biggest motivation is that I wanted to know what was going on in the town and I wanted to be involved. I wanted to help get things done.
11. What would you like to see for the future of our town?
We definitely need a town hall. I think we also need something more for the town garage, more acreage for the sand pile so it doesn’t make such a mess.
12. What do you like best about serving our community on the board?
I enjoy being there. I enjoy communicating with the people of the town. I just enjoy being part of the community. I like to think sometimes that my presence on the board is making a difference.
13. What do you like least about it?
Hearing about the dissatisfaction from the people of the community. We do the best we can, we’re not miracle workers.
14. When does your term end?
2007 is my last year of this term.
15. Will you run again?
I’m thinking strongly about running again.

End interview


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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR INVITATION

We would like to include letters to the editor in our newsletter. There are issues in our town that may or may not be of interest to the general Chenango County community (which can be addressed in our local papers). We live in a beautiful and (mostly) friendly community. Let’s talk to each other. Let’s find out where we agree and where we disagree. Let’s support our elected officials with constructive input. Why would anyone ever desire to be a public official? It is a thankless job and the negatives get aired far more than the positives. Whether we agree or disagree with our officials, whether we like them or not, let’s give them credit for stepping up to the plate. Thank them for their time and effort (remember, people are more apt to work harder if they’re given credit and recognition than when they’re kicked.) If you think it’s so easy, why don’t YOU run for office? A mature individual can disagree with another without being disagreeable. Remember, if you voice a complaint WITHOUT offering a possible solution, your complaint will probably not effect a change. Here are some rules of engagement:

1. I have written to local papers about 4 times in the last 30 years. All of my missives were edited. Three of the four were edited to effectively CHANGE my message! I find that offensive and NOT in the public interest. So, be aware that I WILL edit letters, if needed, but I will identify the changes as follows: (a) dotted lines […] will indicate material left out; (b) italics will indicate replaced words when clarity, corrections, or more acceptable means of expression is warranted; (c) brackets [such as this] will be used when rephrasing is necessary to either shorten the message or clarify. I will make every effort to leave the unique style of communication intact and the basic message unedited.

2. Letters which are published will include: Your name (which will be published), your address and/or property tax map ID number (which will not be published but will help me exclude non-resident or non-taxpayer letters*), your phone number (I will call each person who writes prior to its publication), your e-mail (please, please, please! – it’s so much easier and faster). (Neither your phone number nor e-mail address will be published.)

3. No personal attacks, profanity, obscene language will be accepted. Ramblings will be heavily edited if there is an identifiable message within. If there is no identifiable message, it will not be accepted. Politically incorrect statements will be left intact as long as the other rules are followed.

4. If you have a comment or complaint about this newsletter and you DON’T want it published, please make this clear. Confronting someone at that person’s place of employment about a newsletter he/she has no control over, is inappropriate. I’m the person you need to express your negative comments to. Call me, write me, e-mail me. You may even write me an anonymous letter. I promise to read it. If you want a face-to-face, come to a board meeting – I’m the current temporary editor and the Town Board is my boss.

*This newsletter is sponsored and supported by the taxpayers of the Town of Plymouth. The past procedure has been to mail directly to taxpayers at the addresses used by the County for mailing tax bills. Extra copies have been placed in or near the 2 post offices for residents of the town who do not own property. The newsletter staff feels a responsibility to include taxpayers and non-taxpayer residents in addressing issues in the town. This is our home whether we rent or own and town issues affect each of us.

Sandy Bonell Pierce, Temporary Editor, 334-3481
Send letters to the editor to:
plymouthnewsletter@frontiernet.net and use “letter to editor” in subject box,
or mail to:
Plymouth Newsletter
213 Pierce Road
Plymouth, NY 13832

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NEW FARM BUILDING REGULATIONS NOW IN EFFECT
Reprinted by permission from Cornell Cooperative Extension Newsletter, Vol. 4, Issue 2, page 5, February 2007

The New York Department of State recently issued new regulations governing the inspection of all non-residential buildings by town officials. Under these new regulations, which went into effect on January 1, 2007, all non-residential buildings, including farm buildings, will need to be inspected every three years for compliance with the property maintenance code and certain aspects of the fire safety codes.

While historically farm buildings have been exempt from the building code, they have had to adhere to the property maintenance code and fire safety code provisions dealing with general safety methodologies and practices. Unfortunately, the recently revised versions of these codes were intended for non-residential buildings such as office buildings and do not recognize the unique nature of farm buildings. They therefore have a series of requirements that could prove to be quite costly to farmers. Beyond that there has been no clear guidance given to farmers about which aspects of the fire code they need to follow.

New York Farm Bureau has been actively engaged with the Department of State over the past few months to address this situation. While the Department has committed to addressing this issue, a formal solution will not be possible until after the regulations are in place. With that in mind, the Department is advising towns to NOT inspect farm buildings until after a formal solution has been reached.

TAKE ACTION: if you are visited by a building inspector: Recognizing that not all towns may receive this position from the Department, we are advising farms to politely request that any building inspector intent on inspecting the farm to first contact:
Cheryl Fischer, P.E. Assistant Director of Code Interpretations
New York State Department of State Code Enforcement and Administration
41 State Street, Suite 1130, Albany, NY 12231
Telephone: 518-474-4073
Fax: 518-486-4487


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HEAD START PROGRAM OF OPPORTUNITIES FOR CHENANGO – 2007 Recruiting
(The following information taken from letter dated February 2007 from Opportunities For Chenango, Inc.)

Do you know of anyone in the Town of Plymouth who may be eligible for Head Start and could benefit from the many services Head Start provides (e.g., infants, toddlers and preschool children ages 3-4 identified with a disability; pregnant women; family support services). If so, the town clerk has a brochure on file in her office or you can call 334-7114.


Susan Wood, Program Coordinator Georgi Green, Family Services Coordinator
Early Head Start, ext 228 Head Start, ext 251

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CHENANGO AREA RECOVER TEAM (CART) – More Aid to June 2006 Flood Victims
News Release from Catholic Charities

Chenango County has been awarded $250,000 through the Governor’s Office for Small Cities to aid victims of the June 2006 flood. A maximum grant of $2,500 is available to qualifying households in Chenango County. CART (The Chenango Area Recovery Team) is distributing funds on behalf of the County. For further information on how to access these funds, please call First Call for Help at 1-800-227-5353.

Derek Stratton, 334-8244, dsstratton@ccofcc.com


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PROJECT RECOVERY IN CHENANGO COUNTY
(The following article is reprinted by permission and is from the Chenango Health Network)

Project Recovery in Chenango County is a program that provides informational services, public education, short term counseling and support to individuals and groups experiencing emotional reactions to the June 2006 floods in Chenango County at no cost. Project Recovery services are provided as a collaborative effort by Chenango County and Chenango Health Network. Support for this program comes from Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS). Project Recovery is administered by New York State Office of Mental Health (NYSOMH). Chenango Health Network is a rural health network whose objectives are to increase access to health and wellness information and to health care services.

The flood waters from the June 2006 flooding may have receded, but many people are still recovering. Feeling angry, depressed and overwhelmed after a disaster is not unusual, but at some point, these feelings may interfere with day-to-day functioning. Outreach workers have covered many miles canvassing the hardest hit communities by going door-to-door, talking with people, listening, exploring options and offering links to additional services.

For additional information or to request services, please call Chenango Health Network at 607-337-4128.

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PLYMOUTH PICTURE PROJECT

A new project is being started and we need your help. Do you have Plymouth pictures – OLD or NEW (e.g., school houses, Plymouth reservoir, tornado). The pictures will be copied and returned to you. We plan on using them in calendars, wall hangings, postcards, etc. These projects will benefit various Plymouth organizations, causes, fund-raisers and will be available to the public. For pick-up arrangements please contact:

Donna Ashton 607-336-7739

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2008 CALENDAR USING ABOVE PICTURES?

It has been suggested that a 2008 calendar be created with before-and-after photographs of the Town of Plymouth watershed. There is also a watershed brochure in the works to explain the work the watershed committee is doing to restore our beautiful waterways to a fish-friendly/wildlife-friendly/people-friendly environment. Please remember that a watershed starts with rainfall; therefore, every inch of the Town of Plymouth is a part of the watershed so some suggestions for photos are:
- people/animals/landscapes in the rain
- people/children swimming/fishing/playing in the creek or ponds;
- the dam at South Plymouth – especially during the 30’s and 40’s when it was
generating electricity for our community – but at any time throughout history;
- Foster Park being constructed/being used for a party;
- the old bridge in South Plymouth, the new bridge being constructed;
- the bridges at Chan-Aldrich and Moon Hill being contructed/repaired;
- any ravines/brooks/gorges/ponds/bogs in our township (the beaver dam?);
- herons, muskrats, beaver, etc. somewhere in the town;
- humor would be encouraged.
Please include the following information with the pictures:
- people in the picture (only if you want the names published);
- exact location of the photo;
- date of photo and what is happening;
- your name, address, e-mail, phone number so more information can be obtained
regarding the photo and so it can be returned.

Thank you for being an involved, supportive member of our community.

Sandy Pierce, 334-3481

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FROM THE WATERSHED COMMITTEE

As you may or may not remember the Watershed Committee filed a grant application in hopes of securing an award of funds to start work on the restoration of the creek. This was filed in October of 2006 with the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation. This was a 50/50 grant and the total amount of the estimated cost of repairs (only a start of the restoration required) was $351,800. We were asking for half - $175,900 (50%). The good news - The Town of Plymouth was the only municipality in Chenango County to be award a grant and for the full $175,900. Now it is up to the whole community to get involved as in order to actually receive the funds, we need to raise another $175,900 in money and in-kind- services. This will take all of us and more.

The Department of Environmental Conservation, Department of Transportation, Chenango County Soil & Water, immediately, upon notification of this award, started to get together to set a date (end of March/first of April) for the first "planning" session, with your Watershed represented, to determine the best way to restore our portion of the Canasawacta Creek. Updates will be posted on the Plymouth Watershed Blog as we go along (http://plymouthwatershed.blogspot.com) and in the Town Of Plymouth newsletter.

The Watershed Committee has raised a little over $4,000 in funds thus far. We have other fund raisers planned for 2007 (please see the calendar of events) but it will take more than a few Pancake Breakfast, Bake Sales, etc. We need the community to turn out and support these efforts.

In the meantime, we have filed another grant application - Habitat/Access Stamp Funding Program. This was filed in February. This grant is for a maximum of $15,000 and is a "reimburse" type of grant, i.e., we spend first and then submit for reimbursement, if awarded.

The Committee also filed a "letter of intent" with NYS Emergency Management Office under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program and Flood Mitigation Assistance Program. We have been advised that based on what was described in our "letter of intent" it appears we may be eligible for funding consideration. The federal share of project costs cannot exceed 75% of the total estimated cost. The non-federal share can be all in-kind-services or a combination of cash and in-kind-services. The work on this application, however, is just starting. We hope to meet the deadline of June 1, 2007; however, there is a lot of work to this application which may include contacting some of you for further details of flood damage.

Well, that's it for now. Watch the blog, read your newsletters, call any of the committee members at any time for updates or information. Please review the calendar of events and note up-coming fund raisers and mark your own calendar. Remember - we are helping our neighbors, supporting our community and protecting our land and tax base!

Peg Kreiner, Watershed Coordinator


The Town of Plymouth Canasawacta Creek Watershed Committee would like to thank everyone that helped and/or donated to make our first fundraiser on February 24th a success. We could not have done it without your help. The winner of the Duck Quilt raffle was Michael Monroe. Congratulations.

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IMPORTANT POINTS REGARDING FLOOD INSURANCE
[Following are excerpts from the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Flood brochure]:

Losses due to flooding are not covered under most homeowners or business policies. However, flood insurance is available to protect homes and businesses and their contents in communities that participate in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). In 1968, Congress created the NFIP which provides flood insurance at a reasonable cost in exchange for the careful management of flood-prone areas by local communities.

Facts you should know:
1. There is a 26% chance of experiencing a flood during the life of a 30-year mortgage compared to a 4% chance of a fire.
2. Find out if you are located in a floodplain, which is considered a Special Flood Hazard Area. If you are, you are still eligible for flood insurance. In fact, in some cases, you may be required by law to have flood insurance. Your city or county government (start with the Building or Planning Department) has Flood Insurance Rate Maps, published by FEMA, which are available for public inspection. If your building is located in a flood zone that begins with the letter A or V, you are in a Special Flood Hazard Area.
3. The average premium is approximately $400 per year depending on where you live and the coverage you choose.
4. In low-to-moderate risk areas, coverage can be purchased for just over $100 a year.
5. Buy as much flood coverage as you can. Primary residences insured for 80% of their value, or the maximum amounts available, get replacement cost coverage. It pays the amount needed to repair or replace most of the building elements up to the policy limits, without deduction for depreciation, once repairs are made.
6. There is a 30-day waiting period from the time a policy is purchased until you are covered, with the following exceptions:
There is no waiting period if you have an existing flood insurance policy and an additional amount of flood insurance is required with the making, increasing, extending or renewing of a loan, such as a second mortgage, home equity loan, or refinancing. Coverage is effective immediately, as long as the premium is presented at or prior to loan closing.
There is no waiting period when flood insurance is required as a result of a lender determining that a loan which does not have flood insurance should be protected by flood insurance. Coverage is effective immediately, as long as the premium is presented at the completion of a loan application.
There is a one-day waiting period when an additional amount of insurance is required as a result of a map revision. This applies when the map revision is from a non-Special Flood Hazard Area to a Special Flood Hazard Area and only if the endorsement is received within 13 months following the map revision. The increased amount of coverage will be available 24 hours after the amount of coverage is applied for and the additional premium is made.
7. Flood insurance is required by law in some instances. To get Federally secured financing to buy, refinance, build, repair, reconstruct or improve structures in Special Flood Hazard Areas, you may be required to purchase flood insurance. This includes most types of mortgage loans, as well as FHA and VA loans.
8. A flood insurance policy also reimburses you for actions you take to prevent flood damage. For example, costs for moving insured contents, in imminent danger of flooding, to a safe location are reimbursed up to $1,000 with no deductible. Other costs, such as for sandbags, plastic sheeting and lumber, pumps, fill for temporary levees, and wood to save the building can be reimbursed up to a limit of $1,000 with no deductible.

For more information about the NFIP and flood insurance, contact your insurance company or agent, or call the NFIP at 1-888-CALL-FLOOD, ext. 314.

Make sure you consult your Agent /Broker to clarify any of the above information and to get more detailed information. Do not make decisions concerning a policy until you are satisfied with the answers (i.e., limits, deductible, Co-Insurance, coverage limitations and coverage format).

Walter O. Rogers Insurance Services
26 Fair Street, Norwich, NY 13815

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BANK STABILIZATION METHODS

Since State and Federal laws prohibit straightening and deepening the Canasawacta Creek to solve our erosion and flooding problems, we must use other methods to restore our watershed.

Streambank erosion generally occurs as a result of the action of stream flow against the toe (base) of an unprotected slope. While placing stone rip-rap, railroad ties, or concrete on an eroding streambank appears to solve the problem, these practices are often prone to failure during flood waters as they do not stabilize the toe properly. Another problem with "hard" solutions is that they do not dissipate any of the excess stream energy that was causing the erosion problem; rather they transfer and sometimes amplify this energy to the next section of unprotected streambank, creating a new set of problems. Unless the entire stream is treated with a hard solution, a costly and unsightly option, the erosion problem is usually not solved, only transferred and usually causing increased erosion.

In contrast, the use of vegetation in stabilizing streambanks is a proven low-cost, highly effective solution. Native vegetation features extensive root systems which help bind the soil to the bank. The top growth serves to deflect erosive stream flows away from the bank, while dissipating the energy of the stream. Vegetation techniques typically involve conducting a minimum amount of exposed area, and implementing appropriate erosion control practices until the vegetation becomes fully established. However, it is important for the streambanks to be in good condition before this method takes effect and we all know that we have areas where vegetation will not work and is being eaten away every rain fall.

In areas where rapid stream flow occurs during rain events, a combination of vegetation and structural solutions may be more appropriate. A number of "bio-technical" practices are available, including A-Jack Structures, and Rock Vains. In larger streams, these practices can also provide habitat for many types of fish. This past summer the DOT and DEC installed riparian habitat restoration techniques (rock vains) in the Canasawacta Creek near the intersection of State Route 23 and Chad Aldrich road. Rock vains were installed upstream of the bridge to direct the current towards the inside of the curve which scours a deep navigational channel and slows the current on the outside of the curve reducing erosion. Although this past flood caused some damage to their efforts, the rock vains did reduce the majority of erosion on the outside of the large curve.

On the downstream side of the bridge, DOT and DEC stabilized the right streambank with a buried rockwall. Although this wall did not contain all the water, it did maintain the bank and reduce the amount of water and sediment deposited on private property. Please take a look to see how these structures are designed to work. DOT is aware that the structures need repair and possible improved design and are currently working on that. They are consulting an engineer to improve their efforts.

Because problems result from poorly designed and constructed projects, the Plymouth Watershed Committee is seeking professional assistance in determining the causes of the streambank erosion problem, as well as identifying alternatives for solutions. The regulatory agencies have been very helpful and continue to assist the town of Plymouth to solve our creek problems.

Ken Manley, Jr., Technical Support, Watershed Committee, 334-9582


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FROM THE NEWSLETTER STAFF

We had a rough start getting the newsletter off the ground. Our first two issues had to be mailed first-class due to issues and events too numerous to report. This actually worked to our advantage, though. The county provided the mailing labels and many newsletters came back “undeliverable”. (The post office will not return bulk mail pieces with bad addresses.) We’ll attempt to maintain our own mailing list for future issues, and need your help to keep the addresses up-to-date. Thank you, to the people who gave us their e-mail addresses to receive future newsletters. Thank you, also to the people who sent donations.

The newsletter will continue on our blog (http://plymouthwatershed.blogspot.com). The blog version will be exactly the same as the mailed or e-mailed copies with one exception - the Business Directory. The blog will not have this. We are discussing the possibility that Plymouth businesses can get free advertising on the blog in exchange for a donation to any Plymouth not-for-profit cause. This is in the planning stages and we invite your comments and ideas. Businesses receive free listings in the newsletter directory. (Doesn’t it just beg the question of why over 50 businesses haven’t yet contacted us for their free listing?)

Ever wonder why the newsletter stopped a few years ago? Lack of help. When very few people are expected to do a very large project, you can expect burn-out. It’s only a matter of time, probably, before I burn out, too. “We” (the community) need reporters to go out and get Plymouth stories. Is anyone out there willing to cover school issues? Is anyone willing to interview our businesses and write about them (we’ll provide a template of questions to make it easy). Is anyone willing to cover board meetings? With over 1,000 residents/taxpayers is it really practical to expect all to come to every board meeting in a small room with horrible acoustics? (Board meetings are open to the public, by the way.)

The current newsletter was started because members of our community had massive damage to their homes and property due to flooding. No one landowner could stand up to the major obstacles government regulations placed before us. Many people did not know that others faced the same problem (some on-going since the 1980’s). Our neighbors have faced losing their homes and some have left – broken and broke. The newly formed watershed committee needed a way to communicate with concerned landowners (87 have been identified so far).

Other disasters can happen to our community in addition to flooding – building fires, forest fires, chemical spills, tornadoes, hurricanes, blizzards, drought, terrorist attacks, earth quakes to name just a few. The town is working with the county to prepare an “All-hazard Mitigation Plan”. We as a community need to be prepared for all types of disasters, but please don’t leave all the work up to our elected officials – that might take too long. Don’t expect the over-worked current slate of volunteers to do it all (fire department, watershed committee, planning board, etc.), that’s not fair. Come forward and volunteer to work on a committee or join the fire department or auxiliary. Many hands make light work.

To keep the newsletter a viable and productive entity for the benefit of ALL residents (the hill dwellers and the flat landers, the wilderness folks and hamlet dwellers, the owners and renters, the young and the old, etc.) volunteers need to offer articles and information of interest. If you aren’t comfortable with writing, NOT TO WORRY!! There are people willing to edit your material as long as you provide the story and do the research. Why not volunteer to be a ghost writer for these timid reporters?

Bottom line: this is YOUR newsletter. Although I am the focal point (lightning rod?) for criticism, YOU will be held accountable for making the changes and improvements necessary.

Sandy Bonell Pierce, Temporary, non-paid Volunteer Editor, 334-3481
plymouthnewsletter@frontiernet.net


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JUST FOR FUN PAGE

Perhaps in future newsletters this space will be filled with letters to the editor, art work from our town’s youth, cartoons created by Plymouth citizens, puzzles created by our citizens, help-wanted ads, lost/found, party announcements, and whatever else you desire.
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LOVING CAT NEEDS A HOME – FREE: Someone dropped a young neutered male tabby cat off on our farm last fall. He is very people oriented – even loves our vet and staff. We tried to integrate him into our farm and 3 other cats. Problem is he is a loner. He will not accept the other cats and harasses them to the point of not allowing them into our house! He would be perfect for a single-pet family. Very sweet natured and likes being indoors or out. He has had all his shots and is very healthy. Call 334-3481.

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From the internet: Cats have more than 100 vocal sounds, while dogs only have about ten. Meowing is reserved for humans. A cat will almost never meow at another cat.

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“If you can’t get rid of the family skeleton, you may as well make it dance.”
G. B. Shaw

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“Business is like riding a bicycle – either you keep moving or you fall down.”
Source Unknown

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What is the medical student’s favorite section in the textbook? (answer on page 18)

Upcoming Events:

Wednesday May 9 4:30 p.m. Roast Beef & Macaronit and Cheese Dinner at Plymouth United Methodist Church

Friday May 11 7:00 p.m. Movie: Charlotte’s Web, new release, at Canasawacta Free Methodist Church

Monday May 14 7:00 p.m. Town Board Meeting in Firehouse; public is invited and encouraged to attend board meetings

Thursday May 17 5:30 p.m. Faith Based 4-H, Canasawacta Free Methodist Church

Saturday May 19 7:00 a.m. Pancake Breakfast sponsored by the Plymouth Fire Department for the benefit of the watershed restoration

Friday June 8 7:00 p.m. Movie: TBA, at Canasawacta Free Methodist Church

Monday June 11 7:00 p.m. Town Boad Meeting in Firehouse; public is invited and encouraged to attend board meetings

Wednesday June 13 4:30 p.m. Chicken & Biscuits Dinner at Plymouth United Methodist Church

Friday June 15 8:00 p.m. DEADLINE to get July thru September dates to be listed in this CALENDAR OF EVENTS, call 334-3481

Thursday June 21 5:30 p.m. Faith Based 4-H, Canasawacta Free Methodist Church

Friday July 13 8:00 p.m. Dance sponsored by the Plymouth Volunteer Fire Department for the benefit of the watershed