Plymouth Watershed

2009-06-09T10:52:00.001-07:00

Please see updated information below for the months of May and June 2009 along with pictures of work completed and work the Plymouth Watershed is doing. Please contact Peg Kreiner for any information or questions - skreiner@roadrunner.com or call 607-334-8764.

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June 2009

The Watershed rented space at the Fair Grounds during the Antique Car Show over the memorial weekend. As part of the educational portion of our mission the committee decided to attend this show in order to make more contact with people. In the past we have used the Chenango County Fair as our large contact but this has been at a cost of over $300 for the week and last year we all agreed that we did not feel we were reaching enough people through this venue. The Rolling Antique Car Show was very successful for us. We reached more people in 2 days then in the full week of the Fair at a cost of $35 (and the cost of the booth was donated).

As reported last month, the Watershed did conduct a planting on Saturday, June 6. Sandy Bar willows and approximately 200 StreamCo willows (benefit from Trout Unlimited) were planted along the completed rock structures, meanders and stream line starting at Elbertson’s, down through Marks and then through Fosters property. We managed to plant approx. 1,100 willows with a very small crew. Peg Kreiner is now trying to get in 1 more planting before the end of June but it will be dependent on work being completed in the next area which the committee believes would be Browns, however, the committee needs to check with the Carl Swartz, F&W and Peg has a message out to him.

The Watershed has also been made aware of an “Embrace A Stream” project which has a proposal date of November 20, 2009. We are not, at this time, sure exactly what this is or how it works. It appears to be attached to Trout Unlimited. Peg is checking with Gary Sweet, the current president of the local Trout Unlimited Chapter.

Current monthly fund raisers are on a “hold” pattern until September of this year. This is based on previous years and the fact that attendance to dinners, breakfasts, etc., dips down during the summer months and does not make it profitable for the Watershed.

2009-06-09T10:32:00.000-07:00

May 2009

The majority of the work on Elbertson’s down to Hendrixson’s is complete as far as rock structures. As with previous sites there is some adjustments to be made, but overall, everything is in place. There are some pictures attached to the report to give you an idea of the work done.

Work is on-going and the contractor has moved down to Benson’s. Here again at different sites you will see piles of large stone so this will provide you with some idea of where the work is headed if you are out for a drive. We hope to get down to at least Moon Hill before the end of the summer but time will tell. Plans for one area will have to be revised as the property owner is not willing to sign the permission form, therefore, we are unable to touch/set foot on his land. DEC, S&W, Fish & Wildlife have been advised.

For the areas that have been completed or “nearly” completed the next step is planting. Again, you will see some pictures attached as we had a “planting session” on Sunday, April 26. I have also attached the actual Planting Project Plan” for the area we completed. I want all to be aware that the Watershed was able to have these plants donated along with the actual grass seed. As you can see, a lot was done on that day and all in all, those that participated I believe found that with the right number of people you can get a lot of planting done in a matter of hours. We managed to plant 325 seedlings in addition to spreading the American beach grass, all taking less than 3 hours.

The Watershed is now planning for 1-2 more planting sessions probably the first week and 3rd week of June (these are very tentative). At these sessions we will be planting only Sand Bar Willows. Since these seedlings will be placed on the meanders’ of the creek and close to the water dates are really weather dependent and I am sure that if it is a bit cold out it may keep some of our volunteers away. Again, the Watershed would like the board and town’s people to be aware that we have managed to obtain 3,000 Sandy Bar willows at no cost to us.

2009-04-13T08:50:00.000-07:00

April 2009

Work continues on the creek last areas worked were Elbertsen, Foster and Richards land. On a good day if you wish you may be able to see some of the work that has actually been done and what we consider “major.” The reason we call it major work is that we have pushed the creek back to about where it was and also have put more curves back rather than a “straight” shoot. As you may or may not be aware in doing this, building in curves rather than just digging down and making it deeper, actually slows the flow during times of higher water.

As previously noted work started around D. Browns property. We were notified that some were concerned as it appeared that some of the rock structures “blew out” already. This is true, however, you have to keep in mind that we will be going back and checking to see how things hold. As with any new structures, you may think they are secure, then the ground may shift a little from the weight thus moving parts a little. This happens with new homes, i.e., settling in. As indicated, we are keeping an eye on things.

The next schedule section is Section 3 which is Billie Hendrix and Mike Monroe property. The contractor will start by staging rock in section 3. Actual structures may start as soon as Wednesday/Thursday of this week. Section 4 is Benson. All work is weather dependent but obviously things are moving forward.

Our fund raisers continue – breakfast, raffles, dinners, etc. We plan to attend the Antique Car Show this year as we will take the Air Stream down and this will be the last big push on selling tickets for the Air Stream. We will continue selling tickets through the end of August with the drawing to be held in September of this year. Unfortunately the economic situation did not help us with this raffle, however, we still have managed to raise over $2,000 with the final count to be done as indicated, end of August.

Next fund raiser – Breakfast “Eggs Your Way” at the Plymouth Fire Hall on April 18TH.

2009-01-15T13:39:00.000-08:00

UPCOMING FUND RAISERS FOR 2009:

Our "famous" Breakfast is back (held at Plymouth Fire Hall). We have pancakes, eggs "your way," wheat or white toast, bacon, sausage, sausage gravy and biscuits, OJ, hashbrowns, coffee, tea, come eat!!

We will be ready to serve you starting at 8 a.m. until 11 a.m. on the following dates:
January 17, 2009
February 21, 2009
March (look below for another "famous" dinner)
April 18, 2009
(future dates will be posted)

MARCH 21, 2009 - Back by popular demand our "Spaghetti Dinner"
We offer: Spaghetti and meatballs (homemade meatballs)
WARM Garlic Bread or WARM Buttered Bread (Italian)
Salad with "all" the fixings, i.e., croutons, tomatoes cucumbers, chopped egg, cheese, bacon bits
Grated Parm Cheese and/or Hot Pepper Flakes
Choices of Dressing for Salad
Coffee, Tea, Water, Hot Cocoa

We have been told that our sauce is some of the best there is. Remember to come try it out on March 21st.

JANUARY 2009 UPDATE

2009-01-15T13:24:00.000-08:00

WORK ON THE CREEK
After securing $192,000 of government funds, a contract went out for bid. Jeff Bethin of JB’s Excavation Services was awarded the contract. Mr. Bethin has extensive experience working on creek/stream restoration. Work has actually started up again. If you go west on 23 and as you reach Mr. Dealton Brown’s please look over to your left. You will notice large rocks in one area (approx. 100ft long) that have been placed along the bank. Then you note two cross vanes (approx. 50ft apart). The creek was dug down deeper in this area. The rocks placed along the banks to help hold the soil/plants and and assist with stopping further erosion. The cross vanes create a waterfall effect which, over time, will make deep pools.

In addition to the work going on around Brown’s, extensive work is planned for other areas such as the property owned by M. Monroe. In area's such as Mr. Monroe's, plans are to push the creek back to where it use to flow. Pushing it back to its original path to simulate a more "natural" flow. In these areas the creek has jumped its original banks and has found a straighter path towards the Chenango River. With a more "natural" creek meanders towards its destination in an effort to slow velocity and decrease erosive actions.

In addition the Watershed Committe will be contacting the USDA Plant Materials Center in order to determine the types of plants required in areas where work has/well be completed. Plants are necessary as like the rocks, will help hold the soil and assist with stopping further eroison. Money raised through fund raisers, raffles, donations, etc., will be used for the plants. None of the government funds will be used as those dollars are targeted only for the heavy equipment, rocks, etc., that are required.

This is only a "drop in the bucket" but it is a start. We realize there is still lots of work to be done. If any one would like to help, please contact:

Peg Kreiner (607) 334-8764 or email skreiner@roadrunner.com

PICTURE BELOW: this is an example of work planned; the yellow shows where plans are to push the creek back. In addition the straight yellow lines represent rock and/or log weir placement

UP COMING FUND RAISERS

2008-10-13T12:21:00.000-07:00

Fund Raisers are held at: The Plymouth Fire House on Route 23, South Plymouth

Coming on Saturday, October 18, 2008 "EGGS YOUR WAY" breakfast starting at 8:00 a.m.

On Saturday, November 15, 2008 we are holding a Turkey Dinner with all the fixings including homemade desserts. We start serving at 4:00 p.m. and will continue until 8:00 p.m. (unless all our turkey runs away; so, come early!!

December 13, 2008 we will be serving another one of our famous breakfast, BUT, with some special sweets for the holiday season. Same time - 8:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.

OCTOBER 2008 UPDATE

2008-10-13T11:54:00.000-07:00

The Watershed met with Fish & Wildlife, Chenango Soil and Water, National Resource Conservation Services representatives and Jeff Bemthin Excavating, the contractor who was awarded the bid to start the work on the stabilization of the creek, last month.

The Contractor would like to start work on our stabilization project this month, October 2008. Work will begin at the upper end (Pharsalia/Plymouth) and continue down stream. Mr.Bemthin owns his own rock quarry and has had extensive experience on stabilization of creeks/streams. He is in hopes that he will be able to begin and place several weirs and or j-hooks (according to Chris Henry, Engineer NRCS plans) before the weather turns. The current work plan is to try and get at least 20 – 25% of the heavy work in the upper portion done this year and the remainder in the Spring of 2009.

Please keep in mind that we have secured $192,000 and this will not go the full 6 mile stretch nor will this money and work cover all that needs to be accomplished. We are in hopes that at a minimum we will be able to stretch the money to at least getting rock weirs, etc., placed down through to Moon Hill (again, finishing up what can be done by Spring of 2009). All will is dependent on the cost and weather as to how much can be done and how fast. The Watershed is continuing it’s work with Chenango Soil & Water and the Upper Susquehanna Coalition to obtain additional funds. Chenango Soil & Water and the Watershed have both written letters of support of the Upper Susquehanna Coalition for additional funding in calendar year 2009 to be made available for wet lands and stabilization of creeks/streams. Approximately $15,000 of the $192,000 was provided to the Town Of Plymouth Watershed from the Coalition through Chenango Soil & Water for work here in our area.

The Watershed Committee has mailed out the appropriate documents for land owners to sign and return giving permission for the work to be done on their property. Not ALL land owners will receive a mailing at this time. We have targeted those at the upper end of the watershed at this time since that is where work will start.

The shed held a Spag. Dinner last month which went very well raising close to $300. We have a breakfast this Saturday, October 18 – 8 to 11 a.m. here at the fire hall. Current plans are to have a turkey dinner in November and a breakfast in December with some extra “sweets” based on the holiday season. Once again I would like to encourage all of you and then ask you to encourage others to come to these breakfast/dinners as the money does go directly back in to the community.

Watershed Fundraiser

2008-03-08T08:14:00.000-08:00

The Plymouth Watershed Committee is doing an Airstream Fundraiser to raise funds for a matching state grant that they have secured for projects on our local watershed.

We are very excited to offer the prize: a 1964 AIRSTREAM Trade Wind 24’ Travel Trailer w/ a new axle.

So now's your chance to listen to Wally Byam - the founder of Airstream:

"Don’t stop. Keep right on going. Hitch up your trailer and go to Canada or down to Old Mexico. Head for Europe, if you can afford it, or go to the Mardi Gras. Go someplace you’ve heard about, where you can fish or hunt or collect rocks or just look up at the sky. Find out what’s at the end of some country road. Go see what’s over the next hill, and the one after that, and the one after that." This is the message and the legacy of Wally Byam – founder of Airstream.

Become a member of the WBCCI (you have to own an Airstream) and begin your dream of adventure and exploration – all in your very own Airstream.

The how - tickets are $25 each. Once the Watershed sells 400 tickets, they’ll draw a winner. So here’s your chance to win big! We are putting a new axle under this baby, the polishing has been started and if I get the time, I will have at least the first cut completed. This trailer will need to be restored, but it’s a chance to have a clean canvas for your own customized Airstream! Interior is all there and the outside shell is near perfect - so Start DREAMING now!

HOW TO GET TICKETS? Mail $25 x (# of tickets requested) to:

Plymouth Watershed

c/o: Margaret Kreiner, Chair, Ply. Watershed
3668 State Hwy 23
South Plymouth, New York 13844

More pictures soon too. We are printing tickets up now and as soon as that is ready, we'll post more information. Good luck!

January 2008 Update

2008-02-06T03:19:00.001-08:00

Watershed Update: January 2008

Much has happened since the inception of your Plymouth Watershed Committee and there is much more to do. Your Watershed is just a little over a year old now. As we have previously indicated, setting out to restore the portion of the Canasawacta Creek that runs from Pharsalia to the Norwich Town Line is a 3 – 5 year project once funding is established. In the first year we have managed (to our amazement and the amazement of government agencies) to be awarded a grant through NYS for a 50/50 match (again, our ½ is $175,000, money and in-kind-services); raised a little over $6,000 dollars and continue to hold fund raisers to raise more for the matching portion of the grant; state and government agencies are “actually” talking/listening to each other, and listening to the residents of Plymouth.

You may have noticed some work that has gone on along our Watershed. Work such as the Department of Transportation (DOT) agreeing that they needed to return to areas they previously worked since what was constructed did not hold. Example: DOT went back to the bridge at ChanAldrich Road and placed rock weirs in appropriate locations to force the water toward the center of the creek; coming from Stewarts Corners toward Norwich they banked the creek near the road, placed more rock weirs and planted grass/other vegetation. The next stop was across from Ashcraft road. Here again weirs, gravel and stone pushed back along the road side of the creek and more planting of vegetation. This work was done at the urgency of your Watershed and at the expense of the state; therefore, the money did not come from the funds granted/raised by the Watershed.

Additional work between the bridge at ChanAldrich and bridge at Moon Hill was under taken by NYS Fish & Wildlife (F&W). Here your Watershed had conversations/discussions with a representative of F&W about what we were trying to accomplish, how we were trying to raise funds, etc. NYS F&W designated over $20,000 (again – this is separate from the grant award or any funds your Watershed has raised) to help restore/preserve the creek banks and reduce further flooding to homes in that area. The excavator and manpower all belong to F&W. F&W were not able to complete all that they had planned since “Murphy’s Law” struck. What has been accomplished - with the assistance of DEC and F&W - are large rocks have been used for weirs, which came from the county landfill in addition to trees donated by one of our residents. These have been placed in strategic areas with the hopes of reducing the flooding to homes in that area. A shelf was built at the bottom of the large barren bank up from Moon Hill to help in the stabilization of the bank and slow down the amount of silt/sediment being dumped in to the creek. Unfortunately, as stated before, “Murphy’s Law” stepped in an F&W were not able to get all that was planned completed, i.e., the rocks (tons of them) came from the old county landfill and the county’s excavator broke down so the one used at the landfill had to go elsewhere leaving only a loader. After using a DEC truck to transport rocks it became evident the truck bed was being damaged in addition to the fact that there were problems using only a loader to load the huge rocks on to the truck. All is not complete, but, we have a start and F&W hopes to be able to return once the weather changes in the Spring. With work going on “upstream” some residents living “downstream”, i.e., Kreiners’, have done some temporary work at their own expense (no money from grant or from fund raisers) in their portion of the creek in order to protect their property until a more permanent solution can be identified or completed.
The actual money from F&W can not be used as a match, HOWEVER, we can use the cost of the rocks (at $30/ton, approx. $1,500) and the cost of the trees (have one estimate but have asked DEC to ask their forestry folks to provide an estimate also at today’s market rate) as a match.

Your Watershed Committee also has a new member – Michele Marino (e-mail: dragonslair@citlink.net). Michele is unable to attend the majority of our regular meetings; however, she is now the contact for those that have flooding issues for the east branch of the creek in addition to volunteering to assist with establishing meetings with county/state/city officials to discuss our needs and issues. Welcome and thank you Michele!!

Could write more, but I am sure you have had your fill of the Watershed Update. Just let it be known – all of us on your committee, Dolly & Doug Marvin, Sandy Bonell Pierce, Ken Manley, Audrey & Wayne Stone, Bev Rogers, Peg & Steve Kreiner and our new member, Michele Marino greatly appreciate the support that the community is showing and wish you, your family and friends and healthy, fantastic 2008!

Issue 25 - Fall (October - December) 2007

2007-11-05T14:46:00.000-08:00

IN THIS ISSUE:

- TOWN OF PLYMOUTH FALL ELECTION
- Bus service to/from Plymouth
- Medical Corner: Notice to readers
- Board Activities
- First Reader Survey
- Letters to the Editor
- INTERVIEW WITH A PLYMOUTH BUSINESS: Notice to readers
- LOCAL DONATION OPPORTUNITIES
- MEETING PLACES
- CALENDAR OF EVENTS
- Business Directories

TOWN OF PLYMOUTH FALL ELECTION : The following people are on this fall’s ballot for the Town of Plymouth:

1. Jerry Kreiner, Supervisor, 2 year term, incumbent
2. Marie N. Whaley, Clerk/Tax Collector, 4 year term, incumbent
3. Peter D. Marshall, Superintendent of Highways, 2 year term, incumbent
4. Paul O’Connor, Town Justice, 4 year term
Council (you will vote for two) in alphabetical order:
5. Ricky L. Alger
6. Gerald E. Cushman
7. Gary Simpson
8. Lewis W. Somers, 4 year term, incumbent

All candidates received the list of questions from the taxpayers prior to the submission deadline, except Ricky L. Alger and Gerald E. Cushman. The Board of Elections notified me of their candidacy on September 24, unfortunately too late for them to receive and return. Following are the responses received.

I will not be able to print the ballot this year, so keep track of election news in the Evening Sun. Following are the questionnaires received. At the time of this publication, the newsletter staff is unaware of any other candidates for Plymouth offices.

TOWN OF PLYMOUTH CANDIDATE FOR TOWN CLERK – Marie N. Whaley

1. What office are you running for? Town Clerk/Tax Collector.

2. If you currently hold this position, how many town board meetings did you miss during your last term? None.

3. If you do not currently hold this position, have you ever served in this capacity before? Give details. (If you currently hold this position, you can give details about what you have accomplished during your term(s) in office that have benefited the town.) I have applied for and received 2 grants, one for record’s inventory and records management. This was to obtain all records from past and current town officials and to put them into a fireproof and waterproof container, which I have done. Per State Archives and Records Administration (SARA), any records over a year old should be given to me to put into a safe place, however, this has not been done.

4. What skills and experiences do you have that would help you succeed in this position if you are elected? Been in office 10 years.

5. What is the town doing now that you would like to change and how? Not sure how to answer this one.

6. What is the town not doing now that you would like to see done? I feel the town is behind times, need to get offices for all town officials as operating out of the homes is not a good idea and should be rectified.

7. A healthy community is one that is involved with its government. If you are elected, how would you get your constituents involved in the Town of Plymouth? I feel that the residents of the Town of Plymouth should attend meetings so that they will know what is going on and offer input to better the town, not just come there to gripe over something they don’t like through hearsay, especially if they have never attended a meeting. I have tried to tell people they should be attending meetings, but not much luck.

8. What do you feel is the most important issue that the Town of Plymouth is facing in the upcoming year and what is your plan to address it? As in question 6, I feel it’s very necessary to get a municipal building. If I should fall ill and unable to work, I don’t think too many people are going to want to move all this material into their homes. I’m going to continue to push for offices. I would like to appoint a full time deputy clerk to help more and I will not do this as long as I am in my home. Another very important issue is that this town is a junk pile and needs cleaning up. A law should be passed to address the situation.

9. What town services would be better utilized if merged or consolidated with that of either county or state government? No comment.

10. What type of commercial growth would you like to attract to the Town of Plymouth to help stabilize its tax base? Stores, restaurant, tourist attractions, most anything other than a factory.

11. What do you think about developments which could negatively affect our community, specifically: the proposed widening of Route 12 into an interstate highway, more “Big-Box” retailers moving into the area, and loss of farmland to development? Are you willing to help fight against these forces to preserve our rural lifestyle? I would vote against loss of farmland to big businesses, however not sure about the widening of Route 12 as parts of it are not too good.

12. In 25 words or less (and I will count them and delete words #26 and above) what would you like to say to the taxpayers of Plymouth? Get involved. Attend Meetings. Keep your town beautiful. Take pride in it. The Town’s reputation as being one big junk pile needs to be changed.

TOWN OF PLYMOUTH CANDIDATE FOR TOWN JUSTICE – Paul O’Connor

1. What office are you running for? Town Justice, a four year term.

2. If you currently hold this position, how many town board meetings did you miss during your last term? [Not applicable].

3. If you do not currently hold this position, have you ever served in this capacity before? Give details. (If you currently hold this position, you can give details about what you have accomplished during your term(s) in office that have benefited the town.) No, this is the first time that I am seeking public office.

4. What skills and experiences do you have that would help you succeed in this position if you are elected? I am currently retired having been a Police Officer for twenty years. During my tenure, I had the occasion to appear in many courts on the town, county, state, and federal level where I testified as a prosecution and defense witness. These experiences have allowed me to gain valuable knowledge enabling me to apply the procedures necessary to operate a fair and efficient justice court.

5. What is the town doing now that you would like to change and how? The town currently does not have a centralized location for its justices to use. I would like to see the town designate a location for the court.

6. What is the town not doing now that you would like to see done? [No response].

7. A healthy community is one that is involved with its government. If you are elected, how would you get your constituents involved in the Town of Plymouth? [No response].

8. What do you feel is the most important issue that the Town of Plymouth is facing in the upcoming year and what is your plan to address it? Currently, town offices and officials are scattered throughout Plymouth. The residents deserve better; therefore, the most important issue today is the acquisition of land and construction of a town hall. If elected, I would investigate, seek, and do my best to acquire as many grants as possible from our elected officials in Albany. I would like to see the town build a center that we would all be proud of.

9. What town services would be better utilized if merged or consolidated with that of either county or state government? [No response].

10. What type of commercial growth would you like to attract to the Town of Plymouth to help stabilize its tax base? [No response].

11. What do you think about developments which could negatively affect our community, specifically: the proposed widening of Route 12 into an interstate highway, more “Big-Box” retailers moving into the area, and loss of farmland to development? Are you willing to help fight against these forces to preserve our rural lifestyle? [No response].

12. In 25 words or less (and I will count them and delete words #26 and above) what would you like to say to the taxpayers of Plymouth? Does it matter to you who presides as Plymouth Judge? Yes it does! My experience and integrity will bring progressive change to our community.

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BUS SERVICE TO/FROM PLYMOUTH

I was unable to obtain their new schedule in time for this issue. The bus service is listed in the yellow pages under “Bus Lines”. It is listed in the white pages as “Chenango County Public Transit” at 334-7433. Their answering machine says you have reached “First Transit”. They are open 5:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and are happy to give you scheduling information over the phone. We’ll try to include the Plymouth schedule in the next newsletter.

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MEDICAL CORNER: Notice to Readers

No reader response. If the reader’s show no interest in this feature, it will be discontinued.

Newsletter Staff

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BOARD ACTIVITIES (additional comments in FROM THE EDITOR following)

You, the community, have been asked on several occasions to provide the newsletter with a volunteer to cover and report on the town board meetings and activities. To date no volunteers have stepped forward. In my opinion, too much important information is discussed at town board meetings for the taxpayers to remain in ignorance. Although I believe there are many, many more qualified people out there who would do a much better job, a poor job may in this case be better than no job.

On August 13, during the monthly board meeting, a public hearing (duly announced in the official publication for our town – The Evening Sun – according to law) was held on a proposed junk law. Only a few people attended this public hearing, and most of the people attending regularly attend board meetings anyway. The supervisor, three times, addressed the gathering inviting comments on the proposed law – either positive or negative. All three times there was absolute silence. After the public hearing was closed, a board member stated he had many conversations with residents prior to the public meeting indicating support for this law. When it came time for the board to vote two members voted for the law, one member voted against the law, and one member was absent. The supervisor then stated that because the public made no comments one way or the other during the public hearing, he did not have enough input from the community to comfortably vote for the law, so he cast a vote against. The tie (2 for, 2 against, 1 absent) postponed the vote for the next board meeting on September 10.

The public, at the August board meeting but after the vote, then started to express many opinions about the proposed law, most in support of the law, one against. The most notable reaction from the public both during the meeting (and informally after the meeting) was confusion about the whole process. When it was suggested that a survey for town opinion could be conducted through the newsletter in order to obtain the opinions of the taxpayers prior to a public hearing, there was no response from the board or the public present.

I missed the September 10, 2007, board meeting, and therefore must rely on 3rd party information (which may or may not be totally accurate). I understand that the room was packed (verbal report of about 60 people, Evening Sun reported 40 people). The supervisor reported that another public hearing must take place before the board votes again. That public hearing is scheduled for October 8, 2007, which is after this newsletter is delivered to the printer and most likely before you have it in your hands.

There were people present at the September meeting both for and against the junk law. It was reported to me that about 5 people requested the public be kept informed through the newsletter. Minutes state: “Jerry – Can’t guarantee that the newsletter will be out in time”.

* * *

FROM THE EDITOR

“JUNK LAW” ETC: After the August board meeting, many were under the impression that no comments during the public hearing were another way of expressing support for the “Junk Law”. A few members of the public stated they had several conversations with the supervisor prior to the meeting in support of the law and believed that to be sufficient. And still others stated they didn’t even know that the meeting was opened up for public comment!!! (Acoustics in that room are horrible – we need a town hall!!!!) It is sad to report that our citizens (me included) don’t have a firm grasp on our political process. According to the public notice published in the paper and posted at the post office, if someone cannot attend the public hearing, they may submit comments in writing. If we don’t, elected officials may get the impression that we don’t care and subsequently vote against the law. Let’s also use the newsletter to keep people informed. For this to happen, elected officials have to take the initiative to write informative articles for the newsletter.

Perhaps they don’t believe enough taxpayers read the newsletter. Let’s find out. Following is the first survey by this newsletter to poll the residents of our town. You may reply by e-mail or by regular mail. Please do not call since I need hard copy for filing in the clerk’s office. The results of the survey will appear in the next newsletter. Deadline to respond will be the deadline for the newsletter as it appears in the calendar of events in this issue.

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INFORMATIONAL SURVEY REGARDING COMMUNICATION OF PLYMOUTH ISSUES Fall 2007

1. Are you a taxpayer in the town of Plymouth? ___ yes
___ no

2. Are you a resident of the town of Plymouth? ___ yes
___ no

3. Do you regularly read the legal notices in The Evening Sun? ___ yes
___ no

4. Do you regularly read the notices posted at the post office? ___ yes
___ no

5. a. If you DID know about the 8/13/07 public hearing on the junk law, had you already expressed your opinion to an elected official(s)? ___ yes
___ no
___ n/a

b. If so, did you believe you met your obligation and did not need to attend the public hearing? ___ yes
___ no
___ n/a

6. Did you attend the public hearing on 8/13/07? ___ yes
___ no

a. If so, why didn’t you give your opinion at the appointed time? (check all that apply):
___ thought silence was assent ___ didn’t know supervisor was opening up question to public
___ not comfortable speaking in public ___ already expressed my opinion to an elected official
___ other: (please specify)

b. If not, why not? _____________________________________________

7. Would you have attended had you known about the public hearing? ___ yes
___ no
___ dk, n/a

8. Do you want the activities of the board to be reported in the newsletter? ___ yes
___ no
___ no opinion
9. If so, who do you think should do the reporting (check as many as you wish):
___ supervisor ___ board member
___ non-elected volunteer
___ other (please specify):_________________________

10. What is your reaction to the poor response from the candidates regarding the taxpayers’ questions (check all that apply and add additional comments):
___ outrage ___ candidates should be responsive to the public
___ disappointment ___ if concerned about making someone mad, reconsider public office
___ amusement ___ I want a taxpayer questionnaire for candidates every election
___ unresponsive candidates should write a letter to the editor explaining failure to respond
* * *
If men were angels, no government would be necessary. If angels were to govern men, neither external nor internal controls on government would be necessary. In framing a government which is to be administered by men over men, the great difficulty lies in this: You must first enable the government to control the governed; and in the next place oblige it to control itself.
James Madison

* * *

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Dear [Editor]: You are doing a great job as volunteer editor of the newsletter. It truly does make me feel that I am part of a community. Enclosed is another donation which I hope helps with expenses. . .

I am finally moving back to the area full time. My wife and I are very excited. Please change my mailing address. . .
David Steinbach

Dear [editor]: I look forward to the newsletter. The information provided sparks community interest. It is nice to see so many good people doing so many good things. Please accept the enclosed check to support your efforts. Howie Sullivan

Greetings: [My wife], Lois is from Norwich 80 years ago and I was born on the big farm in South Plymouth 74 years ago. I am Lawrence Hiram Adams.

When we read that Councilman Robert Brown voted Nay on the clean property (junk) proposal we were disappointed that an elected official would let a personal opinion cloud his judgment. Personal opinions have no place in the political process. When a person is elected to serve All of the people it must be without bias.

An elected official has a sworn duty to be fair-minded and completely objective to those he is elected to represent. I know I have been here on many occasions while serving on boards and commissions in Phoenix and the State of Arizona.

I would like to suggest to Mr. Brown that [with] owning property and paying taxes go certain duties and obligations. How a property is maintained is but one of many. Another is a matter of conscience, respect for one’s neighbors. . . .

Here in Phoenix we have a City of Phoenix Neighborhood Services Unit which is mandated to help keep the city clean. . . . [T]hey recently responded to a blight in my neighborhood which has been addressed to the perpetrator and the issue has been completely [?resolved?].

My point is such a town unit and such an ordinance works and it’s everyone’s moral and social responsibility to maintain order when it comes to this and other types of issues that affect the public good.

Lois and I want to commend … other members of the council for their pro-active thinking and service to those who reside in the Town of Plymouth. And, yes, Mr. Brown, it is the public’s business; that’s why we all pay taxes which accords you and any of us the right and privilege to own property.

[Respectfully] submitted this 15th day of August, 2007.

* * *

INTERVIEW WITH A PLYMOUTH BUSINESS: Notice to Readers
Perhaps I’m beginning to burn out already. I did not have time to interview another business for this issue. Below you will find the template of questions for a business. If you are a business, please fill out this form and mail it to Plymouth Newsletter, 213 Pierce Road, Plymouth, NY 13832. If you wish to be a volunteer reporter, take this form to a Plymouth business and do the interview. Sandy Bonell Pierce, very, very tired volunteer editor.

Business address:

Name(s) of Owners:

Phone: Fax: E-mail:

How long have you been in this business?

How long have you been a Plymouth taxpayer?

What is the major product/service you provide?

What are your hours/days of operation?

Why did you choose this location for your business?

Do you have any future plans for the business such as expansion?

* * *

LOCAL DONATION OPPORTUNITIES: Would you like to donate to a Town of Plymouth organization/cause? Below is a list of opportunities for you to support. If you would like your Town of Plymouth organization/cause to be listed here, please send information to the Town of Plymouth Newsletter, 213 Pierce Road, Plymouth, NY 13832, or e-mail to plymouthnewsletter@frontiernet.net.

Plymouth Volunteer Fire Department

“Plymouth Volunteer Fire Department”
Plymouth Fire Department
P. O. Box 112
Plymouth, NY 13832
Plymouth Emergency Squad

“Plymouth Emergency Squad”
Plymouth Fire Department
P. O. Box 112
Plymouth, NY 13832

Plymouth Historical Society
“Plymouth Historical Society”
Plymouth Historical Society
c/o Betty Bates
516 County Road 29
Norwich, NY 13815
Plymouth Newsletter

“Town of Plymouth Newsletter”
Town of Plymouth Newsletter
213 Pierce Road
Plymouth, NY 13832

* Town of Plymouth Canasawacta Creek Watershed

“Town of Plymouth Watershed”
Town of Plymouth Watershed
P. O. Box 30
South Plymouth, NY 13844

Aoccdrnig to rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it dseno’t mtaetr in what oerdr the ltteres in a wrod are, the olny iproamtnt tihng is that the frsit and lsat ltteer be in the rghit pclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can still raed it whotuit a pboerlm. This is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the word as a wlohe. Azanmig huh?

CALENDAR OF SPECIAL EVENTS

Thursday
Oct 4
7:30 p.m.
Plymouth Historical Society meeting and White Elephant Sale at the Depot in Plymouth
Monday
Oct 8 (tentative)
7:00 p.m.
Town of Plymouth Board meeting – public encouraged to attend – at the fire house
Monday
Oct 8
7:15 p.m.
PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED TOWN “JUNK LAW”
Wednesday
Oct 10
4:30 p.m.
Chicken and Biscuit Dinner at Plymouth United Methodist Church in Plymouth, NY
Saturday
Oct 13
8:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon
Breakfast by Plymouth Watershed Committee (Hunter’s welcome!!) sponsored by the PVFD at the fire house
Friday-Saturday
Oct 19 & 20
tba
Rogers Haunted House
???
sometime in Oct?
???
Rabies Clinic – keep watch in the Evening Sun or on the County’s web site
Thursday
Nov 1
7:00 p.m.
Plymouth Historical Society Harvest supper and meeting at Carole Beckwith’s Home, Election of Officers
Tuesday
Nov 6
6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
ELECTION DAY!!!! Get out and vote!
Monday
Nov 12
(tentative)
7:00 p.m.
Town of Plymouth Board meeting – public encouraged to attend – at the fire house
Wednesday
Nov 14
4:30 p.m.
Turkey and Trimmings Dinner at Plymouth United Methodist Church in Plymouth, NY
Saturday
Nov 17
9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Hunter’s Breakfast by Plymouth Watershed Committee (Public welcome!!) sponsored by the PVFD at the fire house
Friday
Dec 7
8:00 p.m.
DEADLINE for submissions to this newsletter; get your articles & events in before this date (ASAP) if you can.
Monday
Dec 10
(tentative)
7:00 p.m.
Town of Plymouth Board meeting – public encouraged to attend – at the fire house

Plymouth Newsletter - Issue 24

2007-07-12T12:37:00.000-07:00

IN THIS ISSUE:

- Correction of misprint
- Beauty from Ashes
- Young Adults – Community Service Opportunity
- Bus service to/from Plymouth
- Town Offices on Fall Ballot – from Bd of Elections
- FROM THE TOWN CLERK
- FROM THE WATERSHED COMMITTEE
- Remembrances from a Home Town Boy
- MEDICAL CORNER: This Issue “Introduction”
- Letters to the Editor
- FROM THE PLYMOUTH HISTORICAL SOCIETY
- From the Newsletter Staff
- LOCAL DONATION OPPORTUNITIES
- MEETING PLACES
- CALENDAR OF EVENTS
- INTERVIEW WITH A PLYMOUTH BUSINESS: Rothwell’s
- Tribute to Laurie Bennett- Business Directories

CORRECTION:

I wish to apologize for typing the name of a business wrong in the business directory. The correct name for Darrell and Leslie Wood’s business is PHARSALIA METAL FABRICATION. They provide finished metal products and specialize in flood protection. They do not fabricate meadows for grazing sheep and goats. They leave that to Mother Nature and God. I will make an appointment to get my hearing checked.

Sandy Pierce, Volunteer Editor

BEAUTY FROM ASHES

To all the firefighters, the auxiliary, people of Plymouth, Churches of Plymouth, Preston, and North Norwich, and all the other helping hands and hearts in the surrounding areas:

Thank you, firefighters for putting your lives on the line to keep the fire under control. You are very brave including your families who support what you do. You serve our community and country proud. Thank God no one was injured. The auxiliary was great keeping everyone supplied with food and drink. Hats off to all of you.

There aren’t enough words in the dictionary or bible to express our heartfelt gratitude and thanks to everyone who have helped, gave support and donations after the loss of our home in Plymouth.

This is the second time we have lost our home to fire in less than 12 years. Last time we had no insurance. A complete stranger approached me after the first fire and told me to advertise in the Pennysaver, asking for a mobile home due to the loss of our home because of fire. An older couple answered the ad and gave us a mobile home. The people where I work put together and raised enough money for us to move it. Up until then we were living in a small camper that (believe it or not) your pastor, Richard Anderson, gave to us after the fire. Luckily, this time I have some fire insurance. Not enough to rebuild, but enough to clean the place up. Up to this date (April 8, 2007) the insurance company has not settled the claim. Hopefully soon. So we can get to work cleaning the place up.

A month before the fire, I lost my mom and laid her to rest in the Plymouth Cemetery. Our pastor, Dick Anderson, was there. My mom was in the ICU and was recovering, but a complication developed and she faltered. Pastor Dick Anderson was there with my family when my mom went to sit beside our Lord. Our pastor stayed with us all night and into the morning hours providing great comfort. We are forever grateful.

Our pastor was there the night of the second fire, too. His wife Maureen by his side, they stayed late into the night. They are kind, gentle, and wonderful people. I’m sure my mom was there. I had not finished cleaning out her apartment because I still couldn’t quite believe she was gone. She must have been watching out for me, because I now reside at her place. Thank God I had somewhere to go after the fire. Everything I am and will be I owe to her.

We are hoping to return to Plymouth soon. I love laughter, life, my family, friends, and my great two jobs. My family and I survive because I know only the strong do! I end this letter with words of happiness:
Everyone is alive,
No one was hurt,
My false teeth survived,
And my pink bridge is still intact.
But most of all
We appreciate People like you!!!
God Bless.
Rowena Graef and Family

* * *

YOUNG ADULT COMMUNITY SERVICE OPPORTUNITY

If you are looking for a way to earn community service credits for your school program, and would like experience in developing web sites, perhaps you would be interested in working with our town board in developing a Town of Plymouth Web Site with links to the Watershed Committee, Town Newsletter, and other community agencies and organizations. This would include adding the quarterly Plymouth Newsletter, posting notices and information when requested, making suggestions to the Town officials for upgrades or changes. Please contact Rob Baker, town board member, at robandzoe@roadrunner.com, or Sandy Pierce, newsletter editor, at plymouthnewsletter@frontiernet.net.

* * *

BUS SERVICE TO/FROM PLYMOUTH

Perhaps newcomers to our community aren’t aware that we have public transportation in our community. My intention was to simply print the bus schedule for Plymouth; however, the bus company informed me that they are revamping the entire schedule (for the first time in years) and expect it to be available in July (which is when this issue is scheduled to be in your hands). The fall newsletter will contain the new schedule but in the meantime here is the contact information for the current schedule:

Look in the yellow pages under “Bus Lines”. It is listed as “Chenango County Public Transit” at 334-7433. Their answering machine says you have reached “First Transit”. They are open 5:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and are happy to give you scheduling information over the phone.

We also have taxi service. The various taxi companies change over the years (look in the yellow pages under “taxicabs”). It’s cheaper to take a cab to Norwich when your car is in the shop than to own two cars. It also gives you independence if you are temporarily in a leg cast and you don’t like inconveniencing your family and friends all the time.

Here’s another thought. I had a dear lady friend (in her late 70’s) who decided to sell her car since she only drove it two or three times a month. She found that taking a cab was both convenient and cheaper than maintaining a car.

Newsletter staff

* * *

TOWN OFFICES ON FALL BALLOT (FROM THE BOARD OF ELECTIONS)

The following town offices are scheduled for reelection this fall:

1. Supervisor, 2 year term; current supervisor is Jerry L. Kreiner
2. Council, 4 year term; current position held by Richard J. Thompson
3. Council, 4 year term; current position held by Lewis W. Somers
4. Clerk, 2 year term; current position held by Marie N. Whaley; (no town office available
elected clerk must have office in his/her home)
5. Superintendent of Highways, 2 year term; current position held by Peter D. Marshall

If you are interested in running for any of the above offices, call the Board of Elections at 337-1760 or 337-1762. They will assist you in the process. DO IT NOW WHILE YOU ARE THINKING ABOUT IT. The major parties start the selection process in June and July and you have much work to do to get on the ballot – either as a party candidate or as an independent.

All candidates running for town offices will be featured in the next newsletter (due to be published in early October). We are preparing a list of questions which all candidates are expected to answer and will give a small space for each candidate to state anything they wish not covered by the questions. Following are the questions compiled so far. READERS and TAXPAYERS!!! This is your chance to get responsibly involved in your town. Write the newsletter at 213 Pierce Road, Plymouth, NY 13832, or email plymouthnewsletter@frontiernet.net and add your questions.

CANDIDATES!!! Contact the newsletter at the above address and/or e-mail and identify yourself. You will be sent an updated list of questions and the deadline to get your answers in the fall newsletter. I will NOT chase you. I am pretty much a one-man operation with a very busy schedule outside my volunteer work. If you are responsible enough to get your information in the fall newsletter, the public will be impressed with your attention to detail. All they will have to do is compare what each of you says about the issues and make an informed choice at the voting booth.

TENTATIVE QUESTIONS:
1. What office are you running for?

2. If you currently hold this position, how many town board meetings did you miss during your last term?

3. If you do not currently hold this position, have you ever served in this capacity before? Give details. (If you currently hold this position, you can give details about what you have accomplished during your term(s) in office that have benefited the town.)

4. What skills and experiences do you have that would help you succeed in this position if you are elected?

5. What is the town doing now that you would like to change and how?

6. What is the town not doing now that you would like to see done?

7. In 25 words or less (and I will count them and delete words #26 and above) what would you like to say to the taxpayers of Plymouth?

Newsletter Staff

* * *

FROM THE TOWN CLERK

Re: Dog licensing - As you may recall from the last newsletter, I was looking for a dog enumerator. I received two (2) responses and subsequently hired Tim Rude. He has been to many households counting dogs and doing a very good job. Many of the townspeople he found with unlicensed dogs have responded and licensed their dogs. Those of you who have not responded in a timely manner, please do so to avoid further action being taken. As I pointed out before, there is a "Dog Control Law" in this town that has been in effect since 2003. Also, I might add, dogs do have to have a current rabies shot before licensing.Re: Taxes - All unpaid taxes have now been turned into the County Tax Department, so you will need to contact them in regards to further questions regarding your unpaid tax bills.Re: My Summer Hours - Effective June 16th through August 11th (which is approximately the time to start issuing hunting licenses) my hours will be by appointment only, as it is every summer. If you need to see me for any reason, please leave your name, where you can be reached and a short message. I check my messages daily and will contact you for an appointment or if I'm out of Town I will have my Deputy set up a time she can see you.On a final note, wishing you all a pleasant and enjoyable summer, as the season is so short.Marie Whaley (607) 336-2116
* * *

FROM THE WATERSHED COMMITTEE

Fundraiser(s)
Purchase a “Raffle” ticket at any Watershed fundraiser
1st prize – 42” Magnavox Flat screen LCD TV ($1,200!!)
2nd prize – Camp Shower by Outdoor Gear
3rd prize - $100.00 Gift Card @ Wal-Mart
4th prize – Fishing Pole w/Tackle Box
5th prize – Handmade Quilt
(More tickets you buy, More chances you have!)

May 19 – Pancake Breakfast went very well; comments were – good food, large portions and liked the set up and fact “your food was made to order.” Thank you to ALL you came out and joined us.
DON’T FORGET !!! July 13 – Dance at the Fire House; the band “Sundown” will be playing from 8p.m. – 12:00 a.m. and the Watershed will have food/drink available. The price - $6.00 each for a GREAT time. Please – come out!!

Rolling Antiquers Car Show – we did not sell many raffle tickets, however, part of what we are doing is education and we did manage to talk to several individuals, many who had no idea that Plymouth got hit as hard as we did.

Chenango County Fair – we are set with the Fair and will have booth in the Exhibition hall. We will have educational material, hand outs and will be selling the raffle tickets at the Fair (so stop in and see us!!!)

Grants/Funding
Peg Kreiner contacted Scott Cook at DEC with regards to the “packet” of information that we are still waiting on. Scott indicated the state indicated it may be another month before they are sent; however, he has a packet from the year before and does not anticipate any changes so Peg has requested he send the previous one so the Watershed can read/review and have knowledge of tracking matching funds/in-kind services and how the committee submits receipts, etc. The Watershed wants things started.
The committee is still collecting data to present to the board with regards to budgeting money for “maintenance of the watershed.” We want to make it clear that this is NOT money toward any grant, now or future. Please keep in mind the grant the committee received is only $351,800 and this is a drop in the bucket. We need to maintain the creek just as we maintain roads in order to have a safe environment for our residents. We ALL have to help protect our tax base. We lose homes, we lose people, we lose tax dollars. Tax dollars lost – the rest of us make up the difference. No one likes an increase in taxes so we need the whole community to get involved.

Future funding – Peg is still researching other monies (with NO match) that may be available as we have not been successful in obtaining any of these awards as yet.

DEC/Fish & Wildlife
David Lemon, DEC, and Carl Schwartz, F&W, have walked a good portion of the creek and updated the data on damages and resolution. One area was property owned by Kreiner’s. The question was asked – IF Kreiner’s spend personal money on the creek, even if it is their own land, can that be submitted for a match from the grant. The answer was YES. Others can do the same. David Lemon’s time spent will be submitted as in-kind-service at his hourly rate of regular pay. Carl Schwartz’s time, however, cannot be counted since he is Federal. Per DEC, they are sure that any work by DOT can also be put toward the grant match. This is good news.

Committee Work on creek
On Saturday, June 9, several members of the committee and some of their family members, along with Pete Marshall (on his own time), got together and cleared a jam on Keggan’s land. Several trees had fallen and were blocking the flow of water. One large root ball remains as this is acting as a natural weir and a large/deep pool has already formed. Stop by and take a look.

The committee will be reaching out to others along the creek where we know there are jams with hopes that we will be allowed to go in with trucks, chains, chain saws to clear the debris away. We need help, so please, contact any Watershed member if you are willing to get your feet wet and (yes, it really is) have some fun.

Peg Kreiner, Co-Ordinator

* * *

REMEMBRANCES OF A HOMETOWN BOY By Lawrence Hiram Adams

When I received the first edition of the Plymouth newsletter I was so impressed by its content and those contributing editors and what they had to say about the area around Plymouth, South Plymouth, Norwich, and Chenango County that I just had to ask it’s editor-in-chief, Sandy Bonell Pierce, if I might contribute my thoughts. I would like to make this a continuing series from start to end only because I will have to do some thinking and research from my end as we go along. So bear with me. I hope when this is completed, you might find it an interesting and enlightening saga of my life and times. Being a published author of business articles myself, and the fact that our mother was a school teacher and a great writer in her own right, I couldn’t resist sharing with all of you living there in Plymouth and neighboring hamlets and towns what it was like when I was born in the farmhouse at the top of the Adams road 73 years ago.
There is so much to tell about my young life, and all of the people both young and old who played a mentoring part in my early days as a boy growing up in those parts; and those individuals which I intend to name living or dead and give credit to them for what their influence had on my life.
I was born Lawrence Hiram Adams on Saturday, December 23,1933, at 4:10 PM the first born son of Beulah Pinney Adams and Nelson Henry Adams in the farm house which still stands to this day in a tiny bedroom on what was actually the third floor. According to my mother’s diary it was 30 below and about 4 foot of snow on the ground. I was attended by my grandmother Anna Whitney Adams and Dr. Walter A Sholes. Dr. Sholes had been a surgeon in WW 1 and had lost both his legs at the knee as a result of having been gassed. That didn’t seem to slow him down too much as he either got around on crutches or an old wooden wheelchair. In those days doctors still made house calls no matter in what type of weather conditions and so driving his trusty horse and buggy arrived about an hour before my mother gave birth to me. During the birthing it began to snow so hard that Dr. Sholes was snowed in and stayed with us for two days before the horse with him in the buggy could get him back to Norwich. Actually in those days people still traveled much using horse and buggies and/or wagons. The old horse of his named Dolly (a bay mare) knew the way back to town. It’s been said that when Dr. Sholes was out on calls all he did was to give the horse her head and back to town she would go. He would fall asleep in the buggy and his wife or nurse had to come out and wake him up.I’ll talk more about my grandparents and other members of the family including my boyhood pals that started to gather early in my life later on in the series in detail naming names and episodes (life’s experiences). Understand in those days farmers and town folk alike, their families were neighborly and close and it was not uncommon for neighbors to come calling at the drop of a hat in this case the birth of the newborn on the Adams farm. According to my mother’s diary as soon as the word got out the neighbors came a calling bringing gifts, food and an offer to help my mother take care of me.This is how neighbors treated neighbors in those later-on-in-the-series days with respect and generosity. Others did sometimes take care of me outside of the family and in doing so would bring their own children to the house or if we went to their house we as “kids” all got acquainted, played together and remained fast friends through our early childhood which all started at my birth.
Next time: From birth to school days starting in 1938 at the little gray school house on the Robin’s road (now called Pierce Road).

* * *

MEDICAL CORNER: INTRODUCTION

This is the first of a series on medical concerns and the services available in our community.. It will generally include a description of a disorder/condition, common treatments, and local support organizations. Medical professionals who live in the Town of Plymouth, please help the newsletter staff keep this feature going. We ask for constructive suggestions (and help writing it if you have time). Readers, please let us know what medical conditions you have the most interest in and we will try to find out what is available locally in the area of support groups. Perhaps there are enough people within the Town of Plymouth with the same concerns that you could start your own support group.

Some areas being considered are Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD/ADHD), Autism, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Over-eaters Anonymous. Let us know what you are interested in and what you would like information about.

Our first piece of information for this feature is provided by a health care professional who lives in our town. It is the brochure from the Chenango County Community Mental Hygiene Services which offers the following services (admissions requirement: must be a resident of Chenango County) (payment is based on an individual’s ability to pay; payment is accepted through individual insurance, Medicaid and/or a sliding scale fee.):

1. MENTAL HEALTH CLINIC SERVICES
Clinic location: Suite 42, County Office Building, 5 Court Street, Norwich, Fair Street
Entrance
Appointment/Info: 607-337-1600
Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Some evening appointments available)
Services: - Assessment & Evaluation - Crisis Intervention
- Individual, Marital & Group Therapy - Child, Parent-Child, & Family Therapy
- Medical Therapy
- Intensive, Supportive/Regular Case Management Services for Adults and Children
- Consultation Services - Forensic Services
Serving: Adults, Children, Families, Individuals and Couples of Chenango County

2. ALCOHOL & DRUG ABUSE SERVICES
Clinic Location: 105 Leilani’s Way, Norwich, (off East River Road)
Appointment/Info: (607-337-1680)
Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (some evening appointments available)
Services: - Assessment & Evaluation - Crisis Intervention
- School-Based Prevention Services - Individual Counseling
- Group Therapy - Child, Parent-Child, & Family Therapy
- Vocational Evaluation Services - Medication Therapy
Serving: Adults, Children, Families, Individuals and Couples of Chenango County who are
affected by substance abuse.

3. CONTINUING DAY TREATMENT PROGRAM
Day Treatment Location: 103 Leilani’s Way, Norwich (off East River Road)
Appointment/Info: 607-337-1800
Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Services: - Assessment & Evaluation - Crisis Intervention
- Daily Structured Programming - Individual & Group Therapy
- Medication Therapy - Vocational/Educational Skill Development
- Case Management Services
Serving: Adults over the age of 18 years, Individuals and Couples of Chenango County

4. PSYCHOSOCIAL CLUB PROGRAM
Club location: 103 Leilani’s Way, Norwich, (off East River Road)
Appointment/Info: 607-337-1800
Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Services: - Social Skills Training - Recreational Activities
- Daily Living Skills Training - Daily Structured Programming
- Vocational/Educational Training - Case Management Services
Serving: Chenango County Residents over the age of 18 years, who have prior or current
involvement with mental health services.

5. SERENDIPITY PROGRAMS (VOCATIONAL/EDUCATION PROGRAMS)
Locations: - Serendipity Café - Serendipity Sundry Shoppe
- Serendipitous Meeting Room
All located at 24-26 Conkey Avenue, Norwich, 1st Floor The Eaton Center
Services: - Vocational/Educational Training - On-site & Competitive
- Job Coaching - Competitive Placement
- Benefits Counseling
These services are available through the following programs:
- Alcohol & Drug Abuse: 607-337-1680
- Continuing Day Treatment: 607-337-1800
- Chenango Club: 607-337-1800
- Mental Health Clinic: 607-337-1600

One of the difficulties in our society is finding the services you need. Our fellow Plymouth resident who provided the above information also provided very helpful information if you don’t know who to call for help. The United Way has a program and web site (First Call For Help) with many links which services Broome, Chenango, and other area counties. This site (www.firstcallforhelp.info) is linked to many support groups for many different disorders. In Chenango County you can also call 1-800-227-5353.

newsletter staff
* * *

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Dear Plymouth Newsletter:
I just wanted to say “thank you” to the Town of Plymouth road crew who do such a great job of making the roads passable in the winter months. As we lie all snug in our beds it is the flashing lights blinking up the road which remind us of their work through the cold and dangerous nights. Your work is greatly appreciated, thanks.
Jude Smith

* * *

What the mathematician faced with his wife when he stayed out late. (Answer on page 14).

* * *

FROM THE PLYMOUTH HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Dear Friends,

Once again the Plymouth Historical Society is requesting all interested persons to join the 2007 membership drive. We hope you will again join us to help make this another successful year.

But first, thank you for your past support. Last year we received many donations from our members. This was very much appreciated.

We are always interested in collecting any history or photos of Plymouth’s past. We want to learn more about our town. Photos will be returned upon request.

All meetings will be held on the 1st Thursday of the month at 7:30 p.m. in the Depot, starting in May (unless noted otherwise).

- Thursday June 7 Meeting and White Elephant Sale
- July/August no meetings
- Thursday September 6 7:00 p.m. picnic dinner (weather permitting)
bring a dish to pass/own table service, and meeting
- Thursday October 4 Meeting and White Elephant Sale
- Thursday November 1 7:00 p.m. Harvest supper and meeting at Carole Becwith’s
home, election of officers
- T/B/A December Christmas party, details to follow at a later date

Thank you for your support,
Betty Bates

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

2007 Membership to Plymouth Historical Society

Name: ______________________________________________________________
Address: _____________________________________________________________
Membership Fees: $5.00/Family ________________ $2.00/Single _______________
Make checks payable to: Plymouth Historical Society
Mail to: Betty Bates
516 County Road 29
Norwich, NY 13815

* * *

FROM THE NEWSLETTER STAFF

For those of you who attended the June 11th board meeting you know that the newsletter has run out of budget money for this year. Our original estimate was that we could get through at least 3 issues before we ran out of money for 2007. The cost for postage for this issue was taken out of a contingency fund. So, folks, this may be the last issue for a while. I hope not, since this fall’s elections may have a dramatic impact on our town’s future. I would really like to give all the candidates running for town offices a chance to state their positions in the October issue so that you, the voting public, can make an informed choice in the voting booth. If you would like the newsletter to continue, please plan on attending future board meetings where the costs will be discussed and you can have an opportunity to ask questions and give helpful suggestions. If you cannot attend, perhaps you could make a donation to help us at least get us through to the election.

On a more positive note I would like to thank the people who have contributed articles and information for this issue. Even though I am doing 99.9% of the publication work, it is emotionally uplifting to type someone ELSE’S words. This part I don’t mind at all! If we get so many contributors that I can’t fit all the articles into a quarterly, maybe we could go MONTHLY! (If that happens, of course, I’ll need some help.) Have a great summer.

Sandy Bonell Pierce, Temporary Editor

* * *

LOCAL DONATION OPPORTUNITIES: Would you like to donate to a Town of Plymouth organization/cause? Below is a list of opportunities for you to support. If you would like your Town of Plymouth organization/cause to be listed here, please send information to the Town of Plymouth Newsletter, 213 Pierce Road, Plymouth, NY 13832, or e-mail to plymouthnewsletter@frontiernet.net.

WORTHY CAUSE/ ORGANIZATION
MAKE CHECK PAYABLE TO
MAIL TO

Plymouth Volunteer Fire Department

“Plymouth Volunteer Fire Department”
Plymouth Fire Department
P. O. Box 112
Plymouth, NY 13832

Plymouth Emergency Squad

“Plymouth Emergency Squad”
Plymouth Fire Department
P. O. Box 112
Plymouth, NY 13832

Plymouth Historical Society

“Plymouth Historical Society”
Plymouth Historical Society
c/o Betty Bates
516 County Road 29
Norwich, NY 13815

Plymouth Newsletter

“Town of Plymouth Newsletter”
Town of Plymouth Newsletter
213 Pierce Road
Plymouth, NY 13832

Town of Plymouth Canasawacta Creek Watershed

“Town of Plymouth Watershed”
Town of Plymouth Watershed
P. O. Box 30
South Plymouth, NY 13844

MEETING PLACES: Do you have a group that meets regularly that offers Plymouth residents a chance to explore a new hobby, discuss ideas/philosophy/religion/topics of a common interest (e.g., quilting, retirement, world views, politics, raising children, literature, fly-tying, gardening, woodworking, soaps)? If so, please contact us with your “blurb” (in writing, please – if it’s not in writing, I tend to type what I hear, not necessarily what you say). It would be helpful to include a contact name/phone/etc.

Plymouth Volunteer Fire Department
training night
Matt Bates
every Wednesday night

Plymouth Fire Department Voluntary Auxiliary
last Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m.

Plymouth United Methodist Church
P. O. Box 102, Plymouth, NY 13832 (located in the hamlet of Plymouth just up the road from post office)
Pastor Richard Anderson (847-8194); Sec/Treas Linda Powell-Owens (334-8787)
Sunday School
10:15 a.m.
PUMC
Sunday Worship
11:15 a.m.
PUMC

Canasawacta Valley Free Methodist Church

Christian Education; child to adult – all ages
Sundays 9:45 a.m.

Sunday Worship
8:30 a.m.
11:00 a.m.

Sunday Ladies Study/Small Group
6:00 p.m.

Sunday Teen Group
6:00 p.m.

Teen Stugafoo (Study, Games, Food) certified teachers offering tutoring
Wednesdays 6:30-8 p.m.

Prayer Team
Wednesdays 6:30 p.m.

Faith Based 4H Kathy Clemens 336-5834
1st Thursday
Field Trips, CVFMC

Meetings 3rd Thursday at 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Movie Night
1st Friday 7:00 p.m. CVFMC

Praise & Worship Team Practice
Saturdays 6:00 p.m. CVFMC

WOW
2nd Tuesday 6:00 p.m.
varied locations
***

The most important thing a man can do for his children is to love their mother.

Thodore M. Hesburgh

****

CALENDAR OF SPECIAL EVENTS

Friday
July 13, 2007
8:00 p.m. to midnight
Dance to the popular band “Sundown” with the Plymouth Watershed Committee sponsored by the PVFD, $6 ticket, refreshments available

Sunday
July 15
9 a.m. to noon
Pancake Breakfast at the Plymouth Reservoir Pavilion, $4 (eggs to order, potatoes w/ or w/o onions, pancakes, sausage, OJ and coffee

Tuesday
July 17
7:00 p.m.
Town of Plymouth Board meeting – public encouraged to attend – at the fire house

Tues-Sun
Aug 7-12
all day
Chenango County Fair at the Fairgrounds, East Main Street, Norwich, NY (come visit the Plymouth Watershed booth!)

Monday
Aug 13 (tentative)
7:00 p.m.
Town of Plymouth Board meeting – public encouraged to attend – at the fire house

Sunday
Aug 19
9 a.m. to noon
Pancake Breakfast at the Plymouth Reservoir Pavilion, $4 (eggs to order, potatoes w/ or w/o onions, pancakes, sausage, OJ and coffee

Thursday
Sep 6
7:00 p.m.
Plymouth Historical Society Picnic dinner (weather permitting), bring a dish to pass & own table service; and meeting at the Depot in Plymouth

Sunday
Sep 9
9 a.m. to noon
Pancake Breakfast at the Plymouth Reservoir Pavilion, $4 (eggs to order, potatoes w/ or w/o onions, pancakes, sausage, OJ and coffee

Monday
Sept 10 (tentative)
7:00 p.m.
Town of Plymouth Board meeting – public encouraged to attend – at the fire house

Wednesday
Sept 12
4:30 p.m.
Roast Pork & Dressing Dinner at Plymouth United Methodist Church in Plymouth, NY

Friday
Sep 14
5:00 p.m.
DEADLINE to get October thru December dates to be listed in this CALENDAR OF EVENTS or articles to be published, call 334-3481 or e-mail plymouthnewsletter@frontiernet.net

Saturday
Sep 15
tba
Spaghetti Dinner by Town of Plymouth Watershed sponsored by the PVFD at the fire house

Thursday
Oct 4
7:30 p.m.
Plymouth Historical Society meeting and White Elephant Sale at the Depot in Plymouth

Monday
Oct 8 (tentative)
7:00 p.m.
Town of Plymouth Board meeting – public encouraged to attend – at the fire house

Wednesday
Oct 10
4:30 p.m.
Chicken and Biscuit Dinner at Plymouth United Methodist Church in Plymouth, NY

Saturday
Oct 13
tba
Bow Hunter’s Breakfast by Plymouth Watershed Committee sponsored by the PVFD at the fire house

Thursday
Nov 1
7:00 p.m.
Plymouth Historical Society Harvest supper and meeting at Carole Beckwith’s Home, Election of Officers

Wednesday
Nov 14
4:30 p.m.
Turkey and Trimmings Dinner at Plymouth United Methodist Church in Plymouth, NY

Saturday
Nov 17
tba
Hunter’s Breakfast by Plymouth Watershed Committee sponsored by the PVFD at the fire house

INTERVIEW WITH A PLYMOUTH BUSINESS: Rothwell’s Used Auto Sales, LLC

Business address: 104 Morley Road
P. O. Box 74
Plymouth, NY 13832

Name(s) of Owners: Patricia Rothwell and James Rothwell

Phone: 607-334-7501 Fax: same E-mail: rocky040@frontiernet.net

How long have you been in this business? Since the early 80’s.

How long have you been a Plymouth taxpayer? Since the late 70’s.

What is the major product/service you provide? Auto sales and all types of service including brake work, air conditioning, tune-ups, specializing in GM late model cars and trucks. We do it all and we aim to please.

What are your hours/days of operation? We aren’t open on Saturdays anymore. Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. except on Tuesdays we’re open until 9:00 p.m.

Why did you choose this location for your business? I’ve lived here all my life and we owned this land so it made sense to build the business here.

Do you have any future plans for the business such as expansion? Not really. I like it small and doing the work myself. I have time for my family and hobbies.

end interview with Jim Rothwell

* * *

TRIBUTE TO LAURIE BENNETT

Congratulations go out to Postmaster Laurie Bennett on her recent retirement from the South Plymouth Post Office. Laurie served the Post Office for nearly 32 years. She started out working in the Old Mill back when it was a feed store/Post Office and then moving to the mobile building on Route 23 and then moving again to where it is now. Many people enjoyed seeing a friendly smile everyday and many will miss her.

Submitted by Victoria Bonner, Officer in Charge, South Plymouth

***
Answer to earlier puzzle question: The “after-math”.
* * *

TOWN OF PLYMOUTH BUSINESS DIRECTORY
Plymouth taxpayer-owned businesses in the Town of Plymouth

Artistic Styles
830 German Hollow Road
Smyrna, NY 13464
Green, Susan
336-3568
hairstyling, cuts, perms, colors, low/hi-lights, facial waxing
call for appt, closed Sun, Wed, all holidays

AM Heating & Cooling Solutions
127 County Road 21
Plymouth, NY 13832
Murphy, Matthew B.
Murphy, Amy P.
336-2262
service of heating and cooling systems, outdoor wood furnaces
call for an appointment

Bonner’s Plumbing & Heating
502 Inman Road, PO Bx 132
Norwich, NY 13815
Bonner, Matthew
334-HEAT(4328)
affordable installations & service; top quality workmanship; free estimates
by appt M-F; emergency service available

Hubbard’s Welding
P. O. Box 41
Norwich, NY 13815
Hubbard, Tim
336-9313
any type of welding
call for an appointment

K&B Enterprises
467 Doing Road
Norwich, NY 13815
Kreiner, Kevin
DeLee, Tracy
334-5986
repair/maintenance Interstate Battery Dealer; Agricultural and Industrial Parts Dealer
M-Sat 8am to 6pm; Sun by appointment

Meyers Engineering
265 Bates-Wilson Road
South Plymouth, NY 13844
Meyers, Stanley P.E.
meyersengineering@roadrunner.com
334-7429
fax:
334-2018
residential and commercial engineering services
8-5 Mon – Sat or by appointment

RTH WEIGHTLOSS
194 North Road
Norwich, NY 13815
Hamilton, Richard
Hamilton, Kim
rthweightlossmall.com
336-2401
Herbalife Distributor; natural products for good nutrition, weightloss & your good health
call for an appointment

Rothwell’s Used Auto Sales, LLC
104 Morley Road
Plymouth, NY 13832
Rothwell, Jim
Rothwell, Dick
334-7501
auto sales and service; specializing in GM late model cars & trucks
M-F 8 – 5

Serenity Gardens
Hopkins Crandall Road
P. O. Box 117
Plymouth, NY 13832
Latrecchia, Dwayne
Merchant, Cindy
waynecl@citlink.net
336-8151
registered nursery; herbs, houseplants, perennials, annuals, vegetable plants plus more
seasonal; April-?; Tue-Sat 10-6; Sun 11-5; closed Mon ex holidays

Simpson Family Exotic Pheasants
Plymouth Reservoir
Norwich, NY 13815
gandsgamebirds@frontiernet.net

334-3596
NYS Class A License for exotic pheasants
call for appointment

Will Grow Gardens
584 County Rte 21
(Plymouth-Smyrna Road)
Plymouth, NY 13832
Will, Laurie
334-5628
bedding plants in season, annuals, perennials, veggies, herbs, wildcrafts
seasonal in spring, summer, and fall

Plymouth taxpayer-owned businesses outside the Town of Plymouth – but close

Norwich Implement, Inc., P. O. Box 471
5621 State Hwy 12
Norwich, NY 13815
Ruckdeschel, Jr., Richard
Ruckdeschel, Jeanette
Viola, Anthony
336-6816
John Deere lawn & garden equip, Kubota tractors, water pumps and conditioners
M-F 8-5
Sat 8-1

Pharsalia Metal Fabrication
State Route 23 west
South Plymouth, NY 13832
Wood, Darrell and Leslie
336-9663
finished metal products; specializes in flood protection
call for appointment

If you would like your business listed in this directory, please call, write, or e-mail. We cannot publish without the owner’s direct permission and input: Sandy Pierce, 334-3481; Plymouth Newsletter, 213 Pierce Road, Plymouth, NY 13832, plymouthnewsletter@frontiernet.net

Info on future fund raisers

2007-05-15T07:55:00.001-07:00

FUNDRAISER
This Saturday May 19, – 7am to 11am at the Fire House; Pancake Breakfast

May 26 & 27 – We will be at the Rolling Antiquers Car Show at the Fair Grounds in the Exhibition Hall*

Chenango County Fair – We have secured a booth at the Chenango County Fairgrounds*

*These shows are for raising awareness along with raising additional dollars

Watershed Mission Statement

2007-05-07T07:32:00.001-07:00

Mission Statement:

The Town of Plymouth Canasawacta Creek Watershed Committee will develop and encourage the funding and implementation of a long-range plan among landowners, governmental entities, and other appropriate groups which will enhance, manage and protect human, ecological and socioeconomic resources within the Town of Plymouth Canasawacta Creek Watershed.

Purpose:
The committee was established to help protect, restore the natural features of the watershed and educate the community on the importance of maintaining the watershed. The committee will facilitate the implementation of actions advocated in various planning and management documents.

Description – Town of Plymouth Canasawacta Creek Watershed:

From the Pharsalia/Plymouth town line down the west branch of the Canasawacta Creek to the Plymouth/Norwich town line

Watershed Goals:

1. Prevent loss of life, human or animal.
2. Preserve and protect landowner’s property.
3. Maintain aquatic and vegetation diversity.
4. Reduce sediment deposits.
5. Restore and maintain buffer system.
6. Promote public awareness.
7. Work with the Town of Plymouth Planning Board on development.

Watershed Objectives:

Develop a watershed team of stakeholders.
Obtain funding for preventive/corrective action.
Develop a comprehensive plan to obtain goals.
Explore all resources for town ownership of maintenance, equipment/personnel as long term, can not rely on grants.
Reduce channel erosion.
Protect existing and monitor future stream erosion damage.
Protect forest areas/wetlands.
Reduce pollutant loads.
Reduce excess storm water discharge into creek.

Thank you from the Graef Family

2007-05-04T11:34:00.000-07:00

BEAUTY FROM ASHES

To all the firefighters, the auxiliary, people of Plymouth, Churches of Plymouth, Preston, and North Norwich, and all the other helping hands and hearts in the surrounding areas:

Thank you, firefighters for putting your lives on the line to keep the fire under control. You are very brave including your families who support what you do. You serve our community and country proud. Thank God no one was injured. The auxiliary was great keeping everyone supplied with food and drink. Hats off to all of you.

There aren’t enough words in the dictionary or bible to express our heartfelt gratitude and thanks to everyone who have helped, gave support and donations after the loss of our home in Plymouth.

This is the second time we have lost our home to fire in less than 12 years. Last time we had no insurance. A complete stranger approached me after the first fire and told me to advertise in the Pennysaver, asking for a mobile home due to the loss of our home because of fire. An older couple answered the ad and gave us a mobile home. The people where I work put together and raised enough money for us to move it. Up until then we were living in a small camper that (believe it or not) your pastor, Richard Anderson, gave to us after the fire. Luckily, this time I have some fire insurance. Not enough to rebuild, but enough to clean the place up. Up to this date (April 8, 2007) the insurance company has not settled the claim. Hopefully soon. So we can get to work cleaning the place up.

A month before the fire, I lost my mom and laid her to rest in the Plymouth Cemetery. Our pastor, Dick Anderson, was there. My mom was in the ICU and was recovering, but a complication developed and she faltered. Pastor Dick Anderson was there with my family when my mom went to sit beside our Lord. Our pastor stayed with us all night and into the morning hours providing great comfort. We are forever grateful.

Our pastor was there the night of the second fire, too. His wife Maureen by his side, they stayed late into the night. They are kind, gentle, and wonderful people. I’m sure my mom was there. I had not finished cleaning out her apartment because I still couldn’t quite believe she was gone. She must have been watching out for me, because I now reside at her place. Thank God I had somewhere to go after the fire. Everything I am and will be I owe to her.

We are hoping to return to Plymouth soon. I love laughter, life, my family, friends, and my great two jobs. My family and I survive because I know only the strong do! I end this letter with words of happiness:
Everyone is alive,
No one was hurt,
My false teeth survived,
And my pink bridge is still intact.
But most of all
We appreciate People like you!!!
God Bless.
Rowena Graef and Family

Newsletter Issue 23

2007-05-04T11:15:00.000-07:00

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

* * *

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

* * *

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.

* * *

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

* * *

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

* * *

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

* * *

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

* * *

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

* * *

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

* * *

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

* * *

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

* * *

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

* * *

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.

* * *

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

* * *

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

* * *

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.

* * *

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

* * *

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

* * *

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

* * * *

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.
* * *

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.

* * *

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.

* * *

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

* * *

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

* * *

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

You coming to the Fund Raiser?

2007-02-04T09:03:00.000-08:00

Poker Run - Pancake Breakfast & Lunch
Benefit - Plymouth Canasawacta Creek Watershed
When: Saturday FEB. 24th, 2007 Where: Plymouth Fire House

“All events Open to Public” Poker Run will be sponsored by “The Chenango Sno Riders Club” Sign ups are in the morning of the Poker Run at the Fire House There will be a 50/50 Raffle for everyone

Prizes for the Poker Run:

* GRAND PRIZE- 2 night stay at Clarks Beach Motel in Old Forge (This includes heated pool, game room, internet hook up, cable & trail passes.)

* $50 Gift Certificate to Fred’s Inn

* Six additional individual prizes: Gift Certificates ranging $30 to $80.00

Breakfast - 7:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. - $4.00 per person (under 5 free)
Lunch - 1:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. (Hot Dogs, Chili, & Fries) Prices posted at event

Prizes for Poker Run and 50/50 drawing at 5:15 p.m. (You don’t have to be present to win 50/50)

No snow, PLEASE come eat with us!

Plymouth Newsletter, Winter (January-March) 2007 - Issue 22

2007-01-07T08:29:00.000-08:00

FEATURES IN THIS ISSUE:

- Urgent Requests to Watershed Landowners
permission slips
landowner intake forms
appeal from the committee
- Fund Raising for the watershed
- $10,000 matching donation from a “Cranky Old Man”
- Terminology & Concepts for streams
- DOT and Canasawacta Creek
- From the Assessor
- From the Volunteer Fire Department
- Business Directories & Contest Update
- INTERVIEW WITH A LOCAL BUSINESS
This issue – K&B Enterprises
- CALENDAR OF EVENTS
- A Flood Victim’s Story
- Plymouth has a BLOG!
- HELP!!! the Newsletter needs funding!!- From the Plymouth Post Office

URGENT REQUEST TO WATERSHED LANDOWNERS

The Town of Plymouth Watershed committee is applying for two more grants. The one due February 5 requires that we submit the landowner permission slips for accessing and assessing the creek at your location. Following is a permission slip that we need you to sign and return to us BY JANUARY 22, 2007. That will give us just enough time to collate the paperwork and send it in. (Send it in earlier if you can!) mail to: Town of Plymouth Watershed Committee, P. O. Box 30, South Plymouth, NY 13844

ANOTHER REQUEST TO WATERSHED LANDOWNERS

If you have not already mailed to us your landowner intake sheet, please fill out the following form and mail to Town of Plymouth Watershed Committee, P. O. Box 30, South Plymouth, NY 13844. We need to hear from you EVEN IF YOU HAVE NO CONCERNS.

AN APPEAL TO WATERSHED LANDOWNERS FROM THE COMMITTEE

As homeowners and/or landowners in the Town of Plymouth, we have a concern that several home/landowners who have sustained severe stream bank erosion, flood damage to their land, homes or other buildings have not returned their Intake Forms or Permission Slips. These are important and/or required documents.

The Intake Form provides the committee with an idea of the extent of damage you incurred during the floods. The Permission Slip is a form that will be used ONLY for committee members and DOT, DEC, Soil & Water, or the Army Corps of Engineers to cross your land (you will be notified first) to assess damages, and determine appropriate repair. These permission slips will NOT be used for machinery to cross your land or work in your area. You will be giving permission ONLY for assessment purposes. In addition, the committee is now working on a grant that has a deadline of February 5, 2007. The grant is a non-matching grant up to $15,000.00. Part of the application is “proof that we have landowner’s permission to cross their land.” It is imperative you return the completed Permission Slip by January 22, 2007, in order for your land to be included should we be awarded any funding.

We need to pull together as a community in order to move forward on the restoration of our creek and protection of property. We also are requesting that you consider making a tax-deductible donation (see accompanying article on Fund Raising for Canasawacta Creek). Your donation is a donation to “yourself and your community.” One grant that we have already submitted is a matching grant. Matching funds mean exactly as it implies – state, federal grants call for a 50/50 split. We pay half, they pay half. If we, as a community, cannot come up with our half, we do not collect the other half, even if the grant has been awarded.

This is your home, our home, our land, our creek. PLEASE, help us get it back to the beauty (and safety) that it once was and back to a community that we can again look at with pride.

Audrey Stone, Co-Chair for Landowner Documentation, 336-2548
Peg Kreiner, Committee Member, Grant Writer, 334-8764

FUNDS NEEDED TO REPAIR FLOOD DAMAGE

Have you heard? We have an anonymous donor who will match all donations (which are tax-deductible, receipts will be mailed for your tax records) up to $10,000!! (See accompanying article.) So if the community can give $10,000, we will have $20,000 to put toward needed watershed repairs. This $20,000 and any OTHER donations you might like to make will go towards the matching grant funds we will need. We made it past the first cut for the first grant application (for which we need $175,900 of matching funds).

Most of the grants the Town of Plymouth Watershed Committee is applying for are matching grants (grant giver provides a certain percentage, the community provides a certain percentage). The Town of Plymouth Board has set up a tax-deductible account for donations from the community. Checks, bank checks, or money orders are preferred and should be made payable to “Town of Plymouth Watershed”. Please mail your donations to: Town of Plymouth Watershed Committee, P. O. Box 30, South Plymouth, NY 13844; or give it to any committee member (list follows) or to Jerry Kreiner, Supervisor, Town of Plymouth. We are required by law to keep accurate records. If you prefer to make an anonymous donation, you will need to contact a committee member if you wish to receive a receipt for tax purposes. You will be assigned a code for the public tracking sheets so that your name will not appear.

The committee will also sponsor fund raisers with the hope that the community will support your watershed while having fun. Our first fund raiser is scheduled for Saturday, February 24, 2007 (specific details will be advertised in the Pennysaver, posters, etc.). Some of what is planned: A PANCAKE BREAKFAST in the morning, LIGHT LUNCH in the afternoon, and a POKER RUN for snowmobile enthusiasts (with some outstanding prizes!!!). We will also offer a 50/50 raffle (need not be in attendance to win). In addition, our first “NAME AS MANY BUSINESSES IN 30 SECONDS” on this day (see accompanying article in this newsletter) will be held for those that wish to participate. Rothwell’s Used Auto Sales (memorize that name!) has graciously offered a free oil change for the winner of the 30 Second contest. Thank you, Jim.
Help is needed the day of the fund raiser. Please contact one of the committee members or come to our meetings (Mondays, 6:30 p.m., Plymouth Firehouse) and let us know how you would like to help. We had hoped to have more details for this newsletter, but alas, you know how that goes. We will be calling on the community to donate needed supplies for this event. We know we will need eggs, pancake mixes, coffee, milk, hot chocolate, syrups, other condiments, ground meat, hot dogs, buns, relishes, or money to purchase items, etc. etc. Again, please contact a committee member listed below or attend one of the Monday night meetings to inform us what you are willing to donate.

Baker, Rob - 607-334-4960 - robandzoe@roadrunner.com
Pierce, Sandy Bonell - 607-334-3481 - lambsqfarm@frontiernet.net
Campbell, Sean - 607-334-4409 - sean1campbell@frontiernet.net
Rogers, Walt & Martha - 607-334-2788 - waltrogers@adelphia.net
Kreiner, Peg - 607-334-8764 - skreiner@roadrunner.com
Schuster, Tammie - 607-336-5024 -
Manley, Jr., Ken - 607-334-9582 - kjmanley@roadrunner.com
Stone, Audrey - 607-336-2548 - wstone48897@roadrunner.com
Marvin, Dolly - 607-334-6456 -
Kreiner, Jerry Supervisor - 607-336-5984 - jlkreiner@citlink.net

MATCHING DONATION OFFER UP TO $10,000.00!!!

A nice gentleman (affectionately known as the “Cranky Old Man”) who owns property in the Town of Plymouth has graciously offered to match all donations made to the “Town of Plymouth Watershed” up to $10,000.00!! All donations are deposited in a special account and will be used for restoration and maintenance of our watershed. In his younger days he used to fish for trout in the Canasawacta Creek. He would like to see our children and grandchildren have that pleasure. Unless we take steps to repair and protect our watershed, our descendants won’t find any fish. To date we have collected $565.00 from concerned citizens. He has matched that dollar-for-dollar and we have $1,130.00 in our account. Are there any other fishermen or environmentalists out there who would like to set up a matching donation fund? Our “Cranky Old Man” says he’d like to start a trend.

This is our community and we need to get back to neighbor helping neighbor. It has been made clear that the majority of the restoration is our responsibility. The watershed has applied for a grant. The total estimated cost for 66 rock weirs alone is $351,800. This is a matching grant which means IF awarded we (the community) need to come up with half - $175,900. This is only a start. ALL money donated, even if the grant is not awarded, will be put toward restoring he creek. PLEASE! Help. This is your community, no one elses. Contact any committee member or the Supervisor (listed in previous article) to make a donation or mail your check/money order made payable to “Town of Plymouth Watershed” to Town of Plymouth Watershed Committee, P. O. Box 30, South Plymouth, NY 13844.

Sandy Bonell Pierce, Watershed Committee, 334-3481, mailto:lambsqfarm@frontier
Peg Kreiner, Watershed Committee, 334-8764, skreiner@roadrunner.com

TERMINOLOGY & CONCEPTS FOR RIVER AND STREAM SYSTEMS

Watershed or Drainage Basin – the area of land upstream and uphill from a point in a channel that sheds water and sediment into the channel at that point.

Any rain (or snowmelt) falling anywhere, that does not evaporate or get taken up by plants, either flows over the surface of the land (runoff) or seeps through the ground (groundwater) until it reaches a larger body of water. Locally, this may be a stream or river, or a pond or lake which is drained by one. Ultimately, it will end up in the ocean.

Pick a point along a stream, say at its mouth. The water flowing past that point all started out as rain or snow, falling on the ground. The watershed of the stream is that area of ground from which the precipitation winds up flowing past that point. The network of branching stream channels and tributaries makes up only about 1 to 5% of the total watershed.

The channel is the area that carries most of the flow of a stream. In fact in normal circumstances all of the flow is within the channel. It is bounded by the banks. During high water or flood events, the water goes over the banks into the overbank area. The area of overbank that is under water for a flood of some given magnitude is the floodplain.

The discharge (or flow) of a stream is the quantity of water that passes a point in a given time. Typically, this is measured in cubic feet per second (cfs) or cubic meters per second (cms). For comparison, a cubic foot is about 7.5 gallons; a cubic meter about 264 gallons.

The velocity of the stream is the speed of the flow, in feet per second or meters per second. The average velocity is the overall velocity past a point. Because of friction with the bottom (bed) and banks and with the air at the surface, the velocity is actually higher in the middle of the deep channel than at the bottom, the top, the edges or in the overbank. Also, the need to squeeze water through a constriction or around an obstacle can result in local velocities higher or lower than the average.

Sediment – the rock-derived material moved or carried by water.

Rock is broken down by chemical action (including dissolving) and by mechanical action (grinding and breaking). What results from this is soil.

There are three classes of material that make up the sediment load carried by a stream. First is the dissolved load, consisting of material dissolved out of the rock and soil of the watershed. Next is the suspended load, which is made up of very fine particles (clay and fine silt) so small that they do not settle out of the flow, and visible as muddy or cloudy water. Last is the bedload, coarser particles (sand, gravel and larger stones) that roll or bound along the bottom of the stream. Generally, dissolved load makes up about 45% of the sediment load of a stream, suspended load about 50% and bedload about 5%, but this is highly variable. Fast-moving streams that drain sparsely-vegetated watersheds, or have large fluctuations in discharge have higher proportions of bedload and suspended load. Streams draining heavily forested watersheds or having lakes and ponds that act as settling basins have higher proportions of dissolved load. The relative proportion of bedload and suspended load depend on the available sediment size and stream velocity.

The size and amount of sediment that a stream can move mainly depend on the velocity of the flow, plus the depth and shape of the channel, and the size and amount of sediment available and exposed to the flow. Following rainstorms and during floods, all three of these increase, so the stream picks up more and larger sediment. As the velocity slows because of a flatter slope, or as the flood recedes, the stream can no longer carry as much or as large material. The sediment drops out, forming bars and building up the bed. Banks that are being cut back by the flow are said to be eroding. If the stream bed is being eroded and lowered, it is termed degrading, while a bed that is being built up and rising is aggrading.

Flood Frequency is a misleading term. For years the custom has been to describe flood magnitude by a recurrence interval – the “100-year flood,” the “10-year flood,” etc. This gives the false impression that a “100-year” flood will only occur once in 100 years. Actually, the so-called recurrence interval is the inverse of a probability – a “100-year” flood is one that has a 1/100 (1%) chance of being equaled or exceeded in any one year. Similarly, a “25-year” flood has a 1/25 (4%) chance of being equaled or exceeded in a single year. When you’re flipping a coin, having just thrown heads is no guarantee that you won’t throw heads on your next toss. So with exceedence probability – if you just had a “100-year” flood, there is a 1% change you’ll have another within a year, and a 9.5% chance you’ll see another within 10 years. In fact, there’s a 50-50 chance you’ll have at least one more, that big or bigger, within 69 years.

George H. Long, P.E.
NYS Department of Transportation Hydraulic Engineering Unit

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NYS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION and CANASAWACTA CREEK

Let's start off with a brief history of transportation agencies in New York State leading up to today's DOT. From colonial Dutch and English beginnings, the Office of Surveyor-General was organized right after the Revolutionary War in 1777. That office was updated in 1846 and re-named the Office of State Engineer and Surveyor. It was not until 1978 that the Department of Public works was formed. These early departments were concerned primarily with surveying land and managing the state canal system. In the early 1900s the Public Service Commission assumed responsibility for economic and safety regulation of privately operated transportation, railroads and buses, and Congress passed the Highway Act that created the New York State Department of Highways. In 1923 a new and unified Department of Public Works consolidated many of these functions and assumed responsibility for highways, canals and public buildings. The current New York State Department of Transportation was established in 1967. (For additional interesting information, please visit the NYS DOT homepage at http://www.nysdot.gov/portal/page/portal and click on about us and look for history.)

The first recorded highway plans associated with the Canasawcta Creek watershed in the DOT's possession date back to 1910. These plans describe a road from “Stewarts Corners westerly to the Hamlet of Kirk, a distance of 4.9 miles, in the town of Plymouth, Chenango County.” This appears to be what is now part of Route 23 and includes the area of concern to the current watershed group. The current bridge at Moon Hill Road was constructed in 1931. At that time the “dirt road to Preston” was where Moon Hill Road is located today. Further upstream the 1931 plans indicate that Canasawacta Creek was re-channelized where Chan Aldrich Road is today. Further downstream from Moon Hill Road, in a 1936 project, part of Canasawacta Creek was moved from the north to the south side of the highway. The deck of the bridge by Moon Hill Road was rebuilt in the 1980's and the bridge by Chan Aldrich Road was rebuilt in the 1990's.

The mission of New York State Department of Transportation is “to ensure our customers - those who live, work and travel in New York State - have a safe, efficient, balanced and environmentally sound transportation system.” To achieve those goals maintenance forces are continually looking for more effective and efficient ways to protect roads and bridges while at the same time promoting healthy streams and safe watersheds.

In 2004 maintenance forces stabilized the bank of Canasawacta Creek at Ashcraft Road. This area of the stream has changed significantly as a result of the June 2006 flooding. Maintenance would like to increase the size of the culvert that goes from north to south under Route 23 to prevent flooding of the road in that area. There is also some concern about erosion of the south side of Route 23 in this area. Intervention plans are being reviewed. It is important to understand both the upstream and downstream effects associated with any intervention.

Further upstream, Maintenance would like to remove some of the cobble and stone that was washed down during the June 2006 flooding. This is probably in the vicinity where the creek was moved in the 1930's. Maintenance forces will continue to monitor and fix damage to the rock vanes and the cross vane that were installed in late summer 2006. Typically these types of structures need to be adjusted during the first year after they are installed, and periodically after that as the stream changes. Maintenance is committed to learning effective, cost-efficient techniques that will ensure the safety of the traveling public as well as those who live close to our roads and bridges, and to working in cooperation with other stakeholders that share the watershed with NYSDOT infrastructure.

Mary O'Reilly, DOT Maintenance, December 2006

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FROM THE ASSESSOR

Trust everyone is having a great fall-winter so far with temperatures in the high 50's - 60's. As of yet have not mailed out the 2007 exemptions but they will be in the mail after the Christmas rush. They are due back to me by March 1st, 2007. If anyone has problems with them, please contact me. Remember on the Senior Star and Aged exemptions, need copies (no originals please). Also if you don't file a State Tax, please wait for the year-end social security statement to be mailed to you. It usually comes out the second-third week of January. State tax copies should be for 2005. If anyone doesn't get a copy and they believe they should, kindly contact me so I can send one to you. Some have the verification program and do not have to sign up every year. Also please keep in mind, the agriculture exemptions is granted to you if you make $10,000 or more on the land. I do need a copy of the taxes that you send in to the Government for proof.I will be attending a seminar in Syracuse January 8th, 2007 (funded by the State) on Time Management. It should prove to be a rewarding subject. Best part is that it gives me six credits for next year. (must have 24 credits each year).I notified the Town Board that my P.O. Box 913 has been canceled and the new address is: 130 Beale Street, Norwich, New York 13815. Kindly make a note of this in your records.We have not had our County meeting as of yet with Don MacIntosh and Judy Montgomery. They have been revamping their department at the County so they have new personnel on the job.I would hope by now all that should be entitled to the Rebate Star got their money. Had to make a few corrections because the check was made out to the deceased spouse. That required sending in an application with the voided check to the State for processing. That was well appreciated! As usual if there are any concerns, please feel free to call. Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!Assessor, Mary Manley, 336-4600

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FROM THE PLYMOUTH VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

The Plymouth Fire Department had it's elections of officers for 2007 and the following members were elected: Chief: Mathew Bates, 1st Chief Greg Miller, 2nd Chief Robert Barnes, 1st Captain Leroy Burlingame lll, 2nd Captain Leroy Burlingame ll, Squad Captain Jeff Wathen. The Fire Department is still looking for more members to join the department and also members to join the Ladies Aux. Any residents interested in joining may contact Chief Bates any Wednesday night at the Plymouth firehouse by stopping in or calling 334-6805.
The departments members are at the firehouse every Wednesday night if you would like to stop in and look around the firehouse. If anyone is interested in joining the ladies aux., their meeting is the last Monday of the month at the Plymouth Fire House at 6:30 pm. Mathew Bates, Chief-Plymouth Fire Dept.

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NAME PLYMOUTH BUSINESSES IN 30 SECONDS CONTEST

The contest rules have been decided. You must name the businesses from memory with the exact name as it appears in the Business Directories in bold and underlined. Any abbreviated name will be discounted. We have had very few businesses respond. The first contest will include all the businesses listed in both directories above, “Taxpayer-owned businesses IN the Town of Plymouth” and “Taxpayer-owned businesses outside the Town of Plymouth”. We have it on good authority that there are 54 businesses in the Town of Plymouth. As these businesses become part of the directory, future contests will need to exclude the “out of town” businesses due to time constraints. So practice hard and come to the Plymouth Firehouse on Saturday, February 24, 2007, for the first contest. The Watershed Committee is holding a funding raiser that day (pancake breakfast and other activities) and you can compete anytime during the all-day event (see fund raiser article in this newsletter for more details). Rothwell’s Used Auto Sales has graciously offered the prize for this first contest – free oil change. Other rules:
1. from memory (any order)
2. must use exact name of business as it appears in bold type and underlined
3. only Plymouth taxpayers may participate (on my list, or bring tax receipt as ID)
4. winner will have fastest time naming ALL businesses appearing in directories in this issue

Good luck. If you are having any kind of public event, and would like to hold this contest as part of the event, contact me, Sandy Bonell Pierce, 334-3481, lambsqfarm@frontiernet.net.

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AN INTERVIEW WITH A TOWN OF PLYMOUTH BUSINESS – K&B ENTERPRISES

Names of Owners: Kevin Kreiner and Tracy DeLee
Business Address: 467 Doing Road, Norwich, NY 13815
Phone: 607-334-5986
How long have you done business in the town? We started our business in January 2006 so we have just completed our first year.
What is the major product/service you provide? The repair and maintenance of Agricultural and Industrial equipment, i.e., farm tractors, heavy equipment such as dozers, backhoes, etc. In addition, we are an Interstate Battery Dealership and Agricultural and Industrial Parts Dealer.
What are your hours and days of operation? We are open Monday – Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sunday is by appointment. We try to meet our customer’s needs so that if for some reason they cannot get to us during regular hours we try to accommodate their schedules. Some times, however, we may not be able to. We do provide free estimates and should the customer want us to complete the work, we do request ½ down with the balance due at the time they pick up their equipment. We stand by our work.
Why did you choose this location for your business? We were both born and raised in the area. I (Kevin) was raised right in Plymouth. Since our families and friends are here we wanted to stay in the area and we both have worked farms so are very familiar with the equipment used and how important it can be to make sure it is working.
Do you have any future plans for the business, i.e., expansion? Nothing planned for the near future since we are just getting started. But who knows what the future could bring.

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Monday - January 8, 2007, 7:00 p.m. - Town Board Meeting in Firehouse; public is invited and encouraged to attend board meetings

Monday - January 29, 6:30 p.m. - Ladies aux of fire department meeting

Monday - February 12, 7:00 p.m. - Town Board Meeting in Firehouse; public is invited and encouraged to attend board meetings

Saturday - February 24, all day - Pancake breakfast, light lunch, poker-run, and other activities, fundraiser for watershed at firehouse

Monday - February 26, 6:30 p.m. - Ladies aux of fire department meeting

Sunday - March 11, 2007 - Daylight savings time begins; could this be true? I found it on my new 2007 calendar

Monday - March 12, 2007, 7:00 p.m. - Town Board Meeting in Firehouse; public is invited and encouraged to attend board meetings

Monday - March 19, 2007, 9:00 p.m. - Deadline to get April thru June dates to be listed in this CALENDAR OF EVENTS, call 334-3481

Monday - March 26, 2007, 6:30 p.m. - Ladies aux of fire department meeting

Every Monday; except for town board meeting nights, 6:30 p.m. - Watershed committee meetings

Every Wednesday - evenings - volunteer firemen at firehouse

FUNDRAISER for the Watershed!

2006-12-11T04:34:00.000-08:00

Our first fundraiser is scheduled for Saturday, February 24, 2007 in the morning. It will consist of a Poker Run and Pancake Breakfast (the Pancake breakfast is open to all, not just those that want to join the Poker Run). It will be held at the Plymouth Firehouse. Spread the word so that we have a great turn out! More information to follow.

Will the Sun ever shine?

2006-11-18T05:37:00.000-08:00

Well, its like June all over -The Evening Sun's latest story - we've had over 2 more inches of rain and it came fast too! There is no draught here this fall, that's for sure!

Plymouth Watershed in the Evening Sun

2006-11-11T00:58:00.000-08:00

Here is the latest story run in the Evening Sun!

http://www.evesun.com/chenango-county/news-stories/2006-11-10/875.htm

Plymouth Newsletter Fall 2006, Issue 21

2006-11-11T00:39:00.000-08:00

IN THIS ISSUE:
- A Flood Victim’s Story
- Introducing the Canasawacta Creek Watershed Committee
- Notice to landowners along the Canasawacta Creek Watershed
- Calendar of Events
- From the Town Clerk
- From the Highway Superintendent
- From the Assessor
- From the Plymouth Volunteer Fire Department
- From the Dog Control Officer
- Quick! How many Town of Plymouth businesses can you name in 30 seconds?
- Notice to Plymouth Businesses
- A Call for Student Journalists
- Do you know who your town officials are?
- Plymouth Ballot

FROM THE TOWN CLERK

Since the last time there was a newsletter, I now have a large waterproof and fireproof container for storage of town records. I was able to obtain with the assistance of former town councilman Gerald Cushman. Unfortunately approximately 20 years of records were destroyed by fire as were not turned over to me in time. If anyone has town records over a year old, please see that I get them to put in storage to prevent such a problem again. I have been advised by the State some time ago that these should be in my care after a year old.

Regarding Sportsman licenses, I have sold quite a few this year to date, and approximately one half of DMP applicants received their doe licenses. Any sportsman interested in trying again for a doe permit, depending on availability, should check around November 1st with your town clerk to see if any left.

My office hours are Wednesday thru Friday 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. If these hours are not convenient please call me at 336-2116 for an appointment.

Happy Hunting to all the hunters and have a nice fall.

Marie Whaley
Town Clerk/Tax Collector
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FROM THE HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENT

The Plymouth Highway Department would like to thank the people for being patient. We had a lot of shoulder washouts, sluice pipe work, and cleaning ditches to do because of the June flood.

One mile of oil and stone was done this season, and two miles of resurfacing with oil and stone.

A reminder about snow removal: please keep cars off roadways for plowing and sanding from October 15, 2006, to April 30, 2007. Thank you.

Pete Marshall
Highway Superintendent

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FROM THE ASSESSOR

It certainly was an unusual year. Weather wise and also for me. Had an accident in May and was unable to work for a few weeks. Back in the swing of everything now.

Was a busy year for new construction and improvements.

Had very few grievances this year and no small claims cases. We now have a new member on the Board of Assessment Review making a total of three.

The exemptions all came through in time for the final roll. In some cases there were a few corrections.

Have been keeping up with my continuing education credits and to date have six credits toward next year (must have 24 a year). This is paid for by the state.

We have recently formed an Assessors’ Association for this area. This is very informative for all.

Again, calls for tax information is something I cannot give you. The only information I can give you would be your assessment, which affects the tax amount. Calls should be made to either the town clerk or the schools involved. After a certain date they are turned over to the county.

I will be mailing the exemptions in the month of December for transmittal to me by March 1, 2007.

It was great that the state awarded us the star tax rebate check. Have had many calls because the check was made out to the deceased spouse and the banks would not cash them. There is a special form to be signed by the assessor to send back to the state for a new check to be issued.

As usual, any questions feel free to call and if not at home, leave a short message and please supply your tax map number. Have a safe and happy winter.

Mary Manley
Assessor

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FROM THE PLYMOUTH VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

The Plymouth Fire Department would like to take this time to remind you that the cold months are coming and we want to make sure your wood stove and furnaces are ready to go.

If you have a wood stove, make sure your chimney is cleaned and there are no cracks in the flue liners. Make sure your wood stove is properly installed in your residence. You should clean your chimney a couple of times during the cold months. Always burn seasoned wood and never burn paper or other materials in your stove because it may plug your chimney and cause a chimney fire.

If you are using a furnace, make sure it has been serviced and working properly.

Make sure you have working smoke detectors in your residence. You should have at least one smoke detector on every floor (more detectors would be better).

I would like to end by saying the fire department is always looking for more volunteers. Being a volunteer is a good way to help out your community. If you are interested in being a volunteer, we are always at the firehouse on Wednesday evenings, if you would like to stop in, or call us at 334-6805.

Thank you and be safe.

Mathew Bates
Plymouth Fire Chief

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FROM THE DOG CONTROL OFFICER

A reminder that the Town of Plymouth has a dog leash law in effect all year long. Dogs cannot run free off an owner’s property at any time during the year. Also, it is now required that dogs be licensed and have rabies shots by 4 months of age. If a dog isn’t licensed, the owner can be fined $25 per dog for the 1st offense and in $25 increments after that.

David Meyers 627-6506
Dog Control Officer
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CANASAWACTA CREEK WATERSHED COMMITTEE ESTABLISHED

On March 14, 2006, members from Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), Department of Transportation (DOT), Army Corps of Engineers, and the Chenango County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) held a meeting with landowners in the Town of Plymouth regarding the erosion of the stream and stream banks along the Canasawacta Creek. The regulatory agencies presented their findings starting from the Plymouth falls westward along NYS Route 23 to the west Plymouth boundary line near the Monroe farm. At the conclusion of the meeting and after touring critical problematic areas, regulatory agencies agreed that the creek was in need of repair and further data collection may be required.

In early June of 2006 DOT, DEC and SWCD representatives walked the creek documenting data on specific areas requiring corrective action and what it would entail. DOT also gathered historical data, flood rates, stream volume and other pertinent geographical data required in stream repair/maintenance. Shortly after the survey we received mother nature’s second major flood which caused further land erosion and dumping more silt/sediment in the creek, on creek banks and in/around homes.

On August 21, 2006, the agencies held a meeting with landowners to discuss their findings and recommendations for corrective actions. DOT discussed their plans to repair any section of the creek that threatens bridges or roads. To date, they have repaired two sections of the creek and have scheduled to repair the large washout area near Ashcraft Road in 2007 (no specific date set). DOT explained that “by law” they could only fix areas near roads or bridges, not landowner’s property. DEC briefed they have no stream maintenance/restoration program and only issue permits for others to conduct the work in accordance with current regulations. All the agencies briefed and agreed that the later June flood had changed things and that currently no funding is available for actual repair. The only way the creek would get repaired was if the community (landowners in the Town of Plymouth) unite together and form a non-profit Watershed Committee as other communities have done. Once formed, state and federal grants would possibly be available to conduct the required repairs/maintenance. All of the representatives from the regulatory agencies stated that it will not be a quick repair and that such actions take time as grants are awarded not guaranteed. They also agreed that they would provide anything they could to assist the Committee to apply for grants.

Upon hearing that the state would not solve the landowners’ problems, nine Plymouth residents volunteered and joined together to work closely with the regulatory agencies to form The Town of Plymouth Canasawacta Creek Watershed Committee. On September 11, 2006, the Plymouth Town Board officially adopted the committee. A town board member was assigned to keep the town board informed. The Watershed Committee currently meets once a week and has already established a mission statement with goals and objectives. The Committee mailed letters to landowners along the creek to gather documentation of property damage, landowners’ concerns, and gather pictures wherever possible. Numerous hours with regulatory agencies have been spent to ensure maximum efficiency and accuracy. The committee is also completing the required documents to apply for the first grant in October and will continue to research other grants or funding in order to apply for funds to resolve our creek problems. The Committee has established a technical team, funding team, landowner liaison team and in the near future would like to form a website so any landowner can see what the latest status is. The Committee is also investigating legal ways to accept donations with all moneys going directing toward creek restoration and maintenance.

Every member of the Committee also has suffered damage to his/her property, and has committed not to put his/her personal loss ahead of others in need of more urgent repair. Repairs will be prioritized in coalition with recommendations from all members and input from the regulatory agencies. The Committee would like to remind all landowners that they share their frustration but, again, want to remind all that this is a long-term process. The Committee, with the help of all members of the community, will do their best to restore the watershed back to a safe and healthy environment. If anyone is interested in joining the committee, they should contact:

Ken Manley, Jr., 334-9582, kjmanley@adelphia.net; or
Peg Kreiner, 334-8764, skreiner@adelphia.net; or
Sandy Pierce, 334-3481, lambsqfarm@frontiernet.net; or
Walt Rogers, 334-2788, waltrogers@adelphia.net; or
Audrey Stone, 336-2548, or
Dolly Marvin, 334-6456, or
Tammie Schuster, 336-5024

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NOTICE TO CANASAWACTA CREEK WATERSHED LANDOWNERS:

The Town of Plymouth Newsletter and the town board meetings will be the official sources for notices and updates to the property owners along the Canasawacta Creek in the Town of Plymouth. You may have already received an initial mailing from the watershed committee asking you to document the difficulties you are having along the creek. It is important that you get this information back to the committee before the end of October. This information is critical in obtaining grants and designing the corrections along the creek. If you have not received your mailing from the committee, please contact us immediately. The DEC map number will be filled in by the committee.

Town of Plymouth Canasawacta Creek Watershed Committee
P. O. Box 30, South Plymouth, NY 13844
Landowner Contact, Tammie Schuster, 336-5024, or
Sandy Pierce, 334-3481

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ONE FLOOD VICTIM’S STORY written by Audrey Stone.

My husband Wayne and I live along the Canasawacta Creek on Route 23 West. We have lived here for 30 years, our children grew up in our home. Now we have no land left in back of our home as the creek has taken everything.

We have been through four major floods, where we have had to replace floors, walls, furniture and clothes. We have fixed so much that we can’t do it anymore. We’ve run out of energy. Also, if you haven’t been in a flood, it is a scary thing. It always seems to happen after the sun goes down. Then you can’t see the water, just hear it. It is frightening and shocking to jump out of bed at night and land in icy cold water up to your ankles.

As a result of the last flood in June, we had to leave our home because the water was hitting the back of the house. It’s an awful feeling to have to leave everything behind and not know if you have a home to come back to the next morning.

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QUICK! How Many Town of Plymouth Businesses Can You Name in 30 Seconds?

It was amazing to me as I drove around the Town of Plymouth the other day how many small businesses we have here. We have neighbors making their living right here, bringing services and merchandise close to our homes, and how many do we know? Or support? In our global economy we buy merchandise and services many miles from our homes (sometimes on another continent!). But in this shaky economic and politically scary time shouldn’t we start looking to support local businesses? There may be a time we won’t be able to obtain materials and services outside our community. Just the gasoline costs alone should convince some of us that driving out of the area is making less and less sense – economically and environmentally.

In an effort to introduce all of our Plymouth businesses to you, I’m offering a “30 Second” contest. The persons who can name them all (or most, in case no one can name them all) in 30 seconds or less will have his/her name placed in a drawing box. The winner of the draw will receive a gift certificate or discount coupon for one of the Plymouth businesses. (Sorry I can’t be more specific at this time since I just thought of this and I haven’t worked out the details yet, such as where will you demonstrate this oral list, where the drawing will take place, how often, etc. etc.)

If anyone out there (ESPECIALLY BUSINESS OWNERS!!!) would like to help me with this project, please call me ASAP. I suspect some over anxious competitor types will be bugging me as soon as they receive this issue. Also, since I don’t even know how many myself, I’m going to need LOTS of help.

Our next newsletter should contain all the details. In the meantime, start making your list and practicing.

Sandy Bonell Pierce, 334-3481
Staff Writer, Plymouth Newsletter

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NOTICE TO TOWN OF PLYMOUTH BUSINESSES

Assuming you have read the preceding article, you already know I’m desperate. In a newsletter a few years ago, business owners were encouraged to submit articles about themselves. I was disappointed that so few people responded. I, as temporary editor, am appealing to you all again. Please contact me by phone, e-mail, postal service, or personal visit and let me know who and where you are. You do NOT have to write the article itself (in case that’s what deterred you from responding before). You may write an article if you wish. I am hoping to have some student reporters join our staff and will have these young people interview you. We would like to feature one or more businesses in each future newsletter.

If you would like to offer a prize for our “30 Second” contest winners and/or help me with the contest, please let me know. Thank you for doing business in our town. We all look forward to meeting you.

Sandy Bonell Pierce, 334-3481
lambsqfarm@frontiernet.net
213 Pierce Road, Plymouth, NY 13832

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A CALL FOR STUDENT JOURNALISTS

Are you a high school student, college student, or new to the work force but don’t know what you want to be? Do you have an interest in journalism? We at the Plymouth Newsletter are in need of journalists and writers.

Melissa DeCordova of The Evening Sun has graciously offered to be a mentor for any young, aspiring journalist. You are to discuss this with your English teacher or writing professor and have the teacher or professor write a brief recommendation for you. Your school instructor would coach you on the use of the English language and guide you in your writing style. Melissa will help you in the area of selecting newsworthy topics and interviewing techniques. The recommendation from your instructor should be mailed to me at the address or e-mail below. I will review each one with Melissa and be in touch with you.

The Plymouth Newsletter will be a great place for you to practice your new skills. We have an immediate need right now for journalists:
-many flood victims need to tell their stories,
-many local businesses need to be interviewed,
-many town activities need to be highlighted,
-many graduating seniors need to be interviewed,
-many interesting town histories could be featured,
-our monthly town board meetings need to be covered,
-many local stories are just waiting to be discovered.

Contact me even if you are only slightly interested in this venture. I have many ideas to get you started.

Sandy Bonell Pierce, 334-3481
lambsqfarm@frontiernet.net
Staff Writer, Plymouth Newsletter
213 Pierce Road, Plymouth, NY 13832

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

(call 334-3481 to include future events on this page)

Friday

October 20, 2006
7:00 p.m.
free Holloween Party at Plymouth United Methodist Church, with hay ride to a haunted house

Wednesday

October 25, 2006
6:00
Stugafoo (study, games, food) under the supervision of a licensed English teacher at Canasawacta Valley Free Methodist Church

Tuesday
November 7, 2006

Election Day

Monday

November 13, 2006
7:00 p.m.
town board meeting at firehouse
Friday

November 10, 2006
7:00 p.m.
free movies (to be announced) at Canasawacta Valley Free Methodist Church

TBA

December TBA
TBA
free dance at the firehouse by Plymouth United Methodist Church
Friday

December 8, 2006
7:00 p.m.
free movies (to be announced) at Canasawacta Valley Free Methodist Church

Saturday

December 9, 2006
9-10:30
free breakfast with Santa at Plymouth United Methodist Church
Monday
December 11, 2006
7:00 p.m.
town board meeting at firehouse

YOUR TOWN ELECTED/APPOINTED OFFICIALS ARE:

Town Supervisor: Jerry L. Kreiner
Town Clerk/Tax Collector: Marie N. Whaley
Town Highway Superintendent: Peter Marshall
Town Board Member #1: Lewis Somers
Town Board Member #2: Robert Baker
Town Board Member #3: Robert I. Brown
Town Board Member #4: Richard Thompson
Town Assessor: Mary Manley
Town Justices: Gladys Branagan
Linda Hoag
Constable: vacant
Dog Control Officer: David Meyers
Town Attorney: Downey Law Offices
Town Historian: Carol Beckwith (the 2006 county directory in error)
Code Enforcement Officer: LeRoy Burlingame
Planning Board: Allen Sweet
Rena Doing
Jack Adams
Gerald Cushman
Kevin Slattery
Fire Department: Walter Rogers, Chairman of Board
Thomas Kreiner, Commissioner
Richard Kellogg, Commissioner
Robert Kirkby, Commissioner
Jeff Wathen, Commissioner
Dawn Ackermann, Treasurer
Jacqueline Kreiner, Secretary
Matt Bates, Fire Chief

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THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY:

Volunteers are unpaid not because they are worthless, but because they are priceless!

Anonymous

The man who views the world at fifty the same as he did at twenty has wasted thirty years of his life.
Mohammad Ali

Welcome to the Plymouth Watershed Blog site!

2006-11-02T09:30:00.000-08:00

The Town of Plymouth and the Plymouth Watershed Commitee would like to welcome you to our Plymouth Watershed blog - where we will be recording our progress on the maintenance and restoration of the Canasawacta Creek in the town of Plymouth via a Plymouth citizen led committee of Volunteers. We will use this forums as one of the means of communicating with the town citizens and taxpayers news relating to the project. This forum will serve as a means to alleviate some of the costs associate with administrative mailings. Be sure to check back regularly as we'll be updating the blog as things occur. Above are pictures from the Evesun Photos site that captured the Flood of 2006. One is of our Foster Park and it shows the damage resulting from the flood. The second photo is just east of Foster Park on State Route 23 showing the debris washed out of the hills and down into the valley - depositing itself in the Creek. Multiply this by the number of tributaries into the creek and you can imagine the force that was at work.