From the President
The dog days of summer have always been bittersweet for me, and this year is no exception. As the hot days get shorter, and the nights cooler, I think about the impending shift to Autumn sights and smells… pumpkins and apples and cider, oh my… tourists that are drawn to our region for its glorious foliage… and kids going back to school, which will be different this year than ever before, but it will be learning nonetheless.
As we all know, 2020 has been anything but “normal” and that unpredictability is causing higher levels of stress and anxiety. It’s imperative that we take great care of ourselves and prevent burnout. As flight attendants instruct during takeoff, in an emergency, you must put the mask on yourself before you try to save someone else. By setting healthy boundaries and recharging your batteries often, you’ll be better positioned to serve your family, clients and community. For tips on reducing stress, keep reading!
Locally, REALTORS have been adapting to a rapidly moving market, with high demand and low inventory, and doing our best to follow the state guidelines for safe real estate practice. Keep checking the cross-state travel map every Friday to see what counties are allowed to travel to Vermont without quarantine. I suggest sending this link to your out-of-state buyers and sellers so they read the rules directly from the source.
Get creative and offer alternatives – ask the listing agent if they already have a video to share, schedule a FaceTime or Zoom showing, or perhaps the buyer has a trusted local friend/family member who can check it out for them in person. There are many benefits to virtual showings so don’t be afraid to push yourself outside the box.
|
|
SCVBR is currently seeking candidates for our 2021 leadership team. The executive board includes a vice president, treasurer, secretary, member-at-large, and there are committees for membership, education, community affairs, NEREN, publicity, government affairs, and VAR state director. If you have a desire to serve, we would love to hear from you!
From my family to yours… stay safe and be happy!
Jenifer (with Milo, Jon, and Rex)
|
|
 |
SCVBR Contacts
(802) 229-0513
President
President-Elect
Treasurer
Secretary
Immediate Past President
Members at Large
NEREN Director/Shareholder
NEREN Alternate
COMMITTEES
Membership
Education
Government Affairs
Community Outreach
Public Relations
|
|
|
|
At Home with Diversity
VAR will offer the At Home with Diversity certification class via Zoom on ?. This important class is designed to enable REALTORS to work successfully with and within a rapidly changing multicultural market. Learn diversity sensitivity, how it applies to Fair Housing laws, and ways to develop professional guidelines for working with your clients.
SEPTEMBER 24
8am-4:30pm
Registration: $59
Pending 8 CE
This class will be offered via Zoom.
Registration opens soon.
|
VAR to Host NAR President and Leaders for the 2020 New England REALTORS Conference
VAR will be the host for the 2020 New England REALTORS Conference (NERC) on Wednesday, Sept. 9! For the first time ever, NERC will be held virtually, giving REALTORS a unique opportunity to participate in the event at no cost. This year's one-day event will feature some of the industry's most recognized leaders, including National Association of REALTORS (NAR) President, Vince Malta. Learn more about the agenda, conference speakers, and how to reserve your seat for this special event.
|
|
|
|
OVERCOMING STRESS
For our ancestors, stress was a survival skill during brief, life threatening situations. Once the danger passed, their stress levels lowered. However, in today’s world, we are constantly bombarded by stressors, such as work deadlines, traffic and family obligations. We rarely get a break long enough to relax and relieve the stress. The over-activation of our stress hormones have been linked to high blood pressure, heart attacks, lower immunity, depression, anxiety, and more. So how can you relieve stress? Here are some easy stress relievers to get you started.
-
Eat well-balanced meals. Do not skip any meals. Do keep healthful, energy-boosting snacks on hand.
-
Limit alcohol and caffeine, which can aggravate anxiety and trigger panic attacks.
-
Get enough sleep. When stressed, your body needs additional sleep and rest.
-
Exercise daily to help you feel good and maintain your health. Check out the fitness tips below.
-
Take deep breaths. Inhale and exhale slowly.
-
Count to 10 slowly. Repeat, and count to 20 if necessary.
-
Do your best. Instead of aiming for perfection, which isn't possible, be proud of however close you get.
-
Accept that you cannot control everything. Put your stress in perspective: Is it really as bad as you think?
-
Welcome humor. A good laugh goes a long way.
-
Maintain a positive attitude. Make an effort to replace negative thoughts with positive ones.
-
Get involved. Volunteer or find another way to be active in your community, which creates a support network and gives you a break from everyday stress.
-
Learn what triggers your anxiety. Is it work, family, school, or something else you can identify? Write in a journal when you’re feeling stressed or anxious, and look for a pattern.
-
Talk to someone. Tell friends and family you’re feeling overwhelmed, and let them know how they can help you. Talk to a physician or therapist for professional help.
-
Take a time-out. Practice yoga, listen to music, meditate, get a massage, or learn relaxation techniques. Stepping back from the problem helps clear your head.
|
|
Wear a Mask!
As of August 1, 2020, face masks are required in Vermont public spaces, and any time it is not possible to maintain a 6-foot distance from others who are not part of your household. For information on proper use of a face mask, click here. #MasksonVT |
|
Message from Susan G. Komen
Only two months until the 2020 Komen Vermont Virtual More Than Pink Walk on October 24 in Manchester. The South Central Vermont Board of REALTORS has a team, and you are welcome to join! Successful fundraising means starting early and every bit will help us to move our team forward.
Komen's mission hasn’t changed. Breast cancer doesn’t stop during a crisis and neither do you. Whether you walk for a friend who is newly-diagnosed, a co-worker living with this disease in memory of a loved one, we are stronger when we walk together.
|
|
Please Drive Safely – Accidents Have Doubled
The number of deadly crashes in Vermont has more than doubled this year, according to the Rutlastnd County Sheriff’s Office. Police says 33 people have been killed in 31 crashes. They list the causes to include speeding, distracted driving, and driving while high or drunk. We are told people didn’t wear a seat belt in 57 percent of the deadly crashes. Officers say we should have our lowest - not our highest -deadly crash rate. They say people are not paying attention and ask you to listen up. (Statistics courtesy of RUTLAND, Vt. WCAX).
|
Londonderry is mourning the loss of Joan E. Dayton, 72, a resident of Williams Street, Londonderry, VT., passed away July 25, 2020 as a result of injuries sustained in an automobile accident. Joan was known in the community as “the nicest Delinquent Tax Collector” for the Town of Londonderry. She served as Guardian ad Litem for several children and found her true passion for serving others with her volunteer work at Neighborhood Connections. She loved being a member of and enjoyed coordinating events with friends and neighbors as a member in the Lions Club. Joan was passionate once she found golf and enjoyed playing many rounds with family and friends throughout the years in Florida and Vermont. |
|
2020 Decennial Census: Shape Your Future
Census letters began to land on Vermonters’ doorsteps in mid-March. Within each letter is a code and a web address for , where you plug in your code and answer the questions in any of 13 languages. It takes just a few minutes to answer the handful of questions on demographics, origins and living situation. One person should fill out the form for everyone in the household. my2020census.gov.
Even if you happen to have been at your second home on April 1, 2020 due to the pandemic, the Census Bureau's aim is to count you only once, and in your primary residence. You should not count yourself as living at a “second home” or vacation home on a census survey.
Your response matters. Think about: Health clinics. Fire departments. Schools. Roads and highways. The census can shape many different aspects of your community. Census results help allocate billions of dollars in federal funding flow into states and communities each year. The results also determine how many seats in Congress each state gets. It's mandated by the U.S. Constitution in Article 1, Section 2: The U.S. has counted its population every 10 years since 1790.
|
|
Summer Zucchini Recipe
Here's a list of the simple ingredients you'll need to make these extra delicious veggies:
- Zucchini
- Squash
- Tomatoes
- Parmesan
- Garlic
- Italian Seasoning
- Dried Parsley
- Salt and Pepper
Try these veggies (or technically fruits!) and the simple side dish will not disappoint!
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line an 18 by 13-inch rimmed baking sheet with a sheet of parchment paper or aluminum foil.
- In a small bowl whisk together olive oil, garlic and Italian seasoning (if possible, let rest 5 - 10 minutes to allow flavors to infuse into oil). Place zucchini, squash and tomatoes in a large mixing bowl. Pour olive oil mixture over top and gently toss with hands to evenly coat.
- Pour onto prepared baking dish and spread into an even layer. Season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle Parmesan over the top of each. Roast in preheated oven 25 - 30 minutes until veggies are tender and Parmesan is golden brown. Garnish with parsley if desired and serve warm.
Recipe source: Cooking Classy
|
|
Thank You!
Thank you for reading our monthly SCVBR Community Affairs Newsletter! We value your input and are open to your suggestions. Please let us know if there is a Community Affairs topic you would like us to spread the word about. If you have an event you would like to submit for consideration on our Incomplete Calendar of Charitable Community Events, please email us by the 15th of the month.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
