Claudia Harris | Mary Mitchell Miller Real Estate | (802)824-3176 | Email | Website
August 2021
In this newsletter . . .
Welcome Note
Live Local Music Events for End-of-Summer
Pumping Your Septic System - How, When and Why?
Be Septic Smart
Wipes Clog Pipes - What NOT to Flush
Internet Resources for COVID Information (Vermont)
Our Area Real Estate Listings
Upcoming Local Events
Welcome
Dear ,
Where does the time go? August is once again upon us and the summer is fast nearing an end. Hopefully we'll have another solid month of warmer weather before the days get cooler and the fall colors appear.
With all of the rain we had in July and early August, I thought I would tackle a slightly indelicate and perhaps unpleasant issue and focus this month's newsletter on the #1 deal-breaker and most expensive thing to fix/replace when selling a house: your septic system!
Excessive amounts of rain and a high water-table can "stress" a septic system's ability to leach properly and this is a great time to remind ourselves to pay attention to our septic system. Some people think that it's "out of sight, out of mind" and forget that septic systems need maintenance just like your plumbing, heating or roofing systems.
With the exception of houses located in the larger village centers in our market area (Chester, Ludlow, Manchester), the vast majority of Vermont homes are on private water (well or spring) and a septic system. It isn't difficult or all that expensive to take care of these items and routine maintenance and constant care will ensure its continued health and functionality.
I hope the information below is helpful. I'm no expert, but don't ever hesitate to call if you have a question or need a referral related to your septic system ... or anything else!
Have a great end of summer, and please stay in touch!
Thursday, August 26 - Come and see the Mount Holly Folk Club! 6:30 PM 7:30 PM at the Village Baptist Church Green
Sunday, September 5 - Cabaret, an intimate smooth jazz "house concert" at the Belmont Library, 8:00 PM
Fridays in August (August 6 - August 27)
The Jackson Gore Concert Series (at Okemo), from 6 pm to 9 pm. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy the music. Food and beverages are available for purchase. More Information
Pumping Your Septic System - How, When and Why?
Vermont's Department of Environmental Conservation has a great video about septic system maintenance. It's several years old and slightly outdated, but it is still worth a look.
Current recommendations are to pump your system every 3-4 years if you're using the house on a full-time or near full-time basis, but different septic servicing companies have different recommendations and you can check with your preferred vendor. Also, the prices referenced in the video are typically more expensive in our area and can run between about $300-$400 depending on the size of the tank, the frequency of past pumping and whether or not the tank is accessible or needs to be dug up by hand or using an excavator to access the clean out.
A reminder about our usually fragile septic systems...
In this era of COVID and increased sanitation and decontamination, you should always remember that the only things that should be flushed are human waste and toilet paper. If you are on a septic system, you should not use a disposal and should not put any food scraps down the drain into the septic system. I don't mean to oversimplify the science, but the bacteria and microbes needed to "eat" food scraps will override the need for those same bacteria and microbes to work on your bathroom "business" and will eventually cause your septic system to fail. Other than the value of your house itself and possibly the cost to replace a large roof, replacing a septic system is the single largest cost you'll have in terms of homeownership.
Be SepticSmart
Don't Put Food Scraps Down the Drain
Since we're talking about ways to keep your septic system functional and "healthy," it's a good time to remind homeowners that kitchen sink disposals are NOT recommended for use with a septic system.
There are a lot of reasons, but as I stated in the article above, the main reason is that the food scraps will interrupt the aerobic and anaerobic processes at work. We need to keep all that hard-working bacteria working on the human waste in the system rather than the bits and pieces of food scraps you've just introduced intoyour septic tank. There are other places to put your food scraps . . . so you should leave the septic system to work on what's really important!
The following graphic from the Vermont Recycling and Composting Initiative is a good basic primer on this topic.
Thinking of Selling?
27+ Acres in Landgrove Listed for $349,000 MLS#4869005
Mary Mitchell Miller Real Estate is seeking new residential and land listings and we would welcome the opportunity to talk with you about listing your Vermont property for sale.
If you've been thinking about it, now is the time to make a move. Our inventory is low and there are buyers looking in ALL price ranges.
(Note: If you know of a community event that you would like included in this calendar, please submit the information to Claudia Harris (click link here) no later than the 10th of the preceding month.)
Summer 2021 ~ Local Events
On-Going Events
June through September 2021
Thursdays in the Garden at Hildene - Join Hildene's amazing gardeners from 3:30 to 4:30pm, for an informal walk-and-talk in the teaching gardens behind the Welcome Center where Hildene maintains the following gardens: flower cutting, butterfly, peony, and the Giving Garden (which supplies produce to the local food cupboard). Topics will vary, depending on what's happening in the garden. This program is free with admission or $10 for non-members wishing to come to Hildene just for the program. Everyone must check-in/make payment at the Welcome Center. Members are reminded to pick up their stickers. Covid protocols, including masks and social distancing, will be followed. Link: https://hildene.org/about/calendar or call (802) 367-7960.
SPECIAL NOTE: With the uncertainties of this new pandemic life we're all living, be sure to double-check that an event is happening as scheduled BEFORE you make plans or a special trip. A website or contact information is provided for most events listed.
Friday, August 27
Manchester StreetFest - Don't miss Manchester's party on historic Main Street. Live music (the always-fun Don't Leave band!!), food vendors, beer, and wine. A community event you will not want to miss! Main Street will be closed beginning at 4 p.m. from the Mountain Goat to Thai Basil. Parking is available at MEMS and in the municipal lot behind Rite Aid. 6-9 PM. No dogs are allowed. https://www.manchestervermont.com/events/
Friday, August 27
Blue Flames Concert in Weston - Enjoy a free concert by the enchanting Blue Flames Steel Band who, for the 12th year are donating their talent and time to honor the nine pioneer women who 135 years ago turned a smelly frog pond and muddy swamp into what is now called the most beautiful Town Green in Vermont. Come to this festive community celebration, bring a picnic and enjoy our ongoing Rejuvenation efforts to benefit the Farrar Park Association and the preservation of the beautiful Weston Green (1886 - 2021). 4:00 - 6:00 PM.
August 27-29
The Bondville Fair -
The Bondville Fair is the longest-running fair in Vermont. Located directly at the bottom of the Stratton access road, the 2021 Bondville Fair is being held from August 27th to 29th. A staple in Vermont since 1797, the Bondville Fair is back for its 223rd year for fun. With 223 years of crafts, eats, and events, this is not a fair to miss! Come out for Track Events, the Quilt Hall, the Floral Hall and more! The Bondville Fair begins Thursday, August 26th and concludes Sunday. https://bondvillefair.org/
Sunday, August 29
Peru Church's 175th Birthday Party - Mark your calendars for the big celebration! The Peru Church will be celebrating the church's 175th birthday. Town party on the Green with live music by The Grift and pig roast by the Peru Volunteer Fire Department. https://www.theperuchurch.org/welcome-1
August 28-29
Best of Vermont Summer Festival - The Okemo Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce a brand-new event-The Best of Vermont Summer Festival! After the long lockdown, the region is ready to get back and celebrate all that Vermont has to offer, and this inaugural festival is an exciting opportunity for Okemo Valley to shine. Enjoy specialty foods; wine, spirits & brew tastings; a variety of vendors and uniquely Vermont artisan products; live music; hot air balloons; and so much more! The band Sugartree will headline the festival on Saturday, while Jenni Johnson & the Junketeers is the main act on Sunday. Okemo Field, Route 103 and Bixby Rd., Ludlow. $2 donation. https://www.yourplaceinvermont.com/best-of-vermont-summer-festival/
September 3-5
Quechee Hot Air Balloon, Craft & Music Festival - Once again, the skies over Quechee and the Upper Valley of Vermont and New Hampshire will be filled with hot air balloons ushering in the annual Quechee Hot Air Balloon, Craft & Music Festival, the longest running hot air balloon festival in New England. Don't miss this exciting festival featuring up to 20 hot air balloons with five flights scheduled throughout the festival and additional tethered rides during the day. Enjoy continuous music and entertainment for all ages, and over 50 craft artisans and commercial vendors and several interactive activities in our Free Kids Zone. And of course there will be festival food with local healthy options and a beer and wine garden, with more surprises on site! The Kid's Zone is a FREE area to bring your kids for some additional entertainment for the little ones! Gates Open Friday at 3pm Saturday & Sunday 5:30am. Admission $15 (adults) and $5 (kids), valid for the ENTIRE weekend! https://www.quecheeballoonfestival.com/
Saturday, September 4
Blues, Brews and BBQ at Stratton Mountain - The event that has it all, Blues, Brews & BBQ. Join us in the main base area to listen to live Blues music while sampling local Vermont beers, ales, lagers and ciders. Stratton's team of talented chefs will be firing up the grills and preparing the best offerings in BBQ recipes for all to enjoy throughout the day. 12:00pm-5:00pm. Tickets are limited ($12), advance purchase! https://www.stratton.com/things-to-do/events/blues-brews-and-bbq
Saturday, September 4
Garlic Town, USA - Visit downtown Bennington to celebrate our stinkin' favorite time of year once again! Enjoy sidewalk sales from our local merchants, live bands and drink specials from our local restaurants, kids and family activities, and all the great amenities of Bennington, Vermont's downtown. With purchase of an all-access pass ticket, experience the "cloves" of specialty garlic growers, craft vendors, food trucks, vendor demonstrations and more! All locations will be within a walkable mile-radius of each other, with parking shuttles and tractor rides available throughout the day. Admission $12 (adults) and $5 (kids) https://www.bennington.com/garlictown
Saturday, September 4
Plymouth Folk & Blues Festival - During Labor Day Weekend the Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site in Plymouth Notch, Vermont comes alive with authentic Folk and Blues music. All concerts are free, and donations are appreciated. We are also taking food donations of non-perishables for the Vermont Foodbank. The festival will be held rain or shine and there will be no indoor venue this year. Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site in Plymouth. https://plymouthfolk.com/
Saturday, September 11
2021 Vermont Golden Honey Festival - Repeatedly voted one of the "Top 10 Fall Events" by the Vermont Chamber of Commerce, the Vermont Golden Honey Festival is part Farmers Market with local produce and hot food, and part craft fair with artists and crafters selling their unique items for you and for gifts. Every vendor is encouraged to have products with some connection to bees ... honey apple pizza, honeybee print fabrics, beeswax balms and soaps, and so much more. Our co-hosts, Goodman's American Pie of Ludlow Vermont offers up their Honey Apple wood-fired pizza from their 1940s-tow-truck-converted-into-a-mobile-wood-fired-beehive-pizza-oven! (The honey used on their pizza is from Jess Goodman's own hives right here in Proctorsville.) Honey-related food and drinks (including mead and honey gin for the adults), crafts, books and kids' activities are just a few things highlighted during this one-day Rain Or Shine event that is quickly becoming a regional favorite. Golden Stage Inn in Proctorsville. https://www.goldenstageinn.com/vermont-honey-festival
Friday, September 17
Manchester StreetFest -Don't miss the second of two outdoor streetfests on historic Main Street. Live music (the rockin' sounds of the Julie Shea Band), food vendors, beer, and wine. A community event you will not want to miss! Main Street will be closed beginning at 4 p.m. from the Mountain Goat to Thai Basil. Parking is available at MEMS and in the municipal lot behind Rite Aid. 6-9 PM. No dogs are allowed. https://www.manchestervermont.com/events/
September 18
3rd Annual Downtown Bennington Food Truck Festival - Come join us for our 3rd annual food truck festival in beautiful downtown Bennington Vermont. A variety of food offerings and desserts to enjoy, live music and a beer garden. This event is free! 11:00am-6:00pm https://www.facebook.com/BennVtFoodTruckFest
September 18-19
The Barn Sale - Dubbed the "Best Tag Sale in Vermont", this highly anticipated event will return on Saturday, September 18 from 9 to 4pm and Sunday, September 19 from 9 to 3pm inside Riley Rink at Hunter Park in Manchester, VT. The annual event fills Riley Rink to the brim with high quality clothing, furniture, decorations, jewelry, kitchenware, and so much more. The proceeds of the Barn Sale support United Counseling Service's Northshire office and the services they provide. The event is organized by a group of dedicated women who devote countless hours to collecting the items, sorting the barn full of donations and determining reasonable prices for the merchandise. https://www.manchesterjournal.com/local-events/?_ev_id=847633_the_barn_sale
September 18-19
2021 Chester Fall Festival - For over 40 years, this annual event has been held as a hallmark kick off to the beginning of fall foliage season here in our Vermont town, where hundreds of people converge on our historic Green from all over New England. This year we're celebrating with a special agricultural-themed event while again bringing together the best of our local craft and food vendors. This is a free outdoor event where you will find the center of town lined with vendors making delicious food and offering pottery, fine woodworking, fiber art, jewelry, photography, glass, and much more with something of interest for everyone. In addition to many new vendors and returning favorites, we'll have artisan demonstrations, field games, farm animals, raffle prizes, and lots of family fun activities. Last but not least... We're excited to announce a fantastic lineup of music artists will be performing live stage concerts both days (stay tuned for more details). Of course, be sure and take time to stroll through the village of Chester and enjoy its unique architecture and local studios, shops and restaurants... We can't wait to see you again! http://chesterfallfestival.org/wp/
September 30 - October 2
The Weston Antique Show - The Weston Antique Show has been the longest-running show and the kickoff to Vermont Antiques Week. There are over thirty dealers featuring antiques, art, furniture, textiles, smalls, folk art, and Americana. $10 admission. https://westonantiquesshow.org/
October 9
BrewFest at Stratton - Sample Vermont's finest craft brews, ales, lagers, porters, ciders and more. While you sip and kick back for the weekend, enjoy live music from Eastbound Jesus, Saint & Liars and Ghost of Paul Revere on an outdoor stage in front of scenic Fall foliage. Saturday's Brewfest will run from 12pm to 6pm. Brewfest/HarvestFest venue admission, 10 beer sampling tickets and a tasting glass are $50 for the event (21+). 10 extra tickets can be purchased for an additional $10, available the day of at Guest Services after providing a valid form of photo ID. https://www.stratton.com/things-to-do/events/brewfest
October 9-10
Cider Days - Mount Holly Fall festival highlighted by fresh pressed cider from our 200 year old cider mill. Saturday 10-4 and Sunday 12-4 PM at the Village Baptist Church Green. https://www.mhcavt.org/events
October 9-11
HarvestFest at Stratton - When Vermont's leaves burst into vibrant color, Stratton's HarvestFest brings flannels and Fall cheer to the Village with endless family fun. Enjoy live music, scenic lift rides, peak fall foliage, and delicious food options along with the season finale of mountain biking, scenic lift rides. https://www.stratton.com/things-to-do/events/harvest-fest-weekend
October 9-10
Apples & Crafts Fair & Food Truck Festival - More than 100 juried Craftspeople and Specialty Food Producers and Food Trucks. Bus Groups Welcomed. This is a dog friendly event! Admission $5.00 per person. Children 12 & Under are free. At the Woodstock Recreation Center in Woodstock, VT. https://woodstockvt.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=18838
October 23
18th Gilfeather Turnip Festival - Rain or shine. Come to the Town Hall, and the Big Tents - all on Main Street. America's best turnip culinary event! Join the whole town for Gilfeather Turnip soup at the outdoor soup kiosk, farmers' market, dozens of culinary-related craft vendors, 1000+ lbs of Gilfeather Turnips, and Gilfeather Turnip seeds. Also on sale: Gilfeather Turnip Festival t-shirts, Turnip logo gifts, and more. Enter the Gilfeather Turnip Contest! Free to register. Awards for the largest Gilfeather turnip grown from seed or seedling, in or out of town and most creative name - enter yours to win! Main Street in Wardsboro. Free admission. Parking by $5 donation. For information: https://www.friendsofwardsborolibrary.org/turnip-fest
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Mitchell Miller Real Estate is just one of a handful of Vermont real estate agencies with a National Association of REALTORS' Green Designation agent on board. Contact Claudia Harris at (802)824-3176 or by email for more information.
Mary Mitchell Miller is a proud member of the New England Real Estate Network's Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and our website features FULL access to ALL property listings for sale in the State of Vermont.
Mary Mitchell Miller Real Estate has been working with buyers and sellers of southern Vermont real estate in the tri-mountain area between Okemo, Bromley and Stratton ski areas for more than 40 years. We are a full-service real estate brokerage firm specializing in the sale of fine homes and properties in Weston, Londonderry, Peru, Landgrove, Dorset, Manchester, Andover, Chester, Ludlow (Okemo Mountain), Mount Holly, Stratton, Winhall and Windham. Fully licensed in Vermont.
Claudia Harris, Broker/Owner | Mary Mitchell Miller Real Estate (802)824-3176 | Email | Website
