October/November 2022

In this newsletter . . .

Welcome Note
State and Some Local Towns Considering Rental Regulations
Vermont Property Transfers Data
Weston Theater Company Presents Woody Sez and the Music of Woody Guthrie
Road Construction - Important Detour Info
Green Mountain Gourmet - The Hub at Weston's Chocolate Mousse
October 1 - Hazardous Waste Collection in Londonderry
Thinking of Selling? NOW is the Time!
Upcoming Local Events

September 30, 2022

Dear Claudia,

It’s hard to believe it’s the end of September! Labor Day is in the distant rear-view mirror, peak fall foliage is around the corner . . . and that means the snow can’t be too far behind. Where did the summer go? (Serious question!)

Speaking of questions, the #1 question I am asked at every gathering, meeting, event, cocktail, and dinner party I attend is, “How’s the real estate market?” I usually say “It’s great!!” or “It depends on your perspective if you are a seller (really great), or if you are a buyer (not so great).” This month I’m pleased to share some dynamic interactive infographics from a study conducted by the Vermont Department of Taxes and the Vermont Housing Finance Agency. I think you will find the information fascinating.

Another question I am often asked is, “What’s new in town?” and this month I am pleased to report that there is a lot going on in the next few weeks with autumn-fall-foliage-leaf-peeping-apple-brewing-cider festivals galore! Life is returning to normal and our post-pandemic calendars – shall we call these the Endemic Years? – are once again filling up. See the Events Calendar below.

Speaking of a "return to normal," I'd like to take a moment to remind us all that not everything is completely back to normal. In particular, there are still labor shortages everywhere and that is most evident in the hospitality and retail services, and the contracting and construction trades. We all need to be kind and patient. I had such a hard time finding someone to repair the slate roof on our office building in Weston that I was essentially forced to put a new standing seam metal roof on much of the structure – huge shout out to Londonderry-based Iron Horse Roofing! I had to wait months and months for that as well, but now I’m hoping this beautiful building will never need a new roof again (at least not in my lifetime).

As 2022 winds down, let’s celebrate Vermont’s return: the return to normal, the return of activities and events, and the return to everything we need and want in this great state!

- Claudia Harris

Broker/Owner

Mary Mitchell Miller Real Estate

E-Mail: Claudia Harris

Website Click Here

Office: (802)824-3176

Cell: (802)379-0347

State and Some Local Towns

Discuss Rental Regulations

If you own a vacation or investment property in Vermont and rent the property or desire to rent it in the future, please consider this your fair warning to PAY ATTENTION to what the State of Vermont and your town are doing! This information is not our attempt to influence a particular side of the debate, but rather our effort to urge Vermont property owners to participate in the conversation.

The State and many municipalities - including towns in our area - are starting to think about regulating rental properties (or, at a minimum, requiring the registration thereof). At the end of the most recent legislative season, no action was taken at the State level, but the Vermont House and Senate each considered a plethora of proposals for both short-term rentals (STRs) and annual leases that ranged from a simple registration, to registering with fees involved, to requiring proof of compliance with the state’s public accommodations codes - primarily fire, health and safety (this is already required, but not well enforced), to restricting rentals in several ways such as implementing a maximum number of days in a calendar year, to only allowing STRs in an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) only if the property is owner-occupied as a primary residence. Again, none of the many proposals debated in 2022 has been approved at the State level… but the issue will be brought up again when the legislature reconvenes in January 2023.

Many towns are also considering ways to address, regulate, register, inspect, and oversee rentals for both long-term and short-term properties. In our community, both Londonderry and Chester have gone so far as to bring the matter before their respective select boards and/or planning commissions. Other towns may also be discussing their options and we urge you to follow the conversation and participate as is fitting based on your support or opposition to what is happening.

Chester

In Chester, the Select Board will meet on October 5, 2022, to review a draft "Ordinance to Regulate the Operation of Short-Term Rentals." The official Notice of this meeting and the draft ordinance is available on the Town of Chester's website. The draft ordinance is found here.

Londonderry

Londonderry is in the process of a full-scale rewrite of its Zoning Bylaws, last revised in 2009. The town has scheduled three separate meetings to address proposed changes to the Village district, the Rural districts, and special topics like short-term rentals. These Meetings will be held in person (and via Zoom) at Neighborhood Connections in Londonderry between 6 and 7:30 PM on

* Thursday, October 13 (village zones)

* Monday, October 17 (rural zones)

* Thursday, October 27 (special topics)

A link to the draft regulations can be found HERE. The section related to STRs can be found in Section 3210 on page 128.

Vermont Property Transfers Data

In August 2022, the Vermont Department of Taxes and the Vermont Housing Finance Agency completed a report analyzing the state’s property sales data using information gathered from the State's Property Transfer Tax Returns. Their findings are no surprise to Mary Mitchell Miller Real Estate, but we thought our readers would appreciate a deep dive into the real estate market and the chance to learn more.

Visit this website, where you will find a number of fascinating data points in the form of several dynamic and interactive infographics, showing (in basic terms) who is moving to Vermont, and where they’re coming from. Play around on the site - you can drill down for more precise information on all of the charts. Keep in mind that they’re still analyzing the data and some is as old as late 2020, but some is as current as September 2022.

Woody Sez and the

Music of Woody Guthrie

September 28 - October 23

at Walker Farm

Most all of us grew up singing along to Woody Guthrie’s songs. This Land is Your Land, Cumberland Gap, House of the Rising Sun: these melodies are a part of the fabric of childhood (and adulthood) in America. Woody Sez captures the sweeping story of our country’s history, using the songs of America’s folk philosopher as the thread to tie it all together. It teaches us, not only about the biography of Woody Guthrie and his songwriting, but also about the resiliency that made this country what it is today. It is a very special play about the power of song to bind us together and carry us forward through good times and hard times.

-Susanna Gellert, Executive Artistic Director

Tickets Available Here

or call the Box Office at 802-824-5288

Masks must still be worn at all times, but please note that as of September 12, 2022, proof of vaccination is no longer required.

Bridge Construction - Local Detour

As we wind down the summer road construction season, there is still one major project that is affecting travel to and from the towns of Weston, Chester, and Andover.

The Weston Andover Road (aka the Chester Mountain Road for the part of the road in Weston) is currently closed for several months while the bridge over Trout Brook is replaced. See photo above. This is the bridge just east of the Ox Bow turn, and the Town of Andover has a 6.4-mile signed detour in place. The detour runs from Weston Andover Road to Middletown Road, then along Route 11 to Hilltop Road and back to Weston Andover Road (or vice versa).

If you are traveling from Chester towards Weston, the road is open to the Horseshoe Acres Campground.
If you’re traveling from Weston towards Andover, it is open to North Hill Road.
If you’re traveling from Chester to Weston, you can take Route 11 to Londonderry and then Route 100 to Weston OR you can travel west on Route 11 to Middletown Road, take Middletown Road to the end, and then left towards Weston. Or, the reverse.

The VTrans website is very helpful and has detailed information about all Vermont road projects and you can sign up to receive updates for any project that you want to follow.

Green Mountain Gourmet

~ Chocolate Mousse ~

This month’s recipe is brought to you by our friends at The Hub at Weston, an exciting new restaurant in town.

Located in a beautifully-restored farmhouse on the Walker Farm at the north end of the village, The Hub at Weston offers fine dining in a casual but refined atmosphere. Walker Farm is located at 719 Main Street, and is also home to the Weston Theater Company’s Walker Farm performance space. There is a patio for outdoor dining during the warmer months and the indoor spaces are cozy and charming, just what you'd expect in a Vermont farmhouse.

The Hub at Weston's menu highlights local ingredients and features menu choices ranging from Mediterranean-inspired dinner entrees to weekend brunches with soul-satisfying comfort food. They also offer a full bar with fun, eclectic and delicious seasonal beverage specials.

Be sure to visit The Hub at Weston . . . we hope you love it as much as we do! Reservations strongly suggested.

The Hub at Weston's Chocolate Mousse

1 cup chopped 70% chocolate (dark or milk, your choice!)

1 2/3 cups heavy cream

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon salt

4 egg whites

1/2 cup sugar

1) Melt chocolate in a double boiler and cool to 95 degrees

2) Whip cream with vanilla and salt

3) Whip egg whites with sugar on med to stiff peaks

4) Fold half the cream and whites into the chocolate.

5) When almost completely folded together, fold in remaining sugar and whites.

6) Chill for 1-2 hours and serve.

Inspired by Le Bernardin (NYC)

October 1 is Next Local

Hazardous Waste Collection Day

Upcoming Local Events

(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.)

For all events, be sure to contact the venue/host before the event for more additional information and to learn more about any health and safety protocols that may be in place.

Sundays in October

Hildene Farm Wagon Rides - Join farm manager-educators Ann and Kim for a wagon ride exploration of Hildene Farm. Learn about diverse natural and cultivated ecosystems and sustainable farming. Swing by the greenhouse, hayfields, orchard, wetland overlook, compost facility, apiary, animal barn (including alpaca, Randall cattle, pigs, sheep, rabbits and chickens), and vegetable and flower gardens. Preregistration required at least 48 hours in advance. $50 for a family/group (up to 4 people); $10 for each additional member, up to 14 maximum (12, if mostly children). Sundays, Sept. 4 - Oct. 23, 1:00-3:00pm, by appointment. Information: https://hildene.org/about/calendar, or contact 802-367-7960 for reservation.

Saturday, October 1

The Ludlow Harvest Fair - 20 vendors set up on the front lawn of the former Black River High School selling their wares and providing food. We’ll also have the ever-popular DooDoo Bingo where you can buy a square for $20 and if our animal poops in your square, you win the grand prize! We’ll. be looking for volunteers and additional vendors. 10-4 Saturday October 1st. https://www.facebook.com/ludlowvtharvestfair/

October 1-2

Vermont Open Studio Weekend in Winhall - Join the Winhall Community Arts Center in celebrating the 30th Vermont Open Studio! Come see local artists and artisans create their magic right in front of you! Items will be available for purchase! Start your holiday shopping early! Located at 3 River Road in Winhall. https://www.vermontcrafts.com/visit-open-studio/

Sunday, October 2

Stewart Maple’s Tap to Table is an open-air autumn market that will support and celebrate Vermont’s crafts people, artists, specialty foods, and the beginning of the autumn season! Held rain or shine Sunday, October 2 2022 on the lawn of the Stewart Maple Marketplace in Cuttingsville, VT. Enjoy local vendors, live music, and food! 10 AM - 4 PM at 5444 Vermont Route 103 in Cuttingsville. Call for more information: 802-282-8072

Wednesday, October 5

Vermont Humanities Presents “Five Hard Questions about Kipling in Vermont” - On his farm overlooking Brattleboro, Rudyard Kipling wrote the Jungle Book and many of his Just So Stories, and began to draft his great novel, Kim. Christopher Benfey, author If: The Untold Story of Kipling’s American Years, answers hard questions about Kipling’s time in this country, including whether he should be considered partly an American writer. 7 PM at the Manchester Community Library, 138 Cemetery Avenue, Manchester Center. https://www.vermonthumanities.org/event/five-hard-questions-about-kipling-in-vermont/

October 7-9

Weston Craft Show - The Weston Craft Show is held at the Weston Playhouse which provides a manageable, pleasant shopping experience for those looking for something special. With a carefully juried array of exceptional arts and crafts in a distinctive setting, the Weston Craft Show offers discerning collectors high quality, diversity and beautiful displays. General adult admission to the Weston Craft Show is $10, payable by cash, check or credit card at the door. Items at the show can be purchased from artisans with major credit cards. Your $10 admission fee is good for all three days of the Show. Children under 16 are admitted free. https://www.westoncraftshow.com/

Saturday, October 8

Stratton's Annual Foliage Brewfest & Chili Cook-Off - Savor the flavors of your favorite brews at Stratton's annual Brewfest. Sample Vermont's finest craft ales, lagers, porters, sours, ciders and more. While you sip and kick back for the weekend, enjoy live music from Saints & Liars on an outdoor stage in front of scenic Fall foliage. Saturday's Brewfest will run from 12PM to 6PM, with doors at 11:30AM and the last pours at 5PM. Crown a champion at the annual Chili Cookoff by sampling a platter of chili flavors and voting for your favorite. Then test your strength in the keg toss or stein host competitions throughout the day. Kick your feet up, it's Brewfest season. Tickets and information at: https://www.stratton.com/things-to-do/events/brewfest-and-chili-cook-off

Saturday, October 8

Fall Into Winter 2022 - It’s time to start celebrating the transition of the seasons! Join us for some fall fun including live music, hayrides, pumpkin painting, local vendors and more. Free, 11a.m. - 5p.m. at the Jackson Gore Courtyard. Link here for more information.

Saturday, October 8

Hildene’s Bird Walk - Join local birders to gather long-term data on the presence of birds, their abundance, and changes in populations. Appropriate for birders of all skill levels, the walks run along forest and meadow trails and around the main house. 8:00 to 10:00am at Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home, in Manchester, VT. Free. For more information, contact call 802-367-7960

Saturday, October 8

38th Vermont Apple Festival and Craft Show - Craft & Food vendors - Kid Activities - Fastest Kid in Town Race - Apples - Pie Contest - Live Music - Beer & Wine Tent ...and more. Riverside Middle School, 13 Fairground Rd, Springfield, VT Information at: https://www.springfieldvt.com/apple-festival

October 8-9

24th Annual Mount Snow Oktoberfest - Mount Snow Oktoberfest is back with the beer, bratwurst, and Oom-pah music that you love. Enjoy a selection of beers from German and domestic breweries as well as authentic German fare. Don't miss annual games like the keg toss, yodeling contest and stein holding. Adult tickets include admission, a 16oz glass, and 1 drink ticket. Designated Driver and Minor tickets include admission, a water bottle, and a non-alcoholic drink. Minors are ages 7 to 20. Ages 6 and under are free. 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Please remember that all adults will need to bring a valid ID to enter the event. All ticketed events are pet-free. Information here: Click Here for More Information.

October 8-9

Mount Holly Cider Days - more than 25 Vendors, Kid Zone and petting zoo, Miss Liberty’s Cow Plop Raffle, cider being pressed in real time (Take home a gallon of cider!), vote for the 2023 Mount Holly Calendar Photo Winners, the best walnut apple crisp, apple pie (with or without Crowly cheddar or ice cream) and apple cider doughnuts, great local musicians! Saturday October 8 (10am-4pm) and Sunday October 9 (12-4pm). https://www.mhcavt.org/calendar

October 8-9

51st Newfane Heritage Festival - Every October for the last 51 years locals and visitors alike have enjoyed the Newfane Heritage Festival, which showcases a juried selection of artists and craftspeople, as well as delicious food, a used goods sale (the Flea Tent), a Super Raffle, children’s activities, and live entertainment. Colorful fall foliage on the village streets and surrounding hillsides and the smell of homemade apple pie and crisp will greet visitors who attend this signature southeastern Vermont event.

https://newfaneheritagefestival.org/

Sunday, October 9

Opal Raven Cirque at Bromley - Feel the excitement as Opal Raven, a unique, one-woman circus performs several fire dancing and sword dancing acts. 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Bromley. https://www.bromley.com/event/opal-raven-cirque/

Saturday, October 15

2022 Komen Vermont MORE THAN PINK Walk - The 2022 Komen Vermont MORE THAN PINK Walk is one in a series of nationwide community events hosted by Susan G. Komen, the world’s leading breast cancer organization. Grounds will open at 8 AM, with an Opening Ceremony at 9 AM; and the Walk itself at 9:30 AM. A Silent Auction will be held during the morning of the event. 8:00 AM at the Northshire Civic Center - Riley Rink at Hunter Park in Manchester. Advance registration recommended: https://komen.org/vermontwalk

November 12 – 13

SVAC’s 2022 Holiday Market – Visit the Southern Vermont Arts Center for a weekend of holiday shopping! The SVAC Holiday Craft Market will host vendors from around the region and you will find various arts and crafts including baskets, ceramics, decorative fiber, wearable fiber, furniture, glass, jewelry, leather, metal, mixed media, paper, and wood. The SVAC Holiday Craft Market is the perfect place to find handmade, local gifts items. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. each day. https://www.svac.org/holiday-market/

November 25-26

Weston’s Holiday Bazaar – It’s back for 2022! Holiday shopping in a festive Vermont setting, featuring over 50 artisans, holiday gifts and decorations, handmade crafts, specialty foods and much more! 10am - 4pm. Free Admission, presented by the Weston Community Association at the Weston Playhouse on Park Street in Weston.

November is usually a slow month event-wise, but we may have updates as November approaches.So,be sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook for updates to this calendar.

Thinking of Selling?

Inventory Is Still Very Low and Demand Remains High

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. The inventory of homes for sale is at an all-time low, demand is at an all-time high, and there are buyers looking in ALL price ranges.

Please see our contact information below, or call us at the

office at (802)824-3176. Or, you can send an email here.

Our Sales Associates

Kathy Snyder

(802)384-6674

Kathy's Email Address

About Kathy

Chuck Sweetman

(802)345-9054

Chuck's Email Address

About Chuck

Claudia Harris

(802)379-0347

Claudia's Email Address

About Claudia

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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, Jamaica, Stratton, Winhall and Windham. Fully licensed in Vermont.