The dog days of August are upon us and what better way to relax than visit one of Vermont's swimming holes? Check out the link below to find information on 85 of Vermont's best known swimming holes and secret spots to cool down and relax.
And, speaking of how to celebrate these last glorious days of summer, I hope everyone is enjoying all of the fresh produce and garden bounty! There is a joke in Vermont that is the inspiration for this month's recipe: How do you know it is August in Vermont? You have to start locking your car and house to keep your neighbors from giving you their excess zucchini. See this month's Green Mountain Gourmet recipe for a delicious way to "tackle" the zucchini assault!
Enjoy the rest of your summer and, as always, be well and keep in touch!
 - Claudia Harris Broker/Owner Mary Mitchell Miller Real Estate E-Mail: Claudia HarrisWebsite: http://www.mmmrealestate.com (802)824-3176
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Big Changes to "Current Use" Program
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The Vermont Legislature has made a major change to the state's Land Use Value Appraisal system (also known as the "land use" or "current use program").
The current use program enables some property owners and large parcels that are engaged in long-term forestry or agriculture to be appraised for property tax purposes on the property's current use based on the production of wood or food (or other agricultural or forestry product) rather than its potential residential or commercial development value. Enrollment in the program incurs a lien that then provides property owners with what can amount to significantly reduced property taxes. There are costs involved in enrolling in the program, managing the lands responsibly and following a land use management plan, and because property owners enjoy reduced property taxes, there is a significant penalty to remove the property from the program. It is this penalty which will be changing . . . and in most cases, increasing.
Under Act 57, and as of October 2, landowners who opt to remove, withdraw or develop their land will be subject to a standard Land Use Change Tax of 10% of the full market value of the land for that portion of their property which is developed or removed from the program.
Between now and October 1, landowners can withdraw their property from the program under an "easy out" provision which states that, "If a landowner elects to discontinue enrollment of the parcel, or a portion of a parcel, may be relieved of the first $50,000.00 of land use change tax imposed . . . provided that if the property owner does elect to discontinue enrollment and be relieved of the first $50,000.00 of land use change tax, the owner shall pay the full property tax, based upon the property's full fair market value, for the 2015 assessment, and no State reimbursement shall be paid for that land. No property owner shall be relieved of more than $50,000.00 in land use change tax under this provision." An owner who pulls property out of the system, as well as any successor owner, cannot re-enroll the parcel, or any portion of the parcel, for five years.
More information on the LUVA program and Act 57 can be found at:
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Snapshot of Statewide Real Estate Sales Data
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The curtain has closed on the first half of 2015 and a statewide market analysis from Vermont Realtors® shows that new listings were down 1.1% statewide for single-family homes, pending sales increased 13.7% percent for single family homes,  closed transactions for the first half of 2015 rose 14.2% and the inventory or "months of supply" decreased 15% for single-family units. All of this is good news for sellers; With inventory shrinking (a little) and sales increasing, this means that the supply/demand scale is shifting back and we might begin to see an improved real estate market soon with rising home values locally.
Having six months of 2015 data in the books is great, but it is still just the halfway point of the year. Forecasting market trends can be as dicey as predicting the weather, but with interest rates managing to remain low through the summer months, the outlook is promising, even if rates go up later in the year. Metrics like inventory and percent of list price received at sale are two of the better understudies to watch this year.
Information Courtesy of Vermont REALTORS(R)
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Baked Parmesan Zucchini
(serves 4-6)
4 medium zucchini, quartered lengthwise *
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme**
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley leaves
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Coat a cooling rack with nonstick spray and place on a baking sheet; set aside.
- In a small bowl, combine Parmesan, thyme, oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt and pepper, to taste.
- Place zucchini onto prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with Parmesan mixture.
- Place into oven and bake until tender, about 15 minutes.
- Then broil for 2-3 minutes, or until crisp and golden brown.
- Serve immediately, garnished with parsley.
Variations: add 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika OR a dash of cayenne.
* If using fresh herbs, use half again as much (x1.5) or up to double the amount
** If your zucchini are more than about 2.5" diameter, cut them lengthwise in 6 pieces rather than 4 (quartered).
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Looking for Something From a Previous Issue?
Remember that all of my newsletters are archived and available online at:
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Spotlight Property For Sale
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Year-Round Cottage/Camp Adjacent to National Forest Peru, VT
$125,000
Are you or someone you know looking for a tiny, self-contained, country get-away? This adorable little year-round cottage is situated smack in the middle of everything that makes Vermont so great! Skiing at Bromley (or Stratton) is minutes away, the property borders the Green Mountain National Forest and the Catamount Trail (Nordic skiing, snowshoeing), Hapgood Pond (pond, park and campground) is a little over a mile away, lots of restaurants and shopping are in Manchester which is just 15 minutes down the road, snowmobile trails are nearby, hunting and fishing abound, charming country villages in every direction and the fantastic JJ Hapgood Store (restaurant, food, provisions) is five minutes down the road! The cottage was carefully renovated and is turnkey, efficient and comfortable.
Click here for lots of larger photos and detailed information.
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(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.)
On-Going Summer Events
Fridays, June 19 - August 28
Tuesdays, July 14 - August 18
Tuesday Night Concerts on the Green - Manchester's Town Green is alive with Concerts on the Green - blues, rock, blue grass and folk music.
Saturdays, July 5 - August 24
Sundays, June 29 - August 24
Sundays on the Hill Concert Series at Weston's Church on the Hill - Admission is $5, open seating, doors open at 3 PM. Information at http://vtchurchonthehill.org/. ______________________
Sunday, August 16
(Hot) Dog Days of Summer 2015 - Enjoy the food and raise money for the Chester-Andover Family Center as well as local Sports Boosters, all while judging the fierce and friendly competition between the many hot dog entries! Taste the hot dog flavors of local chef professionals and home culinary creators alike. Who will be victorious in this fierce and friendly competition? 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm, Adults $15 and children under 12 are $5. Register at: http://www.yourplaceinvermont.com/event/hot-dog-days-of-summer-2015/
Monday, August 17
The Blue Flames' Annual Steel Band Concert on the Weston village green will be from 5:00 - 7:00 PM. Rescheduled from July 24, this FREE concert is a highlight of summer in Weston. There is also a raffle with some great prizes to benefit the Farrar Park Association and the preservation of the beautiful Weston Green. Raffle tickets are $5 each or 6 for $20 and the funds raised this year will go to restore the historic iron fence and replace/repair the grass. Bring a picnic and enjoy the smooth sounds of the Caribbean.
Tuesday, August 18
Concert on the Green w/The Don't Leave Band in Manchester Center at the Manchester Town Green. This is the last night of the Concert Series with Don't Leave Band, Southern Vermont's most resilient and respected rock band, performing its ageless, unique blend of time honored rock and roll built around powerful vocals, contagious energy and the pure joy of making music together. Free, from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Wednesday, August 19
Tennessee Williams's Emotional Utopias - In this talk, which will focus on The Glass Menagerie, A Streetcar Named Desire, and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Dartmouth Professor Pease will discuss the prefaces Tennessee Williams appended to the published versions of these plays for their dramatic revelations of the stratagems Williams invented to transform the emotional intelligence of his audience. Burr and Burton Academy, Hunter Seminar Room. Price: $15 in advance/$20 at the door, 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm. For more information email
Saturday, August 22
Ciderstock 2015 - Woodchuck Hard Cider is proud to announce Ciderstock 2015, set for August 22nd at The Woodchuck Cidery in Middlebury, VT. As a follow-up to their Grand Opening Ciderbration last year, Ciderstock is a daylong event featuring live music, great food trucks, and of course, Woodchuck cider. An homage to Woodchuck's Vermont roots, Ciderstock is a celebration of community, identity and all things cider. Starts at 2 Pm with Early Bird entry at $20; Advanced $25, Kids 12 and under free. Information at http://www.woodchuck.com/ciderstock/index.php
Sunday, August 23
The Battle of Lake Champlain - On September 11, 1814, 187 years before the attack on the World Trade Center, British Army and Royal Naval forces attacked a regular American army and navy at Cumberland Bay in Plattsburgh. Although backed by Vermont Militia, the Americans were outnumbered nearly four to one. If the invaders had won, they could have taken Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. This largest and most decisive battle of the War of 1812 determined the future of our nation; it is a story of great courage and human tragedy told by Colonel David Fitz-Enz. Hosted by the Weston Historical Society. Weston, Old Parish Church, 644 S Main St, 1:30 pm. Weston Historical Society, (802) 824-5486.
August 28 - 30
214th Annual Bondville Fair - The Bondville Fair is the oldest continuous fair in Vermont. This year the three-day format, which was introduced in 1995, will again be offered for your enjoyment. New events and more entertainment than ever before have been included in the expansion of this family-oriented event. http://bondvillefair.org/
Sunday, August 30
Solstice Sakbuts: The Sundays on the Hill Concert Series at Weston's Church on the Hill. The Solstice Sackbuts is a chamber trio offering many types of programs, including medieval and Renaissance music, as well as Classical programs, pop and jazz. Admission is $5/adults and seating is open. Parking at the church and around the Weston Village Green.
Saturday, September 5
Walking Tour of Weston's Historic District - 10 AM. Meet at the Green.
September 5-6
20th Annual Southern VT Garlic and Herb Festival -Join garlic-lovers from throughout New England as they come to sample food and crafts from hundreds of different vendors, all made from -you guessed it - garlic and herbs! *No dogs please. RT 9 West Road Camelot Village from 10 AM - 5 PM, $5 per person per day - or - get a 2 day pass for $8 Children 12 and under are $1.00. http://lovegarlic.com/
Monday, September 7
Gypsy Reel concert on the Weston Green (bring a picnic), 4 PM, hosted by the Weston Community Association.
Wednesday, September 9
Ethan Allen: The Myths v. Reality - Green Mountain Academy welcomes Professor Ray Rodrigues to speak on Ethan Allen. Was Ethan Allen a traitor to the Patriot cause who wanted to turn Vermont over to Britain? Would a soldier want to serve under him in combat? Why wasn't he at the Battle of Bennington, fought right outside his hometown? Did he plagiarize his book attacking organized religions? These are some of the questions that the real life of Ethan Allen forces us to confront and debate. Beginning with his early life, we see Allen developing into the character he became, a fascinating man with human flaws whose life became the stuff of legends. 5:30- 7 PM at Burr and Burton Academy, Hunter Seminar Room. Cost is $15 in advance/$20 at the door. https://www.greenmtnacademy.org/registration.php
September 9-12
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer at the Dorset Playhouse - A new adaptation by award winning playwright Laura Eason, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer narrates the story of Tom Sawyer, Huckleberry Finn and Becky Thatcher and the greatest summer adventure ever told in this imaginative, highly theatrical adaptation of Mark Twain's incomparable classic. http://dorsettheatrefestival.org/show/the-adventures-of-tom-sawyer/
September 12
"Colonial Craft Day" at the Museums of Weston - Local and visiting crafters demonstrate 19th century skills in all three museums. 11- 4.
September 12
Maple Leaf Half Marathon & Kotler 5k Run/Fun Walk - Premier Manchester, Vermont Classic- "A Must-Do". The course traverses truly gorgeous Vermont landscapes, running from the downtown community to picturesque village settings to country roads past farm lands back to the finish. Adding to the beauty, Vermont will be in the early stages of fall foliage. http://visitmanchestervt.com/events/maple-leaf-half-marathon-kotler-5k-runfun-walk/
September 11-13
Springfield Steampunk Festival - The first annual Springfield Steampunk Festival comes alive -- fantasy retro-futuristic weekend featuring famed performers, workshops, musicians, tea dueling, Stargazer's Ball, Absinthe Tasting, Thereminist performance, Victorian era bike ride, trader's bazaar, Steampunk fashion show, time machine photo booth, telescope observatory tour, talks and more. The festival will highlight Springfield's rich history of industry and innovation as part of the Precision Valley. The festival highlights Springfield's creative ingenuity and a renaissance in the town. Tickets and full schedule: www.springfieldvtsteampunkfest.com
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Featured Area Properties for Sale
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NEW LISTING
Weston Contemporary with Views
139 Dale Road
Weston, VT
$415,000
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NEW LISTING
6+ Bedroom Vacation Home
302 Route 11
Peru, VT
$175,000
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NEW PRICE
Just Outside Weston
3542 Weston Andover Andover, VT $229,000
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Beautiful Views
10.25 +/- Acres
Spruce Drive
Andover, VT $79,000
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22+ Hillside Acres
North of Town
on Rt 100
Weston, VT
$95,000
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Post and Beam
with Mountain Views
232 Pierce Ridge Rd
Londonderry, VT
$340,000
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Streamside in Londonderry
299 Route 121
Londonderry, VT
$175,000
Link
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UNDER CONTRACT
Andover Idyll
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Surrounded by Nat'l Forest38 Breznick Road
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Weston Hills Ranch
57 Obed Moore RoadWeston, VT $259,000
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UNDER CONTRACT
Weston Cape
996 Route 100
Weston, VT
$135,000
Link
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Perfect Vacation Get-Away
1404 Andover Ridge
Andover, VT
$285,000
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Peace & Quiet
8.5+/- Acres
Arrau Road
Andover, VT
$99,000
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NEW PRICE
The Family
Gathering Spot
19 Obed Moore Road Weston, VT $645,000 |
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7 Cody RoadLandgrove, VT $450,000
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58.4+/- Acres - Meadows and Views
Popple Dungeon and Howard Hill RoadsWindham, VT $235,000
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Overlooking Weston
67 Chester Mtn Rd
Weston, VT
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Building Lot
5.4+/- Acres
Moses Pond Road
Weston, VT
$50,000
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8.5 Acres in Andover
Andover Ridge Road
Andover, VT
$69,000
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Weston Heights
3.63+/- Acres
Lot 19 - Middle Road
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UNDER CONTRACT
69 Burton Road
Weston, VT
$300,000
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NEW PRICE
End-of-the-Road with 42+ Acres
463 Arrau Road
Andover, VT
$550,000
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NEW PRICE
VT Meeting House
908 Under the Mountain Road
South Londonderry, VT
$525,000
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Follow Us on Facebook for Regular Updates
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See our Facebook page for regular updates and information on local activities, upcoming events and stories of interest.
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MLS Access ~ Available to All
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Mary Mitchell Miller is a proud member of the Northern New England Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and our website features unrestricted access to 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 almost 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.
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Copyright © 2015. All Rights Reserved.
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