Welcome to stick season, Vermont's unofficial fifth season. Truth is, I love November! It can be a little dark and quiet, but I find it's the perfect time to regroup (personally and professionally) and catch up on things.
Because of the onset of the Thanksgiving holiday, this is often the time of year that we count our blessings. I think it should also be the time of year we celebrate AND create blessings as well, and with that I urge you all to make a contribution to your local food shelf or hunger relief agency.
Here in Vermont, there is a great need for food assistance and we have several excellent local food "cupboards" and "pantries" and there is also the Vermont Foodbank which does excellent work throughout the state. In our time of plenty, please consider helping those less fortunate. Two article below will provide information on how and where you might help
Enjoy the end of the fall and I look forward to seeing and hearing from many of you soon.
 - Claudia Harris Broker/Owner Mary Mitchell Miller Real Estate E-Mail: Claudia HarrisWebsite: http://www.mmmrealestate.com (802)824-3176
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Food Banks: What They Need and What They Don't
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This is a "stock" photo. Please
DO NOT give unlabeled cans!!
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First and foremost, let me be clear - people are hungry and need food all year-round. The season between Thanksgiving and Christmas is critical for hunger-relief organizations, but they should stay in our minds throughout the year.
More than anything, food banks need our money. Between buying through sponsored government and non-government hunger relief programs and buying in bulk, they will be able to stretch their dollars further than you or I can. That being said, they are always looking for donations of food and other items, so go wild and have some fun shopping!
What They Need**
- Canned food (not soup, not vegetables) - for example, chili, stews, corned beef hash, and of course canned tuna, chicken, deviled ham and salmon.
- Canned vegetables - make it a variety and be sure to include beans!
- Canned soups - all varieties, but be sure to include some that are low salt or "no salt added."
- Canned fruits - again, all varieties and be sure to include some that are low sugar and "no sugar added."
- Boxed pasta and jars of pasta sauces - Not just spaghetti! Donate all shapes and sizes.
- Boxed and powdered foods - such as mashed, au gratin and scalloped potatoes, mac and cheese, and noodle dishes. Make sure they only need water or milk. Boxed foods that require additional foods to be added, such as adding chicken to a "skillet" dinner or hamburger to a Hamburger Helper defeats the purpose because those items might not be available.
- Boxed and bagged low sugar, no sugar and whole-grain cereals.
- Baking mixes - try to find those that only require water or milk if possible.
- Mayonnaise (!!), ketchup, mustard, peanut butter and other "spreadables."
- Spices - keep it basic like salt, pepper, oregano or an Italian blend, cinnamon, parsley, etc.
- Instant coffee and teabags (including herbal).
- Powdered and evaporated milk. Not condensed.
- Non-perishable, healthy snack foods for kids to bring to school - individual packages of applesauce and fruit cups, granola and protein bars, small bags of bagel or pita chips.
Some things no one thinks about:
- Toiletries such as shampoo, deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, lotions etc. - make sure they are individually packaged. The bulk items from Costco are great for our own homes, but can't easily be divided.
- Feminine hygiene products
- Diapers
- New, unopened packages of socks and underwear
And, What They Don't Need**
- Perishable foods - make sure the items you bring have a fairly long self-life.
- Rice
- International or ethnic products (unless you live in a diverse neighborhood!) - think, chipotle in adobo sauce, grits, rice paper wrappers, hot sauces, bamboo shoots, etc.
** These lists are compiled from a number of articles sourced online. Talk to your local food shelf to see what they need and don't need. Some will accept perishables, including bread, fresh vegetables, etc. Some encourage ethnic/international products. Some only want specific products.
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 The Londonderry area (including Weston, Landgrove, Peru) is served by the Neighbors' Pantry. Your donations can be mailed to PO Box 77, Londonderry, VT 05148.
Chester and Andover residents enjoy the services of the Chester-Andover Family Center and donations can be made to 908 Vermont Route 103 South, Chester, VT 05143.
Residents of Mount Holly, Ludlow and the surrounding towns are supported by the Black River Good Neighbor Services and donations may be made to 37B Main Street,
Ludlow, VT 05149.
Statewide, the Vermont Foodbank is an important resource and your contributions there would be gratefully appreciated.
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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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2015 Christmas in Weston
December 5
11:00 am - 5:00 pm
Come to Weston and help usher in the spirit of the holiday season with "Christmas in Weston." This free, fun, family-friendly tradition has been selected as a "Top Ten Winter Event" by the Vermont Chamber of Commerce.
There are activities for all ages and thanks to Weston's businesses and organizations, all events are free-of-charge. The funds raised from the event will support Just Neighbors, a non-profit volunteer organization that began by obtaining, splitting and delivering firewood to those in need. Since their founding, Just Neighbors' has expanded their mission to provide other forms of heat assistance, transportation for the housebound and they also coordinate numerous need-based programs with the Southeastern Vermont Community Action team.
Event venues include The Vermont Country Store, Weston Playhouse, the Old Parish Church, and many other historic destinations, where visitors will enjoy caroling, unique gifts, raffles, local artists and vendors, and live music. The day will end on the Village Green with the carols and the lighting of the Christmas tree.
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Spotlight Property For Sale
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 Mid-Century Modern with 99 Acres Surrounded by National Forest
Peru, VT
$650,000
Perched at the top of a sunny, flower-filled meadow with long-range mountain views looking over thousands of acres of Vermont wilderness, this property offers 99+/- acres of woods and fields, complete with hiking and skiing trails, all in complete solitude in the heart of the Green Mountain National Forest.
The contemporary home was built in the early-1960's and is small and simple. The house has a large, bright living room with a floor-to-ceiling fieldstone fireplace, kitchen/dining area and three bedrooms and two bathrooms, including an "en suite" master bedroom.
Skiing at Bromley (or Stratton) is minutes away, the Catamount Trail (Nordic skiing, snowshoeing) and Hapgood Pond (pond, park, fishing, trails and campground) are nearby. Restaurants and shopping are in Peru village, Londonderry, Weston or Manchester, just minutes down the road and there are charming country villages in every direction. And, the fantastic J.J. Hapgood Store (restaurant, food, provisions) is five minutes away!
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Marinated Feta Cheese
With the holidays approaching, it's nice to be prepared to entertain (and feed) drop-in guests. This recipe keeps for several weeks in the refrigerator and is not only a great last-minute hors d'oeuvre, but it also makes a great hostess or holiday present.
1 cup good-quality olive oil
2-3 tablespoons of fresh herbs and seasonings (rosemary, thyme, and oregano is a favorite blend)*
2 teaspoons of cracked black or tri-color peppercorns
1 lemon
8-10 ounces of firm, block-style feta cheese, diced into ½ inch cubes
1 scant teaspoon smoked maple syrup (optional)
1 or more mason jars, depending on size
- Use a mortar/pestle or coarse-grinder to prepare peppercorns
- Zest and then juice one lemon
- Chop herbs finely
- Place cubes of feta gently in one or more mason jars - layering them so that there are gaps among and between the cubes.
- Put herbs, spices, syrup, lemon zest, and lemon juice in a medium bowl and drizzle oil while whisking to emulsify.
- Gently pour olive oil mix over feta and seal jar.
- Marinate feta for at least 2-4 hours before serving or keep in refrigerator for up to two weeks. Remember to bring to room-temperature before serving.
- Serve with thin slices of baguette.
* If using herbs, fresh herbs work best as they deliver a stronger, brighter flavor. You can use any herbs and spices: toasted cumin and coriander are a nice mix, or dill, tarragon, red pepper flakes. And, you can use orange zest and the juice of ½ of the orange in place of the lemon.
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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.)
Wednesday, November 18
"Food for Thought, Food for Life" Film Screening & Discussion at the Manchester Community Library - View and discuss "Food for Thought, Food for Life," a new documentary by Susan Rockefeller that may make you think differently about what we eat, and to make changes that will positively impact our health, our communities and the environment. There will offer a post-film talk on the need to preserve and respect agriculture in the 21st century and Someday Farm will provide refreshments. The free public program hosted by the Library is a celebration of Agriculture Literacy Week. 6 PM at the Manchester Community Library. http://manchestervtevents.com/event/food-for-thought-food-for-life-film-screeningdiscussion-at-mcl/
Sunday, November 22
Noel Paul Stookey at the Northshire Bookstore in Manchester - Join the fine folks at the Northshire Bookstore for an afternoon of music and conversation with Noel Paul Stookey of Peter, Paul and Mary. Paul will be performing his new release At Home: the Maine Tour, as well as signing his book Peter Paul and Mary: Fifty Years in Music and Life. 4 PM. Information at http://www.northshire.com/event/
November 27 - 28
Holiday Crafts Bazaar at the Weston Playhouse - Get all of your holiday shopping done in one place! There will be decorations, food, crafts, handknits, and more. Lunch is available for purchase.
Saturday, November 28 Holiday Bazaar - Enjoy holiday shopping at the Black River High School's annual holiday bazaar at 43 Main Street in Ludlow. Wednesday, December 2 Don Quixote of La Mancha: The Novel that Invented Modernity - Celebrated literary critic and author Ilan Stavans considers the impact of the masterful Don Quixote on the eve of the 400th anniversary year of Cervantes's death. A First Wednesdays lecture hosted by the Manchester Community Library at the Manchester, First Congregational Church, 3624 Main St, 7:00 pm. Cindy Waters, (802) 362-2607. December 11 - 12 Elf, Jr. - The Musical - Presented by award-winning Rutland Youth Theatre in Partnership with the Paramount Theatre, Elf, The Musical, Jr. tells the story of Buddy, a young orphan who mistakenly crawls into Santa's bag of gifts and is transported to the North Pole. December 11th at 7pm and December 12th 2pm & 7pm. Tickets: Adults - $10 ~ Seniors/Under 12 - $8. More information at: http://www.paramountvt.org/event/elf-the-musical/ Saturday, December 12 Christmas 2015 in Mount Holly - The true Christmas spirit resonates through the library with carolers, a Christmas skit, refreshments and, of course, a visit from Santa. Free! Mount Holly Town Library at 26 Maple Hill Road, Belmont from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm.
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Featured Area Properties for Sale
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JUST REDUCED
Vacation Camp
Next to Nat'l Forest38 Breznick Road
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JUST REDUCED
4 Bedroom Ranch
57 Obed Moore RoadWeston, VT $250,000
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Immaculate andWell-Maintained
3542 Weston Andover
Andover, VT
$229,000
Link
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Why Rent When
You Can Buy!
1404 Andover Ridge
Andover, VT
$285,000
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Post and Beam
with Mountain Views
232 Pierce Ridge Rd
Londonderry, VT
$340,000
Link
| Bright, Beautiful Vacation Home
19 Obed Moore Road Weston, VT $645,000 |
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Peace & Quiet
8.5+/- Acres
Arrau Road
Andover, VT
$99,000
Link
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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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Fun, Creative Home
67 Chester Mtn Rd
Weston, VT
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End-of-the-Road with 42+ Acres
463 Arrau Road
Andover, VT
$550,000
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Tucked Away
on 37+ Acres
908 Under the Mountain Road
South Londonderry, VT
$525,000
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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
Landgrove Contemporary on 29 Acres
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JUST REDUCED
Pretty Country Cape
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6 Bedroom Vacation Home Near Bromley
302 Route 11
Peru, VT
$175,000
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27 Lawrence Hill Road
Unit 5
Londonderry, VT
$164,900
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NEW LISTING
99 Acres Surrounded by Nat'l Forest
573 Priest Lane
Peru, VT
$650,000
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NEW LISTING
Your Vermont Home
96 Eves Drive
Londonderry, VT
$335,000
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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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