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In this newsletter . . .
- Welcome Note
- Community Ice Skating Rinks in Londonderry and Peru
- Short-Term Rental Regulations - More Local Updates
- Critical Winter Vent Maintenance
- Featured Property - 2105 White Road in Windham
- Calendar of Upcoming Local Events
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January 20, 2024
Dear {First Name}:
The theme of this month’s newsletter is to have fun, but stay safe!
Some of you will recall that my husband John and I are both longtime volunteers with the Londonderry Volunteer Rescue Squad (LVRS) and John is also the President of the South Londonderry Champion 5 Fire Department. One thing that you may not know is that whenever there is a fire in the LVRS coverage area, we always have an ambulance standing by on scene in case there is a medical emergency or a firefighter is injured.
In the 25 years we’ve been volunteering, we’ve seen our fair share of fires and they are a nightmare for all involved. Many are preventable with maintenance and housekeeping. This month’s issue includes several “things to do” (or not do, as the case may be) that will keep you, your loved one and your homes safer.
And, as is my custom, the winter newsletter includes an appeal for you to support your local Vermont fire and rescue services. They receive some appropriations from the towns, but those funds do not cover operating expenses and they all depend on contributions. All contributions are tax-deductible and greatly appreciated!
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LVRS – PO Box 911, Londonderry, VT 05148 or CLICK HERE to donate online (click on the blue button at the top of the page)
- Londonderry (Phoenix 6) and South Londonderry (Champion 5) Fire Departments - Donations to either/both should be sent to PO Box 5, South Londonderry, VT 05155
- Peru Volunteer Fire Department – PO Box 232, Peru, VT 05152
- Weston Volunteer Fire Department – PO Box 52, Weston, VT 05161
- Windham Fire – 290 White Road, Windham, VT 05143
- Winhall Fire – P.O. Box 141, Bondville, VT 05340
Stay safe and have fun!
- Claudia Harris
Broker/Owner
Mary Mitchell Miller Real Estate
E-Mail: Claudia Harris
Website Click Here
Office: (802)824-3176
Cell: (802)379-0347
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Community Ice Skating Rinks | |
Our community is fortunate to have not one but TWO outdoor skating rinks – one in Londonderry and one in Peru. | |
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Photo courtesy of Martha Dale, Derry Ice Rink
Londonderry – The Derry Ice Rink is in the meadow behind Jake’s Restaurant in the Mountain Marketplace at the intersection of Routes 11 and 100.
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Photo courtesy of @Peru_ice_rink
Peru – on the town green in front of the Peru Church and nearby the J.J. Hapgood Store (rumored to be reopening soon!).
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These beautiful rinks are, of course, weather dependent and the incredible group of volunteers who tend the ice implore all to please obey all signage and stay off the ice if there is a No Skating sign posted.
Riley Rink in Manchester
And, if the weather is not cooperating and you'd like to skate inside, remember Riley Rink in Manchester. This beautiful facility has public skate hours every day and you can check their schedule HERE.
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Short-Term Rentals - Updates | |
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The review and regulation of short-term rentals (STR) continues to be a conversation in most Vermont towns.
The following information is new as of December 2023 and supplements our previous stories in both the December/January 2023 and April/May 2023 editions of this newsletter.
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Londonderry - On December 19, 2023, the Londonderry Selectboard adopted an ordinance regulating short-term rentals. The ordinance , which can be viewed HERE. Unless a petition is filed in accordance with 24 V.S.A. § 1973, the Ordinance shall become effective sixty (60) days after its adoption, on or about February 17, 2024.
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Andover - The Andover Selectboard will hold a public hearing on Thursday, February 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. at the Andover Town Hall to receive public comment on adding short-term rentals as a conditional use to the Andover Zoning Regulations. The proposal can be found HERE.
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Manchester Village – The Village Board of Trustees adopted a STR Ordinance on December 4, 2023. The Ordinance mandates annual registration, inspections by the State Fire Marshals, occupancy limits, requiring a 24-hour caretaker within a 30-minute proximity, and other conditions. Like Londonderry, unless a petition is filed before January 20, 2024, the Ordinance will become effective on February 5, 2024. A copy of the Ordinance can be found HERE.
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Critical Winter Vent Maintenance | |
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Now that there is finally snow on the ground, we urge all homeowners and renters to clear vent and exhaust pipes (septic, roof vent, propane furnace) from snow. This is especially important when we have more than 6-8 inches of snow in any one storm.
* Clear snow and debris from vents, chimneys, and flues after a storm to a dangerous build-up of carbon monoxide.
* Keep exterior sidewall vents clear – if a vent becomes buried in snow or blocked otherwise, equipment may shut down or draw exhaust fumes into a home.
* Test carbon monoxide alarms – carbon monoxide (CO) is colorless, odorless and tasteless. Exposure to even small quantities of CO can cause flu-like symptoms. Higher levels are live threatening. Test and replace CO detectors as needed. Properly maintain and vent your appliances. Never use a gas stove to heat your home and do not use a generator indoors or near the home. If you suspect CO poisoning, call 911, seek fresh air and remain outside.
According to the VT Department of Health, “Carbon monoxide (CO) is a poisonous gas you cannot see or smell. It is produced when liquid, solid or gas fuel is burned—such as natural gas, propane, oil, charcoal, wood and wood pellets. Dangerous levels can build up quickly in your home, garage, or other enclosed areas. CO poisoning is more often a problem in the colder months since that is when Vermonters burn fuel to keep warm and their homes are closed up.
From VT Emergency Management:
- Ensure all heating vents are clear of snow or other obstructions. Even if you don’t see significant snowfall blowing snow can block heating vents. Blocked vents can lead to Carbon Monoxide buildup in the home. Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors now. Carbon monoxide is a deadly, colorless, odorless, poisonous gas. CO poisoning can mimic flu-like symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, and fatigue. Higher levels of exposure result in disorientation, drowsiness, and unconsciousness. If you experience any symptoms leave the home and contact help. CALL 911!
- And, “If you use a generator, ensure it is used outside, away from open windows, doors, or air intakes. Exhaust from a generator or heating source can cause a buildup of carbon monoxide in the home, which can be deadly.”
- Have working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your home.
- Never use an “improvised” heat source like grill or oven as they can be fire or carbon monoxide hazards.
- Make sure all heating vents are clear and properly discharging out of the house.
- Make sure snow and ice is not impeding the venting of carbon monoxide and clear it away if it is.
Local propane delivery companies provide lots of great information, but this handy guide from the Propane Education & Research Council is especially helpful and easy to understand.
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Featured Property for Sale | |
2105 White Road in Windham | |
Thinking of Selling? Still on the Fence?
Inventory Is Low and Demand Remains High
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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 still low, demand is 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 or contact one of our Sales Associates listed below.
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Archived issues of the NEWSLETTER are available online:
Click Here
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MLS Access for All of Vermont
(click link below)
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Mary Mitchell Miller is a proud member of PRIME 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, Jamaica, Stratton, Winhall and Windham. Fully licensed in Vermont.
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