It’s hard to believe that it is that time of year again: Sugar Season.  Folsom’s Sugar House is an actual working sugar facility that makes pure maple syrup on site just minutes from the center of Chester. The facility operates from mid/late February and generally through March, when the weather conditions will cause the sap to “run”. Warm days of 40-degrees coupled with cold nights in the 20’s are ideal to get the sap flowing in the trees.

It is hard to miss the steam billowing from the chimney as the sap is boiled. Their collection truck travels through town with the 210-gallon gathering tank on its 25 mile route.  It takes an average of 40 gallons of sap to produce 1 gallon of syrup.  It is such a treat to visit the sugar house. The design was inspired by Colonial Williamsburg. Come see which grade of syrup you prefer: Light or Dark Amber. One of my favorite stops in Chester.

Visit all year long to purchase maple products like cream, candy, taffy and dry sugar. Located at 130 Candia Road, www.folsomsugarhouse.com.  A proud member of the New Hampshire Maple Producers Association.

Michelle D’Aoust is a licensed REALTOR® based in the Verani Realty, Salem Office. She covers the Salem, Windham, Chester, Atkinson, Hampstead and Northeastern Mass markets. She is a specialist in fine homes, waterfront, equestrian, relocation, and new construction. For more information about Michelle, to contact her, or view her listings, visit her agent page.

image provided by Maria O’Brien of Two Shots Photography 

Pam comes to the real estate industry as an expert in the area of finance and legality in the home buying/selling process. Prior to her entrance at Verani Realty, she was a self-employed Certified Public Accountant in Windham, covering New Hampshire and Massachusetts, specializing in taxes. She’ll be using her knowledge and expertise in the field of finance and monetary law to keep buyers and sellers educated throughout the process.

As a CPA, Pam has a knack for details and deadlines. She knows that the client’s interests are always the most important part of the process, and that applying her client’s interests to the process; she can make it smoother for all parties involved. Along with her knowledge of finance and law, Pam brings a strong knowledge of Southern New Hampshire to the table, having been raised in Merrimack Valley, and now a Southern New Hampshire resident of 15 years.

Pam is very involved in New Hampshire communities and organizations. She has been the Treasurer of the Windham Co-op Kindergarten Board of Directors, is involved with the Board of Directors of the Windham Wolverines Football & Cheer, and is a member of the Granite State South Board of REALTORS®. Pam is a graduate of UMass Dartmouth, and carries real estate licenses in both New Hampshire and Massachusetts.

In her free time, Pam enjoys running, specifically in 5K road races with her friends. She also enjoys vacationing on the beaches of Maine and Florida. Pam, her husband, and 2 children live in Windham.

Pam is based out of the Prudential Verani Salem Office, located at 236 North Broadway in Salem, NH. She can be reached at p: (603) 893-7999, m: (603) 475-9825 or e: pam.keenan@verani.com

16 Races to Help Keep Off those Extra Thanksgiving Pounds

Famously referred to as “Turkey Trots,” runners around the country will be taking part in Thanksgiving Day races ranging anywhere from 1-10 miles. In New Hampshire, as of Monday, November 19, there are 16 publicized races that will be held on Thanksgiving morning. Trying to counter all that food with some good old-fashioned exercise? Below are all the locations throughout New Hampshire that are racing Thursday morning.

Click for details when available. Some races may allow walkers even if there isn’t a note below. Contact race directors by visiting Cool Running, NH for Continue reading “16 NH Towns to Host Thanksgiving Day Races” »

Submitted by: Candice M. O’Neil, Esq., Hudkins Law, P.L.L.C.

Are you ready for a big tax bill?

For the past several years, the majority of us have not had to worry about paying estate taxes.  For example, in 2012, if your net worth is less than $5.12 million, you do not have an estate tax issue.   Unfortunately, unless Congress acts quickly, that exemption amount is about to decrease dramatically.  Effective January 1^st, 2013, you could face an estate tax if your net worth is $1 million or more.  The tax rate that will be applied is a whopping 55%.  That means that your loved ones could end up with an extraordinarily high tax bill if you don’t take action now, before it’s too late.

Think your estate is too small for these changes to affect you?

Think again.  If you own a home, a life insurance policy, or other significant asset, your estate can very quickly reach that $1 million threshold.  Further, if you are a Massachusetts resident, that state imposes its own additional estate tax. New Hampshire residents may not have to worry about a state level estate tax, but they will face a tax of 55% on their assets over $1 million.  The unfortunate result is a hefty tax bill for your estate.

What can you do about it?

Fortunately, with proper planning techniques, you can reduce, or even eliminate, your potential estate tax.  Why give away such a large portion of your assets in taxes if you don’t have to?  There are also unique gifting opportunities that are available, but you must act fast.  These opportunities will expire at midnight on December 31^st.  Until that time, you are able to give away approximately $4 million more in assets, tax free, than you will in 2013.  This opportunity will likely never come around again, so your window in which to act is rapidly closing.

We strongly urge that you not delay in putting together a plan to reduce your taxes, manage your assets, and avoid expensive and lengthy probate proceedings after you pass.  Whether you currently have an estate plan or have not yet created one, now is an important time to meet with us.  Call Hudkins Law today at (603) 434-1770 to schedule a free consultation.  We also welcome your emails at: Candice@hudkinslaw.com.

Legal resources:
Internal Revenue Tax Law – Section 2001
Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010
Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001

Hudkins Law is conveniently located in both Windham and New London, New Hampshire.  Our firm specializes in residential and commercial real estate law as well as estate planning and corporate law.  We are licensed in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

photo courtesy of Tax Credits

It is a common misconception that estate plans are only necessary for the wealthy or the elderly. In reality, everyone could benefit from an estate plan. While thinking about your own mortality is difficult, failing to do so can have negative consequences that are impossible to fix once you have passed away. Life is unpredictable, but the experienced Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire estate planning lawyers at Hudkins Law will ensure that both your assets and your loved ones are protected after you are gone.

If you pass away without a validly executed Will, your assets will be distributed according to the intestacy laws in your state. This means that you are letting the state decide who will receive your property. Unfortunately, these laws often do not line up with your wishes. Why let the state make these vital decisions about the assets you spent a lifetime working to build?

Similarly, failing to appoint a guardian of your minor children can cause a great deal of strain and discomfort on your surviving family members. Why let the court make this crucial decision when it is completely avoidable? By executing a valid New Hampshire Will, you can easily appoint the primary care giver of your choice, avoiding the emotional strain, expense, and court involvement that would otherwise take place.

While every individual could benefit from a New Hampshire Estate Plan, the following are life events that often trigger clients to think about executing a Will and other estate documents:

• Birth of a child
• Purchase of real estate
• Marriage or divorce
• Disability
• Medical diagnosis
• Upcoming vacation
• Purchase, sale, or starting of a business
• Loss of a loved one

Every individual estate is unique, and the laws in this field are complex. While you can certainly find a “do it yourself” will online or in stores, there is no guaranty that it will comply with the laws of your state or truly accomplish your goals in the manner that you choose. Wills must be carefully tailored to the needs of every individual or family. Contact our office today for a free consultation at (603) 434-1770.

Submitted by: Candice O’Neil, Esq., Hudkins Law, P.L.L.C.

Hudkins Law is conveniently located in both Windham and New London, New Hampshire. Our firm specializes in residential and commercial real estate law as well as estate planning and corporate law. We are licensed in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

Most of the garden centers featured below specialize in the unique or the unusual or have extensive collections not found elsewhere. All were featured in a great garden guide that was published a few years ago, The Adventurous Gardener: Where to buy the best plants in New England by Ruah Donnelly. Ms. Donnelly described her guide as one that would help people “…find good regionally grown plants…” Many of the nurseries and garden stores she included seek to make available unique or unusual plants not commonly found in chain stores.

Delahunty’s Nurseries & Florist in Windham has over 10 acres of plants to meet your gardening needs. They provide an extensive selection of annuals and perennials, roses, and shrubs. They are noted for their mature shrubs and trees – which range up to 18 feet tall for those special landscaping projects. If they don’t have what you want, let them know, and they will order it for you from one of their growers. Delahunty’s also has a full service florist shop. Their website has informative sections on watering and gardening.

Lake Street Garden Center in Salem is a family-run retail garden center, open year round, that has everything a gardener might desire. They have a large variety of annuals, perennials, herbs, vegetables, fruit and ornamental trees, shrubs, and aquatic plants. In addition, they carry house plants, bonsais, holiday plants, pots, garden accents, fertilizers, water garden supplies, etc. Many of the staff have degrees in horticulture. They sponsor several gardening classes each month and support the Salem Farmer’s Market.

Continue reading “Southern New Hampshire Garden Centers: Part 2” »

The Windham Rail Trail is the perfect place to go to enjoy nature with your family and friends. The trail is a 4.1 mile section of the historic Manchester and Lawrence Line train rail. It has been ranked as 5 stars for both scenery and condition in “New Hampshire Rail Trails”.

It is wonderful to be outdoors and see the beauty of nature. The ponds give you a great location to sit and relax or have a picnic. You can also stop at Windham Junction which offers places to eat inside and out, as well as meals to take with you. The tree lined trail offers a canopy to shelter you from the sun and the heat on warmer summer days. You can even see a historic Caboose that has been restored.

On June 12, 2011 the Rail Trail Alliance will hold it’s 4th annual Flat & Fast 5k road race. Contact lmaloney@windhamrailtrail.org for more information. Parking for the trail is located at 6 Depot Rd, Windham NH.

The use of ATV’S is not allowed, but you can use snowmobiles in the winter. Since the land was purchased with Federal Transportation Enhancement Grants, the use of OHRV vehicles is restricted.

Spend an hour or all day away from the stress of daily life without having to drive far to get there!

Article by real estate agent Sandy Grimes

It’s that time of year again! The hustle and bustle of the holidays is upon us! With all the joy and good cheer there are still things that can be so stressful. So relax a little; go enjoy the scents and warmth of a good craft fair this weekend (view the list of upcoming NH holiday fairs). Have a hot chocolate, add some peppermint stick and what the heck enjoy a gingerbread cookie while your at it. (Santa has told me himself that they are calorie free during his season!)

The stressful bit can be a bit overwhelming. I was out there shopping too this week. I visited the Mall of New Hampshire and made my annual holiday contribution to the betterment of our economy. I went on a week night. Between the people, racks, sales associates stocking shelves, trying to decide on who will like what and who has the best deal, I found the joy of Christmas drained right out of me (for that day at least).

I’ve thought a good deal about this during the week. I don’t want this Christmas to become BAH HUMBUG. I am going to take a new approach this week. Craft fairs will be my focus. This is New England and, better yet, New Hampshire! There is nothing better than giving (and getting) a gift that is handmade, and offers that little extra magic that someone took their time, thought, creativity and love of the craft to make a better holiday for someone else.

Continue reading “New Hampshire Holiday Festivals – Take a Break from Shopping!” »

The Windham, NH annual Tree Lighting will be held on Saturday December 11^th from 3:00 to 5:00 pm At the Town Commons.

The tree lighting has been tradition in Windham, New Hampshire for over 40 years. This is the beginning of the season for many families in town, including mine!

With the sad loss of the Pine Tree Known as Martha Washington 2 years ago located in front of the old Library building, we have continued the tradition by using the trees on the Common for the lighting. Santa will be riding in on the fire truck to music from the Salem High School Band. He will be available for photos in the Town Hall. The Windham Community Band will perform seasonal music, they are known throughout Southern New Hampshire. The Middle school chorus will sing carols. There will be hot cocoa and cookies, new this year is crafts in the town hall as well.

The Lions club will be conducting a children’ s eye screenings in the community development office for children form 6 months to 5 years.Come to this old fashioned Christmas event and start your holiday season with your community.

Fall in New Hampshire means it’s time for the Windham Lions Halloween Party!

For the last 40 years the Lions club has sponsered this event for young children in town. This event is for toddlers to third graders. It is an oppertunity to  show off you costume with friends, indoors, in a warm place.

Come and enjoy the Shiners’ Clowns who make balloon animals for attendees.  Then watch our Master Magician Steve Thomas preform a short show.  Refreshments will be served. If you would like you may bring a toy donation to be given to helping hands for use at Christmas for local families in need. My children who have attended over the years now come back to town to bring their children this fun event.