For80 years, you’veknownusastrusted neighbors who deliver compassionate careright toyourdoor. Now,we’reevolvingto better reflect whowe are and the people we serveacross Vermont.
forour new lookthisspring,andrest assured:the caregiversyoutrust, the quality serviceyoudepend on,and the local heart that drives everythingwe do...thatwill never change.
Vermont Maturity
For Vermonters Age 50 and Older
Phone: 802-490-1308
Email: Info@VermontMaturity.com
Website: www.VermontMaturity.com
Socials: @VermontMaturity
PUBLISHER
PUBLISHING
Lylah Wright
MARKETING DIRECTOR
Ahmad Yassir
SALES MANAGERS
Lylah Wright
Susan Plaisance
CONTRIBUTORS
Ben Durant
Bob Audette
Elise Brunelle
Keith Neil-Champlain Tours
Jim Miller
Kim Fitzgerald Melinda Myers
Nick Thomas
GRAPHIC DESIGNERS
Char Grass
ADVERTISING INQUIRIES
Phone: 802-490-1308, 802-447-7567
Email: Ads@VermontMaturity.com
Website: VermontMaturity.com/Advertise
Vermont Maturity, published six times per year by Vermont News and Media, LLC, reaches readers through mail and newsstand copies. Distribution covers Chittenden County, including Burlington, South Burlington, Essex, Colchester, Shelburne, Winooski, and Williston. Additionally, Vermont Maturity is available in Southern Vermont, specifically in Bennington and Windham Counties. Stay Connected, Stay Informed
The publisher makes no representation concerning any product or service advertised in this publication. Vermont Maturity and VermontMaturity.com serve only as mediums for sellers to reach potential buyers and do not warrant the accuracy of any advertisement. Vermont Maturity makes every effort to eliminate typographical errors but assumes no responsibility for misspelling names from handwritten copy. All editorial items submitted are subject to editing and alteration at the sole discretion of the publisher. The design and format of this magazine are protected by the copyright laws of the United States of America. Reproduction of this publication, in whole or in part, is prohibited without express written consent of the publisher.
POSTMASTER
Please send address changes to Vermont News and Media, 70 Landmark Hill Drive, Brattleboro, VT, 05301
How One Vermont Family Found the Right Memory Care Community
How One Vermont Family Found the Right Memory Care Community
AtThe Arbors at Shelburne, expert, comprehensive care and personal connection go hand in hand
The search for the right memory care community is deeply personal and often incredibly challenging. At The Arbors at Shelburne, a Benchmark Senior Living community, many have found not just expert care, but something equally important: a sense of familiarity, trust and genuine human connection that feels close to home.
For those navigating Alzheimer’s, dementia and other forms of memory impairment, the search for care can feel overwhelming, often marked by difficult tradeoffs. The Arbors removes those barriers. As the only dually licensed Residential Care Home and Nursing Facility in the area dedicated to memory loss and complex care needs, it offers something most communities cannot: the ability for residents to transition seamlessly to skilled nursing care within the same community so they are surrounded by consistent caregivers and routines, even as their needs evolve.
For Ken Lasden of Stowe, that continuity, and the humanity behind it, made all the difference.
Ken, 75, and his wife Debby, 76, built a life defined by activity, creativity and connection. They met
through work more than four decades ago and have been married for 42 years. After raising their family in the Boston area, they moved to Vermont 14 years ago to embrace their shared love of skiing and hiking.
Debby, an art school graduate from the Massachusetts College of Art, brought creativity into every part of her life. She worked as a tour guide at Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts and spent countless hours making pottery. In Vermont, she remained active and social, hiking with friends and enjoying the outdoors.
In 2014, just a few years after their move, subtle changes began to emerge.
The first sign was easy to dismiss: Debby got lost driving home from a place she’d visited dozens of times. It didn’t immediately register as serious, though their children began noticing changes sooner. By 2016, the diagnosis was clear—Alzheimer’s disease.
At first, life continued much as it had. The forgetfulness and confusion were gradual and
manageable. Even as the disease progressed, Debby remained physically strong. The couple continued skiing together until 2022, holding onto the routines that defined them.
By 2019, however, Ken knew he needed help, a realization he describes as one of the hardest moments of his life.
“I’m not going to be able to handle this,” he recalls. “And I couldn’t, there was no way.”
Like many spouses, he did everything he could to keep Debby at home. By 2024, he had brought in caregivers to assist with things like bathing, dressing, meals and companionship. For a time, it worked. But when trusted caregivers stepped away and the demands became too great, the search for a long-term solution began.
Ken and his four children, one a nurse practitioner and another a social worker, evaluated dozens of communities, struggling to find the right fit.
Then came a moment of clarity at a support group.
A fellow member leaned over and whispered, “It’s The Arbors. Don’t even look anywhere else.”
When Ken and his family chose The Arbors, it wasn’t just for its clinical capabilities, though those were essential. What set it apart was something harder to define, but immediately felt.
“From the first day Deb was there, everyone knew her name,” Ken says. “And they knew my name too.”
That sense of being truly known defines The Arbors experience. It extends beyond friendliness into a deeply embedded culture. Associates don’t just complete tasks—they build relationships, notice changes and communicate consistently, always showing up with compassion.
Ken sees it every time he visits.
He drives an hour most days, arriving around 10:45 a.m.—a routine the staff has come to expect. When it’s broken, they notice. On one occasion, when he didn’t arrive, executive director, Wendy Brodie, was worried and called to check on him.
It’s a small gesture, but a telling one.
“If I’m not there, they tell me everything about her day—if she laughed, if she smiled, how she ate,” Ken says. “I really feel like I’m leaving Deb with family.”
That level of communication builds something invaluable: trust. And with that trust came something Ken didn’t expect to regain, his own sense of balance.
“The Arbors has given me back my life,” he says. “I love going to see Deb, and I can go any time.”
Before, caregiving consumed his day. Now, he can return to parts of his life while still maintaining a meaningful, consistent connection with his wife.
“My time with her is better now,” he says. “There is no question about it.”
Supporting both residents and their families is central to The Arbors’ approach. Care extends beyond the individual to spouses, children and loved ones navigating their own emotional journeys.
Within the community, those connections deepen. Ken has formed friendships with other families, creating a network of shared understanding and support.
Meanwhile, Debby’s condition has advanced. She has lost mobility, has limited speech and requires assistance with nearly every aspect of daily living, including a two-person assist due to balance challenges—care needs not all communities can accommodate.
Yet even as her needs have increased, moments of joy remain.
Debby still enjoys music, one of her lifelong passions. Programs and events are designed not simply to fill time, but to create engagement and connection that meets residents where they are, cognitively and emotionally.
“Unlike some people visiting loved ones at other communities, I feel fortunate and happy when I’m at The Arbors,” Ken says.
That sense of gratitude speaks to the community’s environment, one where, even in the face of a
progressive disease, dignity, connection and moments of happiness are still possible.
Ken credits that environment to leadership and culture.
“I truly believe everything starts at the top,” he says. “From leadership to the kitchen, maintenance and laundry staff, these are good people who do their job with a smile.”
That consistency is reflected in caregiver tenure; some having been with the community for nearly a decade. In a field often challenged by turnover, that stability reinforces the continuity families rely on.
For Ken, the decision to move Debby was not easy. He resisted it, asked tough questions and wrestled with doubt.
“The first day I left her was hard,” he admits. “But I felt strongly they would take excellent care of her, and they have.”
At The Arbors at Shelburne, care is not defined solely by clinical capability, though that is essential.
It is defined by something deeper: a commitment to knowing each resident, supporting their families and creating an environment where even the most complex needs are met with both skill and heart. VM
To learn more, call 802.613.9714 or visit ArborsAtShelburne.com.
Sungrown Values, Vermont Roots
How Sunset Lake Cannabis Brings Affordable, Regenerative Cannabis to Vermont
By Bob Audette
In a crowded and fast-evolving cannabis marketplace, it’s not always easy for consumers to know where their products come from — or what values guide the people who grow them.
That’s one reason many shoppers are turning toward farmer-owned, Vermont-g rown cannabis brands like Sunset Lake Cannabis, a Champlain Islands cultivator whose sungrown approach is reshaping expectations of quality, sustainability, and affordability.
The golden hour at the Sunset Lake farm is truly glorious.
Sunset Lake Cannabis began not as a cannabis company, but as a dairy farm.
Sunset Lake Farm, based in South Hero and Alburgh, has supplied milk and cream to Ben & Jerry’s for years and is a long-standing member of the Caring Dairy program.
After Vermont legalized hemp in 2018, the farm diversified into CBD production. And when adult-use cannabis became legal in 2021, the same team of farmers launched Sunset Lake Cannabis with a clear mission: grow premium cannabis outdoors, under the Vermont sun, using regenerative practices that protect the land for future generations.
“We grow our plants outdoors under the Vermont sun,” says Sam Bellavance, founder and CEO. “Using natural light reduces our need for costly artificial lighting. Growing indoors under lights is costly to the environment and it increases the end cost for consumers.”
That commitment to sustainability is more than a talking point.
Sunset Lake’s cultivation relies on living soil, cover cropping, crop rotation, and Integrated Pest Management, using beneficial insects instead of chemical pesticides.
The farm partners with a local dairy and a nearby craft brewery to fertilize fields with nutrient-rich manure and spent brewing ingredients, reducing the need for trucked-in fertilizers.
At the end of 2025, the farm earned Sun + Earth Certification, a rigorous standard recognizing regenerative, organic-equivalent cultivation practices.
“We’re not just focused on our plants; we also care a lot about ensuring the sustainability of our local communities,” says Rev Baker, Director of Marketing. “That’s why we support local and national groups like the Vermont Foodbank, the Last Prisoner Project, and Vermont Public.”
For consumers, the benefits of sungrown cannabis go beyond sustainability. Outdoor cultivation produces what winemakers call terroir, or a sense of place shaped by climate, soil, and sun. The Champlain Islands’ unique
microclimate gives Sunset Lake’s flower a chemical profile that can’t be replicated indoors.
Research has shown that sungrown cannabis contains a broader range of cannabinoids and terpenes than indoor-grown flower, resulting in richer aromas, fuller flavors, and more robust effects thanks to the “entourage effect.”
Baker says the stigma around outdoor cannabis is outdated.
VT’sLeader in Cremation Memorials
The team at Sunset Lake prefers to use hemp wrappers for their BTV Blunts prerolled joints. These thicker wrappers offer a slower burning joint, similar to a cigar but without the tobacco
“There’s still some consumer prejudice against outdoor cannabis that is a hangover from when most illicit outdoor weed came pressed into bricks and was poorly treated. But modern outdoor cannabis really sings the song of where it was grown.”
Sunset Lake’s vertically integrated model, cultivating, harvesting, and manufacturing its own products, also keeps prices accessible.
Their lineup includes hand-t rimmed flower, pre-g round flower, prerolls, vape cartridges, gummies,
Company Contact Info
Website: sunsetlakecannabis.com
SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:
Instagram:
drinks, tinctures, topicals, and a line of high-potency products for registered medical cannabis patients.
A bird’s eye view of the Sunset Lake Cannabis field in South Hero, VT
Sunset Lake Cannabis uses Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in lieu of spraying chemical pesticides. Lady bugs, trichogramma wasps, and assassin bugs naturally reduce pest pressure on their cannabis plants.
The company’s retail presence, Lake Effect Vermont, in South Hero, showcases not only Sunset Lake Cannabis and Sunset Lake CBD products but also offerings from other small Vermont cultivators.
The store regularly hosts “Meet the Maker” events and highlights local collaborations, such as High Branch Sparkling Cannabis Cider made with apples from Hackett’s Orchard just down the road.
“High Branch Cider is unique because it’s born out of collaboration between two neighboring farms which embody the past, present, and future of Vermont
In late spring, the team at Sunset Lake transplants small cannabis plants which were started from seed in their greenhouses.
Founder Sam Bellavance holds up a bottle of Bold Blend Tincture.
Prerolled joints are very popular with consumers, both with tourists and locals. Sunset Lake Cannabis produces a variety of prerolls including their line Cosmic Cones, joints infused with cannabis resin which increases the potency.
A bird’s eye view of the Sunset Lake Cannabis field in South Hero, VT
The field is healthy and alive at the Sunset Lake farm thanks to their regenerative farming practices
Lake Cannabis infuses their Super Salve THC topical with frankincense sourced from Boswellness, an importer and essential oils distillery in Colchester, VT.
agriculture,” Bellavance says. “We want to weave cannabis into our existing notions of what it means to be a Vermont farm.”
For Vermonters, Sunset Lake Cannabis offers something increasingly rare: a direct connection to the people who grow their products.
Vape cartridges stand out as a highly favored method of cannabis consumption among Vermonters.
Sunset
“It’s deeply rewarding to talk with customers and learn how our products are improving their lives,” Bellavance says. “It’s an honor and privilege to see how our work here on the farm is having a positive impact on so many people.” VM
All Photos Courtesy Sunset Lake Cannabis
HEALTH WARNING:
Cannabis has not been analyzed or approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For use by individuals 21 years of age and older or registered qualifying patient only. KEEP THIS PRODUCT AWAY FROM CHILDREN AND PETS. DO NOT USE IF PREGNANT OR BREASTFEEDING. Possession or use of cannabis may carry significant legal penalties in some jurisdictions and under federal law. It may not be transported outside of the state of Vermont. The effects of edible cannabis may be delayed by two hours or more. Cannabis may be habit forming and can impair concentration, coordination, and judgment. Persons
25 years and younger may be more likely to experience harm to the developing brain.
It is against the law to drive or operate machinery when under the influence of this product. National Poison Control Center 1-800-222-1222. VM
Sunset Lake Cannabis installs a reusable trellis system to give their plants extra stability as they mature and become heavy with cannabis flowers.
August3-9,2026
September14-18,2026
Quietly out here trying to “change the world,” one carry-on bag, one carefully timed departure, and one mildly skeptical traveler at a time
At first glance, it looks like a travel company. Logistics. Hotels. Buses that leave at 8:00 a.m. sharp (interpretation varies). But spend a few days on one of these journeys, and it becomes clear: this is less about seeing the world and more about letting the world see you—and then politely correcting you.
Because here’s the uncomfortable truth: travel changes you. Not always in sweeping, cinematic gestures. More often, it’s subtle. You taste something you can’t pronounce and realize it’s excellent. You attempt to communicate and suddenly develop deep respect for anyone navigating life in a second language. You
They’ll frame it as “cultural immersion,” which sounds safe enough. But what it really means is that your long-held assumptions are about to be gently dismantled somewhere between a guided tour and a “quick stop” that becomes unexpectedly profound. You arrive with certainty. You leave with perspective. And possibly a new opinion about bread.
Now, in today’s world—where headlines are engineered to make your coffee taste more anxious—this
all starts to feel… optional. Maybe even risky. Why go far when everything you need is right at home, neatly within your comfort zone and Wi-Fi range?
Champlain Tours would argue the opposite. Quietly, but firmly.
Because if there’s ever been a time to see the world, to understand it, to engage with it beyond a headline or a scroll, it’s now. Not recklessly. Not naively. But intentionally. Thoughtfully. With structure, experience, and just enough contingency planning to keep things running smoothly even when the unexpected inevitably makes an appearance.
This is where Keith Sherpa enters the narrative—not as a dramatic hero, but as the steady presence behind the curtain. The one who has already thought about the “what ifs,” the logistics, the reroutes, the details you didn’t know existed. The one ensuring that while the world may feel unpredictable, your experience of it doesn’t have to be.
Because growth rarely happens in isolation. It happens in motion. In observation. In those small, unplanned moments when you realize the world is both
bigger and more connected than you thought.
And then, something unexpected happens.
You come home.
Growth rarely happens in isolation. It happens in motion.
And home feels different— not because it changed, but because you did. The familiar becomes appreciated. The routine becomes intentional. The perspective you gained quietly reshapes how you see your own life.
Champlain Tours doesn’t claim to change the world. That would be too bold.
They just keep sending people out into it—safely, thoughtfully, deliberately—and welcoming them back a little more aware, a little more empathetic, and perhaps just a bit harder to convince that the world can be understood from a distance.
One traveler at a time.
Bob still almost misses the bus. But even Bob comes back changed. VM
See our ad on page 5
The Vermont Downsizing Roadmap: A Step-by-Step Guide for 2026 Featuring the Story of Kelly and Jim
By Ben Durant
For many older Vermonters, downsizing is not simply a real estate transaction. It is a major life transition that blends practical considerations with emotional ones. The process can feel overwhelming, especially in a market where senior-friendly homes are limited and competition is high. But with a clear plan, the journey becomes far more manageable. To illustrate what this looks like, let’s follow the story of Kelly and Jim, a fictional couple whose experience reflects what many Vermonters are navigating today.
Kelly and Jim raised their family in a classic Vermont colonial with four bedrooms, a large yard, and a steep driveway that never bothered them in their younger years. As time passed, winter maintenance became more challenging, and the house began to feel larger than they needed. They loved their home, but they also wanted a simpler lifestyle with fewer stairs, less upkeep, and closer access to services. Once they acknowledged these priorities, the path forward became clearer.
Before making any decisions, Kelly and Jim wanted to understand the market. Like many seniors, they wondered whether they should list their home first, wait until they found something new, or consider a temporary rental. These questions can create a lot of anxiety, but the answers depend on timing, inventory, and personal comfort. By reviewing current trends, we looked at how quickly single-level and senior-friendly homes were selling, what their own home could realistically command, and whether a short-term rental might serve as a helpful bridge. With this information, they were able to make decisions based on facts rather than fear.
Preparing their home for sale was the next step, and it did not require a major renovation. Many seniors assume they need to overhaul their home before listing, but in most cases, small, targeted updates make the biggest difference. For Kelly and Jim, this meant simplifying their spaces, applying fresh paint in a few key rooms, completing minor repairs, and lightly staging the home to highlight its natural light and layout. These modest improvements helped their home shine without unnecessary expense.
As they explored their next housing options, Kelly and Jim discovered that Vermont offers more choices than they expected. They considered townhomes and condos with first-floor primary suites, smaller single-family homes in walkable neighborhoods, 55+ communities, and even the possibility of an accessory dwelling unit near family. By broadening their search, they found possibilities that aligned with both their lifestyle and their long-term needs.
The logistics of moving can be one of the most stressful parts of downsizing, especially after decades in the same home. To keep things manageable, we created a realistic timeline and a room-by-room sorting plan, along with resources for donation, disposal, and moving services. Having a clear structure helped Kelly and Jim feel in control rather than overwhelmed.
When the right townhome finally came on the market; single-level living, an attached garage, and a location close to services, they were ready. They had their financing in place, their home prepared for listing, and a plan for temporary housing if needed. Because they had
Five Common Mistakes Seniors Make When Downsizing And How to Avoid Them
1.
Waiting
Too Long to Start the Process
Many seniors delay downsizing until the home becomes physically or emotionally overwhelming. Starting early gives you more choices, more control, and far less stress.
2. Trying to Do Everything at Once
Downsizing isn’t a weekend project. Breaking it into small, manageable steps, one room at a time, keeps the process from becoming exhausting or discouraging.
3. Over-Renovating Before Selling
It’s easy to assume your home needs major updates, but most seniors spend more than they need to. Simple improvements like fresh paint, decluttering, and minor repairs often have the biggest impact.
4. Searching for a New Home Without a Plan
In a competitive market, it’s risky to start looking without understanding your budget, your priorities, and your timeline. A clear strategy helps you act confidently when the right home appears.
5. Underestimating the Emotional Side of Letting Go
Downsizing isn’t just about square footage; it’s about memories, identity, and change. Acknowledging the emotional weight of the process makes it easier to move forward with clarity and compassion.
taken the time to prepare, they were able to act quickly and confidently. Their offer was accepted, and their own home sold shortly afterward.
Kelly and Jim’s story is not unique, and the challenges they faced are the same for many Vermonters. Downsizing does not have to be chaotic or stressful. With the right guidance, seniors can move forward with clarity and confidence. As a Senior Real Estate Specialist, my role is to help older Vermonters navigate every step of this journey, from the emotional decisions to the practical ones, so they can transition into a home that truly supports the next chapter of their lives.VM
Ben Durant is the owner of The Durant Agency, a Vermont-based real estate company specializing in helping seniors and Boomers navigate the downsizing journey with confidence and care. With a deep understanding of the local market and a passion for the community. Ben offers personalized support to make transitions smoother and a passion for community; whether you’re selling a longtime home or exploring new housing options.
Vermont Symphony Orchestra presents 2026 Summer Festival Tour: America 250
By Elise Brunelle
To celebrate the United States’ 250th birthday, the Vermont Symphony Orchestra hits the road with its Summer Festival Tour: America 250, bringing music to communities across the Green Mountain State. There’s nothing quite like a balmy July evening in the Vermont outdoors, especially when the state’s orchestra performs beloved favorites like Morton Gould’s American Salute (based on “When Johnny Comes Marching Home”), Aaron Copland’s Hoe-Down from Rodeo, and a lively selection of music by John Williams and John Philip Sousa.
Conducted by VSO Music Director Andrew Crust, the orchestra also brings the Duke Ellington Fantasy, Vermont composer Gwyneth Walker’s piece America 250!, and movements from Antonin Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9 to the concert meadow, alongside guest speakers narrating powerful writings by Emma Lazarus, Calvin Coolidge, and Abraham Lincoln.
“What excites me most about this program is how much ground it covers,” said Crust. “Copland and Sousa,
Ellington and Williams, Dvořák writing his New World Symphony as a newly arrived immigrant. Together these works tell a genuinely complex and thrilling story about what America is and has been. Add live narration and a Vermont summer evening, and I can’t imagine a more fitting way to mark this milestone.”
Two works on the program will be elevated by live narration, grounding the music in the literary and political heritage of the nation. John Williams’ Liberty Fanfare will be performed alongside a reading of Emma Lazarus’ The New Colossus, the poem whose words “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free” came to define America’s promise to the world. Aaron Copland’s Lincoln Portrait, one of the most stirring works in the American orchestral canon, includes excerpts from Abraham Lincoln’s documents including text from his Gettysburg Address. This will be paired with a reading of Calvin Coolidge’s Vermont Is a State I Love, a meditation on the character of this “brave, little state” that resonates today.
Photo credit-Adam Sullivan
Tour Dates:
Wed Tour Dates:
Wednesday, July 1 — Saskadena Six, South Pomfret
Thursday, July 2 — Burke Mountain, East Burke (with fireworks)
Friday, July 3 — Grafton Trails & Outdoor Center, Grafton
Saturday, July 4 — Shelburne Museum, Shelburne (with fireworks)
Sunday, July 5 — von Trapp
Family Lodge & Resort Concert Meadow, Stowe
Full Program:
The Star-Spangled Banner
Morton Gould — American Salute
John Williams — Liberty Fanfare (with live reading of Emma Lazarus’ “The New Colossus”)
Charles Ives — Variations on America
Gwyneth Walker — America 250!
Antonín Dvořák — Symphony No. 9, Movement I (New World Symphony)
John Williams — Cowboys Overture
VSO has engaged theater director and actor Jarvis Green to recite the Emma Lazarus and Abraham Lincoln writings, and yet-to-be-announced special guests will recite Coolidge’s piece at each location.
This year’s VSO Summer Festival Tour: America 250 takes place July 1–5, 2026, with stops in South Pomfret, East Burke, Grafton, Shelburne, and Stowe. Each location features the VSO’s Musical Petting Zoo before the performance, where audiences can explore a variety of orchestral instruments. The concerts in Shelburne and East Burke conclude with fireworks. VM
Aaron Copland — Hoe-Down from Rodeo
John Williams — Rey’s Theme from The Force Awakens (Star Wars Suite)
Edward Elgar — Chanson de Matin
Aaron Copland — Lincoln Portrait (with live reading of Calvin Coolidge’s “Vermont Is a State I Love”)
Billy Strayhorn, arr. Hermann — Duke Ellington Fantasy
John Philip Sousa — The Stars and Stripes Forever
Age Well Surpasses $225,000 Goal in March for Meals Campaign, Delivering Lifeline to Older Vermonters
PRESS RELEASE
Colchester, VT- Age Well is proud annouce the overwhelming success of it’s month-long March for Meal campaign, raising more than $225,000 to support critical nutrition services for older adults across Northweatern Vermont.
The annual March for Meals celebration commemorates a historic milestone in March 1972, when President Richard Nixon signed legislation amending the Older Americans Act of 1965 to include a national nutrition program for adults aged 60 and older. For more than 50 years, this federal investment has fueled the growth of the Meals on Wheels network nationwide. Locally, the need continues to rise.
“Age Well serves as a lifeline for older adults in Northwestern Vermont, providing an array of services, including Meals on Wheels,” said Sara Wool, Chief Advancement Officer. “The demand for home-delivered meals continues to grow rapidly; at the same time, federal funding has remained largely flat for years, making community support more critical than ever.
We have been in awe of the outpouring of support from the community, but there’s still more we can do to ensure everyone in need can benefit from this vital lifeline.
Together, we can ensure our older neighbors stay healthy and nourished, remain independent, and can remain at home, where they want to be.”
During the month of March, community-based Meals on Wheels programs across the country came together to raise awareness and resources for this essential public-private partnership. In Northwestern Vermont, businesses, organizations, and individuals rallied in support of Age Well’s mission. As the largest provider of Meal on Wheels in Vermont, Age Well delivers more than 300,000 meals annually, supporting the health, independence, and dignity of thousands of older adults each year.
Age Well extends special recognition to its Champion and Gold Sponsors:
Trio Community Meals
NorthCountry Federal Credit Union
Community Bank N.A.
Bullrock Corporation
Charlotte-Shelburne-Hinesburg Rotary Club
M&T Bank
New England Air Systems
O’Brien Brothers WCAX
My Champlain Valley/ABC Local 22
92.9/VOX Media
Ellie Hollander, President and CEO of Meals on Wheels America, understood the importance of Meals on Wheels in addressing hunger and isolation among older adults striving to remain independent at home.
“Now is an important time for us unite to ensure that Meals on Wheels is there for all of our senior neighbors in need,” said Hollander. “In the face of soaring demand and costs that surpass out current resources, we need to come together
About Age Well
Age Well is a nonprofit organization serving northwestern Vermont, dedicated to helping older adults age with dignity and independence. For 50 years, Age Well has provided Vermonters with the support needed to remain active, healthy, and independent at home. Its wide array of programs improves quality of life and health outcomes by reducing barriers to essential services, statewide helpline.
as communities to bridge the gaps. We can’t do it alone-it takes all of us to March for Meals.”
Thanks to the incredible generosity of the community, more than 300,000 meals will continue to be delivered to older neighbors throughout the region-providing not only nutritious food, but also a friendly visit and critical safety check.
It’s more than a meal-it’s a lifeline. VM
• Helpline:Information &Assistance
• MealsonWheels &CommunityMeals
• RestaurantTicket Program
• TaiChi&Wellness Offerings
• MedicareCounseling &Training
• Care&Service Coordination
• Transportation
• VolunteerOpportunities
Supported by staff and more than 1,000 dedicated volunteers, Age Well serves thousands of older adults, their families, and caregivers each year. To learn more, visit https://www.agewellvt.org
Media Contact:
Sara C.Wool Chief Advancement Officer, 802662-5229
swool@agewellvt.org
Peer-Reviewed Study Confirms SASH Adds Over a Year of Healthy Life at Low Cost
By Kim Fitzgerald-CEO, from Cathedral Square
Published in Health Services Research, a new cost-effectiveness analysis of Cathedral Square’s SASH® program documents extraordinary value for older Vermonters and individuals with disabilities, with results coming in at a fraction of standard healthcare benchmarks.
SOUTH BURLINGTON — A peer-reviewed study published this month in Health Services Research, one of the nation’s leading health policy journals, has found that Vermont’s Support and Services at Home (SASH®) model is a highly cost-effective health approach to keeping older adults healthy and helping them avoid catastrophic health crises, like strokes and heart failure. Participants gained more than a year of healthy life at a cost well below standard U.S. benchmarks.
The study, “Cost-Effectiveness of the Support and Services at Home (SASH) Program for Cardiovascular Risk Factors: A Community-Based Approach to Healthy Aging in Place,” was led by researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University and the University of Vermont, in partnership with Cathedral Square, the South Burlington-based nonprofit that created SASH in 2009. The analysis drew on health data from 6,154 SASH participants collected between 2017 and 2023.
What the Research Found
Using a Markov modeling approach, researchers found that SASH participants gained up to 1.3 additional life years and up to 1.0 quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) compared to similar individuals not in the program. QALYs are a standard measure that accounts for both length and quality of life.
The cost per QALY gained ranged from $4,013 to $8,344 depending on participant characteristics. That is
a fraction of the $100,000 per QALY threshold widely used in the U.S. to evaluate whether a health intervention provides good value.
The gains were driven by a dramatic increase in appropriate blood pressure medication use and lifestyle interventions. At enrollment, as few as 6% of participants were on hypertension medication; after an average of 5.4 years, that figure had risen to between 40% and 68% depending on the participant group. Researchers also documented reductions in systolic blood pressure and smoking rates. Together, these changes significantly lowered participants’ risk of stroke, heart attack, and congestive heart failure.
Importantly, the study analyzed only cardiovascular disease-related costs and outcomes. The researchers note that if SASH’s impact on other health conditions were factored in, the true cost-effectiveness of the program would likely be much greater.
“What makes SASH so remarkable from a research standpoint is how definitively cost-effective it is. This isn’t even a close call. SASH is cost-effective under any widely
accepted benchmark. The data show that for older adults in affordable housing, this kind of community-based wellness model isn’t just beneficial; it’s one of the most economical investments a health system can make.”
- Eline van den Broek-Altenburg, Ph.D., University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, study co-author
A Vermont-Grown Model Built on Relationships
SASH is embedded in affordable housing and surrounding communities in every county across Vermont, serving older adults and individuals with disabilities. Each SASH panel connects up to 100 participants with a dedicated wellness nurse and care coordinator who conduct regular health assessments, develop individualized care plans, work with primary care and specialist providers, and facilitate group wellness programs. The program currently operates across 57 panels statewide.
The study also noted a finding related to long-term care worth further investigation. Only 16% of SASH participants transitioned to a long-term care facility or higher level of care, compared to the 22% rate typically expected for adults in this age group. Researchers observed that even two to four months of prolonged longterm care costs exceed the full incremental cost of SASH, suggesting the program may generate significant system savings beyond what this study measured.
“This research validates what our wellness nurses and coordinators see every day in communities across Vermont. SASH participants aren’t just living longer; they’re living healthier, with better-controlled blood pressure, greater medication adherence, and more independence at home. Vermont built something truly unique here, and we’re proud that the research confirms what we’ve always believed: that meeting people where they live and providing consistent, trusting relationships produces real, measurable health outcomes.”
- Liz Genge, SASH Director, Cathedral Square
Addressing the “Wrong Pocket Problem”
Despite its proven value, SASH faces a structural funding challenge the researchers call the “wrong pocket problem.” The health and cost benefits the program generates flow to Medicare, Medicaid, and the broader health system through reduced hospitalizations, fewer emergency room visits, and delayed long-term care facility placement. Yet, accessing continued and sustainable funding through these health care insurance programs is a major challenge.
“Given these results, it’s surprising that SASH has not been fully funded and expanded more widely,” remarked van den Broek-Altenburg. The study authors conclude that finding sustainable funding mechanisms for communitybased programs like SASH is necessary for both system efficiency and health equity, particularly for low-income older adults and individuals with disabilities who rely on affordable housing. VM
If you’re a die-hard fan of old western movies, especially those featuring John Wayne, but have never made the pilgrimage to Monument Valley, it’s definitely a trip to consider. Five of Wayne’s movies contain scenes from the iconic location, including “Stagecoach” in 1939, “She Wore a Yellow Ribbon” 10 years later and, what many would argue was his best western, “The Searchers” in 1956.
Dotted with towering sandstone buttes (steep-sided formations with broad, flat tops rising up to 1,000 feet), these natural “monuments” stand within a valley that straddles the Utah–Arizona border. Many of the buttes have names, including the West and East Mitten
Buttes on the Arizona side, so-named because of rock projections resembling thumbs on a mitten. They are clearly visible just before the Indian attack scene around the 1-hour 9-minute mark into “Stagecoach.” The area is also surrounded by some of the American Southwest’s most spectacular National Parks, including Arches, Canyonlands, Zion, and the Grand Canyon, all must-see destinations in their own right.
Entry to the park, officially called Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, is $8 per person (children under 12, free). While there are several trails within the Monument Valley area, only one is self-guided: the 3.9-mile Wildcat Trail that starts near the hotel parking area and takes about 2 hours to complete. All other tours require guides and last from 1½ to 2½ hours and cost extra ($78 to $132).
The Wildcat Trail is sandy and begins with a slow descent into the valley, eventually leading to the West Mitten. Calling it spectacular would be an understatement. This is sacred Indian land, so hikers must remain on the trail and make no attempt to climb the butte. While summer is a busy season with tourists pouring in from all over the world, it can also be brutally hot in the canyon, so take the necessary precautions (hat, water, sunscreen). The most challenging part of the hike is the return – an uphill climb (with some up and down sections) while walking in sand. So be sure everyone in your party can handle a 2-hour western summer hike.
You can also enjoy Monument Valley from the airconditioned comfort of your car by taking the 17-mile scenic drive. When we last visited, I would have rated the condition of the road as one of the worst I have ever travelled without a four-wheel drive vehicle. The
potholes and bumps along this dirt road meant we could barely go over 5 mph and if I’d had false teeth, they would have been dropping in my lap throughout the drive. I’m not sure whether the road is periodically maintained or left in the poor state to slow drivers down, but a quick check online revealed comments like “notoriously rough” and “challenging for low-clearance vehicles.” Nevertheless, take it slow and the views will be amazing.
Whether planning to hike or drive, an especially good time to visit is on a partly sunny day. It’s hard to take a bad Monument Valley photo when the deep
blue western sky is sprinkled with white fluffy clouds hovering over the iron-rich red/orange buttes. You’ll bring home vivid desert photo memories that are always fun to try and match with scenes from a Duke Wayne film. VM
Nick Thomas teaches at Auburn University at Montgomery in Alabama and has written features, columns, and interviews for many newspapers and magazines. His “It’s A Wonderful Hike” website describes short trails, hikes, and walks from around the country that seniors might enjoy while traveling. See www.itsawonderfulhike.com.
At TheArbors atShelburne, our award-winning Mind & MemoryCare providespersonalized support forindividualswithAlzheimer’s,dementia and othertypes of memoryloss, offeringsecure, multisensoryenvironments, 24/7 dailyliving supportandperson-centeredcare capabilitiesthat evolve with residents’ needs.Throughpersonalized care andprogramming,our residents thrive with countlessmeaningfulconnections.
SENIOR
Low-Cost Smartphone Plans for Budget-Minded Seniors
By Jim Miller
Dear Savvy Senior,
What are the absolute lowest-cost smartphone plans for seniors who mainly talk and text but need a little cellular data for email and occasional use? I’m currently paying $40 a month and hoping to cut that down.
--Looking to Save
Dear Need,
You’re asking a smart question. Many seniors pay far more for smartphone service than they actually use. If most of your phone activity is calls, texts, email, and light web browsing, there’s usually no need to spend $40 or more a month. The good news: plenty of low-cost carriers now cater to light users who want reliable service without the extra cost.
The cheapest plans today mostly come from mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) – smaller carriers that lease coverage from major networks like T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T. Because they don’t run their own towers, MVNOs can offer basic service for a fraction of the cost of major carriers, while still providing nationwide coverage. Here are some of the best options available now.
Cheapest Wireless Plans
According to Consumer Reports, Mint Mobile is a top value among low-cost
smartphone plans. For $15 per month, you get unlimited talk and text plus 5 gigabytes (GB) of data. The catch: you pay for a full year upfront – $180 plus taxes – but for seniors comfortable paying annually, it’s a smart way to lock in savings. Mint runs on T-Mobile’s network and works with most unlocked phones.
If you want a similar plan without the upfront commitment, T-Mobile Connect is worth a look. For about $15 per month, you get the same 5 GB of data and unlimited talk and text, with no contract and the flexibility to switch plans month to month. It’s an easy, low-commitment option on the same reliable T-Mobile network.
For seniors who barely use their phone, Ultra Mobile’s PayGo plan is the absolute cheapest option right now. At just $3 per month plus fees, it includes 100 minutes, 100 texts, and 100 MB of data, with extra usage costing only a few cents per minute, text, or MB. It’s ideal for anyone who mainly needs a phone for emergencies, and it also runs on T-Mobile’s reliable network.
Tello is another flexible option, with plans starting at $8 per month for 300 minutes, unlimited texts, and 2 GB of data. You can easily add more minutes or data in small, inexpensive increments, making it ideal for seniors who want control over their costs.
Finally, US Mobile offers a plan starting at $10 per month (paid annually) for unlimited talk and text plus 4 GB of data. Simple,
affordable, and straightforward, it’s a solid choice for seniors who want coverage without extra bells and whistles.
Lifeline Program
If your budget is especially tight, be sure to check into the federal Lifeline Assistance Program. Lifeline provides a $9.25 monthly discount on phone or internet service.
You may qualify if you receive benefits such as Medicaid, SNAP (food stamps), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), public housing assistance, or Veterans Pension. You may also qualify based on income alone if your household income is below 135 percent of the federal poverty level – currently $21,546 for one person or $29,214 for two.
To learn more or apply, visit lifelinesupport.org. If approved, you can choose from participating providers in your area, and in some cases even apply the discount to service you already have, if your provider participates.
Before switching plans, make sure your phone is unlocked and compatible with the new carrier’s network. A quick compatibility check on the provider’s website can help ensure a smooth transition and keep your savings on track. VM
Send your questions or comments to questions@ savvysenior.org, or to Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070..
Tips for Transforming a Patio, Balcony or Deck into an Outdoor Oasis
by Melinda Myers
You don’t need much space to create a bit of paradise on your balcony, patio or deck. Fill the space with a collection of plants that provide texture, color, and privacy. Then add comfortable seating, a fountain and lighting for additional ambiance and relaxation.
Start by evaluating the space you want to transform and how the surrounding views and noise will impact your enjoyment. Before enclosing the whole space, identify the views you need to screen and those you want to keep. Perhaps a view of your favorite flower garden, the park across the street or your neighbor’s water feature extends your enjoyment beyond the limits of your garden oasis.
Use tall grasses, large tropical plants, vines trained on trellises and upright shrubs and trees to define the space. These can be grown in weather-proof containers if no in-ground planting space is available. Just make sure your balcony or deck can handle the weight of the planters once filled with soil and plants.
Select plants that provide multiple benefits. Look for plants that deliver several seasons of beauty with flowers, colorful foliage, seedheads and fall color. Include fragrant plants for aromatherapy and those that attract butterflies and hummingbirds to add motion and color.
Decide how you plan to use the space. Are you longing for a quiet area to relax and read, one to entertain or a space to accommodate all your outdoor activities? Select furnishings with the color, form, and style that will create your desired look and feel. Then select plants, containers and accessories that complement the furnishings for your outdoor oasis.
Add a stand-alone or wall-mounted fountain or container water garden to the space. The sound of moving water helps create a sense of peace and
relaxation, calming the mind, reviving the spirit and masking noise pollution.
No need to worry about mosquitoes taking residency in your water feature. Moving water is less appealing and adding an organic product like Summit® Mosquito Dunks® to water features prevents mosquitoes from breeding there. Just toss this donut-shaped cake of Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) into the water. This naturally occurring bacteria only kills the mosquito larvae but doesn’t harm people, pets, fish or wildlife.
Further reduce mosquito problems by lighting a few citronella candles and placing them near you and others enjoying the space. Use a fan to help keep you cool and the weak-flying mosquitoes away.
Extend your enjoyment into the evening with some lighting. Be mindful of birds and night-flying insects by using shields to point light down to the ground instead of into the night sky. Select lights with lower lumens that aren’t as bright but still provide sufficient light and ambiance for you. Avoid white and blue light and opt for amber and yellow greens that are less disruptive to the birds and night-flying pollinators.
Like any decorating or gardening project, be ready to make needed adjustments. While fine-tuning your design, be sure to take time to relax and enjoy your new space. VM
Melinda Myers has written more than 20 gardening books, including the Midwest Gardener’s Handbook, 2nd Edition and Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” streaming courses and the nationally syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment TV & radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine and was commissioned by Summit for her expertise to write this article. Myers’ website is www.MelindaMyers.com.
