Vermont Maturity July-August 2026

July/August 2026 Issue

VERMONT MATURITY

Green Mountain Home Health & Hospice PAGE 6

Cultivating Community and Care: Summer at the Bradley House Take a Hike! To Maine’s Best Lighthouses Navigating Estate Planning and Real Estate: What Vermont Families Should Know in 2026 Organic Insect Pest Control in Vegetable and Flower Gardens

VermontMaturity.com

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Table of Contents Vermont Maturity

For Vermonters Age 50 and Older Phone: 802-490-1308 Email: Info@VermontMaturity.com Website: www.VermontMaturity.com Socials: @VermontMaturity

PUBLISHER & PRESIDENT Jordan Brechenser

PUBLISHING DIRECTOR Lylah Wright

MARKETING DIRECTOR Ahmad Yassir

SALES MANAGERS Lylah Wright Susan Plaisance

CONTRIBUTORS Xander Belogour Ben Durant Jim Miller Melinda Myers Phyl Newbeck Nick Thomas

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Green Mountain Home Health & Hospice

By Phyl Newbeck

6

Berkshire Eagle Media

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.

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POSTMASTER Please send address changes to Vermont News and Media, 70 Landmark Hill Drive, Brattleboro, VT, 05301

Organic Insect Pest Control in Vegetable and Flower Gardens

By Melinda Myers

22 How to Make Sure Your End-of-Life Wishes Are Followed

By Jim Miller

24 Cultivating Community and Care: Summer at the Bradley House

By Xander Belogour

12 Take a Hike!

To Maine’s Best Lighthouses

By Nick Thomas

Take a Hike!

To Roosevelt National Park, 17 North Dakota

By Nick Thomas

Navigating Estate Planning and Real Estate: What Vermont Families Should Know in 2026

26 Reid Commons Wins Efficiency Vermont’s Best of the Best Performance Excellence Award

By Ben Durant

20 4 | July/August 2026 | VermontMaturity.com

29

OCTOBER 10, 2026 DAY TRIP Join us as we travel by Amtrak to White River Junction. Enjoy some time to explore the village of White River Junction before heading over for a theatrical production at the Northern State.

Afterwards, chat with new friends about the show over a catered dinner. Depart for home at 6:00 pm.

JOHN PROCTOR IS THE VILLAIN by Kimberly Belflower Directed by Sarah Elizabeth Wansley

When a high school English class in rural Georgia reads The Crucible, their teacher pushes the students to think more critically about the classic play.

As the class starts re-examining the Salem trials, #MeToo allegations erupt at their own school, cracking open their world and assumptions. Is this a witch hunt or a search for truth? Sharp, funny, and startlinghly timely, this Tony-nominated drama captures the power and danger of the next generation. PRICING: $220 PER PERSION

DECEMBER 1-5, 2026 CREOLE CAROLING AND CHRISTMAS CHEER: NEW ORLEANS HOLIDAY ESCAPE Looking for something completely unique? Celebrate the season Cajun style with this one-of-a-kind holiday journey through Louisiana’s River Parishes, the Northshore. and the festive heart of New Orleans.

Witness centuries-old traditions as you tour Felicity Plantation. dine on regional f lavors, and watch towering Mississippi River bonfires ignite the night sky in a spectacular blaze of light, sip eggnog by a crackling

fire, wander Oak Alley and Houmas House dressed in full holiday splendor, and savor mint juleps beneath twinkling oaks. Discover Louisiana’s rich maritime heritage and delight in timeless Creole Christmas stories.

In New Orleans, discover iconic cemeteries, the WWII Museum, and city sights on a narrated tour. This fully escorted experience blends Southern hospitality, holiday magic, and authentic Cajun culture into an unforgettable Christmas getaway.

PRICING FROM: $3,599 - $4,799 BALANCE DUE: September 4, 2026

JULY 21-AUGUST 4, 2027 CASTLES, COUNT DRACULA & THE CAPITALS OF DANUBE - ROMANIA TO BUDAPEST RIVER CRUISE

Join Champlain Tours on a captivating journey through Eastern Europe, seamlessly blending land and river experiences.

Fly overseas with airfare included, then explore the elegance of Peles Castle and the mystery of Bran Castle in Transylvania. Stroll the charming streets of Brasov before discovering Bucharest’s tree-lined boulevards, Arc de Triomphe, and royal Palace Square. Board your luxury river vessel for an unforgettable Danube voyage—witness Veliko Tarnovo’s ancient grandeur, Bulgaria’s ornate churches, the dramatic Iron Gates, and Serbia’s vibrant capital of Belgrade. Visit UNESCO-listed Pécs before arriving at Budapest, where a local guide unveils Heroes’ Square and the city’s Old World charm.

PRICING FROM: $8,499-$12,799 BALANCE DUE: MAY 19, 2027

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Green Mountain Home Health & Hospice

By Phyl Newbeck

From its founding days in 1946 to the present, Visiting Nurses Association & Hospice of the Southwest

compassionate care that has earned us high-quality ratings.”

Region (VNAHSR) has had a mission to enhance

VNAHSR is proud of the fact that all 248 staff

the lives of those they serve through comprehensive

members are local, with most having lived in Vermont

home and community services. Although that mission

all their lives. Some have been with the organization for

hasn’t changed, but the name of the organization soon

over 35 years, and there are some clinicians who have

will. It will be known as Green

been caring for the same patients

Mountain Home Health & Hospice

for over a decade. “This isn’t a

(GMHHH).

corporate takeover or a merger,”

Director of Communications,

Fisette said. “This is a new name

Mikayla Fisette wants to make sure

for the same organization and the

people realize that only the name has changed. “While

same team that has cared for the community since 1946.”

our name and look are new,” she said, “everything you

VNAHSR covers Bennington, Franklin, and Rutland

value about usremains the same: the skilled nurses,

Counties, and in 2025 alone they served 4,056 patients.

therapists, and aides who know you by name, thelocal

Their clinicians visit patients in their homes, providing

roots that connect us to your community, and the

care, education, and support. That level of care allows

6 | July/August 2026 | VermontMaturity.com

some people to leave the hospital sooner, avoid staying

person’s wishes at the end of their life and improving

in healthcare facilities, and learn on their own how

their quality of life.

to manage their conditions. Staff members include nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, medical social workers, registered nutritionists, and home health aides. The goal of these specialists is to improve the patient’s quality of life and promote independence through fall prevention, IV therapy, medication management, wound ostomy care, palliative care, pediatric high-tech and rehabilitation services, and fall prevention. Home health care includes help for specific conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.

VNAHSR also offers hospice care for people with life-limiting illnesses. They describe hospice as a process which neither hastens nor postpones death. Rather, it is a family-centered, team approach that includes a doctor,

While most people think of older citizens when they think about home health care and hospice, VNAHSR also provides pediatric nursing and rehabilitation services. The organization has registered nurses trained in children and family health, working closely with other health care professionals on issues including tracheostomies, feeding tubes, ventilators, and infusion therapy. Their Kids on the Move is a pediatric rehabilitation program serving children from birth to 21 years of age. The program was founded in 1995 to provide therapy in the homes of the families they serve through the six school districts in and around Rutland County and via consultative services to clinics in Brattleboro and Bennington. And then expanded to the rest of the counties they serve.

Another program at VNAHSR is called Maternal

nurse, social worker, counselor, chaplain, home health

Child Health and, as the name implies, it works with

aide and trained volunteers. The team focuses on the

women from pregnancy through post-partum. Services

person’s physical, psychological, social, and spiritual

include providing health care information and links

needs, addressing the issues most important to the

to other human service agencies for assistance with Vermont Maturity | July/August 2026 | 7

housing, food, counseling, and employment services, assistance with prenatal health issues, wound care after Cesareans, maternal and newborn assessments, medical support for premature infants and those with special needs, childhood illness, child safety, assistance with breastfeeding, education on preventative healthcare, and family planning.

In addition, the organization provides workshops for those who want to draft advance directives, which will help them and their families plan for their death, so the patient experiences exactly what they wish when they pass, and others know this plan to carry out. They host grief support groups at several locations. They also host a Death, Dying and Danishes group that meets monthly in each county, offering a safe and comfortable space to talk about death. Although they have many wonderful professionals on staff, they also provide hospice training to volunteers in Rutland and Bennington Counties who wish to help.

8 | July/August 2026 | VermontMaturity.com

One of those volunteers, Ed Keating, said that from an early age, death was part of his life experience.

Bennington Project Independence Adult Day Service

Now he leads a group that gathers a mix of attendees who want to comfortably talk and learn more. “I lead Death, Dying & Danishes in Bennington, a community discussion series based on the Death Cafe model. These monthly gatherings create a welcoming and safe space where people from all walks of life can openly explore death, grief, and caregiving without judgment. The feedback we receive is inspiring, participants say these conversations are thought-provoking, comforting, and empowering, helping them become more informed and open to discussing mortality with their loved ones.

For anyone considering hospice volunteering, I would say: It is a gift to give and to receive. You don’t need to have all the answers, just compassion, presence,

A Community-centered option for Daytime Support A modern, state-of-the-art Adult Day Service serving older adults and younger persons with disabilities in Bennington and the surrounding counties.

Older adults are encouraged to join, especially those hoping to live their later years in the comfort of their own homes, while enjoying engaging activities and companionship during the day.

BPI offers an ideal alternative to a nursing home or in-home care. Please give us a call to learn more and arrange a tour of our beautiful campus, where you can explore our extensive facilities and services.

Professional Nursing Staff on Site

Opportunities to Enhance Fitness

Lots of Friendly (and Furry) Visitors

Artistic Performances and Field Trips

Healthy Lunches and Snacks Daily

and a willingness to walk beside someone on their unique journey. This work enriches your own life in ways you never expect.”

614 HARWOOD HILL ROAD BENNINGTON VT 05201 BPICARES.ORG | info@bpicares.org | 802.442.8136

At The Arbors at Shelburne, our award-winning Mind & Memory Care provides personalized support for individuals with Alzheimer’s, dementia and other types of memory loss, offering secure, multisensory environments, 24/7 daily living support and person-centered care capabilities that evolve with residents’ needs. Through personalized care and programming, our residents thrive with countless meaningful connections.

“The staff really knows the little things that matter to my dad.”

Diana L., Resident’s Daughter

Get in touch to learn more about life at The Arbors at Shelburne.

687 Harbor Road Shelburne 802.736.9569 ArborsAtShelburne.com

Mind & Memory Care Vermont Maturity | July/August 2026 | 9

Nicole DeNoyers has been a hospice volunteer since March 2024. She organizes advance directives workshops and Death, Dying, & Danishes groups in Rutland.

Like Margaret, she had a good experience with a hospice volunteer who sat with the family when her father died so she is happy she can return the favor. Nicole said she’s met some incredible people at the bedside and in the community and believes she has been able to touch some lives and bring peace to patients and their families as they face death.

One of GMHHH’s clients, a woman named Jo, was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer. She described herself as “needle-phobic” and said her husband’s visual impairment made it difficult for him to provide her chemotherapy injections. Jo described the nurse who came to her house as “emphatic, professional and full of good humor.” She came every other week to keep Jo on schedule with her treatments. “She lifted a tremendous burden from our shoulders,” Jo said. “She was a godsend. Her presence was more than medical care; it was peace of mind.”

Another client, a high school student named Reilly who suffered from an exceedingly rare physical disability, wanted to be able to walk across the stage to receive his high school diploma. The young man had not been expected to live to age 10 and used a wheelchair but an occupational therapist and a physical therapist worked with him both at school and at his home to ensure that Reilly was able to walk across the stage on graduation day.

“We are proud to be a Vermont-based and Vermontfocused agency since 1946,” said CEO Jessica Boutin.

“We’re not a national corporation; we are your neighbors providing professional care in the place patients are most comfortable – home.” VM

Locally owned and operated since 1934

55 Ralston St • Keene • 603.352.8683

10 | July/August 2026 | VermontMaturity.com

Cultivating Community and Care: Summer at the Bradley House

By Xander Belogour

BRATTLEBORO — Spring and summer at Garden Path Elder Living’s Bradley House mean a change in pace as folks get ready for the busy season and its many different offerings.

Residents of the Bradley House, nestled in a quiet neighborhood overlooking the Connecticut River, are currently tending to their garden beds and constructing a chicken coop, which will allow them to enjoy fresh produce year-round. Produce from the vegetable garden makes its way into the kitchen, where cooks and residents can come together to make meals for the community.

Executive Director Mike Jones makes it his mission to enrich the lives of the roughly 35 residents he helps care for. About 25 nursing staff are on the premises, and about 15 other staff assist with property management,

housekeeping, cooking and maintenance.

Trained aides are on hand around the clock to support residents with their daily needs. This includes help with showering, dressing, grooming, and personal needs. Staff also closely monitor residents’ health by checking blood sugar, taking vital signs, and addressing skin or other medical concerns.

“I’ve been in this position for four months now,” said Jones. “Prior to that, I was the activities director here for five years. I love this position. I love the size of the house. It’s small enough that I have the freedom to get out of the office, take a walk, connect, spend more time personally bonding with the residents, and make sure that all their needs are met.”

12 | July/August 2026 | VermontMaturity.com

Indeed, community response

and connection to nature.

the season directly to residents’ plates.

is a core insight to programming at

The harvest is a central part of

the Bradley House. Chefs, at times,

summer life. Fresh produce from the

enjoy the satisfaction of eating

cook recipes handed to them by

gardens is incorporated into daily

what they’ve grown, fostering both

residents; a baking group is starting

meals, bringing the vibrant flavors of

community spirit and well-being.

Cooking together with staff, residents

due to popular demand, and events like concerts and music classes are tailored to what residents would like to see in their home.

Summer in the gardens at Bradley House is a highlight for residents and staff alike. Six large raised beds and several in-ground plots burst with vegetables, herbs, and flowers— cucumbers, tomatoes, rhubarb, kale, potatoes, dill, and rosemary, to name a few. Residents are encouraged to adopt a garden bed and nurture their own plants throughout the season. This handson activity brings a sense of purpose Vermont Maturity | July/August 2026 | 13

Food at the Bradley House has

Cheese Company in Grafton.

Chefs also buy produce from

local roots, too. Staff buys salad

Occasionally, apples come into

Black River Produce in Northern

greens from Little Leaf Farms

the house from Scott Farm in

Vermont, and bacon from North

in Devens, Mass., and cheese is

Dummerston and Maple Syrup

Country Smokehouse in

sourced from Grafton Village

from Collins Tree Farm in Putney.

Claremont, N.H.

Who’s Your Pe Person? erson?

What’s Your Plan?

P Now is the perfect time to t complete your advance directive.

Start Taking aking Steps To Today! oday o da ! day

Visit takingstepsvt.org ng gstepsvt v .org to learn about: abo out: Local Advance ce Care Planning Events Completing you your ur Advance Directive Appointing a He Health ealth Care Agent VT Advance Dir Directive rective Registry DNR/COLST Or Orders rders

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14 | July/August 2026 | VermontMaturity.com

In July, the American Legion Band will have 30 members come and perform in the yard of the house. The Morris Dancers dance troupe will also come later this summer to perform. The summer music series will be followed by jazz, old-time, country, and classical music concerts.

Activities that engage residents are a key factor in the Bradley House’s success. Jones says that activities and choices make residents feel at home.

“We have a wide variety of music, which is very important to the residents. Music is a big part of their lives, and art is important too. We encourage our residents to participate in all aspects of art. We had a painting session the other day with about 15 residents, painting on canvas, enjoying wine or ginger ale as music played in the background, and we all painted the same landscape. We exercise regularly, which is very important.

We have Tai Chi, chair yoga and other meditation groups; we try to encourage all things that enrich life to provide to residents here.”

of the house allows community bonding in the greater Brattleboro area, fostering a sense of belonging and fellowship in the broader community.

“We’re out in the community, and we’re bringing the local community in here as well,” said Jones. “That’s a big part of our mission here— to be an active member of the community. We go to the library every week to do art projects with folks here, and we also bring in community members from outside to be part of our programming. In a couple of weeks, folks from the library will come to Bradley House to teach.”

From planning events to

A robust activities calendar

providing personal care, Jones says

guides residents for programming

that personalization is what makes

throughout the year. Summer

the Bradley House so unique.

favorites include hiking trips around

“I love the freedom this place

the area and trips to Marlboro

offers,” said Jones. “We all have

College for their annual classical

the time to really connect with the

music camp.

residents and make sure that they

For Jones, taking residents out

have everything that they need.” VM Vermont Maturity | July/August 2026 | 15

Here to help our Vermont neighbors

Thrive & Grow!

Meet our local team of experts: Nicole Sumner, South Burlington Joseph Feltz, Essex

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Take a Hike!

To Maine’s Best Lighthouses

By Nick Thomas

With more than five dozen lighthouses dotted along the Maine coastline, my 3-month stay in Bangor in 2023

the 2003 Maine State Quarter, part of the U.S. Mint’s 50 State Quarters program that ran from 1999 to 2008.

was insufficient time to visit them all. But I did manage to travel to about a third and present here some of my favorites – a list, of course, that is highly subjective. These, and many others along the Maine coast, remain active and automated, often with museums, visitor centers, gift shops, and/or walking trails for visitors to explore.

West Quoddy Head, Lubec This distinctively red and white-striped West Quoddy Head Lighthouse in Lubec, is located on Maine’s easternmost tip. Formerly a wooden structure built in 1808 during President Thomas Jefferson’s administration,

Pemaquid Point Lighthouse, Bristol While the Pemaquid Point Lighthouse presents a picturesque sight from any angle, the breathtaking view

the original tower was replaced in 1858 by the current brick structure. At 49 feet tall, the lighthouse rises to almost twice that height above sea level, perched on the ocean cliff.

With more than 540 acres to explore, the lighthouse

from the rocks beneath at the entrance to Muscongus and

park includes 5 miles of scenic trails, ideal for bird

John’s Bays is postcard-perfect, elevating this lighthouse

spotting throughout the year, as well as ocean views

to the top of my list. For those able, climbing down the

for summer whale watching. Two rare bogs in the park

not-too-steep cliff face is a must to view the lighthouse

are inhabited by a variety of seasonal flora including

overlooking the ocean waves lapping at the sea-level rocks

carnivorous pitcher plants.

below. This captivating landmark is located in the Town of Bristol.

Featured on a 25-cent U.S. postage stamp in 1990, West Quoddy Head is a grand sight especially in full

Commissioned during the administration of

sunlight, when the tower’s 15 red and white candy stripes

President John Quincy Adams and originally built in

gleam against the ocean or park landscape. We arrived

1827, the lighthouse soon began deteriorating due to poor

in the early morning, just before the sun pierced through,

construction and was rebuilt a decade later. The 38-foot

when the lighthouse was enveloped in an eerie coastal

(79-feet above sea level) lighthouse represents the state on

mist, creating an especially peaceful atmosphere.

Vermont Maturity | July/August 2026 | 17

Volunteers Needed!

If you are 55+ and enjoy sharing your time with children consider volunteering as a Foster Grandparent.

Volunteers serve in daycares or schools and provide role modeling and support to children of all ages.

Volunteers receive training, a tax free stipend, and mileage reimbursement.

802-774-8711 www.volunteersinvt.org

Portland Head Light Located in Port Elizabeth, the Portland Head Light is an iconic white, conical lighthouse completed in 1791, making it the oldest lighthouse in Maine. Towering 80 feet above ground level (100 feet above the surrounding sea), it guards the entrance to Casco Bay and was commissioned by George Washington. While you can take long walks around the lighthouse, the most stunning perspective is by boat on the bay to appreciate this coastal landmark wrapped on three sides by the raw nature of ocean waves crashing onto the rocks below.

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Rockland Harbor Breakwater Lighthouse, Rockland Be prepared to squint into the distant Rockland harbor to see this 25-foot lighthouse built in 1902, barely a faint dot on the horizon. What’s remarkable about this lighthouse is the astonishing almost mile-

long (4,000-foot) rock breakwater, built before the lighthouse, that serves as a walkway for visitors to reach the lighthouse. Laid over a decade in the 1890s,

ABBIATI MONUMENTS Remembering Our Loved Ones

the breakwater was constructed from almost 770,000 tons of massive stone blocks which are easy to navigate.

Although challenging to photograph when approaching from the rock pathway since the lighthouse is barely visible behind the old keeper’s residence, a floating fishing dock to the right of the lighthouse provides enough distance to frame both the lighthouse and the keeper’s house.

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Marshall Point Lighthouse, Port Clyde Built in 1832, the original structure was replaced by the current 31-foot lighthouse in 1857. Movie fans come from all over the world to visit this lighthouse in order to reproduce the final moments of Tom Hank’s epic run to the Atlantic Ocean in the 1994 film, “Forrest Gump,” that culminates on the footbridge leading to the lighthouse. During our visit, I spotted more than a dozen people (including my wife) doing the 150-foot ‘Gump Run.’ VM Nick Thomas teaches at Auburn University at Montgomery, in Alabama, and has written features, columns, and interviews for numerous publications.

See www.getnickt.org.

Vermont Maturity | July/August 2026 | 19

Navigating Estate Planning and Real Estate: What Vermont Families Should Know in 2026

By Ben Durant

Estate planning and real estate often intersect in ways that families do not fully appreciate until they are

overall stability of the estate. This collaborative approach often prevents surprises later on.

in the middle of a major transition. A home is usually

Trusts have become an increasingly common tool for

the largest asset in a Vermont estate, and it carries both

Vermont families. A trust can help protect a home from

financial and emotional weight. When families begin

certain risks, streamline the transfer of property, and

planning for the future, the decisions they make about property can either create clarity and peace of mind or confusion and conflict. The good news is that with thoughtful preparation, these conversations can be much easier than people expect.

For many older Vermonters, the family home represents decades of memories. It is the place where children grew up, holidays were celebrated, and life unfolded. When it becomes time to think about the next chapter, the question of what to do with the home often becomes the centerpiece of the estate planning process.

Should the property be sold. Should it be transferred to children. Should it be placed in a trust. Each option has benefits, and each one carries responsibilities that families should understand before making a decision.

One of the most helpful steps is to bring the real estate conversation into the estate planning process early. Attorneys, financial advisors, and real estate

reduce the burden on heirs. However, a trust is not the right solution for everyone. Some families prefer to keep the property in the owner’s name until it is time to sell.

Others choose to transfer ownership to children while the parent is still living. The right choice depends on the family’s goals, financial situation, and comfort level with shared decision making.

Another important consideration is the condition of the home. Many seniors have lived in their houses for decades, and the property may need updates before it can be sold or passed on. Addressing these issues early can prevent stress later. A pre-sale consultation with a real estate professional can help families understand what improvements are worthwhile and what can be left as is.

This is especially valuable when adult children live out of state and cannot easily manage the process.

Communication is the thread that holds all of this together. Families who talk openly about their wishes tend to navigate transitions with far less friction. These

professionals each see different parts of the picture.

conversations do not need to be heavy or uncomfortable.

When these perspectives come together, families gain a

They can begin with simple questions. What do you want

clearer understanding of how property decisions affect

to happen with the house. Who should be involved in

taxes, long term care planning, inheritance goals, and the

decisions. What would make the next chapter feel easier.

• Ben specializes in helping older Vermonters with all of their real estate needs.

• Downsizing expert focused on helping you find your perfect forever house in Vermont.

• Owner of Age in Place Property Management dedicated to helping you stay in your Vermont home longer.

802.355.6688 Ben@DurantAgencyVT.com

20 | July/August 2026 | VermontMaturity.com

Ben’s Practical Tips for Planning Ahead Start the conversation early Families who talk before a crisis feel more prepared and less overwhelmed.

A simple check in about future plans can open the door to more detailed discussions later.

Review the condition of the home A quick walk through with a real estate professional can help identify small improvements that make a big difference. This is especially helpful when adult children live out of state.

MEALS ON WHEELS VOLUNTEERS NEEDED IN ST. ALBANS & FRANKLIN COUNTY

Meet with an estate planning attorney An attorney can explain how wills, trusts, and property transfers work in Vermont.

This guidance helps families avoid unintended tax or inheritance issues.

Sometimes a volunteer may be the only person a client sees all day.

Clarify who will make decisions Whether the plan is to sell, keep, or transfer the home, it helps to know who will be responsible for each step. Clear roles reduce stress during emotional moments.

It makes a huge difference when someone stops by to say hello. Give back to those who once cared for us.

Keep documents organized and accessible Store deeds, wills, trust documents, and contact information for advisors in one place. This simple step saves time and prevents confusion when decisions need to be made.

When families approach these topics

real estate decisions with their long-

with honesty and respect, they often

term plans, they create a foundation

find that everyone shares the same

of clarity and confidence. Whether

goal. They want to honor the past

the goal is to age in place, downsize,

while planning wisely for the future.

or prepare a home for the next

The summer months are an

generation, the right guidance can

ideal time to begin these discussions.

make the process feel manageable

Vermont’s warm weather makes it

and even uplifting. VM

easier to walk through the property,

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.

review documents, and meet with professionals. It is also a season when families naturally gather, which creates opportunities for thoughtful conversations that might not happen during the busier parts of the year.

Estate planning is not only about legal documents. It is about protecting the people and places that matter most. When Vermont families take the time to align their

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Vermont Maturity | July/August 2026 | 21

A cabbage worm feeding on mustard greens.

photo credit MelindaMyers.com

Organic Insect Pest Control in Vegetable and Flower Gardens

By Melinda Myers

You can have a beautiful, productive garden while

care. When you do these things, you will be able to grow

working with nature to manage insect pests. As you

healthier plants that are more tolerant of pest attacks and

incorporate various eco-friendly pest management

more resilient when damaged.

strategies, you will encourage songbirds, beneficial insects, and pollinators to visit your gardens.

You will find slight variations of definitions, but most organic gardeners agree the focus is on cultivating a system that supports and sustains all its members.

This includes plants, soil microbes, and other beneficial organisms.

As with any garden, it starts with creating a healthy

Removing weeds from garden beds is an important pest management strategy. These uninvited plants compete with your desirable plants for water and nutrients. Many also attract and harbor plant-damaging insect pests and disease organisms in the garden.

No matter how well you plan, plant, and care for your gardens, insect pest problems can arise. Include nature’s

soil foundation, selecting the plants best suited to the

pest managers in your organic garden approach. Ninety-

growing conditions, and providing them with proper

six percent of terrestrial North American birds rely on

22 | July/August 2026 | VermontMaturity.com

insects for part of their diet. They also add color, motion, and entertainment to our landscapes.

Many beneficial insects eat or parasitize insects.

A strong blast of water is a great first step in managing mites and aphids. It knocks them off the plant, helping minimize the damage. If needed, apply lightweight

Lady beetles, green lacewings, young and old, eat

horticulture oils, like organic Summit® Year-Round® Spray

hundreds of aphids a day. Parasitic wasps, depending

Oil according to label directions. It kills a wide variety

on the species, can attack specific or a variety of insects including caterpillars like the tomato hornworm, aphids, leafhoppers, scale, beetles, and true bugs.

Attract more beneficial insects, both pollinators and pest managers, to your gardens with plants. Grow plants like sweet alyssum, columbine, thyme, lavender, goldenrod, sedum, asters, and other plants that attract beneficial insects to your garden.

Be proactive by regularly monitoring your gardens.

Look for emerging pest problems and the good guys stopping by to dine on them. You will need to tolerate some damage so there will be food to attract and feed the predators in the garden.

If intervention is needed, look for the most ecofriendly control options. Barriers of lightweight floating

of soft-bodied insects in all stages (including eggs) on contact and poses few risks to beneficial insects that land on the treated plant.

Over time these eco-friendly strategies become part of your gardening routine. And the more we work with nature, the better it is for you, your plants, and the environment. 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.

row covers protect against cabbage worms, Japanese and bean beetles, cucumber beetles, squash bugs, and squash vine borers on susceptible plants. Just cover the plantings with row covers immediately after seeding. Since basil and beans do not need to be pollinated to produce the harvest, leave them covered for the season. Uncover squash, pumpkins, melons, and cucumbers when they begin flowering so pollinators have access to the blossoms.

Research found vine crops in this manner limited damage by squash bugs, squash vine borer, and the cucumber beetles that can infect and kill cucumber plants with bacterial wilt.

If you forget to cover your cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts, enlist the help of a naturally occurring soil bacterial called Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki (Btk) found in Summit® Biological Caterpillar and Webworm (SummitResponsibleSolutions. com). It only kills true caterpillars and webworms and can be applied to edible plants right up to harvest.

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(740) 75WATER Vermont Maturity | July/August 2026 | 23

How to Make Sure Your End-of-Life Wishes Are Followed

By Jim Miller

Dear Savvy Senior,

Savvy SENIOR

MOLST (Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining

I had a living will/advance directive

Treatment) or POST (Physician Orders for

prepared about 10 years ago documenting

Scope of Treatment), depending on your

my end-of-life medical wishes, but I’ve read

state. Unlike a living will, this is a doctor-

that these documents are often ignored.

signed medical order followed by EMTs and

What can you tell me about this?

hospital staff that turns your wishes into

--Troubled Tina Dear Tina, Yes, unfortunately, it’s true. Living wills

clear instructions for treatments like CPR, breathing machines and feeding tubes.

These treatments can save your life but may also cause serious harm if you’re very

aren’t always followed in real life. Often,

sick or frail. Discussing these options now

it’s simply because the document isn’t

helps you think through the trade-offs and

available when it’s needed or never makes it

makes it easier for your family to understand

to the right people. They can also fall short

your choices, which can reduce stress if a

because they’re not medical orders, and their

decision needs to be made quickly.

language may be too vague to guide doctors

Even if you already have an advance

in an emergency. That doesn’t mean your

directive, adding a POLST can make your

wishes won’t be respected. It just means a little extra planning can go a long way and save everyone stress later.

Here’s how you can make sure your wishes are honored.

Advance directive + POLST About 40 percent of older Americans have an advance directive. This usually includes a living will that spells out the care you want

wishes much clearer. Without one, first responders are usually required to attempt resuscitation and take you to a hospital, where doctors may pursue aggressive treatment if your living will isn’t on hand or specific enough.

Once your POLST form is completed, make sure it’s easy to find and use when it matters most. Keep one copy on the refrigerator, carry another in your wallet, and save a photo on your smartphone.

if you become incapacitated, and a health

Share copies with your health care proxy,

care power of attorney (or proxy) naming

family members, and doctors so everyone

someone to make decisions for you.

understands your wishes.

To give your instructions more weight,

It’s also a good idea to ask your providers

talk with your doctor about completing

to add the form to your electronic health

a POLST (Physician Orders for Life-

record, since medical information isn’t

Sustaining Treatment) – sometimes called

always shared between hospitals and care

24 | July/August 2026 | VermontMaturity.com

facilities. These simple steps can make a meaningful difference and help ensure your wishes are more likely to be honored.

If talking about these matters with your family feels awkward, websites like The Conversation Project (theconversationproject.org) and Prepare for Your Care (prepareforyourcare.org) can guide you.

One more tip: if you’re planning surgery, you may want to temporarily suspend your POLST during the procedure in case your heart stops briefly while in the operating room.

And if you haven’t created an advance directive yet, you can do so for free at caringinfo.org or mydirectives. com, or for a small fee – $5 to $7.50 – at fivewishes.org.

Taking these steps now can help make sure your wishes are followed and ease the burden on your loved ones when the time comes. VM Send your questions or comments to questions@ savvysenior.org, or to Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070

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Vermont Maturity | July/August 2026 | 25

Take a Hike! To Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota

By Nick Thomas

Dozens of hiking trails spread

To be sure, North Dakota is a bit

huge bison population. Badlands

across the park’s more than 70,000

off the beaten track, but the park still

National Park is famous for stretches

acres (110 square miles) that are

receives more than half a million

of surreal striped landscape. On the

divided into North and South Units,

visitors a year. For nature lovers, it’s

Outer Banks, herds of wild horses

80 miles apart.

worth the drive.

Yellowstone is renowned for its

roam freely. But you don’t have to travel to Wyoming, South Dakota, and North Carolina to experience them. North Dakota’s Roosevelt National Park has all that and more, including one of the largest prairie dog populations of any park. Named after the 26th U.S. president who was an avid nature lover and former area resident at one time, it’s the only National Park named after an individual. So far.

26 | July/August 2026 | VermontMaturity.com

Hikes range from short and easy to long and

and formed the depression that hikers walk through today.

challenging. The Coal Vein Trail in the South Unit is a

Most recently, fires started in the 1950s and burned for

0.8 mile loop that’s fairly easy with a few stairs and mildly

three decades.

steep sections. The views are wonderful and the trail

The striking scenery while hiking includes stunningly

highlights the area’s natural history and geology. Once

colorful rock layers, undulating hills, and vegetation

an ancient swamp, underground coal fires burned in

including prickly pear cactus. Visitors should keep a watch

the area thousands of years ago caused by “spontaneous

out for the bison and wild horses that can pop up anywhere,

combustion, range fires, and lightning” according to the

and always maintain a safe distance. You probably won’t

park’s website. Those heat sources cooked the rocks above,

find any prairie dogs on this trail since they prefer, well,

producing the red baked rock still capping the surrounding

prairies. While they are terribly cute, they are very skittish

hills. Eventually, the heat caused some areas to collapse

being low down on the food chain and sought out by

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coyotes, badgers, bobcats, and various birds of prey.

Our last visit to the park was in early spring, before the summer crowds invaded this beautiful vacation gem. Early mornings were still chilly and foggy but were an excellent time to visit with the mist hovering in the valleys. Of the Grand Canyon, Teddy Roosevelt once said, “Leave it as it is. You cannot improve on it.” That applies equally to the park that carries his name. 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.

28 | July/August 2026 | VermontMaturity.com

Photo credit: Ryan Bent

Reid Commons Wins Efficiency Vermont’s Best of the Best Performance Excellence Award ST ALBANS, VT – Cathedral Square was honored

former Fonda-Solo manufacturing facility closed.

last week at Efficiency Vermont’s Better Building by

Of the 33 households who moved in, six came from

Design (BBD) conference, where Reid Commons in

homelessness, 11 from homeownership, and 70% had

St. Albans took home a Best of the Best Performance

previously lived in St. Albans.

Excellence Award for Residential New Construction in the Multifamily Homes category. The annual conference draws design professionals, construction leaders, and climate workforce experts from across the region. This year, ten organizations were recognized for

Heating, cooling, and hot water at Reid Commons all run on a closed-loop geothermal system drawing from eight 700-foot wells. The building’s thermal envelope goes beyond Efficiency Vermont’s High Performance program requirements, with triple-pane

exceptional work in affordability, energy performance, and workforce development. Duncan Wisniewski Architecture, ReArch Construction, Engineering Services of Vermont, Green Mountain Enclosure Consulting, and Evernorth Energy Services were partners on the project.

Reid Commons is a 33-unit affordable apartment community for adults ages 55 and older in St. Albans, with 27 one-bedroom and six two-bedroom apartments serving low- and moderate-income residents. Cathedral Square’s first fossil fuel-free building, Reid Commons opened in fall 2025 on a brownfield site that the city worked for more than 16 years to remediate after the

Back row, left to right: Tim Yandow (Efficiency Vermont Lead Program Manager), Steve O’Malley (Efficiency Vermont Lead Engineering Consultant), Sam Beall (Duncan Wisniewski Architecture), Andrew MacKechnie (ReArch Construction), Chris Huston (ReArch Construction) Front row, left to right: Julian Mandigo (Cathedral Square Community Developer); Cindy Reid (Cathedral Square Director of Real Estate Development); Lauren Marino (Cathedral Square Project Manager)

Vermont Maturity | July/August 2026 | 29

windows, dense-pack cellulose insulation, and an

Vermont for this recognition, and proud that residents

air tightness rating of 0.06cfm/sf at 50 PA. Fresh air

here have stable, comfortable, permanently affordable

circulates through a floor-by-floor Energy Recovery

homes while at the same time reducing our carbon

Ventilation system, and because the geothermal setup

footprint.”

keeps the roof clear of compressors, the building also

Cathedral Square is a national leader in the creation

carries a 35.97 kWdc solar array with capacity for future

of affordable, service-enriched housing communities for

growth.

older adults and people with diverse needs. Established

Beyond its energy performance, Reid Commons

in Burlington in 1977, Cathedral Square now operates

offers residents on-site access to SASH® (Support and

28 housing communities in Chittenden, Franklin,

Services at Home) plus SHINES and HIP, Cathedral

and Grand Isle counties and administers the award-

Square’s housing retention and incentive programs.

winning SASH® (Support and Services at Home) model,

Residents enjoy a community room with kitchen, a gym,

created in 2009 by Cathedral Square and available to

walking paths, garden beds, a back garden area, and

Medicare recipients statewide, free of charge, since

covered parking, with downtown St. Albans just a short

2011. Cathedral Square homes are well-maintained

walk away.

and consistently earn top scores from federal housing

“Reid Commons shows what’s possible when

inspectors. They also meet or exceed standards for

affordability and energy performance go hand in hand,”

accessibility, environmentally sustainable building

shared Cathedral Square’s Director of Real Estate

practices, energy efficiency, and amenities. Learn more

Development Cindy Reid. “We’re grateful to Efficiency

at: https://cathedralsquare.org/ VM

30 | July/August 2026 | VermontMaturity.com

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