Vermont Maturity May-June 2026

May/June 2026 Issue

VERMONT MATURITY

How One Vermont Family Found the Right Memory Care Community PAGE 6

Sungrown Values, Vermont Roots How Sunset Lake Cannabis Brings Affordable, Regenerative Cannabis to Vermont The Vermont Downsizing Roadmap: A Step-by-Step Guide for 2026 Featuring the Story of Kelly and Jim Vermont Symphony Orchestra presents 2026 Summer Festival Tour: America 250

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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 Ben Durant Bob Audette Elise Brunelle Keith Neil-Champlain Tours Jim Miller Kim Fitzgerald Melinda Myers Nick Thomas

How One Vermont Family Found the Right Memory Care Community Age Well Surpasses $225,000 Goal in March for Meals Campaign, Delivering Lifeline to Older Vermonters

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 • Follow us on social media: @VermontMaturity • Free Monthly Newsletter: VermontMaturity.com/Subscribe 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

By Kim Fitzgerald-CEO, from Cathedral Square

24

10

Take a Hike! To Monument Valley, Utah/Arizona

By Nick Thomas

Quietly out here trying to “change the world,” one carry-on bag, one carefully timed departure, and one mildly skeptical traveler at a time

16

By Jim Miller

28

Tips for Transforming a Patio, Balcony or Deck into an Outdoor Oasis

The Vermont Downsizing Roadmap: A Step-by-Step Guide for 2026 Featuring the Story of Kelly and Jim

18

By Melinda Myers

Vermont Symphony Orchestra presents 2026 Summer Festival Tour: America 250

By Elise Brunelle

26

Low-Cost Smartphone Plans for Budget-Minded Seniors

By Keith Sherpa

By Ben Durant

22

Peer-Reviewed Study Confirms SASH Adds Over a Year of Healthy Life at Low Cost

Sungrown Values, Vermont Roots How Sunset Lake Cannabis Brings Affordable, Regenerative Cannabis to Vermont

By Bob Audette

6

20

4 | May/June 2026 | VermontMaturity.com

30

August 3-9, 2026

September 14-18, 2026

SWITZERLAND - FROM ZURICH TO GENEVA

NIAGARA FALLS & ALEXANDRIA BAY

A Storybook Journey through the Heart of Europe with Champlain Tours Your journey begins with an included flight to Switzerland where cobbled French towns, castle turrets, and panoramic trains await. From Zurich, Venture through the Jura Mountains into Besancon, savoring Old World charm and a welcome dinner beneath the Citadel walls. Explore Neuchâtel’s fairy-tale castle, taste crisp Swiss wines, and stroll Bern’s UNESCO-listed Old Town before lakeside luxury in Spiez. Ride the iconic Golden Pass Express to Montreaux, a musical jewel on Lake Geneva. Soar by gondola to Mont Blanc, crossing into Italy at 12,605 feet. Conclude in Geneva, a cosmopolitan blend of diplomacy and beauty, with free time for shopping, museums, or lakeside cafés. With castles, vineyards, alpine peaks, and refined hotels, this is Switzerland at its storybook best.

PRICING FROM: $4,999 - $5,899 BALANCE DUE: April 24, 2026

Discover two spectacular destinations in one memorable trip. Embark on a boat tour that stops at Boldt Castle on Heart Island and Singer Castle on Dark Island, with time to browse the shops and perhaps stroll along the Alexandria Bay Beach for sweeping views of the St. Lawrence River.

Then travel to Niagara Falls for a two-night stay on the U.S. side, just steps from the thundering wonder. Choose your adventure: explore only the American side or, with a valid passport, cross into Canada for views from both countries. From the Maid of the Mist boat ride to charming riverside towns, this fully escorted tour blends natural beauty, history, and flexibility—all seamlessly arranged by Champlain Tours.

PRICING FROM: $1,629 - $2,455 BALANCE DUE: July 17, 2026

December 1-5, 2026

July 19, 2026

CREOLE CAROLING & CHRISTMAS CHEER: NEW ORLEANS HOLIDAY ESCAPE

VON TRAPP FAMILY HISTORY TOUR WITH AUSTRIAN LUNCH

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 flavors, and watch towering Mississippi River bonfires ignite the 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

Think you know the von Trapp story? Most Vermonters have visited the resort, but few have experienced the fascinating History Tour. Discover the true tale behind the legendary family through engaging stories, memorabilia, and a guided walk through their inspiring journey from Austria to Vermont. Cap off your day with a delicious Austrian lunch, featuring flavors straight from the Alps. A local treasure, reimagined.

PRICING: $225 (Balance due with booking) October 10, 2026

NORTHERN STAGE BY RAIL All aboard for a day of scenic rail travel and world-class theater!

Journey by train to White River Junction, where you’ll enjoy an evening of captivating live performance—title to be revealed soon, but for now, it’s a thrilling mystery! After the show, savor a hearty buffet dinner at the historic Hotel Coolidge. A perfect mix of Autumn scenery, fine dining, and theatrical surprise.

PRICING: $220 (Balance due with booking)

www.champlaintours.com | 802-540-0055

How One Vermont Family Found the Right Memory Care Community

At

The 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

through work

other forms of memory impairment, the search for

more than four

care can feel overwhelming, often marked by difficult

decades ago

tradeoffs. The Arbors removes those barriers. As

and have been married for 42 years. After raising their

the only dually licensed Residential Care Home and

family in the Boston area, they moved to Vermont 14

Nursing Facility in the area dedicated to memory

years ago to embrace their shared love of skiing and

loss and complex care needs, it offers something

hiking.

most communities cannot: the ability for residents to

Debby, an art school graduate from the

transition seamlessly to skilled nursing care within the

Massachusetts College of Art, brought creativity into

same community so they are surrounded by consistent

every part of her life. She worked as a tour guide at

caregivers and routines, even as their needs evolve.

Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts and spent countless

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

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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

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. manageable. Even as the disease progressed, Debby remained physically strong. The couple continued skiing together until 2022, holding onto the routines that defined them.

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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.

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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.

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It’s a small gesture, but a telling one.

Within the community, those connections deepen. Ken has

“If I’m not there, they tell me

formed friendships with other

everything about her day—if she

families, creating a network of

laughed, if she smiled, how she

shared understanding and support.

ate,” Ken says. “I really feel like I’m leaving Deb with family.”

That level of communication builds something invaluable: trust.

Meanwhile, Debby’s condition has advanced. She has lost mobility, has limited speech and requires assistance with nearly every

And with that trust came

aspect of daily living, including a

something Ken didn’t expect to

two-person assist due to balance

regain, his own sense of balance.

challenges—care needs not all

“The Arbors has given me back

communities can accommodate.

my life,” he says. “I love going to see

Yet even as her needs have

Deb, and I can go any time.”

Before, caregiving consumed

increased, moments of joy remain.

Debby still enjoys music, one of

his day. Now, he can return to parts

her lifelong passions. Programs and

of his life while still maintaining a

events are designed not simply to

meaningful, consistent connection

fill time, but to create engagement

with his wife.

and connection that meets residents

“My time with her is better now,” where they are, cognitively and he says. “There is no question about

emotionally.

“Unlike some people visiting

it.”

Supporting both residents

loved ones at other communities, I

and their families is central to The

feel fortunate and happy when I’m

Arbors’ approach. Care extends

at The Arbors,” Ken says.

beyond the individual to spouses,

That sense of gratitude speaks

children and loved ones navigating

to the community’s environment,

their own emotional journeys.

one where, even in the face of a

8 | May/June 2026 | VermontMaturity.com

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

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.

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.

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“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.

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Sungrown Values, Vermont Roots

How Sunset Lake Cannabis Brings Affordable, Regenerative Cannabis to Vermont

By Bob Audette

I

n 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‑grown 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.

10 | May/June 2026 | VermontMaturity.com

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

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

microclimate gives Sunset Lake’s flower a chemical profile that can’t be replicated indoors.

Research has shown that sungrown cannabis

and spent brewing ingredients, reducing the need for

contains a broader range of cannabinoids and terpenes

trucked‑in fertilizers.

than indoor-grown flower, resulting in richer aromas,

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

fuller flavors, and more robust effects thanks to the “entourage effect.”

Baker says the stigma around outdoor cannabis is outdated.

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.”

VT’s Leader in Cremation Memorials

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

Vermont Maturity | May/June 2026 | 11

“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‑trimmed flower,

Company Contact Info

pre‑ground flower, prerolls, vape cartridges, gummies,

A bird’s eye view of the Sunset Lake Cannabis field in South Hero, VT

drinks, tinctures, topicals, and a line of high‑potency products for registered medical cannabis patients.

Website: sunsetlakecannabis.com SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunsetlakevermont Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sunsetlakevermont

BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/sunsetlake cannabis.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sunsetlake-cannabis/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ SunsetLakeCannabis

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.

12 | May/June 2026 | VermontMaturity.com

A bird’s eye view of the Sunset Lake Cannabis field in South Hero, VT

Founder Sam Bellavance holds up a bottle of Bold Blend Tincture.

In late spring, the team at Sunset Lake transplants small cannabis plants which were started from seed in their greenhouses.

The field is healthy and alive at the Sunset Lake farm thanks to their regenerative farming practices

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.

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 Vermont Maturity | May/June 2026 | 13

Vape cartridges stand out as a highly favored method of cannabis consumption among Vermonters.

Sunset Lake Cannabis infuses their Super Salve THC topical with frankincense sourced from Boswellness, an importer and essential oils distillery in Colchester, VT.

For Vermonters, Sunset Lake Cannabis offers

agriculture,” Bellavance says. “We want to weave cannabis into our existing notions of what it means to be

something increasingly rare: a direct connection to the

a Vermont farm.”

people who grow their products.

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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. KEEPTHIS 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 ofVermont. 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.

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“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

Sunset Lake Cannabis installs a reusable trellis system to give their plants extra stability as they mature and become heavy with cannabis flowers.

use of cannabis may carry significant legal penalties in some jurisdictions and under federal law. It may not be

25 years and younger may be more likely to experience

transported outside of the state of Vermont. The effects

harm to the developing brain.

of edible cannabis may be delayed by two hours or

It is against the law to drive or operate machinery

more. Cannabis may be habit forming and can impair

when under the influence of this product. National

concentration, coordination, and judgment. Persons

Poison Control Center 1-800-222-1222. VM

Vermont Maturity | May/June 2026 | 15

August 3-9, 2026 September 14-18, 2026 Quietly out here trying to “change the world,” carry-on SWITZERLAND - FROM ZURICH TO GENEVA NIAGARA FALLS &one ALEXANDRIA BAY bag, one A Storybook Journey through the Heart of Europe with Discover two spectacular Champlain Tourstimed departure, and one mildly skeptical traveler destinationsat in one carefully a time memorable trip. Embark

Your journey begins with an included on a boat tour that stops at flight to Switzerland where cobbled Boldt Castle on Heart Island French towns, castle turrets, and

By Keith Sherpa and Singer Castle on Dark panoramic trains await. From Zurich, Island, with time to browse Venture through the Jura Mountains the shops and perhaps stroll intoa Besancon, savoring Old World observe another way of living—not better, not worse, just At first glance, it looks like travel company.

Logistics. along the Alexandria Bay charm and a welcome dinner beneath Beach for sweeping views different—and something recalibrates internally.

Hotels. Buses that leave at 8:00thea.m. sharp Citadel walls.(interpretation Explore Neuchâtel’s of the St. Lawrence River. fairy-tale castle, tastedays crisp on Swiss wines, and stroll Bern’s and Tours leans into this.

Heavily.

Almost varies). But spend a few one of these journeys, ThenChamplain travel to Niagara Falls for a two-night stay on the U.S. side, UNESCO-listed Old Town before lakeside luxury in Spiez. Ride just steps from the thundering wonder.

Choose your adventure: suspiciously. it becomes this isPass lessExpress abouttoseeing thea world the clear: iconic Golden Montreaux, musical and jewel explore only the American side or, with a valid passport, cross on Lake Geneva. Soar by gondola to Mont Blanc, crossing into They’llforframe it asboth “cultural more about the Conclude world see you—and then politely into Canada views from countries.immersion,” From the Maid ofwhich the Italy letting at 12,605 feet. in Geneva, a cosmopolitan blend of Mist boat ride to charming riverside towns, this fully escorted diplomacy sounds safe enough. But what it really means is that your correcting you. and beauty, with free time for shopping, museums, or tour blends natural beauty, history, and flexibility—all seamlessly lakeside cafés. With castles, vineyards, alpine peaks, and refined arranged by assumptions Champlain Tours.are about to be gently dismantled long-held Because the uncomfortable truth: hotels,here’s this is Switzerland at its storybook best. travel PRICING FROM:between $1,629 - $2,455 FROM: $4,999 $5,899 somewhere a guided tour and a “quick stop” changes PRICING you. Not always in- sweeping, cinematic gestures.

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More often, it’s subtle. You taste something you can’t

December 1-5,it’s 2026 pronounce and realize excellent. You attempt to CREOLE CAROLING &develop CHRISTMAS CHEER: communicate and suddenly deep respect NEW ORLEANS HOLIDAY ESCAPE for anyone navigating life inLooking a second language.

You 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 flavors, and watch towering Mississippi River bonfires ignite the 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

that becomes unexpectedly profound. You arrive with

July 19, 2026 certainty.

You leave with perspective. And possibly a new VON TRAPP FAMILY HISTORY TOUR WITH AUSTRIAN opinion LUNCH about bread. in today’s world—where headlines ThinkNow, you know the von Trapp story? Most Vermonters haveare

visited the resort, but few your have experienced the fascinating engineered to make coffee taste more anxious—this History Tour. Discover the true tale behind the legendary family through engaging stories, memorabilia, and a guided walk through their inspiring journey from Austria to Vermont. Cap off your day with a delicious Austrian lunch, featuring flavors straight from the Alps. A local treasure, reimagined.

PRICING: $225 (Balance due with booking)

2026 VERMONT SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA SUMMER FESTIVAL TOUR

America 250 October 10, 2026

NORTHERN STAGE BY RAIL All aboard for a day of scenic rail travel and world-class theater!

Journey by train to White River Junction, where you’ll enjoy an evening of captivating live performance—title to be revealed soon, but for now, it’s a thrilling mystery! After the show, savor a hearty buffet dinner at the historic Hotel Coolidge. A perfect mix of Autumn scenery, fine dining, and theatrical surprise.

JULY 1 | S. Pomfret JULY 3 | Grafton PRICING: $220 (Balance due with booking) JULY 2 | E. Burke JULY 4 | Shelburne www.champlaintours.com | 802-540-0055 JULY 5 | Stowe

Tickets and information at VSO.ORG/EVENTS 16 | May/June 2026 | VermontMaturity.com

all starts to feel… optional. Maybe even risky. Why go far

bigger and more connected

when everything you need is right at home, neatly within

than you thought.

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,

And then, something unexpected happens.

Growth rarely happens in isolation.

It happens in motion.

You come home.

And home feels different—

to understand it, to engage with it beyond a headline

not because it changed, but because you did. The

or a scroll, it’s now. Not recklessly. Not naively. But

familiar becomes appreciated. The routine becomes

intentionally. Thoughtfully. With structure, experience,

intentional. The perspective you gained quietly reshapes

and just enough contingency planning to keep things

how you see your own life.

running smoothly even when the unexpected inevitably makes an appearance.

Champlain Tours doesn’t claim to change the world.

That would be too bold.

This is where Keith Sherpa enters the narrative—not

They just keep sending people out into it—safely,

as a dramatic hero, but as the steady presence behind the

thoughtfully, deliberately—and welcoming them back a

curtain. The one who has already thought about the “what

little more aware, a little more empathetic, and perhaps

ifs,” the logistics, the reroutes, the details you didn’t know

just a bit harder to convince that the world can be

existed. The one ensuring that while the world may feel

understood from a distance.

unpredictable, your experience of it doesn’t have to be.

One traveler at a time.

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160 Benmont Ave, Bennington, VT 05201 802-447-3199 www.vermontperiodontist.com Vermont Maturity | May/June 2026 | 17

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

Preparing their home for sale was the next step, and

a real estate transaction. It is a major life transition that

it did not require a major renovation. Many seniors

blends practical considerations with emotional ones. The

assume they need to overhaul their home before

process can feel overwhelming, especially in a market

listing, but in most cases, small, targeted updates make

where senior-friendly homes are limited and competition

the biggest difference. For Kelly and Jim, this meant

is high. But with a clear plan, the journey becomes far

simplifying their spaces, applying fresh paint in a few

more manageable. To illustrate what this looks like, let’s

key rooms, completing minor repairs, and lightly staging

follow the story of Kelly and Jim, a fictional couple whose

the home to highlight its natural light and layout. These

experience reflects what many Vermonters are navigating

modest improvements helped their home shine without

today.

unnecessary expense.

Kelly and Jim raised their family in a classic Vermont

As they explored their next housing options, Kelly

colonial with four bedrooms, a large yard, and a steep

and Jim discovered that Vermont offers more choices

driveway that never bothered them in their younger

than they expected. They considered townhomes

years. As time passed, winter maintenance became more

and condos with first-floor primary suites, smaller

challenging, and the house began to feel larger than they

single-family homes in walkable neighborhoods, 55+

needed. They loved their home, but they also wanted

communities, and even the possibility of an accessory

a simpler lifestyle with fewer stairs, less upkeep, and

dwelling unit near family. By broadening their search,

closer access to services. Once they acknowledged these

they found possibilities that aligned with both their

priorities, the path forward became clearer.

lifestyle and their long-term needs.

Before making any decisions, Kelly and Jim wanted

The logistics of moving can be one of the most

to understand the market. Like many seniors, they

stressful parts of downsizing, especially after decades in

wondered whether they should list their home first, wait

the same home. To keep things manageable, we created

until they found something new, or consider a temporary

a realistic timeline and a room-by-room sorting plan,

rental. These questions can create a lot of anxiety, but

along with resources for donation, disposal, and moving

the answers depend on timing, inventory, and personal

services. Having a clear structure helped Kelly and Jim

comfort. By reviewing current trends, we looked at

feel in control rather than overwhelmed.

how quickly single-level and senior-friendly homes

When the right townhome finally came on the

were selling, what their own home could realistically

market; single-level living, an attached garage, and a

command, and whether a short-term rental might serve

location close to services, they were ready. They had their

as a helpful bridge. With this information, they were able

financing in place, their home prepared for listing, and a

to make decisions based on facts rather than fear.

plan for temporary housing if needed. Because they had

18 | May/June 2026 | VermontMaturity.com

Five Common Mistakes Seniors Make When Downsizing And How to Avoid Them 1. Waiting Too Long to Start the Process

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.

Many seniors delay downsizing until the home becomes physically or emotionally overwhelming.

Starting early gives you more choices, more control, and far less stress.

With the right guidance, seniors can move forward with

2. Trying to Do Everything at Once

practical ones, so they can transition into a home that

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.

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 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.

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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.

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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.

• 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

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Vermont Maturity | May/June 2026 | 19

Photo credit-Adam Sullivan

Vermont Symphony Orchestra presents

2026 Summer Festival Tour: America 250

T

By Elise Brunelle

o celebrate the United States’ 250th birthday, the

Ellington and Williams, Dvořák writing his New World

Vermont Symphony Orchestra hits the road with

Symphony as a newly arrived immigrant. Together these

its Summer Festival Tour: America 250, bringing

works tell a genuinely complex and thrilling story about

music to communities across the Green Mountain State.

what America is and has been. Add live narration and

There’s nothing quite like a balmy July evening in the

a Vermont summer evening, and I can’t imagine a more

Vermont outdoors, especially when the state’s orchestra

fitting way to mark this milestone.”

performs beloved favorites like Morton Gould’s

Two works on the program will be elevated by live

American Salute (based on “When Johnny Comes

narration, grounding the music in the literary and

Marching Home”), Aaron Copland’s Hoe-Down from

political heritage of the nation. John Williams’ Liberty

Rodeo, and a lively selection of music by John Williams

Fanfare will be performed alongside a reading of Emma

and John Philip Sousa.

Lazarus’ The New Colossus, the poem whose words

Conducted by VSO Music Director Andrew Crust,

“Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses

the orchestra also brings the Duke Ellington Fantasy,

yearning to breathe free” came to define America’s

Vermont composer Gwyneth Walker’s piece America

promise to the world. Aaron Copland’s Lincoln

250!, and movements from Antonin Dvořák’s Symphony

Portrait, one of the most stirring works in the American

No. 9 to the concert meadow, alongside guest speakers

orchestral canon, includes excerpts from Abraham

narrating powerful writings by Emma Lazarus, Calvin

Lincoln’s documents including text from his Gettysburg

Coolidge, and Abraham Lincoln.

Address. This will be paired with a reading of Calvin

“What excites me most about this program is how

Coolidge’s Vermont Is a State I Love, a meditation on the

much ground it covers,” said Crust. “Copland and Sousa,

character of this “brave, little state” that resonates today.

20 | May/June 2026 | VermontMaturity.com

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

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

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

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Vermont Maturity | May/June 2026 | 21

Age Well Surpasses $225,000 Goal in March for Meals Campaign, Delivering Lifeline to Older Vermonters PRESS RELEASE

We have been in awe of the outpouring of

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,

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

including Meals on Wheels,” said Sara Wool, Chief

older adults each year.

Advancement Officer. “The demand for home-delivered

Age Well extends special recognition to its Champion and Gold Sponsors:

meals continues to grow rapidly; at the same time, federal funding has remained largely flat for years, making community support more critical than ever.

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22 | May/June 2026 | VermontMaturity.com

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

How can we help you age well?

Ellie Hollander, President and

as communities to bridge the gaps.

CEO of Meals on Wheels America,

We can’t do it alone-it takes all of us

understood the importance of Meals

to March for Meals.”

on Wheels in addressing hunger and

Thanks to the incredible

isolation among older adults striving

generosity of the community, more

to remain independent at home.

than 300,000 meals will continue

“Now is an important time for

to be delivered to older neighbors

us unite to ensure that Meals on

throughout the region-providing

Wheels is there for all of our senior

not only nutritious food, but also

neighbors in need,” said Hollander.

a friendly visit and critical safety

“In the face of soaring demand

check.

and costs that surpass out current resources, we need to come together

It’s more than a meal-it’s a lifeline. VM

Age Well is a nonprofit

Supported by staff and more than

organization serving northwestern

1,000 dedicated volunteers, Age

Vermont, dedicated to helping

Well serves thousands of older

older adults age with dignity and

adults, their families, and caregivers

independence. For 50 years, Age

each year. To learn more, visit

Well has provided Vermonters with

https://www.agewellvt.org

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.

• Meals on Wheels & Community Meals • Restaurant Ticket Program • Tai Chi & Wellness Offerings • Medicare Counseling & Training • Care & Service Coordination • Transportation • Volunteer Opportunities

About Age Well

the support needed to remain active,

• Helpline: Information & Assistance

Media Contact: Sara C.Wool Chief Advancement Officer, 802662-5229 swool@agewellvt.org

CONFIDENT AGING STARTS HERE.

agewellvt.org Helpline: 1-800-642-5119 Vermont Maturity | May/June 2026 | 23

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

a fraction of the $100,000 per QALY threshold widely

standard U.S. benchmarks.

used in the U.S. to evaluate whether a health intervention

The study, “Cost-Effectiveness of the Support and

provides good value.

Services at Home (SASH) Program for Cardiovascular

The gains were driven by a dramatic increase in

Risk Factors: A Community-Based Approach to Healthy

appropriate blood pressure medication use and lifestyle

Aging in Place,” was led by researchers at Virginia

interventions. At enrollment, as few as 6% of participants

Commonwealth University and the University of

were on hypertension medication; after an average of

Vermont, in partnership with Cathedral Square, the

5.4 years, that figure had risen to between 40% and 68%

South Burlington-based nonprofit that created SASH in

depending on the participant group. Researchers also

2009. The analysis drew on health data from 6,154 SASH

documented reductions in systolic blood pressure and

participants collected between 2017 and 2023.

smoking rates. Together, these changes significantly

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 24 | May/June 2026 | VermontMaturity.com

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

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

Bennington Project Independence Adult Day Service

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

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

produces real, measurable health outcomes.”

- Liz Genge, SASH Director, Cathedral Square 614 HARWOOD HILL ROAD BENNINGTON VT 05201 BPICARES.ORG | info@bpicares.org | 802.442.8136

Vermont Maturity | May/June 2026 | 25

Take a Hike! To Monument Valley, Utah/Arizona Nick Thomas

If you’re a die-hard fan of old western movies,

Buttes on the Arizona side, so-named because of rock

especially those featuring John Wayne, but have never

projections resembling thumbs on a mitten. They are

made the pilgrimage to Monument Valley, it’s definitely

clearly visible just before the Indian attack scene around

a trip to consider. Five of Wayne’s movies contain scenes

the 1-hour 9-minute mark into “Stagecoach.” The area is

from the iconic location, including “Stagecoach” in 1939,

also surrounded by some of the American Southwest’s

“She Wore a Yellow Ribbon” 10 years later and, what

most spectacular National Parks, including Arches,

many would argue was his best western, “The Searchers”

Canyonlands, Zion, and the Grand Canyon, all must-see

in 1956.

destinations in their own right.

Dotted with towering sandstone buttes (steep-sided

Entry to the park, officially called Monument

formations with broad, flat tops rising up to 1,000

Valley Navajo Tribal Park, is $8 per person (children

feet), these natural “monuments” stand within a valley

under 12, free). While there are several trails within

that straddles the Utah–Arizona border. Many of the

the Monument Valley area, only one is self-guided: the

buttes have names, including the West and East Mitten

3.9-mile Wildcat Trail that starts near the hotel parking

Pinecrest at Essex Senior Living One & Two Bedroom Apartments

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

• • • • • • • • • • • •

­ ­

Contact us today for availability and sign up for new listing alerts

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

26 | May/June 2026 | VermontMaturity.com

potholes and bumps along this dirt road meant we

blue western sky is sprinkled with white fluffy clouds

could barely go over 5 mph and if I’d had false teeth,

hovering over the iron-rich red/orange buttes. You’ll

they would have been dropping in my lap throughout

bring home vivid desert photo memories that are always

the drive. I’m not sure whether the road is periodically

fun to try and match with scenes from a Duke Wayne

maintained or left in the poor state to slow drivers

film. VM

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

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 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 | May/June 2026 | 27

Low-Cost Smartphone Plans for Budget-Minded Seniors

By Jim Miller

Dear Savvy Senior,

Savvy

smartphone plans. For $15 per month, you

What are the absolute lowest-cost

get unlimited talk and text plus 5 gigabytes

smartphone plans for seniors who mainly

(GB) of data. The catch: you pay for a full year

talk and text but need a little cellular data

upfront – $180 plus taxes – but for seniors

for email and occasional use? I’m currently

comfortable paying annually, it’s a smart way

paying $40 a month and hoping to cut that

to lock in savings. Mint runs on T-Mobile’s

down.

network and works with most unlocked --Looking to Save

SENIOR

phones.

If you want a similar plan without the

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

28 | May/June 2026 | VermontMaturity.com

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

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..

to service you already have, if your provider participates.

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Vermont Maturity | May/June 2026 | 29

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

relaxation, calming the mind, reviving the spirit and masking noise pollution.

No need to worry about mosquitoes taking residency

privacy. Then add comfortable seating, a fountain and

in your water feature. Moving water is less appealing

lighting for additional ambiance and relaxation.

and adding an organic product like Summit® Mosquito

Start by evaluating the space you want to transform

Dunks® to water features prevents mosquitoes from

and how the surrounding views and noise will impact

breeding there. Just toss this donut-shaped cake

your enjoyment. Before enclosing the whole space,

of Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) into the water.

identify the views you need to screen and those you want

This naturally occurring bacteria only kills the mosquito

to keep. Perhaps a view of your favorite flower garden,

larvae but doesn’t harm people, pets, fish or wildlife.

the park across the street or your neighbor’s water

Further reduce mosquito problems by lighting a few

feature extends your enjoyment beyond the limits of

citronella candles and placing them near you and others

your garden oasis.

enjoying the space. Use a fan to help keep you cool and

Use tall grasses, large tropical plants, vines trained

the weak-flying mosquitoes away.

on trellises and upright shrubs and trees to define the

Extend your enjoyment into the evening with some

space. These can be grown in weather-proof containers

lighting. Be mindful of birds and night-flying insects by

if no in-ground planting space is available. Just make

using shields to point light down to the ground instead

sure your balcony or deck can handle the weight of the

of into the night sky. Select lights with lower lumens

planters once filled with soil and plants.

that aren’t as bright but still provide sufficient light and

Select plants that provide multiple benefits. Look for

ambiance for you. Avoid white and blue light and opt for

plants that deliver several seasons of beauty with flowers,

amber and yellow greens that are less disruptive to the

colorful foliage, seedheads and fall color. Include

birds and night-flying pollinators.

fragrant plants for aromatherapy and those that attract

Like any decorating or gardening project, be ready

butterflies and hummingbirds to add motion and color.

to make needed adjustments. While fine-tuning your

Decide how you plan to use the space. Are you

design, be sure to take time to relax and enjoy your new

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 30 | May/June 2026 | VermontMaturity.com

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.

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