Vermont Maturity January-February 2026

January/February 2026 Issue

VERMONT MATURITY

For a blissful, stress-free trip, look to Champlain Tours PAGE 6

Green Mountain Transit Understanding Social Security spousal benefits Easy-care flowering indoor plants How to find a quality nursing home for your loved one

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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 Steve Aaron

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Lylah Wright

MARKETING DIRECTOR Ahmad Yassir

SALES MANAGERS Lylah Wright Susan Plaisance

CONTRIBUTORS

For a blissful, stress-free trip, look to Champlain Tours

By Susan Smallheer, Vermont Maturity

Elliot Greenblott Jim Miller Melinda Myers Keith Neil-Champlain Tours Phyl Newbeck Susan Smallheer Nick Thomas

6

What happened to Mrs. Tony Curtis?

By Nick Thomas

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Char Grass

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Vermont’s Area Agencies on Aging Announce Strategic

By Phyl Newbeck 12 Partnership of Two Statewide Organizations Dedicated to Understanding Social Security Improving and Enhancing spousal benefits Services for Vermont’s Aging

By Jim Miller Population 14

By Jane Catton

22

Green Mountain Transit

Easy-care flowering indoor plants

By Melinda Myers

Fraud Watch Change your behavior 16 regarding the phone

By Elliott Greenblott

How to find a quality nursing home for your loved one

By Jim Miller

18

26

Easy and Affordable Winter Seed Starting

By Melinda Myers

Take a Hike! To Buttermilk Falls, New York

By Nick Thomas

24

20

4 | January/February 2026 | VermontMaturity.com

28

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For a blissful, stress-free trip, look to Champlain Tours

By Susan Smallheer, Vermont Maturity

BURLINGTON -- Champlain Tours does it all.

“I like to say all you have to do is show up at the

It will arrange tours with larger, established tour

airport in Burlington with your passport and we take

companies, (think Viking or Princess Cruises), and at no

care of the rest,” said Sherpa during a recent interview

extra cost.

about his business, which he established in 2015.

Or it will design a small personal tour for a family.

Sherpa said that roughly 70 percent of his business

And of course, it also does the traditional guided

comes from Vermonters, and a large percentage of it is

tours for points all over the world, including the United

repeat customers. The average age of his clients is 70, he

States.

said.

“We just did a personal tour for a family that wanted

Sherpa said he takes a lot of pride in the number of

to travel to Portugal and check off all these issues on

repeat customers, which to him means Champlain Tours

their father’s bucket list -- including the beaches of

has satisfied them in every way.

Normandy,” said Keith Sherpa, president and founder of Champlain Tours.

Based in Burlington, Champlain Tours wants to

Sherpa and his staff of four experienced agents both design tours for people who will go on a trip on their own, or will accompany people on their established

make traveling as stress free as possible, with a very

tours. They bring their extensive first-hand experience

personal touch. “We know these places,” he said. If

and knowledge to the job, he said.

Champlain Tours has an unofficial motto, it’s “More Adventure, Less Hassle.”

6 | January/February 2026 | VermontMaturity.com

In the age of smart phones, Champlain Tours can give you a self-guided itinerary, that tells you where in

the airport to turn as you get off your

company employee took on the task

plane and head for your hotel. “People

of arranging the necessary visas for

really like that detail,” he said.

everyone on the tour, which could only

It’s that attention to detail, and

be arranged via a cell phone app, for New

anticipating their client’s needs, that

Zealand while the tour was underway.

Sherpa thinks makes his company so

“They didn’t have to worry about a thing,” he said.

successful.

Sherpa said the company recently

The COVID years generally hit travel

returned from a tour to Australia and

companies hard, but he said that people

New Zealand, and he and another

are again starting to spend on trips.

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However, people are not jumping back on planes, he said, and he said Champlain Tours’ trips to New York City and Washington, D.C., via bus were some of their most popular offerings.

“They are more affordable, and more local, and they don’t have to fly,”

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he said. Since COVID, he said, his company has seen more demand for domestic travel, “but that’s starting to change.”

“We do a lot of custom trips,” he said, that are

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deliberately small to avoid travel complications.

Europe with its excellent rail offerings,

upstream, to a small village “with no

makes group transportation easier.

tourists.”

Champlain wants to get its

Yes, that means his company

travelers” off the main path.”

will design a trip for three or four

Champlain Tours clients are looking

or five people. His staff of four have extraordinary experience and personal

for the more intimate experience, he said.

knowledge, he said. Two are from

“They are people who don’t like pools or

England, one is German, and another

casinos.”

is a former Spanish teacher from South

Champlain Tours does sell tours to Avalon, Viking (he prefers Avalon over

Burlington, he said.

One new big thing for

Pinecrest at Essex Senior Living

Champlain Tours is its new barge-based tours, which will be available during

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Provence and Barcelona.

He said the barges are much smaller than the large ships used by Viking, which can host up to 160 passengers. He said Champlain has chartered the entire barge for weeks at the end of July and beginning of August.

“It’s traveling on a much smaller scale,” he said, and as a result, the barges can go further

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Their new barge trips are less crowded and

Viking) and other large tour operators, he said. “Avalon is better and you’re not paying

more intimate -- there are about 20 cabins on

for $1 million in advertising,” he said, a

the barge.

“We want people to come back and we’re

reference to Viking’s famous advertisements on public television, among other places.

always thinking ‘How can we make it more special?’” he said.

Interest in the Champlain Tour’ 2027 German Christmas Market tour is already strong as people are already sending in deposits. Yes, 2027, as this tour is very popular.

Champlain Tours visits the most popular Christmas markets, but the majority of the itinerary has been intentionally crafted by our German counterparts to experience Christmas in Germany through a local lens. This means balancing iconic markets with smaller towns and traditions that reflect how Germans themselves celebrate the season.

Sherpa emphasized that while the tour includes the famed markets travelers expect, it is carefully

10 | January/February 2026 | VermontMaturity.com

designed to avoid the most congested moments, when dozens of tour buses arrive at once and overwhelm the experience.

“We want to get off the beaten path,” he said, “and into the heart of a German Christmas.”

Sherpa said his company loves to teach people how to travel, and how to navigate on their own on future trips, which could mean that people wouldn’t need a guided tour the next time they head to New York, he pointed out.

Sherpa said while Champlain Tours’ prices at first glance may seem higher than other tours, he said a big difference is that all costs are included. Unlike many tours, which are always adding in extra costs. With other tour operators, “it’s always plus, plus, plus,” he said.

“We publish the actual price.”

See the Champlain Tours ad on page 2 VM

Vermont Maturity | January/February 2026 | 11

Green Mountain Transit

By Phyl Newbeck

When most people think about Green Mountain Transit they envision the bus service which was chartered by the Vermont General Assembly in 1973.

The system of public buses serves the communities of Burlington, Essex, South Burlington, Shelburne, Williston, Winooski, Milton, Hinesburg, and a portion of Colchester. In addition, the LINK Express routes serve Montpelier, and St. Albans commuters. GMT is considered a municipality and is the first and only transit authority in the State of Vermont.

However, in addition to the regular routes, Green Mountain Transit organizes a system of volunteer community drivers who help their neighbors get to doctor’s appointments, purchase groceries, and perform other acts of daily living which require transportation.

Volunteers are eligible to be paid or receive other compensation related to their travel. Currently, the amount paid is $.70 per mile which is the rate set by the federal government.

Most of the time, trips are local in nature and are often for regular medical appointments like dialysis, radiation treatment, physical therapy, or counseling.

Other rides may be to appointments for human services or visits to senior centers. On occasion, drivers may be asked to travel further if the person in need of help has more complex medical issues that can only be dealt with in Boston or Hanover, NH. Volunteer drivers can decide what kind of routes they are willing to take. Many of the people needing rides are seniors, people with disabilities, or Medicaid clients.

Those interested in volunteering should select the 12 | January/February 2026 | VermontMaturity.com

geographic region which is best for them. The state is

divided into ten areas covered by six agencies. Green Mountain Transit covers the St. Albans, Burlington, and Montpelier areas. Volunteers can fill out and submit an online form or email an application to the appropriate address. After the application is processed, the prospective volunteer will be contacted so they can continue the process. Volunteers need a valid driver’s license, auto insurance, and a good driving record. They will also be subject to a background check.

Michelle Lynn Thomas, the Volunteer Coordinator for Washington County noted that most of the volunteers she works with are older Vermonters

gratifying. “This heartfelt vote of thanks compensates

who have retired. The County currently has a dozen

for the challenges of driving in all Vermont weather,” he

volunteers, five of whom help out three or four days a

said. “This keeps me going.”

week. “We’re always looking for new people,” she said.

Another passenger told Peter that he would go blind

“The work is gratifying for them because they know it’s

if he wasn’t able to get to his eye care appointments

for a good cause and it’s good for the community.”

in Burlington, telling Peter that he and GMT were

Peter, one of Thomas’s volunteer drivers said

invaluable to him. “There are many ways to prevent

one of his clients believes the volunteer program has

health threats to older Vermonters,” Peter said.

added additional years to his life by making healthcare

“Volunteer driving is one of them.” VM

treatments accessible. For Peter, those sentiments were

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Vermont Maturity | January/February 2026 | 13

Understanding Social Security spousal benefits

By Jim Miller

Dear Savvy Senior,

Savvy SENIOR

married for a year or more; and you must

How do Social Security spousal benefits

already be collecting your retirement benefits.

work? My wife, who’s approaching age

Different rules apply for ex-spouses. Ex-

62, has had a few small-paying jobs over

spouses (if you were married for at least 10

the years, but spent most of her time as a

years and are not remarried) can receive a

homemaker. What is she entitled to?

spousal benefit based on an ex-spouse’s record

Primary Breadwinner

even if your ex has not yet filed for their own

Dear Breadwinner, Spousal benefit questions are among the most frequently asked and confusing parts of Social Security. The rules that govern qualifying and claiming are knotty, and there are many exceptions. But understanding how these benefits work is crucial for maximizing your family’s retirement income. Here’s what you should know.

What Are Spousal Benefits?

Social Security spousal benefits are designed to provide retirement income to spouses who either didn’t work or worked sporadically/part-time and earned significantly less than their spouses over their working lifetime. A stay-at-home parent is a good example of a spousal benefit recipient.

Who’s Qualifies?

To qualify for spousal benefits, you and your wife must meet three conditions: Your wife must be at least age 62; you must be 14 | January/February 2026 | VermontMaturity.com

benefits, but your ex must be age 62 or older.

How Much Are Spousal Benefits?

The amount your wife would get for spousal benefits will depend on your earning’s history and her claiming age.

The maximum spousal benefit is 50 percent of your Primary Insurance Amount (PIA), which is that amount you’re entitled to at full retirement age benefit (FRA). But your wife will only get that much if she waits until her full retirement age to file, which is 67 if she was born in 1960 or later.

Unfortunately, spousal benefits cannot be increased by her waiting beyond FRA, but they are reduced by taking them early. So, for example, if your wife were to start collecting her spousal benefits at age 62 (the earliest possible age), she would collect only 32.5 percent of your PIA. To calculate exactly how much your wife’s spousal benefits would be reduced by taking them before her FRA see SSA.gov/OACT/ quickcalc/spouse.html.

You also need to know that because spousal benefits

There is, however, one exception. Surviving spouses

are based on your PIA, even if you (the primary earner)

and ex-spouses that are caring for a child (or children)

retire early, before you reach your FRA, your wife’s

of the deceased worker, and they are under age 16 or

spousal benefit will not be reduced. Just as they will not

disabled, are eligible to receive 75 percent of the worker’s

increase if you delay claiming your benefits beyond your

benefit amount at any age.

FRA.

Online Calculators

You should also note that if your wife worked and is entitled to benefits on her own work record, but it’s less

There are several online calculators that can help

than what she’s entitled to as a spouse, Social Security will pay her the higher of the two amounts, but not both.

you and your wife figure out the best time to claim

Survivor Benefits

lifetime payout. One that’s completely free to use

your benefits to ensure you get the highest possible OpenSocialSecurity.com. Or for a more thorough analysis use MaximizeMySocialSecurity.com. This tool,

In addition to spousal benefits Social Security also pays survivor benefits to spouses and ex-spouses starting

which costs $49 for a year, will run what-if scenarios

at age 60 (50 if disabled).

based on your circumstances to find your best strategy.VM

So, if your wife outlives you, she’ll be able to switch from her spousal benefits to survivor benefits and receive a higher payment. Survivor benefits range between 71.5 and 100 percent of the deceased’s benefit,

Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.

based on your wife’s age when she claims.

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flowering indoor plants

Bromeliads are long bloomers with unique tropical flowers. Photo credit: www.MelindaMyers.com

Easy-care

B

By Melinda Myers

righten your home’s décor and elevate your

Treat yourself to an easy-care anthurium. You can

mood by adding a few flowering plants to your

now find white, red, pink, lavender and even yellow

indoor garden. You may be surprised to find

anthuriums for sale almost year-round. The colorful

a wide array of flowering plants that will bloom when

heart-shaped “flowers” are modified leaves that hold

they are grown indoors. Match the plant to the growing

their color for many weeks. Grow this low maintenance,

conditions and your maintenance style for ease of care

very forgiving plant in bright, indirect light and water

and greatest success.

thoroughly whenever the soil begins to dry.

Add a long-blooming moth orchid (Phalaenopsis) to

Include bromeliads, another long bloomer with

your collection. It thrives in most home environments,

unique tropical flowers. Those with pliable leaves

making it the easiest of all the orchids to grow. Position

are more tolerant of lower light, while the stiff-leafed

your orchid in a brightly lit location that’s free of hot or

bromeliads need bright light to thrive. Water the

cold drafts. Water thoroughly with tepid water once a

soil often enough to prevent the roots from drying.

week. Leave the flower stalk intact and wait for a second

After weeks and even months of flowering, the plant

smaller flush of flowers. Or prune it back to an inch

eventually dies but forms offsets, known as pups, you

above the foliage, provide proper care and watch for

can grow to maturity.

a fresh set of flowers in about a year. Or gift the non-

The tubular, red-burgundy flowers of lipstick plant

flowering plant to a gardening friend. There’s always

(Aeschynanthus radicans) reveal the inspiration for its

one who’s willing to wait for the next set of flowers. In

common name. Grow this long-blooming, trailing plant

the meantime, you can invest in a new variety for your

in a warm location with bright, indirect light. Water

home.

thoroughly when the top inch of soil begins to dry. Move

16 | January/February 2026 | VermontMaturity.com

it to a slightly cooler location and allow the soil to dry a

larger infestations. Use yellow sticky traps to monitor

bit more between waterings during the winter.

and trap white flies, fungus gnat adults, thrips and other

Have fun by adding a hanging basket of goldfish

houseplant pests. Manage fungus gnat larvae residing

(Nematanthus) to your collection. This easy-care plant

in the soil with organic Summit® Mosquito Bits®. It

produces long-lasting, orange-red flowers that resemble

contains a naturally occurring soil bacteria, Bacillus

goldfish. Place it in bright, indirect light and water when

thuringiensis israelensis (Bti), that’s safe for people,

the soil begins to dry.

plants, and pets. Just follow the label directions for the

Keep these and your other houseplants healthy and

most effective control.

minimize pest problems by providing proper growing

Look for opportunities to include these and other

conditions and care. Fertilize actively growing plants

flowering plants in your home. You’ll enjoy the added

with a flowering houseplant fertilizer according to

color and beauty these plants provide. VM

label directions. Boost the humidity by grouping plants together. As one plant loses moisture, transpires, its neighbors’ benefit. Place pebbles in the saucer or tray to elevate the pot above any water that collects there. As the water evaporates, it increases the humidity around the plant and eliminates the need for you to empty excess water out of the saucer.

Check all your plants for insects each time you water. It is easier to manage small populations than

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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Vermont Maturity | January/February 2026 | 17

How to find a quality nursing home for your loved one

By Jim Miller

Dear Savvy Senior,

Savvy

gov for contact information); your dad’s doctor

Can you give me some tips on picking a

or nearby hospital discharge planner; friends

good nursing home for my father? Since his

or neighbors who may have had a loved one

stroke, I’ve been taking care of him at home,

in a nursing home; and online at Medicare’s

but he’s gotten to the point where it’s too

nursing home compare tool at Medicare.gov/

much for me to handle.

care-compare. This tool will not only help

Exhausted Daughter

SENIOR

Dear Exhausted, Preparing a living will now is a smart

you locate nursing homes in your area, it also provides a 5-star rating system on recent health inspections, staffing, quality of care, and overall rating.

decision that gives you say in how you want to

Also, keep in mind that it’s always best to

be treated at the end of your life. Here’s what

choose a nursing home that’s close to family

you should know, along with some resources to

members and friends who can visit often,

help you write one.

because residents with frequent visitors usually

WHAT TO PREPARE Choosing a nursing home for a loved one that provides quality is a very important decision that requires careful evaluation and some homework. Here are some steps you can take that can help you find a good facility and avoid a bad one.

Make a list: There are several sources you can turn to for referrals to top nursing homes in your area including the Area Agency on Aging (call 800-677-1116 or visit Eldercare.acl.

get better care.

Call your long-term care ombudsman: This is a government official who investigates nursing home complaints and advocates for residents and their families. This person can tell you which nursing homes have had complaints or problems in the past and can help you locate a good facility. Visit LTCombudsman.org for local contact information.

Contact the nursing homes: Once you’ve narrowed your search, call the nursing homes you’re interested in to verify that they can facilitate your dad’s needs. Also, find out if they have any vacancies, what they charge, and if they accept Medicaid.

Tour your top choices: During your nursing home visit, notice the cleanness and smell of the facility. Is it homey and inviting?

Does the staff seem responsive and kind to its

18 | January/February 2026 | VermontMaturity.com

residents? Additionally, be sure to taste the food, and talk

Most nursing home residents pay for care from either

to the residents and their family members, if available. It’s

personal savings, a long-term care insurance policy, or

also a good idea to visit several times at different times

through Medicaid once their savings are depleted. Or, if

of the day and different days of the week to get a broader

your dad is a veteran, he may be able to get funds through

perspective.

the VA’s Aid and Attendance benefit (see VA.gov/pension/

And be sure to find out about their staff screening and training procedures, staff-to-patient ratio, and the staff turnover rate.

To help you rate your visit, Medicare offers a helpful

aid-attendance-housebound).

To learn more about the payment options, ask the nursing home director. You can also get help from your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), which

checklist of questions to ask at Medicare.gov/media/

provides free counseling on all Medicare and Medicaid

document/12130nursing-home-checklist508.pdf that you

issues. To find a local SHIP counselor visit ShipHelp.org

can print and take with you on your visit.

or call 877-839-2675.

PAYING FOR CARE With nursing home costs now averaging $324 per day

And for more information, see Medicare’s booklet “Your Guide to Choosing a Nursing Home” (product # 02174). You can view it online at Medicare.gov/

nationally for a semi-private room and nearly $371 for

Publications. VM

a private room, paying for care is another area you may

Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.

have questions about or need assistance with. Medicare only helps pay up to 100 days of rehabilitative nursing home care, which must occur after a hospital stay of at least three days.

Vermont Maturity | January/February 2026 | 19

Take a Hike! To Buttermilk Falls, New York

G

By Nick Thomas

azing up from the base of Buttermilk Falls

pausing periodically to not only catch my breath but

near the north entrance of the New York State

to enjoy each of the numerous cascades with all their

Park, it’s evident why this majestic waterfall is

variety of size and shape.

so aptly named. With its turbulent water cascading over

A perfect spot to pause is the quaint wooden

165 feet of rock, the tumbling fluid creates a continuous

pedestrian bridge about three-quarters of the way up. I

milky foam of tiny water droplets and air bubbles,

counted over 400 stairs along the path to reach it, so take

making a visit to Ithaca’s Buttermilk Falls State Park

your time if needed. If you choose to continue, you’ll

truly worthwhile.

discover more waterfalls and pools, along with 40-foot

The falls are deceptive, however, concealing a secret visible only after a brief hike along Gorge Trail on the

Pinnacle Rock – a striking free-standing rock column sculpted by water erosion through the years.

western side of the falls. Within a few minutes, you can

From there, you have two options to return to the

reach the top of the falls and admire the powerful surge

north car park. You can either take Rim Trail on the

of water flowing back toward the park entrance. But the

eastern side, which is slightly longer at 0.82 miles, or

true marvel lies beyond that first waterfall – one cascade

retrace your steps along Gorge Trail. Whichever route

follows another, revealing around ten in total, with

you choose, it’s advisable to use a hiking pole, as the path

varying heights from 5 to 35 feet.

can be slippery from water spray in places.

To reach the final one along Gorge Trail only

Keep in mind that the water flow is seasonal and

requires a hike of 0.65 miles, but it’s steep with a total

may be reduced to a trickle during summer droughts.

elevation gain of around 450 feet. I took it slowly,

Trails are also closed during winter months, so this

20 | January/February 2026 | VermontMaturity.com

make a great hike when the spring rains hit. Therefore,

Or, for the more adventurous, you can hike all or

it’s a good idea to check the conditions before making

part of the way up Gorge Trail, continuing on to Rim

plans to visit to avoid disappointment.

Trail if you wish. The choice is yours, depending on your

One of the best features of Buttermilk Falls is the

fitness level. Be prepared, though – each new waterfall

choice of hiking options. For instance, you may want

might inspire you to keep exploring for more around the

to merely walk the several hundred yards to the top of

next corner. VM

the first falls, then return for a relaxing lunch at a picnic table and enjoy the view of the main cascade. You may even consider a summer dip in the pool formed at the base of the falls before it empties into Cayuga Lake.

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” column describes short trails, hikes, and walks from around the

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What happened to Mrs. Tony Curtis?

By Nick Thomas

It’s been 15 years since 85-year-old screen legend Tony Curtis died at his Nevada home on Sept. 29, 2010. The much-loved actor left behind a body of work that included over 150 television and movie roles in such classics as “The Defiant Ones,” “Some Like it Hot,” and “The Sweet Smell of Success.” Curtis remarried for the last time in 1998 and his new bride, Jill Vandenberg, was some 40 years his junior. The pair became inseparable, traveling the world together. But back in Nevada, the couple founded Shiloh, a horse rescue ranch.

Photo provided by Nick Thomas- Jill Curtis, center, with husband Todd and mother Sally in their Deadwood shop.

Today, Jill Curtis is now Jill Curtis-Weber after marrying Todd Weber three years after Tony died. The

“I was horrified to learn that tens of thousands of

couple met at a country and western club in Vegas and

unwanted American horses are slaughtered each year for

were married six months later. After selling the Nevada

human consumption in Asia and Europe,” Jill told me in

ranch and her Las Vegas home, they moved to Deadwood,

2006 when I met her and Tony on their ranch. “I realized I

South Dakota, often romanticized as the heart of the

could do more to help horses.”

American West with history steeped in gold rushes,

“We were driving in the car one evening and Jilly told me she wanted to save some of those horses,” Tony recalled to me. “I told her let’s go do it!”

They did, and the couple soon acquired 40 acres of

outlaws, and frontier legends such as Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane.

“We both loved the history of the Old West and began traveling around selling our horseshoe art,” said Jill, when

desert outside Las Vegas, eventually transforming the

I met up with her recently at her shop in the heart of

barren area into a nurturing ranch where hundreds of

downtown Deadwood. “When we came here we loved it

horses were saved. I still recall Curtis’s joy when I asked

and decided to stay.”

him to comment on the success of the Shiloh sanctuary:

Along with her husband and mother, Sally, the trio

“It picks up my spirits to see the good work done there,”

run “The Lucky Horse Co.,” a thriving Western-themed

was his reply.

business specializing in decorative horseshoes and other gifts (see www.shilohhorserescue.com). Their charming Open since 1994

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Photo provided by Nick Thomas- The Lucky Horse Company, in Deadwood.

Photo provided by Nick Thomas- Horseshoe art in the Curtis Deadwood store.

little shop, an open-air wooden structure built around a

series, so I believe he would absolutely love that I now live

living tree, is located on the main street of Deadwood. It’s

in the town.” VM

filled with hundreds of Western art pieces, showcased by unique horseshoe art – beautifully painted or decorated horseshoes for wall hangings and intricate pieces welded into artistic shapes.

Nick Thomas teaches at Auburn University at Montgomery, Ala., and has written features, columns, and interviews for many newspapers and magazines.

See www.getnickt.org.

“We make everything here in Deadwood by hand,” said Jill. “Todd does all the welding for the horseshoes and also teaches gold panning to tourists! He built the shop around the tree and based it on an old livery stable from the late 1800’s. The profits go towards supporting Shiloh.”

With her deep passion for horses, it was a natural progression for Jill to expand into Western art. She relocated Shiloh Ranch from Nevada to Newell, about 30 minutes from Deadwood, where the ranch has rescued and rehabilitated over 700 horses since its founding. She remains grateful to her previous husband for supporting her horse rescue efforts and recognizes some similarities between Tony and Todd.

“Todd has the same sense of humor and wit, and is very intelligent and kind,” she said. “I think Tony would have liked him. Todd is very supportive of my past life and has never felt he had to live up to Tony, who had a larger-than-life personality. We were ready to start a new life, a simpler life, in this beautiful historic Old West town.

Tony and I watched and really enjoyed HBO’s ‘Deadwood’ Vermont Maturity | January/February 2026 | 23

Vermont’s Area Agencies on Aging Announce Strategic Partnership of Two Statewide Organizations Dedicated to Improving and Enhancing Services for Vermont’s Aging Population Colchester, VT — The Vermont Association of Area Agencies

throughout the medical and social service systems.

on Aging (V4A) directors today

“The Area Agencies on

announce the dissolution of V4A.

Aging (AAAs) continue to deal

Executive Director, Mary Hayden

with shrinking or flat federal

retired at the end of 2025. Much

funding while the Vermont aging

of the work of the V4A will be

demographic increases—we have the

integrated into the new Vermont

third oldest population in the nation”

Aging Network Consortium

said President of V4A’s Board of

(VANC), along with remaining

Directors, Jane Catton.

staff. This integration will combine

“This powerful partnership

the policy, advocacy, and training

is needed to create greater

goals of V4A with VANC’s mission

administrative efficiencies within

to leverage economies of scale,

the AAAs and expand our reach. By

combine resources, and reduce

combining the resources of V4A and

duplication within the community-

VANC, we eliminate duplication,

provider network of home- and

pool resources, and leverage our

community-based services. VANC

combined expertise to support more

will also focus on establishing

older and disabled Vermonters who

contracts with payers and health-

need nutritious meals, coordinated

care systems to further enhance

community-based services to

financial sustainability for aging

remain at home, caregiver supports,

services throughout Vermont. The

Medicare counseling, and more.” VM

V4A alignment with VANC as a designated community care hub with grants from USAging and the Administration for Community

For more information: Jane Catton, CEO, Age Well, jcatton@agewellvt. org. About the Vermont Aging Network Consortium (VANC)

Living, is a vital opportunity to bring the value of our work into the mainstream of coordinated services to help elders receive quality care 24 | January/February 2026 | VermontMaturity.com

THE VERMONT AGING NETWORK CONSORTIUM (VANC) The Vermont Aging Network Consortium (VANC) provides shared services and operational support to Vermont’s five Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs), helping strengthen the health, wellbeing, and independence of older Vermonters. VANC’s mission is to build long-term financial and operational sustainability for the aging network while expanding its capacity to serve a growing number of clients.

By leveraging economies of scale, combining resources, and reducing duplication across the home- and community-based services network, VANC helps the AAAs operate more efficiently and effectively. This coordinated approach positions the aging network to pursue future contracts with payers and healthcare systems—an important step in ensuring the financial sustainability of aging services as the needs of older adults continue to evolve.

VANC operates as a separate nonprofit entity, while each of the five AAAs remains an active,

independent nonprofit serving its local communities.

Central Vermont Council on Aging – www.cvcoa.org

Through shared infrastructure and collaboration,

Leanne Hoppe,

VANC supports the AAAs in maintaining high-quality

Philanthropy & Communications Director

programs—including case management, nutrition

PH: 802-476-2662 | Email: lhoppe@cvcoa.org

services, caregiver support, and more—while promoting best practices statewide.

Together, VANC and the AAAs are working to strengthen Vermont’s aging network and ensure that older adults can access the services they need to live safely and independently in the communities they call

Northeast Kingdom Council on Aging www.nekcouncil.org Mary Ellen Reis, Director of Communications & Development PH: 802-748-5182 | Email: mreis@nekcouncil.org

home.

Senior Solutions – www.seniorsolutionsvt.org

Media Contacts: Vermont Area Agencies on Aging

Renee Woliver, Communications & Outreach Director

Vermont Aging Network Consortium (VANC) www.vtagingnetwork.org Cheryl Gilbert, Chief Operating & Financial Officer PH: 802-274-6589 | Email: cgilbert@vtagingnetwork.org Age Well – www.agewellvt.org Tracey Shamberger, Director of Business Development & Communications

Phone: 802-308-3733 | Email: rwoliver@ seniorsolutionsvt.org Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging www.svcoa.org Joy Mortelliti, Development & Communications Coordinator PH: 802-772-7824 | Email: jmortelliti@svcoa.net

PH: 802-662-5271 | Email: tshamberger@agewellvt.org

Vermont Maturity | January/February 2026 | 25

Fraud Watch

Change your behavior regarding the phone

By Elliott Greenblott

How comfortable are you answering a phone when it rings or responding to text messages? What about opening email messages? More and more people are receiving fraudulent messages; 5 billion scam calls each month according to numerous public and private sources.

According to a recent survey conducted by CNET, a major, reliable digital media publication, the numbers are staggering: ✔ 90 percent of US adults say they receive scam emails on a weekly basis; 37 percent receive more than 10 scam emails each week. ✔ 83 percent of US adults receive scam phone calls each week.

✔ 82 percent of US adults receive at least one scam text per week. ✔ 60 percent of US adults receive at least one social media scam message per week.

Here are some specific suggestions and action steps: 1. Don’t rely on caller ID. These numbers can be spoofs, fake numbers that block the real caller number.

Professional criminals can even spoof the number by displaying a familiar number such as a school or medical center.

2. Don’t answer the phone; let the call go to voice mail.

It’s difficult! Most of us are “hard-wired” to answer the phone. Blame your parents; they taught you to do that and to be polite. In addition, many react to the ring as a matter of urgency. “I must pick up the phone!” Don’t!

3. If you pick up the call, listen for a click. It is likely a scam call; hang up! Be cautious if the caller is “live.”

We are seeing reports of fraudulent calls with live callers. If you don’t “personally” know the caller, don’t provide any information unless you can verify

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identity. Explain to the caller that you will call back

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using a verifiable phone number.

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works if you consider that it was meant to stop legitimate companies from conducting large scale, personal, unsolicited marketing campaigns. It was not created to stop criminals.

5. Robocalls (computer generated phone calls) to cell

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phones are generally illegal for telemarketing or

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permission for the calls. Non-marketing robocalls

advertising unless you have given express written (medical and health services, school alerts) can be made with either written or verbal permission.

26 | January/February 2026 | VermontMaturity.com

6. Robocalls to residential lines require express written consent, period.

Scam text message scams are also on the increase.

Recently, many people across the country received

7. Robocall restrictions do not apply to when the

text message notification of failure to pay highway

consumer has an “established business relationship”

tolls. These are scam messages and should be ignored.

(business conducted within the last 18 months.

Government offices will not text, call, or email with

8. Don’t report the fraudulent call to government

notices. They are sent via USPS. As a side note, I did a

authorities unless you are an actual scam victim. If

little detective work. The originating text message country

that is the case, contact your consumer protection

was 63, the Philippines (the United States is 01). The

office (Massachusetts – 617-727-8400; New

text message claimed to be from the Vermont Agency

Hampshire – 888-468-4454; Vermont – 800-649-

of Transportation with a web address that spoofed the

2424).

agency’s website asking for personal and credit card

You know the scope of the problem and some of

information.

the safety net protecting against scams. There are other

The major takeaway concerning phone scams: You

protections you can put in place. Call-blocking apps

can protect yourself from the criminals. It’s not easy but

are available on cell phones. There are many blockers

doable: change your behavior and control your emotions

available; some are free but some charge fees. If you are

regarding the phone, slow down, and apply logic.

unsure of what is best for you, conduct some research.

Comments? Questions? Contact me – egreenblott@aarp.

Make a general web search (Google) “call blocker reviews.”

org

A better approach is to go to a reliable web site such as CNET, PCMag, or Consumer Reports and search for call blocker reviews on the sites.

Be well; Be Safe! VM Elliott Greenblott is a retired educator and coordinator of the AARP Vermont Fraud Watch Network.

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Vermont Maturity | January/February 2026 | 27

Easy and Affordable Winter Seed Starting

By Melinda Myers

Turn off the grow lights, gather a few milk jugs and

Try starting hardy perennials, hardy and self-seeding

potting mix and start planting seeds. Winter sowing is

annuals, and cold weather vegetables now through late

a way to start transplants from seeds outdoors without a

winter. Other flowers and vegetables seeds are typically

greenhouse or cold frame.

winter sown at about the same time you would plant

You’ll save money on equipment and time tending the

them indoors or a month or two before the transplants

seeds and seedlings. Just transform milk jugs, soda bottles

get moved into the garden. Keep a record of your planting

and other items into mini grow chambers to start some of

dates and results to help you fine tune your planting

your favorite and hard to find transplants from seeds.

schedule and increase future success.

Gather flower and vegetable seeds, milk jugs or

Wash containers and make four to 12 small holes in

two-liter soda bottles, duct tape, a quality potting mix

the bottom of the jug for drainage. A hot skewer, knife,

and weatherproof marker. Check the seed packet for

screwdriver or drill work well for this step. Next, partially

information on planting details and timing. Winter

cut the jug to create a hinged lid. Make your cut about

sowing dates vary with the growing climate, individual

three to four inches above the bottom, leaving the area

gardener, and the seed variety you are planting.

with the handle attached so it forms a hinge. Use the bottom of the milk jug handle as your guide.

Place a coffee filter or piece of paper towel over the drainage holes to contain the potting mix while still allowing water to drain. Fill the bottom with moist, quality potting mix. Plant seeds at the depth and spacing recommended on the seed packet. Mix smaller seeds with

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Label the inside and outside of the jug with a permanent marker. Close the lid and seal it shut with duct tape. Remove the cap before setting your milk jugs in a sunny location outdoors where rain and snow can reach it. Set jugs in a milk crate in windy locations and protect them from curious pets and wildlife if needed.

Water your outdoor seed starting chambers during snow-free and dry weather. This will be much less often than those seedlings growing indoors under artificial lights.

Your plants will be ready to move into the garden at Photo credit: photo courtesy of MelindaMyers.com Cutline: Winter sowing allows gardeners to start transplants from seeds outdoors using recycled items.

their normal planting time. Just open the lid, harden off

Make transplanting easier by using the cardboard

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tubes from toilet paper to help space winter sown seedlings. Cut the toilet paper cardboard tubes to the right height and set them in the milk jug. Fill the bottom of the milk jug with potting mix and plant the seeds. Otherwise, plan on doing some careful separating of the individual seedlings in each milk jug or soda bottle.

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30 | January/February 2026 | VermontMaturity.com

the seedlings and move them into the garden. VM