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Table of Contents
Green Mountain Academy for Lifelong Learning Summer Programming
By Danielle M. Crosier
City Conveniences 1
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Summer Programming Green Mountain Academy for Lifelong Learning Summer Programming
By Danielle M. Crosier
DORSET — Gloria Palmer, executive director of the Green Mountain Academy of Lifelong Learning (GMALL), has been hard at work developing the creative and diverse array of programming for GMALL’s upcoming summer season. She is enthusiastic for – well, everything – but she does have a few favorites in mind.
“I am excited about many of our programs, but if I am to pick a couple of favorites, I would say our August talk with a Tufts University professor who founded and runs Silk Lab. His name is Fiorenzo Omenetto, and he is combining silk with advanced design techniques. I think this will be a fascinating program,” said Palmer, laughing,
but noting that she is also very excited about a two-part exploration of historic homes in Dorset, featuring a panel discussion, and actual tour of the homes.
“Anything about Vermont is always popular,” continued Palmer. “Combine that with architecturally historic homes and design, and I think we have a winner.”
But, in May, there is also a lecture on “Debating the Cyber Revolution: How Real is the Threat?” with Galen Jackson, assistant professor of political science at Williams College.
Jackson, who teaches international and nuclear security, American foreign policy, international relations
GMALL’s culinary classes are held in the homes of the locals who host the classes; they invite the participant inside the heart of the home to enjoy an intimate gathering, such as at this holiday appetizer class.. Image provided by GMALL
theory, and Middle East international politics, will examine the role of digital technologies and their potential weaponization in international politics, as well as cover best practices for personal digital security. The talk will be held at Southern Vermont Arts Center in Manchester, a frequent host of GMALL’s programming.
Also at Southern Vermont Arts Center, in May, Palmer has scheduled the lecture, “Globalization and Its Discontents,” where guest speaker Peter Radford of The Radford Free Press will explore the topic of globalization
in politics – asking such questions as who benefits and loses from global trade; is bringing manufacturing home really possible, or even a good idea; and are global supply chains really that vulnerable to disruption?
It’s these types of intellectually stimulating programs that have formed GMALL’s sustained base audience, an audience that is “mature and well informed; has the time to engage in cultural and social programs that are educational in nature; and has a certain spirit of inquiry and curiosity for lifelong learning.”
Of course, all of this new programming comes on the heels of one of GMALL’s greatest new endeavors, hosting the all new Southern Vermont Writers Conference, which was held at the end of March and early April. The week-long conference – which was co-founded by local novelist Caren McVicker and local freelance writer Kim Place-Gateau – “really took things to a new level with GMALL”, said Palmer.
“I am so pleased with how the Southern Vermont Writers’ Conference went. This inaugural event, under the umbrella of GMALL, was a perfect event – bringing
A lecture on trees by W. John Kress, scientist and curator emeritus at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History.Image provided by GMALL
writers together and building a creative community,” said Palmer. “And, it is just one aspect of GMALL, connecting people with common interests. I love to see it in action – and we are hopeful this will become an annual event.”
For those interested in writing, more opportunities are on the horizon with GMALL, such as a return of the popular spring memoir writing class that was held this past spring. Palmer plans to bring it back once again in the fall, along with a number of other writing programs.
Scheduled for the consecutive Wednesdays of October 8, 15, 22, 29 and November 5, the Zoom memoir classes of “Finding the Golden Fleece: Writing Our Archetypal Journeys” – facilitated by instructor Elayne Clift, will take participants down the path of developing their own exciting narrative – their archetypal journey. The class will focus on identifying a heroic exploration that is “full of adventure, fraught with risk, and ultimately rich with reward.”
Also along the lines of creative storytelling, will be another new format for GAMLL.
Gloria Palmer, executive director of the Green Mountain Academy for Lifelong Learning. Image provided by GMALL
“What we want to try this summer is more of a variety of formats. We’re going to be doing more panel discussions, more moderated discussions, yes. But, one of the programs I’m particularly excited about is a staged play reading that’s happening June 10,” said Palmer.
The event will be held in the gold-domed historic Bennington Courthouse, built in 1822, that now sits empty and vacant. As if the setting were not enough to set the tone, Palmer notes that there will be an interesting element of immersive role playing for the audience of this production.
“It’s going to be a courtroom drama, and the audience will become the jury,” said Palmer, her face lighting up as she set the stage. “The reading will cover the two sides of the argument, but then the audience will break off into smaller groups to deliberate – so, they’ll become the juries. We wanted it to be interactive with
the audience. And, it’s just so different from anything we’ve done in the past.”
The author of the script, which is aptly titled “Prometheus Bound,” is GMALL board member Alan Stoga.
“Guilty or innocent,” asked Stoga, of the concept. “That’s the question the audience will decide when we stage the reading of Prometheus Bound. It’s a courtroom drama about Artificial Intelligence, inadvertently causing death and destruction here in Vermont. I wrote it because I think we as a community need to start thinking together about the role AI already plays in our lives.”
Another interactive and creative project on the horizon is a collage workshop. Another is basket weaving, one of Palmer’s favorite programs. This summer’s basket weaving programming will focus on the traditional craftsmanship and classic weaving techniques used in Nantucket Lightship Baskets. The two-day workshop will take place in the Manchester home of the instructor, Joan Blanchard.
Yet another upcoming program set in the homes of locals, are GMALL’s culinary classes. The dates and themes of these workshops are still to be announced, but Palmer is excited about the possibilities for the summer – which always offers those who participate
While many of GMALL’s programs are indoors, many make use of Vermont’s lush habitats. Here, a group explores the forest floor as they forage for edible mushrooms. Image provided by GMALL
The historic Bennington County Courthouse, a Manchester landmark built in 1822, sits empty and vacant atop the hill by the Equinox Hotel in Manchester’s Historic District. Image provided by Danielle M. Crosier
a unique opportunity to bond over food, hospitality, entertaining, and culture – all amid the backdrop of Southern Vermont’s verdant summer landscape.
Many of GMALL’s offerings are in-person, such as the upcoming Bridge classes with Andy Avery and the ongoing Longevity Yoga classes. However, locally-based programming is worthy of a visit, Palmer advocates.
In July, for example, GMALL will be partnering with the Manchester Music Festival to provide programming that coincides with the events at the festival.
“In my opinion, Manchester and the greater Northshire region is a wonderful destination for cultural and recreational activities. There is so much to do. I encourage people to come to a Green Mountain Academy program, but to also visit the Southern Vermont Arts Center or Hildene, shop and dine in our local stores and restaurants.”
Palmer noted the many attractions that would bring individuals – curious, active, engaged, individuals – to the area, “There are hiking trails, fishing –and pickleball.” Palmer teaches pickleball herself, and is planning two clinics this May, and possibly others throughout the summer.
“Manchester is a culturally vibrant town, and there’s just so much to do,” added Palmer, who encourages those interested in GMALL’s programming to book an
event or workshop with friends, or in groups, and to also get to know new friends while they are in the area. This is a place, she said, where friendships form and develop.
“We are also trying to reach further afield in bringing speakers to this area,” said Palmer, but did note that there will always be incidents where the speaker or workshop leader is “too far afield.” In those situations, the classes or workshops become Zoom-oriented, or become some other type of hybrid model. This diversity in programming is one of the organization’s achievements, and the fact that many of the offerings can be unbound by geography, is also a plus.
“In almost 30 years, Green Mountain Academy has been bringing a wide range of educational programs to the community. The community is always changing, so we are always trying to engage new audiences. We’re always trying new formats to connect with them and make learning fun. We plan to do the programming that people have come to love about us, but we’re still experimenting,” said Palmer, adding that the interactive nature of many of the programs are what people admire about GMALL. VM
A full description of Green Mountain Academy for Lifelong Learning’s offerings are available in the organization’s seasonal catalog of lectures and workshops, but can also be found online at greenmtnacademy.org/.
Greater Burlington YMCA
By Phyl Newbeck
The Greater Burlington YMCA has been in existence for over 180 years. In 2020, they moved to a new location on College Street in downtown Burlington where they have continued their tradition of providing physical, mental, and social stimulation for residents of Chittenden County and beyond. The new building is 66,000 square feet and has two pools, a gym, a wellness area with cardiovascular and strength training, three fitness studios, a childcare classroom, and a playground for the younger set.
Although many people think about programs for children when they think about the YMCA, the Greater Burlington Y offers a wide array of options for adults including senior citizens. There are currently 856 seniors among their members. During the month of February, 3,400 seniors visited the building, which is the equivalent of roughly 120 a day. Most are from Chittenden County, but Grand Isle, Franklin, Lamoille, and Washington County are represented, as well as a few from across the lake.
The Y has a vast assortment of cardio equipment including fifteen treadmills, five stair climbers, five ellipticals, four stationary recumbent bicycles, and four upright bikes. There are two rowing machines, spin bikes, a hand cycle, and two specialized ellipticals. There are also 11 Cybex strength machines and free weights. There is a co-ed sauna, and three locker rooms. The
entire facility is fully compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
CEO Dan Smith said aquatic exercises are very popular with the Y’s senior clientele. Those offerings include aqua arthritis exercise, aqua Zumba, water aerobics, and silver foxes which is a program designed to increase flexibility and improve posture and balance. Other group classes include indoor cycling, cardio dance and tone, interval training, dance fitness, balance, mobility and core, tai chi, and Feldenkrais which uses gentle body movements and slow, repetitive actions to relieve fear, tension, and stress to allow the body to work more efficiently. Classes on senior strength, tai chi, yoga, mindful movement, and strong bones, strong bodies are also designed with an older membership in mind.
Smith said seniors appreciate the social aspect of the group exercise spaces. He said chair yoga, silver foxes classes, flow yoga, core and balance based classes, and aquatics geared toward helping those with arthritis are particularly popular. “There are classes that attract
seniors because of the time of day, the community they create, and how they help seniors keep their bodies moving,” Smith said. In addition, the facility offers workshops on topics ranging from fall prevention to nutrition and estate planning.
The Greater Burlington YMCA describes itself as an inclusive, nonprofit organization which hopes to promote healthy living and foster a sense of social responsibility. Their core values are caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. There is a $35 fee for
membership with a monthly charge of $63 for adults and $57 for seniors. Families pay a $50 fee with a monthly charge of $95. Membership includes free classes and use of the facilities. Non-member adults pay $15 for classes, while the cost is $10 for seniors and $25 for families.
Recognizing that not everyone can pay for the programs, the Y provides financial assistance to those
in need. Smith said there is a sliding scale based on household income with a userfriendly form for requesting assistance. The organization is pleased to have community partners in the education, health, and social services sectors including AARP, Green Mountain Adaptive Sports, the United Way of Northwest Vermont, the Vermont Department of Health, and UVM Medical Center.
Smith joined the organization last December and met with many of the seniors who regularly attend classes. “They all talked about their classes in a way that suggested they thought of it as family,” he said. “That’s what we want. We want the Y to be the third place after home and work.” Smith noted that people don’t just come to the Y to exercise. They linger after their classes and socialize. “It becomes a community that wraps around them,” he said.
One senior, Bob Leidy, has been going to the Y for almost 50 years. “My son did preschool, kindergarten and afterschool at the Y where he enjoyed the diverse environment,” Leidy said. “Now, as a senior, I go to the Y to keep fit and enjoy the Y community. I particularly enjoy the wonderful staff’s ability to keep this place a positive environment.”
Smith said that while exercise can be daunting for people, the Greater Burlington YMCA does their best to
meet people where they are. “We’ll show you how to use the equipment in a manner suitable to your skill level,” he said. “Exercise is a challenge but there is more to the Y than that. While there are physical benefits to becoming a member, you also become part of a community and make lasting friendships. There is as much mental gain as there is physical gain.” VM
A Royal Pain in the ETA:
A Royal Pain in the ETA:
Why You Need a Travel Pro More Than Ever
By Keith Neil
At Champlain Tours, we believe travel should be about excitement, adventure, and perhaps a few too many scones—not navigating yet another acronym that sounds like your printer is trying to talk to you.
Holy Trinity Church and the River Avon in Stratford England. Photo submitted by Champlain Tours.
As of January 8, 2025, our friends across the pond have rolled out a new welcome mat for U.S. travelers: the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). Think of it as a posh British “hall pass” for anyone wanting to pop over for a bit of tea, a conference, or a peek at the Crown Jewels. Yes, even if you’re only transiting through Heathrow with dreams of nothing more than a Pret A Manger sandwich, you’ll need one.
Applications for the ETA opened on November 27, 2024—just in time for Thanksgiving, because nothing says gratitude like parsing government forms between helpings of stuffing.
Now, if you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed, confused, or tempted to simply reroute your trip to a cozy spot in New Jersey, don’t worry. That’s exactly why Champlain Tours exists. We’re not just here to plan epic, memorymaking adventures—we’re also your shield against travel-induced headaches. We handle the forms, the fine print, the “what-do-you-mean-my-passport-needs-sixmonths-of-validity” moments, and yes, even the ETAs.
Gone are the days when travel planning meant tossing a guidebook in your suitcase and hoping for the best. Today’s traveler faces entry requirements that shift faster than London weather. That’s why working with professionals like us isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. We’re seasoned, savvy, and fully trained in the ancient art of international travel wizardry (and fine print deciphering).
So, whether you’re dreaming of Shakespeare’s Stratford, fish and chips in Whitby, or the Queen’s corgis (well, maybe not her corgis, but someone’s), let Champlain Tours take care of the red tape while you focus on the fun stuff.
After all, the only surprise you should have on your next trip is how much you enjoy it—not that you’re stuck in an airport lounge Googling “UK ETA” with 3% battery life.
Travel smart. Travel with Champlain Tours. We know the ropes—and the royal protocols. VM
Nikola Printz, and VSO Musicians Present Works ranging from Romeo and Juliet to Star Wars at Locations Across Vermont
Burlington, VT — The Vermont Symphony Orchestra announces its 2025 Summer Festival Tour, Summer of Love. A dynamic program with works from across the world and a range of genres, Summer of Love includes pieces from Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet, John Williams’ Star Wars Theme, Leonard Bernstein’s West Side Story, and pop hits such as “I Put A Spell On You” and “Nature Boy.” The VSO also welcomes mezzo Nikola Printz as the tour’s special guest vocalist.
An annual VSO tradition, the Summer Festival Tour celebrates music, community, and the summer season. This year’s tour will take place from July 1-6, 2025 in the following locations: Castleton, Grafton, East Burke, South Pomfret, Shelburne, and Stowe. All locations will include VSO’s Musical Petting Zoo where the audience can explore a variety of orchestral instruments, available before the performances. The Grafton, Shelburne, and East Burke performances will conclude with fireworks displays.
“The Vermont Symphony Orchestra is thrilled to bring Summer of Love to audiences across the state this season,” said Andrew Crust, VSO Music Director and conductor of the Summer Festival Tour. “This year’s program is a vibrant blend of genres, featuring beloved selections from musicals, classical masterpieces, and iconic pop hits. We are especially excited to welcome vocalist Nikola Printz, whose dynamic performances will add a fresh dimension to our cherished Summer Festival Tour. And of course, in true festival tradition, we will close the program with the rousing patriotic favorite, Stars and Stripes Forever.”
Mezzo vocalist Nikola Printz, described as “musically resplendent” (San Francisco Chronicle) and known for their “sheer stylistic range … full-throated vocalism and raw emotional honesty” (San Francisco Classical Voice) will join the VSO for several pieces of the concert program.
“Singing love songs is such a personal experience— sharing familiar melodies, poetry, and words that resonate deeply with listeners is incredibly powerful,” said Nikola Printz. “I’m especially thrilled to perform with an orchestra for a mash-up of Nature Boy and Bachianas Brasileiras by Villa-Lobos. I love songs that
are in conversation with one another, and that blend jazz and pop with classical music.”
The full concert program includes:
☮ Frances Scott Key – The StarSpangled Banner
☮ Leonard Bernstein/Mason –West Side Story Selections
☮ Franz Lehár– Meine Lippen sie küssen so heiß
☮ Georges Bizet – Habanera from “Carmen”
☮ Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky –Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture
INTERMISSION
☮ Lalo Schifrin – Tango de Atardecer
☮ John Williams – Across the Stars Love Theme from Star Wars Episode II
ALL CONCERTS BEGIN AT 7:30PM WITH A 5:30PM MEADOW OPEN FOR PICNICKING.
☮ Vermont State University Castleton Pavilion, Castleton, VT: July 1, 2025
☮ Saskadena Six Ski Area, South Pomfret, VT: July 2, 2025 produced in partnership with Pentangle Arts
☮ Grafton Trails and Outdoor Center, Grafton, VT: July 3, 2025 (This performance includes a fireworks display and a pre-concert performance by Kinhaven music students).
☮ Shelburne Museum, Shelburne, VT: July 4, 2025 (This performance includes a fireworks display)
☮ Burke Mountain Ski Resort, East Burke, VT: July 5, 2025 (This performance includes a fireworks display)
☮ Trapp Family Lodge Concert Meadow, Stowe, VT: July 6, 2025 produced in partnership with Stowe Performing Arts VM
For more information and ticketing details, visit Vermont Symphony Orchestra.
Submitted by
Meals on Wheels of Bennington County Provides Lifeline for Older Vermonters
Program serves more than 52,000 meals a year
BENNINGTON — Spring is often seen as a season of renewal and growth — and for Bennington County Meals on Wheels, it’s also a reminder of the importance of community care.
The nonprofit organization, which serves older adults and people living with disabilities, provided more than 52,000 meals last year to residents across Bennington County. The effort supports not only nutrition but also social connection and independence for some of the region’s most vulnerable neighbors.
“We are committed to ensuring that our neighbors receive the nutritious meals they need to maintain their health, vitality and independence,” stated Ilsa Svoboda,
Meals on Wheels operates two community cafés in Bennington and Arlington, serving between 20 to 100 people each day. The cafés offer a warm meal in a welcoming, social setting — often an important source of daily interaction for seniors.
For those unable to leave their homes, Meals on Wheels provides home-delivered meals. More than half of the organization’s home-delivered clients are veterans.
But the service is about more than food. For many, it’s a critical lifeline.
Take Margaret, for example — a Bennington County resident who lives alone without immediate family nearby. For her, the daily visit from a Meals on Wheels volunteer driver means not only a nourishing meal but also a safety check and a friendly face.
“Simple tasks like grocery shopping or cooking become overwhelming when you’re alone,” staff said. “There’s no one to check in, no one to help when something goes wrong. That’s why Meals on Wheels is more than just a meal — it’s a lifeline.”
Bennington County Meals on Wheels continues to serve the community thanks to volunteers, donors and local support. VM
For more information or to get involved, visit www. benningtoncounty.org or call 802-442-8012.
Executive Director.
Spotlight on Essex and Manchester, Vermont: Ideal towns for retirement and aging in place
By Ben Durant
Vermont’s picturesque landscape, charming small towns, and strong sense of community make it an ideal place to retire. Among the state’s many wonderful towns, Essex and Manchester stand out as two exceptional choices for those looking to retire and age in place. Here’s a closer look at what makes these towns perfect for retirement.
Essex, Vermont
Located in Northwest Vermont in Chittenden County, just a short drive from Burlington, Essex offers a picturesque and peaceful environment. When combined, Essex and Essex Junction’s aggregate population makes it the second-largest town in Vermont, but in reality, “Essex” (Town and Junction) feels nothing like a city and everything like small-town Vermont with all the quaint charm one might expect. Location-wise, Essex is juxtaposed between Mount Mansfield and Lake Champlain.
VIBRANT COMMUNITY SPIRIT
Essex is known for its welcoming and close-knit community. Many seniors have a very active social life, either on the golf course or morning coffee at the Quality Bake Shop. The town hosts numerous events throughout the year, including farmers’ markets, concerts, and festivals. These events foster a strong sense of belonging and provide plenty of opportunities for socializing. The Essex Experience, a unique shopping and dining destination, adds to the town’s vibrant
atmosphere. Many seniors move here to be near family that have settled here; others may have worked for IBM in the past and couldn’t wait to get back home.
ACCESS TO QUALITY HEALTHCARE
Healthcare is a top priority for retirees, and Essex excels in this area. The town is near the University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington, ensuring residents have access to top-notch medical care. Additionally, there are several local clinics and specialists available.
CONVENIENT AMENITIES
Essex offers a variety of amenities, including grocery stores, pharmacies, excellent restaurants, wine shops, and cafes. The town’s convenient location also provides easy access to additional services in nearby Burlington. Essex has multiple public golf courses and is only 35 minutes from Smugglers’ Notch Resort, which offers world-class alpine skiing. On the other end, Essex is just a few miles from the shores of Lake Champlain and all that it has to offer.
HOUSING OPTIONS
Essex provides diverse housing options suitable for aging in place, from single-family homes to singlelevel living condominiums. Many homes are designed with accessibility in mind and feature senior-friendly amenities. Notable senior communities include Mansfield Place, which offers assisted living and memory care services, and The Residence at the Essex,
which provides independent living with a full range of amenities provided by the Essex Resort & Spa. It’s truly independent living at its best. Next door, you’ll find Maple Ridge Assisted Living and Maple Ridge Memory Care; both are beautiful facilities that offer exceptionally good care.
Manchester, Vermont
Manchester, located in Southwest Vermont, lies closer to Saratoga Springs, NY, than to Essex, but it also offers a truly notable Vermont retirement experience. Manchester is an exquisite resort town that offers a blend of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and convenient amenities, making it an ideal place to retire.
NATURAL BEAUTY AND OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Manchester is nestled in the Green Mountains and offers stunning landscapes and numerous recreational opportunities, particularly fly fishing and golf. It’s hard not to think of Manchester without thinking of Orvis and fly fishing. Orvis was founded in Manchester in 1856 by Charles F. Orvis, who started by crafting highquality fly-fishing equipment. Today, Manchester is home to Orvis’s flagship store and the Orvis Rod Shop, where many of their fly rods are still handcrafted. Many
sportsmen from around the world view Manchester as a mecca and flock here to attend a sporting class or to pick up a handmade rod. The Equinox Resort & Spa is a mecca in its own right for those interested in golf and was named one of the top 75 courses in the US by Golf Digest Magazine. In winter, Manchester is very close to Stratton and Bromley mountains, rounding out Manchester as a truly four-season resort town.
ACCESS TO QUALITY HEALTHCARE
Manchester is well-served by healthcare facilities, including the Southwestern Vermont Medical Center and local clinics. The town’s healthcare services ensure residents have access to quality medical care.
CONVENIENT AMENITIES
Manchester offers a wide range of amenities, including charming shops, cafes, and restaurants
Downtown Manchester, VT
in its downtown area. The local library, community center, and senior center provide various programs and activities to keep seniors engaged and active.
DIVERSE HOUSING OPTIONS
Manchester provides a variety of housing options suitable for aging in place. Whether it’s single-family homes, condominiums, or senior living communities, retirees can find housing that meets their preferences and needs. Notable senior communities include Equinox
Terrace, which offers assisted living, memory care, and respite care. The Equinox Village is another important community providing upscale independent living with a broad range of amenities.
Why Choose Essex or Manchester?
Both towns offer a blend of natural beauty, vibrant community spirit, and essential amenities that cater to retirees. Their strong healthcare systems, convenient amenities, and diverse housing options make them ideal places to age in place. The cultural and recreational opportunities available in both towns ensure that retirees can lead fulfilling and active lives. VM
Ben Durant is a Senior Real Estate Specialist and Owner of Transition Real Estate. He is dedicated to helping Vermont Seniors and Boomers find their best housing solutions. Ben lives with his wife and three children in Williston. He can be contacted by visiting Transitionsvt.com or by calling 802-355-6688.
Downtown Essex, VT-Five Corners
Creating and caring for shade gardens
By Melinda Myers
Those shady spots in the landscape can make it challenging to grow a beautiful garden. Fortunately, there are more plants than you may think that will thrive in low light.
Monitor the amount of sunlight the area receives throughout the day, season, and year. You may be surprised that it gets more sunlight than you thought. Some plants, like spring ephemerals and even sun-loving spring flowering bulbs, receive sufficient sunlight early in the season before most trees leaf out. Other plants need sunlight throughout the growing season and those sun-loving plants growing in hotter regions often benefit from a bit of afternoon sun.
Make a list of plants you have had success with and those that failed in the shady location. Use these to help you select or avoid plants with similar light requirements. For example, if peonies bloom and tomatoes produce fruit this area receives quite a bit of sunlight, enough to grow most full sun plants.
Consider mulching the soil when there is more shade than even shade-loving plants can tolerate. Add a table and chair for relaxing, and a few steppers if needed, to enjoy the cool shade.
When planting under or near trees be careful not to damage them when creating your shade garden.
Don’t bury, cut, dig, or shave off surface roots, creating entryways for harmful insects and diseases. Skip adding soil over the roots as even an inch can kill some tree species. Avoid deep cultivation that damages the fine feeder roots critical for water and nutrient absorption. Keep in mind the majority of tree roots grow within the top 18” of soil with 50% of these in the top six inches.
Instead, carefully dig relatively small planting holes between major roots, mulch, and spot water new plantings to minimize root damage. It may take transplants a little longer to fill in, but your tree will be healthier and live longer.
A shade garden with hostas, Solomon seal, and coleus grown in pots. Photo courtesy of MelindaMyers.com
Add a splash of color with a few potted annuals set among the perennials. Or permanently sink a few pots in the ground and set potted flowering plants inside them. It’s easier on the tree roots and your back.
Check soil moisture several times a week and water thoroughly as needed. Plants growing under large trees or overhangs need more frequent watering, especially in the first two years until they become established. The dense canopy of many trees and impervious overhangs prevent rainfall from reaching the ground below. Plus, the extensive root systems of trees and shrubs absorb much of the rainfall that does make it through.
Avoid high nitrogen, quick-release fertilizers that promote lush succulent growth that is more susceptible to insects and diseases. And with limited light as a potential plant stressor, this can increase the risk of problems. Use a low nitrogen, slow-release fertilizer that promotes steady above and below-ground growth.
Protect new plantings especially hostas, impatiens, caladiums, coleus, turtleheads, wax begonias, Solomon
seal, and other plants often damaged by deer and rabbits. Apply animal repellents before the animals start browsing for better results. Select a rain and snowresistant product, like organic Plantskydd (plantskydd. com), so you won’t need to reapply as often. Always check the product label and follow the directions for the best results.
You can create a beautiful shade garden for years of enjoyment with proper plant selection and care. VM
Melinda Myers has written over 20 gardening books, including Midwest Gardener’s Handbook, 2nd Edition and Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” instant video and DVD series and the nationally syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine and was commissioned by Tree World Plant Care for her expertise in writing this article. Her website is www.MelindaMyers.com.
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Ve r mont’s Leade r in Memor y Care…for O ve r 30 Years
Cultural Immersion at Your Own Pace
By Carolee Duckworth
Article #4 in the Wise
Wanderer
Series in Vermont Maturity
Imagine yourself sitting in a centuries-old pub in London, sharing a pint with locals who’ve been coming to this same establishment for decades. Or chatting with an older British couple in a garden you meander through on your walk to the Thames. As they direct you to take the “Wobbly” bridge across the river to the rebuilt Globe Theater (and its lovely Swan Restaurant, with views overlooking the river), they tell you the tale of how the bridge came by its name. When it was showcased by a parade on its opening day, the marchers stomped across it in step and set the bridge to “wobbling” dangerously.
These are not the experiences of rushed tourists. This is cultural immersion—the art of becoming a temporary local—and it’s one of the greatest rewards of gentle travel.
In our previous articles, we’ve explored the fundamentals of gentle travel, highlighted five iconic European cities worth savoring and discussed finding the ideal travel companion. Now, we’re ready to delve deeper into how to truly immerse yourself in the culture of your chosen destination, using London as our primary example.
Slow Travel and Extended Stays: The Foundation of Immersion
The secret to cultural immersion begins with allowing enough time. Traditional tourism often treats destinations as items to be checked off a list—”See Big Ben, snap a
In London, book a flat for at least 7 days in a convenient location where you can “walk out the door and be there!” Choose a place near Leicester Square, handy to all those lovely perches in the square, as well as to restaurants, museums, theaters and the ever-engaging Covent Garden.
Travel about the city on the river, using the handy Uberboat Clippers—sleek high-speed catamarans. These offer restful but efficient transportation, with a view.
When you hop off at Embankment Pier, walk over to Tattershall Castle, a decommissioned passenger ferry, now permanently moored and transformed into a distinctive floating Pub. Find a table on the main deck and order wine, ale or lager and a burger, pie or fish and chips. The relaxed daytime atmosphere here is replaced on weekend evenings when the Tattershall transforms into a vibrant nightspot. Another day, return to the Tattershall in the late afternoon to witness the magical transformation of London as day turns to evening. The illumination of the South Bank buildings and the London Eye creates a spectacular backdrop for drinks and conversation.
Engage with Locals: Make Meaningful Connections
Cultural immersion flourishes through human connection. While British reserve is legendary, Londoners
London Theater. Supplied by Carolee Duckworth
are generally welcoming once appropriate contexts for conversation are established. Local tours led by residents rather than international companies offer excellent opportunities for authentic interaction. Consider London Walks, where knowledgeable locals guide small groups through historic neighborhoods, sharing personal insights along with historical facts. These guides often become valuable resources, happy to suggest their favorite restaurants or events.
Markets become social hubs rather than mere shopping destinations when approached with curiosity and openness. At Covent Gardens, talk with vendors about their creations. Find the woodcarver in his booth, selling hand-carved pens shaped as animals and birds, and ask him about his craft. How does he come up with his many ideas and which are most popular?
Community spaces provide another avenue for connection. London’s many bookshops frequently host evening readings or discussions. Similarly, attending services or a concert at historic churches like St. Martin-
in-the-Fields includes not just architectural appreciation but possible conversation with a local afterward. These brief exchanges often evolve into meaningful conversations and connections. Remember that genuine connection requires genuine interest. Ask thoughtful questions, listen attentively, and share your own perspectives when appropriate. Cultural exchange should flow both ways.
Balance Tourist Goals with Authentic Londoner
Experiences
London presents the gentle traveler with a particular challenge: how to experience iconic sites without becoming trapped in tourist crowds and missing the authentic city. The solution lies in developing a balanced approach.
If you must visit major tourist attractions like the Tower of London or Westminster Abbey, aim for offpeak hours—perhaps a weekday afternoon rather than a weekend morning. Consider tours that offer “fast-track”
entry, or even entry before the normal opening hours. This will allow you to skip lines and conserve energy in the process.
Visit the British Museum like a Londoner— multiple times, not in a single frenzied marathon. See Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Tower Bridge and the London Eye from the front deck of an Uberboat Clipper. Find “your bench” in Victoria Embankment Gardens beside the river and sit awhile on your way to the pier.
And like a Londoner, attend LOTS of theater. London is the capital of the world when it comes to theater. Londoners — royalty, nobility, and commoner— have flocked to shows in vast numbers since the 1500s (except for a brief period in the mid 1600s when theater was banned for its “lascivious mirth and levity”). To save money on shows, stop by the discount booth in Leicester Square (or access it online) to see what options remain for tonight at a fraction of normal ticket prices.
Travel as a Noticer, Listener, and Learner
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• In 2024 we prepared over 52,000 meals for home delivery including our Bennington and
• Our wholesome, daily prepared meals improve health, provide food security, and suppo independent living.
• Visits from our volunteer drivers reduce social isolation and loneliness, and the need for our vital services is always growing.
Cultural immersion requires presence—the ability to fully engage with your surroundings rather than rush through them. Gentle travelers excel as “noticers,” developing an awareness that younger, more hurried tourists often miss.
This noticing extends to all senses. In London’s parks, notice how differently various generations use the space— elderly Londoners feeding birds, office workers taking lunch breaks, families on weekends.
Cultivate curiosity about everyday details. Why do London’s black cabs have such high roofs? (To accommodate gentlemen’s top hats in Victorian times.) Why do some pubs have unusual names like “The Prospect of Whitby” or “Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese”? (Each tells a historical story.) These questions lead to discoveries that rarely appear in guidebooks.
Looking Ahead
As you practice cultural immersion, you’ll discover that gentle travel creates perfect opportunities for rich experiences that rushed tourism cannot provide. The connections you make, the subtle cultural understandings you develop, and the sense of temporary belonging you achieve will become among your most treasured travel memories. VM
Carolee Duckworth is an avid traveler who has designed and written about dozens of “great trips.” Among her books, available on Amazon, are: “Your Great Trip to France” and “Shifting Gears to Your Life and Work After Retirement.” Her website (https:// GreatTripGuide.com) offers a growing selection of day-by-day trip plans, with links for all bookings to be made in advance.
