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Table of Contents
Sunset Lake CBD
By Phyl Newbeck
By Bob Crego
By Elise Brunelle
Keith Neil-Champlain
Sunset Lake Farm.
Sunset Lake CBD
SBy Phyl Newbeck
unset Lake CBD is a farmer-owned hemp farm and brand in South Hero. “Our roots are in Vermont dairy,” said Founder and Executive Director Sam Bellavance. “My family’s farm was producing milk and cream for Ben and Jerry’s. In 2019 I decided to diversify and started growing hemp for CBD.” Today Sunset Lake CBD grows, harvests, and ships its Vermont-grown CBD products nationwide, serving customers in all 50 states and US territories. They are proud of the fact that Vermonters can get locally made, non-pharmaceutical, plant-based relief with their CBD products.
According to Director of Marketing, Rev Baker, Sunset Lake CBD is unique because they are both the farm and the product manufacturer, which gives them control over the entire process from seed to sale. This helps the company keep costs down, allowing them to offer their products at affordable prices. “CBD shouldn’t be a luxury,” said Baker. “Sunset Lake CBD is a vertically integrated farm that aims to provide affordable CBD products to everyone by cutting out the middleman and shipping our products from our farm to your door.”
“Since we’re a farm run by real people, folks can trust that our products are authentic,” said Baker. Biographies of staff members are published on
Ariel photo of Sunset Lake Farm and grow fields.
Transplanting by hand at Sunset Lake CBD farm.
the website to help build trust with customers. The company prides itself on their customer service with live representatives who are available Monday through Friday from 9 am to 4 pm. Calls and emails are responded to by people who understand the products they sell and can make recommendations, rather than AI.
In contrast to CBD brands which are run by marketing firms and sell what they refer to as hemp seed oil, but which does not contain CBD, Sunset Lake produces a wide variety of CBD products which contain the full suite of cannabinoids and terpenes from the hemp plant. Baker said many consumers report that full-spectrum products are more effective than products made using CBD isolate. All of Sunset Lake’s products are tested by third-party labs to ensure potency and purity. That paperwork is provided with every order.
“We are farmers,” Bellavance said. “We’re not an investment banker saying, ‘CBD is a hot product right now, so let’s buy some isolate from a lab and slap a label
Sam Bellavance on the waterwheel transplanting tractor.
on it.’ We are actually growing these plants. In fact, we hand-plant the seeds, so we have an emotional connection with each plant. And that passion carries over to the products. I think that’s something that makes our brand stand out in a crowded market.”
Sunset Lake CBD describes a range of uses for their products. They have gummies and tinctures to help with sleep, topicals for relieving sore muscles and rehydrating dry skin, and products which promote
relaxation, as well as CBD-infused coffee, chocolate fudge, and new Lifted Tea drinks in cans. They even have products designed for pets with anxiety, pain, or mobility issues.
Sunset Lake states that studies including those performed by the World Health Organization have shown that CBD does not create any dependence issues and will not make users feel intoxicated. Sunset Lake’s customer surveys have shown that the most common uses of their products are for sore muscles and joints, sleep assistance, and relaxation. Others have said they use it for anxiety and depression. Sunset Lake strongly suggests that customers check with their doctor and/or pharmacist before starting CBD since there can be interactions with other medications.
Older Vermonters can benefit from Sunset Lake’s line of topical products. These include body lotions, salve sticks, and muscle rubs. Some of the muscle rubs include Lidocaine and the salve sticks include Arnica. Baker said many older customers tell the company that they use CBD to help with mobility issues, aches and pains, getting better rest, and finding natural calm.
Sunset Lake touts its tinctures and gummies as offering convenient, customizable ways to enjoy the overall, systemic benefits of CBD. Using tinctures allows people to customize their exact dose which provides the best value in terms of
Cy Kupersmith harvesting hemp.
cost per milligram. Topical products allow for targeted, localized relief: acting only where they are spread without entering the bloodstream.
Sunset Lake also carries a line of Functional Mushroom Gummies. The Focus Gummies include Lion’s Mane and Cordyceps while the Relax Gummies are infused with Reishi mushrooms and Ashwagandha root. They are described as convenient, pre-dosed, and tasty.
Since there is no middleman, buying directly from the Sunset Lake farm helps keep Vermont agriculture alive and ensures that money stays in the community. The company’s farmers start work at a minimum wage of $22 per hour and most of the business is employee owned. In addition, the farm is committed to helping the community and in just five years of operation they have contributed over $100,000 to non-profit organizations such as Vermont Public, Vermont
Sunset Lake CBD Recovery Lotion Jasmine.
Sunset Lake CBD Tinctures.
Community Foundation, Vermont Businesses For Social Responsibility, the Green Mountain Club, Green Up Vermont, Alburgh Family Clubhouse, Humane Society of Chittenden County, and a variety of organizations providing food relief, supporting equal rights for all, criminal justice reform, refugee assistance, and worker solidarity.
Sunset Lake CBD uses sustainable farming techniques like cover cropping, low-till, organic fertilizer, and hand-harvesting to ensure the long-term health of their soil and minimize their environmental footprint. All hemp is grown outdoors which helps to reduce stress on Vermont’s electrical grid. Instead of using pesticides, Sunset Lake protects their crops with predatory insects like assassin bugs, Trichogramma wasps, and lady bugs. Additionally, Sunset Lake CBD works with local businesses to repurpose waste-stream products as natural fertilizers. Spent brewing ingredients from a South Hero craft brewery and manure from a family dairy farm reduce their need to truck in fertilizers.
Sunset Lake offers lots of ways to save on their CBD products. Customers starting an account on the Sunset Lake website (SunsetLakeCBD.com) can earn rewards points on all purchases which they can use for discounts on future orders. Referrals to family and friends can earn customers store credits. Also, with a Subscribe & Safe option, customers can save up to 25% off each recurring order. There is free shipping for orders over $75.
“It’s really rewarding when we hear from our customers how our products have improved their quality of life,” Bellavance said. “Folks will tell us how they’ve been able to restart an old hobby like gardening or playing pickleball, and it means the world to us to know that we’re able to help people get back to enjoying life again.” VM
Sunset Lake CBD Focus Functional Mushroom Gummies.
Sunset Lake CBD Fudge & Farmers Roast CBD Coffee.
Sunset Lake CBD Recovery Lotion Jasmine.
Bradley House: An Engaging And Active Community For Elders In Southern Vermont
By Bob Crego
Bradley House is a licensed non-profit residential care home with over 60 years of service to elders in the Brattleboro area.
According to Michael Jones, our Activity Program Director at Bradley House, for elders to be healthy, happy and to truly thrive, they must be regularly active in mind, body, and spirt.
“At Bradley House, it is important that residents have ample and varied opportunities for exercise every day,” says Jones, who works with a variety of local service providers, volunteers and staff who encourage and support residents to engage in such activities as tai chi classes, meditation, hiking, and yoga.
For much of the past year, an instructor from the New England Center for Circus Arts has visited Bradley each month to lead residents in a session of seated acrobatics (see photo).
Residents also exercise their minds by engaging in word games, trivia, and opportunities to learn more
things. Research suggests that participation in these types of activities may have a positive effect on memory. Even watching videos can be beneficial if approached thoughtfully with intention.
“I am careful in choosing movies and documentaries to watch because we want to stimulate thought and discussion,” says Jones.
And while not all residents of Bradley House are spiritual, all are supported in pursuing the religion or belief system that provides meaning to their life. Priests from local Episcopal and Catholic churches offer regular services at Bradley, and volunteers have accompanied residents of other denominations to Sunday services in Brattleboro, as well. Activities staff have group discussions on the end of life, and plan to host a licensed therapist this fall to facilitate further discussion on this topic.
A report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine found that 1 in 4 adults over age 65 is socially isolated. Older adults face unique challenges. Many have chronic health conditions which can dissuade them from participating in activities; many also experience some degree of cognitive decline, making
it difficult to make plans or to regularly connect with others. As we age, we lose family members and friends; this can have a devastating effect on our health and make it hard to form new friendships.
For all these reasons, being a member of a residential care community like Bradley House can have tremendous positive health benefits.
“Connecting is really a special part of being here,” said Jones. “Trying to create the opportunity for connection is a one of the most important things that we can do. Folks who move in are coming to their last stage in life—the last place most will live—but they are also joining a community where they can receive support. Many have lived alone and lost a spouse. Here (at Bradley House) they develop connections to others through conversation at dinner or by sharing an event or activity. This not only makes the move easier—it makes for a fulfilling life.”
Residents not only forge connections with those within the Bradley House community, but they benefit, as well, from ties with organizations and institutions
A Halloween Visit: Bradley House Residents dress up for Halloween along with children from Horizon Preschool.
Circus Arts: New England Center for Circus Arts visits Bradley House.
from throughout the Brattleboro area which regularly bring programming to Bradley House. This includes students at Hilltop Montessori School sharing their learning with residents, children from Horizon Preschool celebrating the first day of May, and performers from the New England Youth Theater enacting scenes from their latest production. Brattleboro’s rich cultural scene is very much a part of programming at Bradley House, as
evidenced by regular events staged with the Brattleboro Museum and Arts Center, the Suitcase Theater Group, the Southern Vermont Natural History Museum, the Brattleboro Music Center, and many more.
In fact, music is one of the most popular activities at Bradley House. Our monthly schedule boasts a broad roster of performers playing seemingly any and every genre from classical, folk, jazz, and old-time fiddle music, to popular show tunes and sing-alongs.
“Music is something that people can connect deeply to either privately or as a group,” said Jones. But like all activities at Bradley, no engagement is required or mandatory. “Everyone has the freedom to be themselves, to choose what they would like to do…They can leave in the middle of an activity if they want…Having fun is a huge part of what we do. We try to create a lightheartedness, and respect boundaries.” VM
To learn more about Bradley House, including applying for admission to our community, please visit our web site at gardenpathelderliving.org, email us at: info@ gardenpathelderliving.org, or call us at 802-246-1556.
Drumming: Tara Murphy of Ammaya Dance & Drum leads residents in an African-rooted drumming session.
Taking a Hike: Bradley House residents enjoy a group hike on a nearby trail.
Heroes of the Everyday: Heroes of the
When we picture our golden years, we often imagine them right here in Vermont, surrounded by the people and places we know and love. But aging in place requires a special kind of support—the kind that goes beyond routine check-ins. Sometimes, it requires a dedicated team of caregivers who provide not just technical expertise, but also genuine warmth, dignity, and human connection. This is the story of two such heroes, Tiffany Beier and Karen Stout, who are changing lives with compassionate care.
A Healing Melody
Stepping into a memory care facility requires a special kind of heart. The ability to connect with residents, to meet them in their world, is a unique gift. Tiffany Beier, a physical therapist, possesses this gift in spades. Her days are a blend of clinical expertise and quiet compassion. She’s the one who might pull out her phone to play calming music for a resident feeling overwhelmed or sit patiently in the dining room just to offer a warm smile to someone,
Stories of Compassion and Care at BAYADA Home Health Care
By Courtney Hawkins, BAYADA Area Director
whether they are her client or not. Her presence is a beacon of calm and confidence.
Tiffany’s reputation for exceptional care extends beyond her direct clients. She is a trusted resource for her colleagues and the facility’s management team. Her advocacy for her clients is unwavering; she ensures that her colleagues are informed and that care is coordinated seamlessly across all disciplines. Tiffany’s communication skills are a key part of this process, allowing her to manage relationships with multiple clients and their families with grace and a positive attitude.
Perhaps the truest testament to her dedication came when she was ill herself. Despite the personal setback, she
Karen Stout and other employees of BAYADA at Karen’s hero celebration.
was still communicating with her team to ensure her clients were taken care of. For Tiffany, caring for others isn’t just a job; it’s part of her DNA.
More Than a Caregiver
Karen Stout, a Licensed Practical Nurse with nearly 14 years of experience, is the kind of person who leaves a lasting impression on everyone she meets. A former client, speaking about Karen’s care, put it simply: “I miss Karen every day. She is wonderful and I loved her care. She is easy to talk to and makes you want to share stories about your family—you know she cares.”
This ability to connect on a deeply human level is Karen’s superpower. She’s a natural leader and a source of motivation for her teammates, always checking in on them when they are sick or going through a tough time. Karen consistently delivers the highest quality of care. She has created trusting relationships with community partners as the front-facing person for many senior living facilities. As a crucial part of the precepting program for onboarding new nurses, Karen sets a shining example of what it means to be a dedicated clinician. One client noted that Karen is a hero in every sense of the word, joking, “I am sure she sleeps but people that are out saving the world rarely do.”
The Quiet Calling
A caregiver’s role is a complex balance of technical skills and empathy. These professionals are the backbone of a system that allows Vermonters to age in place,
surrounded by the comfort and familiarity of their own lives. They are not just providing medical or physical assistance; they are offering reassurance, dignity, and a vital human connection that can brighten even the toughest of days.
The work of people like Tiffany and Karen is a reminder that the greatest heroes are often found in our communities, performing quiet acts of kindness. Their stories are a testament to the power of human connection, and the difference one person can make.
At BAYADA, we believe in celebrating the people who embody The BAYADA Way, our core values of compassion, excellence, and reliability. Through our Hero Program, we spotlight those who shine—like Tiffany and Karen—not just as outstanding professionals, but as champions of care. VM
To learn more about caregiving job opportunities in Vermont, visit jobs.bayada.com or contact the office directly by calling 802-205-7006 or emailing Lauren Beland at lbeland@bayada.com.
All photos submitted by BAYADA
Tiffany Beier, a Physical Therapists at BAYADA.
Karen Stout , a Licensed Practical Nurse at BAYADA.
Vermont FALL NOTES FROM Symphony
2025
has been a busy summer your Vermont Symphony Orchestra!
The annual statewide Summer Festival Tour wrapped up after six performances in July, followed by Oklahoma! in Concert at the von Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, and finally a return to the stage with Grace Potter at her Grand Point North Festival in Burlington.
The orchestra’s 91st season moves indoors as cooler temperatures prevail, with its first concert East Meets West
By Elise Brunelle
at the Flynn in Burlington on September 26, and at the Paramount in Rutland on September 27.
Joining the VSO is one of the world’s leading tabla virtuosos, Grammy Award-winning musician Sandeep Das, a 21-year member of the Silk Road Ensemble and collaborator with Paquito D’Rivera, Bobby McFerrin, and Yo-Yo Ma. Das partners with sitarist Rajib Karmakar to start the concert with the first movement of pioneering composer Ravi Shankar’s Symphony. Das follows with Sri Lankan/Canadian composer Dinuk Wijeratne’s brilliant Tabla Concerto, a three movement exploration of baroque, electronica, folk, and romantic styles.
The second half completes its East/West connection with Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition, a hugely popular, sweeping work masterfully orchestrated by Maurice Ravel. The piece gives a distinct musical voice to visual art and shows the full colors and virtuosity of the orchestra.
VSO returns to The Flynn in Burlington with Pastoral Symphony on Saturday, October 25, with the natural world underscoring this late autumn concert with birdsong, thunder, moonlight, and mushrooms as influence for a breadth of compositions. William Grant Still’s Wood Notes is inspired by the rich nature of the American South, and Chelsea Komschlies’ piece Mycelialore makes musical connections between fungal and neural networks in a piece commissioned by the League of American Orchestras.
VSO Music Director, Andrew Crust (credit-Luke Awtry)
The second half presents Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6 “Pastorale”, a bucolic hymn to the countryside and nature. From stillness to dancing, and bird calls to storms, Beethoven’s ability to incorporate rural life in musical form is exemplified in the four movements of this work.
Music Director Andrew Crust conducts the September and October concerts. Tickets are $25 - $62 (plus tax and fees), with student and music teacher discounts available, at www.vso.org/events or by calling
the Flynn box office (802-863-5966) and The Paramount Theatre box office (802-775-0903).
VSO’s eclectic Jukebox quartet travels to St. Johnsbury, Burlington, Rutland, and Waterbury between October 15 and 19 in a concert series hosted and curated by Matt LaRocca.
Throughout history, composers have turned to music in the face of hardship—to find light in darkness, to hold fast to truth, to rise up, and to offer comfort, courage, and strength. In this fall Jukebox series, VSO’s
Jukebox at ArtsRiot November 2024 (credit-Luke Awtry)
string quartet looks to those composers who have created music for hope, resistance, and change—music composed in prison camps, music that calls out injustice, music that shouts dissent, music that is charged with the need to speak out and be heard.
The Jukebox concert on October 15 at the St. Johnsbury Athenaeum is free (tickets are limited; pre-registration required); tickets for the concerts on October 16 at the Burlington
Beer Company, October 17 at the Paramount in Rutland, and October 19 at Zenbarn in Waterbury are $15 - $35 (plus tax and fees), available at www. vso.org/events.
In education, VSO’s September guest musicians Sandeep Das (tabla) and Rajib Karmakar (sitar) host a world music workshop with students at Vermont State University Castleton, and Das will conduct a drumming workshop in Burlington in partnership with artists from Clemmons Family Farm.
In November, VSO musicians travel to St. Albans’ Bellows Free Academy and Montpelier’s U-32 school music programs with one-on-one lessons for students, and to perform side-by-side concerts as part of the Made in Vermont concert tour featuring storytellers from The Moth Radio Hour.
Vermont Youth Orchestra Association (VYOA) musicians are welcomed to VSO concerts at the Flynn as part of experiential learning for senior-level musicians, and VYOA small ensembles perform in the lobby before concerts. In 2025-26, five VYOA violinists and cellists will perform onstage with the VSO in Orff’s Carmina Burana, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6, and Bizet’s Carmen Suites No. 1 and 2.
The Musicians in Schools program is VSO’s most far-reaching program, with over 3,600 kids participating last year. String, brass, and woodwind instrument trios bring live musical performance for K-6 students with a wide sampling of repertoire, audience participation, a storyteller who ties the music to STEM principles, and a good dose of zany humor.
Stay tuned at vso.org/education and sign up for VSO’s biweekly newsletter by emailing hello@vso.org to learn more about fall adult education opportunities! VM
Whether you’re enjoying a morningstrollthroughthe neighborhood,rallyingonthe pickleball courts,orsavoring coffeewithfriendson your frontporch,BlackMountain Estatesismore than a home— it’sa lively, fulfilling wayof life. Embraceyournextchapterin acommunitywhere adventure andserenitymeet.
Postcards from the Past: A Second Grand Tour
By Keith Neil-Champlain Tours
Fifty-three years ago, Carol and Jim took on Europe with a single backpack, two Eurail passes, and all the confidence of people who could survive a week on baguettes, brie, and cheap wine. It was 1971. They slept in hostels that now look like inspiration for horror movies, admired worldfamous art without knowing what they were staring at, and figured “shower every three days” was a perfectly acceptable lifestyle.
They swore they’d come back someday— with better shoes and enough money to order wine without asking, “Is this the house red… or the house paint thinner?”
This spring, they did just that—this time with the help of Champlain Tours, the masters of crafting stress-free itineraries with just enough “wow” to make your inner 20-year-old jealous. Their “Second Grand Tour” was a nostalgic upgrade—like going from flip phone to smartphone overnight.
In Florence, they faced Michelangelo’s David again, but this time with an art historian who could explain why David wasn’t just “that really buff guy holding a rock.” Dinner under the Tuscan stars included a truffle risotto so good Jim declared it “worth waiting 50 years for.”
We offer:
•Ind iv idua lized pl anofcareto meetyourlovedone’s specific needs
•2 4-hr specia lized dement ianursingcare
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Lucerne brought another déjà vu moment. Their old hostel had turned into a chic lakeside hotel, and instead of bunk beds, they had feather duvets, panoramic mountain views, and a bellhop who didn’t look like he’d just come from a Led Zeppelin concert. Over breakfast, they traded stories with a honeymooning couple who couldn’t believe people once traveled without Wi-Fi.
Champlain Tours even planned a secret vow renewal in Bellagio. Jim pulled out his original 1971 vows—written on an index card that somehow survived five decades of moves—and read them again, pausing only to admit, “I was too nervous to write a second draft back then.” A violinist, arranged by Champlain, played La Vie en Rose while they toasted with prosecco (instead of cheap beer).
The trip ended in Paris, where they mailed actual postcards—with stamps—and wandered the Luxembourg Gardens without worrying about catching a $10 train to nowhere.
Champlain Tours made it effortless. And unforgettable.
It wasn’t about checking boxes. It was about celebrating where they’ve been, who they’ve become, and the joy of seeing the world—this time, with better beds and zero backpacks.
CHAMPLAIN TOURS MADE IT EFFORTLESS. AND UNFORGETTABLE.
We believe every trip should tell your story— whether you’re rekindling romance in Italy, celebrating retirement with flair, or finally taking that “someday” Grand Tour (with room service this time). VM
Burlington, Vermont | Designing journeys worldwide www.champlaintours.com. See our ad on page 15
RJohn Doucette
One of classic film’s great character actors
By Nick Thomas
eleased 60 years ago this year, “The Sons of Katie Elder” is often cited as a favorite amongst John Wayne fans. In addition to the delightful screen chemistry between Wayne and co-star Dean Martin as lead actors, the cast is littered with beloved classic film character actors including Paul Fix, James Gregory, Strother Martin, Rhys Williams, and John Qualen.
And John Doucette. With his deep, rich, distinctive voice and rugged features, Doucette was a prolific supporting actor in over 140 movies and even more television roles from the 1950s to the 1980s. Though he played a good-natured character in “Katie Elder” and his commanding screen presence made him a natural fit for roles like the town sheriff, a military man, or cop, he was also frequently cast in menacing henchman roles.
“He was kind of an intense guy, but sure was a neat dad,” said his oldest son, also named John Doucette, from his home in Los Angeles. “He could be very strict at home when it came to things like schoolwork, but he also had a wonderful sense of humor – having 8 children you’d have to! There was always something going on at home, a lot of socialization with people in and out, so growing up was quite an adventure.”
While the demands of his profession sometimes kept him busy at the studio for long hours or on location for weeks, John says his dad was a genuine family man.
“He was always right there with his video camera recording every event, whether it was my boy scouting, my younger brother’s football games, or my sister’s or
John Doucette and toddler Johnny. Provided by John Doucette
daughter’s softball games,” said John. “When he was in Italy for several months filming ‘Cleopatra’ in the 60s, my mom and oldest sister – who attended school while there in Rome – went over to live with him. I have stills that the set photographer gave to my father while filming.”
But when in Hollywood, Doucette would hurry home, occasionally still in makeup. “I remember after shooting an episode of ‘Wagon Train’ where his character was whipped, he came home with all the makeup marks for the lashes still on his back.”
Unlike major box office stars who always commanded huge salaries, supporting actors made far less money. They made up for it, at least partially, by accepting numerous roles. In 1958, for example, Wayne appeared in just 3 films whereas Doucette is listed in over a dozen as well as more than 15 television appearances.
“That was fine by him, whatever came his way,” said John. “He was a true perfectionist and I remember going over lines with him because he
would study diligently for every part, no matter how large or small the role. Supporting players are just as important as the main star because without them you don’t have a story. He really brought a lot to a scene, but then I’m a little biased! He was my dad and I loved him dearly.”
The Doucette family still receives residuals from their father’s film and television work.
“It’s not a lot, but every month there are checks coming in and for Christmas it has always been distributed amongst the 8 children,” says John who is a trustee of that account. “He died in 1994 but to this day he’s still getting paid for all his hard work!” VM
Nick Thomas teaches at Auburn University at Montgomery in Alabama and has written features, columns, and interviews for many newspapers and magazines. Interviews with the adult children of many noted classic film actors appeared in his 2011 book “Raised by the Stars: Interviews with 29 Children of Hollywood Actors” published by McFarland Press. See www.getnickt.org.
A still of John Doucette in Cleopatra from son’s collection. Provided by John Doucette
John Doucette and son John in 1976. Provided by John Doucette
with dignity: How Facebook Marketplace can help seniors declutter and cash in
By Ben Durant
This summer, I finally tackled the mountain of “someday” items that had been quietly accumulating in my home for years. You know the ones, the fondue set from the ’80s, the stack of mismatched chairs in the garage, the vintage lamp that’s been “awaiting rewiring” since 2003. Inspired by Marie Kondo’s famous mantra, “Does it spark joy?” I asked myself a slightly more practical question: “Does it spark dust?”
And just like that, the purge began.
As the owner of The Durant Agency, a Vermont-based real estate company dedicated to helping seniors and Boomers transition to new housing solutions, I’ve seen firsthand how emotional and overwhelming downsizing can be. It’s not just about square footage; it’s about letting
go of decades of memories, routines, and “just in case” items. That’s why I’m always looking for tools that make the process easier, more empowering, and even a little fun. Facebook Marketplace is one of those tools.
Why Facebook Marketplace?
Facebook Marketplace is a free, user-friendly platform that connects you with local buyers. It’s ideal for selling personal items like furniture, home goods, tools, and collectibles; especially when you’d rather not deal with shipping or complicated listings.
Unlike traditional yard sales, you don’t have to haul everything outside or hope for good weather. You simply snap a few photos, write a short description, and post your item. Interested buyers message you directly, and you arrange a pickup. It’s like a virtual garage sale, minus the folding tables and price stickers.
For seniors who are downsizing, this can be a gamechanger. It allows you to rehome items thoughtfully, earn a little extra cash, and clear space without the stress of coordinating a full-scale estate sale.
Tips for Selling Successfully
If you’re new to Facebook Marketplace, here are a few tried-and-true tips I often share with my clients:
✔ Take Clear Photos: Natural light works wonders. Photograph your item from multiple angles and include close-ups of any details or imperfections.
✔ Write Honest Descriptions: Mention the brand, dimensions, condition, and any quirks. Transparency builds trust and saves time.
✔ Price Fairly: Do a quick search to see what similar items are selling for. If you’re unsure, start slightly higher, buyers often negotiate.
✔ Use Keywords: Think like a buyer. Instead of “old chair,” try “vintage wooden rocking chair - excellent condition.”
✔ Respond Promptly: Marketplace moves fast. If someone messages you, try to reply within a few hours to keep the momentum going.
Safety First: Smart Selling for Seniors
Selling locally means interacting with strangers, so safety should always come first. Here are a few essential precautions:
✔ Meet in Public Places: Many police stations offer “safe exchange zones” for online transactions. If that’s not an option, choose a well-lit, busy location, like a coffee shop parking lot.
✔ Bring a Buddy: If someone’s picking up an item from your home, have a friend or family member present. Let someone know when and where the meeting is happening.
✔ Cash or Digital Payment Only: Avoid checks. Cash is simplest, but apps like Venmo or PayPal can work too; just confirm payment before handing over the item.
✔ Trust Your Gut: If something feels off, it probably is. You’re never obligated to complete a sale.
Downsizing with Purpose
Beyond the practical benefits, selling on Facebook Marketplace can be surprisingly satisfying. You’re not just clearing space; you’re giving your items a second life. That old sewing machine might find a new home with a young crafter. Your extra garden tools could help a neighbor start their first veggie patch.
And yes, you might even make a few bucks along the way; enough for a celebratory dinner, a donation to your favorite local cause, or a well-earned treat.
At The Durant Agency, we believe downsizing should feel like a fresh start, not a farewell. Whether it’s helping clients stage their homes, sort through belongings, or find the right next chapter, we’re here to support every step, and sometimes that includes a little digital selling advice.
Final Thoughts
Downsizing doesn’t have to feel like loss. It can be a joyful process; one that reconnects you with what matters most and lightens your load for the next chapter. Facebook Marketplace offers a simple, accessible way to
do just that, especially for seniors who want to stay local and keep things low-stress.
So if you’ve got a closet full of “someday” items, maybe it’s time to ask: “Does it spark joy… or just take up space?” And if it’s the latter, snap a photo, write a description, and let Facebook Marketplace help you turn clutter into connection.
Ready to Start Your Next Chapter?
If you’re thinking about downsizing or simply want expert guidance on your housing options, The Durant Agency is here to help. Reach out today for a friendly consultation, and let’s make your next move your best one yet. 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 community, Ben offers personalized support to make transitions smoother; whether you’re selling a longtime home or exploring new housing options.
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