March/April 2022 Issue
VERMONT MATURITY
Better Living Audiology Specialists in Vestibula Exams
Age Well’s Regular Feature Houses of Worship Keeping History Alive in Vermont An Armchair Trip to Two Southern Beauties: Charleston, & Savannah
VermontMaturity.com
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Table of Contents Vermont Maturity
For Vermonters Age 50 and Older
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PUBLISHER & PRESIDENT Robin Nichols
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Better Living Audiology Specialists in Vestibula Exams
6
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IT & WEB DESIGN Mark Chaney
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Houses of Worship Keeping History Alive in Vermont by Clover Whitham
An Armchair Trip to Two Southern Beauties: Charleston, & Savannah by Dr. Carolee Duckworth
11
Age Well’s regular feature in Vermont Maturity 14
23
Are Two or More Fiduciaries Better Than One 28
The State of Vermont Housing by Ben Durant
21
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Vermont Maturity Cover Story – Better Living Audiology
Specialists in Vestibular Exams
A
ccording to the National Institute of Health, 90
million Americans go to health care providers because of vertigo, dizziness, or balance
problems. “It’s the second most common complaint heard
in doctor’s offices and will occur in 70% of the nation’s population at some time in their lives,” said Dr. Julie Bier of South Burlington’s Better Living Audiology. The problem is especially acute among seniors. Bier said nearly 20% of Americans between the ages of 65 and 75 currently have a balance disorder. By age 75, that number increases to 25%. That’s the reason Better Living Audiology offers
understand how the system is working and where a
complete vestibular exams. Bier said that some clinics in
problem may arise. “The inner ear plays a major role in
Vermont offer some testing services, that they are the only
keeping us balanced,” Bier said. “Many things can affect
clinic in Vermont to offer the full suite of neurodiagnostic
the health of the inner ear including viruses, head trauma,
testing.
and even certain medications. With our state-of-the-art
“It’s extremely rewarding to be able to diagnose
equipment, we are able to assess the function of the inner
a patient and treat their balance issues right here in
ear and create a treatment plan for our patients to feel
our office, sometimes on the same day,” Bier said. “Dr.
steady on their feet again.”
Gibeault and I love seeing our patients get back to their
The medical term for the part of the inner ear
regular routines such as morning walks with their dogs,
involved with balance is the vestibular system. The
hiking, gardening, or just being able to get out of bed and
vestibular system relays information to the brain about
move around their house safely without feeling dizzy or
balance and orientation of the head and body. Balance
unsteady.”
is a complex interaction which requires input from
The inner ear is home to the hearing and balance
the vestibular system, vision, and sensation from feet,
centers. Receptors within the ear allow signals to be
muscles, and joints. If any one of these systems is not
received and processed by locations within the central
working properly, the result can be a loss of balance.
nervous system and the brain. Unlike imaging studies
“Some estimates state that as many of half of all cases of
which show only the anatomy or structures, Bier said complete vestibular exams allow a doctor to better 6 | March/April 2022 | VermontMaturity.com
dizziness are due to vestibular disorders,” Bier said.
suddenly with no obvious cause. These disorders fall into two main categories: The first is dizziness, vertigo, or motion intolerance. These conditions may be caused or worsened by rapid head movement, turning too quickly, walking, or riding in a car. The symptoms can be acute or sharp attacks sometimes just lasting for seconds but other times for several hours. The second type of disorder is a persistent sense of imbalance or unsteadiness which some people refer to as a loss of surefootedness. Bier noted that vertigo can be caused by both peripheral and central vestibular deficits although roughly 75% are peripheral ones associated with the inner ear and vestibular nerve. She said the most common peripheral vestibular disorder is benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), followed by uncompensated Meniere’s disease, vestibular neuritis, labyrinthitis, perilymphatic fistula, and acoustic neuroma. Although adults are more commonly plagued with dizziness and vertigo disorders, children may also experience these conditions which
Balance disorders may be caused by viral or bacterial infections in the ear, a head injury, blood circulation disorders that affect the inner ear or brain, or from taking certain medications. Many balance disorders begin
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can prevent normal childhood activities ranging from playground games to organized athletics. Bier believes complete vestibular exams are important
Better Living Audiology partners with the American Institute of Balance (AIB) which has certified the practice as a Center of Specialty Care. Bier described AIB as
for seniors because falls are the leading cause of injury
one of the country’s best-known diagnostic, treatment,
and deaths among people over 65. She noted that 10% of
and educational facilities specializing in equilibrium
all falls result in hospitalization, and balance-related falls
disorders and said it is widely recognized for providing
are responsible for over 300,000 hip fractures in those
practitioners with the most current clinical and scientific
over 65. “Balance disorders are the number one health
breakthroughs in treatments.
complaint for patients over the age of 70,” she said.
We’re looking for caring volunteers.
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Bier said central vestibular deficits cause about one-
to return to her regular activity level. “She was so grateful
fourth of dizziness complaints. The most common causes
to be able to get back to her normal life that she teared
of dizziness and vertigo are cerebrovascular disorders,
up at her last appointment and gave me a hug, telling me
cerebellar disease, migraines, multiple sclerosis, tumors
she had thought she’d have to spend the rest of her life
of the posterior fossa, neurodegenerative disorders,
being dizzy,” Bier said. “We love our patients and want to
medications, and psychiatric disorders. Bier said almost
see each of them live the most healthy and active life they
three-quarters of patients experiencing these issues
possibly can.”
are only evaluated and treated by their primary care
“At Better Living Audiology, we’re dedicated to
physicians with less than 10% visiting a specialist such as
improving the quality of life of our patients,” Bier said.
an audiologist, otologist, otolaryngologist, or neurologist.
“Many balance issues go untreated because patients don’t
Bier described a patient who visited her office after
know where to go for help. We are thrilled to be able to
suffering from vertigo for many months and being treated
offer these services to Vermonters right here in our office
unsuccessfully by another local care provider. “She was
in South Burlington. Most insurances will cover the cost
still feeling dizzy especially when she would lie down
of these evaluations.” VM
and sit up in bed,” Bier said. “She had been very active before the vertigo began, taking daily walks in the woods, boating with her husband, gardening, and playing with her young grandchildren and the vertigo had significantly interrupted her daily routine.” Bier was able to diagnose the problem and within a few weeks the patient was able
Fo more information visit BetterLivingAudiology.com o contact one of thei two offices listed below. 54 West Twin Oaks Terrace Suite 10 South Burlington, VT 05403P: 802-651-9374 135-A Creek Rd, Middlebury, VT 05753 P: 802-989-7210
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Houses of Worship Keeping History Alive in Vermont
I
by Clover Whitham
n recent years Vermont has ranked among the “least religious” states in the nation, but houses of worship can still be found in nearly every town. Many of
these buildings are among the oldest and most treasured, and often serve as gathering places for more than just their congregants. Some in fact are no longer used for
religious purposes but have been preserved for their
own blacksmith shop, floorboards more than two-feet
usefulness, beauty, and the stories they tell.
wide and original pew doors and hinges.
Among the most unique church buildings in
Today the building is a summer and fall tourist
Vermont is the Old Round Church in Richmond. It is
destination, as well as a venue for weddings and
indeed circular, a 16-sided structure built from 1812 to
community events under ownership of the town and
1813 by self-taught architect William Rhodes, according
maintained by the historical society. It was previously
to the Richmond Historical Society. The reason for its
the place of worship for five Protestant denominations.
unusual construction is uncertain, but theories include
Though the Old Round Barn is no longer used as
an absence of corners to allow the devil or other evil
a church, the building and artifacts inside still tell the
doers no place to hide. Or perhaps Rhodes was simply
story of those who worshiped there. The Ohavi Zedek
copying the architecture of the meeting house where his
synagogue in Burlington does the same for not only its
parents lived in New Hampshire.
own members but it also helps tell the histories of the
The building was closed due to safety concerns in 1973 and reopened to the public after extensive repairs
city’s Jewish and immigrant communities. Ohavi Zedek, Vermont’s oldest and now largest
and renovations. Original components can still be found, Jewish congregation, began in 1885 with just 18 people. including door hardware thought to be forged in Rhodes’
Its current home was built in 1952, but inside the
Vermont Maturity | March/April 2022 | 11
lobby hosts an amazing artifact of Burlington’s Jewish
to Ohavi Zedek. Conservation cleaning of the mural
community from the early 1900s.
wrapped up in August, the next phase will be restoration
That piece of history is now known as “The Lost Mural,” which over the course of a century was
of damaged areas. Continual restoration has kept The Old First Church
celebrated, criticized, deliberately hidden, forgotten by
in Bennington a landmark destination in southern
many, found, moved a mile on a truck and is now being
Vermont. The bicentennial of the building was celebrated
restored. More people can see the artwork now than at
in 2006, but its history starts on December 3, 1762, when
any time in the last 80 years, thanks to a few people who
the first Protestant congregation in the New Hampshire
kept the story alive and those they inspired to save it.
Grants first gathered. A plain pine structure, likely in
The large wall mural shows Old Testament imagery
the somber Puritan style inspired by the writings of John
painted by Lithuanian artist Ben Zion Black in 1910. It
Calvin, served as the original meeting house, according
was originally housed in the Chai Adam Synagogue on
to historians Joseph Parks and Tyler Resch.
Hyde Street, which closed in 1939 when it merged with
After years of wrangling over style, location and
Ohavi Zedek. The building was used as commercial
how to pay for the new church, enough pew boxes
space, but the mural survived. When the building was
were “sold” to raise $8,000 and construction began in
to be converted to apartments in 1986, the developer
1804. The current structure was completed in 1805 and
agreed to put the mural behind a false wall rather than
construction overseen by Lavius Fillmore, an established
destroy it. The right people remembered it was there,
church architect who moved to Bennington during
and when the building changed hands again in 2012 the
the build and later would build a similar church in
mural was uncovered, conserved, and eventually moved
Middlebury. The six main columns are made of whole tree trunks, a practice previously reserved by British law for
Maplewood Village
the masts of the Royal Navy, according to the account written by Parks and Resch. Poet Robert Frost’s gravestone is in the neighboring cemetery and the Bennington Battle Monument is just up the street, making the church part of a popular
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tourist route. Perhaps the most photographed and recognizable church in Vermont is the one that crowns Burlington’s Church Street. Any travel story or even national news story about the city is almost guaranteed to include an image of the iconic building and the pedestrian street before it. This home of the Unitarian Universalist church is believed to be the oldest surviving house of worship in Burlington. The building, once known as The Brick Meeting House, was constructed in 1816 and designed by Boston architect Peter Banner. The roots of the church actually date back even farther to 1797 when the First Society of Social and Public Worship in Burlington was formed, according
to the church’s account. A decade later the Society
✔ Nothing Ventured, Nothing Have - a
fractured into liberal and conservative groups. The
documentary video about the Old Round Church:
liberal faction called itself the First Congregational
Vimeo.com/72287764
Society of Burlington and in 1814 purchased a five-acre
✔ An excellent and detailed telling of the Lost
lot for $1,000 on which The Brick Meeting House was
Mural story can be found at LostMural.org
built two years later.
✔ Video about the Lost Mural: Vermonthistory.org/
“The timbers came from the Brown’s River Valley,
the-lost-mural-part-1
the brick was made nearby, and the nails were
✔ More about Ohavi Zedek synagogue:
hammered by hand,” according to the church history
OhaviZedek.org/about
online. It cost $22,185.34 to build. The building has
✔ More about the Old First Church in Bennington:
undergone many renovations and repairs in the last 200
OldFirstChurchBenn.org
years. Over the years the congregation’s name changed
✔ History of the First Unitarian Universalist
several times; a vote in 1982 established its current name
Society of Burlington: UUSociety.org/information/
of The First Unitarian Universalist Society of Burlington.
history vm
Photo provided by Julie McGowan
MORE INFORMATION More about the Old Round Church: OldRoundChurch.com
Clover Whitham has been a journalist at Vermont newspapers for more than a dozen years and is now a freelance writer and editor near Burlington.
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Welcome to Age Well’s regular feature in Vermont Maturity
S
Maturity now may be here in Vermont, but rest assured our staff and volunteers are still out on the roads and at older Vermonters’ homes delivering Meals on
Wheels, care coordination, and a friendly smile to older adults, allowing them to age with confidence and dignity. Keep reading to learn more about new offerings, health, and wellness tips, and much more:
Age Well News SENIOR COMPANION PROGRAM Age Well is proud to join a network of millions of national service champions who recognize the vital role service plays in addressing some of the most critical issues in their communities. AmeriCorps Senior volunteers stay healthy and active through service, improving their own lives as they improve the lives of others. A growing body of research affirms the numerous mental and physical health benefits of volunteering, including lower mortality rates, decreased rates of depression, and increased strength and energy. Findings from a recent agency-sponsored study show that AmeriCorps Senior volunteers serving with the Senior Companion programs report feeling less depressed and isolated, along with stable or improved health scores. Today, AmeriCorps Seniors engage nearly 200,000 older Americans in service at approximately 30,000 locations across the United States and territories through its Foster Grandparent, Senior Companion, and RSVP programs. Senior AmeriCorps volunteers in the Senior Companion program provide companionship and assistance with daily tasks to help other older adults, most homebound, live fuller, more independent lives while maintaining their self-sufficiency and aging in place.
14 | March/April 2022 | VermontMaturity.com
Director of Age Well Volunteer Services, Erica Marks said, “We are very excited to connect Vermont seniors with volunteer opportunities. It is life-changing for both
It is that easy, so what’s stopping you?
the volunteer and those we serve. We are honored to be a recipient of the AmeriCorps Seniors volunteer grant.” To learn more, contact Age Well’s Volunteer program: 802-662-5249 or volunteer@agewellvt.org.
COVID-19 Vaccine Support Getting vaccinated is free, safe, and easy, and once vaccinated, you are helping to strengthen our communities—your families, your neighbors, and your friends. Over 94% of Vermonters over the age of 60 have been vaccinated for COVID-19. Way to go! If you need help registering for the COVID-19 vaccine, are homebound, lack transportation, or just have questions about COVID-19 vaccinations, call our Helpline at 1-800-642-5119, and for more information, visit vaccine4vermont.com.
HEALTH & WELLNESS TIPS Navigating Daily Medications, Together Do you know about Age Well’s HomeMeds program? Medication-related problems can lead to many issues resulting in ER visits, re-hospitalization, and worse. Adults 65 years or older are twice as likely as others to come to emergency departments for adverse drug events and nearly seven times more likely to be hospitalized after an emergency visit. HomeMeds is an evidencebased, in-home, medication review and intervention that includes a computerized risk assessment and alert process, plus a pharmacist review and recommendation for improvement. To learn more please call all our Statewide Helpline at 1-800-642-5119 or visit the website online at: Agewellvt. org/services/care-transitions.
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EATING HEALTHY WITH 3SQUARESVT
SHOP WITH 3SQUARESVT AT WINTER FARMERS MARKETS
3SquaresVT is a federal program referred to nationally as SNAP – Supplemental Nutrition Assistance
Eleven Winter Markets across the state will
Program, administered in Vermont by the Department
accept Crop Cash this season. Find the most current
of Children and Families (DCF). Many Vermonters who
information (including time, location, and safety
are eligible do not apply because they think they would
guidelines) about winter market operations please visit:
be taking away from those who are more deserving and
Nofavt.org/cropcash/participating markets.
in need, or that there is a stigma that comes along with
Crop Cash is now doing double benefits! For every
receiving benefits; that is not the case. Anyone eligible
$1 a shopper spends of their 3SquaresVT benefits, they
will receive benefits, and Age Well staff can help you
will receive an additional $2 in Crop Cash, up to $20 per
determine eligibility!
market visit ($30 total). Folks who receive 3SquaresVT
“There is an application that you can complete to
but do not have an EBT card can also get Crop Cash
determine whether or not you are eligible for a benefit based
by visiting the info booth at the participating farmers
on your household size, your income, housing expenses,
market.
and medical expenses”, says Paula Fitzpatrick, Community
Age Well Programs & Services
Health Worker Team Lead with Age Well. She encourages all who think they are eligible to apply. “It helps our farms
Age Well believes that health happens at home and
and our small general stores – it keeps them open. The more federal money we can bring into the state of Vermont, the
focuses on lifestyle, happiness, and wellness—not on
more help the Vermont economy gets as a whole.”
age. For nearly 50 years, Age Well has provided adults
plus
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155 Dorset St., So. Burlington 802-872-9000 www.vermont50plusexpo.com Thank you to our sponsors! 16 | March/April 2022 | VermontMaturity.com
FREE ADMISSION Come join the fun!
• Fun & informative Exhibits • Seminars with FREE coffee • Live Music with Charlie Rice • Lyric Theatre performance • Giveaways, Food & MORE!
vm VERMONT MATURITY
60 years and older in Northwestern Vermont with the necessary support to manage their daily living needs, to keep them active, healthy, and independent. Age Well offers care & service coordination, Meals on Wheels; community meals; wellness programs; social activities; transportation services; expertise on Medicare, insurance, and long and short-term care options; and a Helpline to older Vermonters, and their families and caregivers. Age Well services are provided at no cost throughout Addison, Chittenden, Franklin, & Grand Isle counties.
There are many ways you can give back to the
Volunteering & Giving Back Give your time and impact a life. Join our network
older adults in your community including providing transportation, friendly visits, grocery shopping, budgeting assistance, delivering Meals on Wheels,
of over 1,000 dedicated volunteers and generous donors,
donating your used car, making a cash donation, and
without whom our work would not be possible. Age
leaving a gift for Age Well in your will or trust. Have you
Well’s services are provided free of charge, your support
considered creating a volunteer team at your place of
helps us keep these services free and accessible to those
work? Thank you to our business volunteer teams who
in need.
have done such amazing work this past year.
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Age Well volunteers delivered 300,000 meals to our
Department: Nutrition
older neighbors in 2021! Learn more about volunteer
What do you love about your job at Age Well?
opportunities please call (802) 662-5249 or email:
I love being able to help clients in need and offering
volunteer@agewellvt.org. For more information visit the website: Agewellvt.org/giving-back/volunteer. Meet our Team: Ally, Annick, and Harry
them the resources to live as independently as possible. What do you find challenging? De-Escalating clients who are going through a hard
We would like to introduce you to Ally, Annick,
time is challenging. I think a lot of us can relate to that.
and Harry! We have many team members that you may
While it may be challenging, it is also something I love
not see every day, but who are vitally important to our
about my job. Being able to turn someone’s day from
mission to support older Vermonters. Hear directly from
negative to positive is very rewarding.
these Age Well staff members and learn more about their
How would you describe your approach to helping clients? My role involves a lot of active listening. I try hearing
roles.
Ally McAuslan Started at Age Well: March 2018 Job Title: Associate Director of Nutrition & Wellness
a client out, understanding where they are coming from, making sure they know I am on their side, asking how I can help, and following up if necessary. What would you like more people to know about the work you do? It is ever evolving. From meals on wheels route management, ensuring our clients are being fed,
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and assisting with forming new relationships in the
I love sharing knowledge that can help people. I find
community, I am constantly multitasking and going with
it fascinating to welcome every new staff that we hire,
the flow of what needs to be done!
get to know them and their backgrounds and get them
Where did you go to college?
started with the information they need to find their way
University of Vermont, Dietetics and Nutrition
into their new job within the agency. How would you describe your approach to helping
Degree
clients?
Where did you grow up? I grew up in Colchester, Vermont What are you doing when you’re not at work? I enjoy powerlifting, hiking,
In this position, I am behind the scenes, supporting staff and the agency. What would you like more people to know about the work you do?
and spending time with
I feel lucky that I get to meet with new employees
friends and family.
who come to the agency and provide them with the
Annick Pyfferoen
training and support that will allow them to perform at their best.
Started at Age Well:
Where did you go to college?
August 2003
I have a degree in Speech and Language Pathology
Job Title: Training &
from a Belgian school.
Development Specialist Department: Operations & Compliance What do you love about your job at Age Well?
Where did you grow up? I was born and raised in Brussels, Belgium. I left at 28 and lived in Montreal for a few years. I have been in
Something To Think About James A Meunier, director
MOURNING BEHAVIOR Is mourning natural? Consider the fact that it isn’t only people who mourn. Scientists have watched what they call “mourning behavior” in animals as well. The famous biologist Konrad Lorenz studied geese and learned that when one partner of an adult pair of geese dies, the other one mourns. First, the remaining partner tries to find where the other one has gone, searching everywhere. Even though the goose may be a strong, fullgrown adult, all of a sudden it
starts running away from even the youngest and weakest geese. Usually very pushy and aggressive, it becomes very shy and won’t approach human beings or go to its feeding place. Although it has been away from its parents and siblings for a long time, it goes back to them again, acting much younger than it really is. Other biologist who study monkeys and apes say they’ve seen similar kinds of mourning behaviors among those animals
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the States for about 21 years now. I have been away from Belgium for as long as I have lived there. What are you doing when you’re not at work? I work out most mornings before work (weight and resistance training, and swimming).
Harry Benoit Started at Age Well: August 1991 Job Title: Care & Service Coordinator Department: Care & Service Coordination What do you love about your job at Age Well? You never know what each new day will bring to the table. What do you find challenging? There is a level of complexity that increases exponentially.
How would you describe your approach to helping clients? I believe that you have to put yourself in the person’s shoes and respect their individuality and wisdom that has gotten them through life so far. What would you like more people to know about the work you do? It can be very demanding and there are a lot of pieces that have to come together behind the scenes. It is important to build and maintain good connections with collaborating resource agencies and individuals. Where did you go to college? Undergraduate at UVM triple majored in Psychology, Speech and Media Communications. Masters at Northern VT University (JSU) in Counseling. Where did you grow up? I grew up in the Enosburgh/Franklin, VT area. What are you doing when you’re not at work? Raising chickens, ducks, have had goats, calves, and hogs. Also chasing my two beagle pups and five cats. Have you ever herded cats? Impossible. Over the years, I have been on the boards and volunteered for non-profits such as the Opera House at Enosburg Falls and the Miss Vermont Scholarship Organization.
HOW TO CONTACT AGE WELL Learn more about Age Well services by calling the Helpline at 1-800-642-5119 or visiting our website Agewellvt.org. You can also find stay up to date by following us on social media on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, & LinkedIn.
20 | March/April 2022 | VermontMaturity.com
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The State of Vermont Housing
T
by Ben Durant
he world has gone mad; it’s no secret. Vermont
disequilibrium in the market; low supply and high
may be the last bastion of sanity, and that’s no
demand has created nothing less than a housing crisis
longer a secret either. This dynamic has made
and sent prices soaring beginning in January 2020. New
the business of real estate in Vermont a little bit mad
listings start high, and bidding wars with dozens of
too. Good people from other areas (flat lands) see our
offers, drive prices higher. From my perspective, I don’t
idyllic way of life, and they want it. Who can blame
see this dynamic changing anytime soon and I predict
them? Vermont is not alone in this trend and American’s
more of the same through at least 2022.
population is now more fluid than it has been over the
However, our market is tiny and can be hurt by
last century. The great shuffle is on, and Americans
outside forces. There have been times in the not so
are on the move seeking better communities. Vermont,
distant past where Wall Street affected Main Street,
by and large, is still small enough to have viable
Vermont. In 2008, during the Mortgage-Backed
communities where we value helping neighbors.
Securities Crisis, it become impossible to get a mortgage
Supply and Demand Statistics show that many boomers and seniors have stayed-put through the pandemic. This hasn’t been the best of times to move for many of us. Here in Vermont, new home listings have been down nearly 30% with the advent of the pandemic; all while there has been an active flow of out-of-staters eager to move here. This
for a while. This undoubtedly paused all real estate markets throughout the country, and to a degree, the globe. Vermont was not spared. Like today, leading up to the 2008 real estate crash, Vermont had a housing shortage. The sustained shortage helped us persevere and recover quickly. Home values held relatively steady, rebounded quickly; especially when compared to other areas of the country.
Vermont Maturity | March/April 2022 | 21
Appreciation Vs. Inflation In real estate, we call rising prices appreciation. It’s
What It Means to You Inflation and high home prices are having a
seen by most as a positive thing, especially if you own
profound effect on all my clients right now. It’s
real estate. However, when rising prices affect consumer
important to know that many have made out quite
goods, it’s called inflation, and it’s not considered a
well through it all. It doesn’t have to hurt you in the
good thing by anyone. The last time we had serious
pocketbook, but it is imperative to be savvy. It has never
inflation, like what it is now, the AMC Eagle was the hot
been so essential to be aware of the market forces that
car for Vermont winters, and you could still buy a good
affect you and to make sure you are getting good advice –
house for $25,000. We all know inflation is bad for the
whether it be from estate planning attorneys, investment
economy, and I don’t need to tell you that it hits boomers
advisors, to real estate professionals who have their
and seniors the hardest.
finger on the beat of the market. VM
The Federal Reserve has made it clear that they are favoring interest rate hikes to help curb inflation. This could put an end to at least some of the exuberance of the buyers’ seeming insatiable appetite. Hopefully it’s done in a way that cools the inflation, while allowing our economy to keep moving.
Ben Durant is a leading Senior Real Estate Specialist in the State of Vermont and has a passion for supporting and defending his clients through the process of downsizing, right-sizing, and relocating in Vermont. Ben lives with his wife, Amy, and three children in Williston VT. He can be reached at Ben@ TransitionsVT.com or by calling directly at 802-3556688. Visit his website at TransitionsVT.com.
Get involved in your community! YOUR PATH ONWARD AND UPWARD
Serving Vermont's Seniors and Boomers, statewide with all of their real estate needs. Ben is dedicated to problem solving the unique issues facing Vermont's greatest generations. Call Ben today for a free consultation. Phone number: 802.355.6688 Website: www.transitionsvt.com email: ben@transitionsvt.com
22 | March/April 2022 | VermontMaturity.com
Find an opportunity that’s right for you. Contact Danielle to learn more about the RSVP program today: (802) 861-7821.
An Armchair Trip to Two Southern Beauties: Charleston, & Savannah
W
by Dr. Carolee Duckworth
e’ve been cut off from travel for two years
USA, and even the world, can be completely open and
now by this pandemic. That’s long enough!
available to us even now if we just fi nd a comfy chair
We come up with trip ideas, and even make
and take our trip in our minds! So, buckle your seat belt...
reservations. Then we hear the latest bad news and cancel everything yet again. Some of us have waited our entire working lives to reach the “someday” when we
would have the latitude (and the money) to travel. And
MONDAY We fly (virtually) to Charleston, rent a car and
we thought that “someday” would have come by now.
drive two hours to Savannah. We’ll be back to visit
One way or another, we are beyond ready to get going.
Charleston in a few days. And we have good times
But where, if anywhere, can we go?
ahead in lovely, hospitable Savannah. Even in March,
Even if we still need to wait a while before we make our bucket list trips to France or Italy... And even if
the air will be blissfully warm, and Spring will be popping out.
traveling in the US still makes us hesitate when we
We’ll be staying in Savannah for 3 nights at the
think about hopping aboard a jam-packed plane... The
Olde Harbour Inn, down near the river, just steps from
This holiday season, give back to those who have given us so much. Every donation helps make a difference. They depend on us - we rely on you.
Donate today at agewellvt.org
• Helpline • Meals on Wheels
• Care Coordination • Medicare Counseling
Helpline: 1-800-642-5119 Age Well is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
Vermont Maturity | March/April 2022 | 23
one of the landings for the River
Estate Planning & Elder Law THAT’S ALL WE DO.
Taxi. Our hotel location will put us within a short walk to all sorts of shops and restaurants and parks. As an added benefit, the Inn will provide us with a complimentary breakfast and wine and cheese from 5:30 to 7 pm. On the day we arrive, we will focus on getting oriented and beginning to enjoy riverfront living. Our first stop will be Joe’s Crab Shack for a seafood feast. After lunch, we’ll wander through the nearby River Street Market and
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maybe explore a shop or two before catching the river taxi to the City Hall Landing. Here we will stroll along River Walk and fi nd a perfect perch from which to enjoy sunset.
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TUESDAY We again will catch the ferry to City Hall Landing, then walk up to see City Hall, with its golden dome created from gold mined in nearby Dahlonega. We’ll catch the free DOT trolley at Johnson Square, following the Purple Line up to Forsyth Park and back. We’ll be passing by the Mercer Williams House on the left, scene of a murder made famous by the movie and book “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.” After the trolley rounds Forsyth Park, we’ll hop off on Gaston Street and walk through the park to the lovely fountain. Then on to an elegant brunch at 700 Drayton Restaurant in “The Mansion,” an
impressive 1919 former Italian Renaissance home, later donated to become Armstrong College and now restored to its former glory as a hotel and restaurant. After lunch, we’ll be back on the trolley, then hop off on Broughton Street for some “retail therapy.” Back on the trolley again, we’ll end up in the familiar territory of River Street, where the “shoppers” will meet up with the “non-shoppers” at the Rooftop Bar of the Cotton Sail Hotel to relax and discuss the day. Th is evening, we’ll watch the sunset from here. Dinner will be at The Pirates’ House near where we’re staying. The Pirate’s House opened in 1753 as an inn for seafarers, and fast became a rendezvous for blood-thirsty pirates and sailors. Depending on how carried away we got at lunch, we may just order a few appetizers to share. Then we’ll check out the Desserts of the Day and fi nish up with Irish Coffee (with Jameson Irish Whiskey) or Millionaire’s Coffee (with Bailey’s & Frangelico) or Italian Coffee (with Amaretto & Brandy).
WEDNESDAY We’ll hop the Water Taxi to the City Hall dock and catch the Blue Line. Our destination today is the Ships of the Sea Museum, housed in the former mansion of William Scarborough, a wealthy early 19th century merchant and one of the principal owners of The Savannah, the first steamship to cross the Atlantic. Here we’ll walk through displays of model ships and exhibits that detail maritime history. And we’ll be sure to visit the walled garden in the courtyard. From the museum it will be a short walk to the Old City Market, a 4-block open-air market in restored warehouses, with shopping, dining, and art. Here we’ll stop in for a late lunch at an outdoor table at Belford’s Restaurant. Then we’ll shop the market. Since there are lots of places to sit and people watch, the non-shoppers will be happy too. Later we’ll meet up at Treehouse Savannah, with views of City Market from its outdoor balcony...and music.
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tranquility and tasty food at the Blind Tiger Pub on
THURSDAY We’ll make our way back to Charleston, where we’ll stay for the next 3 nights at Meeting Street Inn, immediately across the street from City Market. The Inn has a lovely courtyard where we will enjoy our complimentary full breakfast each morning and wine and cheese each afternoon. And in the evening, at the end of a long day, we’ll happily ease our tired feet into the large, romantically lit hot tub in the courtyard. Today, after we check in, we’ll cross over to City Market, and shop our way along the artful booths, maybe purchasing a few treasures along the way. If we didn’t stop for lunch on the drive here from Savannah, we’ll pick up an ice cream cone to tide us over until Happy Hour. Then we’ll take a carriage ride around the city. For Happy Hour, we’ll head to Pearlz Oyster Bar on East Bay Steet for oysters on the half shell and order a dozen oysters. Why order a half dozen that cost $10 when a dozen cost $15? Th is evening we’ll seek out
Broad Street, where we will have made reservations in the charming courtyard. We’ll start with the delectable grilled oysters and see where we want to go from there.
FRIDAY We’ll shop the classic antique treasure trove of King Street, and lunch on Poogan’s Porch. Then we’ll take a slow stroll through the rarefied neighborhood “South of Broad,” peeking behind the wrought iron gates into pristine gardens of the historic mansions. When the street runs out at the park along the Battery, we’ll cross the street and look back at the mega-mansions built in pre-Civil-War times, with their graceful porches and balconies, some with top floor ballrooms. Walking along the sea wall, where “the Cooper and the Ashley Rivers come together to form the sea,” we’ll look out across the water to Fort Sumpter, the federally controlled target that Citadel Academy Cadets aimed at when they fired “the shots that started the Civil War.” Then we’ll head back in the other direction, along East
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at Essex
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Bay Street, stopping at 6 Chalmers Street to visit the
After a quick browse through the wonderful gift
Old Slave Mart Museum. Th is museum thoughtfully
shop next to the restaurant, our table will be ready, and
and compellingly tells the story of Charleston’s role in
we’ll have some tough choices to make... Pecan Crusted
the domestic inter-state slave trade from 1856 to 1863.
Stuffed French Toast? She Crab Soup? Charleston
From the museum, we’ll walk back towards the
Shrimp and Grits? After brunch, we’ll be back to the
river to the stunning Waterfront Park and claim a
Water Taxi to cross the river to the fascinating SC
swing partway out the pier. Then stroll through the
Aquarium. Then another Water Taxi ride to return to
park to the pineapple fountain for a few photos. Before
Waterfront Park. Dinner tonight will be at the Low
dinner, we’ll seek great river views from the Vendue
Country Bistro in City Market.
Inn Rooftop Bar. Dinner with a view will be nearby at Fleet’s Landing.
SUNDAY We’ll be flying home from Charleston. But rest
SATURDAY
assured... We’ll already be making plans to return to
We’ll take to the water, catching the Water Taxi
these two coastal beauties, next time for real. VM
from the Waterfront Park dock, passing the impressive “new” bridge, and heading to brunch across the river at Charleston Harbor Fish House at Patriot’s Point, where we have booked a window-side table with a view of the USS Yorktown. We will have purchased a $12 All-Day Water Taxi Pass, so we’ll have use of the taxi all day.
Now retired from a 40-year career in education, Dr. Duckworth co-authors, with son Brian Lane, the “Great Trip Guide” Series—detailed guidebooks to taking memorable, immersive, fully independent trips in Europe, Canada and the USA (GreatTripGuide.com). Contact Carolee Duckworth at cwcamer@charter.net.
SENIOR REAL ESTATE SPECIALIST CALL ME TO GET YOUR FREE GUIDE TODAY! There is so much to consider before selling your family home. Let me be your resource!
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Vermont Maturity | March/April 2022 | 27
Are Two or More Fiduciaries Better Than One?
T
here is no denying that choosing a fiduciary— the individual or entity responsible for another’s fi nancial affairs—is a difficult decision. Who is
the best choice for Executor of your will, or Trustee of
your trust? These fiduciaries are entrusted with your estate and expected to fulfi ll your wishes about the management and distribution of your remaining funds upon your death. Your attorney requests a name and an alternate or two, but you want everyone to serve together. It can be difficult to narrow down the field when you want to name 2 or more individuals to the position, but in most cases, it is best to have only one person serve in a fiduciary capacity. Listed below are 3 reasons why:
COURTS ARE OPERATING AT MAXIMUM EFFICIENCY, SO THEY EMBRACE A CHALLENGE Why not name 3 or 4 Co-Executors? Probate Court is a well-oiled machine, especially with its new electronic filing system, so it will embrace all the extra filings, signatures, and notices that will be required with numerous Executors. And banks and financial institutions love paperwork and never lose anything— the more signatures the better!
CHILDREN ALWAYS GET ALONG AFTER A PARENT DIES They didn’t get along at the Thanksgiving table, but they undoubtedly will reconcile when they lose a loved one. Consider it a gift to them to name all 3 children as
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Co-Trustees, showing them that you loved them equally as they work together in harmony. They definitely will forgive one another and be trusting partners when managing your estate.
OUR COUNTRY NEEDS MORE LAWYERS AND LAWSUITS When multiple parties serve in the same position, disagreement can occur. If it’s on an important issue, they may seek legal advice. Since one lawyer cannot represent two parties with a conflict of interest, there will be an opportunity to hire a lawyer for each party. More lawyers, possible lawsuits, and less estate funds for your heirs or other intended beneficiaries. Can two or more fiduciaries work for you in your
for everyone. Be mindful of the potential challenges so you can maximize the potential for a successful estate administration. VM This article was provided by Jarrett & Luitjens Estate & Elder Law. You can visit their website at VermontEstatePlanning.com.
estate plan? It’s possible. There is no one plan that works
VERMONT
NO ONE SHOULD FACE ALZHEIMER'S ALONE. The Alzheimer’s Association, VT Chapter has information and resources like education programs, support groups and early-stage engagement programs for those living with or caring for someone with Alzheimer's or other dementias.
TAKE ACTION
Visit alz.org/vermont or call our 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900 for support or to get involved.
Vermont Maturity | March/April 2022 | 29
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