Vermont Maturity Magazine July-August 2023

Vermont Maturity For Vermonters Age 50 and Older

RTN PUBLISHING, INC.

Phone – 802.332.3254

Robin@VermontMaturity.com www.VermontMaturity.com

PUBLISHER & PRESIDENT

Robin Nichols VICE PRESIDENT & OFFICE MANAGER

Terri Nichols

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Joshua Nichols

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

James Conner Jim Miller

Carolee Duckworth Phyl Newbeck

Ben Durant Nick Thomas

Alicia Fleming Clover Whitham

Dr. Richard Houston Vicky Parra Tebbetts

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Char Grass

IT & WEB DESIGN

Mark Chaney

ADVERTISING & EDITORIAL

INQUIRIES

Phone – 802.332.3254

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Vermont Maturity is published times per year by RTN Publishing, Inc. and is distributed without charge to qualified subscribers in Vermont. Nonqualified reader subscription costs are $39 per year for United States residents. No international subscriptions are available. Subscription requests must include name, address, phone number and email address.

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VINS: 50 Years of Helping Vermonters Connect with Nature

by Phyl Newbeck

For over 50 years, the Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS) has provided a window into the natural world for people of all ages. Their mission is to motivate individuals and communities to care for their environment through education, research, and avian wildlife rehabilitation. Last year, over 75,000 people visited their 47-acre nature center in Quechee, and many more learn about the nonprofit’s work through their outreach activities.

The spark for VINS began in 1970 when concern over pollution in the Ottauquechee River, led a Woodstock dentist named David Laughlin to join several other local professionals in studying the damage and successfully suing the state to spearhead a clean-up. Buoyed by that victory, they founded what was originally an environmental organization aimed at children.

Over the years, the VINS Nature Center has grown to encompass a wider variety of activities. A relatively new addition is the Forest Canopy Walk. The ADAaccessible boardwalk rises to over 100 feet above the forest floor. The walk has five interpretation nodes and a spur off the main trail leads to the two-level Eagle’s Nest where visitors can see the property from the vantage point of a raptor. The walk also includes the Giant Spider Web, which at 20 feet in diameter, is fitted with three layers of netting and allows visitors to peer down below to the forest floor.

Other walks on the property include the McKnight Trail, which is suitable for wheelchairs and strollers, as well as the Laughlin and Lingelbach Trails which travel

along the Ottauquechee River. For the younger set, the natural wood and stone Adventure Playscape allows children to imagine themselves as woodland creatures by crawling through tunnels or scrambling up a climbing wall. There are also plenty of raw materials for youngsters to create art and music.

VINS is probably best known for their live raptor programs which include owls, eagles, hawks, falcons, and kestrels. These are birds that were injured and after rehabilitation were deemed unable to survive in the wild. More than 40 raptors live at VINS, and there are17 state-of-the art enclosures open to the public. Many of those serve as Avian Ambassadors, travelling across the state to help educate people about their place in our environment.

The 2,160-square-foot Songbird Aviary provides a safe space for smaller birds which have been rescued but would be unable to survive in the wild. A separate room is dedicated to rescued reptiles including turtles and snakes. For those with an eye to the past, a Dinosaur

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Room shows how birds evolved from their prehistorical ancestors. The room has life-sized replicas and hands-on activities for children.

Although VINS is pleased to showcase their avian ambassadors, their goal is to rehabilitate birds so they can return to the wild. An example of that is a northern flicker found in a wastewater tank by a Public Works employee in early November of last year. VINS staff gave him a bath a few hours after his arrival, and he perked up after cleaning. He was also given a course of eye medications so he wouldn’t get an infection and after only seven days of care, he was released near where he was found.

VINS took in 857 birds in 2022 with the majority arriving in the summer months. The number of birds taken in has more than doubled since the organization began keeping records in the year 2000. Most of the birds came from Vermont but the center also accepted over 150 New Hampshire birds, four birds from New York and nine of unknown provenance. Eighty-six different species were represented and almost 400 were babies. Robins, barred owls, European starlings, eastern phoebes, and broad-winged hawks topped the list of guests at the facility. The staff was able to release 333 birds and transferred 14 others to different facilities.

VINS scientists are involved in research projects on subjects

including crayfish, fireflies, and monarch butterflies. They take part in breeding bird studies, the Audubon climate watch, and bird banding initiatives. They also use game cameras to inventory the non-avian species on the property, as well as overseeing the success rates of both painted and snapping turtles on the land. True to their roots in water quality, they do environmental testing on two nearby bodies of water.

Although VINS has something for people of all ages, they have special activities designed for the younger set including nature quests and scavenger hunts. Every Friday there is a pop-up playtime for children with activities including a mobile magnet wall, water works, a sensory table, a wind tunnel, and outdoor ramps.

For those who prefer their education within four walls, VINS has created an indoor experience with the sights, sounds, and smells of a natural forest. Visitors can step inside a model tree with a seven-foot diameter and climb up internal stairs to the canopy, noting the diverse fauna they encounter along the way. A mural on the wall depicts the various species that might be seen in and around the tree. The tree may be artificial but inside are natural artifacts including a moose antler and hoof and porcupine quills.

Exploration of the Nature Center can be done independently but there are daily talks, programs, and special events. For those who can’t visit the facility, VINS sponsors educational programs in 34 schools for children ranging in age from 18 months to grade 8. They also provide professional development for STEM teachers and are willing to visit locations as diverse as senior centers, libraries, schools, and even ski areas. VINS relies on volunteers for all their programs and is always looking for new recruits.

VINS prides itself on trying to foster a deeper understanding of the natural world through science education, encouraging children and adults to become stewards of the environment. Mary Davidson Graham, Assistant Executive Director, is proud of what VINS has accomplished. “Our programs engage and instill in people of all backgrounds a desire to care for and respect the natural world in their daily lives,” she said. “VINS programs help each individual we interact with to build a positive relationship with the natural world via exploration of the outdoors in camp or through live animal encounter programs in our outreach events. Our goals are to nurture appreciation for and curiosity about nature in learners of all ages, as well as to show audiences they can be a force of change in their world.”

VINS is a wonderful place to bring grandchildren and it also offers virtual programs through their adult education programs, with many of them being complimentary if you are a member. Their trails are easy access and less than a mile long.

The Vermont Institute of Natural Science is located at 149 Natures Way in Queechee, Vermont. They can be contacted at 802-359-5000 and you can visit their website at VINSWeb.org. VM

Phyl Newbeck writes for a wide variety of Vermont newspapers and magazines. She is the author of Virginia Hasn’t Always Been for Lovers: Interracial Marriage Bans and the Case of Richard and Mildred Loving.

Age Strong Vermont Looks to Improve Housing for Older Vermonters

by Ben Durant

Vermont is a wonderful place to grow old and many are choosing to remain or move here for their golden years. Vermont continues to be in the top three oldest age states in the nation, always in contention with our Northern New England neighbors, Maine, and New Hampshire for the position of oldest state in the Nation. For better or worse, our housing stock is also among the oldest in the nation. Our iconic 19th Century villages are filled with 19th Century vernacular homes. As charming as they are, they tend to be ill suited for aging in place. Not only is our housing stock old, but we also have a dramatic shortage of homes, with experts saying that Vermont should

have 30,000 to 40,000 additional homes to satisfy the current need. It’s no wonder that Vermont has the second highest rate of homelessness per capita in the nation, following only California.

The crucial piece for older Vermonters is the severe shortage of suitable housing. Suitable housing where all the activities of daily living are accessible and easy for occupants to use, where we can be connected to community for greater well-being and happiness, and where we can be close to essential services like health care and shopping. The lack of suitable housing keeps many of us in homes that no longer make sense. It is estimated 69% of households in Vermont consist of just

1 or 2 people, living in homes with at least three bedrooms all on three levels. But without suitable home options where are Vermonters to go?

The State recognizes that action is needed to make life better for Vermont’s older Vermonters and passed the Older Vermonters Act of 2020. From this Act, a new plan called Age Strong Vermont is being created. Age Strong Vermont seeks to go well beyond just housing issues, but it should be noted that creating Age Friendly Housing is a top priority of the plan and is the common tie to other priorities such as Health and Wellness and Social Engagement. I had the chance to discuss Age Strong Vermont with Angela Smith-Dieng, Adult Services Division Director at the Vermont Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living. According to Smith-Dieng, the true purpose of the plan is to create a road map for local & state agencies, healthcare providers, and related service organizations to align all the entities with the singular focus on promoting a higher quality of life for older Vermonters. The plan recognizes the unique needs of seniors and seeks to provide a range of services, resources, and opportunities for greater well-being.

Angela Smith-Dieng noted that Age Strong Vermont does have a specific subcommittee on

housing with state and local zoning considered in the process. The work of this subcommittee had the potential to lead to changes in zoning that could pave the way for more development of age-friendly homes.

With the massive housing shortage and growing homeless population, creating more new homes that are suitable for older Vermonters is perhaps the best first step in breaking the gridlock in Vermont’s housing. Hopefully the coordinated efforts of Age Strong Vermont will be a path forward for a better future for us all. The people at Age Strong Vermont do want to hear from you and your input on these matters is requested. Age Strong Vermont hopes to release their new roadmap this fall (2023) and with implementation beginning the beginning of 2024. You can make your opinion known by emailing agestrongvt@vermont.gov or the author Ben@transitionsvt. com. VM

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, Vermont. He can be reached at Ben@ TransitionsVT.com or by calling directly at 802-355-6688. Visit his website at TransitionsVT.com.

Glenn A. Jarrett & Julie Hoyt, Partners

Made in Vermont: Sisters of Anarchy Ice Cream

Farm to Cone for Sisters of Anarchy at Fisher Brothers Farm

Vermonters are familiar with the concept of farm to plate but what about farm to cone? At Fisher Brothers Farm, that’s how they describe their home-grown Sisters of Anarchy ice cream. In 2013, Bob Clark and Becky Castle purchased 75 acres on Spear Street in Shelburne. These days, what Becky describes as a vertically integrated agriculture operation has grown to include several value-added products, the best known of which is their ice cream.

Bob and Becky met at Middlebury College. When they lived on the West Coast, they made a commitment that – to prevent the bursting of seams in their windsurfing wetsuits – they would only eat ice cream

they had hand-cranked. That vow continued when they returned to Vermont and started the farm which is named after Bob’s maternal family. They built a barn and after two years of enriching the soil with cover crops, they planted their first berry bushes in 2015.

When they initially started the business, the couple didn’t really have a background in agriculture. Becky jokes that they were the Beverly Hillbillies in reverse with their move from Los Angeles to the farm. Although Bob grew up on a dairy farm, he made his living in the television and film industry. Becky worked as a consultant for a firm that partnered with agricultural groups.

Once the farm got going, it was only natural for the couple to include their three children in the work and the ice cream is named for the trio. These days, the two oldest kids, Lily and Sunshine, are stepping back a bit in favor of outside employment but Clark, the youngest, is still an important member of the workforce. In addition, the farm has four or five full-time year-round employees, six H2A workers from Costa Rica, and 15 to 20 seasonal staff members.

Becky said ice cream was always part of the business plan. “It’s hard to do well in agriculture unless you have a value-added product,” she said. Fisher Farm grows 32,000 row feet of berries including blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, Aronia berries, and elderberries, as well as Marquette grapes. This year, they will be adding 2,000 rows of yellow raspberries. Peaches are the

only fruit used in their ice cream which are not grown directly on the property.

Sisters of Anarchy ice cream reaches consumers in several ways. Scooped ice cream is available at catered and vendor events and at retail stores in Vermont, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts. They also ship both pints and four-ounce, single-serve packages nationwide. Becky said the most popular flavors are Crystal Blue Persuasion which has fresh blueberries, Chocolate Anarchy, Tap This, which features maple from Purington Farms in Huntington, and I Want Candy with Chocolate which includes the farm’s home-grown peppermint. Many other flavors have musical motifs including The Experience, Raspberry Beret, Nine to Five, and Black Velvet if You Please.

Another product line at the farm is wellness syrups, although Becky concedes they haven’t done much to market them. The three options are elderberry, Aronia, and a combination of the two berries. All three are made without water or apple cider vinegar but include Marquette grapes and crystalized honey from Champlain Valley Apiary. The syrups are sold on-line and through retail partners. Other berries end up in value-added products at Vermont businesses including Skinny Pancake and some local breweries.

A new addition to the farm is the sale of dry ice. “We’re the only producer of dry ice in Vermont,” Becky said. “We did it so we could freeze our berries and lower the cost of shipping but now that we have that capacity, we can sell it.” Purchasers include the Agency

of Agriculture and Farmers to You which aggregates Vermont products to ship to pick-up points in the Boston area. “Even though we initially did it for ourselves, it’s turned into a nice business niche,” Becky said.

This year, Sisters of Anarchy is adding two new vegan sorbet flavors. Un-whined is made with Marquette grapes while Berries and the Jets is a mixed berry sorbet. Both use only unbleached sugar. In June, the farm launched an ice cream sandwich which is known as the Anarchy Burger.

After ten years, the farm continues to evolve and both Bob and Becky have quit their day jobs to focus exclusively on their agricultural endeavors. The addition of the dry ice has helped them minimize the seasonality

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of the business. Becky notes that the benefit of vertical integration is they are less dependent on supply chains, but it does mean their ice cream is more expensive than most grocery store brands.

These days, Sisters of Anarchy is doing fewer vendor events and spending more time on catered ones where it is easier to predict how many people will attend. No matter the function, there is never any waste from their appearances. They have two food trucks and three smaller set-ups, and they can either plug in to local electricity or be powered by a generator.

Becky and Bob love to have people visit their farm and on ten Friday evenings during the summer, people are invited to come and enjoy live music and hyperlocal vendors. Fisher Brothers Farm also hosts special events including Loving Day on June 10 which celebrates the 1973 Supreme Court decision striking down laws banning interracial marriage.

The farm allows the family to connect with people and to provide a community space. “We love the

conversations we have with our customers whether in-person or online and now consider many of them as friends,” Becky said. The importance of the farm as a community resource became more evident during Covid because there was sufficient space for social distancing. “At the beginning of the summer of 2022, there was a little girl who came for ice cream, and she told my husband that it was her first time leaving the house since COVID began,” Becky said. “At the end of the summer, there were a number of customers who told us that the farm was the only outing that they participated in and were really appreciative of the space.”

You can learn more about Sisters of Anarchy by visiting their website at SistersOfAnarchyIceCream. com. VM

Phyl Newbeck writes for a wide variety of Vermont newspapers and magazines. She is the author of Virginia Hasn’t Always Been for Lovers: Interracial Marriage Bans and the Case of Richard and Mildred Loving.

For over 40 years, we have provided Vermonters 60+ with the necessary support to manage their daily living needs, with the goal of keeping them active, healthy, and independent. Age Well is a non-profit.

Steps to a Successful Transition to a Senior Living Community

By Alicia Fleming

Transitioning from a long-time home to a senior living community can be emotionally challenging, particularly when it comes to letting go of belongings. Here are some suggestions and resources to help you remove obstacles and manage your emotional ties during this transition with greater ease:

Selecting the Right Community

As a local Senior Living Advisor, I provide knowledge-based research to coordinate personalized community tours. These allow you to consider factors such as location, amenities, levels of care provided, social activities, and cost to support your choice in a community that aligns with your needs, preferences, and lifestyle.

Embrace your Emotions

Be gentle with yourself and understand that it’s normal to feel a range of emotions during a time of change, including sadness, nostalgia, and even anxiety. It’s normal to feel a sense of loss or sadness during this process. Reach out to friends, family, or a support group to talk about your feelings. Sometimes, sharing your emotions can help alleviate the attachment to certain belongings. Many senior communities understand that this is an ongoing process and have support groups or peer committees that aid in emotional comfort during the move-in process.

Plan Ahead

Start the downsizing process well in advance of your move. Give yourself plenty of time to sort through your belongings and make decisions without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. If possible, involve your family and friends in the process. Create categories such as “keep,”

“donate,” “gift,” and “sell.” Evaluate each item to make decisions based on usefulness, sentimental value, and practicality in your new living environment. If this feels too overwhelming to take on by yourself there are specialists in rightsizing, downsizing, estate sales and Senior Move Management Companies. These specialists will help maintain a focus on keeping items that are most important to you and will fit into your new living space. Utilizing these services for assistance is highly beneficial to support a successful transition.

Senior Move Managers

If you require assistance with downsizing, organizing, and coordinating your move, consider hiring a senior move manager. These professionals specialize in helping older adults with the logistical and emotional aspects of transitioning to a new home. They can provide guidance, coordinate movers, and offer support throughout the process. The National

Association of Senior Move Managers (www.Nasmm. org) has a directory that can help you find certified professionals in Vermont. Many of my clients have had trusted, seamless experiences working with these types of companies.

Preserve Memories

If you find it challenging to part with certain items, consider digitizing them. Scan old photos and documents, convert videos to digital formats, or create a digital album of memories. This way, you can still cherish the sentimental value without taking up physical space. Family involvement in the preservation of memories is a great way to transcend traditions and generate your family archives.

Create a Legacy

Consider donating items to charitable organizations, museums, or libraries. Knowing that your belongings

will be used and appreciated by others can bring a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

Customize Your New Space

Before your move, obtain a floor plan or dimensions of your new home, visualize how you want to arrange your furniture and belongings. Once you’ve right sized and moved into your senior living community, focus

on making your new space feel like home. Personalize it with a few cherished belongings, photographs, or artwork to help create a sense of familiarity and comfort.

Connect With the Community

Transitioning to a senior living community provides opportunities to engage in activities and build new relationships. Embrace the sense of community and explore the social aspects of your new living arrangement, which can help ease the emotional ties to your previous home and promotes a sense of belonging.

Stay Connect with Loved Ones

Maintain strong connections with family and friends outside the senior living community. Schedule regular visits or video calls to stay connected. Having a support system in and outside the

Steps to a Successful Transition to a Senior Living Community

Continued On Page 29

Something To Think About

James A Meunier, director

ENCOURAGEMENT FOR THE BEREAVED

What can you do to help a grief-stricken and bereaved friend return to a fairly normal and happy life? First of all, you must respect your friend’s need to grieve. That’s right, the process of grief can be very important for healing, for coming to terms with one’s loss. Also, there is no set time-period for such feelings, though social customs may designate arbitrary periods of mourning. Eventually, tactfully, you might encourage your friend to get involved in

new activities and meet new people. He or she may be very reluctant at first, but developing new interests is crucial to recovery. Don’t be forceful, but do be persistent and make a real effort to find something your friend could truly enjoy. Be available but don’t be overbearing in your desire to help. Ultimately, it is up to your friend. He or she will accept as much help as possible without surrendering dignity or integrity.

Age Well Celebrates Summer by Helping Seniors Save Money at Baseball Games and Farmers Markets

Summer is here in Vermont! Keep reading to learn about Senior Nights at Vermont Lake Monsters and how you can make your 3SquaresVT benefit go further when you use Crop Cash.

Find Age Well Tuesdays in July & August at Centennial Field

Take me out to the ball game! The final Senior Nights at Vermont Lake Monsters are July 18th, July 25th, and August 1st. Adults 60 and over can purchase half price reserved tickets for $5 (includes a free soft drink). Tickets can be purchased at 802-655-4200 or day of the game at the field. In collaboration with MVP Health Care and the Vermont Lake Monsters, Age Well will be at Senior Night games. We hope to see you there!

Cash In at Farmer’s Markets with Crop Cash

Farmers Markets are a great way to not only get out into your community but also find local, fresh produce and products. This year, people who receive 3SquaresVT benefits can triple their buying power while also widening the array of products they can purchase at Farmers Markets.

What is 3SquaresVT?

3SquaresVT, also known as SNAP/EBT, is a nutrition program that helps income qualified people supplement their monthly food budget. For those over 60 or living with a disability and without earned income, there is a simplified application process which makes it easier to apply.

If you meet income guidelines, you will receive money every month to use to purchase food. It’s important to know that everyone that is eligible will receive assistance and you’re not taking away benefits who might need it more than you. You may qualify even if you have money in your bank account or own your own home. The average monthly benefit for an older Vermonter living alone is $100.00. Interested in applying? Age Well can help, call the Helpline at 800-642-5119.

What is Crop Cash?

Crop Cash is Northeast Organic Farming Association’s (NOFA-VT) SNAP incentive program at farmers markets. When shopping at a participating farmer’s market and using EBT benefits, Crop Cash will triple your buying power this year.

A person can use up to $20 of their SNAP benefits and receive double the amount of Crop Cash

coupons. For example, if you use $10 in benefits, you will receive $20 in additional Crop Cash Coupons. Your $10 has turned into $30. Spending $20 of SNAP benefits will give you an extra $40 in Crop Cash benefits.

The Two Types of Crop Cash

This year, there are two kinds of Crop Cash: Crop Cash and Crop Cash Plus. Based on how you receive EBT benefits you will either have a combination of these or all Crop Cash Plus when you shop at Farmers Markets. Crop Cash enables you to buy fruits, vegetables, seeds, or vegetable starts. Crop Cash Plus enables you to buy any EBT eligible item, which includes the above plus items like dairy, eggs, meat, and cold prepared foods like bread. The coupons have an expiration date, so you can save them for another day (or another market).

Which Crop Cash Am I Eligible For?

Contact Ben today for your FREE Senior Transition Starter Pack. This great package provides everything you’ll need to get started with your transition today!

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: 802.355.6688

WEB: www.transitionsvt.com

EMAIL: ben@transitionsvt.com

The type of Crop Cash you receive will depend on how you receive your EBT benefits. Those receiving cash EBT benefits, which include individuals who are disabled and most people 65 years and older will receive all the bonus in Crop Cash PLUS coupons. Those receiving standard EBT will receive Crop Cash and Crop Cash Plus coupons. Whichever combination you receive, you will triple your buying power. The staff at the market booth will provide you with the correct coupons.

How Do I Get Crop Cash?

✔ Go to a participating farmers market. Find a list of farmers markets participating in Crop Cash here.

✔ Locate the booth with a yellow sign saying “EBT and Debit Cards Accepted Here.”

✔ Let the representative at the booth know how much you would like to spend.

✔ Be sure to let them know if you receive your benefits such as EBT cash or direct deposit so it’s processed correctly.

✔ The representative will ask you to swipe your card (unless you receive direct deposit).

✔ You will receive a combination of wooden tokens and Crop Cash coupons.

Not Receiving 3SquaresVT?

With the costs of food rising, the Crop Cash program helps you extend these benefits to purchase local food from local farmers. Vermonters who meet income requirements can receive the benefit. Everyone should apply for 3SquaresVT, especially those on a fixed income. We know that there are many eligible individuals or couples who have never received this benefit. There is no limit to the number of Vermonters who can receive this benefit, so we encourage all individuals to apply. VM

Learn more about Age Well’s services, volunteering, and other ways to give back by calling the Helpline at 800642-5119 or online at AgeWellVT.org.

Our Private Inner Narrative

by Dr. Richard Houston

Renowned neurologist Oliver Sacks shared this perspective on the voice that performs inside each of our heads:” We have, each of us, a life-story, an inner narrative — whose continuity, whose sense, is our lives. It might be said that each of us constructs and lives, a “narrative,” and that this narrative is us, our identities.” (Robin Williams played the role of Oliver Sacks in the powerful 1990 film ‘Awakenings.)

Prolific novelist Joan Didion had this take: “we tell ourselves stories in order to live... We interpret what we see and select the most workable of the multiple choices. We live entirely by the imposition of a narrative line upon disparate images, by the “ideas” with which

we have learned to freeze the shifting phantasmagoria which is our actual experience.” - The White Album

Each of us walks around daily with a narrator performing on a stage inside our head. We replay scenes from yesterday and scenes from half a century ago consecutively, as if they were recorded at the same time. For the optimists among us, that personal self-narrative voice is typically buoyant, encouraging, and hopeful.

However, many of us hear a different kind of voice. In November of last year, I published an article focusing on the negative bias of the human mind. I quoted San Francisco Bay Area psychologist Rick Hanson who quipped “Our minds act like Velcro for bad experiences and like Teflon for positive ones.” That negative bias can frequently be heard in our personal self-narrative.

Small Community. Big Heart.

When our private inner narrative adopts a harshly critical tone, life can be a struggle. Most of our readers can relate to a critical self-narrative that contrasts with our behavior when a close friend experiences a setback or personal tragedy. We consistently show great compassion for our dear friends but scant selfcompassion when we make a mess of something ourselves. Readers who aspire to shaping their personal self-narrative in a more positive direction are asked to apply for a script editor job that pays big dividends. Imagine you take the job and get promoted to Director. You walk on to the set of your personal narrative drama. Someone hands you the megaphone and you take your seat in the Director’s chair. You’re in charge. Now start making changes. Tell the ‘harsh critic’ voices to take a hike.

This is still real life, so you can’t make everything turn up sunshine and roses. Life still has its ups and its downs. But you can change the tone of the narrative to reflect a more hopeful picture. Bring some of your

dear friends on set – people who love you. It’s okay if they have graduated into a ‘higher realm.’ This is your imagination. Have them sit next to you in solidarity. Invite them to contribute to a more positive narrative. Steer the action in the direction of healthy habits and supportive social networks. Turn this into a ‘feel good’ production.

Here’s the good news about self-narrative renovation projects. You can change the rules and the outcome. Go ahead! Order that megaphone from Amazon. Keep it around to remind you who belongs in the Director’s chair. VM

Richard Houston holds a Doctorate in Education and was licensed by the Massachusetts Board of Psychology. He is a graduate of Brown University. He has conducted research on the psychological dimensions of healthy lifestyle behaviors and has had long term consulting relationships with several continuing care retirement communities. You can visit his website at ResilienceAdvocate.com.

community can help ease any feelings of loneliness or anxiety.

Seek Support and Ask Questions

Adjusting to senior living takes time and patience. Reach out to the staff or management of your community if you have questions or concerns. They are there to assist you and ensure a smooth transition. Additionally, connect with other residents who have gone through a similar transition. They can provide insights, advice, and support.

Give Yourself Time

Understand that it takes time to adapt to a new environment. Be patient with yourself and allow yourself

to feel a range of emotions. Give yourself permission to honor your emotions, feelings of grief are very natural when moving from a lifelong home while embracing the opportunities and benefits that come with your new living situation.

During significant life changes it’s natural to experience a mix of emotions. Transitioning to senior living can open new possibilities for social connections, care, and a vibrant community. With proper planning, support, and a positive mindset, you can make this transition a successful and fulfilling one. VM

Alicia Fleming is the Owner of Golden Guide Senior Living Advisor and Golden Guide Real Estate, LLC –KW Vermont. Alicia is a native Vermonter and Senior Real Estate Specialist, SRES®. She can be contacted at 802-318-0441,  aliciafleming@goldenguidevt.com, and GoldenGuidevt.com.

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Vermont Maturity is mailed free of charge to qualified recipients age 50 and older in the Chittenden County area Vermont Maturity offers a wide range of local and regional coverage on topics important to boomers and seniors, including local stories and news plus articles on finance, travel, fashion & beauty, business, caring for aging parents, grandparenting, careers, health & fitness, food, and things to do

To Qualify for a Free Subscription, Complete and Return this Form To*: RTN Publishing Attn Circulation 6170 Forest Hills Drive Asbury IA

Fax: 563.557.7641

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Get to know your Medicare options.

Discover  UVM Health Advantage

Created with You. Guided by Doctors.

Join us for a free Medicare Products Seminar near you. In‑person and online options available.

Learn what UVM Health Advantage plans have to offer — from plans starting at $0 per month to dental, vision and hearing benefits, all in one plan.

Our Medicare Product Seminars are live events hosted by a licensed UVM Health Advantage Plan Guide.

Visit UVMHealthAdvantage.com/ seminars to learn more and register for an event.

Call 1 ‑ 833 ‑368 ‑ 4598 (TTY 711)

October 1–March 31, seven days a week, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. April 1–September 30, call Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.

In ‑ Person Seminars

Tuesday, July 11 12:00 p.m.

O’Brien Community Center 32 Malletts Bay Ave., Winooski Wednesday, July 12 1:00 p.m.

MVP Health Care

62 Merchants Row, Williston

Online Seminars

Friday, July 14 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 19 12:00 p.m. Friday, July 21 2:00 p.m.

Dates and times are subject to change.

MVP Health Plan, Inc. is an HMO-POS/PPO organization with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in MVP Health Plan depends on contract renewal. For accommodations of persons with special needs at meetings, call 1-800-324-3899 (TTY 711). Other physicians/providers are available in the MVP Health Care ® network. MVP Health Care complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity).

ATENCIÓN: si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-844-946-8010 (TTY 711).

注意：如果您使用繁體中文，您可以免費獲得語言援助服務。請致電 1-844-946-8010 (TTY 711) Y0051_8226_M