Vermont Maturity Magazine September-October 2023

Vermont Maturity For Vermonters Age 50 and Older

RTN PUBLISHING, INC.

Phone – 563.557.7571

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 – 563-557-7571

Fax – 563.557.7641

Robin@VermontMaturity.com

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.

The publisher makes no representation concerning any product or service advertised in this publication. Vermont Maturity and VermontMaturity. com serve only as a medium for sellers to reach potential buyers and does not warrant the accuracy of any advertisement. Vermont Maturity makes every effort to eliminate typographical errors and assumes no responsibility for misspelling names of people from handwritten copy. All editorial items submitted are subject to editing and alteration at the sole discretion of publisher. Design and format of this magazine is protected by the copyright laws of the United States of America. Reproduction of this publication in whole or in part is prohibited without express written consent of the publisher. POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to Vermont Maturity, 6170 Forest Hills

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Vermont Maturity Cover Story

Nottingham Trust 971

After over 150 years of providing service to Vermonters, Community Bank Trust Services is changing its name. Starting in August, the company became known as Nottingham Trust. The company says that aside from the name, nothing else will change including their devotion to their clients.

In 1866, the company was born as St. Lawrence National Bank and since then it has expanded to serve Upstate New York, Northeastern Pennsylvania, Western Massachusetts, and Vermont. With over 3,000 employees and ranked as one of Forbes Magazine’s best banks in America, they pledge to continue to provide the services Vermonters are used to receiving. Nottingham Trust has two branches in Vermont: one in Manchester Center and one in Williston.

In 2022, Nottingham Wealth was created to combine the financial planning and investment capabilities of Community Bank Trust Services and Nottingham Advisors into a single entity. One of the reasons for the change is that the expanding geographic scope of the company brought them into areas where there was an existing entity called Community Bank, with which they are not affiliated. “We decided to update our name to better align our brands and reflect all we have to offer,” said Nottingham Trust President Charlie Perrillo. “Our commitment to our clients remains our highest priority. This is just a name change; you can expect the same professional team, same level of service and same dedication to quality that you have come to expect from us over the years.”

Nottingham’s services include investment management, estate planning and trust services, and employee benefit plan servicing. They are a fiduciary which means they are legally required to act in the best interests of their clients and cannot have any conflicts of interest. Fiduciary advisors are registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission and are held to a higher standard than other financial advisors.

Nottingham advisors provide a wealth of financial resources for their clients. They pride themselves on working closely with clients to identify goals and tailor a plan to fit each individual. Rather than base decisions on market timing, they use asset class weightings, credit quality, and industry and individual position weightings. Annual portfolio turnover for investors is generally modest and driven by factors such as an issue’s weight in the overall portfolio, significant price appreciation,

the need to rebalance among market-caps, financial deterioration, and other similar events.

Advisors generally emphasize highquality, large-cap stocks that deliver consistent results, market leadership and healthy, growing dividends. Advisors believe asset allocation across equity market segments is an integral part of building a total-return oriented portfolio and they augment their individual security approach with mutual funds and exchange traded funds (ETFs) to fill mid-cap, small-cap, international, real estate, and various other niches. They do not represent any individual mutual fund company or those who impose sales charges or cost sharing fees. Instead, they work with funds whose internal expense ratios are well below the industry average.

For investors on a fixed income, advisors recommend high-quality bond issues including US

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Treasury and Agency obligations, mortgage-backed securities, municipal bonds, and corporate bonds that they typically hold through maturity. They use mutual funds and ETFs to add value to fixed-income holdings, gaining exposure to international, highyield and inflation-protected issues.

Nottingham Trust considers the effective use of Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) to be a crucial part of every individual’s overall financial and estate plan. According to Perrillo, “a well thought out and disciplined IRA strategy will not only help you to build a nest egg for your future retirement, but through the use of tax deductions and tax-deferred benefits you are also able to manage your current income tax liabilities.” Nottingham offers a variety of retirement account products and services including traditional IRAs and Roth IRAs, to help individuals accumulate and manage retirement assets.

The Manchester Center office was established in 1911. “For over a century, we have been building relationships with our fiduciary services that last generations,” Perrillo said. “Nottingham Trust combines the formidable financial planning and investment capabilities of Community Bank into a single offering; all of our best in one relationship, and we are committed to offering the best possible solution, tailored to your needs.

Our high level of professional engagement encompasses so much more than just asset management, so why accept trade-offs?”.

Sean Houghton, the Senior Trust Officer at Nottingham’s Williston location, loves what he does. “I enjoy working with individuals and families to help set them up for success as they move through life,” he said. “It is fulfilling for me to experience the achievement of my client’s personal financial and life goals with them.”

Advisors also provide administrative services to support the IRAs including timely filing and reporting of all IRA contributions and distributions on relevant tax forms, notifications and tracking to remind clients of any Required Minimum Distributions they may need to take, issuance of recurring statements so clients can track and monitor the performance of their IRA portfolio, and any requested IRA transactions, mailings, and notifications to keep clients informed of significant developments to the IRA rules and guidelines.

Other Nottingham Trust services include estate planning which can include setting up a trust. They also work with businesses to help develop employee benefit plans. This includes creating a strategy, communicating regularly regarding the details of the plan, and filing appropriate state and federal forms and taxes.

Houghton has seen some long-term clients through many of life’s changes. “I enjoy helping them save for college and then seeing their children obtain college degrees and start their careers, planning for and helping them confidently transition into retirement by coordinating their financial resources, or developing an estate plan that protects and passes their wealth to future generations in the most appropriate and tax efficient manner,” he said. “I consider my clients as part of my family, and I am committed to helping them and future generations with their wealth management needs.” VM For more information call 802-865-1860 or visit Cbnatrust.com/contact.

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.

How to Paint Your Home to Sell

by Ben Durant

When it comes to selling your home, first impressions are crucial. If you’ve been in your home for more than a decade, it’s very likely the paint color and conditions date your home. One of the most effective ways to enhance your property’s appeal and make a lasting impact on potential buyers is through the strategic use of color in your interior and exterior spaces. Painting your home with the right colors can create an inviting and desirable atmosphere that will leave a lasting impression on prospective buyers. Keep reading to learn more about the art of color selections that just might help you transform your home into a marketable masterpiece.

Something To Think About

James A Meunier, director

LENGTH OF CONDOLENCE CALL

There is no strictly prescribed ritual for making a condolence call. It seems sensible, however, to plan on no longer a call than one plans on for a hospital visit — that is, not more than fifteen minutes. That should be enough time to express condolences, to speak a few words of comfort and commendation of the decedent, to offer help, and to say good-bye. At the same time, you should try and be flexible. One can often tell from the mourner’s behavior whether

or not there is a wish for a longer visit. Though it is sometimes hard to gauge the true feelings of the bereaved, the sensitive individual can usually do this. If the mourner appears to wish a longer visit, and if it is possible for the caller to remain longer, that may be the kind thing to do. If the caller cannot remain longer, but a longer visit seems desired, it would be appropriate to give an assurance of a return call, and that call should be made.

A common mistake is for homeowners to look to the current trends in colors. Each year, all the big names in the paint industry launch their paint color of the year. Without fail, it’s a bold color that will grab your attention but won’t necessarily sell your house better. Yes, choosing these colors might detract from the value. According to the professional color consultant, Betsey Dempsey of Color Concepts in Shelburne Vermont, there’s a huge difference when choosing colors for living in a house vs. selling it. She refers to this concept as “dwell vs. sell”. According to Ms. Dempsey, bold probably shouldn’t be your first choice when choosing colors to help you sell.

Neutral Palette for Broad Appeal

When aiming to sell your home, a safe and effective approach is to stick to a neutral color palette. Neutral colors create a blank canvas that allows potential buyers

to envision their belongings in the space. That doesn’t mean you should choose to go with plain white walls. According to Betsey Dempsey, many real estate agents will recommend homeowners go with a plain white. Dempsey also says this can be a real disservice to sellers and will just make a house look sterile and uninviting. Instead, choose a soft neutral color with subtle undertones that work to coordinate with other colors in the house. Ms. Dempsey will often start with the kitchen which tends to be the hub of the house. She will start by coordinating wall colors that work with hard-tochange items like countertops and move outwards from there. Neutral colors with character can create a sense of calmness and spaciousness, making rooms appear larger and more inviting. The key is to keep the accents subtle and consistent, so they complement other components of the house.

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Don’t Overlook Sheen

Another common paint mistake is choosing the wrong sheen. For decades, most homeowners would select an eggshell – for virtually all surfaces in the home. According to Ms. Dempsey, choosing a matte finish is the right choice for walls and will make your house look more refined and elegant. Despite common misconceptions, matte finishes can be cleaned. Beyond that, they can be touched up better than other sheens. Sheens like an eggshell or semi-gloss degrade over time and touch-ups will stick out. Matte finishes don’t change over time and touch-ups will blend well without sticking out like a sore thumb.

Exterior Curb Appeal

The exterior of your home is the first thing potential buyers will see, so it’s critical to make a positive impression. Choose a classic and timeless color scheme for the exterior, such as a neutral base color with contrasting trim. A fresh coat of paint can significantly improve your home’s curb appeal, making it stand out in the neighborhood and attracting more interested buyers.

Creating a Sense of Flow

When selecting colors for different rooms, aim to create a sense of flow and cohesion throughout the house. Transitioning between spaces with clashing colors can make a home feel disjointed and less appealing to potential buyers. Use a consistent color scheme to create a harmonious and visually pleasing transition from

one room to another, enhancing the overall flow of the property.

Light and Bright

A well-lit home appears more welcoming and spacious. Light colors reflect natural light, making rooms feel brighter and more open. Keep this in mind when selecting colors, especially for rooms with limited natural light. If your home lacks adequate daylight, choose lighter hues to compensate for the lack of brightness.

Professional Help

If you’re unsure about color selection or the best color palette for your home, don’t hesitate to seek the help of a professional color consultant like Betsey Dempsey. Experts like Betsey have experience in creating color choices that appeal to potential buyers and can guide you through the color selection process.

Conclusion

Painting your home to sell is a strategic and powerful way to increase its market value and appeal to potential buyers. Stick to a neutral base, incorporate subtle accent colors, and aim to create a sense of flow throughout your property. Remember to consider your target market and seek professional advice if needed. With the right color selection, you can transform your home into an irresistible, marketable gem that will leave a lasting impression on buyers and increase your chances of a successful sale. 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

Welcome to Age Well’s regular feature in Vermont Maturity

Age Well Sponsors Fall Prevention, Community Meals and More

Welcome to Age Well’s Fall Feature in Vermont Maturity . Our team is grateful for the privilege of serving older Vermonters and their caregivers in Addison, Chittenden, Franklin, and Grand Isle Counties . Our services are provided free of charge to the community . Volunteers and donations make our mission possible . Keep reading for information about how you can prevent falls and some of our nutrition offerings . With Gratitude, Jane Catton, CEO

Preventing Falls

Every September we recognize Falls Prevention Awareness Week from September 18th through 22nd. This year’s theme is “From Awareness to Action,” we know that preventing falls is possible, and we want to empower older adults to take action and reduce their risk of falling.

In honor of Falls Prevention Week, we encourage you to take the National Council on Aging’s Falls Free

CheckUp to get a personalized overview of your falls risk and find ways to remediate your risk so you can stay healthy and protected. Then help us spread the word to friends and family. Falls are not a normal part of aging and can be prevented! Falls Free CheckUp: Ncoa.org/age-wellplanner/assessment/falls-free-checkup Research tells us that being active and staying socially connected are crucial to maintaining our health and quality of life. With our wide variety of Wellness Services, we can help you age with confidence and dignity.

Improve Your Balance and Mobility with Tai Chi

Endorsed by The Arthritis Foundation and the Center for Disease Control and Injury Prevention (CDC), Tai Chi is an evidence-based health program that reduces stiffness and pain, keeping joints mobile. Age Well provides classes for individuals who are 60+ years of age. Taught by certified volunteer trainers, there is no charge for these classes, but donations are gratefully accepted. Learn more about Age Well’s Tai Chi classes and other wellness offerings at Agewellvt.org/services/health-wellness/wellnessprograms.

A Matter of Balance

Designed to reduce the fear of falling and increase the activity levels of older adults, the Matter of Balance in-person class is based upon research conducted by the Roybal Center for Enhancement of Late-Life Function at Boston University.

Consisting of eight two-hour sessions, which can be held twice a week for 4 weeks or once a week for 8 weeks, the early sessions focus on changing attitudes before attempting changes in actual behavior. The exercise component, which begins in the third session, takes about 30 minutes of the session to complete. Each two-hour session includes a 10-minute break for the opportunity to socialize, move around and have a light refreshment if desired. E-mail Ally McAuslan at amcaslan@agewellvt.org for more information.

Join us for a Meal

For those able to venture out, we serve meals in gathering places and restaurants throughout Northwestern Vermont, providing an opportunity to stay connected to your community, enjoying time with friends and neighbors.

Meals are created to meet the dietary and food safety guidelines required by the Older Americans Act. A typical meal consists of 2-3 ounces of protein, a complex

carbohydrate (such as sweet potato, rice, or pasta), one and a half cups of fruit or vegetables, a grain (preferably whole grain), milk and dessert (often includes fruit). Salt is not added to foods during cooking, though in some foods it may naturally occur.

Find more information about our meal options below or online at Agewellvt.org/services/food-mealdelivery/community-meals.

Community Meals

Age Well hosts community meals at over 70 locations. Programs vary from small rural gatherings to senior centers, local parks, to an ever-growing array of restaurants.

Space is limited. Advanced registration is necessary for each community meal. An annual registration form is required. RESTAURANT:

Family Owned and Operated Since 1951

Restaurant Ticket Program

Age Well’s popular restaurant ticket program allows an opportunity for older adults to enjoy a nutritious meal and an outing at a local restaurant. Older adults can make a $5 donation to receive a ticket to dine at one of the participating establishments.

Participating restaurants include: 3 Squares Café in Vergennes, Ray’s Seafood in Essex Junction, The Abbey

in Enosburg Falls, iHop in South Burlington, Rosie’s in Middlebury, Halfway House in Shoreham, and The Dutch Mill in Shelburne.

Grab and Go Meals

Age Well hosts Grab and Go meals throughout Northwestern Vermont providing an opportunity for older Vermonters to get out and access nutritious meals. Advanced registration is necessary for each Grab and Go meal. An annual registration form is required. VM

To learn more about Age Well’s services, volunteering, and other ways to give back by call 800-642-5119 or visit AgeWellVT.org.

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Person-Centered Care & Your Aging Journey

by Alicia Fleming

Person-centered care is a holistic approach to healthcare that focuses on the individual’s needs, preferences, and values, placing them at the center of their own care journey. When it comes to aging, person-centered care becomes even more crucial, as it addresses the unique challenges and requirements faced by older adults. If you’re in Vermont and embarking on your aging journey, insisting on person-centered care is essential for several reasons:

Individualized Care

Person-centered care recognizes that each person’s aging journey is unique. It tailors care plans to meet the specific needs, goals, and aspirations of the individual. By insisting on this approach, you ensure that your care plan is created to your specific requirements, considering factors such as your medical history, lifestyle, personal goals, and preferences. This personalized approach expands the quality of care and increases the likelihood of positive health outcomes enhancing overall well-being.

Dignity and Respect

Aging can bring about changes in physical and cognitive abilities, making it crucial to uphold the dignity and respect of older adults. Person-centered care emphasizes treating individuals with empathy, compassion, and respect, regardless of their age or health condition. It acknowledges their autonomy, values their opinions and choices, and involves them in decisionmaking processes regarding their care. This approach empowers individuals to actively participate in their care journey, fostering a sense of self-worth and respect.

Enhanced Quality of Life

By focusing on the person’s overall well-being, person-centered care aims to improve their quality of life. It encompasses physical, emotional, social, and spiritual aspects of care, acknowledging the holistic nature of aging. By prioritizing your preferences, values, and social connections, person-centered care helps ensure that your aging journey is more fulfilling and meaningful.

Communication and Collaboration

Small Community, Big Heart

Caring for Life

Person-centered care encourages open and honest communication between the aging individual, their families, healthcare professionals, caregivers, and support networks. It values collaboration and shared decision-making, ensuring that all parties are actively involved in care planning and delivery. This approach fosters a trusting relationship between the care team and the aging individual that goes beyond just medical treatment, leading to better health outcomes.

Continuity and Coordination

As you age, you may require care from various healthcare providers, specialists, and support services. Person-centered care recognizes the importance of continuity and aims to provide consistent, coordinated care across different settings, ensuring a smooth transition between healthcare providers, specialists, and caregivers. It encourages communication, collaboration, and the sharing of information to guarantee that all aspects of your care are well-integrated and aligned.

This reduces the likelihood of fragmented or duplicated services, enhances efficiency, and minimizes potential gaps in your care.

Empathy and Emotional Support

Aging can bring about various emotional challenges, including loneliness, anxiety, and depression. Personcentered care emphasizes empathy and emotional support, addressing the psychological well-being of the aging individual. By acknowledging and validating their emotions, this approach helps to alleviate distress and improve mental health outcomes.

Improved Outcomes

Research has shown that person-centered care leads to better health outcomes for older adults. By actively involving them in their care decisions and tailoring services to their needs, it can improve overall health,

functional abilities, and overall satisfaction with their care experience.

In Vermont, or anywhere for that matter, advocating for person-centered care for your aging journey is crucial because it ensures that your unique needs, values, and preferences are at the forefront of your care experience. It promotes your overall well-being, respects your dignity, and empowers you to actively participate in decision-making. By prioritizing person-centered care, you can expect a higher quality of life, better communication and collaboration with your care team, continuity of care, and the emotional support necessary for a fulfilling aging journey. VM

Made in Vermont Mixed Up Nut Butter: Wholesome Goodness Made from Scratch

by Phyl Newbeck

Not many people start a business before graduating from college, but Kent Arnold isn’t most people. He and his father, John, officially started Mixed Up Nut Butter on May 13, 2020, four days before his on-line commencement and five months before the Covid-delayed, in-person ceremony. As VP of Product Development and Manufacturing, Arnold is responsible for each of the company’s six distinctive flavors.

Arnold credits his proficiency in the kitchen to growing up in New York, surrounded by different cultures, and travelling to Europe with his family. “I’m very grateful for parents who wanted to show me the world at a young age,” he said. Arnold’s family also made sure the kids helped around the house and that included food preparation. While still in high school, Arnold made homemade hummus with almond butter instead of tahini.

“It’s one thing to make your own meals but another to make something you’d normally buy in a store,” he said.

In his teens, Arnold became more concerned with personal fitness and in trying to transform his body, he paid more attention to what he was eating. He began

cooking healthy meals for himself and when he moved to Vermont, he got a job in a nutritional supplement store. “The more I learned about supplements, the more I realized it was more important for people to change their lifestyles,” he said. “I became less interested in selling supplements and more interested in helping people have healthy habits.”

After a semester of majoring in computer science at Champlain College and another semester of applied mathematics at Stony Brook, Arnold transferred to UVM to study business. A class in food science led him to think about the restaurant industry and he spent a year working at Bluebird Barbecue. His UVM degree had a marketing concentration with a global business theme which allowed him to travel to Spain.

Arnold said he has always had an entrepreneurial spirit, starting with a childhood business shoveling driveways. He credits an entrepreneurship program at his high school with helping him develop the confidence to head out on his own. Students in the program got to talk to other entrepreneurs and were tasked with creating their

own business. Arnold came up with the idea of a mobile bike repair service.

Arnold always thought that he would start a business of his own, figuring that it would be based around either food, nutrition, or personal training, and assuming that it would be a side business while he worked for someone else, but fate intervened. Arnold’s father had found a mixed nut butter brand he liked at Healthy Living. It was expensive, but he really liked it and was unhappy when it was discontinued. Arnold asked for the ingredients and prepared his own version. “He wasn’t humoring me when he said it was better,” Arnold said. “He’s been a tech entrepreneur for years and he thought we should try to sell it on Amazon.”

Father and son launched their plan right before Covid hit. Arnold had a digital marketing internship which was scheduled to turn into a full-time job after graduation, but Covid caused the company to cut almost their entire marketing department. Arnold was already having second thoughts about the nine-to-five world, but this

gave him the opportunity to see what he could do with his product.

The first mixed nut butter to hit the market was made with pecans, almonds, and cashews. Since it replaced Arnold’s father’s preferred nut butter it was named New Favorite. The most popular of the six varieties is Maple Creemee which mixes maple syrup with cashews and

pecans. Arnold admits it’s not his favorite because he prefers more complex flavors, but he said the fact that it tastes like healthy cookie butter is probably the reason for its success.

Mixed Up Nut Butter has never used peanuts. That’s partially because of the prevalence of peanut allergies but also to differentiate the company from other nut butters. The result is that their nut butters are more expensive,

but Arnold believes they are well worth the price. He has tried to keep Vermont-themed names including Maple Bliss and Mud Season. Although there are many ways to combine the nut butters with other food, Arnold finds himself just eating it by the spoonful. “There’s a lot going on with the flavors,” he said, “so you don’t really need something else to go with it.”

Mixed Up Nut Butter has made the transition from on-line sales to brick and mortar stores.

“E-commerce was difficult because we were a new brand and we were expensive,” Arnold said. It took a while to get things going but in May of 2021, a year after the company launched, the Vermont Country Deli in Brattleboro asked if they were willing to sell to retailers. That had been the long-range plan, but Arnold decided to pursue it further and he began taking the product to various events starting with the Vermont Summer Festival in Ludlow. By the end of the year, almost 20 stores

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were carrying the nut butters and by the end of 2022, that number was up to 200 stores, mostly in Vermont.

Arnold decided to expand the company’s market by attending regional trade shows and soon, Mixed Up Nut Butter was sold in stores in Maine and New Hampshire. The Summer Fancy Food Show in New York City expanded their market even further. Arnold is still the only full-time employee although he has parttime workers on the manufacturing crew and a graphic designer who works on contract.

The company’s growth coincided with a call from someone who asked if Mixed Up Nut Butter would do a private label. That was enough impetus for Arnold to move the company into a commercial kitchen at the Vermont Food Venture Center in Hardwick where they’ve been since July of 2021. If the company continues to grow, they may invest in their own facility, which could lead to more frequent production dates, more stable employment for the manufacturing team, and potentially lower prices for the product.

Arnold is hoping to grow the company over time. “We have a long way to go,” he said. “Especially when you’re doing retail it takes a while to see if something works and if it doesn’t, you have to keep trying.” Initially, he concentrated on finding retail venues in Vermont, but the small population of the state and the price of the product proved to be a challenge. Since then, he has spent more time reaching out to stores in eastern Massachusetts and is now trying to find New York City venues. “There’s a lot of learning along the way,” he said. “Part of the challenge is not getting discouraged. If this was easy, everyone would be doing it. Our company is different from other nut butters so there are some challenges but it’s worth the effort.” VM

For more information visit MixedUpNutButter.com.

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.

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Your April Trip to Florence: 5 Peak Experiences

by Carolee Duckworth

Let’s plan to head to Florence for five days next April. You’ll have ample opportunity to make arrangements. You know it’s time to experience Italy at long last. And Florence is a perfect place to start. Plan to stay near the Arno River and the Ponte Vecchio, on either side of the river. This will put you in the middle of where you’ll want to be when you walk out your door each morning. Your main way to get around will be walking since many of the iconic areas of Florence are “car free.”

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So now for your 5 peak experiences while you are here...

PEAK EXPERIENCE #1: WALK ACROSS PONTE

VECCHIO AND LEARN YOUR FIRST 3 PIAZZAS

If you are staying across the river on the “other side” (the Oltrarno), cross the ancient medieval stone Ponte Vecchio bridge (meaning “Old Bridge”—first built in 966) towards the Uffizi. This bridge alone was spared from destruction during WWII, reportedly due to an express order from Hitler.

The pedestrian-only Ponte Vecchio still houses shops as it did in ancient days. Look closely in these shop windows—this is an experience not to be missed. Descendants of early Ponte Vecchio jewel-craft artisans continue the tradition of creating remarkable pieces for you to admire or purchase. Take your time. Take pictures. And maybe even select one special piece you especially love to carry home.

If you are staying on the main side of the river, where the Duomo and Ufizzi are located, cross over the bridge anyway just for the experience. This bridge will become your main landmark while you are here in Florence. An outdoor table at the bistro on the “other” side will be a good meeting spot.

Your only task for now is to learn your first three piazzas. Piazzas are the big open squares you will pop out into after walking blindly down endless, narrow, canyon-like streets. When you find yourself in a piazza, you will at last have a chance to know where you are.

Your first three piazzas will be:

Piazza della Signoria. This piazza has long been a gathering place, as well as a gallery. Sitting in the shadow of the Palazzo Vecchio, it was once the spot where Michaelangelo’s masterpiece, the incomparable David stood. The David statue standing here now is just a copy. The original is now located inside a building where it can be protected and preserved.

Piazza del Duomo. This square is relatively small in terms of walking space because it is largely occupied by the massive cathedral. It is very much worth having lunch in this piazza to have ample time to admire the phenomenal marble work of the Duomo.

The Piazza della Repubblica. This square is a vast space surrounded by bustling cafés and chic hotels. The square sits in the historical center of the city, a few blocks from the Duomo. There is a lovely carousel in the square, and a wonderful piano bar that will be its own peak experience.

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PEAK EXPERIENCE #2: VISIT DAVID

Even after you have seen the “fake” David in front of Palazzo Vecchio, you still have NOT seen David! Michaelangelo’s masterpiece may be like its copy. But the experience of seeing the actual sculpture is still an essential and unforgettable part of your Florence sojourn.

Created from 1501 to 1504 and naturally lit by skylight in the Galleria Dell’Accademia, the David sculpture looms above you, standing at 17 feet tall and weighing 8.5 tons. Because of the figure it represented, the statue came to symbolize the defense of civil liberties embodied in the constitution of the Republic of Florence, an independent city-state perpetually threatened on all sides by more powerful rival states.

Michelangelo’s David has become a symbol of strength and youthful beauty. The pose is unlike any earlier Renaissance depictions. Rather than appearing to be victorious over a much larger foe, with Goliath’s severed head beneath his feet, David looks wary as he

sizes up the giant before battle. His brow is drawn, neck tense, and veins bulging from his lowered right hand.

PEAK EXPERIENCE #3: VISIT CLASSICAL ART AND CURRENT ARTISANS.

Everywhere you look in Florence you will see art. The intricate marble work of the Duomo. The sculptures in the squares. The Renaissance art hanging in the Uffizi Gallery. The current artwork for sale in the streets.

Start your day with a visit to Piazza Santo Spirito’s (located on the Oltrarno—across the Arno) daily food market, open from 8 am to 2 pm. Then lunch at one of the non-touristy restaurants or cafés. Cross back to the other side of the river for a scheduled leisurely visit to the Uffizi Gallery, followed by visits to the San Lorenzo Leather Market and Mercato Nuovo.

PEAK EXPERIENCE #4: ASCEND TO PIAZZA MICHELANGELO FOR ART, LASAGNA, AND VIEWS.

High above the city in the Oltrarno is Piazzale Michelangelo. The square offers a fantastic panoramic view of the city, as well as another copy of Michelangelo’s David statue. Talented artists and persistent souvenir vendors share the square. Focus your attention on the actual artwork in search of a special piece to take home. Then select a table at La Loggia Dei Piazzale Michalangelo for the best lasagna in the world.

PEAK EXPERIENCE #5: DINE

ABOVE IT ALL IN FIESOLE.

Take a free day in Florence for your top pick of remaining sights and pursuits. Medici Chapel. Piti

Palace. More shopping. Then taxi up to Fiesole, the ancient Etruscan town on a hilltop overlooking Florence. This tiny town has long attracted famous artists and inventors, including Leonardo da Vinci, Frank Lloyd Wright, and Alberto Einstein.

You may want to wander a bit among the ruins. But make your main plan be an elegant dinner at an outdoor table at Ristorante La Reggia Degli Etruschi, with views down over Florence. VM

Carolee Duckworth is an avid traveler, an expert trip designer, and co-author (with son, Brian Lane) of Your Great Trip to France, Your Great 5-Day Trip to Paris, and others, available on Amazon.com.

October 20 - 22

VSO at the Flynn: A New Beginning Music by Smetana, Coleridge-Taylor, and Brahms September 30 VSO Made i Vermont wi Kat Wright

Bellows Falls November 3 - 5

South Burlingto Stowe

Simone Porter, Violin Joshua Roman, Cello Andrew Crust, Conductor

What’s the Secret to Optimal Aging?

by Dr. Richard Houston

In 1938, in the middle of the Great Depression, Harvard College started tracking the health of 238 sophomores. John F. Kennedy and renowned Washington Post editor, Ben Bradlee were among the original subjects in the study. Known originally as ‘The Grant Study’ – as in W.T. Grant – the project later adopted the name, The Harvard Study of Adult Development.

Project participants responded to detailed questionnaires about their life and submitted to rigorous health examinations on a yearly or biennial basis. The Harvard study compiled the most comprehensive set of data known to answer the question: “what factors spell out the recipe for optimal aging?”

They have a definitive answer: connections with friends, family, and associates. Relationships are the key to both health and happiness according to leaders

of the Harvard Study. This finding ranks among the top reasons people in their 80’s and beyond want to stay in their home. Maintaining social relationships with neighbors and friends is stimulating and enjoyable. People with the strongest social networks are most likely to enjoy good health and positive mindsets. ``

Several other factors promote healthy aging based on conclusions from the Harvard study and other research projects.

Optimism is a powerful force. Becca Levy at Yale has shown that optimistic people are about half as likely as their gloomier peers to contract dementia. How can we sustain an optimistic viewpoint when chronic disease restricts our vitality, and we suffer the pain of losing dear friends and beloved family? Every day is a gift, … and an opportunity to make a connection with someone we haven’t spoken to in a while. Every day presents

opportunities to offer a kind word and supportive gesture to others who may be struggling with a loss or setback.

Cultivate the capacity for joy – even momentary joy. Marvel at the beauty of a sunrise, the erratic flight of a butterfly or the exquisite colors of a flower. Appreciate the genius of a Mozart concerto or the power of a Beethoven masterpiece.

Maintaining active lifestyle habits sustains memory function and cognitive acuity overall. Physical activity promotes the growth of new neurons in the hippocampus which acts as the central switching station for memory. Exercise also pumps up the production of BDNF, a brain protein that John Ratey M.D. of Harvard Medical School calls ‘Miracle Gro for the brain.’

I recently published an article in Vermont Maturity on Generativity. Find the opportunity to do something for others, especially for children and teens. Our teen population is struggling with some serious issues these days. Find a way to offer a compassionate hand

of support. Mature adults have the means and the opportunity to shape their quality of life in the late decades of life. 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 with 1600 adult residents of Silicon Valley and has had long term consulting relationships with several continuing care retirement communities. You can visit his websites at Senior-psych.com and Resilience-Advocate.com.

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