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SilverLake Wealth Management
By: Phyl Newbeck
Green Mountain Academy for Life Long Learning with Gloria Palmer
SilverLake Wealth Management was founded in 2002 with the goal of redefining the financial planning and investment management landscape in Vermont. The founders envisioned a firm that would rise above the norm, prioritizing their clients’ needs over proprietary interests and providing truly objective financial advice.
The company’s staff includes certified financial planners and chartered financial analysts, who are seasoned veterans in their fields. “We help guide our clients through all stages of the investment life cycle,” said Managing Partner Jeff Steele. “We work closely with their accountants and estate attorneys. Our approach has consistently been to provide objective, high-value financial planning and fiduciary management to our family of clients.
The advisors at SilverLake Wealth Management come from a variety of backgrounds. Several managing partners spent years working at other financial service providers. The eleven-person staff have a collective 200 plus years of experience. Partner, Tom Golonka Chair’s the Vermont State Pension Investment Committee and is a Trustee of the University of Vermont Health Network Board and Greg Steele was a head trader on major Wall Street trading desks where he held Managing Director titles. Managing Partner Ted
Riehle believes that SilverLake’s relatively small size is an advantage. “Because we are a small business, we uniquely understand the needs and challenges other small business owners face,” he said.
The financial planners at SilverLake are fiduciaries; a label not held by all wealth management firms. As such they are legally and ethically obligated to work in the best interest of their clients. Unlike many financial advisors who are merely distributors of products, SilverLake staff serve as consultants and fiduciary’s for their clients. “As an independent firm, we can provide access to worldclass products and license best in class technology, offering objective views and a terrific client experience at a fair cost,” Steele said.
SilverLake’s founding partners worked at major brokerage firms but left because they felt that since those businesses were not fiduciaries, they were not working in the best interests of their clients. “SilverLake was founded to get back to the basics of client service,” Riehle said. “You won’t find us pushing products or recommending expensive planning strategies or investment vehicles against your best interest. Our priority is to take care of you by building a plan tailored to do just that. We work together as a team, and we’re invested in you.”
SilverLake Wealth Management offers a number of different services including retirement planning, investment management, tax planning, cash, debt and expense management, insurance planning, education planning, and estate planning strategy. Advisors try to simplify the financial lives of their clients by consolidating accounts and savings under one roof. Client assets are held at Charles Schwab or Fidelity, but SilverLake advisors also oversees emergency funds at competitive yields often with little to no management fee.
Although most of their clients are based in Vermont, SilverLake provides services for people in 39 other states. In many cases, those are Vermonters who have moved away but that number also includes friends and relatives of Vermonters who have recommended their services. The company is pleased by the number of word-of-mouth referrals they have received over the years. Riehle is proud of the fact that
SilverLake has multi-generational clients. In some cases, parents or grandparents will bring their kids in to help get them educated about saving money. Once that generation begins working, they may establish a Roth IRA through SilverLake. “This helps teach the next generation to save and invest for the next 50 years,” Steele said. “If they do that, they’ll be way ahead of the game.” Steele noted that in some cases the firm is already advising the fourth generation of a family. “Once we start working with a family, typically we’ll keep working with them,” he said. “Choosing a fiduciary as your financial advisor can be a crucial step in preparing for your financial future,” Steele said. “At SilverLake, we understand the importance of this role and are committed to serving our clients with integrity, trust, and dedication. Together, we can help you navigate the complexities of your financial life, providing strategies and advice to ensure your success.”
Golonka noted that working with a wealth management firm isn’t only for the wealthy, adding that his firm advises people from a wide range of
backgrounds. “We try to make sure people aren’t intimidated,” he said. “We want them to know there is no such thing as a stupid question. We try to make people comfortable so they can become better savers and better investors and be prepared for retirement.”
Steele said that some clients, after working with SilverLake’s planners, discover they have more money than they thought. “Sometimes there are people who could be spending a lot more money and don’t because they are afraid that they won’t have enough for retirement,” he said. “One of my partners calls us financial therapists. With some people, we are able to lay out the probabilities and they discover that they could have been taking vacations without worrying about retirement funds.”
Most of SilverLake’s work consists of financial reviews. People ask the SilverLake to look at existing accounts to see where they might be paying too much. Many clients also have questions about pensions and general financial planning. In the case of estate distribution, Steele describes the firm as being the quarterback for the decision making, combining their knowledge with those of the client’s attorneys and accountants.
Steele highlighted that some of the company’s most successful clients have achieved significant wealth in “blue-collar” industries without necessarily having formal education credentials. He shared an example of a client from a large family who left school after seventh grade to help support his siblings and later went on to fund college educations for several of his
nieces and nephews. These are the types of clients who truly make the business fun and provide lessons for us that no diploma offers.
While some large firms may measure success in commissions or production quotas, SilverLake uses a different metric, the personal relationships we develop over multi generations. “The bigger firms often use production quotas to measure success, “We prefer to measure our success by the relationships we have and the stories of our clients’ achievements we are privileged to hear and be involved in.”
Finally, all the partners interviewed expressed their gratitude to their expert support staff, led by Michelle Holden, whom they credited with playing a significant role in the firm’s ongoing success. VM
Green Mountain Academy for Life Long Learning with Gloria Palmer
By Danielle M. Crosier – Vermont Maturity
DORSET — Since 1996, the independent nonprofit Green Mountain Academy for Lifelong Learning (GMALL) has had an intellectually stimulating and culturally vibrant history of engaging and immersing participants in discussions of current and historical issues, a deeper understanding of varied topics, and hands-on workshops.
“We want to introduce Green Mountain Academy to people who don’t know about it,” said Executive Director Gloria Palmer and – because of the platform’s presence, following, reach, and exposure – Palmer is generally surprised when people don’t know about it. Outreach is always on her mind.
Palmer described the Green Mountain Academy demographic as, “Mature, often retired. Well-educated and well informed. People who have time to engage in cultural, social, and educational programs.”
The most consistent trait though, she added – is having that spirit of inquiry.
“I would describe our demographic as curious – and having a thirst for knowledge and new experiences. They are true lifelong learners,” added Palmer.
Although known throughout the Southern Vermont Region for its diverse and enriching programming, the onset of the pandemic truly changed the expected reach of GMALL.
“COVID pushed us into online learning, and we had to transition very quickly,” recalled Palmer, “but the beauty of that was that we saw people from all over the country signing up. And, I was surprised. It was –interesting and encouraging, and I would like to grow that audience a little bit more.”
Palmer is hoping to introduce those not familiar with the organization to its extensive and eclectic resources, “There is just something for everyone. There really is.”
Palmer stressed that, over the years, the organization has hosted playwrights, chefs, historians, economists, political scientists, novelists, journalists, painters, linguists, filmmakers, photographers, scientists, activists,
Image credit: Image credit to GMALL
Many of the GMALL discussion groups, lectures, and presentations are interactive – and engage the participants in debate; here, votes count, as GMALL relies on audience participation in programs like the GMALL Debate
musicians, archeologists, naturalists, actors, singers, adventurers, poets, elected officials – and more.
In trying to bring dynamic material and presentations to the platform, Palmer said that she looks for those with an expertise in the subject matter, and those who are truly passionate “because that passion comes through, and they can make it interesting.”
From its locally-based, hands-on, Creativity Workshops such as the recent beaded crochet jewelry, needle felting, ceramic mug, mandala pottery, fused dichroic glass, collage art, and weaving workshops (and upcoming drumming, bike repair, and woodworking workshops) to its deeply intimate Culinary Offerings – cooking classes, often held in the kitchens of local homes and farmhouses – Green Mountain Academy programming offers attendees the opportunity and the structure to really immerse themselves in an activity.
Recreational programming, such as speciallydesigned “longevity” yoga classes, are also available locally. Pickleball, for instance, is taught by Palmer herself, who fell in love with the sport after it was offered as a clinic at the Academy.
“In the beginning, we had a tennis professional who was teaching it,” laughed Palmer, “and I decided that I liked pickleball – so much – that I should get certified. And, I did. And, in just the past three years, we’ve introduced about 150 people who are new to pickleball to our clinics.”
Many of those new pickleball enthusiasts now attend workshops and other Green Mountain Academy events, “And, that’s another way of introducing GMALL to people who would not typically come to our lectures, but now they know more about us.”
RememberingOurLovedOnes
Image credit: Image credit to GMALL
Students explore the field of digital photography with instructor Alex Vincent, during a Green Mountain Academy for Lifelong Learning workshop.
Image credit: Danielle M. Crosier – Vermont Maturity
Kim Place-Gateau (left), Caren McVicker (center), and Gloria Palmer (right) plan for the inaugural Southern Vermont Writers Conference, which will be held at the Equinox Resort and Spa during the week of March 30, 2025.
Locally-based programming is worthy of a visit, Palmer noted, “Manchester is a culturally vibrant town. There’s just so much to do. You can participate in our programs, but you’ve also got the Southern Vermont Arts Center, Hildene, Merck Forest, winter sports, golf, fishing – and great places to stay and eat and shop.”
She encourages visitors to book events with friends, or in groups, and get to know new friends while they’re in the area. This is a place where friendships form, and develop.
Film is another popular offering through Green Mountain Academy, “For instance, we screen independent documentary films and the annual interactive Manhattan Short Film Festival in the fall” – one of Palmer’s personal favorite events.
“The Manhattan Short Film Festival is usually 10 short films from all over the world,” said Palmer. “Some are very serious; some are very funny. They all touch you in some emotional way. But, the great part is that it’s all
Modernism andthe Worldof
Image credit: Danielle M. Crosier – Vermont Maturity Gloria Palmer, executive director of the Green Mountain Academy f Lifelong Learning, works on programming notes at one of the Colburn Cafe tables in Manchester’s Northshire Bookstore.
interactive because you can vote for your favorite film and your favorite actor – I love it. People love it. They come out of the theater and they’re grateful for the experience.”
Palmer noted that the Manchester community does not have a movie theater, “but Green Mountain Academy has tried to fill that void a little bit with some entertaining cultural film programs like National Theater Live from the London stage. We also have Great Art on Screen, which will be happening this winter, and those are incredible documentaries. They’re stunningly beautiful, and they’re another favorite of mine. I just really enjoy those.”
Participants who sign up for online classes (e.g., writing classes), presentations, lectures, or discussion groups are unbound by geography. Participants simply enroll, and receive an email link the day before the event begins. Then – they simply click, and go.
Attendees of the online discussion groups are wide ranging, said Palmer, with many participating from outof-state. The discussion groups are interactive, socially stimulating, culturally enriching, and intellectual in nature – and cover a wide breadth of topics.
”One of the things I try to promote, particularly on social media, is that some of these are Zoom lectures, which means that – no matter where you are – you can attend. But,” clarified Palmer, “if we have a live inperson lecture where people can actually attend, we also have GNAT (Greater Northshire Access Television) do the livestream for us, as well as videotape. We have an extensive library of years worth of taped lectures.”
Current Events/Global Issues
• Cryptocurrency Unraveled with economist Peter Radford - https://gnat-tv.org/gmall-lectures-cryptocurrencyunraveled/
• China’s Xi Jinping: The Next Mao Zedong? with Jessica Teets of Middlebury College - https://gnat-tv.org/gmall-lectureschinas-xi-jinping-the-next-mao-zedong/
• Women & Climate Change with Edward Cameron, a specialist in climate change and human rights - gnat-tv.org/ gmall-lectures-women-and-climate-change/ History
• Where’s Teddy When We Need Him? Clues from the Progressive Era with Steven Sinding of Columbia University - https://gnat-tv.org/gmall-lectures-wheres-teddy-when-weneed-him-clues-from-the-progressive-era/
• The Longest Winter with author Alex Kershaw - https://gnattv.org/green-mountain-academy-lectures-longest-winterauthor-alex-kershaw/ Art History
• Forged from Fire: The History and Future of Glass with Anne Corso, former Executive Director of SVAC - https://gnat-tv. org/gmall-lectures-forged-from-fire-the-history-and-futureof-glass/
• Andrew Wyeth’s World with Katie Wood Kirchhoff of Shelburne Museum - https://gnat-tv.org/gmall-lecturesandrew-wyeths-world/ Music
• A V iolin’s Life with violin virtuoso Frank Almond - https:// gnat-tv.org/gmall-lectures-a-violins-life/ Science/Nature
• Birdsong Tune-up with Bridgit Butler, aka The Bird Divahttps://gnat-tv.org/gmall-lectures-birdsong-tune-up/
• Celebrating 31 Years with the Hubble Space Telescope with Valerie Rapson, astronomer - https://gnat-tv.org/ gmall-lectures-celebrating-31-years-with-the-hubble-spacetelescope/
Image credit: Image credit to GMALL
Chef Peter Wallace introduces a group of Green Mountain Academy for Lifelong Learning’s culinary students to Pintxos, a type of appetizer that originated in the Basque Country of Spain and is often served as a part of a tapas menu. Pintxos are comprised of slices of bread with various toppings that are skewered in place with a toothpick.
During the livestream events, participants with online access can post their questions directly to the forum and a representative or moderator will bring them to the table during the Q&A session.
Green Mountain Academy for Lifelong Learning students attend a lecture with dog cognition expert Alexandra Horowitz, a senior research fellow and adjunct associate professor with the English and Psychology Departments at Barnard College, the director of the Horowitz Dog Cognition Lab at Barnard, and the author of numerous books and studies.
New this past year, Vermont Conversations was added to the agenda. The series of four discussion panels was available in person or online. Topics included issues relevant to Vermonters, now and in the future. Other
Image credit: Image credit to GMALL
Vermont presentations included state parks, folklife, and climate change.
“With Vermont Conversations, we wanted a signature event, and Vermont has always been a popular topic,” said Palmer. “But, there are serious issues facing the state, and we saw it as a way to delve into those and engage the audience in a Q&A, where they could have a say. And, we were hoping that would spur some action. There are also success stories that we wanted to share.”
Additionally, Green Mountain Academy will continue its collaboration with the Manchester Historical Society in offering local history talks, and music programming through collaboration with Manchester Music Festival and their growing partnership with Southern Vermont Arts Center.
“And, the Southern Vermont Writers Conference is a brand new initiative to us – and an exciting one,” said
Palmer. “We have people who are signing up for a week’s stay in lovely Manchester.”
The conference, co-founded by the creative vision of local novelist Caren McVicker and local freelance writer Kim Place-Gateau, will be hosted by Green Mountain Academy for Lifelong Learning and held at the Equinox Resort and Spa during the week of March 30, 2025.
“This conference takes things to a new level for us –and for the community,” Palmer said. “It made sense for Green Mountain Academy for Lifelong Learning to be the organizational support behind this project, and I’m absolutely thrilled to be a part of it.” VM
A full description of Green Mountain Academy for Lifelong Learning’s offerings are available in the organization’s seasonal catalog of lectures and workshops, but can also be found online at greenmtnacademy.org/.
VSPOTLIGHT ON: Shelburne & Middlebury, Vermont: Ideal Towns for Retirement and Aging in Place
By Ben Durant
ermont’s picturesque landscape, charming small towns, and strong sense of community make it an ideal place to retire. Among the state’s many wonderful towns, Shelburne and Middlebury stand out as two exceptional choices for those looking to retire and age in place. Here’s a closer look at what makes these towns perfect for retirement.
Shelburne, Vermont
Scenic Beauty and Tranquility Nestled on the shores of Lake Champlain, Shelburne offers breathtaking views and a peaceful environment. The town’s wellmaintained parks, like Shelburne Bay Park and LaPlatte Nature Park, provide ample opportunities for walking, bird-watching, and enjoying nature.
Vibrant Community Spirit Shelburne is known for its welcoming and close-knit community. The town hosts numerous events throughout the year, including farmers’ markets, concerts, and festivals. These events foster a strong sense of belonging and provide plenty of opportunities for socializing. It is home to the Lake Champlain Yacht Club, the second oldest yacht club in the country, as well as Shelburne Farms, a magnificent 1,400-acre former farm and estate that is open to the public and features year-round walking trails, educational programs, a historic inn, and a children’s farmyard. Shelburne Museum is a renowned open-air museum that features an eclectic collection of American folk art, artifacts, and Vermont architecture across 45 acres in the heart of the village.
Access to Quality Healthcare Healthcare is a top priority for retirees, and Shelburne excels in this area. The town is near the University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington, ensuring residents have access to top-notch medical care. Additionally, there are several local clinics and specialists available.
Convenient Amenities Shelburne offers a variety of amenities, including a well-stocked grocery store, pharmacies, excellent restaurants, wine shops, and cafes.
Housing Options Shelburne provides diverse housing options suitable for aging in place. From singlefamily homes to a broad spectrum of condominiums, the town offers something for everyone, including many properties directly on Lake Champlain. Many homes are designed with accessibility in mind and feature seniorfriendly amenities. For senior communities, notable is the senior “CCRC” community Wake Robin. “CCRCs” are Continuing Care Retirement Communities. The advantage of a CCRC is that they offer a full continuum of care in a single location, where residents can access various levels of care like independent living, assisted living, and memory care without having to move as their needs change. Another notable community in Shelburne is the Residences at Shelburne Bay. According Marketing Director Sarah Dickenson, “We distinguish ourselves as being an Age-In-Place Model. This model affords the consumer to enter the community without buyingin, a less risky approach.” Ms. Dickenson elaborated by saying “We permit residents to move in at any level of care, a departure from the CCRC model.” A third
option, specifically for those that need Assisted Living or Memory Care, is The Arbors at Shelburne. My own father was cared for at The Arbors, where he received exceedingly good care by wonderful caregivers that I cannot thank enough.
Middlebury, Vermont
Located just 35 minutes south of Shelburne, Middlebury is at the cultural and geographic heart of
Addison County. Middlebury is a college town and home to the prestigious “Little Ivy” Middlebury College. With its connection to the college, there is a notable emphasis on curiosity, global awareness, and an intellectual mindset. Middlebury exudes a blend of quaint New England charm and progressive thinking, making it a dynamic and engaging place to live.
Natural Beauty and Outdoor Activities Middlebury is surrounded by the Green Mountains and is located along the banks of Otter Creek, offering
Shelburne Country Store, Shelburne, Vermont-Provided by Ben Durant
Shelburne Farms, Shelburne, Vermont-Provided by Ben Durant
stunning landscapes and numerous recreational opportunities. The town’s parks, hiking trails, and fishing spots make it easy for retirees to stay active and enjoy the outdoors. For skiing, you’ll find the Rikert Nordic Center, which offers world-class cross-country
skiing and hiking depending on the season. The Middlebury Snowbowl is owned by the college and offers a phenomenal alpine experience without the crowds of more well-known mountains.
High-Quality Healthcare Middlebury excels in providing access to quality healthcare. Porter Medical Center, part of the University of Vermont Health Network, offers comprehensive medical services, including primary care and specialty care. There are also numerous local healthcare providers and wellness programs.
Convenient Amenities Middlebury offers a wide range of amenities, including charming shops, cafes, and restaurants in its downtown area. The local library, community center, and senior center provide various programs and activities to keep seniors engaged and active. The Middlebury Farmers Market is world-class and is emblematic of Addison County’s agrarian nature.
Diverse Housing Options Middlebury provides a variety of housing options suitable for aging in place.
Middlebury Farmers Market, Middlebury, Vermont-Provided by Ben Durant
Whether it’s single-family homes, condominiums, or senior living communities, retirees can find housing that meets their preferences and needs. A notable option for senior housing is The Residences at Otter Creek. Like The Residences at Shelburne Bay, The Residences at Otter Creek offers the same Age-In-Place Model that allows clients a full spectrum of care without changing communities nor a buy-in fee. A feature unique to the Residences at Otter Creek is their “cottage” option, which includes stand-alone two-bedroom homes with garages on quaint, tree-lined streets. Inhabitants of the cottages still have access to the amenities of the larger community, offering the best of both worlds.
Why Choose Shelburne or Middlebury?
Both towns offer a blend of natural beauty, vibrant community spirit, and essential amenities that cater to retirees. Their strong healthcare systems, convenient amenities, and diverse housing options make them ideal places to age in place. The cultural and recreational opportunities available in both towns ensure that retirees can lead fulfilling and active lives. VM
Ben Durant is a Senior Real Estate Specialist® and Owner of Transitions Real Estate. He is dedicated to helping Vermont Seniors and Boomers find their best housing solutions. Ben lives with his wife and three children in Williston. He can be contacted by visiting Transitionsvt.com or by calling 802-355-6688.
Downtown Middlebury, Middlebury, Vermont-Provided by Ben Durant
Take a Hike! – To Congaree National Park
By Nick Thomas
Ofthe 63 National Parks in the U.S., only 16 require no entrance fee – and Congaree in central South Carolina is one of them. That’s right, the Palmetto State boasts a National Park and it’s a gem.
Established in 2003, Congaree saw just 250,000 visitors in 2023 according to the National Park Service (by contrast, 4.5 million tourists visited Yellowstone the same year). When we arrived at 8 am on a mid-summer morning, we practically had the park to ourselves during our 2-hour visit.
Congaree is interesting on many levels, one being obvious on arrival – the odd 27 mph speed limit signs posted along the park’s road. They’re designed to catch visitors’ attention, Park Ranger Gabrielle Alban told me. “Drivers are used to seeing 15 and 25 mph signs and may overlook them more easily,” she said. “The 27 mph signs, along with the fox squirrel signs, are meant to remind drivers to slow down and watch for wildlife.”
Fox squirrels, with their charming furry brown coloring, may dart unexpectedly across the road like all their tiny energetic bushy-tailed cousins. However, not all wildlife in Congaree is so endearing. Destructive wild hogs have invaded the park where they root through soil in search of food and destroy vegetation, prompting the occasional controlled hunts at night.
“It’s estimated between 3,000 to 9,000 hogs are in the park,” the manager of the park store, Patrick, told me. “Some nights we don’t get any (on the hunt), others maybe a couple of dozen, but it’s just a drop in the bucket.”
Begin your visit by collecting a map from the visitor center, then head to the 2.5-mile boardwalk, an easy, level path that winds through the park. Along the way, you’ll likely spot a variety of birds and possibly some creepy large spiders dangling from webs spanning the trees. The park is also home to a small number of
Photo provided by Nick Thomas- Entrance to Congaree National Park
alligators, so you might be lucky enough to see one from the boardwalk swimming in Weston Lake. The map is essential as it highlights key points of interest along the boardwalk loop, including facts about Congaree’s remarkable trees.
The park is renowned for preserving the “largest intact stretch of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the southeastern United States,” as highlighted on the park’s website. Towering loblolly pines, sweetgum, and cherrybark oaks can soar over 150 feet tall. Cypress trees, with their characteristic swollen trunks, are also widely distributed throughout the park. Their unique ‘knees’ –prominent small structures emerging from their root systems – have intrigued scientists for ages.
Though it may appear swampy, Congaree is technically not a swampland since after heavy rain the water drains leaving pools of various sizes. But several times a year floods can cover portions of the bottomland including boardwalk areas, so check local conditions before visiting. The moisture level can also affect the mosquito population, mercifully low during our visit which ranked a “1” on the park’s quaint Mosquito Meter posted outside the visitor center. It rates mosquito activity up to a terrifying “6” – designated as ‘War Zone’ level!
Visitors hoping to avoid being targeted by mosquitoes will naturally want to apply bug spray, but the park advises doing this prior to entering the park since the chemicals can kill a far more beloved and inoffensive park insect: fireflies. These can be seen in the park year-round, but for two weeks between May and June the Synchronous Fireflies put on a spectacular light show.
During this brief window, the insects flash in perfect unison – a breathtaking spectacle that draws not only potential mates but curious humans eager to witness these glowing airborne wonders of nature. Due to its popularity, however, access to this extraordinary event is limited and only available through a lottery and only 145 passes per night will be issued next year. So apply online
early at the official park website for a chance to enjoy this unique experience at Congaree in 2025.
Nick Thomas teaches at Auburn University at Montgomery in Alabama. His hiking column describes short trails, hikes, and walks from around the country that seniors might enjoy while traveling. See www. ItsAWonderfulHike.com VM
Photo provided by Nick Thomas- Congaree boardwalk
Tackling prevention of Alzheimer’s with clinical trials at The Memory Clinic
By Tim Wassberg, Vermont Maturity
Curbing the onset of Alzheimer’s and even working towards a cure is one of the many advantages a place like Bennington’s Memory Clinic can offer. They conduct clinical trials in regards to new treatments that might one day eradicate the disease in addition to conventional and current standard approaches. Medical Director/ Psychiatrist Lisa K. Catapano-Friedman, MD, DLFAPA spoke to Vermont Maturity about the approach and intention of their work.
Catapano explains that when they first work up a patient on a first evaluation, they are looking at “are they people who would be appropriate or fit the criteria for any of these clinical trials?” She says, if they do, the patients are then given that option. From the inset, she adds, many people are interested in clinical trials. “They already know there are such things. Some people are wary because of the placebo arm. And other people already know about the more current on-the-market treatments. So we go into all of what we think this person has available to them.”
Catapano does add that, in more recent trials, lifestyle and geography is one of the aspects that has to be considered. “Because for some of these trials, there are many frequent visits, and somebody might live three hours away...so that’s that’s up to them.” She adds that there are some people who will come and stay in a local
hotel overnight and will be like “Fine. We’ll be here every two weeks.”
Catapano says, for many patients, they are dealing with onset of the disease or are simply concerned and want to be tested. “For a lot of them, [being part of a trial] is redeeming because they’re feeling old, worthless or that they’ve lived sort of past their time.” She says many of them feel like being part of a clinical trial is their way “to be able to do something which will contribute, and maybe will be good for them too.”
Catapano says she certainly hopes the trials will be, but many of the patients that participate also feel proud they are contributing to the well-being of future generations and making a difference. They see it as active and productive.
When people are told they might be candidates for a trial after an initial evaluation, they are given the aspects of what the trial might entail in terms of the “informed consent” information. This includes what the trial is called, who the sponsor is and what the drug is. It often also explains how this drug came to be, what it is meant to do and what so far is known about it. “And that depends upon the phase of the trial,” Catapano adds. “But you’re always past what is called ‘Phase One,’ which is the basic safety trial.”
Catapano continues that there will also be information about: What is known about the trial, pro and con. What the logistics are. How often the participant has to show up. How long they will be here when they come for treatment. How often they might have to get a repeat MRI of the brain. How often blood will have to be drawn. What the purpose of the blood draws are. “I mean, we’re talking detail.”
Catapano continues that this is discussed with the patient and their caregiver (“whoever’s going to be their ‘trial buddy’..and everyone has have to have a ‘trial
buddy.”) This “trial buddy” can be a family member or a friend, somebody who knows them well and sees them a lot. This is also someone who can report if there’s a problem or can help the participant if there is an oral medication that has to be taken home.
“The informed consent [form and process] is basically everything there is to know about the science of the trial, the logistics of the trial and the purpose of the trial...I mean, you name it...everything known is in there, and it’s in writing. There’s a form they all have to sign and participants get copies to take home.”
The waiting room at The Memory Clinic in Bennington. Tim Wassberg, Vermont Maturity
The IV room where some of the treatments for the clinical trials are staged at The Memory Clinic in Bennington. Tim Wassberg, Vermont Maturity
The trial the Memory Clinic is about to start at the top of 2025 is, in a sense, riffing off of another clinical trial that is still happening and ongoing. It is working on a particular monoclonal antibody, which is called an anti tau monoclonal antibody. “There’s tau and there’s amyloid, two nasty things [that contribute to Alzheimer’s].” Catapano explains that the manufacturers of this particular drug (for the upcoming trial) have decided they want to do a prevention study with it. “So anybody who does not have a cognitive issue right now, they will get a simple blood test, which tells them if they have a biomarker and are therefore eligible or not [for the trial].”
Medical Director/Psychiatrist Lisa K.
Catapano-Friedman, MD, DLFAPA at The Memory Clinic in Bennington. Tim Wassberg, Vermont Maturity.
Catapano explains that the latter, the anti amyloid, is a drug that is already on the market for treatment. It is an IV infusion monoclonal antibody. “But it’s now being looked at for prevention. The anti amyloid trial is
ongoing. The anti tau one is [the trial that will begin shortly.]”
While it might take time to see results, the progression is often very clear in registering amyloid for example in brain scans. “It’s going to take a whole lot of time,” explains Catapano. “Years and years. Because if a person is currently asymptomatic, but they’ve got a biomarker, it could be a decade down the line before they develop symptoms.” She says, with the monoclonal amyloid antibody, one of the things they keep track of is the amyloid in the brain. “‘Is it gone?’ So once it’s gone, you can hold it off, at least for a while.”VM
To learn more about the trials and information and input both geography and disease, visit clinicaltrials.gov.
To learn more about The Memory Clinic, visit memorydoc.org.
Kid- and Pet-Friendly Indoor Gardening
By Melinda Myers
Creating an indoor oasis of greenery can help lift your spirits, reduce stress and improve your overall wellbeing. Challenges arise when growing indoor plants with kids and pets in the house. Keep them safe by selecting pet- and kid-safe plants and pest management strategies.
Keep an ongoing list of all the plants you are growing. Include both common and botanical names for accurate identification. Research the care they need and their toxicity to your pets and youngsters in the home. If you suspect your pet or child has ingested a toxic plant, you’ll have the proper plant name when contacting your veterinarian or poison control center.
Display any toxic plants out of the reach of curious kids and pets. This can be challenging if your cat or child is skilled at jumping and climbing. With so many beautiful houseplants, play it safe and avoid those that are toxic or too tempting.
Secure plants against accidental tipping by inquisitive pets and kids with mounting putty. A couple of pieces on the bottom of the pot will help reduce the risk of spilled plants and soil. Invest in pots with wider bases for floor plants or secure several pots together to reduce the risk of tipping.
Increase your indoor gardening success by selecting plants suited to your home’s growing conditions and gardening style. If you tend to overwater your plants, grow moisture-loving plants or opt for more droughttolerant plants if you practice benign neglect. Once you have your list, double-check their people and pet toxicity. Consult with your veterinarian and visit the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) website for a list of pet-safe and toxic plants. Consult with your pediatrician, local botanical garden, and children’s hospital for a list of kid-friendly indoor plants.
Cover the soil surface to prevent children and pets from digging. Fiber mulch and plant pot grid covers create a barrier between the soil and those who like to dig.
Once you narrow down the list, place your kid- and pet-friendly plants where they will receive the necessary amount of sunlight. An east- or west-facing window provides enough light for most indoor plants. Keep those that need brighter light within two feet of the window. Those that prefer lower light can be grown near a northfacing window or up to six feet back or off to the side of an east- or west-facing window.
Photo provided by Melinda Myers
Maranta leuconeura - Prayer Plant
Regularly groom and wipe dust off the leaves of your indoor plants to help reduce the risk of insect damage. Remove spotted leaves when they appear and adjust your watering. This is often enough to correct fungal disease problems. Enlist children in the ongoing care of your indoor plants. This will help them gain respect for the plants and may instill a love of gardening.
Give kids a hand lens and go on an indoor pest hunt. Children often find bugs more interesting than plants. Have them place yellow sticky traps like Summitâ Sticky Traps in various pots to help monitor and trap insect pests.
Always look for kid- and pet-friendly options when intervention is needed. Start with a strong blast of water to dislodge pests like aphids and mites. Follow with an application of a lightweight horticulture oil like Summitâ Year-Roundâ Spray Oil. This organic spray controls aphids, mites, immature whiteflies, and all stages of scale and mealybugs.
And if those tiny fruit-fly-like gnats are too annoying to tolerate, consider managing them with a Bacillus
thuringiensis israelensis product like Summitâ Mosquito Bitsâ (SummitResponsibleSolutions.com). It’s labeled for controlling fungus gnat larvae and is non-toxic for people, pets, and plants.
Always read and follow label directions when using any product. You’ll have better results and prevent problems caused by misapplication.
Proper plant selection and ongoing care will help keep your indoor plants healthy and children and pets safe from harm. VM
Melinda Myers has written more than 20 gardening books, including the Midwest Gardener’s Handbook, 2nd Edition and Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” instant video and DVD series and the nationally syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment TV & radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine and was commissioned by Summit for her expertise to write this article. Myers’ website is www. MelindaMyers.com.
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Five Iconic European Cities for Your Bucket List
By Carolee Duckworth Paris, Florence, London, Amsterdam & Copenhagen
And We’re Off, But SLOWLY...
There’s a special magic in taking your time. Like savoring a fine wine or watching a garden bloom through the seasons, discovering Europe’s great cities deserves patience, attentiveness and appreciation.
Forego any notion you have that you can “do” any of these fascinating cities in a day or two. “If this is Tuesday, it must be Belgium” would have been madness even in your youth. It would be total insanity now. Visit each of these five magnificent cities. But please. Visit them one a year over the course of five years, allowing each to reveal its treasures at a gentle pace. If you simply must visit two or three in the same year, at least allow yourself 5 days in each. Don’t leave before you have a chance to “BE THERE.”
WHY THESE PARTICULAR FIVE?
Together, these five form a magnificent introduction to Europe’s soul, each offering distinct yet complementary experiences of history, culture, and contemporary life. They share crucial features for senior travelers: excellent medical facilities, reliable public transportation, comfortable and interesting accommodations, delightful food and wine, colorful markets, stunning sights, remarkable art, and many wonderful places to “perch” comfortably, watching life go by.
Paris: Where Beauty Meets Enchantment
The City of Light has mastered the art of welcoming senior travelers. Modern Paris combines timeless romance with thoughtful accessibility. Beyond the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame, discover the city through peaceful gardens like the Luxembourg Gardens, where locals play pétanque and children sail toy boats.
Take advantage of the “Boat Bus” (Batobus) on the Seine, offering rest for tired feet while gliding past centuries of history. Wander slowly through an outdoor market on market day. Attend a Vivaldi concert, sitting amid the stunning stained glass of St. Chapelle as evening falls. Visit the flower market and select a few garden elves that make you smile to bring home. Listen to music on a boat bar moored along the Seine, across the river from the freshly restored Notre Dame Cathedral. Stand midway on a brilliantly lit bridge across the Seine, watching boats drift by. Paris teaches us that beauty is best appreciated slowly, from a café chair, with a perfect chocolate croissant and a café au lait.
Florence: Renaissance Treasures at Your Own Rhythm
Compact and walkable, Florence offers Renaissance magnificence on an intimate scale. The city center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, unfolds through narrow pedestrian streets that empty into light-filled piazzas.
Walk awhile, then take a break at an outdoor table with a “vino bianco o rosso.”
The Uffizi Gallery deserves at least a full morning. Sit awhile with Botticelli’s “Birth of Venus” and plan to meet your travel partner at the rooftop terrace café overlooking the Piazza. Don’t neglect Florence’s markets and artisan workshops, where Renaissance craftsmanship lives on in modern hands. Select a soft leather wallet to take home. Browse the family-run shops on the Ponte Vecchio and select a pendant crafted by a goldsmith descended from a centuries-long lineage of master artisans
London: Where History Meets Art, Theater and Modern Comfort
London excels at combining historical grandeur with modern convenience. Take advantage of the
“Uber boat” on the Thames, delivering you efficiently to your next destination, with a captivating view. Worldclass museums, like the British Museum and National Gallery, are free and offer ample seating. Make shorter visits to each and plan to return another
day instead of exhausting yourself viewing priceless treasures until your eyes glaze over.
Stop by as many pubs as you can find with the word “Swan” in their names. Swans were historically owned by the Crown, making the swan a symbol with royal connections. Take a relaxing cruise up-river to Hampton Court Palace or down river to Greenwich’s Maritime Museum. And don’t miss London’s West End shows. They’re Broadway quality, at a fraction of the price. And many are performed in smaller, intimate theaters, with comfortable seats. Visit Covent Gardens, preferably more than once, for eclectic shopping, plentiful perching spots and quirky “performance art.”
Amsterdam’s flat terrain and efficient canal network make it surprisingly comfortable for senior travelers. Traveling about by Hop-on-Hop-Off canal boat offers welcomed rest while showcasing unique architecture and history. The Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum are fully accessible and house stunning artwork you’ve always dreamed of seeing in person. Linger in a canal-side restaurant, showcasing the bridges lit up at night.
Copenhagen: Nordic Welcome and Livable Design
Copenhagen demonstrates how urban spaces can work perfectly for seniors, prioritizing accessibility without sacrificing beauty. Lay claim to its abundant benches and enjoy the peaceful waterfront. Take your time strolling Copenhagen’s famous pedestrian street, Strøget, pausing to study the Stork Fountain. Visit the magical Tivoli Gardens, preferably twice—during the daytime and again at night— to understand why it has long been a MUST for all ages.
Take your time exploring the National Museum, covering 14,000 colorful years of Danish history. From Ice Age reindeer-hunters to Viking raiders and conquerors
vermont maturity
(793 to 1066) to William the Conqueror (1066) to the end of the Viking Era (1170). What a story! These Vikings clearly were formidable foes! But they were also skilled craftsmen, lawmakers, storytellers, artists and musicians. Who knew?
Creating Your Perfect Five-Year Plan
How to decide where to go first? That’s a tough one. You could visit alphabetically or flip a coin. Or, better yet, arrange a long lunch with your travel partner and agree on your plan for the next two years – Year 1 as YOUR pick. Year 2 as THEIR pick. And so forth across the years to come.
Speaking of your chosen travel partner... In our next article, we’ll explore another crucial element of successful senior travel: choosing your ideal travel companion. Whether you will be traveling with spouse, friend, or family member, we’ll discuss how to ensure your European adventures are enriched by sharing them with the right person. VM
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