Soon, some residents you know will become celebrities, and local haunts you love will become recognizable to those from different areas of the world, all because the Upper Valley will soon grace the silver screen. JAM (Junction Arts & Media) is making its first feature-length film, Valley Transit, about an intergenerational relationship that occurs on a bus.

The nonprofit community-building organization has served Norwich, Hartford, Hartland, Hanover, and Lebanon for the last five years. JAM helps residents work their way into roles in the film industry and supports those with big ideas, but even still, their newest project is one of their most community-focused to date. A grassroots-funded film featuring local businesses and organizations, Valley Transit will be an opportunity for new filmmakers to learn about the world of filmmaking on set.

Lead actor Alicia Sanyal (playing “Lizzie”) and Allison Fay Brown (playing “Chloe”).

This ambitious goal first came about last year in the fall when JAM decided to “[raise] the quality bar of media production in [the] area,” says Executive Director Samantha Davidson Green. As the director and writer of Valley Transit, Green’s goal was to tell a “quintessential Upper Valley [story] about what it’s like to come of age…and what it’s like to age here.”

Green noted that the story’s inspiration came from the “unusual mixing of generations” JAM has as a community resource, as it provides programs for both younger and older demographics. Over the next month, Green developed the project into a full-fledged script, which was further workshopped during the White River Indie Films Festival with a community table read and staff feedback.

Many signs showed this was the right time for the film to be made. First, last fall, film producer Wei Dai had recently moved from Los Angeles to the area. Though Dai was looking to apply for another job on JAM’s board for media coverage, by spring, he was brought on by Green to produce the project. Additionally, JAM found cinematographer Quinn Thomashow, who grew up in Stratford and came back from LA to help. Then, JAM also received a grant from the Panavision New Filmmaker Grant Program on June 1, allowing the team to film Valley Transit on high-quality Panavision film, which Green believes “will give everyone a higher quality learning experience and results in the film.”

From the beginning, the entire project has had the Upper Valley community in mind. When JAM hosted the community table read, the organization invited Upper Valley residents interested in reading parts to attend. In addition, JAM also encouraged those attending to complete paper surveys for feedback. Also, JAM held a brief discussion to take comments and have conversations, because although the film is a comedy, Green said it “does tackle, in a gentle way, some of the culture divides around political points of view” and expresses that “the spirit of the story is very much about bringing people together” across those rifts.

Many different types of locations are featured within Valley Transit to show the burgeoning diversity of the Upper Valley. The shooting plan included the Lebanon Salt hill Pub, Shyrl’s Diner, Dan and Whit’s, the Lebanon Opera House, the Norwich Fair, Hanover Food Co-op, Lyman Bridge, the American Legion in Windsor, and of course, the Advanced Transit Bus System, the catalyst for the entire film. Local musicians will also contribute to the film’s soundtrack, including Norwich resident Hans Williams and Hanover resident Sir Babygirl. Some will even be on camera, like folk/bluegrass musicians Jakob Breitbach, Jes Raymond, and Allison Faye Brown.

Rehearsal at Salt hill Pub with cast members Paul Ashton (playing “Leo”), Gabe Nelson (playing “Seth”), Max Loveland (playing “Nolan”), and Adelaide Jones (Lebanon High School student, playing “Aida”).

Valley Transit, Green explained, provides a “real resume item and a real IMDb credit if any of these folks end up wanting to continue to do this work.” She says that the 15 high school and college interns working on this project have real responsibilities, including directing, casting, and filming. Because of higher stakes, participants will be held accountable to “reach for the highest quality bar we can achieve.”

Fundraising efforts also came from the community, including residents, the nonprofit Jack and Dorothy Byrne Foundation, and corporations like Mascoma Bank. The project has raised $267,311 to date, 89% of its $299,858 goal. Green said the organization has raised enough to “cover all of [their] commitments for production,” and they are working on raising the last bit to cover post-production. Many businesses and residents have also offered their locations or residencies, and Northern Stage and North Country Community Theater (NCCT) are sharing a selection of costumes.

Dai explained that Valley Transit’s plan is in flux, depending on how production progresses. The current schedule (at press time for this publication) was to film over a month, beginning on July 18 and ending on August 16. Post-production would take another five or six months, which Dai said is a “conservative” estimate. After that, JAM will submit Valley Transit to film festivals. Dai noted that a lot of these festivals have requirements on the premiere status of the film, meaning you can’t screen it publicly until they host the festival. Dai said it will be in local theaters about a year and a half from now.

Simon Trussell, SFFI Intern, Lebanon resident, and LHS student.

Green and Dai explained how important the film is to highlight the Upper Valley’s unique community and culture as a lens for seeing the world at large. Dai said that though he’s not originally from the area, he hopes the project will help people see that they should support the local businesses and meet more people.

Green hopes Valley Transit will resonate for local audiences, and allowing them to see the Upper Valley differently while also feeling a sense of pride and appreciation. Additionally, she hopes that the film will “convey something about the heart of our community out into the world for outside audiences who’ve never been here and may or may not [know] about the Upper Valley.”

For those who want to help support this exciting community project, Green said Valley Transit is still open to accepting donations. To make a donation, visit givebutter.com/jam-summer-feature-film-intensive-2026-ooh4fo.

Lebanon is a great place to be a senior citizen. Any senior interested in expanding their activities, meeting new people, or just in need of some support needn’t search far from home. Let’s take a little trip around Colburn Park.

First stop: The Recreation, Arts, and Parks Department of the City of Lebanon, located at 15 Hanover Street on the Lebanon Mall. The Savvy Seniors outings each spring and fall provide lunch-time visits to restaurants and regional cultural sites, such as last year’s trips to the Strawberry Banke Museum, the New Hampshire State House, and Vermont Country Store. An exciting upcoming trip is to The Big E, the fourth largest fair in the country, in Springfield, Massachusetts.

The Dartmouth Health ARC offers fun and enriching programs, including a drop-in ukulele jam. Photo by Lars Blackmore

If mobility is an issue, they’ve got you covered. “We support a variety of ability levels and are happy to talk to folks to accommodate different needs,” said program manager Hannah Falcone. There is a small fee (usually $5) for transport in the department van; lunch at the chosen restaurants and any venue admission costs are paid by the individual. Information about all the department’s offerings and how to register is available on the city website (ebanonnh.gov/246/Recreation-Arts-and-Parks) and in the bi-annual department brochures, available both in print and online (lebanonnh.gov/384/Program-Guides).

Looking for some fresh air? The Recreation, Arts, and Parks department also sponsors a chapter of Cycling Without Age. Volunteers pedal electric “trishaws” (three-wheeled cycle-rickshaws) for seniors and others with mobility limitations to enjoy rides on the Northern Rail Trail and Mascoma River Greenway. For more information and to sign up, visit: lebanonnh.gov/1759/Ride-in-a-Trishaw—Cycling-without-Age-

Next stop: 1 Court Street, above Three Tomatoes restaurant, where The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Dartmouth is located. Osher is an adult continuing education program offering dozens of courses in a wide range of topics: current affairs, history, literature, social and physical sciences (to name a few). “Lifelong learning happens in many forms, and at Osher it comes with no tests, no papers, and no grades. Just passion, discovery, and a whole lot of fun,” said Osher President Iain Sims.

Courses are offered in person, online, and in combination. In addition to classroom experiences, there are film showings and discussions, opportunities for travel, shared interest groups around various activities, and an annual summer lecture series on timely topics. (This past summer’s theme, “How is AI Changing America?” generated a great deal of interest.) Course catalogs are available seasonally (fall, winter, spring) in print at the office and in various locations around the Upper Valley, and online (osher.dartmouth.edu). Yearly membership, the cost of which amounts to less than a cup of coffee a week, provides access. Each course carries an additional fee, depending on its length (typically one to eight weekly meetings). If you’ve never taken a course, you can try one for $40. Interest groups and tech cafes are free to members, as are the friendships.

Next, travel around Coburn Park and turn up Bank Street to #11, AVA Gallery and Art Center. For over 50 years, AVA has fostered the visual arts in the Upper Valley, and “is where you come to make things…or find something you didn’t know you were looking for.” Known best, perhaps, for its member exhibits and classes in almost every artistic medium, such as painting, drawing, pottery, printmaking, wood carving, welding, and blacksmithing, AVA is open to any adult and has free community arts programs. Visit avagallery.org/programs for more information.

The AVA Senior Art Program takes place on Thursdays from September through June. “Senior Art is a free weekly open studio — not a class — for participants to work on their own individual projects,” said Education Manager Nick Gaffney. “It’s a very friendly, supportive atmosphere. There is typically an artist/teacher who can help get participants started and provide materials.” A free lunch is provided by the Upper Valley Senior Center.

Rachel Stoddard, Brian Erskine, Janet Adams

To see the many offerings of the Senior Center, head back towards Coburn Park from Bank Street and bear right to 10 Campbell Street. The Upper Valley Senior Center is one of the centers of the Grafton County Senior Citizens Council, which has a mission is enrich the lives of older adults and those with disabilities.

The Senior Center has a myriad of free programs, including meals (daily luncheons and home-delivery of hot meals for the homebound); aging and disability resources and counseling; transportation; exercise programs, such as chair yoga and exercise, Bone Builders, and a walking group; games and entertainment programming.

The Senior Center also provides volunteer opportunities through AmeriCorps Senior RSVP; Chore Corps, where volunteers assist with chores, repairs, and safety modifications in and around homes; and telephone reassurance, providing a daily call to elderly individuals who are homebound, living alone, and at risk.

“We offer many exciting and musical activities,” Director Jill Vahey said during a lunch event as a volunteer expertly played show tunes on the piano. “Come check us out and volunteer.” The phone number is 603-448-4213 and the newsletter can be found online at gcscc.org/upper-valley.

For the last stop on the tour, head up route 120 to 444 Mt. Support Road, Colburn Hill Entrance E, to the Dartmouth Health Aging Resource Center (ARC), which is dedicated to enriching the lives of older adults and their families.

“The goal of our center is to promote healthy aging, independence, connection, and overall well-being,” said Program Specialist Jason Page. “We offer educational and engagement programs and support groups, both in person and virtually, designed to meet the evolving needs of older adults and caregivers.”

Programs include advance directive assistance to help individuals document their healthcare wishes; dementia resource programs that provide education, support, and resource navigation for people living with dementia and their care partners; and fall prevention initiatives that promote safety, confidence, and independence. The organization offers many fun and enriching programs, as well, such as birding, singing, memoir writing, watercolor painting, and a drop-in ukulele jam.

All ARC programs are free and open to the public, and participants do not need to be Dartmouth Health patients to participate. To learn more, visit dhaging.org, call (603) 653-3460, or email agingcenter@hitchcock.org.

As you can see from our brief tour, wherever you find yourself on your life-as-a-senior journey, you’ll find something in Lebanon for you. Enjoy.

LISTEN Community Services will launch New Hampshire’s first Situation Table and expand community-based support for people affected by opioid use disorder after receiving a $150,000 Opioid Abatement Community Grant.

The award provides $75,000 annually over two years through the Opioid Abatement Community Grants Program, administered by Granite United Way in partnership with the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation on behalf of the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services and the Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission.

This year, the organization served 9,050 neighbors across New Hampshire and Vermont, as rising costs left more people facing hardship. More than 2,600 people turned to LISTEN for the first time for help. Across its food, housing, financial assistance, and service coordination programs, the organization continues to see that opioid use disorder is often accompanied by other challenges that make recovery and long-term stability more difficult.

“This grant gives us the opportunity to strengthen how our community responds to opioid use disorder and the interconnected challenges that often accompany it,” said Kristi Lenart-Rikert, executive director of LISTEN Community Services. “By expanding community-based support and helping people access services earlier, we can build a more coordinated system that improves outcomes for individuals, families, and the Upper Valley as a whole.”

The grant builds on several years of expanded harm reduction and outreach efforts at LISTEN, including the organization’s Community Health Worker and growing partnerships with healthcare providers, municipalities, and nonprofit organizations throughout the Upper Valley.

This year, LISTEN expanded its community-based outreach by adding a Community Case Manager. Over the next two years, the organization will launch New Hampshire’s first Situation Table to coordinate responses among community partners, provide specialized training for its Service Coordination team, and explore installation of a publicly accessible harm reduction vending machine in Lebanon to expand access to free health and safety supplies.

The Situation Table will become a cornerstone of this collaborative effort, providing a structured process for healthcare providers, law enforcement, schools, municipalities, and community organizations to identify and respond to individuals and families facing urgent, interconnected challenges before situations escalate into crisis. The evidence-informed model has been successfully implemented in communities across Canada and several U.S. states and will make its New Hampshire debut through LISTEN’s initiative.

During its Customer Appreciation Week in May, Aroma Joe’s in Lebanon raised more than $2,000 for David’s House through customer donations and a $500 store match.

David’s House is a nonprofit hospitality home located on the grounds of Dartmouth Health Children’s Hospital that provides free lodging and support for families of pediatric patients receiving medical treatment at the hospital. It serves as a cozy “home-away-from-home,” offering bedrooms, common areas, laundry services, and playrooms so families can remain together during crucial medical moments.

Aroma Joe’s is located at the intersection of NH Route 120 and Etna Road. The coffee shop offers handcrafted coffee and espresso drinks, AJ’s Rush® Energy Drinks, flavor infusions, and all-day food offerings served with positivity in a friendly and upbeat environment.

“We’re grateful to our amazing customers for showing up in such a generous way,” said Gabriel Amnott, owner/operator of Aroma Joe’s, Lebanon. “This support will help families stay close to their children during some of life’s most difficult moments.”

For more information on David’s House, visit davids-house.org. For more information on Aroma Joe’s, visit aromajoes.com.

Sometimes, your life brings you back to where you began. For Eileen Glover, who graduated from River Valley Community College (RVCC) in 2008, it happened when she became the college’s interim president this July. From working as a psychiatric nurse at the Brattleboro Retreat in in Brattleboro, Vermont, to developing a Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) program for RVCC, she brings a wealth of experience to the new position.

Glover started her nursing journey in her mid-thirties, when she attended River Valley Community College, then known as New Hampshire Community Technical College. It wasn’t the first time she tried college, but when she went right after high school, Glover recounted “failing spectacularly,” because she “didn’t have any real goal or direction.” Her failure grew into a belief that she “wasn’t smart enough to go to college,” and it took her years to build up the confidence again. A married mother of three, she explained she “loved the whole process of childbirth,” so the second time around, she planned to become a labor and delivery nurse and a lactation consultant.

The nursing program introduced her to the Brattleboro Retreat for a psychiatric nurse rotation. From here, she “absolutely fell in love,” she said. “I had no idea this was a job.” After graduating in 2008 with an associate’s degree in nursing, Glover worked at the retreat for about ten years. Assigned to the adolescent unit, she worked with teenagers struggling with mental health and addiction issues. Because members of her family had similar issues, she said “I understood how disruptive it is, not just for the patient, but the whole family system.”

Glover incorporated her own personality, experiences, and knowledge as implements for healing. Throughout her time there, Glover held many roles, from bedside nurse to clinical manager to chief nurse. While working there, she earned a Master of Science Nursing with a focus in Nursing Education from Walden University in 2014, then earned a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree with a focus on executive leadership from American Sentinel University in 2018.

Glover received an Excellence in Nursing Award from the New Hampshire Nurses Association in 2025

After this decade, Glover was seeking a new challenge. She became the chief operating officer of a for-profit, physician-owned surgical practice, something she said, “was miles different than anything I had done before.” However, after three months, she realized it was not a good fit because it didn’t feed her soul.

Thankfully, there was a more suitable option in teaching. Glover reached out to the department chair at RVCC and asked if they would take her on, considering she had some adjunct teaching experience under her belt working for Keene State and the now-closed Southern Vermont College. Instead, RVCC suggested something else: creating an LPN program for the college.

By May 2019, RVCC hired Glover to do build the program, which involved research, writing lectures, and fulfilling a lengthy application to the Board of Nursing. The first year, she built the courses, and after that, she taught them. In 2021, Glover became the department chair for RVCC’s Allied Health programs, leading the school’s LPN, Respiratory Therapy, Radiologic Technology, and Medical Laboratory Technician programs. In 2025, she earned an Excellence in Nursing Award from the New Hampshire Nurses Association.

Now, in 2026, Glover is the interim president of the college, taking President Alfred William’s place upon his retirement on July 10. Though it is an interim position, Glover said she’ll be “a hundred percent invested in it.”

When Glover isn’t working, she’s a “wicked book nerd,” and when she isn’t reading, she spends time at her lake house with her husband and children.

When asked what she enjoys most in her current field, Glover said she loves graduation day, because it shows graduates the experience was worth it, even with all the responsibilities and jobs students often have to complete in tandem with their studies.

She said RVCC and, by extension, any college, can give students “the tools to change their lives and their circumstances is so rewarding and moving.” And Glover is glad she can be a part of it.

Photo by Jon Platek, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Finding information on the City of Lebanon website can sometimes feel overwhelming. LebanonNH.gov includes thousands of webpages, documents, forms, meeting materials, and online services. Rather than searching through menus, start with these common destinations. Whether paying a bill, reporting a concern, registering for a program, or learning about a project, these pages can help point the way. LebanonNH.gov

Bonus Tip: You can create a free Resident Portal account to personalize LebanonNH.gov dashboard for your use. A customizable dashboard makes it easy to pay bills, submit requests, manage notifications, and quickly access frequently used services — all in one place. Visit the Resident Portal at LebanonNH.gov/MyCity and create an account. LebanonNH.gov/MyCity

• Need to Report a Concern? If you notice a pothole, damaged sign, drainage issue, or another concern, visit LebanonNH.gov/LebConnect. Your concern will automatically be routed to the staff member or department best suited to assist you. For emergencies, call 911. For urgent public-safety issues that are not emergencies, call Lebanon Police at 603-448-1212.
• Never Miss an Update: Instead of checking the website every day, let the information come directly to your inbox or phone. Subscriptions allow people to choose only the topics that interest them. Sign up to receive important information through our LebAlert notification service. Visit LebanonNH.gov/Subscribe.
• Missed a Meeting? Whether looking for a specific topic or simply catching up, the Agenda Center is often the best place to begin. Watch recordings, view agendas, and read meeting materials and minutes whenever it is convenient. Visit LebanonNH.gov/Agendas.
• I Need to Pay Something: Many City payments can be completed online, making it easy to take care of business anytime without a trip to City Hall. Whether paying a property tax bill, water or wastewater bill, recreation fee, or other City payment, the online payment center provides one convenient place to get started. Visit LebanonNH.gov/Pay.
• I’m Planning a Home or Business Project: Not sure whether a permit is needed? Find permit information, zoning resources, and development applications before getting started. Many forms and applications are available online, along with contact information for staff who can help. Visit LebanonNH.gov/BuildingPermit.
• Not Sure Where It Goes? One of the most visited sections of the website is the Solid Waste and Recycling Center. Before loading the car, visit LebanonNH.gov/SolidWaste for disposal information, hours, fees, and accepted materials.
• The “What Goes Where” page can be very helpful! Visit LebanonNH.gov/Dispose.
• I Want to Register for a Rec Program: The Recreation, Arts, and Parks Department offers activities throughout the year. Programs are updated seasonally, so checking online is the easiest way to see what’s available and sign up. Visit LebanonNH.gov/Register.
• Looking for Public Information? Instead of searching across dozens of department pages, LebanonNH.gov/Transparency serves as a central directory for many of the City’s most frequently requested documents, reports, and resources.
• I’m Looking for Something to Do: The “Life in Lebanon” section highlights many of the amenities that make our community a great place to live, work, and visit. Whether you are new to the area or simply looking for something different, this section is a great starting point. Visit LebanonNH.gov/About.

LebanonNH.gov is designed to help residents find information and services when it’s convenient. If the right page isn’t immediately obvious, use the search bar, the chatbot in the bottom right corner, visit LebanonNH.gov/Contact, or reach out to City staff at LebanonNH.gov/Directory.

Whether online, by phone, or in person, the goal is the same: making it as easy as possible to find answers and connect with City services.

~ Beth Beraldi, Director of Public Engagement and Communication, City Manager’s Office

Reaching an anniversary is always a milestone, but few stores make it to their 100th year as a business. West Lebanon Feed & Supply Store (WLFS) is one of those few and will reach its centennial this year. Whether the store’s team is serving farmers buying livestock feed or residents shopping for pet food, WLFS has been a cornerstone of the community, continually adapting to the needs of its customers and employees.

Marketing Manager Briana Paronto helps a customer shop.

WLFS has had several owners and name changes over the years. First founded by John Fulton in 1926 as a grocery store, WLFS was known as the AMCO Service Store. In 1935 it was rebranded to the Sunshine Feed Store, primarily selling livestock feed. After 25 years, it was purchased by the national, Midwestern-based company Wayne Feeds, and by 1956, the store was called Wayne Feed Supply.

After Wayne Feeds left New England in 1970, store manager Clent Stanley purchased the location in 1974, naming it West Lebanon Supply, Inc. After working for Clent for years, his brother, Al Stanley, bought the location from him in 1984. After he retired in 1995, he sold the store to Curt and Sharon Jacques. In 1996, a fire damaged the main warehouse, so a larger 4,800-square-foot space known as the “Upper Warehouse” was built in 1998. This is when the business settled on its current name: West Lebanon Feed & Supply.

Though WLFS still supplies animal feed for some customers, when the Jacques acquired the business, WLFS pivoted toward selling pet food. WLFS also tries to keep up with customer trends, such as stocking homesteading equipment during the COVID pandemic or featuring local delivery and subscription models to compete with other online retailers.

WLFS General Manager Chris Mazurek

After owning the company for 23 years, the Jacques retired in 2023, selling the business to Teamshares, Inc., which oversaw the transition of WLFS becoming an employee-owned company. Mike Burnham, the company’s president, said although WLFS still operates in a hierarchy, the “employee-owned structure leans into the staff coming up with the ideas,” which he said gives the employees more autonomy.

“There’s always going to be turnover in retail,” said General Manager Chris Mazurek, who started with the company when he was a high school student. “But I have noticed less of that than there was before, so I do think it’s helping people want to be part of the company as a longer-term goal.”

WLFS employee Shannon Whitney likes the people she works with and the community she serves.

One of WLFS’s employees, Shannon Whitney, explained how much she likes the people she works with and the community she serves. Because of the employee-owned model, Whitney said there’s “a lot of support from the other staff members because we all have a vested interest in the company. Everybody helps everybody else — we’re always willing to jump in wherever we’re needed.”

Many staff members agree that one of WLFS’s greatest attributes is its small-town charm and community-focused mindset. “We make a point to know our customers and try to meet them where they’re at, where their needs are, and where they change and grow over the years,” said Marketing Manager Briana Paronto.

WLFS also works with local animal shelters, has held vaccination clinics, and even let new local food trucks gain business by parking in their lot during lunch hour.

WLFS President Mike Burnham loading the Kibble Cab for delivery.

“I don’t think we’ll ever lose that community spirit that we’ve had, because that’s one of the reasons you make it a hundred years,” said Burnham. “That’s got to be a cornerstone of anything we do.” This community focus helped WLFS win the title of “One of America’s Coolest Pet Stores” in a competition held by PETS+ Magazine.

To celebrate the 100th anniversary, WLFS has partnered with its pet food/feed brands and other supportive local businesses to plan a gigantic party featuring a concert with Enfield-born musician Brooks Hubbard, vendor booths, free cake, face painting, pony rides, a petting zoo, and raffle a generator. It seems like a perfect way for a community-focused store to kick off another potential 100 years.

Dartmouth Health Children’s opened a new a playground this summer for patients receiving treatment at the Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center (CHaD). Paid for with fundraising efforts by a “CHaD Kid,” this will be a space where kids can have fun and just be kids, even in what may be a scary time for them and their families.

BJ Perry, Carrie Perry (Elliot’s parents), Jessica LaPerle, Elliot Perry, and Dr. Keith Loud cutting the ribbon for the playground.

The Elliot Perry Foundation was founded by the Perry family of Bedford, New Hampshire. When their son, Elliot, was born three months premature at CHaD, weighing only one pound and nine ounces, his chance of survival was just 18%, and he required extensive medical care. Now 14, Elliot, who has undergone over 70 surgeries and procedures, has raised over $400,000 through his foundation, which also funded another playground at the Dartmouth Health Children’s clinic in Manchester, New Hampshire.

Keith Loud, MD, MSc, physician-in-chief of Dartmouth Health Children’s, thanked the Perrys at the playground’s ribbon-cutting ceremony in July for their ongoing commitment and generosity that have benefited countless other kids and families.

Carrie Perry (Elliot’s mom), Elliot Perry, and former CHaD community relations director Sharon Brown.

“At Dartmouth Health Children’s, we care for children during some of the most joyful moments in life, and some of the most difficult,” said Loud. “We know that healing isn’t limited to what happens in an exam room or hospital bed. Sometimes healing looks like a child laughing with a sibling, making art or music, or simply having the chance to feel like a kid again. This playground is a welcoming space where children and families can take a break, relieve stress and enjoy a little bit of fresh air. For families spending long days at the hospital, moments like this matter more than we sometimes realize.”

Jessica LaPerle, director of patient experience at CHaD, explained how playtime is not just for fun, but critical to children’s development and for their wellbeing when receiving medical care.

CHaD neonatology nurse practitioner Ali Winchester and BJ Perry (Elliot’s dad).

“Moments of play aren’t simply a distraction; they’re also an important part of helping children and families acclimate to the healthcare environment,” LaPerle said. “They restore a sense of normalcy, encourage confidence, reduce stress, and remind children that joy still has a place, even during challenging times. Play is how children learn, express themselves, process difficult experiences, and heal. When we create opportunities for children to simply be kids, we’re supporting their emotional well-being alongside their medical care. That’s what makes this gift so extraordinary. Elliot and the Elliot Perry Foundation have created more than a playground. They’ve created a place where children can imagine, explore, and step into an outdoor space that is designed for whatever they need in that moment.”

Learn more about Dartmouth Health Children’s at childrens.dartmouth-health.org.

Lea has always wanted to help people.

During her educational journey, the Lebanon High School senior has tried out different career pathways that would allow her to serve the community, ranging from cosmetology to elementary education.

But now, as Lea enters her final year of high school, she has landed on healthcare as her path forward.

“With healthcare, you can help such a wide variety of people,” Lea said, adding that her ultimate goal is to become a nurse anesthetist.

Lea, along with three classmates, will get a running start into the healthcare profession through a new program at LHS, developed through a partnership with Alice Peck Day Memorial Hospital and River Valley Community College.

The four students make up the inaugural cohort of LEBMed, an Extended Learning Opportunity (ELO) that combines college-level instruction and hands-on experience to qualify students to become Licensed Nursing Assistants (LNAs) by the time they finish high school, all at no cost to them. A second cohort is planned for the Spring.

Career Pathways

The timing of the program couldn’t be more important. Across the nation, healthcare providers face persistent workforce shortages driven by an aging population, retirements, and growing demand for care.

At the same time, many students encounter financial, transportation, and educational barriers that make healthcare careers difficult to pursue. By removing those barriers and connecting high school students directly with college coursework, clinical experience and local employers, LEBMed expands access, strengthens regional workforce development, and creates new opportunities for students to build meaningful careers.

“We’re thinking about the longer-term pipeline for these students, as well,” said Paula Seaman, APD chief nursing officer. “It’s a great workforce development opportunity for APD, and for young students who live here in the Upper Valley and can potentially build their career here.”

The idea for LEBMed grew through collaboration among LHS Director of Curriculum Bonnie Robinson, ELO Coordinator Christian McDonald, Seaman at APD, River Valley Community College Workforce Development Coordinator Dan Osborn, and other leaders from their respective organizations.

Thanks to the generosity of local donors, the program is entirely free for students, including an online component through RVCC, testing fees for the LNA exam, and even the scrubs they will wear during clinical rotations at APD.

“This is something I wouldn’t have been able to pay for on my own, and the fact that the school is able to take that pressure off is huge,” Lea said.

The program launched this summer with a significant grant from the Jack and Dorothy Byrne Foundation and a $10,000 grant from Rotary Club of Lebanon Charities, the local philanthropic arm of the service organization. Recent Club President Marilyn Bedell helped champion the LEBMed initiative, recognizing its potential to strengthen the local healthcare workforce while expanding opportunities for Lebanon students.

LHS estimates the program will need approximately $70,000 per year to keep LEBMed operating at no cost to students. Though the partnership is still in its early stages, leaders hope to expand LEBMed to include other much-needed healthcare pathways, such as phlebotomy, emergency medical services, and radiologic technology.

Community members interested in learning more about the LEBMed program, tracking its future expansion, or making a donation to help keep the program entirely free for local students should contact Bonnie Robinson at brobinson@sau88.net.

Community Collaboration

LEBMed is the latest example of Lebanon High School’s innovative approach to Extended Learning Opportunities, built on the foundation of community collaboration.

The STEM Externship program, starting its 10th year, introduces students to technical careers in the Upper Valley and currently partners with five different local companies. Take Flight, a partnership with the Aviation Museum of New Hampshire in which students work with local volunteer mentors to build an airplane, is entering its third year.

Like LEBMed, Take Flight has been made possible in part through the generous support of Rotary Club of Lebanon Charities, reflecting the organization’s ongoing investment in innovative, career-connected learning opportunities for Lebanon students, as well as several other local donors.

“It feels so community-centered to have APD as such a cooperative partner, and support from RVCC, the Rotary Club of Lebanon, the Byrne Foundation, and hopefully others,” Robinson said. “I think the Upper Valley is in a unique position to have so many opportunities for our students.”

McDonald said LEBMed reflects the purpose of Extended Learning Opportunities: connecting students with authentic experiences while strengthening the communities they call home.

“When educational institutions, healthcare providers, and community organizations work together, everyone benefits,” she said. “Students gain meaningful experience, local employers develop their future workforce, and our community becomes stronger.”

Robinson noted that LEBMed also perfectly aligns with Lebanon High School’s Vision of a Graduate and Strategic Plan.

The Path Forward

The students in the first LEBMed cohort began the online component of the program through RVCC over the summer, completing 40 hours of instruction on the foundational theories that underpin the work to come.

That includes 24 hours of hands-on pre-clinical skills instruction with licensed instructors at APD, followed by 60 hours of clinical rotations at the hospital.

After completing these instructional hours, the students will be eligible to sit for the LNA exam by early 2027. By then, the second cohort of four students will start the program.

Once students earn their certification, they can begin working as LNAs. Program leaders envision some students starting work full time as LNAs as soon as they graduate high school. Others, like Lea, plan to work as LNAs while they pursue degrees in nursing or medicine.

“I think it’s a great opportunity,” Lea said, “and I’m so glad Lebanon has worked so hard to make it happen.”

~ Jack Rooney, Director of Communications and Community Relations, Lebanon School District

As students head back to classrooms across the Upper Valley, WISE’s Prevention and Education Program (PEP) team is preparing for another year of helping young people build healthy relationships, feel safe, and create thriving communities. In Lebanon, this work has been part of the school community for nearly three decades, reflecting WISE’s long-standing commitment to supporting students, educators, and families through prevention education.

Nearly 30 years ago, longtime Lebanon High School health teacher Les Lawrence, now retired, invited WISE into the classroom to begin conversations about healthy relationships and violence prevention. That partnership helped lay the foundation for the work WISE continues in Lebanon schools today, and we remain grateful for his commitment to generations of students.

For many schools, WISE programming begins before the school year is fully underway when our educators attend school open houses. Open houses provide an opportunity to connect with students, and also with parents, teachers, and administrators. Building relationships with caring adults is an important part of prevention, helping ensure the messages students hear in the classroom are reinforced by the adults who support them every day. Early classroom visits allow Prevention Educators to become a familiar, trusted part of students’ routines from the very first weeks of school. Establishing these connections early helps students know that WISE is a supportive resource they can turn to throughout the year.

Every stage of childhood presents new opportunities for learning. In kindergarten, lessons focus on everyday routines while naturally introducing concepts such as personal space, boundaries, and asking for permission. As students move through elementary school, they continue building emotional awareness, empathy, communication skills, and respect for others. These are foundational skills that strengthen friendships and create more inclusive classrooms.

As students grow older, the conversations evolve with them. Middle school programming explores personal values, peer relationships, digital communication, and navigating increasing independence. In high school, students engage in thoughtful discussions about healthy relationships, consent, respect, and the role each of us plays in creating safer communities. Their curiosity, willingness to ask questions, and thoughtful engagement with challenging topics continue to inspire our educators.

Prevention extends beyond the classroom. WISE is grateful for its partnership with the CCBA After School Program, where our educators continue conversations about healthy friendships, kindness, inclusion, and respect in a fun, engaging environment. Our presence in these programs reinforces prevention messages while strengthening connections with young people and their families in the Lebanon community. Whether we are connecting with families at school open houses, in after-school programs, or at community events, these relationships help create a consistent network of support for young people.

At WISE, we believe violence prevention is a valuable part of education. Healthy relationship skills, like math or reading, are learned over time through age-appropriate lessons that build on one another year after year. Each conversation strengthens understanding, reinforces positive behaviors, and equips young people with practical skills they can use every day in school, at home, online, and throughout their lives.

Prevention is most effective when it is consistent, visible, and rooted in community. Whether we are in a kindergarten classroom, a middle school health class, a summer camp, or a community event, our goal is the same: to help create communities where everyone experiences safety, respect, and belonging.

As another school year begins, we are grateful for our partnerships with schools, educators, families, and community organizations across the Upper Valley. Together, we are helping young people build confidence, compassion, and relationship skills that not only support their success today but also contribute to healthier, safer communities for generations to come.

We look forward to another year of learning, listening, and growing alongside the students and communities we serve.