We are sad to write that our friend and Lebanon Times columnist Donnie Perkins died on May 1 at the age of 64, leaving behind a daughter, five brothers, and countless friends and acquaintances from all over the Upper Valley and no doubt well beyond.

Donnie graduated from Lebanon High School, where his interest in writing for local papers began. I worked with him and got to know him years ago at the Connecticut Valley Spectator, where he sometimes covered local sports, and it was a pleasure to bring his unique voice to the Lebanon Times when we launched the paper seven years ago.… Read More

Residents at Wheelock Terrace in Hanover, NH, were in for a special treat in early May when the sounds of brass and woodwinds wafted through the outside air, bringing a fleeting pause to the accompanying distress of the 2020 pandemic.

The music was generated by seven out of over 60 members of the Upper Valley Community Band (UVCB) in the parking lot of the assisted living facility. The musicians, playing instruments including clarinets, trumpet, trombone, and tuba, entertained the residents with polka, waltzes, and ragtime favorites.

“We’re glad we could work with the UVCB to give residents a safe opportunity to spend time outside their homes and enjoy a swing of music therapy in this refreshing outdoor scenery.”… Read More

“But we are strong, each in our own purpose, and we are all stronger together.”

During the Covid-19 Pandemic, there hasn’t been an individual in the entire world who has not been affected. Fear has enveloped us all regardless of age or status, but no other group stands directly in the path of this invisible monster than senior citizens. When the pandemic was announced, it was made crystal clear that the elderly were among the greatest at risk for suffering the worst of the virus’ negative health effects.

How did the elder community react? The residents at the picturesque Quail Hollow Senior Living Community in West Lebanon, consisting of 50 condominiums and three apartment complexes that are nestled in a wooded area teaming with wildlife, had their world turned upside down.… Read More

If you were to write the autobiography of Lebanon resident Gene Yeates and take it to a Hollywood film producer, you might be met with a bit of skepticism.

“How can one individual accomplish all that in the course of one lifetime?” they would ask. The truth sometimes is indeed stranger than fiction! In the case of Gene Yeates, he leaves a legacy of incredible service fueled by patriotism and dedicated service to this great country we can call home. Just saying “thank you for your service” may not be sufficient in Gene’s case.

It will take a bit of time to dive into Gene’s incredible contribution, so read carefully.… Read More

This is a story about the resilience of two small kittens who faced the certainty of death if not for a little bit of luck and the love of staff and volunteers at the Upper Valley Humane Society. Meet Apollo, a three-month-old kitten from Lebanon. He is as cute and soft as he looks with a chocolate nose, blonde fur, and brilliant blue eyes. He is also playful, sweet, and funny.

In his new home, Apollo hides in backpacks, snuggles in blankets, stalks movement under the covers, plays with a purple ball of yarn, goes for walks outdoors on a leash and harness, and loves to ride on his new mom’s shoulder.… Read More

You may or may not believe in Angels, but, if you live in the Upper Valley or most locations in Northern New England, you may want to reconsider. After 25 years of dedicated service, the Dartmouth Hitchcock Advanced Response Team (DHART) launched into a new decade saving lives and transporting patients. The following quote could best describe its heroic deeds: “Angels coming to the rescue against all harm.”

Just what is DHART? It is the critical care transport team for the Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center (DHMC). The crews are composed of critical care transport nurses, critical care paramedics and respiratory care practitioners.… Read More

Growing up in farm country, having foods, particularly produce, go directly from the garden to the dinner table seemed natural to me. If some fruit or vegetable did not come from our gardens, surely a neighbor’s farmstand carried it. Sure, all of our foods weren’t local, and the grocery store was a weekly stop, but having regular access to local foods was common.

In recent decades, we have experienced a revival in the interest among consumers of obtaining foods directly, or indirectly, from local farmers. For a variety of reasons, including product freshness, nutritional value, supporting local farms and businesses, or knowing how and where one’s food is produced, many consumers are active in finding their food products from local sources.… Read More

In order to move the Lebanon School District forward in a positive direction this year, district teachers and administrators learned about an educational initiative this fall that has been embraced and implemented by schools nationwide.

Known as SEL or Social Emotional Learning, it is believed that students can be better be served with regard to their social and emotional health with the integration of critical life skills that go beyond academics, Lebanon staff agreed.

At an in-service held on October 11, 2019 at the Lebanon High School, staff members enthusiastically supported the idea of formalizing the process through which children and adults understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions.… Read More

When the City of Lebanon comes up for discussion in the Granite State there is usually one aspect that everyone can agree upon. Lebanon
and the surrounding communities in the Upper Valley have become rising stars.

Now established as one of the most vibrant cities in the state of New Hampshire, the topic of future growth possibilities often sets off passionate responses. How do you define growth?

Lebanon Mayor Tim McNamara acknowledges there are many views on this issue and the fact that Lebanon City officials have announced plans to introduce a Tax Increment Finance District (TIF) in an 86-acre parcel of undeveloped land that lies west of the Lebanon Airport.… Read More

Remember the old saying from the ’70s, “Think Globally, Act Locally”? Nothing could be a truer description of Pat McGovern – Lebanon resident, environmental activist, and cofounder of the Canillas Community Garden, the Upper Valley Localvore movement, and numerous community and environmental action blogs.

Years ahead of the current and ever-present climate-change conversation, Pat has been advocating for the proper care and feeding of soil, air, water, trees, plants, and humans for decades. A woman of deep wisdom, broad intellect, and a lifetime of taking right action for people and the planet, Pat has inspired newcomers as well as longtime residents to join her in taking small steps to affect positive change.… Read More