Have you been lucky enough to meet Dudley, the not-so-mini mini-pig? Many in the Upper Valley have. Michelle Carbonneau and Zebulon Jenks of Vershire, Vt., are the proud owners of 3-year-old Dudley Winston Jenks, a miniature pig. Dudley is not a pot-bellied pig but a Juliana pig, also known as the Miniature Painted Pig. Unlike the more commonly known pot-bellied pigs, Juliana pigs are leaner in appearance, generally taller, and they lack the belly of other miniature pigs.

Also, Michelle and Zeb discovered that if fed and cared for properly, miniature pigs can actually grow to be quite sizable. Dudley has maxed out at a very healthy weight of 185 pounds.

All miniature pig breeders recommend lots of socialization from an early age in order to have a friendly adult pig. Since he was a piglet, Michelle and Zeb have made an effort to bring him everywhere they go. He loves to go for car rides and visit new places. Michelle and Zeb cater events on the weekends, often either weddings or for local fraternities, and Dudley usually goes with them. He’s happy to socialize with the people, dogs, kids, and just about any other animal. “We do a lot of catering for weddings. Sometimes the bride and the groom actually request that he comes along,” Michelle said.

Recently, he was the “king” of Wells, ME when Michelle brought him to the beach there. A lot of people had never seen a pet pig before, so they came up to pet him and many found themselves laying down in the sand with Dudley while they rubbed his belly. He was very happy to oblige. Belly rubs are one of Dudley’s absolute favorite things.

Dudley is also an avid hiker! His most recent hike was seven miles long. He’s happiest when he is wandering around in the woods with them, Michelle noted.

In general, Dudley is a pretty mellow pig, although that might have something to do with the fact that he has acres to roam, ponds to swim in, and Grandma and Grandpa’s house to visit next door. He does not do all this roaming alone, though; his absolute best friend is the couple’s 1-year-old boxer/lab mix, Bailey. The two snuggle and play together, and both are allowed loose in the house during the day while Michelle and Zeb are at work.

Of course, Dudley would rather snuggle with his owners. He used to sleep in the bed with them, but when he outgrew that he got his own bed at the foot of theirs. When it is bedtime, Dudley will wait by the bedroom door until Michelle comes in, pets him and rubs his belly, and then covers him up, and he will stay like that for the entire night.

The care for a pig like Dudley is much like caring for a dog his size. He visits the vet every year for his shots, eats proper food (including mini-pig food as well as fruits, veggies), and gets the opportunity to graze, and they had to make some changes to their house in order for Dudley to safely get around. He cannot go up and down stairs anymore, so they built ramps all throughout the house so Dudley could travel with ease. They also had to child-proof the entire house to keep the very smart, and sometimes naughty, pig out of trouble. He has a life expectancy of 20 years, so both needed to be prepared for the commitment.

His hooves have to be clipped, but Michelle trained him early to let her do this herself. Now she just rubs his belly until he relaxes and then she clips his hooves with a toenail clipper. One of the most incredible things, however, is that Dudley is trained to go to the bathroom outside. He arrived using pine shavings in a litter box but eventually decided he did not want to do that anymore, and now he waits at the door until someone lets him out.

Michelle grew up in Charlton, MA and while her family always wanted a mini-pig, they never had the opportunity to get one. Zebulon, on the other hand, grew up in Vershire with plenty of knowledge of farm animals. The two met while working together at the Elizabeth Mines Superfund Site in Strafford, Vt., where Michelle was the on-site engineer for a consulting company and Zebulon, the Superintendent for Northwoods Excavating, was working on the site as well.

When Michelle moved up here to be with Zeb, it seemed like the right time, and they decided to get Dudley. She enjoys spending her time roaming around with Dudley and educating people on miniature pigs any chance she can get. “I could not be more happy I got a mini-pig. He is like my world,” Michelle said. “He’s a pig who just wants to be around his mom, dad, and family all the time, and any chance I get to share that, I do.”

When Dogs Walk Their Humans

Becky Luce and Obi

When Becky Luce goes out for a walk these days, she is always accompanied by her faithful companion, the erstwhile Brittany, Obi. Since he joined the Luce family last winter, Becky and Obi have explored the hills and dales of the Upper Valley collecting dirt and mud, and enjoying the benefits of an active, healthy lifestyle.

One of their favorite treks is the Hanover Center portion of the Appalachian Trail in Etna, which they love to explore, especially with their friend, Lisa and her Brittany, Obi’s Aunt Maggie. “For every step I take, Obi runs at least 5! He is in constant motion, following scents or chasing after birds or chipmunks – it’s definitely Obi’s happy place.”

What inspires Becky to be physically active? “In 2010, I had bariatric surgery to help me lose weight. After losing 175 pounds, I had my knee replaced in 2012, which made a huge difference in my ability to exercise. I have wanted a dog for a long time, and it made sense to bring Obi into my life for companionship and to have a reason to get outside and be more physically active.”  And Obi seems to enjoy their treks, meeting birds, other dogs, and humans along the way. Becky combines walks with Obi and a healthy diet, including a daily protein shake.

A Multi-Sport Lifestyle

Paul and Kristen Coats at Mt. Washington

As active couples go, Kristen and Paul Coats are a model of how to include physical activity in one’s daily life. Both have full-time jobs and volunteer for their church, yet they manage to fit in long-distance training runs and races, water sports, tennis, skiing, cycling, hiking and backpacking trips, and adventure travel around the world.

Kristen and Paul met playing competitive tennis in Atlanta in 2003. Paul had already moved to Lebanon to begin working as the Program Coordinator at the recreation and parks department, and Kristen arrived in 2005. With a busy work schedule as the Director of Recreation & Parks in Lebanon, Paul looks forward to workouts and recreational activities with Kristen. “We really enjoy each other’s company, and being physically active is a great way for us to spend quality time together.”

Paul and Christine Coats on the lake

Kristen likes the fun aspect of their adventures together. “We encourage each other to be physically, emotionally, and spiritually fit, practicing healthy eating as well as living an active lifestyle. We usually have a small garden to grow some of our food, and love to cook healthy meals together.” Kristen works at The Haven as the Food and Wellness Coordinator, and previously served as the Community Health Partnership Coordinator at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center.

A Community of Champions

Carl Wallin coached Dartmouth throwers for 40 years

Thor’s Stone Athletic Club is not your average fitness club. Founded in 2009 by Carl Wallin, who coached Dartmouth throwers for 40 years and has held several national records in masters competitions, the club includes 39 active members from 17-92 years of age. The group trains daily at the Carter Community Building Association in Lebanon, and members compete regionally and nationally in throwing events, Olympic lifting, and powerlifting.

Carl describes his inspiration for starting Thor’s Stone Athletic Club as a desire to give back to the community. “I wanted to give back with something that I knew something about and thought I would be able to help people with. Anybody can join, but they have to compete. I’m a big believer in doing your best, and that’s really what it’s all about.”

Many of the members hold world records in their age groups. “We train together as a community, and everyone helps each other do their best.”

Valerie Thompson of Lebanon, 58, went from never competing in sports to throwing the hammer, shot put, and discus, and holds three world records in powerlifting. Two members can deadlift 300 pounds or more at age 77. “With the people I train, I have no sympathy for gender and age, and I push them as hard as I possibly can. I want them to keep getting stronger and better.”

According to Carl, “You can actually get stronger as you get older.” From 45 minutes to an hour is the optimal time to obtain the maximum training benefit, and members can usually complete a workout in that amount of time. Adds Carl, chuckling, “If they don’t talk a lot.”

The American Legion was born at a caucus of the First American Expeditionary Force, March 15-17, 1919, in Paris. “The American Legion was chartered and incorporated by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans organization devoted to mutual helpfulness. It is the nation’s largest wartime veterans service organization, committed to mentoring youth and sponsorship of wholesome programs in our communities, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting strong national security, and continued devotion to our fellow service members and veterans,” according to the mission statement on Legion.org.

In July of 1919, a temporary charter was obtained to start the Lebanon American Legion Post. It was at that time named after Arthur G. Guyer, the first Lebanon serviceman to be killed in World War I. The permanent charter was issued in 1924 with 160 Charter members.

In 1946 the Post’s name was changed to Guyer-Carignan Post 22 to honor Richard L. “Pat” Carignan, who was killed in World War II.

In 1955 the Post purchased the Underpass Cash Market and shortly thereafter bought the land at 189 Mechanic Street and built the building that stands today. With much support, they were able to retire and burn the mortgage after only two years!

We drive by this building all the time, but many of us have no idea what goes on within. As I stepped through the doors for this interview, I was met by Larry Greenwood, Adjutant of Post 22. His knowledge of and commitment to this organization was immediately obvious. Larry has been a member for 35 years and has held almost every position there. He was in the US Army from 1960-1968 and served in Korea and Germany.

One of my first questions was, “Who can belong to the American Legion?” He told me that any Veteran who has seen active duty in any branch of the services during any of the seven war eras (from WWI through today’s War on Terrorism) can belong. In 2013, there were about 2.3 million members in 13,807 posts worldwide. Post 22 presently has 582 members. I discovered that a high school classmate of mine, Roy Emerson, formerly of Springfield, Vt., is a member of this Post. No doubt you also have friends and relatives who are members.

The mural painted by Norman Rhodes

As we walked around the large main room on the entrance level, Larry pointed out many interesting artifacts and photographs. A beautiful mural that adorns one whole wall was painted by Lebanon’s renowned artist and Post 22 member Norman Rhodes.  Downstairs features another large room and a modern kitchen that prepares and serves thousands of meals for banquets and other functions during the year.

The American Legion National Headquarters are in Indianapolis, and there is one “Department” in each state, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, France, Mexico, and the Philippines. Departments are divided into district/counties, with each local post under that jurisdiction. Tom Wiley, Ret. Command Sargent Major, is this year’s Department Commander, the first from Lebanon in 88 years. Harry Manson was the first, serving in 1928.

Following are just some of the many programs and ways that the American Legion Post 22 gives to our communities:

The Adopt-a-Veteran Program at the Tilton Veterans Home pays the dues of 17 residents, and Annette Scott remembers the 17 Tilton veterans and four local veterans on seven major holidays, including a Christmas party.

The Junior and Senior Baseball programs require a huge commitment of coaching and management during the year, and Peter St. Pierre puts in a huge amount of time and energy. Larry said, “There literally would be no baseball program without Peter!”

The Post supports local youth sports activities in Lebanon, Enfield and Hanover by volunteering many hours. They also donated the new remote-controlled digital scoreboard at Lebanon High School.

The Scholarship Program gave support to 21 eligible college students totaling $4,050. Local scholarships were given to high school students at graduation, and additional scholarships and certificates were given to students entering the military – The Ed Lalumiere Award. Ed was a Past Department Vice Commander of New Hampshire.

Many veterans attended school and student programs through the Upper Valley such as visiting Canaan Elementary in observance of Veterans Day. The Post Honor Guard held a flag folding and etiquette session at Canaan and several other local schools.

On Veterans Day, Larry, and other Honor Guard members happened to notice that the flagpole in front of the Lebanon Senior Center needed attention. So they fixed the pulley system and raised a flag. The Post also purchased a new flagpole for Lebanon High School.

Veterans Appreciation Day was started three years ago by Peter St. Pierre and consists of “A Salute to Veterans,” Presentation of Colors, welcome speeches, and the National Anthem – this year sung by Hannah Griswold, a student at Mascoma Valley Regional High School. Her dad, Dan Griswold, is the S.A.L. Finance Officer.

Two students were sent to Boys’ State with Department Commander Tom Wiley himself driving about 380 miles and volunteering about 15 hours of his time. The Post worked with the Boy Scouts throughout the year participating in parades, various flag projects, many cleanups and cemetery projects around Lebanon. The Scouts were also involved in learning the proper way to fly and fold the flag, and on Flag Day, June 14, the Post held its annual flag burning to which the public was invited.

Volunteers of Post 22, in conjunction with the Odd Fellows, distributed coffee and donuts at the Soldiers Memorial Building during the year’s parades. A dinner/dance was held in March in celebration of the American Legion’s 97th birthday.

Service Officer Louis Sabotto spent more than 200 hours helping veterans with various health issues, attending meetings, providing information on new programs, and visiting disabled veterans.

The Christmas Basket Program delivered baskets filled with all kinds of food goods to 250-plus older veterans and auxiliary who are members of the Post, including needy families of veterans. The Children’s Christmas Party hosted 150 family members last Christmas, giving 95 children gifts from Santa (who looked remarkably like Dick Paul, Jr.!). There was music, hot dogs, cookies and drinks for all, plus face painting by Norm Rhodes.

The Post 22 Billiards Team, under the chairmanship of Len McMinn, raised $400 and provided over 100 hours of 13 members’ volunteer help to benefit The Haven. The Community Services Program was involved with hosting the 8th Annual co-sponsored Post 22, IOOF, and SMB Veterans Day Breakfast, serving 106 Veterans and their families.

Post Field Day is an all-day annual event put on by the American Legion Auxiliary, S.A.L. and the Legion Riders. Over 365 Veterans and family members attended and enjoyed food and games.

The Post Honor Guard honored Veterans during the year by providing services for 10 of their fallen comrades, conducting two school flag ceremonies, and purchasing flags for local cemeteries. Their Fuel Assistance Program helped pay the fuel costs of veterans who needed help.

Post 22 also contributes to the Wounded Warrior Fund, Tilton Veterans Home, Flag of Honor, VA Hospital assistance, Friends of Veterans, Soldiers Memorial Fund, and Moore Mart, a nonprofit organization providing care packages to service members serving overseas.

To date, Moore Mart has sent out about 36,000 packages to New Hampshire military members since its inception nearly 11 years ago. Five times a year, Moore Mart sends out care packages to New Hampshire troops, all of them individually addressed to a specific service member. While most of the items are for the troops, some things in the packages are for village children, including candy and soccer balls.

Larry Greenwood and Eric Morrill in front of part of the mural

The Legion Riders, as projects of their own, organized trips and held fundraising events in support of many veterans in need, and donated over $1,360 to various Post projects, contributed $250 to Moore Mart, raised $4,768 for the Wounded Warriors in Pittsburg, N.H., and donated $1,000 to Toys for Tots.

So, you can see that American Legion Post 22 is so much more than just a building – it is flesh and blood and sweat and tears of real people giving all they can to respect those who have given their all, and to those who are still giving all they have!

For more information about the American Legion Post 22, please visit Post22.org.

Veterans in the area who would like to find out more about this Post and to visit are welcome to call (603) 448-3429. And, thank you for your service!

Not many activities are a better indicator of fall in the Upper Valley than apple picking time. Strawberry picking in late spring, blueberry picking in mid-summer, and apple picking in the fall are favorite pastimes of those who love fresh, local produce. The Lebanon area is a prime destination of those who enjoy fresh cider, quality hard cider and crisp, tasty, homegrown apples.

At the Riverview Farm in Plainfield, owner Nancy Franklin says she and husband Paul have grown and sold apples from the farm for 35 years. About 11 acres of the farm are devoted to growing about 2,000 apple trees.

The Franklins sell their apples at the Lebanon and Norwich farmers’ markets, as well as at the farm. Riverview is a “pick your own” destination, and visitors flock to the farm from the end of August until late October to pick and buy their favorite varieties. Some of the varieties found on the farm include McIntosh, Cortland and Ginger Gold. The most sought-after apple variety they produce is the Honeycrisp, Franklin adds.

At Walhowdon Orchards in Lebanon, Barb and Matt Patch produce several apple varieties, including Paula Red, McIntosh, Empire and Idared. They have 20 acres of mature trees producing apples, and recently planted 1,600 new trees to add to the mix of varieties. Some of the new varieties include Honeygold, Fuji, Gala and the popular Honeycrisp.

Though the current orchard at Walhowdon has been producing about 35 years, the farm itself has been worked since the 1770s. Currently, the seventh and eighth generations of the same family work the land at Walhowdon, says Barb Patch.

Much of the apple crop produced at Walhowdon is sold at area grocery stores, including Hannaford, Price Chopper, and the Co-op Food Stores in Lebanon, Hanover and White River Junction. Barb Patch says the Walhowdon apples found at these grocery stores are always fresh, as the apples are picked and transported to the stores almost immediately.

As is true at Riverview Farm, the apples are ready for picking at Walhowdon in late August; usually between August 20 and 25, says Barb Patch. At Walhowdon, visitors can buy apples at the farmstand, but pick your own is not an option here.

So how is this year’s apple crop shaping up?

“It’s a little on the light side,” says Nancy Franklin, though she adds there will be plenty of apples for those showing up to pick their own. The warmth during the winter followed by a cold snap combined to affect the quantity of apples this year, though not enough to have a great impact on the crop.

Barb Patch confirms that assessment, saying, “The quality will be the same, but the quantity will be a bit less.” Other apple growers in mid New Hampshire and Vermont have voiced these same sentiments regarding this year’s crop.

The relatively dry summer has not adversely affected the orchard at Riverview Farm, says Franklin. There has been enough rain to hold off the drought, and the mature trees have a deep root system that allows them to get adequate moisture. The farm has an irrigation system in place for the younger trees, Franklin says.

Steve Wood runs both Poverty Lane Orchards and Farnum Hill Ciders

At Poverty Lane Orchards and Farnum Hill Ciders in Lebanon, owner Steve Wood says the growing season has been good, despite the early concerns about warm winter weather followed by some very cold early spring nights. Wood says he had some serious concerns for his trees with those cold spring mornings, but they came through fine.

Wood says he has spent many years engaging in trials of various varieties to not only find the best apples for making his hard cider, but those that do best in the climate and terrain of the Upper Valley.

The pick your own process at Riverview makes for a very festive time, says Franklin. On weekends during the picking season, there are horse-drawn hayrides and a corn maze to challenge visitors. The popularity of picking apples is often evident on weekends during the fall, as Franklin says that 60 to 80 cars will fill up the farm’s parking areas.

Of course apples are not the only popular product these farms produce – apple cider is another important part of their season. Walhowdon cider is well known throughout the Upper Valley. Barb Patch says cider production begins on their farm about two weeks after apple picking commences, meaning cider productions starts early to mid-September.

Walhowdon cider is found at stores throughout the area, while the cider from Riverview Farm is only found at the farm or farmers’ markets. Nancy Franklin says “we do our own fresh cider,” but as they do not pasteurize the cider, it is not sold through other outlets. Riverview will also do custom apple pressing for individuals who have an apple crop.

Cider is king at Poverty Lane Orchards and Farnum Hill; that is to say, hard cider is king. Owner Steve Wood devotes much of his 65+ acre orchard to growing apples geared for making hard cider. This category of apples, called bittersweet, are not grown for eating, but are used strictly for producing their high-quality hard ciders.

The majority of the apples used in the production of Farnum Hill’s hard ciders are grown at Poverty Lane. The apples go directly to the fermentation process in the fall, with the final hard cider product ready for consumption about eight months later. In comparison, Wood says the big hard cider producers churn out their product in three to four weeks. Comparing Farnum Hill hard cider to the mass producers’ products is like comparing a high-end Cabernet wine to a wine cooler, Wood says.

Anyone who has observed the shelves and coolers at a local market or liquor store knows the offerings of hard cider have boomed over the past few years. “It’s been a real explosion,” says Wood of the hard cider industry.

Though Wood does offer his hard ciders to distributors around the country, much of the product sells close to home. “One of our best wholesale markets is the state of New Hampshire,” says Wood, adding “New York is also a good market.” Ciders from Farnum Hill are available at food and specialty stores, and at New Hampshire Liquor & Wine Outlet Stores.

Honeycrisp is gaining popularity

Hard ciders from Farnum Hill are also available at some restaurants. Retail sales of the product at the farm consist of growler sales held on certain days throughout the year, and regularly during fall apple season. Customers may buy a refillable growler bottle from Farnum Hill and purchase their favorite hard cider to take home.

Though these farms count on apples, and cider, to attract customers, other crops are offered to add to the draw. Poverty Lane, for example, has a pick your own raspberry season. Though hard cider production is a mainstay at Poverty Lane Orchards and Farnum Hill, they do offer a farmstand, pick-your-own apples, and host many school groups that visit the orchard in the fall. At Riverview Farm, Nancy Franklin grows late-season blueberries. As cooler weather prompts apple pickers, Franklin says the late blueberries attract customers in late August and early September, when some apples are ready, but people are not yet focused on apple picking.