These have become tumultuous times for police departments all across the United States, but here in Lebanon, the spotlight shines brightly on one of the highest rated law enforcement agencies, not only in New Hampshire, but the entire country.

Working hard to establish excellence for the last five years has been Lebanon Police Chief Richard Mello who recently announced his retirement at age 48 to accept a position in the private sector. He will be followed by Deputy Chief Phil Roberts, a 20-year law enforcement veteran who has worked hand-in-hand with Chief Mello on the Lebanon agency for the past five years.

Chief Mello describes, with a great deal of pride, his accomplishment during his tenure.

“Gaining the CALEA Accreditation in 2020,” he stated. “It was a difficult three-year process and less than 5% of police departments nationwide have the distinction of being accredited.”

The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies’ (CALEA) primary purpose is to improve law enforcement service by creating a national body of standards developed by law enforcement professionals. CALEA derives its general authority from the four law enforcement membership associations whose members represent approximately 80% of the law enforcement profession in the United States.

Chief Mello now looks to the future with his new endeavor and explains his departure.

“I have served in New Hampshire law enforcement for 28 years and felt it was the right time to retire and pursue the next chapter in the private sector. My replacement, Deputy Chief Phil Roberts,  has been a solid presence for more than 20 years. He has the character, skill set and temperament to lead the department into the future.”

The Deputy Chief is certainly no stranger to the Upper Valley, having been raised in the Hartford, VT area where his father served as deputy chief.

“I do feel there is a definite advantage to having a local connection. The over 20 years I have been with the LPD has allowed me to build many great relationships and contacts with the entire Upper Valley community. Chief Mello will be missed by all. He has left the PD in a great position with many positive changes he has made over the last five years, and I look forward to carrying on those in the future. His leadership here was first class.”

Five years ago Chief Mello was drawn to the Lebanon area after having served in law enforcement in Concord, Manchester, and the Hollis, NH areas for 23 years. What appealed to him about the prospect in Lebanon?

“I was drawn to the Upper Valley area and the Lebanon community along with the police department’s professional reputation. I would describe Lebanon as a city on the rise, rich with culture and diversity and having abundant opportunities.”

Deputy Chief Roberts will have the new insignia on his uniform’s collar May 1st, and is eager to accept the challenge.

“Some priorities that I have moving forward are maintaining the national accreditation that we received from CALEA last year which is the gold standard in law enforcement regarding best practices and policies. I also look forward to when the pandemic is over and returning to our community relations programs and efforts that we have not been able to do over the last year. I don’t have any big major changes in sight. I have worked closely alongside Chief Mello and we share the same philosophy when it comes to managing the police department. I am honored and look forward to serving as the next Lebanon police chief.”

On a cold and snowy Earth Day, Thursday, April 22nd, Willing Hands and the Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center public health team rang in their third annual Farmacy Garden season. Despite the frigid temperature, a group of six volunteers attended. Guided by staff, the volunteers laid down rows of wood chips to delineate the vegetable beds.

Willing Hands Garden Manager, Mikey Van Siclen, radiates deep empathy and respect for the land. He stresses that soil may provide endless nutrients for us if we care for it properly. This entails a regenerative, soil-focused approach to growing fruits and vegetables.

“By building and maintaining healthy soil, managing water wisely, and increasing biodiversity, we work to enhance the overall health and production of this plot,” said Van Siclen. He added that the Willing Hands soil-focused practice enriches and preserves the subsoil network necessary to plant growth.

Alternatively, according to Van Siclen, industrial agricultural methods involve annual tillage, synthetic fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides – lethal to soil fertility. While these traditional farming practices may yield swift and successful growth in the short term, they inflict negative consequences to the land and ultimately, to people in the long run. With increasingly less fertile soil available in the world, there are fewer plots of land to farm and grow healthy food .

 “The traditional view is that soil is [just] dirt – an inert medium in which plants grow,” said Van Siclen. He adds that soil degradation not only depletes the soil’s nutrients but also ruins the biology critical to future plant growth. The result is that additional synthetic fertilizers are needed each year: a vicious cycle that further damages the land.

Willing Hands however firmly believes in the sustainable, regenerative, soil-focused methods they use to treat and care for the soil. They utilize natural fertilization, applying “compost and organic materials to feed soil biology,” to increase soil health and care for the ecosystem beneath the soils’ surface. Willing Hands adheres to low-disturbance methods, such as broadforking – a labor-intensive gardening method that loosens and aerates the soil in preparation for planting – versus tilling, which is faster but harms the roots, earthworms, and the microbial life in the subsoil. Broadforking allows the microscopic organisms that exist beneath the soil surface to live and thrive undisturbed.

“We are working to optimize soil conditions to increase soil fertility, as well as capture and store carbon in the ground,” said Van Siclen.

In other words, by making a sustainable investment in the land, they aim to produce large quantities of fresh, nutritious, organic produce that will reach more people in need.

Much as indigenous peoples lived in harmony with the land, not just from it, Willing Hands are committed to preserving the soil’s long-term health so that it will continue to provide food for future generations.

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Through the Farmacy Garden, the public health team at DHMC is also working to increase awareness around food insecurity and decrease the stigma that surrounds this pervasive issue.

“Food insecurity – a lack of consistent access to adequate, nutritious foods – is impacting one out of six community members in our region since the pandemic started,” said public health advocate with DHMC, Chelsey R. Canavan.

Consistent with the beliefs of the Greek physician, Hippocrates, DHMC staff view food as medicine. Canavan and her team believe that diet and nutrition are vital, yet often overlooked parts of patient care. Planting this vegetable garden is a part of DHMC’s vision towards prevention, treatment, and recovery of severe health problems including, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer.

Through the support of DHMC, Willing Hands, and volunteers, the Farmacy Garden will produce a veggie-lovers dream: an all-organic bounty of kale, collard greens, carrots, beets, cauliflower, tomatoes, peppers, onions, broccoli, and garlic. All of the produce will go directly to those suffering from food insecurity by way of the Willing Hands distribution system. Their network distributes to food pantries, partnering grocery stores, COOPs, and over 60 non-profit organizations in the Upper Valley region.

“Our goal here is to grow the most prolific, nutrient-dense crops possible – we want to maximize yields so that we can increase the amount we give back to the community,” said Van Siclen. With bright smiles, willing hands, and rows of seeds in the ground, this gardening crew is not only cultivating the soil, but also a greater sense of care, support, and connection to the community at large. n

These gardens could not flourish, progress, or exist without the help of so many dedicated volunteers from the Upper Valley community. If you would like to volunteer at the Farmacy Garden or other Willing Hands locations, please sign up in advance on the website: www.willinghands.org/help-us/volunteer.

Growing up in countryside Cieba de Madera, San Victor, Moca in the Dominican Republic, Lebanon resident Yaniris McLenithan, or Yani as her friends call her, recalls the importance of staying connected to her family, her community, and the fertile farmland her parents once managed in the mountains above the city. The many crops produced from the healthy farm soils of Yani’s homeland are a source of pride among locals in the Espaillat province. Yani describes the farming scene. “These were sustainable family farms, between 200-500 acres, providing everything a family needs on a daily basis, including tobacco, bananas, plantain, and all kinds of fruit that was either consumed or sold at regional markets.” It is said that the region’s yuca root (also known as cassava root and not to be confused with yucca, the ornamental plant) is the best around because of the rich soils that are cultivated in the lush hills above Moca. Yani has even met fellow Dominican Republic residents in the US who confirm the region’s flavorful yuca reputation.

The same holds true for the production of high-quality coffee beans, says Dan, Yani’s husband and partner in a new business venture, Hato Viejo Coffee. “In the mountain regions of the north, you get the high altitudes that produce sweet coffee.” Yani echoes this sentiment. “There’s nothing like a fresh cup of my mother’s home-brewed Domican Republic coffee! Growing up, we learned to pay attention to the needs of our family, our friends, and our community. We regularly met for coffee in the afternoon to socialize, and we were very active in our church and community activities.”

Researching further, one learns that coffee production is the standard in the Dominican Republic, and nearly everyone starts their day with a cup of the sweet, aromatic brew. This distinctive flavor, which many say is unique to the Dominican Republic, is why Hato Viejo Coffee has come to source its special brand of coffee from a particular producer, Belarminio Ramirez & Sons certified organic coffee farm in the town of Jarabacoa (“land of water resources”) in the La Vega province of the Dominican Republic. Jarabacoa is also known in the eco-tourism industry as ‘the Dominican Alps’ with its massive waterfalls, challenging mountain hikes, abundant farmlands, and a rich art and cultural history.

The Ramirez estate, founded in 1943, employs over 400 people, and the company is committed to practicing a high level of social responsibility. Wages are much higher than Fair Trade minimums and the company devotes a portion of their profits to environmental, educational, and social causes. Yani researched many coffee farms across the Dominican Republic before settling on Ramirez. “We buy the beans from a coffee cooperative which has 7,500 farmers selling into the cooperative, then roast and package the beans here. The Ramirez company offers no interest loans to local farmers, and the owners care about environmental sustainability.”

Back in Moca, Yani’s extended family of 30-40 siblings, nieces, and nephews have a community support network that rivals an international microloan program in its organization and impact. Dan credits Yani’s sister with keeping the family network humming along. “In a place where there’s not as much money and wealth, there is always somebody who has a need for food, supplies, clothing, shoes.” Yani stays in touch and supports her family and community with time and knowledge from her home in Lebanon as much as she can. “We recently did a fundraiser to build a church, and the son of someone in the church needed recording equipment for his musical practice. I told him to pay it forward and help someone else in the community.” As Dan notes, “You could lend someone $20 and it would circulate for 2 years with the pay it forward ethic. It feels good to invest in somebody who is bright, who wants to do something meaningful, who has a plan. It’s the priority for the giving culture in the country.”

Yani is the first member of her family to come to the U.S., and she journeyed north after earning a degree in manufacturing engineering in college. She was considering her next steps just as the manufacturing economy was declining worldwide, and was drawn to this country in 2008, settling in Virginia to work in the hospitality industry at Colonial Williamsburg. Yani gradually worked her way up the East coast to the Mt. Washington Hotel, eventually joining a friend who was working at Elixir in White River Junction 11 years ago, where she met Dan. “At first I thought living here would be temporary, but I consider myself an Upper Valley person now.” Dan concurs. “In all the years I’ve known Yani, she has never complained about the cold. Even though we’ve had opportunities to move away from New Hampshire, she was committed to staying in the Upper Valley because it’s a great place to raise a family.”

Hato Viejo Coffee is named for the memories Yani has of swimming in the Hato Viejo river near the family farm. “When I was growing up, we would ride horses up the mountain to bring lunch for the farmers and coffee pickers. We ate mangos from the tree, and enjoyed swimming in the river. I chose the name Hato Viejo to preserve its history and the connection to the small coffee farm that defined our family. I want the name remembered by my nephews and my children so they will always know where they came from.”

Today, Yani is learning many business lessons as Hato Viejo Coffee evolves toward her vision of becoming the primary source of Dominican Republic coffee in the U.S. As Yani reports in her blog, “…adversity, setbacks, and disappointment are part of the process. I have to wonder if I’d be so satisfied with what has come about if they hadn’t.” To be sure, starting a business during a pandemic can prove challenging, but Yani had the gift of time to invest in the start-up process, and her entrepreneurial spirit, perseverance, and seemingly boundless energy have helped the business thrive in its early stages. Yani handles the logistics of sourcing, supplier relationships, and distribution, and Dan handles advertising and website development. “You have to believe in yourself. I like to say ‘you have to jump in the water if you want to learn how to swim.”

For his part, Dan likes the cultural diversity that he’s seen develop over his 21 years in the Upper Valley. “The Upper Valley has grown and changed in a delightful way; it’s more diverse here and I think that’s good.” Along with selling their coffee from the website and delivering locally. Hato Viejo Coffee can be purchased at Dan & Whits, Elixir, Lebanon Farmers’ Market, and a new coffee subscription program is gaining ground. Ever the entrepreneur, Yani is also participating in a weekly radio show educating Latin Americans about fresh roasted coffees.

Dan knew the couple would find a way to make the business work, despite the unusual economic conditions of the pandemic. “I knew that we could figure it out, because relationships and connections were the key to getting the business started, and Yani is great at building connections.” And for Yani, bringing the flavors of her beloved Dominican Republic to the Upper Valley helps her stay connected to the community and family heritage that shaped her to become one of Lebanon’s newest entrepreneurs.

Check out the flavors of Dominican Republic coffee at Hato Viejo Coffee at https://hatoviejocoffee.com or contact Yani directly at Hatoviejocoffee@gmail.com, 603-276-0598.

Among Elizabeth Borowsky’s two-dozen-plus Upper Valley students, Amalia Hickey doubts that she’ll ever play the instrument for audiences of more than a few friends.

Yet Hickey keeps going back to the keyboard, which grips her imagination the way wielding a field hockey stick lights up her instinct to compete for Lebanon High School.

“I love the grand sound,” says Hickey, a junior. “And I love that all 10 of your fingers are playing together and working together to create music.” 

Her love for the piano multiplied a couple of years ago when Borowsky started composing, as annual birthday presents, solo pieces on which Hickey could hone her skills. As she does with all her students, Borowsky tailored these to Hickey’s taste, personality and skill.

“I was never drawn towards classical music and Elizabeth found that out after I had tried to play a couple of pieces but didn’t have the motivation to finish them,” Hickey recalls. “Every birthday piece she has written for me sounds like it could have words to it, or it could be danced to. I have so much fun playing her pieces that it keeps me motivated to keep learning.

“She is the reason I did not quit the piano.” Such reactions from Borowsky’s younger students – ranging in age from 7 to 16 – to their birthday solos are as much music to her ears as is the applause of live audiences, which the coronavirus pandemic continues to deny her.

“I’m giving them that vote of confidence, that I have faith that they are willing to try,” says Borowsky, who moved to Lebanon from Baltimore in 2015. “The results … far exceeded what I could have anticipated.”

By early 2020, Borowsky had written almost 80 solos for students of her Piano Prodigies studio [www.pianoprodigies.com], and was toying with the idea of recording and packaging 100 of them – if and when time ever allowed.

Enter COVID-19. With her Upper Valley dates as well as her worldwide touring schedule on hold until further notice, Borowsky treated the opening as “the golden opportunity to move it forward.” The ramping-up of her “100 Solos for Piano Prodigies” project coincided with the move of her studio to a converted space in a former industrial complex on the Mascoma River, from the Lebanon house out of which she was moving.

Today, two skylights in the high ceiling and a bank of northwest-facing windows gently illuminate the new space, walls and ceilings painted in white. Surrounding Borowsky’s Steinway grand and an upright piano – on which she expects soon to start teaching again in person – are a battery of audio and visual equipment that allows her to conduct lessons remotely as well as to record her students’ solos and to choreograph video recitals.

“I am filled with joy every time I come into this space,” Borowsky says during an interview there in mid-April. “Everything you see here has been touched, from ceiling to floor. The acoustics took the longest to figure out.”

From her wide and deep network of musicians, Borowsky consulted two sound technicians who advised her, among other adjustments, to cushion the floor with carpeting and the windows with ten-foot-tall velvet curtains, which she said “got the balance of the acoustics just right. “It was, ‘Yeah: Control!’”

Over the summer and fall of 2020, Borowsky raised money, through a GoFundMe page, to not only record the solo compositions but to devise and develop the artwork for the packaging of the recording. Support came, and continues to come, from many sources, including the families of her students – some of it in unexpected forms: her youngest student, 7-year-old Arjun Gupta of Hanover, has told Borowsky that “he intends to learn all 100 pieces, and he’s working hard to make that happen.”

The project began with Poseidon’s Palace, a solo recording that Borowsky composed for the ninth birthday of Gavin Nartowicz, one of Borowsky’s first Upper Valley students. “They are musical gummy vitamins,” she says of the solos. “They’re fun to listen to and play, but chock-full of artistic and technical nutrients.”

In a recent email, Gavin’s mother wrote, “We’re very excited for you and this (100 Solos) endeavor! Gavin’s last birthday piece (from 2020) is still his favorite piece to play.” Borowsky calls the project “a perfect combination of my experiences of and passions in life” as a performer and a teacher.

One of three children of world-touring cellist Cecylia Barczyk, Borowsky took up piano at age 4, while her brother Emmanuel gravitated to the violin and their sister Frances the cello.

At 7, Borowsky began playing recitals in Baltimore, and by 9, she was touring eastern and central Europe.

With her siblings, she played and occasionally still performs concerts as the American Virtuosi, and collectively and individually, they often collaborate with their mother.

Between tours as a soloist and an accompanist and composing her own works for recording, Borowsky built a following of private students in Baltimore. Teaching, she recalls learning, is about balancing “critique with humor.”

“I’m not their Mom,” she asserts. “I’m not their aunt. I’m just their coach, their teacher… The key is just to listen, and then to adjust.”

Between her long days in the studio and her walks with her dog Max, Borowsky isn’t letting grass grow under her feet while waiting for concert halls near and far to reopen.

In addition to composing five pieces that the New Hampshire Music Teachers Association commissioned last summer, and organizing a virtual concert and documentary celebrating her mother’s retirement after 38 years of teaching at Towson University in Maryland, Borowsky spent part of the winter composing a 3½-minute movement that teen students of the Lebanon Ballet School performed during City Center Ballet’s Spring Showcase, “Moving Forward,” on May 21, 22 and 24.

“I ran into her in the yogurt aisle at the Miracle Mile Price Chopper, and asked her what she might have for music we could use,” recalls ballet school alumna Kassady Small, one of the choreographers for the showcase. “I was looking for something easy for the girls to dance to, that had the emotion I wanted. “It’s so nice to find someone right here in town who understands the artistic process.”

While Small’s students have danced to a recording of And Still We Dance, which Borowsky describes as “an homage to Piazzola,” on a live Facebook stream (visit citycenterballet.org to learn more), Borowsky hopes someday to collaborate in person with its choreographers and dancers. So far in the pandemic, the nearest she’s come to performing live was this past February’s Piano Day at the Omaha (Neb.) Conservatory of Music, where she led a socially-distanced master class and workshops, played a recital and even conducted a yoga class.

While preparing for the outing tested her multi-tasking skills, she says, “it forced me to really think about what I’m doing, and for whom I’m doing it.”

It also led to her solos reaching piano prodigies beyond the Upper Valley: Recently a teacher she met in Nebraska texted her with the news that two students performed pieces from “100 Solos” at an Omaha recital. “The gal (who) played Adventure of the Planets had been in a bit of a slump with practicing before we started working on it,” the teacher wrote, “but she is so inspired after connecting with that piece!”

Speaking of music to your ears… “It’s so rewarding to see that it stands on its own,” Borowsky says of the ‘100 Solos’ project, “that it is valuable to others.”

To learn more about Elizabeth Borowsky, visit pianoprodigies.com.