Since 2018, Sustainable Lebanon (SL) has been making positive environmental change through an informal network of 300 local members. SL’s number one goal is to address Climate Change. The organization’s efforts help City residents to meet their needs while allowing future generations to thrive. 

As the warming planet we live on has made sustainability ever more urgent, SL’s leaders decided to make changes to strengthen the organization’s efforts in 2021. They secured 501c(3) nonprofit status from the IRS in August of 2021. In 2022, they hired the organization’s first employee, local leader Jennifer Grant, who brings a deep knowledge of the Upper Valley and years of nonprofit management experience to her role.   

With these changes, Sustainable Lebanon has boosted its ability to educate residents regarding planet-friendly choices to help mitigate and increase community resilience toward climate change.

A top priority for new SL work is Electric Vehicles (EVs). As a result of SL’s advocacy, this year’s Lebanon alumni parade included electric vehicles for the first time. City manager Shaun Mulholland and City councilor Karen Liot Hill rode in the City’s own electric vehicle, a Leaf, followed by the chair of the Lebanon Energy Committee, Greg Ames, and Electric Vehicle Subcommittee chair, Sherry Boschert, both driving their own personal EVs.

Sustainable Lebanon has partnered with other local entities to promote sustainable waste management, especially around recycling. This spring, SL partnered with Lebanon Rotary and Jake’s Coffee to offer a day of free Styrofoam recycling to area residents. During this event, one ton of Styrofoam was collected and saved from the landfill. The next “StyroDay” will be Saturday, October 29th, so start setting your Styrofoam aside for recycling! 

SL members are currently working on focused projects. In 2022, members persuaded the City to allow natural burials on cemetery property. Sustainable Lebanon members also serve on the City’s tree board and oversee its urban heat island study. For this study, volunteers measure temperatures at designated locations to help plan for future tree planting and shade.

Promoting pollinators and eco-friendly yards is another area of SL interest.  This year, SL members distributed packets of native wildflower seeds to 200 Lebanon households.

Areas of future SL action include food waste reduction, green spaces, bike/pedestrian efforts, and soil health. If any of SL’s target issues are of interest to you, reach out to be added to the email list! 

The organization has launched the “Second Tuesday at Seven Sustainable Lebanon Speaker Series”, beginning with “A Homeowner’s Guide to Long-Range Energy Planning.” A recording is available on the SL Facebook page.

As part of addressing climate change, Sustainable Lebanon is helping a private company – Path to a Green Home – to develop the Sustainable Nature App (SNAPP). Lebanon is the first place to have access to this new smartphone app, which allows users to select actions to reduce their carbon footprint. SL volunteers beta-tested the app and SL is now recruiting participants for a Fall pilot. Pilot participants download SNAPP to their iPhones (Android is not yet available). Participants can then choose to use SNAPP individually or join a Team of other users during the 12-week pilot.   Watch for sign-up information on local listservs or contact Sustainable Lebanon to join in.

You can find more information about Sustainable Lebanon’s activities via their Facebook page, www.facebook.com/SustainableLebanonNH, or by emailing SusLebNH@outlook.com or calling 603-252-1618.

When Lebanon was chartered in 1761, West Lebanon was the initial locus of most early activity. In 1765, the oldest surviving home in Lebanon – the Dana House (originally known as the Hall-Cody House) – was built, situated near the current Powerhouse Mall, and facing the Connecticut River.

The home was first inhabited by Jonathan Dana’s family, and in the 1780s, it was the home of Dr. Ziba Hall, Lebanon’s first resident physician. The Dana House was moved to Seminary Hill at 3 Elm Street West in 1988 after the City Council purchased it for $15,000 to save it from demolition.

Since then, the Dana House has been the periodic meeting place for several independent volunteer-based committees, as well as official City committees such as Lebanon’s Heritage Commission. Lately, though a historic gateway landmark to West Lebanon, the Dana House has not been as a home or otherwise.

Restoration efforts are in the works, shoring up the foundation, painting siding, repairing roofs, and researching history. Late City historian Robert Leavitt’s donation to the Dana House, along with capital reserve funds, will support the building’s restoration for reuse.

The Heritage Commission active plans to publish a timeline of the Dana House’s history to help raise awareness and support from the community. The Commission’s current objective is to consolidate the core components of past work on and discussions of the Dana House to create a plan for its reuse moving forward that meets needs within the community. For example, while older records tend to view the Dana House as a City asset and attraction in the form of a house museum, the 2022 Action Plan for West Lebanon implies that there could be other future uses.

In addition to appreciating the building’s integrity as a step back in time, and especially in lieu of exceptional architecture, the City is exploring ways to elevate the Dana House’s cultural relevance in the next phase of the building’s life. The overall aim is to appropriately and sustainabley serve generations of residents and visitors to come. Ideas so far have included using the Dana House as space for artists-in-residence, a gift shop, for education or vocational training about trades of yore, and even as housing. Gathering community input and assessing programming viability are prerequisites for funding solicitations to federal and state programs, so depth and clarity will be key to organizing an actionable proposal for the Dana House’s future.

~ Rebecca Owens, Associate Planner on behalf of the Lebanon Heritage Commission

The Commission welcomes public participation at its meetings, online and in person. www.lebanonnh.gov/1202/Dana-House. Reflections on the Dana House and other historic and cultural topics can be shared via www.lebanonnh.gov/FormCenter/Citizen-Requests-5/Boards-and-Committees-Contact-Form-134.

Over her 35-year career serving the citizens of Lebanon, Deputy City Manager Paula Maville has held many different positions, including the top job of acting city manager. Currently the longest-serving employee with the City, Paula has developed a reputation over her tenure for not only fair and ethical leadership, but also for being a trusted mentor and expert practical problem solver. Now, the lifelong Lebanon resident is embarking on a new chapter – retirement from civic leadership – and is reflecting on her decades long service to the City.

“Looking at that life balance is the way to put it. It’s something that I can afford to do, and after 35 years, I want to take a look at other possibilities until I retire completely from working,” says Paula. “Working for the City has been like having a second family for a lot of years.”

It is a rare individual these days who chooses to stay with one organization over their entire career. Paula started working for the City in 1986 in the planning office as a temporary clerk/typist shortly after graduating from Lebanon High School. “I was only supposed to be there for a few short months to help the City’s zoning & planning administrator Carmella Hennessey. The position became permanent, and then I held several different jobs until 2008 when I transferred to the City manager’s Office,” says Paula.

During her first two decades, Paula worked in the planning, zoning, and building departments, and filled in at the human services office. She worked in the Department of Public Works supporting the engineering, water, waste water, and assessing departments, and had a short stint in the finance department processing payroll. Vicki Lee, the City’s finance director recalls Paula’s contributions, “I’ve worked with Paula for 16 years. Her work ethic, honesty, her attention to detail, her dedication and achievements can never be matched. It won’t be the same here without her.”

Paula reflects, “I feel grateful that I was provided with a lot of opportunity to work with people who recognized all of my skills and abilities and allowed me the opportunity to be part of bigger discussions to sit down and evaluate and help problem solve.” Paula’s broad range of skills and proficiencies have been both finely tuned and expanded over the years. “I’m very much a process person. I can find efficiencies and create systems and processes to make things more efficient. I’m not satisfied with a situation because that’s the way it’s always been done. When I can see a better way, I share that, and I challenge authority.”

Paula has consistently made improvements in systems and procedures wherever she worked, particularly in her role as the executive assistant to the city manager. “When I came to the city manager’s office, within the first three months I changed everything – how agendas were developed, how information was gathered. Eventually, I was promoted to assistant to the city manager, and I took on additional administrative leadership duties. Then the position of deputy city manager was created for me by then city manager Gregg Lewis.” Paula attended Franklin Pierce University while working full time and raising her teen-aged son, and graduated in 2015 with a degree in Management, which enhanced her already considerable business and leadership skills, and met the education requirements for her position.

Paula’s multi-tasking skills were put to use when she served in two executive positions at once during the City’s budget season – interim city manager, a position she held for almost two years, as well as deputy city manager. “I was given an opportunity by the city council to think about whether being the city manager was something I wanted to do on a permanent basis. When I arrived at the decision that it wasn’t and we went into the recruitment process, that was when I felt I could take a breath knowing that my decision had been made and that I was going to be a good support for the incoming city manager.”

Paula’s current and former colleagues call out her communication, organization, and leadership skills. Melanie McDonough, the City’s chief innovation officer, considers Paula an exceptional communicator. “Paula is not just a leader but a team player. She trusts people to do their jobs without micromanaging. She offers honest praise openly, acknowledging and crediting the work others have done. Paula was already qualified with a Ph.D. in the school of life before she earned her degree through smarts, grit, and the ability to manage many things at once.”

Tina Stearns, formerly the executive assistant during Paula’s time as the acting city manager and now finance & administrative services director for the town of Hanover recalls Paula’s work ethic. “Titles never got in the way when work needed to be done. She rolled up her sleeves and did what was necessary to accomplish the end result. Paula is a level-headed thinker and her leadership skills are something I greatly admire.” And Kelly Crate, administrative services manager notes, “Paula helped me find my footing in the municipality sector over 22 years ago and from day one she has been my mentor, always challenging me and giving me the confidence to learn and grow professionally. Her work ethic and ability to problem solve will forever have a lasting impact and has changed our workplace and community for the better.”

City Manager Shaun Mulholland and Mayor Tim McNamara echo the staff’s sentiments. “Paula oversees the planning and human services departments now, and I don’t think it can be stated enough – she produces a lot of work every day and is just as committed as ever. She can get any problem, and solve it effectively. People like that are rare,” says Shaun. “Paula also has good credibility among the staff and excels at coaching and mentoring new leaders because she has come up through the ranks. She is a living example of how you can start in an organization and move up through persistence and willingness to learn.” Mayor Tim McNamara has known Paula since the ’80s during his tenure with engineering firm T & M Associates. “She was invaluable to the planning office. I was always impressed, and still am, with her depth of knowledge, professionalism, and clear devotion to the City as a public servant. It’s her day-to-day devotion to civic duty that sets her apart, and she takes great pride in her role as a civic representative. Her input and perspective are always appreciated.”

Among Paula’s many accomplishments have been co-designing the Lebanon Citizen’s Academy to educate residents on how their city works, and overseeing a process to look at how city operations like financial processes and other operations can be made more efficient. She also convened a team to implement a long-overdue update of the City’s personnel policy. Says Paula, “I’ve always been boots on the ground. I’m definitely collaborative, and I appreciate everyone’s perspective on things. I’ll ask questions to the point where I think there needs to be a statement. I would rather that people work with me than for me.”

For her part, Paula is grateful for the mentors she had early in her career in the planning department, particularly retired zoning administrator Carmela Hennessy. “Coming from where I came, I would not be able to do what I did if I didn’t have people who empowered me. When you can find that and build confidence around that, you see things happen that you might not have expected. A group of women I have worked with all came together and had a necklace designed for me. Inscribed on the back it says, ‘Our Anchor.’ I cherish that. It really made me feel that I have had an impact, and to remember to be responsible and mindful of your impact.”

Kelly Crate sums up the Paula Maville legacy. “It’s impossible to have just one thing to admire about Paula, she has so many great qualities. She is caring, strong, loyal, honest, hardworking, determined, smart, compassionate, has an outstanding work ethic, and has the ability to change things and make a difference for her coworkers and the community.”

What’s in store after retirement for Paula? If City officials have their way, she’ll return to the City in a part-time role, perhaps as a special project manager or technical advisor, but she has ideas, too. “Ideally, I’d like to have my own business helping people organize their spaces and perhaps meal planning/shopping/time management. Helping busy families in organizing their spaces and time, and simplifying their lives.” Sounds like a perfect transition for the City’s retiring expert problem solver.

A Few Words About Paula

“It is difficult to pick just one thing that I admire about Paula as I have never met anyone of her capacity. She has the ability to make everyone who is within her circle feel like they can accomplish anything. A group of us who worked closely with Paula considered her our “Anchor” as she will always tell you like it is. If you have an issue and want it sugar-coated, don’t ask Paula for her advice. She will always tell you like it is.” ~ Tina Stearns, Hanover finance & administrative services director

“Paula truly is such a selfless person I feel so blessed to have had the privilege to not only work with her but to also have her for a very dear friend. She has such a caring nature and is always there for everyone and willing to lend a helping hand and sometimes give some “not subtle” advice but that is what we love about her.” ~ Kelly Crate, Lebanon administrative services manager

“Everything about Paula is so exemplary, I wish there were multiple Paulas.” ~ Lebanon city manager Shaun Mulholland

“Many public servants view their jobs as a stepping stone, and are primarily devoted to their careers. Paula has been primarily devoted to the City then her career. Everything she does is done well.” ~ Lebanon mayor Tim McNamara

“She cares deeply about the public experience and has worked tirelessly to provide professional, friendly, and informative communication through our online platforms, which is often the first experience residents and visitors have with City services. Wherever there is clear communication on the website, there is Paula.” ~ Lebanon chief innovation officer Melanie McDonough

For 40 years, Opera North – the only full-time, professional opera company in New Hampshire – has served as a creative outlet to share the art form with performances of opera, operetta, and musical theater. Opera North’s steadfast commitment to the arts was apparent in 2020 as they were the only professional opera company that performed that summer during the height of the pandemic.

Opera North’s 40th Anniversary Gala was held at The Quechee Inn at Marshland Farms on June 30, 2022. It was a celebratory evening focused on the company’s impact on our community and the wider artistic world, as well as a celebration of the company’s long history and support for opera in the Upper Valley.

The past 40 years have been special, partly due to the notable fact that the same visionary – Opera North co-founder and artistic director, Louis Burkot – has helped lead the company since its inception in the 1980s. At the gala, Opera North’s board of trustees launched a special fund to support young artists and to celebrate Burkot’s visions and work over the years.

The Lebanon Opera House serves as the box office for all Opera North events and is an important partner of the company. As the opera house celebrates its 100th anniversary, they will collaborate with Opera North on special performances in the upcoming year. On the longevity of these arts organizations, Burkot said, “I think having longevity (allows the ability) to experiment every now and then when you feel the time is exactly right, and occasionally bold moves.”

At the gala evening, live performances from past artists and artists appearing in the current season were mixed with video testimonials from former members of the resident artist program. From these testimonials, the significant impact of Opera North on the career of so many people – singers, conductors, artistic managers, and more – was apparent over its 40-year history.

“These performances and presentations underscored what a valuable resource Opera North has been to the community, as a creative outlet to share the art form that we love so much,” said Maria Laskaris, Development Director at Opera North.

Opera North provides training for singers at an important early stage in their professional careers. Many of these young artists stayed just down the road from Marshland Farms in rented condominiums in the Quechee community.

“Support for the fund will help establish an endowment that will allow Opera North to continue to bring artists to the Upper Valley, especially those who we think have the potential to be transformational artists in the opera industry, whether they’re singers or conductors or stage directors or pianists or orchestral musicians,” Laskaris said.

Fostering the success of the next generation of artists at the beginning of their careers is an integral part of Opera North’s mission.

“The impact of Opera North on young performers… it’s a great place to start with their career, and many folks have come from this company to find great success,” said Burkot.

“We have found an important niche for ourselves to create an environment at Opera North for the next generation,” said Laskaris. “In retrospect, many folks say, ‘Opera North is where I learned my craft and brought me where I am today.’ Whether it is on the stage of the Metropolitan Opera, leading the Washington National Opera, or wherever it may be, you know these are the artists that we, as a company, helped nurture and foster their professional success.”

In 2018, Opera North began a partnership with the National Park Service to develop a new national park for the arts at the historic Blow-Me-Down Farm in Cornish, NH. Opera North hosted a summer arts festival, called “Summerfest,” on the site, and the 2022 season had fresh interpretations of classic operas, a unique opera/circus mashup, and a tribute to legendary divas of music.

“It is a unique venue where people can come and picnic, enjoy a beautiful spot – especially in the summertime – and enjoy music, food, friends, family, and make it more of a social event, rather than sitting quietly in a dark theater with no sense of the outside world,” said Laskaris. “Right now, we have people bringing lavish picnics to enjoy pre-performance, and then after the performance, just lingering because the night and site are so beautiful. It makes for a different kind of experience.”

During the pandemic, having this outdoor space allowed Opera North to continue its work without interruption. The company feels the ability to offer live performances at Blow-Me-Down Farm is key to their future, and they have developed the farm into a “campus for the arts” and site of their annual summer shows.

When the pandemic began, Burkot said, “My colleague, Evans Haile, General Director of Opera North, thought, ‘Well, we have an outside venue, and since being outside is not a danger – or at least not as much of a danger – we could do something this summer.’ We took all the precautions that we could do – everyone was tested before they came, we rehearsed outside, and we promised our audience that they would be seated safely.”

“We were the only professional opera company that performed that summer. Even the people in the orchestra – people who play in all the major New England orchestras like the Vermont Symphony or in cities like Portland or Boston – had not played live music for many, many months. I remember when I gave the downbeat of that first chord in the opening of The Magic Flute, everyone was in tears, they were so moved. It was a very emotional experience. We offered it free – the audience needed it, and we needed it,” Burkot added.

For accessibility to the arts before the pandemic, Opera North offered special events and programming throughout the year. The company would bring students to the Lebanon Opera House, to present a show – like Hansel and Gretel – or an entire production of operas specifically for students using an understudy cast. Over the years, the Education and Outreach Program has provided free performances to thousands of elementary, middle, and high school students across the Upper Valley.

Opera North continues to create avenues to attract a new generation of audience members looking for novel experiences across the region. In past years, Opera North partnered with area organizations on unique performances; for example, in one collaboration, they staged the Upper Valley’s first-ever outdoor opera with The Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS) in Quechee – with singing forest animals!

In the upcoming year, be prepared for unique performances, new collaborations, and even more ground-breaking work from Opera North! For more information, visit: www.operanorth.org.