At age 79, Quail Hollow Senior Living Community resident Sarwar Kashmeri has achieved stunning success in his career and gained not only national recognition, but international acclaim, as well.

Sarwar Kashmeri is an international relations specialist, author, and commentator, noted for his expertise on U.S. global strategy and national security. He is the host of Polaris-Live, featuring 30-minute live conversations on the business and geopolitical impact of China’s rapid rise to superpower status. 

He is the author of the Foreign Policy Association report The Telegram: A China Agenda for President Biden (2021). China’s Grand Strategy: Weaving A New Silk Road to Global Primacy (Praeger) – his third book – was published in July  2019. It is a centennial book of the Foreign Policy Association where Sarwar is a Fellow. He is also an Applied Research Fellow of the Peace and War Center of Norwich University in Vermont. 

The above is a short list of Sarwar’s background. At this point, he shows no indication of slowing down for the conventional role of retiree. 

“I am far from retired in the sense of playing golf. I will continue to teach an annual spring course in the Dartmouth’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, an organization that I believe is an incredible asset to the Upper Valley. How they do so much with a limited staff is a miracle. They have spoken to audiences virtually around the US about my thoughts on the most consequential relationships of our time.”

Sarwar was born in Bombay, India. His father was a screenplay writer in the Indian movie industry, also known as “Bollywood,” and scripted over 75 films. His mother was a social worker. His wife of 40 years, Deborah Ellis, was a renowned watercolor and fiber artist who had displayed her work in several galleries including Manhattan, Briarcliff Manor, Woodstock, and several other venues and was a juried artist at the N.H. League of Craftsman. Sadly, she passed away in 2018. Sarwar now shares his condo with his best friend and companion, a three-year-old Rhodesian Ridgeback named Gazi.

It is a long way from Bombay to West Lebanon, but Sarwar and Deborah completed the journey in style. He explains how they settled in Quail Hollow. “Deborah’s parents had left us their farm in Reading, VT. We lived then in Mt. Kisco, NY and came to the farm as often as we could. After I sold my business in New York City, we moved up full time to the farm. Deborah was a full-time water colorist and we had animals on the farm. Easy commute to NYC and Washington DC or from Boston to longer distances. The internet made it all possible. As my wife got progressively sicker, the 200-year-old farm got to be too much, and we moved to Quail Hollow.”

Sarwar noted that the lifestyle in the Upper Valley proved to be a great fit for the couple. “Here, we are close to nature, pretty villages, an easy drive to Boston (where Deborah was from), and to New York (where my professional associations are), quite intellectual and friendly people, and of course the organization Osher.”

Sarwar is adapting to a new world that arrived with the pandemic. His mission in life is to continue going forward.

“If there is one message I’d like to leave for your readers,” Sarwar said, “it is that they have a competitive asset that their younger colleagues don’t – the perspective of longevity and all the dots that they can connect to add perspective. In Robert Frost’s words: And miles to go before I sleep; And miles to go before I sleep.”

Regardless of your path in life, the one memory that will endure the rigors of time is that of how you met your soul mate. The author believes in the adage: “One day, you will come across someone who will love you as you have always wanted; like never before.”

Taking that into consideration, meet Dick and Sally Morrill. The couple resides at the Quail Hollow Senior Living Community in West Lebanon. Both are energetic and active octogenarians (85) who have gained a reputation among their peers as role models enduring the aging process. They are known for their wide smiles and sunny dispositions. Even a life-threatening pandemic sweeping the nation could not alter their love for each other and others surrounding them.

Sally was born in Lebanon at Alice Peck Day Hospital and grew up in Lyme, NH. Dick hails from Hyannis, Massachusetts. So, how did their paths cross?

“One of my buddies and I had traveled to the Bradford, Vermont area to do some bow hunting for deer in October,” Dick explained. “After a full day of being in the woods, we headed for a local bar to treat ourselves to a drink and something to eat.” Sally and two of her friends were at the same establishment for a ladies’ night out. As the ladies were starting to leave, they converged near the door.

“I kind of gave a Ta-Da as a greeting at the door,” Sally recalled with a grin. “We all started talking and since there was music being played, we all decided to go back in together.”

“My buddy and I started flirting with these lovely ladies and one thing led to another and we all sat down together,” said Dick. “When the music really got going, I asked if anyone would like to dance, especially a polka. I love the polka and Dick indicated he would dance with me. That is how it all started,” said Sally. “Yeah. It was one of those names-on-a-napkin deals from there and we kept in contact,” said Dick.

Dick had served in the United States Marines for eight years, including active duty and in the reserves as a Weapons Repair Specialist. That was followed by a career in the grocery business, which eventually led him to New Hampshire and to work in the Upper Valley. “I then ended up opening a grocery store in Spofford, NH.”

Sally had established a career at Dartmouth College working for the Athletic Department. They got married in 1982 at the Cathedral of The Pines in Rindge, NH.

Today, the pair remain active helping others and comforting fellow seniors as a high priority. Sally served as a volunteer for seven years at Dartmouth Hitchcock Memorial Hospital at the Heater Road location. “I basically worked as a volunteer greeting people and welcoming them. I have always loved doing that, but the pandemic brought all that to a halt for me. Here at Quail Hollow, that is what I missed most during the height of the pandemic. Visiting with others and offering my help where needed and offering comfort. It is so good to see that return.”

During retirement, Dick enjoys an opportunity to display one of his many talents. He is an established and talented painter. “Painting was always an art form that I became interested in. When I was 14 years old, the Brockton Massachusetts Library asked me to display my work and they sold them as a fundraiser. They sold them all and I was never able to get them back,” Dick said with a grin.

That pattern continues today. His work is currently on display at Quail Hollow and selling quickly. “I love doing it. I took a course that ended up lasting three years in Toll Painting Design. I learned to paint Toll Acrylics. I am very pleased and surprised how quickly they sell.”

Dick has also been an avid golfer since he was 14 and continues to pursue that passion today. Continuing both activities with such enthusiasm and dedication at 85 reveals incredible courage and zest for life. “I have slowed down quite a bit on the golf course, but I still love it very much. To date, I have been treated for five types of Cancer, but I am still here,” he said.

On any given day, you will see the pair visiting with fellow seniors in their community; offering companionship and aid wherever needed. They also devote much of their time to contacting their seven children spread out across the country. None of this would have taken place had it not been for their love for dancing the polka that day in the local Bradford bar.

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.”

Editor’s Note: After a short-lived reprieve, with just enough time to regroup in the wake of the effects of the Covid-19 virus, many individuals and organizations shifted the way they used to do things in order to meet the needs of the people they serve. Here at the Lebanon Times, we reached out to the Lebanon Senior Center and the main Arts organizations in Lebanon to hear what they are doing differently.

Senior Power to the Rescue!

While Covid-19 continues to rear its ugly head, Lebanon citizens and organizations are rising up and pivoting in its face!

It has been the case that the virus has taken a toll on seniors more than other age groups. However, don’t underestimate Senior Power, especially in Lebanon.

The following quote from an article in the Naples Daily News describes the plight of our seniors: “They’ve lived in the time of World War II, polio, the sixties, inflation, 9/11, and the Great Depression.” Now they stand up and stare down the pandemic.

Fortunately for our seniors in the Grafton County region, there is a safe haven extending a helping hand and comfort. The Lebanon Senior Center became the first Grafton County location to establish a senior center following the incorporation of the Grafton County Senior Citizens Council in 1973. That senior center offers the following: Congregate Meals, Home Delivered Meals, Transportation, Book Club, Birthday Celebrations, Crafts, Health Clinics, Support Groups, Tax Assistance, Craft Shop, Computer Café, and Telephone Reassurance.

In the short span of a few weeks after the pandemic announcement, all those comforting benefits would be altered drastically. Jill Vahey has been with the Lebanon Senior Center since 2002 when she was named Activities/Volunteer Coordinator and took over as the Director in 2003. It went from being at the helm of a sailboat on a calm, peaceful lake to a raging storm in a tornado literally overnight.

“My personal reaction was that of great sadness and concern for the population we provide services for,” Jill explained. “Operations at the Center changed dramatically. We had to close the Center in late March. We were only able to provide frozen meals to individuals who once frequented the Senior Center for congregate meals. We were doing this by offering daily drive-by service. The kitchen was shut down and we were forced to outsource our frozen meals from a company out of state. Our buses were taken off the road and we were no longer able to transport individuals to medical appointments, shopping, or for various other needs. Many of our staff were furloughed and those remaining took over many other roles of the day-to-day operations. Volunteers could no longer volunteer. Our funding stream was impacted severely. Fundraising events came to a halt. All other in-house programs also came to a halt.”

As devastating as that turn of events appeared, Jill reports that with the help of the community and the dedicated effort by the Grafton County Senior Citizens Council management, slowly the negatives of the situation displayed a positive movement. Rays of sunshine poked through the dark clouds.

“People have been extremely grateful and supportive of all we were trying to do. Many offered to help in any way they could. I see more neighbor-helping-neighbor. I hear words of kindness and encouragement and feel a real sense of community. The staff at the Center try to reach out via a phone call to as many individuals as possible each week. If we miss a call, people call us to see how we are doing. We recently had a drive-by volunteer luncheon. The faces of the volunteers who’ve not seen each other in months was so heartwarming and emotional.”

One of the most utilized services of the Center was the Meals on Wheels program and that critical offering saw a huge increase due to demand.

“Meals on Wheels has more than doubled since the pandemic,” Jill noted. “Before Covid we had an estimate of 60-70 individuals receiving meals. Once Covid hit, the numbers grew to 140-150 individuals needing meals. What was once a daily hot meal delivery for Meals on Wheels is now once-a-week delivery of four frozen meals and one hot meal. An average of 650 meals are now going out on Thursdays. Our buses and bus drivers are the new means for getting meals to people.”

Now, as we enter the winter season in the Lebanon region, the demand for services from the Center will become even more critical. Jill eyes the future with optimism that the Center’s mission will not only continue, but flourish.

“The kitchen staff are back and home cooking has begun once again. We are offering Grab-and-Go hot meals every Monday and Wednesday from 12-12:30pm in our parking lot. We will offer a Holiday Bazaar, Veterans Day celebration, bake sales, and our annual holiday dinners, all by drive-by. Art, music, and writing classes have all started via Zoom. We are working on ways to make it safe for our buses to transport once again and to open our doors at the Senior Center again.”

If history holds true, nothing can stop the extraordinary volunteer spirit of the Lebanon community and its dedication to its senior citizens who have given so much to make it a premier place to live.

Maintaining the Arts Through the Pandemic

AVA Gallery and the Lebanon Opera House Prevail

Over the years, Lebanon residents have witnessed their community become one of the premier centers for the arts in the entire state of New Hampshire. Two of the iconic contributors to that success have been the Lebanon Opera House (LOH) and the AVA Art Gallery (Alliance for the Visual Arts).

Founded in 1973, AVA is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. Today it occupies the Carter-Kelsey Building at 11 Bank Street in Lebanon. Prior to that, a handful of Upper Valley artists decided to look for a place to show their work. Its first location was a rustic barn adjacent to the Congregational Church.

The LOH is a historic 800-seat performing arts center and is the largest proscenium theater in the Upper Valley. It was built in 1924 and began life as a vaudeville theater, community gathering place and city hall.

That is the background of the two art centers, but the critical question that prevails today is: How will they survive the Covid pandemic? Heading up that task are Executive Directors Heidi Reynolds (AVA) and Joseph Clifford (LOH). Both report that there have been major adjustments, but the crusade to continue promoting the cultural arts is alive and well.

Joseph Clifford: “As a result of the Covid-19 crisis, the LOH was forced to suspend all programming by national touring artists, resident community arts partners, and the Lebanon School District on March 13, 2020. To date, we’ve canceled dozens of performances and LOH will be dark through at least mid-March 2021.”

While that statement certainly strikes right to the heart for entertainment lovers, Joe reports that there are viable alternatives. Operating funds remain the most critical factor, however. “Like many in the nonprofit arts community, we rely heavily on rental fees and ticket revenues to make ends meet. With programming suspended, there is no earned income at this time. I’ve doubled down on fundraising and have been fortunate to receive relief funds via New Hampshire’s CARES Act allocation. Through this one-time emergency funding, we’ve been given the financial bandwidth to restore several jobs and replace a portion of our lost revenue.”

Although the doors are closed and that beautiful theater remains darkened, Joe reports that there has been a concentrated move to feature digital entertainment at its best. “For now, we’ve pivoted to online events with the launch of our digital LOH On Location series featuring house concerts and discussions. It’s certainly not a replacement for the live theater-going experience, but it does allow us to support artists during a time of need and bring together members of our community who embrace the joy of live performance – even if it is on a screen. We’re setting our sights on LOH’s centennial season in 2024 with an eye toward playing an even greater role in the Upper Valley arts ecosystem. My goal is to keep LOH strong during this extended intermission so we can emerge on the other side to welcome back artists and performers.”

Heidi Reynolds: “Having to close AVA Gallery and Art Center felt surreal and confusing. At that time, no one knew how serious this was going to be. As we considered all the contingencies, we began planning as if we would be up and running within a few weeks. Then the shutdown dragged on and plans were continually made and canceled. Every bit of information we received and every decision seemed fraught with pitfalls. Are we being too careful or are we being reckless?”

As with LOH, funding quickly became a major issue. “AVA immediately lost a significant amount of money when issuing refunds, and losses continued to snowball as time passed and we weren’t selling artwork or running classes. While we were closed, we continued working behind the scenes to fund-raise, write grants, move to online classes, and generate a new revenue stream while planning for the eventual reopening of the galleries and building.”

Heidi now turns her attention to the future with a positive attitude. “I view the future very positively. The pandemic has been difficult, but it has propelled us into a regional and national arena that is opening doors for AVA. Venturing into online classes, events, and gallery tours is something AVA knew we needed to tackle. The pandemic forced us to do it now rather than later. The upside is that we have participants throughout New England and across the country who are regularly attending our classes, or a gallery talk, or buying art online. Also we have seen those who normally wouldn’t think of themselves as artistic taking a chance on art because they need the relief. The pain people are going through has deepened their understanding of how important the arts are.”

Those who have heard Ali Grace Rapetti sing and play her guitar will tell you she has the voice of an angel. Many will also point out that she very well may be heaven sent with her soothing and comforting offerings. As we all seek connection and solace during these socially-distanced times, Ms. Rapetti’s music therapy mission has earned her wings, as well.

Ali Grace Rapetti is a registered music t herapist who offers her services free of charge to those often overwhelmed by depression, sadness, loneliness or living in fear of contracting Covid-19 as the pandemic continues. You will see her often at senior living communities, hospitals, private homes and hospice settings around the Upper Valley.

“The Sunapee Visiting Nurses Association allows me, as part of my job, to complete community outreach. When used clinically, music has the ability to provide emotional comfort, spiritual support, family connection and acceptance and can even ameliorate physical symptoms. The direction we take is up to the patient and his or her needs and the songs we utilize are based on a patient’s personal preferences. Being able to provide therapeutic presence and a patient’s preferred music at the end of his or her life is an honor I don’t take lightly.”

Having Grace appear in a local venue can also amount to just a ‘plain old fashion’ outdoor or indoor concert for senior citizens such as her recent appearance at the Quail Hollow Senior Living Community in West Lebanon. A light hearted performance where she seeks song requests from days gone by to invoke pleasant memories is the goal in those settings. “Music therapy isn’t about performance – it isn’t music for music’s sake – it is using music to achieve a non-musical goal like coping with a terminal diagnosis, providing a safe space for emotional expression or reviewing significant memories, to name a few. I have been able to perform on national tours and in hallowed music concert halls, but there is nothing as rewarding and meaningful to me as being able to provide music therapy to a hospice patient.”

When you review this singing angel’s background, you may be more than impressed. It may take a while to list her qualifications so bear with it.

Grace Rapetti is the founder and director of Starling Creative Arts. She actively practices music therapy, teaches music lessons and performs music weekly around Massachusetts and New Hampshire. She holds graduate degrees in music from the Berklee College of Music and the University of Colorado at Boulder and has written and performed with legendary artists. She has sung and shared stages with Willie Nelson, Carole King, Bobby McFerrin, The Eagles, Annie Lennox and Western African sensation Angelique Kidjo. Grace was featured as the U.S. representative of the International Ensemble Women of The World. She has sung on the legendary stages of Carnegie Hall and the Blue Note in New York City. She has been featured in Rolling Stone magazine and on National Public Radio for her version of the Beck’s “Old Shanghai.” In June of 2016, she performed the National Anthem at the Democratic National Convention. Grace was also a five-year member of the remarkable Boston-based ensemble Women of The World. She is also co-founder of the non-profit organization Arts Education International. That organization offers community-based arts programs for orphaned, abandoned, and traumatized children.

That should give you a sense of a fraction of her accomplishments to date, but just how did this all come about? She has followed an amazing path along life’s journey. Grace explains: “I was born in Houston, Texas and bounced around between Colorado, Florida and Massachusetts and now New Hampshire. I currently live in a cottage on Lake Sunapee, NH and hope to remain there for the long haul. My interest in music dates as far back as my first memory listening to “Puff The Magic Dragon” by Peter, Paul and Mary. I was never classically trained and no one ever told me I couldn’t sing or play, so I found solace, identity and fun in music. It wasn’t until I was sixteen that I picked up the guitar and started writing songs.”

So with all that musical background over the years selecting songs to comfort and entertain others, what does Grace consider her favorite song? What song would she like to hear when the end nears? The answer is a bit ironic! “I would like to hear “Angel” by Jimi Hendricks. It’s a journeying song and so comforting and beautiful to me. Another song I would select for comfort and beauty and joy is the Eva Cassidy version of “Fields of Gold.” Cassidy’s voice is a sonic catharsis – it calls forth deep emotion. My favorite current band is Wilco. Jeff Tweedy’s songwriting never fails to amaze me and the band has become so solid after decades of transition.”

So don’t forget, Upper Valley residents, as this pandemic continues to alter life styles and impacts all aspects of our lives, never forget the soothing benefits of music. Rest assured Grace is prepared to pick up her guitar and show you the way. Angels do exist.

One dominant common theme that links the people who make the Lebanon community so vital and prosperous is a shared love for the history of this beautiful city, combined with looking ahead to building a bright future. Perhaps no other quote covers it better than this: “If we don’t care about our past, we cannot hope for the future.” – Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.

Chet Clem serves as President of Lyme Properties which acquired the old West Lebanon library and blended its complete restoration with the development of the River Park Project. By completing that task, they honored Lebanon’s past while ensuring controlled future growth. A delicate balancing act in these times of tight regulations. Chet explains how this came about. “Lyme Properties has been committed to the future of downtown West Lebanon since we purchased the former Bailey Brothers property in 2007 and began what would become River Park West Lebanon. When the former West Lebanon Library was advertised for public auction, we saw an opportunity to solve our office needs and further our commitment to West Lebanon, but most importantly to save and re-purpose an important building that had fallen into disrepair.”

The River Park Project will include over 850,000 SF of life science office and research space, service retail, restaurants, single family homes and multi-family housing in a pedestrian friendly environment. Currently the riverside trails are open to the public as a preview of the much anticipated development along the Connecticut River. That represents a promising future, but Chet felt honoring the past had equal importance. “Adaptive re-use of historic buildings has been part of our DNA since my father, David Clem, Chairman of The River Park Project, headed up restoring One Kendall Square in Cambridge, MA. in the 1980s. We have always strived to save, protect and re-purpose the historic structures that make neighborhoods special. Same reason we saved the Westboro Rail Station and moved it to River Park in 2017. We actually tried to save and re-use the former Bailey Brothers building on the site that is now River Park, but couldn’t get permission from the ZBA and had to tear it down. The former Library was an important part of downtown West Lebanon’s history and community, just as the new Kilton Library continues to be a key fixture on Main Street. It needs a new chapter and we felt we were equipped to write it.”

As with all restoration projects, much care and regulations will govern the final outcome to respect all historic values. The old Library was designated a Lebanon Historic Landmark by the Lebanon Historic District Commission. Chet indicated that strict regulations mandated what path they would follow in restoring the beloved building. “We worked with local architects Jay Barrett of White River Junction and Dan Winny of Lebanon who are experienced in historic buildings with adaptive re-use. The resulting plan preserved the exterior and endeavored to save as much of the interior detail and woodwork as possible while bringing systems up to modern standards.”

Chet was careful to point out that not only was the old West Lebanon Library transformation allowing Lyme Properties spacious and elegant office facilities, they were incorporating multi-purpose uses to aid other businesses nearby to enhance that downtown section. “The building has been a great home for us, but we renovated it in a way that would allow for plenty of uses including a retail use on the ground floor. With everything that the West Lebanon Feed & Supply and others have done for downtown, we thought that this location was a key corner for downtown. We had actually tried to convert the Westboro Rail Station into a craft beer bistro, but the local operators ran into permitting problems and moved their operation to Norwich. Maybe someday the ground floor of the old library can become an ice cream shop or another retail business to further revitalize Main Street.”

What kind of impact on the community has Lyme Properties’ efforts at revitalization, combined with extensive plans to establish River Park, delivered? “We’ve been touched by the amount of positive comments this project has received along the way. Whether its residents who grew up reading books at the library, or other downtown businesses who have been working to revitalize downtown, I believe people recognize and appreciate the effort. We’ve given a lot of impromptu tours of the building to interested neighbors, although sadly we don’t get to do that now during the Covid pandemic.”

Moving beyond the restoration projects, Chet and Lyme Properties turn their attention to the River Park development. “We remain cautiously optimistic, if not bureaucratically perplexed! All the studies that have been done over the past 15-20 years have the same findings: a walkable downtown, access to the river and a mix of uses. We like to think the former Library building represents a positive example of what can be done to reinvest in downtown West Lebanon. We’ve added preliminary trails at River Park and are working to connect MRG (Mascoma River Greenway) and other trail networks.”

The current Covid pandemic has slowed and stalled future plans for all communities over the entire United States, but rest assured Lyme properties will continue their mission to revitalize downtown West Lebanon.

“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.

However, never underestimate the power of the human spirit especially in people who have lived through countless tribulations. Shake off the fears and the loneliness and help each other overcome the threat by standing together. Quail Hollow Community Manager, Kristi White, shares her observation as the residents responded to a whole new lifestyle.

“The residents of Quail Hollow have shown compassion for their fellow community members and patience with the State and Federal guidelines that Summit Properties is encouraging. Even though we are a very social community, social distancing guidelines are contrary to human nature but our community members are doing their very best to not only ensure the safety and well-being of themselves, but also their neighbors. Residents are communicating with each other to ensure that one another’s basic needs are met and that those who might be struggling with feeling isolated also feel supported emotionally.”

Everywhere you go in the complex, you will see notices posted on bulletin boards and entrances offering people rides to appointments, volunteers who will take a list and do the individual grocery shopping or just visiting to break the isolation. All this is being done by following the strict guidelines set forth by State and Federal regulations. Summit Properties recently hosted an outdoor concert by local entertainer Jim Hollis to brighten everyone’s spirits on a beautiful May afternoon.

There could be no more shining example of the kindred spirit of the seniors than that of a group of ladies who banded together to make sure that all residents had access to the recommended face-masks that are being worn by all. River House resident, Candis Darcey, spearheaded the all-out effort, but credited the number of volunteers that answered the call.

“I came up with the concept after seeing the need and got an immediate response from fellow residents that included Cathryn Reed and Jean Kenison. Also Dot Plume (known as The Quilt Lady) helped us in designing the procedure used to make the masks. We also had other volunteers do the sewing and ironing needed on the masks. It was a true team effort and it turned out we got the services of just the right people for this project. As far as wearing of the masks, the only way to stay safe is to continue to be worried about the safety of others. I picked up the initial cost of the materials and supplies needed and we requested donations and there was a great response to pay me back.”

Candis estimates that so far these volunteers have produced somewhere between 300-350 face-masks and that number continues to grow.

“We continue to make these masks,” explained Jean Kenison. “For example, I donated some 35-50 masks to the Sharon VT Fire Department. We will be making them as long as there is a need.”

Seniors who have accepted the new lifestyle with renewed vigor and vision include condominium owners Peter and Suzanne Talbot. Their reaction to the pandemic was inspiring, to say the least. Peter is often affectionately referred to as The Mayor of Quail Hollow due to his outgoing, positive outlook. He often holds court on his front porch cheerfully greeting all who pass by. At age 83, Peter has lived life to the fullest.

“We are at a level of life where we can appreciate what we have and just be where we are.” Peter noted with his famous wide smile. “It is an amazing perch to view the situation, but we continue to worry about the younger generation. We simply live in an amazing area. I love the Upper Valley especially. Simply stated, we have been blessed.”

“Even with all the stay-at-home restrictions, we are enduring.” Suzanne reports that they remain very active. She credits Zoom, an audio and conferencing web platform.

“We use Zoom and Facebook. It has become big in our lives now. We do so many things like connect with our family, church services, a garden club meeting. taking an OSHER class and even a virtual cocktail party!” she exclaimed. “Peter connects with his old tennis buddies.”

Having conversations with many of the Quail Hollow residents will give you faith that the pandemic nightmare will not only end, but rest assured the senior citizens will help lead the way!

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. Gene was awarded the National Intelligence Distinguished Service Medal by the Director of Central Intelligence in 1995. He was born and raised in Minneapolis and was a resident of Orford, NH since 2000 before moving to Lebanon in 2017. He is a graduate of the Blake School, Harvard College, George Washington University, and the National War College. He worked nearly 50 years in the fields of intelligence and national security, including 30 years with the National Security Agency (NSA).

Gene with President George H.W. Bush in the Oval Office

In 1992, Gene was appointed by President George H.W. Bush as Executive Director of the President’s Foreign Intelligence Advisory Board in the White House and was asked to stay on in that position by President Bill Clinton where he remained until 1995. Some key positions he held at NSA included: Chief, Office of Legislative Affairs; Director of Policy; and Associate Deputy Director of Operations. He also served with the Joint Chiefs of Staff in the Pentagon and the Director of Central Intelligence’s staff in Washington, DC.

With all that behind him, how did this dedicated servant end up living in Lebanon? That is also an incredible saga by itself!

“I had an old friend who had graduated from Dartmouth College and he had first exposed me to this area,” Gene explained. Both of our wives were also longtime friends so when retirement arrived, we purchased homes ironically right next to one another in Orford, NH. Mine had been the former parsonage of the Congregational Church. We had to completely restore that before we moved in. Even though I came from Minnesota, I had always thought about retirement in New England to be close to our two daughters.”

At that point, life took a sadden detour for Gene and his best friend. Within a relatively short period of time both gentlemen lost their wives to lingering illnesses.

“There we were,” said Gene. “Two widowers living side-by-side in these beautiful homes. I finally put mine up for sale and moved to an apartment in Lebanon. I simply love the Upper Valley and all it has to offer. I currently serve as Chairman of Governance Committee for OSHER at Dartmouth College. This area has so much to offer!”

Gene as a young Naval officer

While reviewing Gene’s incredible career, one particular incident in American History stands out above all the others. On May 1, 1960 a U2 spy plane was shot down by the Soviet Air Defense while performing photographic reconnaissance for the United States deep in Soviet territory. That incident caused great embarrassment to the United States and marked deterioration in relations between the two countries. Gene saw the historic moment first-hand while serving as a Naval Officer at NSA.

“I was one of the very few Americans who knew what was going on while the event was actually occurring,” Gene said. “I participated that night in the preparation of the report that informed the CIA, the mission’s sponsor, along with the Defense Department, the State Department and the White House, as to what was happening. This was a heady and very educational experience for a young naval officer!”

These days, at the age of 84, Gene shows very little sign of slowing down, and he is known for his welcoming, warm smile that is capable of lighting up an entire room. He also has the reputation of a superb tennis player who loves the game with a true passion.

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. DHART was founded July 1, 1994, and, after 25 years, proved beyond a doubt that it was needed. Kyle Madigan RN, MSN, CMTE serves as the Director for the state-of-the-art rescue service and explained how critical the need has become.

Kyle Madigan Director DHART Program

“In those 25 years, we have transported 35,000 patients,” Madigan said. “In 2000, we added a high-tech ambulance to further enhance our coverage, and to date, we have transported 11,108 individuals via that ambulance and 24,014 by helicopter. That works out to over two million miles flown and one million miles driving. When we started in July of 1994, our first request for transportation came just seven minutes after going online. Today, we have expanded our transportation services to cover all of Northern New England including New Hampshire, Vermont and New York State.”

Madigan  noted that, with growth and technology advancing at a rapid pace, DHART has been able to lead the way. DHMC worked with Metro Aviation and an engineering firm to meticulously map the entire region using GPS technology and created a series of routes for the pilots to follow. Those are pre-designated flight patterns that can be navigated using instruments only. DHMC made aviation history by becoming the first in the nation to develop what is termed a low-level Instrument Flight Rule (IFR) while flying, having gained approval for the system in 2013 by the FAA. Basically stated, if there is a life-saving emergency, regardless of the unpredictable New England weather, DHART will be there.

“This allows us to fly in less than ideal weather conditions to the 30 most frequently visited hospitals in New England that rely on us for critical care emergencies,” said Madigan. “If you live in this region, you realize that conditions can change rapidly, and this allows us to respond in those situations.”

With all the latest advances in technology applied to the rescue vehicles, it stands to reason those who operate that equipment have rigid standards to meet. The DHART medical crews consist of flight nurses, flight paramedics and respiratory care practitioners. Each member of that crew must obtain several of the highest medical certifications. The EMS pilots employed by Metro Aviation have a minimum of 2,500 hours of pilot in command time and maintain the necessary ratings and certificates to function in the stressful realm of EMS.

Two of those DHART medical crew members are Lebanon residents Danielle Towne, RN and Justen Stevenson who is a flight paramedic. They point out that their duties are made easier to perform by the advanced technology installed in the ambulance and helicopter.

“Basically, both the ambulance and the helicopter amount to fully-staffed emergency rooms,” Towne noted. “We have all the resources that a hospital emergency room would have only we are mobile. We can give blood transfusions, IV’s and medications. We have to work in a confined area but the patients being transported are receiving the same intimate care. We rotate shifts along with the pilot.”

Justen Stevenson and Danielle Towne inside the DHART helicopter

DHART services are being expanded as indicated by Director Madigan. In August of 2018, DHART partnered with the University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington. A new helicopter was put into service for the UVM operation at that time. DHART’s mission remains dedicated to the safety and well-being of those in need.

“What people may not realize is that our services here at DHART are available to just about all of Northern New England,” said Madigan. “We will respond to most any location and transport the patient to the facility of their or the family’s choice.”

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. Much of that plan could possibly set off a high-tech boom in that region. Already there are more high-tech businesses in the Lebanon area than any other locations in New Hampshire. Could Lebanon become another Silicon Valley where that region serves as a global center for high technology? The Mayor wants full transparency on any future moves.

“The City’s development of infrastructure within the new TIF would be intended to support a variety of development scenarios,” Tim explained. “Manufacturing (such as the existing Novo Nordisk facility), office, research, or software development. The infrastructure that we would develop would include the roadways, sewer and water services, and other features that would facilitate the development of individual building sites by private entities. The types of development found in the Silicon Valley might or might not be appropriate to this site.”

With all that said, Tim took time to answer the question that many residents have harbored for some time. Do you subscribe to the theory that growth in the City of Lebanon is absolutely inevitable?

“I don’t think that growth in and of itself is inevitable. I do believe that addressing this question intelligently requires one to define what “growth” means. Is it population growth, geographic expansion, economic growth, or some combination? Lebanon’s resident population has not increased substantially over the past 20 years or so, but its economy has certainly grown. I firmly believe that what is critically important to the long-term economic health of a community is the continuous evolution of businesses over time.”

Not overlooked in all these ambitious future endeavors would be the growth and stabilization of the Lebanon Airport. Tim has already stated that the new TIF funding hopefully would produce enough tax and lease revenue to cover and pay for deficits concerning the Lebanon Airport which has been operating at a loss for some time. Is the Lebanon Airport a key element in any future development plans?

“I believe that the stability of the airport is important to the area. This does not necessarily mean growth, but rather that we maintain stable and healthy commercial and general aviation enterprises that serve the needs of the area while providing the revenue necessary to make the airport self-supporting.”