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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Shyrl’s Diner Remains Revered

When all you residents of this region conduct your daily, hectic routines in this super fast-paced world, do you ever think back about the pure joys of returning to Grandma’s for a hearty breakfast or lunch? It is reassuring to know those days are alive and well right here in the Lebanon region.

Shyrl’s Diner is located at 31 Main Street in West Lebanon and has been there for 15 years. In that time, it has become a haven for delicious home-cooked food, friendship, family values, affordable prices and a big warm hug on the way out!… Read More

Two new options developing in Lebanon

Some New Hampshire residents will soon be able to access a unique living situation in the upcoming year as a result of two new financial campaigns designed to provide affordable housing for adults with special needs. Visions for Creative Housing Solutions and Travis’ House, Inc. have projected to raise $1.2 million combined – with Visions at $800,000 and Travis’ at $400,000 – to purchase and renovate new facilities that are safe and reasonably priced.

“This is an exciting project filled with much potential for serving many high functioning individuals with special needs throughout the Upper Valley,” said Kim Stone, founder and board president for Travis’ House, Inc.… Read More

Preparing for the Future

The City of Lebanon was incorporated July 4, 1761 when it held the status of a town back then. It became established as the City of Lebanon in 1958. The original Carter Community Building (CCB) was opened October 14th 1919 and will have its 100th birthday celebration this October. The CCBA building was added on September 7, 1987 and today both have become an intricate part of Lebanon’s history.

The CCBA (Carter Community Building Association) has been hosting a summer celebration for the milestone and will add an event entitled “A Tasteful Evening” on September 7th, 2019 followed by another ceremony on October 14 to honor the original CCB building.… Read More

The Lebanon Police Department has always been one of the more progressive departments in the State of New Hampshire and they continue to lead the way.

As soon as all required training is complete, Lebanon will have three K-9 teams to serve and protect not only Lebanon, but surrounding communities as well. That turn of events will give the Lebanon Police Department one of the highest number of K-9 units per capita of any Police Department in the Granite State.

Meet the dynamic K-9 teams: Officer Jeremy Perkins works with K-9 Blesk, a Belgian Malinois imported from Slovakia who joined the force in February of 2018.… Read More

It is approximately 3600 miles from London, England to Lebanon, New Hampshire, but 83-year old Derek Sturges has covered that distance with ease and added that number of miles ten fold during his absolutely incredible lifetime. After a visit with Derek, you may conclude that
perhaps he hasn’t completed that journey quite yet.

Derek was born in Southgate, England, a suburban area just North of London but has spent most of his working career in the United States as a highly sought after Electrical Engineer. The well-traveled gentleman now resides at the Quail Hollow Senior Living Community in West Lebanon and after visiting exotic locations worldwide, he explains how this area was his choice in retirement.… Read More

My passion for journalism and photography has carried me down a long, winding road filled with adventures (and misadventures) that I will cherish forever. As much as they mean to me it’s always so delightful to share them.

Once again, thanks to Kimball Union faculty member, Darrell Beaupré, I was offered the opportunity to share precious moments from my career when he invited me to speak to two of his classes. Darrell explains the concept:

“One course is titled Baseball in Literature and Film. I started it as a senior elective about five years ago. I also had Mr. Nelson attend my Voices from New England class which deals with local writers and speakers.… Read More