Lebanon police officer and percussionist, Tim Cohen, has been a member of the Upper Valley community for almost thirty years.

Cohen, 55, studied music during college and then went on to work in the radio industry for several years. His job as a radio broadcast announcer is what originally brought him to New Hampshire to work on a local morning show. 

His move to Claremont from Cape May, NJ in 1993 led to the discovery of the Lebanon Police Department and their dedication to the community of Lebanon. Cohen’s past experiences with police officers in larger cities such as Cape May, where he grew up, were less influential on his present career than the officers who he’s engaged with in the Upper Valley. 

Officers in larger cities are often not very person-oriented, Cohen said. They are more focused on their job and enforcing laws than knowing who the people are that they engage with. 

Since Upper Valley towns are relatively smaller in comparison to bigger cities in the United States, Cohen says, “Local officers are much more community-centered and are doing it for the right reasons.”

In fact, Cohen was so inspired by the local police force that in 1995, he joined the Canaan Police Department as a police officer. And then in 2006, he joined the Lebanon Police Department.

Meanwhile, Cohen also worked as a music teacher, a job he still has today. Cohen teaches and plays percussion instruments, generally as part of an orchestra. His favorite instrument is the timpani – also known as “kettledrums.”

Cohen teaches private music lessons and is an instructor at the Upper Valley Music Center (UVMC). On top of these jobs, Cohen is also involved with local theatrical performances such as Lebanon High School’s performance of The Addams Family, running Friday, December 2 through Sunday, December 4 at the Lebanon Opera House, and Hartford High School’s fall musical, Footloose. 

Cohen says that his involvement with music has helped create a balance in his life. “Working as a police officer, one can inherit a cynical attitude towards the world. As an officer, you tend to see people at their worst,” he said. “Music can help balance those negative experiences out.” 

Working with teenagers as a music teacher, the ability to see how talented local youth are is thrilling, Cohen said. He’s also worked with many adult performers at places such as the North Country Community Theater (NCCT), some who have even performed on Broadway.

His favorite part about working with all of these performers is that they are kind and genuine people. Cohen sees beyond peoples’ flaws when they are playing music, which serves as a reminder that even though people make mistakes, they’re still good and talented people, a lesson that has been helpful to Cohen not only as a musician but also as a police officer. 

As a part of his police training, Cohen trained at the FBI National Academy for ten weeks in 2002, which is one of his favorite life experiences. One fun connection that Cohen made from this is to the movie The Silence of the Lambs. The obstacle course that main character Jodi Foster runs in the movie was an actual obstacle course at the academy, which he completed himself during his training there. 

Cohen has also been able to work with K-9’s (police dogs) as a police officer. He’s handled two different dogs throughout his career and says that their ability to use their senses – such as smelling and hearing – is simply incredible.

Another favorite experience of Cohen’s was visiting Hollywood in 1986. During his spring break in college, he flew out for the recording of a song that he had written, which was being performed on a popular show from the 1980s, Star Search. Seeing this whole other world that he was able to be a part of – even though for a short period of time – was exciting for him. 

In general, Cohen enjoys knowing that some of the music he has composed has been played by many different orchestras and bands, including NH Philharmonic, Great Western Rocky Mountain Brass Band, Upper Valley Community Band and Kearsarge Community Band.  Getting the chance to play up and down the East Coast with many different musical groups has also been a rewarding experience for him. 

Much of the time that Cohen is playing in an orchestra, he’s in the “pit” – an area inset below the stage often not visible from the seating area. “Being in the pit, you tend to wear black,” Cohen says. It is common for members of the orchestra to wear darker colors so the audience’s attention is directed to the performers. In fact, it has become something that the Lebanon police officers tease him for.

Working with officers in Lebanon for 16 years, his coworkers have gotten to know him well and always comment on his all-black attire. With the busy schedule that Cohen keeps, he generally works as an officer until about five-o’clock in the evening before heading to a performance at a local theater or to teach. Without much time to change, he wears a lot of black so he’s always prepared for his performances. Sometimes, he even keeps his drums in his car since he has to commute for different events and students. 

Living locally for the past 30 years or so, Cohen has fallen in love with the Upper Valley. “I grew up on a beach [in Cape May], but I’ve been here half my life and it feels like this is home,” Cohen said.

“A big part of this feeling is the community,” he added. Having welcoming neighbors and really good friends makes a huge difference, he said. “I love how much I trust the neighborhood – the ability to leave my drums somewhere overnight and not worry about someone taking them is great.”

 Cohen values the sense of community and belonging that he’s found in Lebanon and the surrounding area, which inspires him daily. Between the hours he puts in serving Lebanon as a police officer and the time he spends working as a musician, Cohen has learned the importance of balance – a life lesson he’s put to use in Lebanon and beyond.

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.”

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. “What we can do does not require us to buy a curriculum,” said Lisa Scolaro, District Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment. “SEL is not an initiative. It’s a value system.”

Tim Koumrian, Director of Student Services at LHS, agreed. “It’s a frame of mind,” said Koumrian. “If it isn’t seen as a separate piece, then we’re able to reach each other as human beings in addition to our professional roles. Ultimately, you can progress further with students when we’re more comfortable with each other as adults.”

In a structured but interactive setting, LHS staff gleaned more about SEL, reflecting on the five competencies that underscore the ability to be available to learn and available to teach including self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills and
responsible decision making.

“In my role of overseeing different groups of students, we forget sometimes that there are many who come from challenging situations,” said Koumrian. “If you don’t address their social-emotional needs, then a lot of what we ask them to do as educators is not going to happen or it will be really difficult or a long time coming. It is an essential part of what we do now.”

Emily Kehoe, LHS Physical Education/Health teacher, emphasized the importance of classroom culture in order to ensure those needs are met.

“I teach my students that they need to treat people like the way they want to be treated”, said Kehoe. “They learn how to laugh in front of each other or that it’s okay to make mistakes. This builds communication skills and self-confidence, and it allows them to become more comfortable with each other.”

Kehoe also teaches a ropes course at LHS (pictured here), giving students a break in the day when they can feel supported no matter what they are doing. “It gives them the opportunity to develop new or different relationships with one another,” said Kehoe. “The ropes course also helps students take responsibility in a class because they are constantly hands-on and active instead of sitting and listening.”

Slinky Traverse – Teams attempt to have the slinky
walk in traditional slinky fashion down a set of
boards/boxes held in place by group members
as they reflect on the SEL competency of
Responsible Decision Making
(Solving Problems, Evaluating).

SEL is not a new concept and allegedly has been around in educational literature for over two decades. But recently, it has gotten a lot more airtime as schools are realizing that peace building or conflict resolution have foundations in the social-emotional learning frameworks and in that research base. “At the elementary school level, we learn how to use the time allotted to build community,” said Denise Matthews, Special Educator at Lebanon’s Hanover Street School. “As you’re introducing a lesson, for example, if it’s a new concept, you need to do so, allowing the students to feel anxious about it. I tell them that it’s okay to feel uncomfortable. I give them permission to feel that way. As a result, I find that they go with the flow, knowing they won’t be chastised or belittled if they struggle.”

Bonnie Robinson, Director of Curriculum at Lebanon High School, related that the world has changed and students now need different skills to adapt to it. “It’s not only about us teaching but their learning,” said Robinson. “They need to internalize self-awareness and self-management.”

Scolaro noted that the five key skills of self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making are not innate. “You have to learn them,” said Scolaro. “You need to take turns and take risks. People learn throu

Belayed by two classmates, Dylan Budner
reaches the top of the leap of faith.

gh those experiences. It’s an intentional reminder that they are as important as other skills that make us successful.”

In other words, with regard to academic learning, if students aren’t able to regulate or down-

regulate in a given situation, they’re not able to be available to process the information of what is being taught, Matthews explained. “With younger kids, there are higher levels of anxiety so, by doing community building, it makes for a safe place to be wrong,” said Matthews. “We have to reassure them that that’s okay.”

The October in-service reminded district staff about the importance of incorporating strategies of respect and mindfulness throughout the school environment as well families and the community at large. In fact, staff members became aware last year – and requested the 2019 workshop as a result – that investing in students by teaching social and emotional learning in the classroom does more than improve academic success. In the long-term, employers seek individuals with the very traits that SEL develops: problem-solving, teamwork,
character and tenacity.

“The goal is to have students recognize their own needs so that eventually they can internalize them and the skills that meet them,” said Scolaro. “This has been one of the areas teachers have wanted to talk about. The work had already begun last year but we wanted more time. This isn’t new. It’s just a deepening of the concept to bring an awareness of how important it is.”

Scolaro noted that threading social-emotional learning throughout the district in all areas complements the mission of LHS that strives to cultivate curiosity and collaboration, achieve academic excellence, respect and value diversity, encourage responsible citizenship, and support the needs of every learner.

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.”

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. I usually teach both classes each spring.”

Having been a sports writer, sports editor and photographer, the baseball class was a natural. In addition, I was offered an opportunity to expound on the later part of my career involving feature stories about unique individuals in the region for Greater Good Media and other publications.

There was an obvious generational gap to be overcome, but that quickly disappeared! Here I was face-to-face with the ‘new millennials’ and it was a delightful experience. Basically, the visit once again reinforced my faith in this generation of students. I came away convinced our future has been placed in good hands. The questions they asked were well thought out and at times had me pausing to formulate a good answer. Overall, it made me wish I could go back in time and join them!

I wanted to extend a huge thank you to Darrell and Kimball Union Academy. Here are two student essays…

Kyle Penney

David Nelson: Born a Journalist

Kyle Penney

David Nelson, from the beginning, found passion in his life through sports writing and photographing. After speaking with the writer himself, I learned that it was not just given to him, but that he had to work hard to earn himself a respected spot in the sports journalism and media world. This was easy for Nelson, however, as he told of how sports journalism never seemed simply like a job to him because of how much he enjoyed his time at it.

Not everything about a job can be perfect – even if you do love it – we learned as Nelson described a few of the challenges that come along with sports journalism. In particular, he told our class a story about how he did a column that referred to field hockey as a “boring sport.” His own daughter in law, a field hockey player, was incensed at the article and demanded he learn how difficult field hockey really is. Nelson recalls that she brought him out on a field, gave him a field hockey stick and ball, and tried to teach him the sport. In the field of journalism and media, some opinions and questions asked will always offend some others, and Nelson understands that; however, he also understands that interviews go by much easier when a connection is made with the person being interviewed. Nelson described a time in which he made a connection with Hall of Fame baseball player, Ted Williams, about fishing before he got to asking sports related questions. Nelson explained how these famous athletes are regular people with regular people feelings, and how easy interviewing is after making that personal connection.

Today, Nelson does freelance articles for a local paper in which he is able to write about whatever he wishes. After a long career in sports writing and photography, Nelson enjoys his time being able to write about what he pleases, and his hard work from when he was younger has earned him this opportunity to finish his career with a happy ending.

Scout Beaupré

Scout Beaupre

“I’m old school. I don’t believe in making up stories. I believe in telling real stories” says retired sports reporter, Mr. David Nelson, seated at the far end of the Harkness table. Dressed in a Kimball Union baseball cap, Nelson speaks of his diverse experiences within the sports journalism world. Having been a professional in the industry, he recounts numerous interactions, dilemmas, and highlights of his career ranging from ethical decisions of whether or not to run the intriguing yet forbidden story that was captured “off the record,” to harsh realities of the job and victorious triumphs captured on his Canon camera.

While he no longer works for a large company, but rather is a freelance journalist for Greater Good Media, with the freedom of picking and choosing his stories, he reveals his inside perception of the current media status. He speaks to the idea of “sensationalism” seen in today’s media as littered with tabloids and propaganda. He notes the somewhat ethically-declining progression of the industry, as the majority of today’s reporters are “looking for out-of-character comments” rather than focusing on telling the story as a whole. He continues by saying “everybody has their own approach” and “some do all they can to get the story” because that is their job after all, but Nelson sees modern media as a platform for distorted stories and unfair exploitation.

After telling of numerous encounters with celebrities and professional athletes such as Paul Newman, Ted Williams, Aerosmith lead singer Steven Tyler, and the famous recluse, J.D. Salinger, Nelson goes on to say that, with experience, eventually “you get over the fact that they’re celebrities and realize they’re just people, just like you and me.” He is thankful for the places the job has taken him. As an avid Red Sox fan, one of his favorites has been his trip inside the locker room at Fenway Park where he got to sit down and have a beer with Carl Yastrzemski.

While addressing a classroom of high school seniors in their last trimester, about to embark on their own life journeys, he says “work transcends age if it’s what you love.” He continues to say “journalism to me was not a job” but merely a passion he was paid to pursue. His love for photography, sports, and meeting new people has brought him all across the globe, but he says one of his most notable interviews took place in rural Cornish, New Hampshire when he was fortunate enough to meet the world-renowned author, J.D. Salinger. Nelson says how he “would’ve loved to sit down with Mr. Salinger and ask how he came up with his stories” such as Catcher in the Rye, but Salinger was a guarded man, and the conversation was both informal and off the record. This impromptu conversation speaks to the underlying meaning of journalism: to broaden one’s perspective of the world through meeting others. Yes, the story and the headline are important, but the deeper truth is that we are all human and all going about life together.

At the tender age of 77, Quail Hollow Senior Living Community resident Dorothy (Dot) Plume has launched a mission of love and caring that nearly defies description with its passion and dedication.

In recent years the entire country has been caught up in honoring military veterans and first responders. As the song lyric states: “A grateful nation turns its eyes to you!” Dot Plume not only got swept up in the veteran’s tributes, but the delightful lady contributed all her talents and energy to make sure veterans received a proper and emotional thank you.

Dot is simply known as the Quilt Lady by those veterans she has honored. Dot is a talented artist who handcrafts quilts especially designed for each person she honors. Simply stated, each quilt is considered a true work of art and she makes a point to touch the hearts of the recipients with each masterpiece. How did this all come about?

“I was always interested in making quilts, but after awhile I really wanted to do something with mine,” Dot explained. “I came up with the idea of making quilts and giving them to veterans and first responders as my personal tribute. I was especially struck by the plight of the Vietnam veterans who were treated so badly when they returned home.”

Quilt in honor of Sgt. Ronald F. Audette

Once the Vietnam War was finally over and the military members could come home, they were exposed to a hostile environment by those who bitterly opposed the involvement in the war by the United States. That was a great shock to the military members and a sad one to think they had come back not only with broken bones, but broken spirits, as well.

Dot has been doing her very best to make amends and the results have unleashed a whole new wave of emotion. To date she has crafted some 50 quilts that were distributed all over the United States to deserving recipients, each quilt especially designed for that individual.

How does she accomplish this mission of thanks?

“Oh, I seek them out!” Dot exclaimed with a warm smile. “I will track them down. If I see a veteran’s hat or license plate I will stop them and get their names and history. I go over to the Veterans Hospital in White River Junction and get as much information as I can. The reaction by the people is interesting. They look at me and wonder just what I am doing at first!”

The results of her quest have returned countless, emotional benefits beyond her wildest hopes.

Quilt in honor of Sgt. Lester

“Once a veteran receives his or her quilt, they are almost entirely overcome with gratitude and the tears start flowing. It is hard to explain

what those quilts mean to these vets. One prime example is the Vietnam vet, a nurse, who requested to hold her quilt when she passed away. She was granted that wish!”

Another remarkable aspect of her dedicated work is that although the quilts are individually designed and crafted for each veteran, they are considered valuable collectors items. Dot has borne the cost of the entire project.

“There is no way you can establish a true value of these quilts,” Dot stated. “What they mean to each person is priceless. However, I have been told that they may have a retail value of between $600-800. I have been buying the materials on my own, but recently have received donations to help with the expense. My most recent project was donating quilts to the Harley Davidson Dealership in Lebanon to raffle off to benefit veteran’s groups.”

Stay alert, you veterans. Dot Plume will indeed track you down! You will be grateful she did.

If you live in New Hampshire, there’s a good chance you know someone who has been affected by opioid addiction. The opioid crisis has been a long time in the making, and by 2014 Jeff De Flavio, then a medical student at Dartmouth College, had noticed an unsettling trend: despite the prevalence of addiction, treatment providers either weren’t addressing the problem adequately, or their programs were prohibitively expensive, with intake appointments alone costing as much as a thousand dollars. Sometimes, even with the high cost, the programs were full, leaving those struggling with addiction to wait on long lists to receive help. So in February of 2014 Jeff opened the first office for Groups in Claremont, his childhood friend Silas Howland, joining him a month later; shortly thereafter, the next office came to West Lebanon. Four years in, Groups has grown to eight offices in New Hampshire and nearly 60 offices in six states, serving about 3500 members weekly.

Silas explains that joining Jeff in founding Groups was an easy decision. “Jeff and I grew up together; he’s somebody I looked up to and learned from,” he shares. “When Jeff explained the concept to me, I came up to Claremont, met with Jeff, saw the office, and fell in love with the program and the people we serve.” Silas, one of three co-founders, had previously worked at a clean energy software startup and at a data storage company, but he wanted to be more closely involved with caring for marginalized people, and Groups gave him the opportunity to do just that. “ I looked at the project and I said, this is incredible. It’s a straightforward way to help people.”

The structure of the Groups program is simple: an individual suffering from addiction can call a hotline to schedule an intake appointment with a counselor to determine whether the individual is a good fit for the program. After that, the client meets with a physician who can prescribe Suboxone, which both prevents withdrawal symptoms and controls cravings, allowing the individual to participate productively in the recovery process. Groups will then try to get that person into treatment within seven days, covered by insurance–Medicaid coverage will be available soon for those with Ambetter and NH Healthy Families–or for a low (currently $65) weekly cost. It is much less expensive than other programs, Silas points out, because Groups believes that everyone is entitled to accessible, affordable care. After the intake process, group therapy can begin, with weekly one-hour meetings facilitated by a licensed counselor. The standard of one-on-one treatment, Silas muses, is reflective of a system which seeks reimbursement from a fee schedule, but lacks the benefits of community-based group therapy, which “shows people they’re not alone, helps them to build bonds, to feel less ashamed.” It also solves ancillary problems such as transportation, allowing patients to carpool to meetings. And the results are clear: weekly attendance is around 90%, which is nearly unheard of! Silas mentions, as a final thought: “if you or anyone you know is struggling with opiate addiction, please know there are people who care about you and want to help you recover!”

Evan Stuart joined Groups last summer as the Regional Manager for New Hampshire. An Occupational Therapist by trade, Evan is no stranger to advocating for those who cannot speak for themselves or who may not otherwise have advocates. While between jobs in Texas, he received a call from Groups, and “jumped at the opportunity” to be a part of the organization back home in New England. (Like Silas and Jeff, Evan is originally from Massachusetts.) “At my previous work, I was giving lives back; now I’m keeping them alive,” he notes. “What I do, it’s consistent chaos, intensely long workweeks, and I never come home unhappy with what I’ve done that day. It’s the most enjoyable position I’ve had.” Part of what Evan loves about Groups is the consistent reiteration of mission: “this organization, whereas others are focused first on money, tells us to keep things running well, but to keep clients and employees happy above all else. When an employee comes up with an idea, the CEO takes it seriously, and often runs with it,” he reflects. Monthly web meetings between counselors, managers, and founders keep everyone in mutual contact and keep ideas flowing.

In an increasingly connected world, the spread of the opioid epidemic seems ubiquitous. Fortunately, so too does the reach of helping hands and of networks aiming to assist the victims of addiction. Thanks to Jeff, Silas, Evan, and the rest of the team at Groups, one more solution is now widely available in the Upper Valley and beyond.

If you are cruising through Lebanon or West Lebanon, and suddenly you glance in your rear-view mirror and notice flashing blue lights, you should pull over as quickly as possible. Don’t stress out. You’ll no doubt be greeted by one of the professional and friendly officers of the Lebanon police force.

Women in law enforcement is nothing new, but it has been a growing trend throughout the United States for some time and the City of Lebanon is certainly no exception. Just how long? Women have served in organized law enforcement in our country almost from the beginning. Today we are discovering the advantages of deploying both female and male officers, capitalizing on the synergy that develops when the gifts and talents of those crime fighters are combined.

Lebanon currently has three active female law enforcement officers and one on a leave of absence. That represents about 10 per cent of the total Lebanon force and the number of female officers is expected to rise in 2018. That blends well with the national scene for law enforcement.

You may have seen them around town, so the Lebanon Times is offering you an opportunity to meet our female officers up close and personal.

Officer Amy Jerome

Amy is a 32-year-old wife and mother of three children who currently reside in Claremont. She worked 4½ years for the Claremont Police Department before transferring to the Lebanon Police Department in June of 2017. Her husband Zachary works for the City of Charlestown. They have daughter Morgan (age 7) and Oliva (age 13) and a son Ethan (age 9). Amy was born in Denver.

Like many of her counterparts, Amy was attracted to a career in law enforcement at a very young age.

“My father was in law enforcement so I kind of grew up around it,” Amy explained. “I really enjoy the interaction with the people and here in Lebanon the community is very supportive. They make you feel welcome. I just love to come to work each day.

While Amy has taken the oath to serve and protect, she is quick to point out that law enforcement for both men and women offers a rigorous daily routine.

“Make no mistake. It is a tough job at times especially dealing with traffic. Lebanon has about 15,000 residents, but during the day the number of people passing through jumps to around 30,000. The training you get at the Police Academy is very demanding but essential. I recall when I applied only seven out of 60 applicants were accepted. However, Lebanon is a great place and I am happy to be here.”

Officer Emily Winslow

Emily is one of the youngest officers on the Lebanon Police force at the tender age of 23. She has been with the Lebanon Police force for 1½ years and has brought her youthful enthusiasm to the new endeavor.

“After I completed college at Suny Plattsburgh, NY. I started to consider my options” Emily explained. “I had Criminal Justice as my major and Political Science as my minor, but I was always leaning toward law enforcement. I think deep down it was something I had always wanted to do. I had never been to New Hampshire until I saw the opening here and applied for the position.”

Emily had lived in Warwick, NY. which is in the Hudson Valley area of New York and her transition to the Granite State and the Lebanon community went smoothly.

“I found the Lebanon area to be very busy, but a good type of busy. I have made good contacts here and now I am beginning to recognize people. I really enjoy talking to people and the community here is very active and very friendly. One thing in particular that I especially love about my work is that every day is unpredictable. I always try to treat people the way I would like to be treated.”

Emily is single and states that in her off-duty time she likes to keep herself “busy” as she explains and is fond of hiking. She definitely likes what she sees going forward.

“I can really see myself making this my career!”

Detective Callie Barrett

Callie Barret has been on the Lebanon force the longest of the three active female officers and will celebrate her eight-year anniversary in law enforcement. She is 30 years old and started out as patrol officer before taking the exam and being elevated to the rank of detective. Callie admits that she must assume additional responsibilities along with varied duties in her new position.

“My work schedule appears on the surface to be more stable with 9-5 work hours, but it is far from routine. There is a lot of behind the scenes work that involves conducting investigations, gathering evidence, and meeting with people for interviews. Often, I get that call in the middle of the night and I report for duty. One thing I do love about this job is the unexpected. You never know what you will experience each day.”

Callie is single and had purchased a house here in Lebanon back in 2012. She has developed a special relationship with the Lebanon area and the community at large.

“I really like it here in Lebanon. It is a very special place. I also enjoy being on the Lebanon Police force. We are a close-knit group and work very well together. As a detective, I am not as visible as the other officers. I log a lot of hours behind the computer and filling out paper work. Also, I have to appear in court to testify on current cases. However, I love law enforcement and intend to make it my career.”

The Upper Valley is truly a generous region when it comes to supporting worthy causes. The growth of The Prouty, now in its 34th year, is just one example. Another great example, taking place each year in Lebanon on Father’s Day, is Skip’s Run.

This annual fundraising effort is named after former Lebanon resident Skip Matthews, who succumbed to brain cancer in 2003. Each year, this event raises funds for brain tumor research at the Norris Cotton Cancer Center at DHMC. Over the years, the popular run has raised a total of $165,000 for brain tumor research, said race director Denis Ibey.

The money raised from the run comes from various sources, primarily contributions from area businesses. “We have a sponsorship committee,” said Ibey, which works toward achieving those funds through business sponsorship. Additional contributions come from individuals, and proceeds from the participants in the run. All of the money raised goes to the brain tumor research effort.

An impressive number of runners show up on race day for the event. “It’s slowly grown to over 400 in the run,” said Ibey. In addition to the four-mile Skip’s Run, a one-mile fun run, called Brady’s Run, takes place. Brady’s Run is named in memory of young Brady Bukowski, who also suffered from a brain tumor. This one-mile fun run is very family-friendly, and draws about 100 participants.

Skip’s Run is fast becoming a known entity in the northern New England race circuit. The four-mile course is USA Track & Field certified, and is now part of the Upper Valley Race Series and the New Hampshire Grand Prix Race Series. This is the first year Skip’s Run has been a part of these two running series, and should bring in more runners from a wider area, including from southern New Hampshire. Though competitive runners take part, casual runners should not shy away from the run; Skip’s Run is for all level of running enthusiasts.

The course for Skip’s Run begins and ends at Lebanon’s Colburn Park. It follows the rail trail from the park, connects with Riverside Drive, goes over the Packard Bridge, and follows the rail trail back to the finish. At the finish, there is an awards ceremony for the winners, who always record some impressive results. “We have some pretty fast times,” Ibey said of the race winners.

A charitable event such as Skip’s Run is not possible without the efforts of many, including a large number of volunteers that help make race day run smoothly. The day of the run is a true celebration; bands entertain the runners and the spectators at Colburn Park, and the folks at Salt hill sponsor a fabulous barbeque for all at the event. Salt hill has graciously put on the barbeque for many years.

In addition to the race-day volunteers, Skip’s Run boasts a Board of active members that handle race planning and fundraising. Included on the Board are Joanne Oscadal, the founder of Skip’s Run, and John Bukowski, Brady’s father. The Board is very active in planning the event, and constantly working to improve it. “For our whole Board, we look forward to this event,” said Ibey, adding “After the race, we are thinking about what we will do the following year.”

Many of the race volunteers, and Board members, had a personal relationship with Skip Matthews, and are dedicated to his memory, and to assisting with the effort to fund research to help find a cure for brain cancer.

This year’s version of Skip’s Run takes place on Father’s Day, June 19. The fun run begins at 9am, with Skip’s Run starting at 10am. To find out more, or to register for the run or make a donation to Norris Cotton Cancer Center’s Brain Tumor Research Fund, visit the website at skipsrun.org

Editor’s Note: Over the next few issues, the Lebanon Times’ “Community Impact” page will feature some of the many civic organizations that make a positive, local and global impact on our shared community.

Lebanon-Riverside’s Listen food drive

All around the world, people with the vision that life can be improved, are working to make it happen. But, they also understand that they cannot accomplish change alone. So they join with like-minded people in organized groups where much can be accomplished.

One such organization that is working to improve lives locally and around the world is Rotary. The Rotary Club of Lebanon and Lebanon-Riverside Rotary have separate officers, members and projects, but the two clubs join forces many times during the year to work as a team.

Rotary International is a worldwide service organization consisting of over 1.2 million Rotarians who volunteer their efforts on local and international service projects. It is non-political, non-sectarian, open to men and women of all businesses and professions, all faiths, and all walks of life.

In 1905, Paul Harris organized the first Rotary Club in Chicago, “in fellowship and friendship,” with three clients: Silvester Schele, Gustavus Loehr, and Hiram Shorey. His initial goal was to create a club of professional and businessmen for friendship and fellowship, but he soon realized that Rotary needed a greater purpose. During his presidency in 1907, the club initiated its first public service project, the construction of public toilets in Chicago. This step transformed Rotary into the world’s first Service Club. And, in 1989 the Council on Legislation voted to admit women into Rotary clubs worldwide.

Locally, the 40 active members of the Lebanon Club work hard year-round, holding events that help provide funding for a variety of organizations, and working on projects to benefit the area.

This year’s 36th Annual Rotary Auction on September 19, will benefit The Upper Valley Haven’s Backpack Program which sends a pack of nutritional food home with students for the weekend.

Another local event is the bi-annual Mascoma River Cleanup, headed up (for over 30 years) by Rotarian Dr. Ernst Oidtmann. Volunteers of Rotary and the public wade right into the river and pull out all kinds of things that are collected and sent for recycling.

The “String of Pearls” project was envisioned as a community-wide initiative to preserve and enhance several areas along the Mascoma River for public recreation and enjoyment. It includes building a riverfront trail system connecting the public parks along the Mascoma. A few of the “pearls” that presently exist on this trail include Baker’s Crossing Conservation Area, Glen Road Skate Park, Centennial Fountain, Canillas Park walkway, and Twin Rivers.

The annual All-You-Can-Eat Pie Buffet is held on July 4th at the Senior Center in Lebanon to benefit the on-going fight against Polio. Rotary, along with its partners, has reduced polio cases by 99 percent worldwide since the first project to vaccinate children in the Philippines in 1979. Only two countries presently have polio cases: Pakistan and Afghanistan. Rotarians have helped immunize more than two billion children against polio in 122 countries. At the same time, Rotary has been the largest private sector donor to polio eradication, committing over $600 million to the effort.

Knowing that dirty water brings ill health to so many around the world, Rotary has undertaken projects to bring clean water to many of the villages in Ghana, Africa. Members of the Lebanon Club have gone to Ghana twice to work with members of their Rotary Clubs. Just having clean water would help eliminate 10% of diseases worldwide!

Rotary Club of Lebanon river clean-up

The Lebanon Club meets every Thursday from 12:15 – 1:30 p.m. in the Dwinell Room at Harvest Hill on the Alice Peck Day Memorial Hospital grounds. This includes lunch and a brief business meeting often with speakers. Visitors interested in learning more about Rotary and membership are welcome to attend a meeting.

The Lebanon-Riverside club gathers at 7:15 a.m. on Tuesdays, also in the Dwinell Room, for a breakfast meeting.

To learn more about the Rotary Club of Lebanon, please visit www.rotarylebanonnh.org, or call Don MacMeekin, this year’s president, at 603-667-6161. For more complete information about Rotary in general, please go to www.RotaryInternational.org.