You may have noticed some new structures pop up around town—filled with great reads that are free to anyone who walks by.

While we’ve had public libraries here in Lebanon since 1802, the newest ones never close and don’t even require a library card. These Little Free Libraries are both beautiful and functional, allowing Lebanon residents to pass on what they don’t need and find a new treasure while they are there. The idea is to “take a book, return a book,” but there are no requirements or due dates on these shelves, no e-readers or digital copies; just free and easy access to books in public locations.… Read More

Amid the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, the Sacred Heart Church in Lebanon offers a heartwarming reminder of what this season of giving is all about.

Each Thanksgiving, more than 100 volunteers gather at the Sacred Heart to serve a community Thanksgiving dinner, all free of charge and open to the public.

Offering both a full-course meal at the church as well as an extensive delivery service, this event serves 850 free meals to individuals, groups, and families every Thanksgiving Day.

Coordinating a meal of this size is a major undertaking. “It’s a good thing I have the whole week of Thanksgiving off work!”… Read More

Don’t forget to get your tickets to see Dark Star Orchestra to benefit the Rusty Berrings Skatepark in memory of Tyler Kirschner.

Dark Star Orchestra recreates set lists from some of the most legendary Grateful Dead shows in the Dead’s 30 years of touring. If you’ve ever wondered why the fans were/are so loyal to what the Dead was offering, you now have a chance to experience what it was like to be in an intimate venue, with a couple thousand of your now closest friends (because that’s what seems to happen), and just let the music carry the evening. When the seven members of DSO play, they remind us that the music never stopped and it definitely isn’t stopping any time soon.… Read More

Have you been lucky enough to meet Dudley, the not-so-mini mini-pig? Many in the Upper Valley have. Michelle Carbonneau and Zebulon Jenks of Vershire, Vt., are the proud owners of 3-year-old Dudley Winston Jenks, a miniature pig. Dudley is not a pot-bellied pig but a Juliana pig, also known as the Miniature Painted Pig. Unlike the more commonly known pot-bellied pigs, Juliana pigs are leaner in appearance, generally taller, and they lack the belly of other miniature pigs.

Also, Michelle and Zeb discovered that if fed and cared for properly, miniature pigs can actually grow to be quite sizable. Dudley has maxed out at a very healthy weight of 185 pounds.… Read More

When Dogs Walk Their Humans

When Becky Luce goes out for a walk these days, she is always accompanied by her faithful companion, the erstwhile Brittany, Obi. Since he joined the Luce family last winter, Becky and Obi have explored the hills and dales of the Upper Valley collecting dirt and mud, and enjoying the benefits of an active, healthy lifestyle.

One of their favorite treks is the Hanover Center portion of the Appalachian Trail in Etna, which they love to explore, especially with their friend, Lisa and her Brittany, Obi’s Aunt Maggie. “For every step I take, Obi runs at least 5!… Read More

The American Legion was born at a caucus of the First American Expeditionary Force, March 15-17, 1919, in Paris. “The American Legion was chartered and incorporated by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans organization devoted to mutual helpfulness. It is the nation’s largest wartime veterans service organization, committed to mentoring youth and sponsorship of wholesome programs in our communities, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting strong national security, and continued devotion to our fellow service members and veterans,” according to the mission statement on Legion.org.

In July of 1919, a temporary charter was obtained to start the Lebanon American Legion Post.… Read More

Not many activities are a better indicator of fall in the Upper Valley than apple picking time. Strawberry picking in late spring, blueberry picking in mid-summer, and apple picking in the fall are favorite pastimes of those who love fresh, local produce. The Lebanon area is a prime destination of those who enjoy fresh cider, quality hard cider and crisp, tasty, homegrown apples.

At the Riverview Farm in Plainfield, owner Nancy Franklin says she and husband Paul have grown and sold apples from the farm for 35 years. About 11 acres of the farm are devoted to growing about 2,000 apple trees.… Read More

Who knew? A forested gem just a few steps away from some of Lebanon’s busiest streets, lush in spring with vernal pools and wildflowers, lies tucked between I-89, Alice Peck Day, and Young Street. Starr Hill has been known to some for a long time, though its healing beauty is always available for appreciation by new visitors.

Starr Hill’s survival as conserved land is a story of persistence by Laurel Letter and her husband, Sid. Longtime residents of the Young Street neighborhood, they knew and appreciated both the value of the hill’s peace and charm, and the fragility of its position so close to the growing city.… Read More

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.… Read More

Laughter is indeed the best medicine

George Bernard Shaw and West Lebanon’s Margaret (Maggie) Tangway may have never crossed paths during their lifetime, but the legendary Irish playwright, critic and polemicist wrote a quotation that was tailor-made for the incomparable 93-year-old diva.

“You don’t stop laughing when you grow old, you grow old when you stop laughing.”

A sense of humor and making others laugh have been a mainstay for Maggie who has resided at the Quail Hollow Senior Living Community since 2010. Those traits carried the lively lady through a stint as an Ensign in the United States Navy during War World II.… Read More