When long-time community garden champion, Pat McGovern, chooses a cause to support, she goes all in. Whether it’s promoting the abundance of local foods, raising awareness about harmful chemicals in turf and landscape management, or spearheading a campaign to increase pollinator and native plant habitats, Pat has a unique gift for effecting positive change in her community.

It should come as no surprise that these three initiatives are closely related – pollinators support our local food supply (as much as 90% in some regions of the world) and research has shown that the use of pesticides in food production, gardening, and landscaping can be harmful to pollinators, which in turn can threaten our food supply. Pollinators are also challenged by shrinking habitat from develop-

ment pressure, invasive plant species, and extreme weather events.

Recently, Pat’s efforts in pollinator conservation were recognized by the VT Center for Ecostudies with their Community Scientist of the Year Award. Pat explains, “The VT Center for Ecostudies had an iNaturalist focus on pollinators at the Canillas Community Garden and on the Mascoma River Greenway. It was valuable for me because I started to learn more about the vast varieties of pollinators and it enhanced my enjoyment of this work.”

For Pat and her fellow pollinator and native plant enthusiasts, creating new pollinator habitats in Lebanon has become a high priority. More than 15 new pollinator gardens have been created since 2009, when Pat began designing and planting one pesticide-free pollinator garden after another. Many of the gardens are along the Mascoma River Greenway (MRG), and are designated with a ‘Pollinator Pathway’ sign. Pat notes that the goal of the project is multi-faceted. “We want the gardens to be attractive to both people and pollinators. Our goal is not just aesthetics but a life-sustaining system.”  Indeed, in the height of summer, users of the Greenway can be treated to beautiful blooms of bee balm, milkweed, aster, goldenrod, black-eyed susan, coneflower, and other pollinator-friendly plants. For those who stop to look closely and listen carefully, the all-important pollinators will soon appear.

Canillas pollinator garden in Lebanon

Many of the plants in the pollinator gardens are native to the Northeast, and that’s important because of a concept known as co-evolution, in which two different species evolve together for their mutual survival. A good example is the monarch butterfly and the native milkweed plant, the only plant the monarch caterpillar eats because it has evolved over billions of years to become tolerant of the toxic nature of the plant.

What’s involved in creating an ideal pollinator habitat? According to UNH Extension, pollinators are species that move pollen from one flower to another, fertilizing plants and allowing them to reproduce. Wild bees, butterflies, moths, birds, bats, wasps, and beetles all play a role in ecosystem health. These species require a variety of native plants for optimal nutrition, a water source, and shelter for breeding and rest from their pollinating journeys. Three season bloom is also important for pollinators, varying the shapes and colors of the flowers to accommodate pollinators who are attracted to specific plants. Pollinators benefit from a plant’s seed heads through the winter, taking shelter in plant stems and leaf litter, so holding off on fall clean up supports their habitat needs.

By all accounts, the pollinators in Lebanon are happy and so is Pat. “I am particularly pleased with the MRG Overpass Garden near APD this year – it is so alive with pollinators! The activity level and the variety of insects has been so satisfying. And, I have had to remove apples from the apple trees – there are too many for these young trees.”

Pat celebrates the partners involved in helping to purchase and plant flowers, shrubs, and trees for the city’s pollinator gardens. In particular, Upper Valley Apple Corps, whose volunteers have planted almost 20 fruit trees and shrubs, and the Robert F. Church Charitable Trust for funding plant purchases. Lebanon Mayor Tim McNamara’s Dartmouth Class of 1989 pollinator project has plantings at the Lebanon airport, recycling facility, and other sites, and Paul Coats of the Recreation, Arts & Parks Department, has provided unwavering support since the beginning of the project and has spearheaded the planting of dozens of trees in West Lebanon’s Westboro Park. The Upper Valley Rugby Club volunteers at the Greenway Pocket Park, and Sustainable Lebanon’s ‘Green the Ground’ initiative supports biodiversity throughout the city.

Paul credits these volunteers and organizations with advancing plant biodiversity in the city. “We try to be supportive of the people dedicated to these projects. When folks like Pat McGovern and Barbara Slaiby (Colburn Park Pollinator Garden) ask to do additional plantings, we want to make that happen. We want to take care of the administrative stuff for them so they can get their hands in the soil.”

Susan Johnson, gardener for the Recreation, Arts & Parks Department, and Lynn Fisher, a volunteer for the MRG Pocket Park, have contributed to the pollinator pathway efforts as well. Lynn is a lifelong student of native plants and animals. “There’s uncalculated value in planting native species – those same plants around which the web of native insects and birds have evolved. My (lofty!) goal is to get 70% of the garden to be native species, so that even the least-adaptable native insects have dining options, to restore a more diverse and resilient ecosystem.” For her part, Susan hopes garden visitors will adapt to the natural pollinator garden look over time. “Pollinator-friendly gardens have a style that people may not be used to. I’m hoping more exposure and education will help expand what people consider beautiful. Seeing insects buzzing all over the plants is a type of beauty.”

Upper Valley Rugby Club volunteers at Lebanon’s Greenway Pocket Park

What does the future hold for Lebanon’s pollinators? With plans moving forward to extend the Mascoma River Greenway toward the Powerhouse Mall, the future is rich with opportunities for new pollinator gardens. Pat McGovern, aka the ‘Queen Bee of Pollinator Pathways’, and her friends are ready!

To learn about Lebanon’s many pollinator gardens, their specific plants, and who maintains them, visit the Google Earth map at tinyurl.com/MRGPollinatorPathway. To join the Pollinator Pathway Project, contact the Lebanon Recreation, Arts & Parks Department, 603-448-5121.

Residents and visitors have likely noticed the existing sculpture and mural installations in the Downtown Lebanon Tunnel, providing public art for the enjoyment of pedestrians and cyclists using the path between the Northern Rail Trail and the Mascoma River Greenway. These installations have been created by local artists and supported by Lebanon ArtWays, the Arts and Culture Commission of the City of Lebanon. Before long, additional installations will join the first four, adding vibrancy throughout the tunnel and expanding the public art offerings in Lebanon.

The goal of commissioning art installations in the tunnel, says Recreation, Arts, and Parks Department director Paul Coats, is to “have Lebanon stand apart as a municipality in the Upper Valley because of our devotion to public art” and also “to make that tunnel more attractive” as a recreational space. Artistic, aesthetically pleasing spaces attract development, tourism, and recreation, while also discouraging less attractive graffiti such as tagging. The effort also enlists local artists and provides fair compensation for their work.

Earlier this year, Lebanon ArtWays presented a Request for Proposals for installations to fill the tunnel with art, owing to the availability of TIF district funds to provide stipends and materials reimbursement to artists. In May, the commission reviewed and recommended approval of five proposals, covering a range of styles, formats, media, and subjects. This was followed in July by a site visit to consider the locations and sizes of each proposal. Lebanon’s Heritage Commission is also involved in the process, intending to support art that highlights the history of transportation locally.

What can viewers expect to see in the coming months? Here is a preview:

Emily Battles has proposed an interactive, three-dimensional installation consisting of hundreds of wooden blocks attached to a grid and painted in varying hues and shades. Emily’s intention is to allow viewers to engage with the installation by rotating the blocks and changing the appearance of the wall. This incorporates viewers into the generation of art, giving passersby the opportunity to create a unique display from the positioning of the blocks. To better engage younger members of the community safely, this installation will be affixed to the northern wall of the tunnel, farther from the section used most frequently by cyclists.

Julio Muñoz Uribe, also known as Ragko, created the recently-completed community mural that adorns the building of COVER Home Repair in White River Junction. His proposal for Lebanon superimposes a collection of images that evoke a sense of place for those in the tunnel: a mountainous backdrop above a map of the City; the distinctive cupola of Lebanon City Hall, and brightly colored fish to represent the river that flows beside the trails. The proposal plays heavily on the concept of confluences, as the images combine in the space between the restored stone wall of the tunnel, in a space that connects two trails that bring riverside nature to a municipal downtown area. Additionally, the colors of this mural will, Julio hopes, complement the colors of the sculpture installation beside it.

Marley Dube mural proposal – Mother Nature

John Garoutte in 2023 painted “Patchwork,” which he describes as “a giant quilt, with patches that depict scenes from Lebanon both past and present,” as an homage to the textile industry of New England. The piece currently resides near the western end of the tunnel’s south wall. His latest proposal expands this mural eastward, incorporating more seasons alongside the estival images tunnel users already enjoy. John notes that “the seasonality of New England is unique and beautiful in so many ways, and I wanted to contrast the warmth and energy of the summer with the cool quiet of the winter.” John’s art is inspired by his snowboarding and his work as a stone wall builder; his love for public art emerges from the idea that it “humanizes the built environment and has the ability to transform and invigorate spaces in ways that make public space so much more inviting and comfortable,” and “it can provide everyone in the community direct and ongoing encounters with art.”

Nicholas Cain is working with Kay Curtis and a team of four volunteers on what he describes as “a parade through the tunnel, playfully illustrating Lebanon’s culture and activities using many of the iconic Lebanon landmarks.” The larger-than-life mural will consist of two stacked panels, sixty feet long and each measuring seven feet high for a total of fourteen vertical feet looming over the tunnel’s visitors. The project sketches show animated figures, evocative of cubism and engaged in activities of celebration and daily life.

Marley Dube is a graduate of Lebanon High School, and in 2019, she painted a mural in the school, so she is familiar with public art. Her submission is titled “Mother Nature” and, like John’s “Patchwork,” depicts the seasons of the region. Marley’s mural leans heavily into organic imagery, including leaves and stars and water in a semi-abstract design embodying the natural environment that draws so many people to the community and its many offerings. Positioned in the western part of the tunnel near to the Mascoma River, “Mother Nature” is sure to evoke in viewers an appreciation of the trails they are enjoying.

Nestled in the center of Colburn Park, with its vendors lining the pathways, is the Lebanon farmers’ market. Every farmers’ market has its own flair that makes it unique. This one speaks to a place of social gathering and community.

Nick Miller

I had the wonderful opportunity of visiting with some of the vendors and mingling with patrons to ask them about their own experience at this market.

I first spoke with Lauren Tillotson of Lo’s Bakehouse in Hartford, who specializes in custom cakes and desserts that made my mouth water. This is her second year at the Lebanon farmers’ market. I asked her how she sees farmers’ markets as being a valuable part of the community. She responded, “I think it’s amazing, you know, to get everybody out and about…I love meeting all the new people. And it is a great, great, great way for me to get my name out there.”

Nick Miller, a woodworker who makes the utmost meticulous laser designs in different forms, has been a vendor at the Lebanon farmers’ market for three or four years. He primarily does themed events like Renaissance fairs and festivals. He and his daughter live in Lebanon, and he enjoys being part of and involved with the community. As far as the value of farmers markets in communities, Nick said that “Lebanon has an interesting market in comparison to other markets. Lebanon is much more community oriented…In my opinion, this one kind of [seems] more, not so much a farmers’ market, but a community gathering in the area…There’s more to it here than other farmers’ markets. I think it’s great, that’s why I continue to come.”

Michael and Janice Novello

Danielle Pickles, known as “Pickles”, has lived in Lebanon for thirty years and comes to this market once a month to find what new food vendors she can try out. She finds farmers’ markets to be of a great value, and said, “I know a lot of people that do their sole business through farmers’ markets, and they get their name out through farmers’ markets…It’s really nice to just see the smaller communities get their name out there, otherwise how would they do it?”

Michael and Janice Novello came up from Florida to visit family, and this is their second year at the Lebanon farmers’ market. I asked how they see farmers’ markets being a valuable part of the community. Michael said, “I think it gives the local vendors a place to exhibit their wares, for the local community to take advantage of the local produce, and festivities, and so on. It aids the economy.” Janice commented, “It builds community. People here would not really see each other and then they might come every weekend and see each other, eventually making new friends. And it’s like a town center, so it’s a big appreciation for that. Where some towns don’t have that anymore. So, it’s very lucky that you have this here.”

Danielle Pickles

I asked them if there is a difference between the farmers’ markets where they live in Florida versus the Lebanon one. Michael said with a smile, “These are cooler. The ones in Florida mostly have produce and baked goods.” Janice stated, “There are a lot of organic growers. And honey. They’re big on local honey…but we don’t have the variety of foods here.”

The Lebanon farmers’ market is a wonderful place for businesses to get their names out and to support the local economy. A strong sense of community certainly was felt by everyone I spoke with, and the farmers’ market in Lebanon continues to be an opportunity for building and fostering community.

When Joe Clifford became the executive director of the Lebanon Opera House in 2017, one of the first things on his mind was the 100th anniversary season. Since then, there have been some ups and downs for the live entertainment industry, but the Nexus Festival – the Opera House’s response to the challenges of the pandemic – highlights not only the executive director’s vision, but also the hard work of everyone at the nonprofit, plus the incredible engagement of the whole community in supporting, preserving, and celebrating an important center for culture and the performing arts in the Upper Valley.

High school students from the Upper Valley Music Center
kick off Day Two of the Nexus Festival in 2024. (Photo from lebanonoperahouse.org)

The Nexus Festival was born out of the pandemic. Everything shut down in March of 2020: from office work to restaurants, meetings to movies, everything that could do so “went remote.” Needless to say, this posed a problem for a community organization whose focal point is a live, in-person entertainment venue. “By six months in,” Clifford says, “we were getting pretty squirrelly.” But at the same time, it was also becoming fairly clear that the safest place a person could be was outdoors. “At that time, people were doing drive-in movies, outdoor concerts – any workaround not to be in a contained space.” That was when he and the Opera House’s technical director, Joel Giguere, started to formulate a plan.

“We hit upon the idea of doing our festival in downtown Lebanon,” Clifford says. On the one hand, it would allow them to continue with their mission, “by doing events, bringing people together.” But it would also serve as a thank you to a community that helped them to survive. “Even though we weren’t doing programming, they were there to support us during that closure.” The Lebanon Opera House is a nonprofit, and, as Clifford told the Valley News back in 2021, half of their revenue stream at the time came from donations, with the other half coming from events: “To have one half of your revenue stream completely shut down is terrifying.”

It took a year of planning, organization, and elbow grease to see the plan turn into reality. The first Nexus Festival ran for three days: Friday to Sunday, August 13-15, 2021. As with this year’s event, they had three stages: the main stage in the parking lot behind City Hall, the bandshell in Colburn Park, and a “busker stage” directly on the Mall. Featured acts included Bitter Pill, a NH “rhythm and bluegrass” group, Mystic Bowie’s Talking Dreads, who reimagine the hits of the Talking Heads as reggae anthems, and Red Baraat, a NYC-based funk, punk, and hip-hop band with a Punjabi bhangra flair. The festival has only grown since.

This year’s Nexus, the Opera House’s fourth, was bigger and better than ever. Friday evening’s acts may have been moved indoors thanks to Tropical Storm Debby, but they didn’t suffer for the venue change. Jax Hollow kicked things into gear with her signature riff-driven blues rock and an energy that was more than enough to overcome the soggy start to the weekend. Next, the Clements Brothers kept the crowd enthralled (and dry) in the Opera House’s lobby with a gentle combination of guitar, upright bass and harmonies, until grammy-nominated singer-songwriter, Joan Osborne, took to the main stage, playing new singles and old stalwarts alike.

Lebanon Opera House Executive Director Joe Clifford
stands in front of the Colburn Park bandshell Sunday night.

The sun came out Saturday and shone on a full day of eclectic acts, both local and wide-ranging. Notable acts included a dance workshop in Colborne Park led by West African music and dance ensemble Jeh Kulu; Los-Angeles-based folk punk singer, songwriter, and guitarist Sunny War; and a boisterous set by self-described “foot stomping freak folk” collective Bella’s Bartok that had crowds dancing in front of the mainstage well into the night.

Sunday saw yet another day of acts, with an afternoon of jazz and soul by performers like Nation Beat and Soul Porpoise giving way to the mainstage finale: The Full Cleveland. Described as “Vermont’s premier Yacht Rock band,” they played hits by the likes of Steely Dan, Hall & Oates, and Toto to much fanfare. According to Clifford, “the closing band on Sunday has always been a cover band. The first year was a tribute to Van Morrison, the next year it was tribute to the 80s, and then last year was tribute to Prince.” The Full Cleveland did not disappoint.

All in all, this year’s festival had over twenty acts split between the three stages, drew thousands of attendees, and – thanks to the generosity of the festival’s many sponsors – it cost the music-and dance-loving public absolutely nothing. This year, the Opera House’s costs hit “about $60,000” for the festival, Clifford says, between paying artists and extra staff onboarded specially for the event. That also doesn’t include the “army of volunteers”: 20-30 people working 3-hour shifts, doing everything from crowd control, to handing out information, to physically guiding attendees between the stages.

That estimate also doesn’t include the seven months of work that lead up to the event. “Probably in January” is Clifford’s answer to when the planning starts, but he immediately backtracks, explaining that in a way, he’s always thinking about it. The decision to try to get Sunny War, for instance, began when he saw her perform in Nashville back in September of 2023. But “after the holidays,” he says, “that’s when I’ll start putting out offers, and the tech team will start thinking about changes and tweaks to the setup.” He starts recruiting volunteers in March.

But even though it’s an incredible amount of work, and also (as he gently puts it) “a break-even event,” Clifford sees it as something more. “It’s a point of entry,” he says. “The evolution would be, you come to the free festival, and then this fall, come across the street. Go buy a ticket at the box office, go to the show, you know?” If the announced lineup is anything to go by, Nexus attendees will have more than enough reasons to come back.

In fact, looking at the fall schedule, the weekend’s festivities were only the opening act for an exciting season to come. The reason? This October marks the 100th anniversary of the Lebanon Opera House’s construction, and Joe Clifford has been making plans. When he joined the team in 2017, fresh on the heels of a 17-year stint at the Hop, he had already decided that the Opera House’s 100th anniversary season would be a blockbuster one. The response was, as Clifford describes it, a slightly quizzical “okay, but that’s not until 2024?” But there was a lot that needed to happen first. Building the kind of momentum that would be needed would take, in his words, “a seven-year runway.”

It hasn’t always been easy for the performing arts in Lebanon. Back in 1924, when the 100-year-countdown started with the construction of a new Town Hall, it wasn’t unusual for civic buildings to come with a public performance space inside. But, according to city historian Nicole Ford Burley, “it quickly became clear that live theater was out and movies were in.” For decades to come, the Opera House would serve as Lebanon’s local cinema, until that venture closed in 1969. After that, an attempt was made to bring live performances back – an attempt that was stymied by a temporary blacklisting by Equity (the Actors’ Equity Association) because of the state of the green room and other preparation spaces. In 1975, after a renovation, the Lebanon Opera House reopened to great fanfare, with a pre-Broadway production of Moss Hart’s “Light Up the Sky.” “It was a big deal” at the time, notes Ford Burley. Since then, the venue has played host to increasingly notable acts. Among others, pianist George Winston graced the stage in 1996, Marc Cohn performed in 2010, Buddy Guy shredded his way through town in 2012, and Chris Isaak crooned for a full house in 2016.

Opera House staff, board members, and volunteers pose under a tent Saturday night. L-R: Kristen Coats, Paul
Coats, Chris Morin, Bob Winters, Patrice O’Brien, Barbara Sterling, and Lucas Mendelsohn.

But Joe Clifford is more ambitious. Under his leadership, the Lebanon Opera House has undergone a major renovation, including a new lobby and concessions, a complete makeover of the performance hall, and improvements to the sound systems and the lighting, all funded by a community-driven capital campaign. “We bought a piano, we built up our donor base, and the staff. To get us ready…It’s like a marathon, right? It’s our Olympics.” And if that’s the case, then it’s clear that the Opera House doesn’t intend to sit out any of the events.

At the time of writing, announced acts for the fall season include the multiple Grammy Award-winning blues-rock band Blues Traveler; singer-songwriter and sometime lead singer of the Canadian indie-rock group The New Pornographers, Neko Case; an evening with Pulitzer-Prize-winning NPR host Ira Glass; hot off his Netflix special “Sweet & Juicy,” comedian Sheng Wang; the incredible participatory musical experience Choir!Choir!Choir! with “An Epic Queen Singalong”; and for the ballet fans, the World Ballet Company will be performing Swan Lake – and that only takes us to the end of November. Clifford gives assurances that there’s more excitement yet to be announced.

“In some ways, it’s a look back on the last 100 years,” Clifford says of the upcoming season, “But also, maybe more importantly, what’s coming forward. It’s [about] the future of the arts in this community. The future of live arts in general.” With Clifford at the helm, a capable team by his side, and a whole community at his back, it’s hard to think that the future will be anything but bright.

Dipak Niroula is an award-winning social entrepreneur, published author, and an active community volunteer whose journey from his home country of Nepal to Lebanon, NH is an inspiring and compelling story.

Growing up in an impoverished Nepalese village as the eldest of six children, Dipak had to walk four hours both ways to get to elementary school. After his father led a community effort to build a school in their village, all of the local children then had the opportunity to receive an education, subsequently lifting them out of poverty through education. Dipak was the first in his family and community to graduate from high school, and these early life experiences inspired him to commit to a lifetime of helping other vulnerable children and families, particularly in the rural areas of Nepal.

Dashain Celebration with Dartmouth Students and parents (2023)

In 2011, while still living in Nepal, Dipak and his wife, Sharmila Karki, co-founded Better Life Social Organization (BLSO Nepal) to realize their dream of making a difference in people’s lives, especially for children. The active non-profit offers a diverse array of services to fund its work, including education consulting, travel tours, and homestays. Despite a few setbacks along the way, today, BLSO Nepal helps nearly 200 children in rural Nepal, providing education, healthcare, school uniforms, snacks, stationery, books, and clean drinking water. Dipak is pleased with the work BLSO Nepal is doing. “One thing I’m particularly proud of is how BLSO Nepal has responded to emergencies. During the 2015 earthquake and the COVID-19 pandemic, we rallied hundreds of volunteers to provide critical support. We worked side by side with local residents, government officials, schoolteachers, and social activists. Even with limited resources, our team showed incredible resilience and dedication.” Dipak has been recognized with awards by several international organizations including Lions Club International, Tumbewa Municipal Offices in Nepal, and the National Cultural Heritage Development Society.

Dipak Niroula (right) volunteering with the Rotary
Club of Lebanon to clean up the Mascoma River.

It was during a family vacation to the U.S. in 2015, the same year as the Nepal earthquake, that Dipak and his family received some shocking news. Dipak explains, “We faced a life-altering event. The devastating earthquake that struck Nepal while we were here resulted in the complete loss of my travel company, education consultancy, homestay, and children’s organization. Our home in Nepal was also severely damaged.” Fortunately, the U.S. government granted the family Temporary Protected Status (TPS), and the Niroulas began rebuilding their lives and establishing community connections in Lebanon. “My family and I have adjusted remarkably well to life here in Lebanon. The scenic beauty of the New Hampshire landscape, with its rolling hills and lush forests, evokes memories of our homeland, and has made our transition much smoother.”

Dipak and his family pivoted and became active members of the Lebanon community, continuing their passion for lifting up those in need by developing personal and professional relationships in the Upper Valley, and rebuilding BLSO Nepal remotely. “It’s been so heartwarming to see our kids thriving in the Lebanon schools, even being recognized as exemplary students.” The  Niroulas are grateful for the warm neighborhood welcome they’ve received, as well as the peaceful and safe environment in Lebanon. “We’ve found a perfect balance here – a community that allows us to maintain connections to our Nepali culture while fully participating in American life,” Dipak adds. “The supportive environment, combined with the diverse opportunities available, has not only eased our adjustment but has also opened new horizons for our family’s future.”

Over their time here, the Niroulas have come to appreciate the diverse nature of the Upper Valley and the broader American landscape, and are now working on becoming permanent residents of the U.S. by obtaining a green card. “My long-term goal in pursuing a U.S. green card is to achieve stability and make a significant contribution to the community. I also want to pursue career advancements and educational opportunities that are currently limited due to my temporary status,” Dipak explains.

Dipak Niroula enjoying a moment with a dog brought by visitors to Cardigan Mountain (2024)

In Lebanon as well as in southern New Hampshire, there are thriving Nepali communities that help the Niroulas stay connected to their Nepali culture while becoming fully immersed in a new American community. “We’ve gotten involved with groups like the NH Nepali Community, the International Nepalese Literature Society, and the NH Center for Nonprofits. Having friends who share our cultural background has provided a sense of belonging while also allowing us to introduce our American neighbors to our rich heritage,” says Dipak. The Niroulas join with their friends to cook traditional Nepali dishes, organize sports events, and annually host a local  Dashain (15 day Nepali cultural and religious celebration) for Dartmouth students and area Nepalese families. “This celebration creates a nurturing and supportive environment, helping us all feel cherished and connected to our cultural heritage during this profoundly meaningful festival,” Dipak says.

Traditional Nepali food and fun include momo (dumplings) and dal bhat (lentil soup with rice), traditional music and dance with instruments like the madal (drum), and intricate art like thangka paintings. According to Dipak, a celebration of faith, including Hinduism and Buddhism, is central to the Dashain. “By blending Nepali and American traditions, we strengthen our community and create meaningful connections. Celebrating and sharing these experiences with everyone is incredibly rewarding,” he says.

One of the local organizations Sharmila and Dipak have become involved with is the Rotary Club of Lebanon, participating in events like the Mascoma River clean-up and distributing books and school supplies to elementary school students. “It was wonderful to see the smiles on the children’s faces. It really drove home how important community support is for education,” recalls Dipak. Marilyn Bedell, former president and current secretary of the Rotary Club of Lebanon, is enthusiastic about the Niroulas’ participation, particularly from an international diversity perspective. “Both Dipak and Sharmila have demonstrated remarkable resilience, determination, and an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of marginalized communities in Nepal, and have collaborated on various projects involving disease prevention and treatment,” she says. “Having Dipak and Sharmila involved has educated us about their home country and its traditions and the challenges that have faced Nepal since the earthquake.” Dipak highlights one memorable project that involved providing 200 families with water filters: “It was amazing to see how such a simple thing could make such a big difference in people’s lives. Clean water is something many of us take for granted, but for these families, it was life-changing,” he recalls. For their part, Dipak and Sharmila are grateful for their Rotary Club connections as well. “It honestly feels like family. They’ve been so supportive, not just of our projects, but of us personally,” they say. “Our daughter, Aavarika, has grown up with the club, and it warms my heart to see how much everyone cares for her.”

Helping young people in Nepal find safe opportunities for work and travel is another one of Dipak’s passions. Seeing the struggles of young people when they traveled to other countries not knowing the culture or language, Dipak set about writing two guides that have been widely distributed by the government of Nepal and other organizations. “My books cover everything from language basics to cultural tips, safety information, and advice on managing money abroad,” Dipak explains. “I also wanted to warn people about the risks of human trafficking and give them practical ways to stay safe.” The books helped design Nepal’s mandatory pre-departure orientation program for migrant workers, and the Ministry of Labor presented Dipak with an appreciation certificate for his work. “Writing these books and seeing how they’ve helped people has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. It’s amazing to think that something I wrote at my desk in Nepal has gone on to help so many of my fellow Nepalis as they set out to work abroad.”

The Niroula family before coming to the U.S.A.

As to what’s ahead for Dipak and his family, the priority is achieving green card status to open up opportunities for education, federal aid, and business development. There are constraints on realizing the full potential of developing BLSO USA, but giving up is not in Dipak’s nature. “With a green card, I could dedicate more time to developing local programs without the constant worry about visa restrictions, and build stronger, long-term relationships with community partners and donors. It’s exciting to think about the possibilities,” he says. “We’ve seen firsthand how much of a difference this kind of work can make, and we’re really looking forward to bringing that same spirit of support and advocacy to our new home here in the U.S.”

Dipak’s enduring mission of helping others has shaped his life philosophy as well as his life’s work. “These projects have taught me so much about the power of community and working together. Whether it’s cleaning up a local river or helping families across the world, it’s all about making a difference, one step at a time,” he says. “I want the readers of the Lebanon Times to know that helping yourself, your family, and your community can make a huge difference. By caring for others and supporting those in need, we create positive change that extends beyond our own lives.”

For more information or to volunteer with BLSO, contact Dipak Niroula at niroulainfo@gmail.com.

Illuminating Traumatic Brain Injury Through Art, Education, and Advocacy

Change often happens quickly and sometimes unexpectedly, and in an instant, life can get turned upside down. This is one notion that speaks to the story behind a Lebanon-based nonprofit organization, Unmask the Invisible, co-founded by Lebanon residents Amy and Steven Longmoore, that illuminates the invisibilities of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and brings hope and support to those who are affected by it.

The nonprofit was spurned from unthinkable tragedy, when Amy and Steven’s daughter, a then 17-year-old Sierra Longmoore, sustained a traumatic brain injury from a horrible car accident in the summer of 2020. Sierra spent many weeks fighting for her life and months recovering at Dartmouth Health Children’s in Lebanon with the support of her medical team and family.

Sierra Longmoore at a book signing for “Unmask the Invisible /
An Incredible Story of Faith, Family, and Miracles.”

Sierra’s accident was an unexpected and devastating event that changed the lives and routines of her whole family. Through it all, faith, resilience, and a dedication to helping others have sparked the passion and mission of Unmask the Invisible, which aims to provide inspiration and community surrounding TBI through art, education, and advocacy.

It is estimated that 5.3 million men, women, and children are living with a permanent brain injury-related disability in the United States today. Of those 5.3 million, there are countless more loved ones supporting these survivors who also experience trauma and need support. In light of this, Unmask the Invisible encourages and offers support not just for survivors, but also their friends, family, caretakers, or anyone who lives or works with a survivor. The stories and recovery journeys of TBI survivors are often both emotional and complex, which is why Unmask the Invisible works passionately to illuminate the full spectrum of aspects that impact each member of the TBI community. “One of the reasons we started the nonprofit was so we could meet people where they are at in their spiritual journey,” Amy says.

A strong sense of faith helped anchor Amy, Steven, and their loved ones as they weathered the proverbial storm through Sierra’s initial accident, her fight, and her recovery. Being presented with this challenge ultimately inspired the Longmoores to help other families who are experiencing similar difficult situations cope with and learn from their own storms.

Spiritual encouragement is one foundational support that Unmask the Invisible offers. The Hope Café, a web page dedicated to “feeding your spirit with little sips of hope” with artwork and inspirational quotes is one spiritual resource that the organization curates, along with links to a variety of other philosophical and spiritual resources, including music, poetry, movement, and reading.

The Longmoore family: (from left) Aspen (Sierra’s twin),
Tanner, Steven, Tristan, Amy, Sierra, and Lindsay.

Amy, Steven, and the team that surrounds them (which includes Sierra, who is the nonprofit’s ambassador) are diverse in their expertise and experiences, from military service to healthcare specialties.

Justin Putnam, the nonprofit’s vice president, served in the Army as an engineer all over the country and the world for two decades. Advisory board member of the organization, Beth Pastor, has also dedicated much of her life to service, seeing patients for 45 years as a pediatric physical therapist. Board member Alex Giesing brings her passion for inclusive and equitable care to the table as a registered nurse who cares for the babies who need extra support in the Intensive Care Nursery (ICN) at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon.

With backgrounds in care and service, the team members behind Unmask the Invisible are all strongly knit together by their passion to make a positive difference in the lives of TBI survivors and their families, which helps keep the freshly minted organization’s efforts chugging along smoothly.

The ways in which the 501c3, which according to their website “illuminates resources and support for families affected by TBIs,” approaches supporting the TBI community is unique and differs from other familiar organizations that are also centered around similar goals.

“[Some] organizations are more focused on incorporating physical activities such as yoga into recovery,” says Amy. “Some people cannot participate in activities like that, or it takes them a long time to get to a place where they can. Some people simply do not recover from traumatic brain injuries at all. We really try our best to meet people where they are at in their journey, as it looks so different for everyone.”

And ‘meet people where they are’ they will, as they are gearing up for an incredibly busy remainder of 2024 as the organization continues to grow and inspire others.

Thayer School of Engineering student working with a brain
injury survivor on Unmask the Invisible’s Weighted Paintbrush
Program.

One exciting development in the works is a revamped website for the nonprofit. “Our new and improved website will provide visitors with a clearer understanding and breakdown of our programs and services,” Amy explains. “The site will be anchored by Unmask the Invisible’s three main pillars – education, resources, and family support. In this sense, education encompasses speaking engagements, reintegration and events; resources refers to scholarships, therapies and art-based initiatives; and family support brings spirituality and inclusion into the mix.”

The team have also been continuing to further develop ongoing initiatives, like “Paint It Forward”, an art-based program that provides inspiration and builds relationships. With 50 percent of materials for the initiative donated by Blick and The Home Depot, Paint It Forward provides survivors and their families with free at-home art kits (that are packed by volunteers) that promote creativity, healing, and fun at any stage of their journey. “Unfortunately, there was no art involved in Sierra’s recovery process in the hospital,” remembers Amy. “But art is so conducive to expressing emotion, and we want other families to experience its benefits.”

For survivors and their loved ones who enjoy flexing their artistic muscle in the company of their peers, the free “This Is Your Brain On Art” event coming up on September 28 is for them. Seasoned instructor, Jennifer Dube, will help participants create an inspired masterpiece that they will want to hang where it can be admired. While “This Is Your Brain On Art” is Upper Valley-centric for now, Unmask The Invisible is hoping that this program will span state lines and perhaps make a positive impact on those outside of New England someday. “They still have that creative side,” Sierra says of survivors of TBI. “Anything they can achieve, to any degree, is incredible. No matter what, they are unstoppable and embody the fact that you can persevere.”

Of course, as a fledgling nonprofit that relies heavily on grants and donations for the important work they do in the community, fundraising is also top of mind as things grow and expand. “Since our inception, we have been really focused on opportunities to get our name out there in front of people that don’t cost us anything,” Amy says.

Recently, participating in Green Up Days around the Upper Valley wearing matching branded t-shirts to garner awareness for the organization and its cause was one such opportunity. And of course, encouraging people to follow and share Unmask the Invisible on social media, as well as give their time and talent by volunteering, helps greatly to spread awareness for the cause. “We were able to raise a few thousand dollars last year to fund our various programs, which has definitely been helpful,” Amy says. “But we need to raise more to be able to bring to life the big ideas we have for the future of the organization, like in-person retreats and scholarships for crucial medical equipment.”

The newest and biggest undertaking this year, which will see all proceeds going directly back to the nonprofit, is the first annual Unmask the Invisible Softball Tournament, which will take place on Sunday, July 21st at Civic Memorial Field in West Lebanon. Co-ed teams of up to 14 players can register to play for a fee of $350 per team.

Unmask the Invisible volunteers participating in Hanover, NH Green Up Day.

Participants and spectators alike can look forward to bat and 50/50 raffles, concessions, live entertainment (you’ll have to swing by the event to find out who!) and more over the span of the tournament. The enthusiasm surrounding the upcoming event is palpable, especially as far as Sierra is concerned. “Sierra was a three sport athlete who made it on her varsity softball team freshman year of high school,” Amy says. “Sports used to be a huge part of her life.”

“I am really excited and happy that we are having the softball tournament,” Sierra adds. “The fact that it will include people with TBIs and the people who love and support them is so important.”

How is Sierra doing close to four years post-accident, you may be wondering? She’s certainly busy these days juggling working part-time and being an ambassador for Unmask the Invisible. Not to mention, she and her mom have been making stops at local libraries recently for book signings of Unmask the Invisible, a book they wrote together about Sierra’s journey and overcoming the challenges of TBI through faith, family, and miracles.

Above all else? “I am excited to be a voice for others so we can shine a light on their experiences,” Sierra says.

For more details on all of Unmask the Invisible’s upcoming events around the Upper Valley, to register your team for the first annual softball tournament, grab your own copy of Unmask the Invisible, and learn how you can get involved, be sure to visit the nonprofit’s website, unmasktheinvisible.org.

Contributing to the community seems to come naturally to Aavarika Niroula, a senior at Lebanon High School and recipient of the 2023-2024 Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Good Citizens Award. But Niroula’s path to community service has been markedly different from the average American high school student.

Originally from the ancient city of Kathmandu in Nepal, Niroula and her family arrived for a visit to the U.S. in 2015, but a devastating earthquake in their home country would prevent them from returning. Reeling from the enormous loss of their home, livelihood, and Kathmandu family members, they were granted temporary protected status by the U.S. government, and they began to build a new life in America. As a result of this experience and being suddenly propelled into a strange new world, Niroula developed a passion for helping others.

Nepali New Year get-together with fellow Nepali youth. Left to
right: Suvana Rai, Deepasha Giri, Aavarika Niroula, Dina
Adhikari, Shreela Kadariya, and Nistha Prasai.

Niroula credits her parents for the inspiration to become involved in community service. “My parents have been social workers ever since I can remember,” she says. “My dad, along with his business, ran a nonprofit organization that supported 96 homeless kids. His organization, Better Life Social Organization, was able to build houses and build schools with paid teachers. Now through the Rotary Club of Lebanon, he still donates and is able to send money back to the organization.”

Niroula and other area award winners were celebrated at the holiday luncheon of the Reprisal Chapter of DAR, based in Newport, New Hampshire, and named after the USS Reprisal, the first ship of the Continental Navy to reach European waters during the Revolutionary War and the vessel that transported Benjamin Franklin to his diplomatic post in France. The students shared what being a good citizen means to them within their school and broader community. For Niroula, it’s about exploring a diverse slate of interests. “I came into high school with a mindset of ‘I want to try everything and if I don’t like it then I will try something else’.  I have carried this mindset into everything as I got involved in various clubs and sports such as soccer, theater, Model UN, and such,” she says.

Known as the largest women’s service organization in the world, DAR has more than 180,000 members with approximately 3,000 chapters in all 50 states and in 13 countries. One of many awards the organization bestows, the DAR Good Citizens award recognizes and rewards high school seniors who consistently display the qualities of dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism in their homes, schools, and communities. These students are selected by their teachers and peers because they demonstrate these qualities to an outstanding degree.

Aavarika is pictured with chapter regent Pamela Lee (in hat), chapter Good Citizens Chair Pat McCabe, Caroline McMahon from Sunapee, and Jennette Davis from Hanover.

The local Reprisal Chapter has members not only from Newport, but also Lebanon and West Lebanon, Claremont, Sunapee, Hancock, and some as far away as Florida, Maryland, and Montana, and is one of 25 chapters throughout New Hampshire. Chapter leaders are called “regents”. To be a member of the DAR, a woman must be at least 18 years of age and be able to prove direct descent from a man or woman who served in or aided in the American Revolution,  according to Pamela Lee, the current Reprisal Chapter regent. “One of my patriots, John Knight, fought in the battle of Bennington. After the war, John received a land grant in North Hero, Vermont, now the site of Knights Point State Park,” Lee says.

The DAR is committed to historic preservation, education, and patriotic service, and provides assistance to anyone interested in discovering if they have a Revolutionary War patriot in their family tree. Lee notes, “We have people who suspect that they have a patriot ancestor, but would like to know for sure. We have a wonderful registrar who can help people trace their ancestry.” The DAR is said to have one of the largest genealogical libraries in the world.

Aavariki as a young child

Nationally, the DAR is trying to identify as many female and African American patriots because they haven’t been historically recognized, Lee says. In November, the New Hampshire organization will be dedicating a new marker at the American Independence Museum and the Winter Street Cemetery in Exeter to honor the brave black soldiers from New Hampshire who fought for our nation’s independence.

Kim Chandler, honorary Chapter regent and current historian, started tracing her genealogy in 2002. “My patriot is John Caverly from Strafford. John was a farmer and one of the early settlers in Dover and then Barrington,” she says, citing the overwhelming recognition of how important the revolution was to the formation of our country. “When I moved back home and joined the chapter in Newport, I was pleased to see the chapter supporting Veterans groups, patriot grave restorations, and schools with scholarships and service projects.”

American colonial history is in its infancy compared to the rich history of Kathmandu, which dates to between 167 BC and 1 AD according to archaeologists. For Niroula, maintaining a connection to her home country is important, and is reflected in her commitment to raising funds for earthquake relief among other activities. In her DAR essay, Niroula cites her motivation: “Living in a predominantly white community, I ached for youths with similar backgrounds as me. I sought out the NH Nepali Community based around Manchester and Nashua. Following that, I joined the Diversity and Inclusivity club at my own school where I was able to fully embrace my identity.” Over the past three years, Niroula has also been teaching English as a second language to students all over the world via Zoom. “I love doing this so much because I once was an English learner myself, and for me to be on the other side as an educator is so fulfilling to me,” she says. “Volunteering grounds me and is a very big part of my life.”

John Caverly gravesite, marked with a bronze marker
for his Revolutionary War service.

In addition to teaching English as part of the Global Language Learning Club, being a member of the Diversity and Inclusivity Club at Lebanon High School, and raising funds for Kathmandu earthquake survivors, Niroula’s many activities include participating as a Dartmouth Health summer intern, Rotary Youth Leadership member,  Student Council secretary, and model UN delegate. She has researched microplastics and curcumin to earn a 1st place award in chemistry at NH Science and Engineering Exposition, joined the NH Nepali Community and became a senior coordinator, served as a student representative on the Lebanon School District superintendent search committee, is currently participating as a thrower on the Lebanon High School track and field team, and is a member of Students for a Sustainable Future.

In her essay, Niroula also shares deeper insights into why community service is so important to her. “Instead of being consumed by our pending status, I decided to contribute, to give back to this community that had adopted me,” she says. “Starting off small with volunteering at community events, I familiarized myself with the people around me, their stories, and their values. I shared the lessons of my own journey, using my struggles to bridge others.”

Niroula’s diverse life experiences have shaped her decision about which career path to pursue after high school. She has been accepted at St. Anselm College and is on the waiting list at two others, planning to pursue a degree in child psychology as part of a pre-med course of study. Niroula’s youthful wisdom is evident in her DAR essay, suggesting she will be an excellent contributor and leader in whatever field she chooses.

“My journey of constantly adapting to changing environments pointed toward one direction: child psychiatry. I realized that I wanted to dive into understanding the young minds that face upheavals, to provide them the support and guidance I once sought, and, in many ways, still do,” she writes. “Today, as I stand at the edge of my next academic chapter, I carry with me the echoes of Kathmandu’s streets, the lessons from the halls of Lebanon High School, and the hopes of every child I wish to support. The uncertainty, once my opponent, has become my ally, urging me to embrace whatever life throws at me, to be the aid for many navigating their disruption, just as I navigated mine.”

Caverly House that John built in Strafford

For more information, visit the national organization website at dar.org.

It’s hard to miss the attention being given these days to the overwhelming problem of single use and disposable plastic waste and pollution. More and more, research is demonstrating not only the harmful effects of the processes and chemicals used in giving plastic its useful properties, but also the incredible volume of plastic waste accumulating around the world.

Consumers often take for granted what goes into making plastic – it can be stretchy or crinkly, clear or colorful, rigid or flexible –  and chemistry makes this possible. Plastic keeps contents like takeout food hot and vitally important medicines cold, among its many other uses. Among the challenges with single use plastic is the fact that it never breaks down, but remains viable for hundreds of years, simply degrading into smaller pieces that eventually end up in oceans and waterways, marine life, and us.

Fortunately, researchers are also helping to discover more economical, environmentally friendly, and chemical-free alternatives to single use plastic, paving the way for conscientious business owners and consumers who want to reduce single use plastic in the waste stream. Businesses and consumers are also learning that it makes better economic sense to transition from single use plastic to reusable alternatives like paper, glass, and stainless steel containers.

Lalo’s taqueria take-out container

Several international organizations are tackling the single use plastic problem on a global level, and nationally as well. Specific to food service businesses, Plastic Free Restaurants, a national organization that subsidizes reusable dinnerware for restaurants, and its partner, the Rethink Disposable campaign, have shown that restaurants can save thousands of dollars annually by transitioning to reusables, with payback beginning in just under six months. One case study in California showed that a $439 investment netted more than $30,000 in cost savings.

In Dover and Portsmouth, four popular restaurants are piloting reusable takeout through a program called ‘Reusable Seacoast’. The campaign has partnered with the Surfrider Foundation, Ocean Friendly Restaurants, and Foodware, the program’s app, to provide reusable stainless steel take out containers to customers.

Of the dozens of restaurants in Lebanon, many are making the choice to reduce or eliminate single use plastic in their takeout and grocery operations. The popular Lalo’s Taqueria and SNAX both serve takeout orders in cardboard containers. Lucky’s Coffee Garage began by offering a discount to customers bringing their own coffee mugs, and has now transitioned to charging for single use cups, hoping to incentivize customers to bring their own beverage containers. As consumers, we can opt to ‘Skip the Stuff’ at restaurants by requesting that single use plastic foodware be left out of our takeout order, and bring our own take out containers when we have a sit down dinner at a local restaurant.

At the Co-op Food Stores, initiatives are afoot to provide customers with sustainable packaging options while shopping. This will include compostable and reusable bags for produce and bulk, and compostable or recyclable containers for prepared foods. The stores also carry some reusable food storage products, in which a one-time investment leads to a lifetime of cost savings by reducing the repeated purchase of single use plastic.

In New Hampshire, there are no effective local or state policies that have banned single use plastic bags, but a bag ban does exist in nearby Vermont, and consumers have adapted well so far.

Working together, consumers, governments, non-profit groups, and businesses can have a collective impact on reducing single use plastic use and waste to create a healthier environment now and for future generations.

Taking a risk and having the courage to share a talent in front of others is one valuable decision that 11-year-old Carter Moote made when she decided to start singing the responsorial psalms at Sacred Heart Church during Sunday services. Carter, a Lebanon resident and Lebanon Middle School student, took the leap when Sacred Heart’s music director, Alice Maleski, asked her if she’d be willing to sing for the congregation.

“I’d never been presented with an opportunity to share one of my talents,” Carter says. “I don’t really understand why I said ‘yes,’ I just said it. I just felt like I was meant to do it.” This leap of faith became a way for Carter to share her faith and love for her church community, and it’s helped grow her confidence over the past two years.

In her spare time, Carter Moote loves to bake!

“When I’m up on the altar [singing], it makes me feel like I’m close to God and it feels important that I get to be up there using my gift to praise God,” Carter explains. This role within the church is typically reserved for adults, and Carter is one of the first children that her mother, Courtney Baker, can remember singing psalms since she herself started attending services as a child growing up in Lebanon.

“It makes me really proud that she has chosen to use her voice and her singing gifts to celebrate her faith in this way,” says Baker. “I’m taken aback by her poise. She’s constantly surprising me with what she’s able to do.”

In the Catholic tradition, psalms, from the Book of Psalms in the Old Testament, each carry a specific meaning within their verses, and “you’re not just singing a psalm, you’re praising the Creator,” Carter explains. In worship, psalms serve as prayers that reflect a wide array of human circumstance and emotion.

Courtney Baker, Carter Moote, and Deborah Carney (Courtney’s
mom and Carter’s grandmother) on Easter Sunday at Sacred
Heart Church.

Since Carter has started singing at Sacred Heart Church, she’s been inspired to share her vocal talents elsewhere, as well. Carter was nominated by her music teacher at Lebanon Middle School to participate in a musical performance in Providence, Rhode Island, which was held in January by the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA). “I don’t think that would have happened had it not started with the church,” Baker says. “I think it’s really built her confidence in regard to singing and every other aspect [of her life].”

Outside of the church, Carter also exercises her voice in her school chorus and at the Upper Valley Music Center as part of their “Singing for the Stage” program, and this summer, Carter plans to join the Musical Theatre Lab at Northern Stage. She’s also a member of the local Girl Scout troop, and in her spare time, she enjoys playing sports and baking with her grandmother, Deborah Carney.

For Carter, singing for the Sacred Heart Church community has been an opportunity to share her faith and offer her gift of song in worship. “It makes me feel special in a way…It’s not just like normal singing,” she says. “I’m doing it for an important cause.”

A Family-Friendly “Oasis” at the End of 12A

Nestled at the southern end of the Route 12A commercial corridor – past the Best Buy, Walmart, and Applebees, and tucked behind the Home Depot parking lot – comes something of a surprise, if you haven’t been. The destination in question is the Fore-U Golf Center: an all-ages “oasis” that boasts a double-decker driving range, mini-golf course, batting cages, and ice cream – a local business shaped by economics, family ties, and an impressive level of community engagement.

Owned and run by sisters Meredith and Jennifer Johnson, the story of Fore-U began in the 1970s, when their father, Peter, partnered with a local farmer and landowner named Paul Korpela to develop the 12A corridor. The first business to result from their handshake deal was Johnson’s Home Center, which opened in 1972, and was located on the current site of the recently-opened Jersey Mike’s Subs. The partnership would eventually bring a laundry list of businesses to the area: Wendy’s, Walmart, Price Chopper, Home Depot, Golf & Ski Warehouse, BJ’s, and Staples – and, of course, the Fore-U Golf Center.

The mini-golf course

The business has changed over the years, starting as a simple driving range in the ’80s and growing into the well-rounded family fun center of today. In 1988-89, its modest center of operations shifted from a garden shed to the snowboard corner of the Golf & Ski Warehouse. In 1996, they added mini-golf and a short-lived Par 3 course – though the mini-golf course has relocated since then. Meredith and Jennifer had worked there since they were fifteen, but by 1998, Meredith had just gotten out of college, Jennifer was getting out of teaching, and it seemed like a good time to sign on to be owners of the family business. Their first official act? Expanding into ice cream sales with the opening of the aptly-named Ice Cream Fore-U. Later, in the mid-2000s, the Home Depot moved in, and the mini-golf course shifted to where it is today, a pocket of green between the double-decker driving range and the Connecticut River.

But the business was shaped by more than simple economics. “Our parents took up the game of golf in 1980, and our grandfather as well,” Meredith says, “and they just fell in love with the sport.” That love was clearly passed on to the next generation: not only do the sisters now own Fore-U, but their brother Mark is also a golf professional, the COO and general manager of a golf development down in North Carolina. “Family is a huge priority for us,” Meredith says, “and that’s an environment we try to foster here.” It’s a priority that’s clear in everything from the free mini-golf admission for children three and under, to the playground setup next to the ice cream shop, to the simple number of parents and children in evidence at the driving range.

Bringing newcomers – children and adults alike – into the world of golf is the job of Peter Harris, Fore-U’s director of golf. A PGA teaching professional and longtime friend of the Johnson sisters, Peter is “one of the most enthusiastic people you’ll ever meet. He loves the game and loves to share his knowledge,” says Jennifer. He runs clinics for beginners and juniors, offers private and group lessons, and even works with First Tee, a national youth development program that uses golf instruction to build important life skills, “like honesty, sportsmanship, respect, and integrity,” Peter says. He describes his teaching as “a way to connect people outside, as well as introduce them to the game of golf.”

Thea Olsen enjoying some Fore-U ice cream

All three of them are connected to and invested in the community, says Meredith. “Peter lived in Hanover in high school, we grew up in Lebanon, I went to Dartmouth and coached for Lebanon, Jenn taught in Lebanon…we’re all pretty invested.” And that investment shows. The company donates to (and sometimes acts as a stop for) Project Graduation, a substance-free way for high school graduates to celebrate. Last year on the Lebanon Public Libraries website you could find a link to their “Summer Reading Program,” where if you read ten books, (adults, too!), you could get a free coupon for an ice cream, courtesy of Fore-U – and they’re running that program again this year. And if you have a good enough swing at the driving range, you might just hit (and set off) a Hollywood-style “velociraptor” hanging out downrange – a result of a partnership with the Hartford Area Career and Technology Center.

The connection with people is the most important part, says Meredith. “We have a lot of people that come to the ice cream stand that we talk to on a weekly basis, and they share their lives, their ups and downs…I think we’re a really positive place for people to connect.”

“I’ve been here twelve or thirteen years,” adds Peter, “and you get to see them evolve into golfers – young adults, older adults, families – it’s just the connection of people that we’ll see, either people who are here for the first time, or regulars. It’s a welcoming environment, a family environment, and a little oasis.”

And if that oasis comes with over fifty flavors of ice cream, thirty of soft serve, eight flavors of Italian ice, and several non-dairy ice creams as well? “We’re lucky,” says Meredith, “we’re giving them a product that makes 99% of people smile.”