Valley Quest

Ed. Note: On May 30, Vital Communities honored 12 community leaders who’ve added immeasurably to the vitality of the Upper Valley at its annual Hero [...]

Heroes & Leaders: Creating a Vital Upper Valley

Every spring, Leadership Upper Valley, a program of Vital Communities, hosts the annual Heroes & Leaders Celebration to recognize individuals who [...]

Flavors of the Valley Vendor List

Check out the hottest new vendors and returning favorites! Samples are listed if the vendor has provided sampling information. Vendors will also have [...]

Join our team as a Communications Intern this summer!

Are you looking for a summer internship in the Upper Valley? Do you know someone who is? Vital Communities is looking for an intern to assist our Comm [...]

Have You Seen Our New Logo?

Have You Seen Our New Logo? What do you think?! Vital Communities brings people together to cultivate civic, environmental, and economic vitality [...]

The Housing Shortage Affects All of Us

It is no secret that there is a shortage of homes to buy or rent in the Upper Valley. That shortage affects all of us. Read more in this Valley New [...]

Party Time! Annual Open House & a Concert!

Join us at The Engine Room to celebrate 25 years of Vital Communities making a positive difference in the Upper Valley! Get to know our staff, board, [...]

Think Local First and Save!

Local and independent businesses bring value to our communities in many ways: preserving community character, creating stable jobs, supporting area or [...]

Crossroad Farm is the BOM!

Crossroad Farm is the Local First Alliance November Business of the Month and to celebrate they are raffling off all the fixing for a Thanksgiving fea [...]

Bringing ‘Visions of a Better World’ to Your Community

Join Vital Communities for a community discussion on “Visions of a Better World: Social Movements for Transformation.” We will consider how millio [...]

Upcoming Events

	June 2019
Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat
						1 New Hampshire Commuter Challenge New Hampshire Commuter Challenge Starts: 12:00 am Ends: June 30, 2019 - 11:59 pm Description: Join others from around the state and participate in the CommuteSmart New Hampshire's Pilot Statewide Commuter Challenge during the month of June! Details and registration: http://commutesmartnh.org/june-statewide-challenge/ More details... Trek to Taste Trek to Taste Starts: 10:00 am Ends: June 1, 2019 - 3:00 pm Location: Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park, 54 Elm St, Woodstock, VT 05091, USA Description: The 10th Annual Trek to Taste—a celebration of local food and local trails—will be Saturday, June 1, 2019 from 10 am to 3 pm at Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Park in Woodstock, Vermont. This free event is community co-generated with collaboration by more than 30 area organizations. It takes place on the trails of the National Park and Woodstock's town parks. Vital Communities will host guided Valley Quests and the Upper Valley Farm to School Showcase. Trek to Taste combines healthy activities, farm fresh food, music, the arts, and local history into one fun-filled day! 2019 Highlights Guided walks and Valley Quests Upper Valley Farm to School Showcase Farm fresh food samples along the trails Arts and crafts, trail games, quests and community health exhibits Live music at every hub! Ice Cream Social Learn more: http://www.trektotaste.info/ More details... • •
2 New Hampshire Commuter Challenge New Hampshire Commuter Challenge Starts: 12:00 am Ends: June 30, 2019 - 11:59 pm Description: Join others from around the state and participate in the CommuteSmart New Hampshire's Pilot Statewide Commuter Challenge during the month of June! Details and registration: http://commutesmartnh.org/june-statewide-challenge/ More details... •	3 New Hampshire Commuter Challenge New Hampshire Commuter Challenge Starts: 12:00 am Ends: June 30, 2019 - 11:59 pm Description: Join others from around the state and participate in the CommuteSmart New Hampshire's Pilot Statewide Commuter Challenge during the month of June! Details and registration: http://commutesmartnh.org/june-statewide-challenge/ More details... •	4 New Hampshire Commuter Challenge New Hampshire Commuter Challenge Starts: 12:00 am Ends: June 30, 2019 - 11:59 pm Description: Join others from around the state and participate in the CommuteSmart New Hampshire's Pilot Statewide Commuter Challenge during the month of June! Details and registration: http://commutesmartnh.org/june-statewide-challenge/ More details... •	5 New Hampshire Commuter Challenge New Hampshire Commuter Challenge Starts: 12:00 am Ends: June 30, 2019 - 11:59 pm Description: Join others from around the state and participate in the CommuteSmart New Hampshire's Pilot Statewide Commuter Challenge during the month of June! Details and registration: http://commutesmartnh.org/june-statewide-challenge/ More details... •	6 New Hampshire Commuter Challenge New Hampshire Commuter Challenge Starts: 12:00 am Ends: June 30, 2019 - 11:59 pm Description: Join others from around the state and participate in the CommuteSmart New Hampshire's Pilot Statewide Commuter Challenge during the month of June! Details and registration: http://commutesmartnh.org/june-statewide-challenge/ More details... •	7 New Hampshire Commuter Challenge New Hampshire Commuter Challenge Starts: 12:00 am Ends: June 30, 2019 - 11:59 pm Description: Join others from around the state and participate in the CommuteSmart New Hampshire's Pilot Statewide Commuter Challenge during the month of June! Details and registration: http://commutesmartnh.org/june-statewide-challenge/ More details... •	8 New Hampshire Commuter Challenge New Hampshire Commuter Challenge Starts: 12:00 am Ends: June 30, 2019 - 11:59 pm Description: Join others from around the state and participate in the CommuteSmart New Hampshire's Pilot Statewide Commuter Challenge during the month of June! Details and registration: http://commutesmartnh.org/june-statewide-challenge/ More details... •
9 New Hampshire Commuter Challenge New Hampshire Commuter Challenge Starts: 12:00 am Ends: June 30, 2019 - 11:59 pm Description: Join others from around the state and participate in the CommuteSmart New Hampshire's Pilot Statewide Commuter Challenge during the month of June! Details and registration: http://commutesmartnh.org/june-statewide-challenge/ More details... •	10 New Hampshire Commuter Challenge New Hampshire Commuter Challenge Starts: 12:00 am Ends: June 30, 2019 - 11:59 pm Description: Join others from around the state and participate in the CommuteSmart New Hampshire's Pilot Statewide Commuter Challenge during the month of June! Details and registration: http://commutesmartnh.org/june-statewide-challenge/ More details... •	11 New Hampshire Commuter Challenge New Hampshire Commuter Challenge Starts: 12:00 am Ends: June 30, 2019 - 11:59 pm Description: Join others from around the state and participate in the CommuteSmart New Hampshire's Pilot Statewide Commuter Challenge during the month of June! Details and registration: http://commutesmartnh.org/june-statewide-challenge/ More details... UV Farmers Market Collaborative Gathering UV Farmers Market Collaborative Gathering Starts: 3:30 pm Ends: June 11, 2019 - 5:00 pm Location: Upper Valley Food Co-Op, 193 N Main St, White River Junction, VT 05001, USA Description: This meeting is not open to the public. More details... • •	12 New Hampshire Commuter Challenge New Hampshire Commuter Challenge Starts: 12:00 am Ends: June 30, 2019 - 11:59 pm Description: Join others from around the state and participate in the CommuteSmart New Hampshire's Pilot Statewide Commuter Challenge during the month of June! Details and registration: http://commutesmartnh.org/june-statewide-challenge/ More details... Leadership Upper Valley - Graduation Day Leadership Upper Valley - Graduation Day Starts: 8:00 am Ends: June 12, 2019 - 3:00 pm Location: Cobb Hill Cohousing, 17 Linden Rd, Hartland, VT Description: This is a Vital Communities Leadership Upper Valley Class of 2019 event. If you'd like to apply for next year's LUV Class, please contact Rob Schultz at rob@vitalcommunities.org. LUV alumni are welcome at current year classes with advanced notice. Please contact Rob for details. More details... 5th Annual Hartford Block Party 5th Annual Hartford Block Party Starts: 5:00 pm Ends: June 12, 2019 - 8:00 pm Location: Lyman Point Park, 167 Maple St, White River Junction, VT 05001, USA More details... • • •	13 New Hampshire Commuter Challenge New Hampshire Commuter Challenge Starts: 12:00 am Ends: June 30, 2019 - 11:59 pm Description: Join others from around the state and participate in the CommuteSmart New Hampshire's Pilot Statewide Commuter Challenge during the month of June! Details and registration: http://commutesmartnh.org/june-statewide-challenge/ More details... Monthly (13th) No Plastics Day Monthly (13th) No Plastics Day Starts: 12:00 am Ends: June 13, 2019 - 11:59 pm More details... • •	14 New Hampshire Commuter Challenge New Hampshire Commuter Challenge Starts: 12:00 am Ends: June 30, 2019 - 11:59 pm Description: Join others from around the state and participate in the CommuteSmart New Hampshire's Pilot Statewide Commuter Challenge during the month of June! Details and registration: http://commutesmartnh.org/june-statewide-challenge/ More details... •	15 New Hampshire Commuter Challenge New Hampshire Commuter Challenge Starts: 12:00 am Ends: June 30, 2019 - 11:59 pm Description: Join others from around the state and participate in the CommuteSmart New Hampshire's Pilot Statewide Commuter Challenge during the month of June! Details and registration: http://commutesmartnh.org/june-statewide-challenge/ More details... •
16 New Hampshire Commuter Challenge New Hampshire Commuter Challenge Starts: 12:00 am Ends: June 30, 2019 - 11:59 pm Description: Join others from around the state and participate in the CommuteSmart New Hampshire's Pilot Statewide Commuter Challenge during the month of June! Details and registration: http://commutesmartnh.org/june-statewide-challenge/ More details... •	17 New Hampshire Commuter Challenge New Hampshire Commuter Challenge Starts: 12:00 am Ends: June 30, 2019 - 11:59 pm Description: Join others from around the state and participate in the CommuteSmart New Hampshire's Pilot Statewide Commuter Challenge during the month of June! Details and registration: http://commutesmartnh.org/june-statewide-challenge/ More details... CRAFT - Root 5 Farm CRAFT - Root 5 Farm Starts: 5:00 pm Ends: June 17, 2019 - 7:00 pm Description: This event is open to CRAFT farm staff and new and aspiring farmers. Contact nancy@vitalcommunities.org, 802-291-9100 x106 for more info More details... • •	18 New Hampshire Commuter Challenge New Hampshire Commuter Challenge Starts: 12:00 am Ends: June 30, 2019 - 11:59 pm Description: Join others from around the state and participate in the CommuteSmart New Hampshire's Pilot Statewide Commuter Challenge during the month of June! Details and registration: http://commutesmartnh.org/june-statewide-challenge/ More details... •	19 New Hampshire Commuter Challenge New Hampshire Commuter Challenge Starts: 12:00 am Ends: June 30, 2019 - 11:59 pm Description: Join others from around the state and participate in the CommuteSmart New Hampshire's Pilot Statewide Commuter Challenge during the month of June! Details and registration: http://commutesmartnh.org/june-statewide-challenge/ More details... •	20 New Hampshire Commuter Challenge New Hampshire Commuter Challenge Starts: 12:00 am Ends: June 30, 2019 - 11:59 pm Description: Join others from around the state and participate in the CommuteSmart New Hampshire's Pilot Statewide Commuter Challenge during the month of June! Details and registration: http://commutesmartnh.org/june-statewide-challenge/ More details... New Futures Policy Advocacy Training New Futures Policy Advocacy Training Starts: 9:00 am Ends: June 20, 2019 - 11:00 am Location: Coop Food Store, 12 Centerra Pkwy, Lebanon, NH 03766, USA Description: Learn how to make change in the Granite State! This training will cover topics specific to advocacy in New Hampshire: how a bill becomes a law, best practices for engaging with legislators, and practical advocacy skills. Details: https://nhfoodalliance.com/content/trainings Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/advocacy-on-the-road-upper-valley-tickets-61301496426 More details... Energy Efficiency Workshop Energy Efficiency Workshop Starts: 6:00 pm Ends: June 20, 2019 - 7:00 pm Location: Claremont MakerSpace, 46 Main St, Claremont, NH Description: Join Sarah Brock of Vital Communities to learn about the programs, organizations and benefits that can help you reduce your energy usage, weatherize your home and save you money. Join the conversation and have your questions answered. This event is free, but registration is required. Click here to register online More details... • • •	21 New Hampshire Commuter Challenge New Hampshire Commuter Challenge Starts: 12:00 am Ends: June 30, 2019 - 11:59 pm Description: Join others from around the state and participate in the CommuteSmart New Hampshire's Pilot Statewide Commuter Challenge during the month of June! Details and registration: http://commutesmartnh.org/june-statewide-challenge/ More details... •	22 New Hampshire Commuter Challenge New Hampshire Commuter Challenge Starts: 12:00 am Ends: June 30, 2019 - 11:59 pm Description: Join others from around the state and participate in the CommuteSmart New Hampshire's Pilot Statewide Commuter Challenge during the month of June! Details and registration: http://commutesmartnh.org/june-statewide-challenge/ More details... •
23 New Hampshire Commuter Challenge New Hampshire Commuter Challenge Starts: 12:00 am Ends: June 30, 2019 - 11:59 pm Description: Join others from around the state and participate in the CommuteSmart New Hampshire's Pilot Statewide Commuter Challenge during the month of June! Details and registration: http://commutesmartnh.org/june-statewide-challenge/ More details... •	24 New Hampshire Commuter Challenge New Hampshire Commuter Challenge Starts: 12:00 am Ends: June 30, 2019 - 11:59 pm Description: Join others from around the state and participate in the CommuteSmart New Hampshire's Pilot Statewide Commuter Challenge during the month of June! Details and registration: http://commutesmartnh.org/june-statewide-challenge/ More details... •	25 New Hampshire Commuter Challenge New Hampshire Commuter Challenge Starts: 12:00 am Ends: June 30, 2019 - 11:59 pm Description: Join others from around the state and participate in the CommuteSmart New Hampshire's Pilot Statewide Commuter Challenge during the month of June! Details and registration: http://commutesmartnh.org/june-statewide-challenge/ More details... •	26 New Hampshire Commuter Challenge New Hampshire Commuter Challenge Starts: 12:00 am Ends: June 30, 2019 - 11:59 pm Description: Join others from around the state and participate in the CommuteSmart New Hampshire's Pilot Statewide Commuter Challenge during the month of June! Details and registration: http://commutesmartnh.org/june-statewide-challenge/ More details... Power of Produce Club at Hanover Farmers' Market Power of Produce Club at Hanover Farmers' Market Starts: 3:00 pm Ends: June 26, 2019 - 6:00 pm Description: Power of Produce Clubs are fun, free, and filled with fresh local food! All kids ages 5-12 are welcome to participate. Just sign in, join the day's fun market activity, and get $3 in POP Bucks to spend on fresh, local produce! GET THE DETAILS: https://vitalcommunities.org/valleyfoodfarm/powerofproduce/ More details... • •	27 New Hampshire Commuter Challenge New Hampshire Commuter Challenge Starts: 12:00 am Ends: June 30, 2019 - 11:59 pm Description: Join others from around the state and participate in the CommuteSmart New Hampshire's Pilot Statewide Commuter Challenge during the month of June! Details and registration: http://commutesmartnh.org/june-statewide-challenge/ More details... UVTMA Monthly Meeting UVTMA Monthly Meeting Starts: 4:00 pm Ends: June 27, 2019 - 5:30 pm Location: Lebanon City Hall, North Park Street, Lebanon, NH (unless otherwise noted) Description: We meet in the West Meeting Room, by the City Council Chambers. We typically NO NOT meet in August and December. More details... Power of Produce Club at Lebanon and Royalton Farmers' Market Power of Produce Club at Lebanon and Royalton Farmers' Market Starts: 4:00 pm Ends: June 27, 2019 - 7:00 pm Description: Power of Produce Clubs are fun, free, and filled with fresh local food! All kids ages 5-12 are welcome to participate. Just sign in, join the day's fun market activity, and get $3 in POP Bucks to spend on fresh, local produce! GET THE DETAILS: https://vitalcommunities.org/valleyfoodfarm/powerofproduce/ Lebanon 4-7 pm Royalton 3-6 pm More details... • • •	28 New Hampshire Commuter Challenge New Hampshire Commuter Challenge Starts: 12:00 am Ends: June 30, 2019 - 11:59 pm Description: Join others from around the state and participate in the CommuteSmart New Hampshire's Pilot Statewide Commuter Challenge during the month of June! Details and registration: http://commutesmartnh.org/june-statewide-challenge/ More details... Power of Produce Club at the Chelsea, Hartland, Newport, and Greater Falls Farmers' Markets Power of Produce Club at the Chelsea, Hartland, Newport, and Greater Falls Farmers' Markets Starts: 3:00 pm Ends: June 28, 2019 - 7:00 pm Description: Power of Produce Clubs are fun, free, and filled with fresh local food! All kids ages 5-12 are welcome to participate. Just sign in, join the day's fun market activity, and get $3 in POP Bucks to spend on fresh, local produce! GET THE DETAILS: https://vitalcommunities.org/valleyfoodfarm/powerofproduce/ Chelsea 3-6 pm Greater Falls 3-7 pm Hartland 4-7 pm Newport 3-6 pm More details... • •	29 New Hampshire Commuter Challenge New Hampshire Commuter Challenge Starts: 12:00 am Ends: June 30, 2019 - 11:59 pm Description: Join others from around the state and participate in the CommuteSmart New Hampshire's Pilot Statewide Commuter Challenge during the month of June! Details and registration: http://commutesmartnh.org/june-statewide-challenge/ More details... Power of Produce Club at Claremont, Wilmot, Ascutney, Norwich, and Randolph Farmers Markets Power of Produce Club at Claremont, Wilmot, Ascutney, Norwich, and Randolph Farmers Markets Starts: 9:00 am Ends: June 29, 2019 - 1:00 pm Description: Power of Produce Clubs are fun, free, and filled with fresh local food! All kids ages 5-12 are welcome to participate. Just sign in, join the day's fun market activity, and get $3 in POP Bucks to spend on fresh, local produce! GET THE DETAILS: https://vitalcommunities.org/valleyfoodfarm/powerofproduce/ Ascutney 9 am-1 pm Claremont 9 am-1 pm Norwich 9 am-1 pm Randolph 10 am-2 pm Wilmot 9 am-noon More details... • •
30 New Hampshire Commuter Challenge New Hampshire Commuter Challenge Starts: 12:00 am Ends: June 30, 2019 - 11:59 pm Description: Join others from around the state and participate in the CommuteSmart New Hampshire's Pilot Statewide Commuter Challenge during the month of June! Details and registration: http://commutesmartnh.org/june-statewide-challenge/ More details... Power of Produce Club at the Canaan Farmers & Artisans' Market Power of Produce Club at the Canaan Farmers & Artisans' Market Starts: 10:00 am Ends: June 30, 2019 - 2:00 pm Description: Power of Produce Clubs are fun, free, and filled with fresh local food! All kids ages 5-12 are welcome to participate. Just sign in, join the day's fun market activity, and get $3 in POP Bucks to spend on fresh, local produce! GET THE DETAILS: https://vitalcommunities.org/valleyfoodfarm/powerofproduce/ More details... • •

Go to the Full Calendar

Our
Core
Values

About Us

Vital Communities’ agenda and programs emerge from, and are driven by, regional needs and community interests.

As a neutral convener, Vital Communities brings diverse people and organizations together to devise and implement collaborative solutions.

Vital Communities takes on issues where regional coordination and leadership can achieve results.

Greatest Hits

Farmers’ Markets

Photo Gallery

Program NEWS

New Brownsville VT Quest

I’m happy to announce that we have a new Quest! With the help of Mr. Butler’s 3rd & 4th grade class at the Albert Bridge School, there is a new Quest in Brownsville, VT. The ...more

Stand in Your Circle of Strength and Lead

Ed. Note: On May 30, Vital Communities honored 12 community leaders who’ve added immeasurably to the vitality of the Upper Valley at its annual Heroes & Leaders Celebration. The following are the event’s keynote remarks ...more

West Lebanon Feed & Supply is Committed to Community

A strong work ethic, a passion for helping others, and a sincere love of animals have been at the core of Curt and Sharon Jacques’ life and their business. West Lebanon Feed & Supply's success ...more

Heroes & Leaders: Creating a Vital Upper Valley

Every spring, Leadership Upper Valley, a program of Vital Communities, hosts the annual Heroes & Leaders Celebration to recognize individuals who make significant contributions to the Upper Valley. In 2019, we are pleased to honor ...more

2nd Annual Curb The Car Day - Friday, May 17!

On May 17, 2019 the rest of the country is celebrating National Bike to Work Day, but here in the Upper Valley we’ll be taking it a step further with our second annual Curb The ...more

Keeping Your Dollars Multiplying in the UV!

When you spend money at locally owned businesses, it is pretty easy to understand that those dollars directly impact the local economy as they keep local businesses in business. The local multiplier effect is less ...more

12th Annual Roundtable - May 7

You're Invited! The 12th Annual Upper Valley Energy Committee Roundtable is Tuesday, May 7, 5-8 pm in West Lebanon! This annual gathering of local energy volunteers is open to all, whether you serve on an energy committee, wish to ...more

April Meet-Up Series for Beginning Farmers

We have an exciting project for new farmers in the White River valley portion of our region! The High Meadows Fund is supporting a series of free peer-to-peer gatherings for beginning farmers to build community and learn. ...more

Dazzlingly Reflective, 80's Style

We love pairing style with nighttime visibility, so we've ordered REFLECTIVE SLAP BRACELETS to reward people who bike or walk to Flavors of the Valley on Sunday, April 7! If you bike and walk to the ...more

The Benefit of B Corps

Certified Benefit Corporations are a new kind of business that balances purpose and profit. Society’s most challenging problems cannot be solved by government and nonprofits alone. The B Corp community works toward reduced inequality, lower levels of ...more

Intern with Valley Quest!

Are you passionate about the Upper Valley? Do you feel motivated to share our region’s special places with the community at large? Love working with people of all ages? Vital Communities is looking for a ...more

Eat. Meet. Buy. Flavors of the Valley 2019 Vendors are here!

Check out the hottest new vendors and returning favorites! Samples are listed if the vendor has provided sampling information. Vendors will also have many delicious items for sale! April 7, 11 am - 3 pm at Hartford ...more

Apply for a Farm to School Mini-Grant!

We are excited to announce the 2019 mini-grant program from Vital Communities' Upper Valley Farm to School Network! Funding is available to both Vermont and New Hampshire schools. Start dreaming up your farm-to-school projects—we want ...more

Get your bike, boots, or shoes ready!

Get your bike, boots, or shoes ready! From our friends at Local Motion comes the Winter Edition of Vermont's Bike-Walk Challenge, February 1 to 8! Simply record two bike or walk commutes in the Go! Vermont app ...more

Seeking Bids from Solar Installers by Nov. 30

Vital Communities is teaming up with Kearsarge Climate Action to launch a Solarize Kearsarge campaign in spring 2019, following on the tails of the upcoming Weatherize Kearsarge campaign launching in January 2019. We are seeking proposals ...more

Thank you, Ben!

This summer we had the privilege of working with Ben Fletcher, pictured second from left. Ben brought an incredibly well suited array of skills to Vital Communities and was a boon to the Valley Quest ...more

Lebanon Area Businesses - Join us on Sept. 27

So many small businesses in the Upper Valley are burdened with high energy costs. And not enough time to do anything about it! We've got some good news for you. A group of Lebanon residents are ...more

A Lot Lighter with More Hands: Leadership Upper Valley

On the bright, sunny morning of June 13, Cobb Hill was waking up, and the soon-to-be graduating 2018 Leadership Upper Valley class was just arriving for their final meeting. Before the ceremony at Harpoon Brewery, ...more

Vital Communities Staff

Tom Roberts

Executive Director

Tom Roberts joined Vital Communities as Executive Director in February 2015. A resident of Cobb Hill Cohousing in Hartland, Vermont, Tom has more than a decade of successful leadership experience in Upper Valley nonprofits, including as a Senior Philanthropic Advisor at the Vermont Community Foundation, and prior to that as Executive Director at the Ottauquechee Health Foundation in Woodstock. Before moving to the Upper Valley in 2002, Tom worked as an attorney both in a small litigation and government practice firm, and for the Homeless Advocacy Project with the Bar Association of San Francisco. He has worked in the private, public, and nonprofit sectors on issues of justice, housing, children, and healthcare. He holds a B.A. in English from Stanford University, a law degree from the University of California’s Boalt Hall School of Law, and is a graduate of the Vermont Leadership Institute.

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Sarah Brock

Energy Program Manager

Energy

Sarah Brock joined Vital Communities in 2013 as our Energy Program Manager. Through her work Sarah provides support for our region’s 40+ local energy committees, engaging with dozens of volunteers and clean energy businesses in programs like Solarize Upper Valley, Weatherize Upper Valley, and the Upper Valley Green Real Estate Network. Prior to joining the Vital Communities team, Sarah was an Environmental Philanthropy Associate with the High Meadows Fund, a supporting organization of the Vermont Community Foundation. Sarah now lives in Warner, New Hampshire, with her husband Zach and her chickens. When she's not busy advocating for energy efficiency, Sarah enjoys playing the trombone and taking walks in her backwoods to look for signs of New Hampshire's abundant wildlife.

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Rachel Darrow

Finance Manager

Rachel Darrow joined Vital Communities in November 2016 after two years as Finance Manager of Opera North. Prior to moving to Lyme, N.H., she worked for more than eight years with the Greensboro Jewish Federation in Greensboro, N.C., most recently serving as Director of Finance and Human Resources. She graduated summa cum laude with a BA in English from the University of Maryland University College and an MA in Liberal Arts from St. John's College. Rachel currently serves on the United Way Campaign Cabinet, dances with The Raqs Salaam Dance Theater, and enjoys spending time with her three goats.

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Bethany Fleishman

Transportation Program Manager

Transportation

Bethany Fleishman was born at the old Mary Hitchcock hospital in Hanover, N.H., grew up in West Hartford, Vt., and now lives in Hartford Village, where she can see the White River and the trains from her window. She has a biology degree from St. Lawrence University and has worked in public health outreach, as a line cook in San Francisco, a pastry chef in Hanover, and as a member of the Town of Hartford Selectboard. She serves on the board of directors for both Advance Transit and Upper Valley CarShare and is a lifelong bike commuter.

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Mike Kiess

Workforce Housing Coordinator

Mike Kiess joined Vital Communities in July of 2018 as the Workforce Housing Coordinator, working to develop and strengthen workforce housing throughout the Upper Valley. Mike previously oversaw organizational development for Veteran Corps of America, a federal contractor in the field of emergency and disaster response. He moved to the Upper Valley in 2011 after years spent living and working across the US and abroad, serving as a Navy submarine officer aboard the USS Lewis and Clark, an administrative director for the United States Peace Corps, and as a project manager in the paper and steel businesses. Mike is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and holds an MBA from Syracuse University’s Whitman School of Management. He lives in Thetford with his wife, who grew up in the area, and enjoys mountain biking, volunteering on the town Energy Committee, and encouraging people to try new things and do their best.

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Nancy LaRowe

Local First Manager and Valley Food & Farm Coordinator

Food & Farm

Nancy joined Vital Communities as the Valley Food & Farm Coordinator in 2014. She works to support and grow our local food system and economy. Nancy has lived, worked, and farmed in the Upper Valley for more than 25 years and believes our community is healthier and stronger when our connections to food and the farms that produce it stay vital.

Nancy's informal job title is Farmer-in-Residence: she also runs a pasture-based cattle farm in Norwich, Vt. Nancy is on the Board of the Norwich Farmers' Market, and a retired Norwich volunteer firefighter and EMT. She loves puttering in the garden, hiking with her dog, and visiting farmers' markets.

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Elyse Payson

Assistant to the Executive Director

Elyse Payson first became acquainted with Vital Communities after mistaking a Valley Quest treasure box for litter while out hiking. She joined the Vital Communities staff in July 2017 as Assistant to the Executive Director, with many years of administrative and management experience at Dartmouth-Hitchcock, MedU, and as a private consultant. A lifelong resident of the Upper Valley, Elyse enjoys hiking with her children, including on Valley Quests.

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Carole Petrillo

Bookkeeper and Office Manager

Carole Petrillo joined Vital Communities in 2013 as Bookkeeper, Office Manager, and Human Resource Manager. She is also a longtime yoga instructor and practitioner. Since arriving in Vermont in the 1980s, Carole has sought work and play where it contributes to services to lead a healthy lifestyle. Working at Vital Communities is a team effort to practice these goals in the workplace and in our community. Carole takes pleasure in contributing to make the office run smoothly and helping to support Vital Communities’ great programs. Carole grew up in Buffalo, N.Y., where she embraced winter – her favorite season. When not working, you can find her enjoying the adventures of skiing endless wooded trails with Jimmy, her partner and best friend. During all the other seasons, look for her on some mountaintop in the White Mountains or the Adirondack Mountains, her favorite playgrounds.

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Allison Rogers Furbish

Communications and Database Manager

Allison Rogers Furbish joined Vital Communities after a decade-long career in local journalism and public relations in the Upper Valley. A native of Lebanon, N.H., she has a BA in Human Ecology from College of the Atlantic, an MBA in Sustainable Business from Green Mountain College, and a passion for telling stories that help make the community more sustainable and vibrant. She was the Founding Editor of The Lebanon Times, a hyperlocal newspaper launched in 2013 to cover the “good people, good places, and good things happening” in the city. She lives in Canaan, N.H., where she enjoys the sights and sounds of nature, explores the local trails and waterways, and is slowly learning to garden with her husband and two children. Outside of work, she loves to bake, eat, read, hike, ride her bike on the Northern Rail Trail (with kids in tow!), and spend time with her family.

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Beth Roy

Valley Food & Farm Manager

Food & Farm

Before joining Vital Communities, Beth Roy worked in the environmental and place-based education fields for 17 years in various positions around New England including at the Vermont Institute of Natural Science and as the Director of Education at the Nature Museum in Grafton, Vt. Beth is also on the boards of the Vermont Science Teacher Association (VSTA) and the Vermont State-Wide Environmental Education Programs (SWEEP), a coalition of dozens of individuals and organizations promoting sustainability and environmental education in Vermont. Beth is a New Hampshire native and lives in Hartland, Vt., with her husband and two children. When Beth is not working you will find her exploring the woods around her home with her family or cooking up a new taste test (made of local foods, of course!) for her children.

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Rob Schultz

Leadership Upper Valley Manager, Director of Development

Leadership UV

Rob Schultz is the Leadership Upper Valley Manager and Director of Development at Vital Communities. Most recently, he served as Area Coordinator for Granite United Way in the Upper Valley Region. Rob was Executive Director of COVER Home Repair in White River Junction for 9 years. Before working at COVER, Rob was Executive Director for the Farm & Wilderness Foundation for 8 years; helped start a corporate training center for PT Timah in Sumatra Indonesia; and ran programs for Outward Bound in Minnesota, Texas, and New Mexico. He is a graduate of Earlham College and has done graduate work at University of Maryland in International Political Economy. He lives in Hanover with his partner Diane. He sings with Thetford Chamber Singers and is an avid carpenter, cellist, wilderness traveler, and gardener.

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Becka Warren

Valley Food & Farm Communications Coordinator

Food & Farm

Part of Vital Communities' Valley Food & Farm team since 2012, Becka fosters relationships that keep agriculture a daily part of community life in the Upper Valley. She works with current and future farmers, businesses, schools, and partners across Vermont and New Hampshire to build connections that support farm viability and keep our landscapes working. Becka lived in Seattle for many years, where she worked for the Washington State University Small Farms Program, Cascade Harvest Coalition, Seattle Tilth, and area vegetable farms. Becka is also a writer, founding and writing Ask Umbra at gristmagazine.com until 2009. She holds a BA from Brown University and lives in Hartland, Vermont, with her family.

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