VITAL COMMUNITIES
Valley Quest
Discover the special places in our region.
Leadership UV
Inspiring, educating, and engaging leaders.
Local First
Pursuing a thriving local economy.
Transportation
Working to reduce reliance on driving alone.
Food & Farm
Keeping agriculture a vital part of UV life.
Energy
Moving towards energy independence.
What's Happening
Weatherize Webinar, August 17
Weatherize Webinar with NHSaves
Monday, August 17 at Noon
Did Covid-19 stop your 2020 weatherization plans in their tracks? NOW is the right time [...]
Fresh Food Sources: An Update
For an increasing number of families, the cost of putting food on the table is becoming more and more of a burden. If you or someone you know coul [...]
Theater + Pandemic: Four Upper Valley Theaters’ Stories
Remember when performances looked like this? (That's Opera North performing at Blow-Me-Down Farm in summer 2019.) Needless to say, times have chan [...]
Rebate Increases for Home Weatherization
Newly Increased Rebates for Home Weatherization
Now's the best time to think about weatherizing your home as both New Hampshire and Vermont state w [...]
Making Solar Energy Accessible for All
Making Solar Energy Accessible for All
The best-kept secret about solar energy is how affordable it can be. Thanks to changes in the market and techn [...]
New Help for Renters and Landlords
To help landlords and tenants facing pandemic-related financial problems, refer to this resource sheet created by Upper Valley Strong, a coalitio [...]
Pick Your Own is OPEN ♥
Yes...Local as Usual, Safer than Ever.
Pick Your Own strawberry farms opened this past weekend. Get out there and pick the delish! There is not [...]
Pivot, Perseverance & Passion: Business Recovery Forums
Many small businesses are overwhelmed with navigating the new normal while implementing rigid safety and sanitation protocols. Staying afloat during t [...]
TLC for Upper Valley Institutions
What's it like to navigate the pandemic when you're the one signing the checks? Three Upper Valley bosses and business owners tell their tale, and why [...]
Collaboration Along Route 11
Claremont in its 19th-century heyday. Courtesy of the Claremont Historical Society.
As part of an effort to better engage the southern portion of [...]
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.
Photo Gallery
Program NEWS
Weatherize Webinar, August 17
Weatherize Webinar with NHSaves Monday, August 17 at Noon Did Covid-19 stop your 2020 weatherization plans in their tracks? NOW is the right time to jump back on the weatherize band wagon. Lower energy bills and cozy ...more
Bike & Walk Funding Available in Vermont!
Are you a Vermonter who would like to see better bike and pedestrian infrastructure in your town? Funding for this is available through the VTrans Bicycle and Pedestrian Program to local governments, transit agencies, school ...more
Get Ready for the Upper Valley E-Bike Library!
Do you wish biking was part of your life? E-bikes can greatly increase that possibility. E-bikes (electric bikes) are like regular bikes but with an electric motor in addition to human-powered pedals, a battery to ...more
Pick Your Own is OPEN ♥
Yes...Local as Usual, Safer than Ever. Pick Your Own strawberry farms opened this past weekend. Get out there and pick the delish! There is nothing like ripe berries. So good. Each berry that comes into season ...more
Lend Your Voice to Local/National Commute Survey
The commutes of many Upper Valley residents have changed significantly due to COVID-19, with many shifting to telecommuting. Now that workplaces are starting to open back up, transportation planners are interested in understanding the potential ...more
Berries: Delicious, versatile and in season now!
The Upper Valley berry season typically ranges from late June to early October. In our short, but fruitful season, we can enjoy raspberries and strawberries (although neither are technically real berries), then move into summer ...more
Welcome 31 New Upper Valley Change-makers
Vital Communities celebrated the graduation of the Leadership Upper Valley Class of 2020 on Wednesday, June 10. This event marked the program’s 14th graduating class, as 31 local leaders completed the 10-month program with a ...more
Quest to Refresh Challenge!
Do you need to press the reset/refresh button? Have you spent too much time behind a screen these days? We have a solution! Take our challenge – Quest to Refresh! Complete five or more Quests ...more
TLC 4WARD Crowdfunding for Businesses
Do you own an Upper Valley business that is suffering due to the effects of the pandemic and could use a little help from your friends? TLC 4WARD Upper Valley is here for you. The Local ...more
A Letter To Our Upper Valley Schools
I hope this note finds you all healthy and adjusting to the routines of remote learning and teaching. I know my family and I are starting to feel a rhythm in our days and finding ourselves to be ...more
Family Project: Write a Quest for your House!
Over these past few weeks I have experienced waves of anxiety and sadness, and at the same time such gratitude. I can’t imagine going through this crisis in any other part of the world. The ...more
Donation Platform for UV Businesses
Do you own an Upper Valley business that is impacted by Covid-19 and could use a little help from your friends? TLC/4WARD is here to help. Vital Communities launched The Local Crowd (TLC) Upper Valley in ...more
Give to the Businesses You Love!
Wendell Berry once said that by choosing to support a local business in your community, you're essentially telling that business owner, "I want you to exist. I acknowledge that you and I are neighbors and ...more
Questing During Stay at Home Orders
Getting outdoors is good for your mental, physical, and spiritual health, especially during this time of added stress due to COVID-19. We are closely following our state government recommendations in Vermont and New Hampshire regarding ...more
Five Inspiring Stories
On March 18, Vital Communities held a webinar featuring five inspiring stories from energy committees across the Upper Valley. Stories included: Electric charging stations in Bethel An Upper Valley eBike lending library Energy saving window ...more
13th Annual Roundtable - September 15
You're Invited! The 13th Annual Upper Valley Energy Committee Roundtable will be held Tuesday, September 15, 5-8 pm in West Lebanon! This annual gathering of local energy volunteers is open to all, whether you serve on an ...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
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