The Vital Communities Transportation Program works with employers, municipalities, school districts, and regional planning commissions to improve transportation options and reduce reliance on driving alone.

Getting Around

The Upper Valley offers great commuting opportunities with transit, carpools, biking, walking, and telecommuting.

Learn More >

Communities

We work with towns, schools, and community organizations to lower residents’ transportation costs.

Learn More >

Workplaces

Smart Commute helps Upper Valley employers lower the costs of commuting to work.

Learn More >

VTEN

The Vermont Transportation Efficiency Network (VTEN) is a group of providers, planners, and advocates who gather to reduce the costs and environmental impacts of our transportation system.

Learn More >

Commuter
Calculator

Toolkit
For Town
Volunteers

Toolkit

In Vermont and New Hampshire, transportation is the largest single source of greenhouse gases.

This toolkit is for community volunteers who would like to locally tackle the climate impacts of our car-centered transportation system.

What's Happening

Love your bike ride, even in cold weather

We (Bethany and Mike from the Transportation team) are still riding our bikes these cold dark days, because it keeps us healthy and relieves anxiety! [...]

One stop shop for VT green transportation news!

Some of our friends in Burlington have put together a super cool online resource called Vermont Goes Green for everything related to green transportat [...]

Fall 2020 Transit Updates!

Just in time for fall and back-to-school, there are some exciting transit updates from both sides of the river! Tri-Valley Transit (formerly Stagec [...]

How to Commute Safely During the Pandemic

Even with the need for physical distancing and many people working from home, transit and carpooling are available for those who need them. Here is so [...]

Safe Routes to School During Pandemic

School reopening is the big topic right now: how to do it safely, effectively, and efficiently. New requirements for health checks, physical distancin [...]

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 Bic [...]

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 [...]

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 s [...]

Raise Money while Working from Home

Work from home and help raise $500 for Vermont Foodbank. Simply record your telecommute trips in your Go! Vermont account every day that you work from [...]

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 [...]

Find Open Local Businesses and Farms. Search the Vital Communities Guide.

Upper Valley Transportation Management Association (UVTMA)

We convene the Upper Valley Transportation Management Association (UVTMA), a membership-based group of workplaces, transportation providers, municipalities, and planners. Dues-paying members are eligible for customized programs and services for their town or workplace.

Join us to help solve the transportation challenges affecting the Upper Valley. E-mail Bethany to learn more about becoming a UVTMA member.

UVTMA Steering Committee

Dartmouth-Hitchcock: Tom Carlson
Norwich: Susan Hardy
Lebanon: Rebecca Owens
Hartford: Matt Osborn
Dartmouth College: Patrick O’Neill
Upper Valley Business Alliance: Jay Simms

Lyme: Daniel Brand
New England Transportation Institute: Matthew Coogan
Hanover Bicycle/Pedestrian Committee: Scot Drysdale
Co-op Food Stores: Allan Reetz

Advance Transit: Van Chesnut
Resource Systems Group: Ben Swanson
At Large: Patricia Higgins
Hypertherm: John Rooney
vBike, Hartland Energy Committee & Upper Valley Sierra Club: Karl Kemnitzer

UVLSRPC: Meghan Butts, Chair
TRORC: Rita Seto
SWCRPC: Jason Rasmussen
Southwestern Community Services: Teri Palmer
Stagecoach: Mike Reiderer
Vital Communities: Bethany Fleishman

Calendar

	January 2021
					1 Vital Communities Holiday Vital Communities Holiday Starts: 12:00 am Ends: January 1, 2021 - 11:59 pm More details... •	2
3	4	5	6	7	8	9
10	11	12 Localvore Passport Webinar Localvore Passport Webinar Starts: 3:00 pm Ends: January 12, 2021 - 3:30 pm Location: (Zoom Line)-Zoom Line 1 Description: The Vermont-based Localvore platform connects conscientious consumers to the local businesses that make economies thrive. This App has been successfully connecting Burlington businesses and farms with new customers since 2012 with more than 500 businesses included in the Passport. Only a few Upper Valley businesses are included on the platform, so learn about how Localvore could be an effective and easy tool to help Upper Valley businesses connect with customers this winter and beyond. It's free for businesses to use and a coordinated outreach effort to get this App launched in the Upper Valley is possible if there is enough interest from businesses. Details about how this works for businesses is below. Come with your questions! Vital Communities is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting 1/12 or 1/13 at 10:00 am.Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86089600458?pwd=cFJSOHNjc005Y1hsMXFwZjZQS2dXQT09 Meeting ID: 860 8960 0458 Passcode: 075334 One tap mobile +13017158592,,86089600458# US (Washington D.C) Here's a summary of how Localvore Passport works for businesses and how they can participate for FREE. Attached is a "Merchant Sales Brochure". There are 3 core components of the platform that help consumers connect with businesses. 1. Our Directory is simple. It's your business listing, a photo, and information to help customers discover and engage with your business. If you don't have a profile set up, email dan@localvore.co and we will curate one to your liking. 2. Creating a Local Offer: Once your Directory profile is set up, you can customize an offer that Localvores can use however often you want them to. And, you can always change the offer or take it down. This google form is a simple way to get started, and then I usually have a brief 15-minute call to make sure all the details are correct and that they understand the redemption process and other expectations. Localvore Business Intake Form. 3. News Feed: Once your Directory profile is set up all you have to do is include #localvore in your Instagram posts, and those will show up on Localvore too! More details... •	13 Localvore Passport Webinar Localvore Passport Webinar Starts: 3:00 pm Ends: January 13, 2021 - 3:30 pm Location: (Zoom Line)-Zoom Line 1 Description: The Vermont-based Localvore platform connects conscientious consumers to the local businesses that make economies thrive. This App has been successfully connecting Burlington businesses and farms with new customers since 2012 with more than 500 businesses included in the Passport. Only a few Upper Valley businesses are included on the platform, so learn about how Localvore could be an effective and easy tool to help Upper Valley businesses connect with customers this winter and beyond. It's free for businesses to use and a coordinated outreach effort to get this App launched in the Upper Valley is possible if there is enough interest from businesses. Details about how this works for businesses is below. Come with your questions! Vital Communities is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting 1/12 or 1/13 at 10:00 am.Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86089600458?pwd=cFJSOHNjc005Y1hsMXFwZjZQS2dXQT09 Meeting ID: 860 8960 0458 Passcode: 075334 One tap mobile +13017158592,,86089600458# US (Washington D.C) Here's a summary of how Localvore Passport works for businesses and how they can participate for FREE. Attached is a "Merchant Sales Brochure". There are 3 core components of the platform that help consumers connect with businesses. 1. Our Directory is simple. It's your business listing, a photo, and information to help customers discover and engage with your business. If you don't have a profile set up, email dan@localvore.co and we will curate one to your liking. 2. Creating a Local Offer: Once your Directory profile is set up, you can customize an offer that Localvores can use however often you want them to. And, you can always change the offer or take it down. This google form is a simple way to get started, and then I usually have a brief 15-minute call to make sure all the details are correct and that they understand the redemption process and other expectations. Localvore Business Intake Form. 3. News Feed: Once your Directory profile is set up all you have to do is include #localvore in your Instagram posts, and those will show up on Localvore too! More details... Leadership Upper Valley Session Leadership Upper Valley Session Starts: 12:00 am Ends: January 13, 2021 - 11:59 pm More details... • •	14	15	16
17	18 Vital Communities Holiday Vital Communities Holiday Starts: 12:00 am Ends: January 18, 2021 - 11:59 pm More details... •	19	20	21	22	23
24	25	26	27	28 UVTMA Monthly Meeting - REMOTE UVTMA Monthly Meeting - REMOTE Starts: 9:00 pm Ends: January 28, 2021 - 10:30 pm Location: By video conference Description: This is the meeting of the Upper Valley Transportation Management Association. For spring 2020 and until further notice, meetings will be held remotely. More details... •	29	30
31

Vital Communities News

"Put Your Money Where Your Life Is": Reclaiming Our Local Economy

"Put Your Money Where Your Life Is": Reclaiming Our Local Economy Event series focuses on local investment as a tool for rebuilding our region's economy "When the pandemic recedes, we all will be called upon to take extraordinary ...more

Neighbors Helping Neighbors Save Energy

This week marks the close of Vital Communities and volunteers’ 2020 Vermont Energy Savings project in seven towns in the Vermont side of the Upper Valley. Vital Communities partnered with Sustainable Woodstock (serving Woodstock, Hartland, ...more

Farm Viability a Priority for NH Nonprofits

Farm Viability a Priority for NH Nonprofits Farm and Food Businesses Eligible for Team of Coaches Tailored to Their Needs Organizations from around New Hampshire are partnering to offer teams of coaches to New Hampshire farms and ...more

Valley Quest Volunteer Monitors Needed

Do you enjoy being outdoors? Do you enjoy bringing others outdoors and making their experience something special? Then you are a good candidate for monitoring one or more of our 160+ Valley Quests throughout the Upper ...more

Localvore Passport Webinar

Learn how Localvore Passport can help your business connect with customers at an informational webinar, Tuesday, January 12 or Wednesday, January 13! (Attend either event. The same information will be presented twice; Zoom link below). Vermont-based Localvore is ...more

Upper Valley Everyone Eats: The Common Good; Not-So-Common Meals

With the close of 2020 came a pause for Upper Valley Everyone Eats (UVEE), the local hub of Vermont’s coronavirus relief program, Vermont Everyone Eats (VEE), which pays Vermont restaurants $10/meal to prepare free meals ...more

2020 Volunteers of the Year: The Upper Valley’s Mutual Aid Groups

When the COVID-19 pandemic arrived in the Upper Valley, it brought an ever-lengthening list of questions and concerns. Would supplies of food and other essentials hold out? Where would those suddenly without income get help? ...more

Calling for Civil, Inclusive Communication & Interaction: Thoughts on January 6

As an organization that brings people together, bridging boundaries and engaging our whole community to create positive change, we were shocked and saddened by the images that came to us from Washington, DC, on Wednesday. ...more

That's Snow Excuse!

Don't be deterred by wet, cold or snow. Good times can be had when a-questing you go! Be sure to search our website Valley Quest page selecting for Season and Year Round to see what ...more

Have an Idea That Could Use a Lift?

New Hampshire Businesses, Farmers, Entrepreneurs, Nonprofits, Community Initiatives: Do you have an incredible project just waiting to happen? Want to grow your organization, our community, and the local economy, but don’t have access to capital? The Local Crowd ...more

Quest to Refresh Winners!

Congratulations to all the our participants in our Quest to Refresh Challenge! 28 teams took us up on the Challenge to get out and explore our Quests to beat the pandemic blues. Malcolm and Joseph Marchesi ...more

Why Bank Locally?

Where You Bank Makes a Difference! When you use a bank or credit union rooted in our community, you're making a conscious choice to support our local economy. Local First Champion member Mascoma Bank is a ...more

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

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

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

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

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

Read our blog

Want more information?

Ana Mejia

Climate Projects Coordinator

Transportation, Energy

802-291-9100 x114

email
phone phone

Transportation, Energy

— Ana Mejia, Climate Projects Coordinator

Ana Mejia is the Climate Projects Coordinator at Vital Communities. She is a Southern California native and first arrived to the Upper Valley in 2018. Ana received her Bachelor’s degree in Geology from Bryn Mawr College in Pennsylvania and her Master’s in Environmental Sciences and Policy from Central European University in Budapest, Hungary, where she wrote her thesis on solar home affordability and energy efficiency programs for low income families. When she is not actively working towards creating sustainable communities, Ana enjoys swimming, cross-country skiing, birding, and trying out new dessert recipes with her KitchenAid mixer.

Bethany Fleishman

Transportation Program Manager

Transportation

802-291-9100 x111

email
phone phone

Transportation

— Bethany Fleishman, Transportation Program Manager

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.

	January 2021
Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat
					1 Vital Communities Holiday Vital Communities Holiday Starts: 12:00 am Ends: January 1, 2021 - 11:59 pm More details... •	2
3	4	5	6	7	8	9
10	11	12 Localvore Passport Webinar Localvore Passport Webinar Starts: 3:00 pm Ends: January 12, 2021 - 3:30 pm Location: (Zoom Line)-Zoom Line 1 Description: The Vermont-based Localvore platform connects conscientious consumers to the local businesses that make economies thrive. This App has been successfully connecting Burlington businesses and farms with new customers since 2012 with more than 500 businesses included in the Passport. Only a few Upper Valley businesses are included on the platform, so learn about how Localvore could be an effective and easy tool to help Upper Valley businesses connect with customers this winter and beyond. It's free for businesses to use and a coordinated outreach effort to get this App launched in the Upper Valley is possible if there is enough interest from businesses. Details about how this works for businesses is below. Come with your questions! Vital Communities is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting 1/12 or 1/13 at 10:00 am.Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86089600458?pwd=cFJSOHNjc005Y1hsMXFwZjZQS2dXQT09 Meeting ID: 860 8960 0458 Passcode: 075334 One tap mobile +13017158592,,86089600458# US (Washington D.C) Here's a summary of how Localvore Passport works for businesses and how they can participate for FREE. Attached is a "Merchant Sales Brochure". There are 3 core components of the platform that help consumers connect with businesses. 1. Our Directory is simple. It's your business listing, a photo, and information to help customers discover and engage with your business. If you don't have a profile set up, email dan@localvore.co and we will curate one to your liking. 2. Creating a Local Offer: Once your Directory profile is set up, you can customize an offer that Localvores can use however often you want them to. And, you can always change the offer or take it down. This google form is a simple way to get started, and then I usually have a brief 15-minute call to make sure all the details are correct and that they understand the redemption process and other expectations. Localvore Business Intake Form. 3. News Feed: Once your Directory profile is set up all you have to do is include #localvore in your Instagram posts, and those will show up on Localvore too! More details... •	13 Localvore Passport Webinar Localvore Passport Webinar Starts: 3:00 pm Ends: January 13, 2021 - 3:30 pm Location: (Zoom Line)-Zoom Line 1 Description: The Vermont-based Localvore platform connects conscientious consumers to the local businesses that make economies thrive. This App has been successfully connecting Burlington businesses and farms with new customers since 2012 with more than 500 businesses included in the Passport. Only a few Upper Valley businesses are included on the platform, so learn about how Localvore could be an effective and easy tool to help Upper Valley businesses connect with customers this winter and beyond. It's free for businesses to use and a coordinated outreach effort to get this App launched in the Upper Valley is possible if there is enough interest from businesses. Details about how this works for businesses is below. Come with your questions! Vital Communities is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting 1/12 or 1/13 at 10:00 am.Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86089600458?pwd=cFJSOHNjc005Y1hsMXFwZjZQS2dXQT09 Meeting ID: 860 8960 0458 Passcode: 075334 One tap mobile +13017158592,,86089600458# US (Washington D.C) Here's a summary of how Localvore Passport works for businesses and how they can participate for FREE. Attached is a "Merchant Sales Brochure". There are 3 core components of the platform that help consumers connect with businesses. 1. Our Directory is simple. It's your business listing, a photo, and information to help customers discover and engage with your business. If you don't have a profile set up, email dan@localvore.co and we will curate one to your liking. 2. Creating a Local Offer: Once your Directory profile is set up, you can customize an offer that Localvores can use however often you want them to. And, you can always change the offer or take it down. This google form is a simple way to get started, and then I usually have a brief 15-minute call to make sure all the details are correct and that they understand the redemption process and other expectations. Localvore Business Intake Form. 3. News Feed: Once your Directory profile is set up all you have to do is include #localvore in your Instagram posts, and those will show up on Localvore too! More details... Leadership Upper Valley Session Leadership Upper Valley Session Starts: 12:00 am Ends: January 13, 2021 - 11:59 pm More details... • •	14	15	16
17	18 Vital Communities Holiday Vital Communities Holiday Starts: 12:00 am Ends: January 18, 2021 - 11:59 pm More details... •	19	20	21	22	23
24	25	26	27	28 UVTMA Monthly Meeting - REMOTE UVTMA Monthly Meeting - REMOTE Starts: 9:00 pm Ends: January 28, 2021 - 10:30 pm Location: By video conference Description: This is the meeting of the Upper Valley Transportation Management Association. For spring 2020 and until further notice, meetings will be held remotely. More details... •	29	30
31

The Vital Communities Transportation Program works with employers, municipalities, school districts, and regional planning commissions to improve transportation options and reduce reliance on driving alone.

Commuter Calculator

In Vermont and New Hampshire, transportation is the largest single source of greenhouse gases.

This toolkit is for community volunteers who would like to locally tackle the climate impacts of our car-centered transportation system.

What's Happening

Find Open Local Businesses and Farms. Search the Vital Communities Guide.

Upper Valley Transportation Management Association (UVTMA)

UVTMA Steering Committee

UVTMA Members

Greatest Hits

Calendar

January 2021

Photo Gallery

Vital Communities News

Want more information?

Ana Mejia

Transportation, Energy

— Ana Mejia, Climate Projects Coordinator

Bethany Fleishman

Transportation

— Bethany Fleishman, Transportation Program Manager

Commuter
Calculator