Work from Home

Telecommuting / telework, that is, working from home, is a good option for many people. It saves money, time, and fuel, and of course is the new daily reality for many during the coronavirus pandemic.

Video Meetings & Conferences:
How To

Commuter
Calculator

Get Around the Upper Valley

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 [...]

Y’all Curbed the Car!

On Friday, May 18, the Upper Valley celebrated its newest holiday: Curb the Car Day. Riffing off National Bike to Work Day, Curb the Car Day embra [...]

Need Transportation in the Upper Valley?

This fall, Vital Communities' Transportation Program collaborated with Go! Vermont to develop a one-page guide to transportation in the Upper Valley, [...]

Survey Says: Parking and Transportation in White River Junction Are…

Thank you to the more than 500 downtown White River Junction residents, employees, business owners, and visitors who took our survey about parkin [...]

Start a Vanpool in Woodstock!

Looking for a better way to get to work? If you have at least 5 people who share a similar commute and schedule, you can create a vanpool! Va [...]

Carpooling to White River Junction

Terri and Brenda from Mascoma Savings Bank have been carpooling for the last 3 years – motivated by the ever increasing gas prices and a 50+ mile ro [...]

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 Program 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

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

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

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

Read our blog

Want more information?

Staff

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

Work from Home

Telecommuting / telework, that is, working from home, is a good option for many people. It saves money, time, and fuel, and of course is the new daily reality for many during the coronavirus pandemic.

Commuter Calculator

Get Around the Upper Valley

Calendar

January 2021

Vital Communities Program News

Want more information?

Greatest Hits

Photo Gallery

Staff

Ana Mejia

Transportation, Energy

— Ana Mejia, Climate Projects Coordinator

Bethany Fleishman

Transportation

— Bethany Fleishman, Transportation Program Manager

Commuter
Calculator