March 2010
Dear Friends,
It's time for another update to our "Inner Circle" of friends! Since email has become more commonplace, and we expect to send out more updates electronically, we'll keep them short and make them easy to read so you can find the information that interests you the most.
Keeping up with the times, we also have: a blog on Valley Buzz, our own Facebook page, tweets on Twitter and -for the most comprehensive information- our website.
We're delighted to offer the initiatives that, we believe, create the most effective solutions to our region's challenges. We promote local farm enterprises and local independent businesses. We foster regional awareness amongst the rising class of leaders, and help people make connections to the land we inhabit. We promote shared commuting habits. And so much more. Read on and see!!
Best wishes for a joyful, productive spring.
from Len Cadwallader, Executive Director
and the staff at Vital Communities
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| Valley Food & Farm |
Do the longer days have you dreaming of springtime? Then join us for the 9th annual Flavors of the Valley for a preview of the growing season as well as a sampling of foods available year round. Come meet farmers, sample tasty tidbits, buy local food and purchase herb, vegetable and flower plant starts. Bring your own plate, utensils, cup, reusable shopping bags, and your checkbook!
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| Valley Quest |
We are happily in the midst of preparations for the 250th anniversary of the "Middle Grant" towns here in the Upper Valley. Working with the Flow of History, we are hosting two teacher/historian workshops to introduce our Colonial Curriculum. The end product will be many new Quests that explore what life was like here in 1761 and before!
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| Local First Alliance |
Our membership drive is in full swing! Your membership helps us meet our objective to make "locally-owned" a primary consideration for residents and visitors deciding where to shop, eat out and obtain services. Your annual membership fees support the education and awareness program. Business members also receive promotional benefits! Join today!
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| Leadership Upper Valley |
Twenty Upper Valley residents got a tour last month of Hypertherm's operations, as well as presentations by economic development leaders in NH and VT towns. These residents are part of the 2009-2010 class of the Leadership Institute. Leadership Upper Valley builds community leadership resources through its nine-month Leadership Institute. To be considered for the 2010-2011 class, fill out our online application by May 31st. For more information contact Lisa Johnson.
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| Upper Valley Transportation Association |
We recently completed the first phase of the Smart Commute project with Mascoma Savings Bank. The goal is to research commuting behavior and develop strategies that help employees carpool, bike, walk, and take public transit to work. We also continue to facilitate public involvement for an intermodal facility (a new park-and-ride and transit facility in its planning stage); the most recent meeting engaged 60 citizens from VT and NH.
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| New Initiatives |
The Municipal Network
Last month, the quarterly meeting of elected and appointed municipal officials met to learn about recent NH legislation pertaining to workforce housing and the creation of affordable housing commissions. This program is co-sponsored by Vital Communities, the UV League of Women Voters, and the 3 regional planning commissions, and is funded by NHCF. The next meeting is May 6th. Contact Len to learn more and enroll.
The Corporate Council
Key decision-makers from the private sector, as well as our financial, academic and health-care institutions, gather every other month to discuss regional issues impacting our economy. Most recently, members have aggregated data on their electric and fossil-fuel consumption to create a baseline against which future changes can be measured. Dependence on fossil fuels leaves our region more vulnerable to pricing spikes.
Municipal Energy Assistance Program (MEAP)
The Municipal Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) is aimed at saving towns money and reducing municipal energy footprints. The NH statewide MEAP project will try to do this through energy inventories, building audits, renovations and energy consumption awareness at the municipal level.
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Upcoming Events |
03.12.10
Leadership Institute
Accepting applications
online for 2010-2011 |
04.20.10
Flavors of the Valley
Hartford High School
2-7pm Admission is $7 per person; free for children age 6 and under. |
04.30.10
VC Open House
White River Jct., VT
104 Railroad Row, 5-7pm Visit our offices, meet our staff, and sample local drinks and snacks!
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04.30.10
VQ Boxes Out Party
Vital Communities
WRJ, VT, 5-7pm
Come replenish your boxes for the new season
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05.01.10
VQ Season Opening
The Fells
Newbury, NH 10a-noon |
05.02.10
VQ Season Opening
Herrick's Cove Festival
Rockingham, VT 10a-4p |
05.6.10
Municipal Network Meeting
For more information contact len |
05.7-8.10
VQ teacher/historian workshop
Windsor, VT
The Upper Valley Turns 250, Connecting People, Places & Primary Sources through History Quests |
05.31.10
Leadership Institute
Application deadline
Applications for 2010-2011 Institute are due. |
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