The New York Times has been given credit for using the following motto: “All the news that’s fit to print.” That definitive statement served as a source of pride for that publication in its masthead since the 1800s.

Today, the quotation has come into question as mainstream media often appears to have changed its mission and now reports and emphasizes sensationalist or ‘bad’ news, both in print and over the airwaves. Just what is fit to print these days? A lot of heated rhetoric surrounds this question.

I know how to find the answer to this question. Take a few minutes out of your day and sit down with longtime publisher, Jen MacMillen, and have a chat. She may have to clear out a space for you to sit in her busy office, and you may have to wait for her to finish her daily multi-tasking duties, but you will come away convinced that there is good news out there. Trust me on this! If there is local news out there with a positive slant that emphasizes the good in people and communities, Jen will find it and bring it right to your doorstep – at no cost!

Jen MacMillen, founding publisher of Greater
Good Media,is optimistic about the future of our
world, and plans to be the bearer of good news
far and wide.

This talented and dedicated lady began her good-news-only publishing businesses when she started an employee newsletter for Gannett Outdoor billboard advertising company back in 1988. Today, the former Norwich resident publishes the Norwich Times, the Quechee Times, the Lebanon Times, and the ironically named Northeast Journal of St. Petersburg, Florida. The New England papers are published quarterly and are mailed directly to every resident in the communities they serve at no cost whatsoever to the readers. Local businesses, civic and non-profit organizations fund the publications through paid advertising space and content sponsorships.

As a longtime journalist/photographer, I was attracted to her work like a moth to a bright light. I quickly offered my editorial services, which she happily accepted. That was in 2013, right after the first issue of the Lebanon Times published. From then on, I have joined the crusade to emphasize the good-news-only concept. For me, being engaged with people in the community and reporting on the good things that happen here is the most rewarding contribution of my career.

Although it’s been an idea percolating for about 12 years, Jen is now ready to expand her mission and extend the concept to other communities across the country… to literally spread good news! As her dream comes true, everyone can share her passion and love of all things positive. Don’t take my word for it. Let me allow Jen to explain the details herself. (After all, she is the publisher!)

DN: What prompted the change of your business from Village Green Publishing to Greater Good Media? Have you revised your mission statement?

JM: I actually love the name Village Green Publishing. It evokes a wonderful image of a central community gathering place where citizens can engage in typical community building activities. New Englanders are familiar with this image and the positive feelings associated with it. However, I’m ready to expand and need a name and image that is more universal and captures what my true mission is.

Now that my daughters are essentially on their own (one in college and one recently graduated from college), I am ready to put into motion the idea I’ve had to help others spread good news in their own communities. One day while driving, the name Greater Good Media popped into my mind. That was it! I knew it was exactly the right fit for my bigger vision in that it perfectly describes what my mission is and is broad enough to include all forms of media. Don’t get me wrong, I love print and believe strongly that everyone still values a beautifully crafted, tangible piece. It’s like getting a present in the mail vs. an online gift card! As a business owner, I know I must keep pace with the times and see the tremendous value of other, more immediate, forms of media as an opportunity to spread farther and faster the good news themes that abound in my printed community journals.

The Norwich Green.

DN: Going forward, what would be a ‘blue-sky scenario’ for your publications?

JM: I keep going back and forth between wanting to launch papers myself in communities I believe will receive them best, to serving as a consultant of sorts to others who want to ‘be the bearer of good news’ in their community. I love both ideas for different reasons. I like the idea of Greater Good Media acting as a central headquarters from which the model I’ve created can be used efficiently elsewhere. At the same time, I believe whole-heartedly that the way we will be able to make real, lasting, positive change around the world (that must happen in short order for a variety of obvious reasons), is to start at the community level. With that said, helping others establish their own good-news-only media, as they see fit, appeals to my core beliefs. Either way, I am excited to play a small role in creating a ripple effect of positive change farther afield.

Greater Good Media publishes the quarterly Norwich Times, Quechee Times, Lebanon Times, and the bi-monthly Northeast Journal of St. Petersburg, Florida.

DN: As you look back on the early days of getting these publications to become a reality, what kind of feedback have you received from the communities involved?

JM: The fact that my papers are still alive and kicking tells me that readers and businesses see the value in reading about the positive, everyday stuff that traditional ‘news’ outlets don’t always focus on. If all we read about is what’s bad in our community, it’s hard to shake that feeling. If, on the other hand, we get a shot of good news or receive public recognition for doing good deeds, we are more likely to take pride and ownership in our community and want to participate. New Englanders aren’t known for being effusive, but I’ve never received anything but positive feedback. My greatest reward happened when an elder woman from Lebanon called to thank me personally for publishing the Lebanon Times. She said she was mostly homebound and that this paper helped her feel connected to the community. My job is done! That one phone call made all of the incredibly hard work it takes to produce these papers absolutely worth it!

DN: As you face the future and look to expand your coverage areas, what do you anticipate will be your biggest challenge?

JM: Myself! As is the case with many small business owners, I get so caught up in the day-to-day details of producing the papers, while making sure the mission remains the guiding force, I don’t find the time to work on my dream. Because I am not trying to be a ‘newspaper,’ I can easily fit into any community without stepping on anyone’s toes. I’m all about collaboration and the principle that there is room for everyone. So, if I can get out of my own way, I’ll make it work and have a blast!

DN: Is there, indeed, ‘good’ news out there in these stressful times?

JM: Thankfully, yes! I have strong opinions about how humans are behaving in today’s world. However, if we really zoom in on our common denominator – that place that lives in all humans – we all want the same things: love, acceptance, and our basic survival needs met. When we operate with that as a guiding principle and incorporate an ‘abundance’ mentality into our everyday actions, then it’s easy to see the good in everything and everyone!

“Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.” ~Albert Einstein

There is no doubt whatsoever that spending time chatting with 84-year old Norwich residents, Dottie S. Dorion, and her 89-year old husband George, will give you an entire new perspective on aging.

Over those 84 years Dottie has gained international fame and worldwide acclaim as a Humanitarian, Athlete, Educator and most lately, renowned Artist. The key element in that last statement is that Dottie is a long way from resting on her laurels. Slowing down to enjoy conventional retirement is not even an option and it never was.

When pressed to choose of those categories to describe herself, Dottie only paused for a moment before answering with a warm smile.

“Humanitarian!” she exclaimed. “I have always wanted to take part in projects that make the world a better place. Always giving back because when you give, you receive in return.”

Running a close second as her choice was that of an amazing athlete that carried right into her 80s. She has traveled all over the world to compete in swimming and triathlon events representing USA Triathlon and the International Triathlon. Dottie also disclosed she was a fierce and talented competitor in tennis, as well. Bear in mind, after her recovery from recent knee replacement, she will continue with her athletic endeavors as soon as possible.

“I have always wanted to be a role model. I really love it when young people come up to me in the gymnasium and state that when they grow up they want to be just like me! I stay in shape and feel better at my age than I ever had. These days I worry a little bit about these new millennials. They have a whole different lifestyle. I feel that often they don’t have time to stay in shape. I believe in listening to your body. If you are having a bad day, simply go do something else!”

As a humanitarian, Dottie has excelled on par with her athletics and then some. Her career choice was nursing and she graduated from Columbia University School of Nursing and earned her Masters in Special Education at Southern Connecticut State with Certification in Teaching at the University of North Florida. It was in the Sunshine State that Dottie made a huge impact.

“Back in 1978 when they started developing the Hospice Program, I really became intrigued with the concept. It was just what I had been looking for – a program that could offer a better way to die. I dove into that concept and ended up helping with establishing the Hospice Program in the State of Florida.”

These days, Dottie is receiving rave reviews from the artistic world for her skill as a photographer and painter. She is a member of the National Museum of Women in The Arts, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Museum of Modern Art, The Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens and the Museum of Contemporary Art – Jacksonville, FL. Her early works concentrated on still life, trees and landscapes painting with acrylic and oil. These days, the talented lady is enjoying an “Abstract Phase” and they have been displayed literally all over the entire world. She often sells her artwork to benefit charitable causes.

Dottie and George have lived in their Norwich home, with a scenic view that will take your breath away, for 30 years alternating with their home in Florida. Dottie has her roots in the Green Mountain State, however. Her parents were Vermonters and she indicated that she spent her summers at her Grandfather’s farm in Lyndonville, Vermont.

The future outlook for Dottie? Full speed ahead!

“I always keep a positive outlook, always! I constantly look for ways to improve the betterment of mankind. That will never change regardless of age.”

Norwich Residents Reach Out with Aid

We have all seen the bumper sticker and t-shirts carrying the Vermont Strong inscription.

Recently a group of Norwich residents proved that motto is not merely a fancy catch phrase by offering a shining example of how neighbors care for neighbors.

Vickie Seaver holds debris ironically emblazoned ‘Happiness Guaranteed’

On July 1 of this year, the property owned by Michael and Vickie Seaver on New Boston Road in Norwich was devastated by a sudden downpour that produced more than four inches of heavy rain in a mere few hours. The freakish storm wreaked havoc for the residents along the New Boston and Ladeau Roads. For the Seavers, it hit particularly hard, as Vickie explains.

“Our neighbors next to us have a fifteen-foot elevated driveway that runs over a gully. The rain filled a field by the driveway and the water pressure caused the driveway to collapse. All that water rushed onto our property and leveled our two-car garage. Also we had eight trees down and propane tanks were seen floating nearby. There was debris everywhere and the entire neighborhood had to be evacuated. It was devastating!”

Vickie went on to point out that their house did not have a basement and that saved them from further flood damage that would have compounded the situation. Everyone was safe, but not without a price.

“My 90-year-old father is a carpenter and he had many of his tools stored in that garage and they were washed away. Our vehicles were not in the garage and that was a relief,” Vickie said.

As the Seavers looked out at the carnage in their yard, the first thoughts turned to just how would they cope with this disaster? They had no flood insurance and their homeowners policy would not cover the damage. They did not have to stress for very long however. Norwich residents sprang into action to help their neighbors.

Chainsaw work

“Meghan Wilson, who lives on Ladeau Road, organized a cleanup event for us to help clear out the debris from our flooded garage. The water had run down to Ladeau Road, as well, and the brook behind our house had risen. We have many neighbors in Norwich, and we were the fortunate ones who feel truly honored to have folks that didn’t even know us help us out. It was incredible!”

Garage debris

“All of a sudden we had about 35 people in our front yard,” Michael Seaver stated. “There were people with tractors and a dump truck, and everyone started pitching in to remove all the debris and to cut up the fallen trees. Many of those people we met for the very first time. It was unbelievable!”

Debris cleanup

The dedicated volunteer laborers quickly cleared the debris working through the day on a Sunday. Once the damaged garage was removed, the group then constructed a brand-new storage shed on the slab where the 24×24′ structure had stood.

“I think we will place a container garden and a patio on the back part of that concrete foundation. That way we can sit out there in nice weather and watch the brook flow by,” Vickie added with a smile.

As they look back on the experience, the Seavers remain overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and concern by their neighbors.

“We still can’t believe it!” Vickie exclaimed. “I will give an example. I approached one gentleman in his vehicle as he was working. I told him we would offer as much financial help as we could. He rolled up his window and said he could not hear me!”

It appears as if we need a new bumper sticker that reads Norwich Strong.

Elisabeth Bilar and Meghan Hewitt pitched in.

It was truly a whole group effort. A lot of people also helped out during the week leading up to the neighborhood clean-up that I helped organize. (Price Campbell was putting up trash bags and collecting debris from the stream throughout the storm, Ashley Lang picked up a ton of debris, and I know there were countless others.) I wanted to help, but knew that I couldn’t move things in the stream… so I just chose a day at a gathering of Ladeau residents that worked for most. I was communicating with Vicki and Mike about what they would like to have done, and let them know that Sunday from 12 to 3pm was the time where people would be helpful. Vicki then had a day that she could tell all of her friends and family to come out and help, and Liz put the message out to the town. There was a lot of support from Ladeau, and a lot of support from Vicki’s connections in actually doing the clean-up. I wasn’t doing heavy lifting, instead I was playing dressup with the neighborhood kids while others were cleaning up the road. We also helped out Peter and Vicki’s neighbor… and they in return helped us out.Cheers, Meghan Hewitt

When the historians finally compile the legacy of Norwich’s Dr. Dean Seibert, there may be a slight conflict when published. Will his distinguished medical career be in the forefront of that legacy or will his dedicated world-wide service to humanity take center stage? In both categories, Dean Seibert has become a living legend.

Perhaps we can take a hint from the man himself. During a visit to his Norwich home on a rainy spring morning, Dr. Seibert gave some insight into that issue. At age 84, he is still very active, both as a physician and for the last 25 years as a volunteer for the ACTS (Americans Caring Teaching Sharing) Honduras organization. ACTS was established originally in 1986 to foster cross-cultural understanding and to promote, with our Honduran partners, sustainable programs for health, education, agriculture and economic development.

After looking back at all those trips to Honduras, Dr. Seibert narrowed down his list of highlights and memories by reciting his favorite quote from American anthropologist Margaret Mead. Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.

“Yes, that is my favorite quotation and it sums up perfectly the work and dedication by ACTS volunteers.” Dr. Seibert noted. “For the last five or six years, I have traveled with a team of volunteers to Honduras twice a year. We would stay there anywhere from ten days to two weeks and I think that was a key to our success. Short visits to help the people there decide their priorities whether it be medical needs, engineering aid, or agricultural. Especially with supplying a source of clean water. Thanks to the Engineers Without Borders organization, that is becoming a reality. What a critical element. With clean water everything is possible.”

Honduras is one of the poorest countries in the Western Hemisphere and is roughly the size of Tennessee with a population of approximately 8.5 million. The economy in recent years has experienced slow growth, but the distribution of wealth is polarized with 50% of the population living below the poverty level.

“You have to realize that in Honduras, the residents there are extremely lucky if they graduate from the sixth grade. The poverty level is simply incredible and education opportunities are almost non-existent. There is no comparison to living here in an affluent community like Norwich and living in some of those remote villages. Traveling back and forth is a stunning shock to the system. It opens one’s eyes to the reality of this world.” Dr. Seibert stated.

When asked to break down all those trips and experiences and pick a favorite for the past 25 years, Dr. Seibert’s eyes sparkled and a warm smile spread across his face. He was quick to respond.

The dedication of the Dr. Dean Biblioteca in Honduras

“Well… five or six years ago, we started a project where we converted an old building in a local Honduras community and made it into a library. Now, you have to understand that very few of the people here have the ability to read and that is what made this so incredible. When completed, we had – believe it or not – a modern, high-tech library where they could learn to read and benefit from the educational offerings. My proudest moment came when they named the building The Dr. Dean Biblioteca (Library).”

Dr. Seibert’s complete résumé could fill many pages. He was hired by the Dartmouth Medical School in 1965 as an instructor in medicine and the director of graduate medical education. He was familiar with the school having done a fellowship in hematology at Dartmouth-Hitchcock from 1961 to 1963. Dr. Seibert earned his M.D. at Albany Medical College in 1958 and completed his residency at Albany Medical Center in 1961. In 2004, he was the recipient of his alma mater’s humanitarian award. Following that, he worked for a few years at the National Cancer Institute and then served as a commissioned officer in the US Public Health Service. From his earliest days at Dartmouth, he has helped to bring a more global orientation to the medical school and its students.

Dr. Seibert and his wife Anne moved to their Main Street home in Norwich in 1965.

John Pepper is living proof that even during these turbulent times in which we now live, the American dream of achieving corporate success is alive and well. However, spending time with Norwich resident John Pepper will quickly convince you that even with his history of

overwhelming corporate success, he has broken the mold for a top executive. No fancy board room for John. His Norwich home serves as his corporate headquarters, as well as a single desk in shared office space across the river.

“We want all our employees to excel,” says Boloco’s John Pepper.

John serves as CEO and cofounder of Boloco that was once described as “A Boston-based family of 22 restaurants and over 450 team members that serves globally inspired burritos, bowls, salads, smoothies and shakes with locations in MA, VT, MD, RI, DC, and of course, Hanover, NH.” John has modified that description.

“When the corporation went through financial difficulties in 2015, I returned to Boloco, bought out our institutional investors, and have since reduced the number of restaurants to 11. I now base everything right here in the Upper Valley. My wife Maggie and I pretty much had our choice as to where we wanted to live when I first left Boloco in 2013. Debating between Boston, San Francisco, and the Upper Valley, the whole family agreed on Norwich. This is where we call home.” John stated.

He is certainly no stranger to Norwich and Hanover. John has long been a fixture in both locations having graduated from Dartmouth College in 1991 and The Tuck School of Business in 1997.

“I really got to know the area as a second-year Tuck Student,” he explained. “I rented a house in Norwich up on Hawk Pine in the mid-’90s and later bought our first home way up on Turnpike and lived there for six years starting in 2003. All of our kids were born here. As Boloco was based in Boston, I commuted every week on the Dartmouth Coach and later Cape Air. That got a little tiring, so we left Norwich for 5 years to be in downtown Boston when the business was expanding quickly, but returned to Elm Street in 2014. We love it here.”

Once established in the late ’90s, Boloco and its cofounder charted a course that most powerful restaurant chains had not followed. Boloco’s mission statement placed its workers’ welfare over maximizing bottom line profits, an unheard-of policy in most corporate worlds. The following is a portion of Boloco’s mission statement: “Creating a platform to safely and systemically amplify the voice and increase the income of low-wage workers in retail, services, and hospitality. Most importantly, however, its long-time mission to positively impact the lives and futures of people who work in fast food through bold and inspired food practices has put the company on a different playing field.”

“We want all our employees to excel. Our workers should be able to move on in their lives and earn a wage that supports their families. We offer food service safety courses, ESOL classes, and leadership retreats that allow them to move forward and take management positions at Boloco or elsewhere. We believe in a higher wage not just as the right thing to do but as an effective long-term business strategy. Our average wage in Hanover, for example, comes to around $14.50 an hour, double the minimum wage,” John said. Today, Boloco is also one of the few restaurant companies in the country that is a certified B-Corporation, joining the likes of King Arthur Flour in legally recognizing a triple bottom line – people, environment and profits – as a company’s fiduciary responsibility.

Studying John’s self-written résumé will explain his passion for his workers and his dedication to the cause. Here is how he once described himself. “Passionate about finding and developing technology that aids the restaurant business and most importantly its hourly workers. Working on new technology start-up as of late 2014. Part-time Lyft/Uber driver, drone pilot, wannabe/try-to-be writer, inconsistent blogger, nervous but passionate speaker and enthusiastic adventurer. Got lucky one year and won the 2012 Regional Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year.”

John Pepper is not your average executive. He is originally from Cincinnati, Ohio and his wife Maggie was born in San Francisco, CA. They have established Norwich as their home base and have three children, daughters Tibby, age 13, and Izzy, age 11, and newest addition son Bo is three years old. At age 47, John hopes to add another challenge to that résumé.

“I just announced that I will run for the Selectboard here in Norwich. I am hopeful I can bring some new ideas and creative concepts to that position.”

John Pepper with Boston Mayor Menino