Upper Valley consumers relish locally grown, raised, and produced food items. One need only visit the Norwich Farmers Market on a Saturday morning in the summertime to realize how true that is. Knowing where and how the food we consume is raised and comes to market is becoming vitally important for more and more people every year.

Local food producers have responded to this trend. Producers and growers such as the Robie Farm in Piermont, Root 5 Farm in Fairlee, Crossroads Farm of Post Mills, Sunrise Farm of White River Junction, and our own Honey Field and Sweetland Farms here in Norwich, respond to consumers’ needs and wants with a variety of local meat, cheese, and fresh produce offerings.

Historically, Vermont has a renowned reputation as a dairy-producing state. And despite the fact that the number of dairy farms has declined in the state in recent decades, locally produced dairy products are widely available to area consumers, thanks in part to one Norwich dairy enterprise.

The Norwich Farm Creamery (NFC) operates out of the historic Norwich Farm, a long-time dairy farm in Norwich, on Turnpike Road. The managers and partners in the farming endeavor are Laura Brown and Chris Gray. Their Creamery leases its facility from and works in close cooperation with the non-profit Norwich Farm Foundation (NFF), which owns the Norwich Farm.

In 2022, the NFF bought the Norwich Farm from the Vermont State Colleges, with the purpose of it developing into and remaining a self-sustaining agricultural asset for the community.

The NFC began operation in 2017, with the goal of producing and selling local and sustainable dairy products to the Upper Valley community. “The Norwich Creamery focuses on fresh, pasteurized dairy and we appreciate that everything we make each week is sold and consumed within a thirty mile radius of the farm,” explains Laura Brown.  “Feeding our community directly is so rewarding. Each week we make and sell about 750 individual items, which are in turn feeding thousands of our neighbors.”

A series of responsibilities shared between the co-manager couple are what make the Creamery a success. “We are a small-scale Grade A creamery…We do everything between the two of us. Chris hauls the milk, processes it in the creamery, and delivers to our customers,” Brown says. “Laura takes care of a lot of the packaging, all the sales, marketing, and books, and runs our farm store. We also have a (Richmond Middle School) 7th grader, our daughter Gigi, who is our all-around backup system and milk crate washing specialist,” Chris Gray adds.

Though Norwich Farm has a history of dairy operations, no dairy herd exists on the site at present, and the NFC relies on milk for its products from another Upper Valley farm – Billings Farm in Woodstock.  “When we found ourselves without an on-farm milk supply, we reached out to Billings Farm and Museum, home to a legendary dairy herd,” says Brown. “Their Jersey breed cows are fed a grass-based diet and are impeccably well cared for.”

This working relationship with Billings Farm benefits both operations.  “The Creamery adds value to the raw milk by processing it and marketing it. Part of this value is then returned to Billings in the form of an above-market premium that we pay for the raw milk.”

The taste derived from the Billings cows is an added benefit. “The high butterfat from this herd gives our products their delicious flavor,” Brown says.

 Being closely associated with the Norwich Farm Foundation, the Creamery is also involved in numerous community and educational volunteer efforts. “We pour hot cocoa at the MCS (Marion Cross School) skating party, scoop ice cream at the Women’s Club concert on the green, and are full-time at the Norwich Farmers Market,” says Brown. “We have hosted students from King Arthur Baking and will be having a Hanover High School class visit in March. We ran a ‘milk-to-school’ pilot program with MCS in the past, which is something we want to build on in the future,” she adds.

The future of the Farm is of paramount importance to both the Farm Creamery and the NFF.  For it to remain a sustaining agriculture entity – and serve as a community and educational asset – is the overarching goal of all involved. A major component of that goal is returning the Farm to a dairy-farming operation. “Over the next five years, we will be increasing our processing infrastructure and bringing back a working herd of cows. The goal is a milking herd of twenty cows, which means keeping about forty animals on the farm,” says Brown.

Being sustainable depends on an economic plan that works. “When we process all that milk directly through the on-farm creamery and sell it locally and regionally, then the financial model works. That means this farm system has a long-term future,” Brown adds.

Fundraising was critical in coming up with the initial down payment for the of the Farm, and remains so for its long-term goals. The Norwich Farm Foundation continues fundraising efforts through grant applications, a GoFundMe campaign, and community outreach. A visit to their website, (norwichfarmfoundation.org), will bring you up-to-date on their plans, goals, and fundraising opportunities.

As far as the Norwich Farm Creamery, one can find their products at area stores such as Dan & Whit’s, at the Norwich Farmers Market, and at their Farm Store at 701 Turnpike Road. The self-service store is accessible to customers at any time of day. Besides their own dairy products, the store features produce, meat, cheese, and dry goods. Norwich Farm Creamery products are either, “All from local,” Brown says, or “The best in the world we can get.” 

Upper Valley residents in search of a physical challenge paired with a meaningful cause have, for years, relied on The Prouty to fulfill both. As we approach another Prouty event, the 41st annual, area roads are busy hosting cyclists training for Prouty weekend. Norwich is always well represented with Prouty participants cycling, walking, golfing, rowing to raise money for cancer research.

Norwich resident Stuart Richards is one example of a longtime Prouty veteran who has logged many tough miles on his bike raising money for the annual event.

“My participation goes back to 1986 when I rode my first Prouty Century Ride (the 100-mile course).  The weather was difficult that day with temps and humidity in the mid to high nineties.  This was a tough initiation to a wonderful event. It was a wonderful experience riding with so many like-minded people. Since then, I’ve ridden a number of centuries as well as quite a number of 50-mile and 25-mile events.”

 Much has changed since that first Prouty experience, says Richards. “If I remember correctly, there were a few hundred riders, not the thousands of participants we see today, and I don’t recall that you could participate in ways other than riding your bike.”

The various challenges encountered while riding over the years always keeps cyclists and organizers prepared for the inevitable miscues.

“Many years since that first century riders, I remember additional centuries, 75-milers, 50-milers and 25-milers. Other years I remember one of my friends riding too close, grazing my back wheel, going down hard and needing medical assistance. Then there were the unplanned flat tires and mechanical problems that Prouty volunteers were so wonderful in fixing,” recalls Richards.

To keep mechanical issues to a minimum, Prouty volunteers in repair vehicles are very evident on the cycling routes, fixing bikes when needed.

“The many people who participate and selflessly contribute in making the Prouty the meaningful and terrific event that it is,” says Richards.

Those people – the volunteers, sponsors, participants, and the organizers of The Prouty – give the event a feeling of goodwill and camaraderie few other events can match.

“Over the years, the Prouty has become an event for thousands of participants who are coming from near and far,” says Richards. “My family and friends participate as many times as we possibly can to support a cause that hopefully may bring Dartmouth Health closer to the breakthroughs that we’ve all been hoping for. When I ride with my wife, my son, daughter-in-law, grandchildren and friends there is such a feel-good feeling that we share that we will always continue to support this noble effort.”

These feelings of goodwill, determination, togetherness, and positivity felt at The Prouty all result from the cause – the reason so many come together – the fight against cancer.

“The ravages and heartache that individuals and families suffer from cancer are well-known,” says Richards. “Anyone who has had cancer or had someone who is near and dear to them know what I’m talking about, and that’s most of us. Chemotherapy is no joke. It may prolong your life but there are severe consequences. And it doesn’t matter whether it’s breast cancer, prostate cancer, leukemia, lung, ovarian or any of the many other forms of cancer.”

Playing a part in this fight, by raising money for research and patient services, gives a sense of well-being and hope to all involved.

“We all can play a part in participating in trying to find better treatments and cures for this terrible disease,” says Richards. “I very much look forward to riding again and playing my small part in trying to help. This year my grand-children may ride with me. I know that many of you out there will be joining me and I look forward to seeing you.” n

This year’s Prouty event takes place on July 8 and 9, with the starting point and festivities once again held at the Richmond School in Hanover.

This spring issue of the Norwich Times happens to coincide with the time of greatest change in the Upper Valley.  We go from cold nights and snow covered ground in early March, to the warm (sometimes hot) days, spring rains, and long hours of light of late May.  In between there are ice events, spring flooding, mud, and the long awaited greening of trees and lawns…oh, and the flowers – who can forget the flowers.

Is there a greater boost to morale after many months of icy roads, snow covered driveways, and dirty snow piles than the seeing the colorful spring blooms of the hyacinths, crocuses and daffodils?  The pleasure realized when those first shoots from bulbs planted the previous year, appear on a warm spring day?  For many of our friends, neighbors, and ourselves, those long awaited events touch and rejuvenate the soul.

Whether we tend our own gardens, hire professionals for the work, or admire neighbors’ gardens, Norwich folks seem to have a particular affinity for gardens and gardening.  Norwich homeowner Heather Benson exemplifies the manner in which gardening becomes more than a mere landscaping project.   “Many years ago, we created several perennial gardens in an effort to spruce up the landscaping around our home,” she says.   “In that effort, I discovered that the color and beauty did more than help our lack of landscaping – it lifted my spirits and created enjoyment.”

A love of growing, gardening often results from those first efforts.  A kind of spiritual awakening, if you will.  Even for those whose livelihoods involve tilling the soil, that spiritual experience of gardening does not disappear.

Norwich gardener Norah Lake not only operates a commercial farm (Sweetland Farm), she tends her own gardens for personal enjoyment.  “It’s funny to take off my farmer hat and put on my gardener hat for a few minutes,” she says.  “But gardening and farming have always held different places in my heart. Even while growing rows and acres of production vegetables I still see a place in my life for gardening as well.”

Norah goes on to explain how personal gardening is not only relaxing for her, but also proves inspiring.  “The pace and scale of gardening are important factors in my enjoyment of it. When working in my garden I give myself space and time to observe, enjoy, and just be. I am outdoors experiencing the beauty of nature in all its facets. I am feeling the warmth of the sun or the crumble of the soil or the texture of the foliage.  I am immersing myself in the color of an unfurling poppy or a butterfly’s wing or the pruning shears against the backdrop of a harvest basket.”

Gardening is work – no doubt about it.  Turning the soil, forming the beds, mulching, weeding, planting, fall cleanup – all require a physical investment.  Yet the pains involved, for most, are far surpassed by the joys realized.

For those unable to handle the physical work involved, there are gardening professionals around to help.  Mary Ellen Treadway tends gardens around the Upper Valley professionally, primarily perennial flower gardens.  Does tending the gardens of others lessen the enjoyment received from gardening?  “No, tending others’ gardens is satisfying, as those gardens become a part of you,” she says.

Especially today, concerns about health, both physical and emotional, are uppermost in our minds.  Valerie Woodhouse, of Norwich’s Honey Field Farm, explains how gardening benefits health.  “The garden is a place of nurturing and growth for both the plants and their caretakers.  There’s so many ways that the garden decreases stress, combats depression, gives us a sense of purpose and hope.  It invites us to get swept up in the act of planting seeds or pulling weeds, and be fully present for a moment or two.  Simply digging your hands into the soil releases serotonin which relieves stress and lifts your spirit.”

Valerie also describes the cooperative nature of gardening – the gardener, and nature.  “The garden seems to reflect what we need most.  For me, that’s the constant reminder to take a minute to pause, step back, and appreciate the transformation I’m a part of whether it went as planned or not.  It’s enjoying the beauty, smells and tastes even more because we created and overcame it together.”

Those benefits, physical, emotional, spiritual, are summed up by Heather Benson.  “I love being outside…weeding, planting, harvesting, and tending of the garden is another way for me to be in the fresh air and sunshine. Gardening nurtures my body and soul on so many levels and it somehow feels like much more than just a pastime.”

There is something special about the taste of a freshly picked piece of produce from the garden, or beef on the grill from a locally raised, grass fed cow.  Not only the taste, but also the satisfaction one receives from eating locally produced food products is palpable.  Growing up in farm country, having foods, particularly produce, go directly from the garden to the dinner table seemed natural to me.  If some fruit or vegetable did not come from our gardens, surely a neighbor’s farmstand carried it.  Sure, all of our foods weren’t local, and the grocery store was a weekly stop, but having regular access to local foods was common.

In recent decades, we have experienced a revival in the interest among consumers of obtaining foods directly, or indirectly, from local farmers.  For a variety of reasons, including product freshness, nutritional value, supporting local farms and businesses, or knowing how and where one’s food is produced, many consumers are active in finding their food products from local sources.  In the Upper Valley, consumers are privileged with numerous choices for locally grown produce and locally raised meats.  Whether direct from the farm, from one of the many farmers markets, stores that sell local foods such as the Co-op Food Stores, or area restaurants that serve local products, area “foodies” have many options for foods right here in the Upper Valley.

Sunrise Farm, nestled in the hills of Hartland

Chuck Wooster operates Sunrise Farm in Hartford.  During the busy growing and harvesting season from May until October, Wooster says his farm focuses on its CSA (community supported agriculture) customers, who come directly to the farm to pick their CSA shares of the produce.  “We’re lucky enough to sell everything right from the farm,” says Wooster.

During the remainder of the year, the farm also provides produce such as lettuce, chard, kale and spinach to some local restaurants, and to the Upper Valley Food Co-op in White River Junction.

With the strong interest in locally grown, nutritious foods, the Upper Valley is a great place for farmers to get food directly to the customer’s dinner table. “From a farmer’s perspective, we have a lot of people here caring about food, who don’t have extra time to plant a garden,” Wooster says.

Chuck Wooster in one of Sunrise Farm’s greenhouses

The trend of restaurants using more and more locally grown and raised food products “has been a major change over the last twenty years,” says Wooster.  That trend prompted Sunrise Farm to move forward with winter growing of produce.  “Winter growing is driven by restaurants,” he adds.

Mark Robie, of the Upper Valley’s Robie Farm, markets local meat products to a variety of stores and restaurants.  Having the chance to buy local food products, “gives the consumer a say in how your food is produced,” he says.  Robie often takes calls and has discussions about the meat and other products, such as cheese, sporting the Robie Farm name.  Discussions often center on the health of the animals and the manner in which they’re raised. “These conversations offer consumers a connection with the farmer themselves,” he adds.

Bill Stinson has a history of raising and selling vegetables for 40 years in New England. He notes that the current farm-to-table movement “hasn’t been around all that long.”  Stinson says the late 1970s saw farmers begin expanding their marketing by selling from farmstands and farmers markets. This trend proved advantageous for farmers and consumers. “It connected people with better food, though the movement was slow to grow, to get momentum,” says Stinson.

Eventually, this farm-to- table food experience took hold. “The buy local food movement has really picked up speed in the last twenty years,” says Robie.

Mark Robie

Stinson says that in the early 2000s, chefs and restaurants really picked up interest in using locally grown produce in their creations.  Area restaurants such as Arianas, the Latham House Tavern, and Molly’s all feature Robie Farm meat products, says Robie. Other area restaurants well publicize the fact that they utilize local farm products in their dishes.

The Blue Sparrow Kitchen of Norwich uses a great deal of local produce in the dishes they create, says owner Amber Boland.  In fact, Blue Sparrow’s menu indicates which dishes feature local produce and the farms where that produce originates. “We hear a lot of thanks from folks (for using local produce),” says Boland.  “It means a ton to me.”  Some of the local produce Boland uses in her recipes comes from Edgewater Farm of Plainfield and Sweetland Farm of Norwich. With so much local produce available, Boland says the Upper Valley is blessed for those seeking local food products. “We live in this amazing area with all these farms,” she says.

Often during the growing season, Boland says she will customize her dishes to feature the local produce plentiful at that time. Lots of chard coming during the growing season?  Then you’re likely to see it featured on the menu at the Blue Sparrow Kitchen.

A calf – from Robie Farm

Another area farm producing locally grown and raised food products is Norwich’s Sweetland Farm. Owner Norah Lake says her farm specializes in selling through CSA shares, and at farmers markets. “We’re just on the cusp of getting into the restaurant market,” she adds. With her farm growing over 100 different varieties of produce, the chances of filling the needs of consumers and restaurants is greatly enhanced.  For the consumer, Lake says buying local foods “is a feel-good purchase” which results in supporting local producers and the Upper Valley economy. In return, the farm offers  consumers important information about the food they eat.“ A big part of what we do is education,” Lake says.

Sweetland’s produce does end up in the foods created by nearby Blue Sparrow Kitchen, but for a farmer to make buying arrangements with numerous restaurants or stores, it takes a commitment of time, energy, and resources. In arranging a better, more efficient way to match up the local farmer with the stores and restaurants, enter the Upper Valley’s champion of buying local, Vital Communities.

Last fall, Beth Roy, Vital Communities’ food & farm program manager, says her organization arranged a first ever event designed to match up local farmers with area restaurants, food stores, and grocery distributers. This event, resulting from a grant offered by Vermont’s Agency of Agriculture, allowed local farmers and food producers (such as honey and maple syrup producers) to meet with commercial buyers of their meat, produce, and products. The event resulted “in really positive reactions,” says Roy. “It made it easier for (farmers) to meet these businesses.”

Norah Lake of Sweetland Farm.

Vital Communities efforts to increase education and realization of the local farm-to-table movement extend well beyond bringing farmers and businesses together. Roy says her organization works closely with area schools to enhance young people’s knowledge and appreciation of nutritious, locally produced foods. Some of these efforts include having schools’ breakfast and lunch programs buy and use foods from local farms and encourage outdoor classrooms where students learn about growing and preparing produce and care for on-site gardens.

Roy says she also works closely with the area farmers markets to enhance the experience for both consumers and the vendors. In this effort, Vital Communities established the Upper Valley Farmers Market Collaborative, working with numerous farm market managers, including those from Lebanon and Norwich, to help grow these markets. Roy notes that both the Norwich and Lebanon markets are particularly successful in bringing together consumers with local farmers and producers.

Some of the ideas coming out of this effort include the Power of Produce Clubs which allows “kids to connect with the farmers market,” says Roy. This program encourages kids to visit the various farmers and vendors at the market, garner information and, in return, receive market dollars to spend at the market on healthy offerings.

Other ways they help the viability of the markets includes assisting vendors in designing customer friendly booths, and encouraging the use of SNAP benefits at the markets, allowing lower income folks the ability to buy fresh, local produce.

Making locally grown food accessible to lower income people should be a key goal, says long-time farmer Bill Stinson.  “Some think it’s only for wealthier folks…it doesn’t reach a large enough volume of people,” Stinson says. Sweetland Farm’s Norah Lake points to programs now in effect that assist lower income consumers to buy subsidized CSAs from farmers and organizations such as Willing Hands which get local produce in the hands of more people, particularly those in need.

Norwich farmer Lake further endorses the work of Vital Communities in promoting local food production and the farm-to-table movement. “Vital Communities is pretty amazing to work with,” says Lake. “Their promotion of local food in the Upper Valley has been key.”

CSA customers picking their produce at Sweetland.

The dreams harbored by many young people of running away with the circus dates back well over 100 years. Who would not dream of boarding the train that carried the Barnum & Bailey Circus around the country, visiting far off places and performing death defying feats in front of enthralled crowds? For most who fancied that dream, it remained only that – a dream.

Some who did take the plunge likely discovered the dream was not what they planned as they ended up with jobs such as raising the tents, packing and unpacking gear, and cleaning up after a host of assorted animals. Still, for a rare few, the dream of performing in front
of awed crowds did, in fact, come true.

In the summer of 2019, two local teens and Hanover High School students William Ciardelli and Miki Hertog Raz realized that dream of performing in a circus without having to run away. These two seasoned performers toured with Circus Smirkus throughout New England as performers.

Miki Hertog Raz and William Ciardelli during the curtain call of the opening Circus Smirkus show in Greensboro, VT.

Although only sophomores at Hanover High School, these two young men are actually veterans in the world of circus performing. As students at the Marion Cross Elementary School, the two participated in the recreation department’s Van Lodostov Family Circus camps. In 2014, Miki’s family spent a year in Israel where Miki trained with Circus Florentine. William traveled to Zambia in 2016 and 2017 for a youth circus exchange with Circus Zambia. While home in Norwich, both boys worked on their acrobatic skills at Northern Lights Gymnastics.

Along with involvement at other regional circus training centers, the two participated in summer camps for youth sponsored by Circus Smirkus. As each of the boys began to specialize in individual acts, they received special instruction from renowned circus professionals, William in New York City, Miki in Maine.

Robin Allen LaPlante, director of external relations at Circus Smirkus, described her organization as, “A circus arts organization that inspires kids of all ages to develop artistic, athletic, and life skills through the power of performance. Our programs… blend the best of circus tradition and contemporary practice to create immersive experienc es that challenge kids to perform and live to the very best of their own abilities.”

The boys performing during Norwich Rec Department
Van Lodostov Family Circus camp

Auditions for the circus’s Big Top Tour, the one in which William and Miki participated, takes place in January 2020 for the upcoming summer’s tour. Applications for the tour come in from all over the world, with 40 to 45 kids selected for the live auditions held in
Brattleboro. Skill, personality, and the ability to work with a larger company play a part in the selection process. After the auditions, 30 young people are selected to perform in the upcoming summer’s Big Top Tour.

“The directors and coaches are looking at a variety of criteria to determine casting each year,” said Allen LaPlante. Besides skill and personality, those characteristics include stage presence, passion, versatility, maturity, and motivation, she said. Those selected show a high degree of competence and ability in all these areas.

Without question, the audition process is a stressful yet exciting time for the young performers. “The first time I auditioned, it was terrifying,” William Ciardelli said. “All the kids were so talented…but I really wanted to be on tour, so I trained all year for the (2019) audition and was lucky enough to be cast.”

Making the tour is especially tough for first timers. Past participants may re-audition for the next season, and Allen LaPlante said, “We see more than 60% of the Big Top Tour performers return each summer, leaving about ten spots for new performers from the live auditions.”

Not only did William make the cut, his lifelong friend and fellow performer, Miki, did as well. After making the Big Top Tour, Miki said, “I’m super excited to be part of a Vermont circus company.” The pair, along with almost 30 other young performers, then awaited the summer 2019 tour.

The Circus Smirkus Big Top Tour features performers ranging from ages ten to eighteen, Allen LaPlante said. “Younger performers present different characters and skills than older performers which adds variety to the show,” she noted.

Everyone in the tour works together very closely. “So, it’s important for the kids…to be willing to work well together behind the scenes,” she added.

The 2019 season was the 32nd year for Circus Smirkus’s Big Top Tour that begins in June and runs seven weeks, ending prior to the beginning of the next school year. The tour consists of about 70 shows held in Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, Connecticut, New York, and Massachusetts. The circus features a Big Top tent that seats around 750 people for each show. For the entire seven-week season, about 45,000 people attend the performances. Along with the performers and directors, a behind the scenes crew of over 50 individuals
work to make each stop and show success.

“Most of our shows are presented by community organizations, and they use the event as a fundraiser,” said Allen LaPlante. “Each year (these organizations) raise nearly $200,000 for education, the arts, and other worthwhile missions.”

Not only did Miki and William perform in these towns and states, they had the chance to perform for hometown friends and family. Circus Smirkus had several Hanover dates back in July.

Audience reaction is particularly important for the performers to help them get the most out of the experience. “I love seeing the kids in the audience sitting around the stage with their eyes wide and their mouths hanging open as they watch us perform,” said Miki.

Without question, the young performers with Circus Smirkus realize a great benefit from performing on tour. The parents and family members of these performers also see what a great experience this is for the young people. “The experience our son is having with Smirkus is truly life changing,” said parent Peter Ciardelli. “The show is incredible, but even more important is to see the self-confidence, teamwork, trust, and work ethic these thirty children build together.” That teamwork, the ability to work well with one another, is a critical component of the tour’s success. “Over the summer, the performers in the tour become one big happy family,” said Allen Laplante.

With the 2019 summer season over, Will had a chance to reflect on Circus Smirkus and what he learned. “Circus Smirkus was honestly a dream,” he said. “It was everything I could have gotten out of it. It was everything an aspiring circus artist could ask for. This last summer was a blast.”

What he learned about performing for a big crowd was important for instruction for a circus performer. “I learned a lot about how big your actions have to be in the ring for everybody to see you,” he explained. “There’re hundreds of (spectators) and only one of you. To stand out, you’ve got to be big.”

In the future, Will sees performing in circuses a very real possibility for him. “It is a personal dream of mine to not only tour and perform with Smirkus, but with other professional companies as well,” he said. “If it’s a possibility to do circus as a lifelong career, I would and will go for it. I’m aiming for circus college, but of course nothing is for sure.”

In the near term, both Miki and Will will head to Zambia with other area youthful circus performers for a youth circus exchange program in March, led by Will’s mother, Brooke Ciardelli.

One of the favorite recreational opportunities residents and visitors to the Upper Valley enjoy in the fall is hiking the many area trails. Hiking allows an intimate relationship with nature and, in some cases, a birds-eye view of the spectacular fall color. Residents and visitors are particularly blessed with many local trails from which to choose.

One of the best sources for information on area trails in our area is the Upper Valley Trails Alliance located in Norwich. UVTA executive director, Russ Hirschler, says hikers should be able to thoroughly enjoy the area’s trails this fall, while keeping in mind that the trails get some of their heaviest use this time of year.

Norwich’s Gile Mountain Trail is undoubtedly the most popular of all Norwich trails, Hirschler says. A few years back, the trail received an upgrade with the installation of a series of stone steps, which resulted in the decline of trail erosion and added to the ease of use for hikers. This wooded trail makes its way to a fire tower, the top of which offers great views of the area.

With limited parking available for this trail and heavy use in the fall, Hirschler adds, “Please be respectful of the landowners when choosing a parking place.”

Another trail Hirschler recommends in Norwich is the Ballard Trail, a four-mile long trail located off Beaver Meadow Road. This trail runs close to the Charles Brown Brook, and takes hikers to Norwich’s ‘Grand Canyon.’ Crossing many wet areas and run-off streams, volunteer crews recently installed a new boardwalk, stepping stones, and improved drainage to make this trail more accessible during wetter periods.

Erosion after heavy downpours or a quick spring warm-up followed by a run-off causes trail damage requiring repair. Thanks to the employment of drainage standards when building – or rehabilitating older ones – trails are better able to weather damage from storms or run-off. Most problems occur on older trails where these standards have yet to be employed. Fortunately, Hirschler says there haven’t been any major storms in the recent past to raise havoc with area trails.

For families with younger children looking for a pleasant walk in the woods of Norwich, Hirschler recommends the King Arthur trail next to the King Arthur Store and Bakery. Accessible from the King Arthur parking lot, he says this trail, “is a great place for families.” Ending up at the Dresden athletic fields, this trail allows for non-technical biking as well. What better way to end your breakfast or lunch at King Arthur than by a short, pleasant hike through the adjacent woods?

Another great opportunity for family hikes are the trails around the Montshire Museum. Accessible from the museum grounds, trail maps for these walks are obtained from the museum.

Those looking for maps and descriptions of the area trails can access that information from the UVTA’s website. Descriptions of some area trails are on also on an app called Trail Finder which gives great information on many potential hikes in the area.

Volunteers Michelle Townsend and Nathan Chickering

Hirschler explains that the UVTA works closely with area trails groups – such as the Norwich Trail Commission – to assess trail conditions, help find funding and volunteer assistance for trail work, and to provide professional guidance in determining work needed. As area trail organizations establish themselves and take on the work of maintaining and expanding trail networks, the work of the UVTA expands.

A recent project the UVTA completed with the Mascoma River Greenway (MRG) is one example. The MRG is a multi-use trail running through Lebanon and West Lebanon and is used by pedestrians and bicyclists. The UVTA built an access trail behind the Alice Peck Day Hospital which allows anyone – including disabled folks using wheelchairs or walkers – to reach the MRG. The 250-foot-long gravel and hardpack access trail has numerous switchbacks, which lessens the grade considerably. Lebanon is considering making the trail asphalt in the future. The dedication for this access trail to the MRG took place in August.

With so many trail opportunities available locally, residents and visitors alike should take advantage of the beautiful autumn colors and view them from one of these well-maintained walkways. Dress warm, be ready for some wet patches, and enjoy autumn from the trailside.

Editor’s Note: What makes a person a real hero is when they are the hero yet they sing the praises of others. Frank Orlowski is that kind of hero. I honestly could not get the Quechee, Lebanon and Norwich Times out to each community without his help. Not only does he persevere with kindness and patience while selling advertising space to our local businesses, he pitches in and writes many of the articles (often with little notice). And, when the paper is delivered to my office, Frank arrives in his pickup and slowly but surely loads the boxes of extras onto the truck to deliver them around town. Frank soars with a different kind of cape, and for that I am deeply grateful.

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I wrote this post for my friends on an ataxia site, as they deal with the same condition I do. However, I think the message is universal, so I wish to share it with you here. We all know of others who deal heroically with tragedy or great challenges, and I know many of you fall under the definition of hero. Let’s remember all those regular people faced with extraordinary circumstances, that fall into that hero category, through their actions and efforts. They inspire all of us.            ~ Frank Orlowski

Not All Heroes Wear Capes

Any of you wear something occasionally to honor someone else? Every once in awhile, I wear my father’s tooled leather belt, though he died some 30 years ago. Well, a few days back, I gave blood, and they gave me a shirt as a gift for doing so. When I opened it and saw the message, “Not All Heroes Wear Capes,” I did not think about blood donors. Giving blood is a good thing to do, but not heroic. What I immediately thought of was all of you, dealing with ataxia, either as a sufferer, or a caregiver.

Heroes are merely ordinary people put in extraordinary, difficult situations, who find some way to deal with, if not overcome those circumstances. Heroes do not always triumph, but they do strive to make the best of a bad situation. And heroes do their best to uplift those around them.

An act of heroism can be as simple as getting out of bed, getting dressed, and facing the day. It can be deciding to take part in an activity, despite the fact that others may look at you strangely because you cannot walk, talk, or move right. It can be as simple as saying “I’m going to live, and work, and play as best I can, in spite of my condition.” And it can be smiling and laughing, as your heart breaks, because you are taking care of someone you love, who has lost the ability to do so much.

These definitions of heroism apply to all of you. So whenever I wear this shirt, know it’s in honor of heroes such as yourself.

Growing to Appreciate

I always loved swimming in huge bodies of water; Lakes Michigan or Huron, the Atlantic, or the Gulf here in FL. Would run down the beach into the water, dive, and swim out as far as I wanted. I never thought twice about it, and took it for granted. Now, it’s slowly maneuvering my rolling walker through the sand, carefully parking it, getting down on my knees, crawling on all fours to the water, and sitting where the waves lap up over my legs to my waist. As much fun as before? Maybe not, but surprisingly more satisfying. The effort it takes now is rewarded by the therapeutic value to mind, soul, and body of once again feeling the comfort of the water and waves covering part of my body. The moral of this? Never take for granted the pleasure resulting from things you love to do, and more importantly, never allow circumstances to deny you the joy of still doing those things, in one manner or another. Adapt, be strong, have faith, and live.

A Few Good Messages

Frank Orlowski savoring moments on a Florida beach

Today is a day set aside for those that live with rare disorders and conditions. (I almost wrote “suffer from” in that sentence, but I honestly do not think I suffer; more correctly, I live with). Though each disorder is rare, when you put them all together, there are a large number of people dealing with rare medical conditions. Some have answers and treatments; others – such as the ataxia I have – have no remedies. I will share this piece I did on ataxia a while back, to let you know about this particular disorder.

If you are not familiar with ataxia, you are not alone; I wasn’t either until a couple years back. It is a rare neurological condition that affects one’s mobility and balance. Like many other neurological problems, not much is known about it, and there are no cures or effective treatments, though exercise and movement helps. It affects people of all ages; my issues started in my mid 50s. I’ve gone from a slight limp and change in my gait, to needing a rolling walker to get around. It also affects other physical attributes, such as hand dexterity, eyesight, swallowing, and causes tightness, or spasticity. Falling down is a common problem. However, much as coach Jim Valvano said in his famous ESPN speech about his cancer 25 years ago (watch it on you tube if you’ve never seen it – inspiring), it cannot touch my mind, my heart, or my soul; and after all, those parts are what really matter. So if you encounter someone with ataxia, there are a few good messages to give them: “I’ve heard about ataxia – it sucks,” or “You’ve got a lot of guts fighting that,” or even “I’d like to give you a hug,” (of course, always ask first before giving the hug!). Anyhow, thanks for listening, and above all, please don’t feel bad for me; we all deal with burdens in life, and often those burdens lead to great understandings, and traits, such as strength, perseverance, adaptability, and courage, we never knew we had. For more about ataxia, check out Ataxia.org.

Monuments honoring veterans dot the landscape throughout towns in New England and the nation. From the likenesses of Civil War soldiers standing guard over the town square, to the solemn and emotionally inspiring Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC, honoring those who served the nation in the armed forces is a national tradition.

Norwich is no different. For many years, two stone monuments dedicated to veterans stood in town in front of Tracy Hall. One honors those from Norwich who served from the time of the Revolution through the war in Korea. The second honors the Vietnam-era vets. A few years back, the members of American Legion Lyman F. Pell, Post 8 in Norwich decided it was time to recognize Norwich veterans who served in the post-1975 era. 1975, of course, is the year the war in Vietnam ended.

According to current Post Commander Lyle Favreau, former Post Commander Jim Harlow originally came up with the idea for this new monument. In January 2015, Favreau says a committee of five post members formed to plan the new memorial.

Favreau – who has served as post commander for the past three and a half years – says much of the committee’s early work was spent finding the names of residents who served, and determining who would be included on the memorial. The goal was to recognize active and reserve armed forces veterans, including those from the National Guard. Those whose names are on the monument must have received an honorable discharge to be included.

As of early 2018, the post received one bid for the project, with the cost of completion a concern. With a goal of completing the memorial in 2018, Favreau says he and the committee (which includes members Jim McGuire, Gary De Gasta, and Demosthenes Sofronas) began to draw up plans for going forward with the site work, and determining the best placement for the new monument. Favreau contacted Thad Goodwin, the town tree warden and a local contractor. After discussing placement of the stone monument, Goodwin inquired about who would be doing the actual site work. Favreau says Goodwin, an excavator, generously volunteered his time and labor on the project, and added he would inquire of local mason Ernie Parker about doing the cement work on the project. Parker then volunteered his time, as did Strafford resident Tom Root, who handled the electrical work on the project.

As tree warden, Thad Goodwin met with Favreau originally to discuss placement of the monument near an existing tree at the site. Goodwin says when he asked Favreau about the project, “He told me they were over-budget, and weren’t sure how they would complete it.”

Goodwin thought about the project’s importance, and decided to help, offering his excavating services. Goodwin did all the site prep work, including installing the new flagpole, and removing the old tree that was impinging on the site. He also recruited Ernie Parker and Tom Root, both of whom were happy to volunteer their labor, he says. “Ernie Parker was huge,” says Goodwin, not only in doing the cement work at the site, but also offering many ideas about completing the project.

What was the reason Goodwin decided to offer his services, and recruit the other contractors? “I did it for the vets,” he says.

Not only did the local professionals aid the project immensely, Favreau says the town of Norwich was instrumental in helping this come to fruition. “I can’t say enough about the town,” says Favreau. “They were very supportive of the project.”

The project included more than the installation of this new monument.  “We also cleaned and refurbished the old monuments,” says Favreau. As a result of the savings from the labor donated by Goodwin, Parker, and Root, they were able to hire a professional to clean the two existing bronze nameplates on the stone monuments, prepping them for the dedication. Additionally, the existing flagpole was removed, and a new pole installed.

The Rock of Ages quarry in Barre created the new stone monument, honoring the post-Vietnam vets. They delivered the monument to the site, and set it in place. Unlike the other two monuments, the names on this new one are etched into the stone. There are 74 names of Norwich veterans immortalized on the monument, with room to add more in the future.

The entire cost of the project, including the monument, flagpole, and the cleaning of the other two monuments, came to $16,000. The cost of the project was covered by individual donations and grants the Legion Post received.

The new monument was dedicated at a ceremony on November 12. American Legion dignitaries, town officials, and residents attended. “I was told there were about 200 people there,” Favreau says.

Now that the memorial is complete, what are their thoughts about it? “I’m very proud of it,” says Favreau. “It’s very professional.”

“And it looks really sharp,” adds Goodwin.

No one who lives in the Upper Valley needs to be told it was a fierce start to the winter. Extreme wind chills, double digit below zero nights, and damp cold days flourished in late December and January. As a result, fuel usage was at a max this winter.

Many area residents depend on firewood as a secondary, and primary heat source, and as those temps go down, so does the firewood pile. For some folks, ordering an extra cord of wood is not a problem. For others, however, the $250 or $300 for a cord is a financial hardship.

To meet the needs of those depending on firewood, and without the means to afford it, Norwich offers a community firewood reserve. Norwich resident David Hubbard heads up this community effort to help those in need of wood for heat.

Though the firewood is gathered and stored in Norwich (there are two sheds for storing the wood), Hubbard explains that anyone in need throughout the Upper Valley can use this wood. Folks from as far away as Windsor, Bridgewater, and Bradford (VT) have made use of this service.

Though it is occasionally possible for a delivery of wood to be made to the recipient, most who receive the wood come and pick it up themselves. “Eligibility for receiving the wood is based on the honor system,” says Hubbard. There are no applications for recipients to fill out, nor are there reviews to determine if someone is eligible. “If someone can afford wood, they should get it from a firewood dealer.”

Making the wood available depends on the hard work of volunteers, and the staff of the Norwich Public Works Department. Hubbard explains that Andy Hodgdon’s public works crew collects most of the log length firewood used from cutting jobs along Norwich’s roadsides, and transports the wood to the collection site at the firewood sheds. In addition, during slow times throughout the year, public works staff will devote time to cutting, splitting, and stacking the wood.

Community volunteers are also instrumental in the work. Once a year, in late October, Hubbard organizes a volunteer workday, with volunteers showing up with saws, wood splitters and trucks to cut, split, stack, and deliver the wood. Hubbard finds that many of his volunteers, “are 50 (years old) and older,” and he’d love to see “new blood, younger adults,” step up and get involved. Hubbard does point out that throughout the year, young folks from Youth In Action and Hanover High do pitch in and help stack wood, as do some Appalachian Trail hikers who stop and spend a few days in the area.

The two sheds where the firewood is stored can hold between 20 and 25 cord, Hubbard says. Last year, 100% of the stored wood was distributed, and this year, as of late February, about eight cord remain available. As many people run out of wood late in the season, chances are there will be little left at the end of this winter.

For those interested in more information on the firewood collection and distribution effort, visit the website for the Town of Norwich.