HANOVER
and neighboring communities
BEAUTIFUL BORDERS
EXPERT GARDENING ADVICE FROM BILL NOBLE
ADVANCE TRANSIT Going the Distance for 40 Years
CAMP KESEM
Dartmouth Students Take the Lead
Kelly Sennott
Photo courtesy of Advance Transit
On the cover: The exuberant midsummer perennial border in Bill Noble’s garden in Norwich. Hollyhocks, phlox, and beebalm lend it a relaxed, old-fashioned feel.
Photo by Bill Noble.
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Publishers Bob Frisch
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KEEP US POSTED. Here in Hanover wants to hear from readers. Correspondence may be addressed to: Letters to the Editor, Here in Hanover, 135 Lyme Road, Hanover, NH 03755. Or email us at: dthompson@ mountainviewpublishing.com. Advertising inquires may be made by email to rcfrisch1@ comcast.net. Here in Hanover is published quarterly by Mountain View Publishing, LLC ©2025. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part is strictly prohibited. Here in Hanover accepts no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, artwork, or photographs.
A Breath of Spring
As the chill of winter retreats and the days grow longer, our corner of New England awakens to welcome the vibrant arrival of spring. The landscape transforms into a tapestry of buds and blooms, and we’re enchanted by the beauty around us. It’s a time when our communities come alive, emerging from hibernation to celebrate the season with gardening, farmers’ markets, and other outdoor activities. After a long, relentless winter, we’re more than ready to embrace this season of rebirth and renewal.
Speaking of blooms, we’re delighted to showcase Bill Noble’s breathtaking gardens on our cover and in a feature beginning on page 58. Bill, a longtime resident of Norwich, Vermont, shares tips and expert advice on plants that thrive in the Upper Valley and how to keep color in your flower beds from spring through fall.
We’re also happy to share a story about Camp Kesem (page 40), a place for children whose parents are dealing with cancer. The camp offers the opportunity for kids to meet others in similar situations while experiencing the fun and fellowship of a retreat. We salute the Dartmouth students who organize and operate this worthwhile organization.
We’re sure you’ll be glad to meet the good people at Advance Transit, a company that has been serving the community for 40 years (page 46). The story of its evolution and growth is a tribute to the teamwork and generosity of our remarkable area. We’re also dropping in for a visit at Little Havana, a family-owned and -operated restaurant featuring authentic Cuban dishes (page 70). Stop in and see Maylena and her hospitable team, who are waiting to greet you and serve up some delicious fare.
Although spring involves chores such as deep cleaning your home and tackling yard cleanup, take some time off to smell the flowers. Enjoy!
Deborah Thompson Executive Editor dthompson@mountainviewpublishing.com
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p Katherine P. Cox, writer
Katherine is a freelance writer and former writer and editor for The Keene Sentinel in Keene, New Hampshire. Her work has also appeared in the anthology Beyond the Notches: Stories of Place in New Hampshire’s North Country. She was also a writer and producer for Captured Light Studio, Inc., a video and interactive production company in Keene. Kathy likes to garden, travel, and hike, often combining hiking and traveling in one trip. She is a volunteer trustee on her local library board of trustees.
p Mike Morin, writer
Mike is a columnist and 50-year radio and TV personality, and in the past decade has written three books, including his career memoir, a book on the history of the famed Red Arrow Diner, and another on modern history of candlepin bowling. He is the 2013 recipient of the Will Rogers Humanitarian Award from the National Society of Newspaper Columnists.
p Kevin Harkins, photographer
Kevin is a Lowell, Massachusetts, native and a graduate of the Art Institute of Boston. He has lived in southern New Hampshire for the past 25 years and has worked as an independent commercial photographer for more than 30 years, specializing in people, product, and publicity photography. His real love is editorial photography and traveling throughout New England capturing the local scene of food, culture, and that special character. You can see more of his work at www.harkinsphotography.com.
p Kelly Sennott, writer
Kelly has written for The Concord Monitor, AMC Outdoors Magazine, and The Hippo and she is an alum of the University of New Hampshire’s Master of Fine Arts in Writing program. She currently works in various Upper Valley libraries and lives in Lebanon, New Hampshire, with her husband and son. In this issue she writes about Advance Transit, which she and her young son often ride via the stop nearest their house; it’s a nice alternative to the car, and her son is a toddler who’s currently obsessed with buses.
p Nathan Larson, photographer
Nate grew up on the move living in Wyoming, Utah, Arizona, Connecticut, Vermont, Chicago, and New York City, and he has never stopped traveling. From the time he entered the dark room at 12, Nate has been in love with visual storytelling. Nate works with commercial clients and interior decorators, and he also enjoys portrait and editorial work. He owns and operates nathanlarson.com, which features fine-art prints, books, limited editions, and collaborations.
p Wren Wahrenberger, writer
Wren lives with her family in Hanover and teaches journalism and fiction writing at Hanover High School. When not reading students’ papers, she finds time for regular yoga practice and hiking with her dogs, as well as keeping a small vegetable garden in the summer. Besides writing articles for Here in Hanover, Wren enjoys writing fiction.
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Where to Do Karaoke in the Upper Valley
If you want to stretch your vocal cords, get your friends to embarrass themselves, or hear the next up-andcoming artist, there’s nothing better than a karaoke night.
Learn More About Wine at Putnam’s Vine/Yard Wine School
If you want to expand your wine knowledge, learn more about why you like certain wines, or just have fun with some friends, Putnam’s Vine/Yard Wine School is the place to go.
Make New Friends and Try Something New with a Meet-Up Group
With individual or recurring events, there is something for everyone. Here are a few upcoming events to try out.
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around & about | people, places, and events
by cassie horner
CROSS-CULTURAL UNDERSTANDING ACTS Honduras
ACTS
Honduras, based in Norwich, Vermont, was founded almost 40 years ago with a mission to “foster cross-cultural understanding, and to promote—with Honduran partners—programs for health, education, agriculture, and economic development.” Honduras, with a population of about 7.7 million, is very family oriented. ACTS Honduras works with about 10 villages in the northwestern part of the country.
“We help people make their own communities livable so residents can live in dignity, raise a family, and succeed,” says Linda Kennedy, president of the organization and a longtime volunteer. “We help people develop local leaders in places where there is no mayor, the police are far away, and residents have to meet their own challenges.”
One of those serious challenges is weather. For example, Tropical Storm Sara in 2024 caused enormous flooding that washed out the roads. “Imagine yourself with no anything!” Linda says. “So many communities were cut off for weeks and weeks.”
Another major problem is that none of the available water is
Top left: It was a thrilling day when boxes of hundreds of top-quality books, purchased with a grant from the Zondervan Foundation to ACTS Honduras, were opened in the regional high school. Bottom left: Two out of five Hondurans live in the green mountains and valleys of rural Honduras, where they plant corn using a pointed stick to poke a hole.
Below: Honduran leaders Nelson Mejia and Ronis Martinez check the security of logs in a clever hack that forces cows to share access to water.
potable, so people have to boil it or pay cash for bottled water. A third challenge is lack of education. A survey showed that the average male in his 40s or 50s had three years of education. This means, for example, that he may not be able to read the directions on a bag of fertilizer.
The list of concerns also includes the drought in Central America. “People farm their food, mainly corn and beans,” Linda says. “A drought or bad storm may cause the loss of crops and there is no government aid.” ACTS Honduras supports regenerative agriculture to rebuild the soil on a broader scale.
“We constantly work with people to mitigate these situations,” Linda explains. The goal is to help people develop the necessary infrastructure to solve the problems. “We are making communities stronger and better so people are moving there, and moving back, as they readopt the rural lifestyle.”
Initially, ACTS Honduras focused on medical issues by providing brigades of volunteer clinicians to treat ailments. That evolved into funding salaries for Hondurans to operate a clinic with a Honduran nurse six days weekly and a Honduran
dentist five days monthly. Other successes include a well-stocked pharmacy, libraries in the high school and the community center, soccer teams for boys and girls, and a Honduran advisory board with top professionals in every field from medicine to retail. Supporting education means that if even one member of a family graduates from high school, the economic situation of a whole family can change because of increased job opportunities.
Most of the ACTS Honduras members travel to Honduras annually at their own expense. “One of the things I find most delightful about ACTS is the multigenerational steering committee comprised of people aged 23 to over 90,” Linda says.
ACTS Honduras relies on donations for its work. They do grant writing and hold an annual appeal in November. Support from family foundations is invaluable and always welcome. For more information about how to get involved and contribute, visit actshonduras.org. t
Top: Elementary classrooms like this one are often crowded and usually two children share a desk.
Middle row, from left: The ACTS-supported clinic in El Rosario is staffed full time by nurse Nolvia Martinez, who treats patients, dispenses medications, and serves as a health educator. ACTS dentist Dave Bogacz is on-site at the El Rosario clinic to support Honduran dentist Reina Lara, who practices in the dental clinic and visits elementary schools to screen children for dental problems that are followed up at the clinic.
Bottom: When in Honduras, ACTS members participate in many meetings with local leaders. Here, they are meeting with the El Rosario Water Board. From left: ACTS Secretary Helen Whyte, ACTS President Linda Kennedy, Francisco Cabrera, Neris Cabrera, ACTS Vice President Sue Burgos, Eustaquio Armijo, and Adolfo Fonseca.
GLORIOUS MUSIC
Bach Study Group
Two hundred seventy-five years after the death of Johann Sebastian Bach, his glorious music is still celebrated around the world. Locally, the Bach Study Group in Hanover continues to flourish with its focus on the master’s work. The group of 30 to 40 people meets on Friday mornings at Howe Library. It is nonsectarian and welcomes everyone from a wide range of musical backgrounds. People can participate or sit and observe. Some people sing and some play instruments.
The group was founded in 1983 by
Joan Snell, wife of a Dartmouth College professor. She was trained at the highly regarded Westminster Choir College in New Jersey. Initially, she proposed to a few people the idea of reading through Bach’s “St. Matthew Passion.” “Subsequently, the group embarked on a series of informal readings of choral pieces by Bach,” says Mark Nelson, director. “She led the group for 20 years and passed it along to Ellen Frye for about 19 years. Ellen had the passion, interest, and talent to direct the group but then moved away in 2016. She asked
Mark Nelson, director.
Our
me if I would take over and I said yes.”
The Bach Study Group focuses on a different piece of music about every two months, although pieces such as the “St. Matthew Passion” or “St. John Passion” require five months or longer. “Bach broke every law in the book musically and then handled it in a way to bring it into the harmonic fold of his day,” says Mark.
Currently, the group is studying “Cantata BWV 101,” “Take away from us, Lord, faithful God . . .” The most significant change Mark made as director was that all of the texts are in German, the language Bach wrote it in, not in an English translation. “Until I began leading the group, its habit was to sing everything in English translation,” he explains. “I thought it more helpful and interesting to return to the German and thus preserve all of the text-music rhythms—as well as the original German connotations—that characterize these compositions.”
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Left and above: Mark Nelson leads the Bach Study Group in rehearsals of two different Bach cantatas at Howe Library.
around & about
Mark, who has a PhD in music, appreciates the purpose of the group to study Bach on a deep level. “The music is incomparable,” he says. “It invariably rewards rehearsing and careful scrutiny. I was trained to ‘look under the hood,’ to scrutinize these scores and share with other people. We are interested in the history, the context, and the way Bach evoked profound Lutheran themes.”
The Bach Study Group is not designed to create performances but some members take part in the Bach Marathon held in late March or early April at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Hanover. This event is a daylong celebration of Bach with multiple performers who sign up to perform in 15- to 30-minute increments. For more information, visit choralartsuv.org or email Mark at mark.bach.study@gmail.com. t
Pete Beardsley accompanies at the piano while altos look on during a rehearsal of the Bach Study Group.
PUTTING THE PIECES TOGETHER
Jigsaw Puzzles
Jigsaw puzzles have been engaging people of all ages since the mid 18th century. According to one source, map engraver John Spilsbury came up with the idea in 1762. He mounted a map on a piece of wood and cut out the countries. Voila! A new form of entertainment that was educational as well as fun was born.
Certainly, the early designers could never have imagined the modern-day digital jigsaw puzzle. Sarah Rooker, director of the Norwich Historical Society, jumped on board this technology as a way of engaging people in local history.
“I am always looking for ways to make history more accessible and fun,” Sarah recalls. “A few years ago, on a whim, I put a jigsaw puzzle based on an old photograph in the historical society’s e-news and received a lot of responses. Now, if I forget to put a puzzle in, people are disappointed. Last year, I began sharing puzzles on the Norwich Listserv to great response.”
Top: Automobile accident in Lewiston just before the Ledyard Bridge, 1928.
Above: Automobile accident puzzle.
Sarah started with Norwich images that people could easily connect with. For example, a popular photo depicts an early 1900s accident on Ledyard Bridge. “I picked historical sceneries so people would start to notice the landscape more and think about how it has changed today,” she says. “If you look really carefully, you start to notice how humans impact landscapes.”
The puzzles are free and appear on Sunday through the Norwich Historical Society. They also appear on Monday in Daybreak, a popular Upper Valley e-newsletter created by Rob Gurwitt, who reports 700 to 1,200 hits for each
Left: Early view of Ledyard Bridge and Lewiston, 1900.
around & about
puzzle. “I suspect there are several reasons they’re so popular,” Rob says. “The interface is appealing. They’re only really tough if you want to make them tough yourself. They’re of local interest. They’re of historical interest. It’s fun to see a bit of Upper Valley history take shape in front of you. And they’re a finite challenge: Maybe 10 minutes out of your day when the rest of the world goes away.”
The feature proved so popular that it is now created by volunteer Cam Cross. The process involves uploading the weekly photo into a program that turns it into a puzzle. With a caption attached, the puzzle is embedded in the historical society’s website with a link. Photos range in subject matter from skiing, rowing, and other sports to rolling the roads in winter and the Hartford mills.
Sarah often hears comments about the images such as, “I remember that store. My grandmother worked there.” Sometimes she gets corrections to the captions! She has even been asked by fans, “Are you the puzzle lady?”
“There are so many wonderful old photos,” Sarah says. “They bring up memories for people about how the world worked in the past. We have more in common with each other and the past than we think.”
Working on a puzzle includes a few special features. The player can adjust the number of pieces to make the puzzle easier or harder to play and easier to see. Also, the color of the background of the puzzle “board” can be changed. Players also hear a click when they match up pieces and are rewarded by cheering when the puzzle is complete. To find the puzzles, visit norwichhistory.org. t
Meet the “Sun God”
Celebrating creativity in Hanover
JOHNATHAN JAMES RECOR, an alumnus of Dartmouth College, has become a celebrated figure in Hanover, New Hampshire, through his vibrant alter ego, the “Sun God.” His unique persona and modified vehicle have made him an entertaining part of the Dartmouth community’s culture and folklore.
Johnathan’s transformation into the Sun God involves donning an entirely Venetian ensemble, complete with an elaborate sunshaped mask and metallic cloak, creating a striking and memorable appearance. Accompanying his attire is his extensively modified car, which serves as a mobile extension of his persona. The vehicle is adorned with an array of distinctive features, including chrome spikes, eagle-topped spires, and oversized tailpipes. Often, it traverses the streets of Hanover directing various scores of theatrical music, further amplifying its presence. The Sun God’s car is not merely a mode of transportation but a moving piece of art that reflects Johnathan’s imaginative spirit. The modifications to the vehicle meticulously contribute to its overall aesthetic and thematic coherence. The spikes and eagle-topped poles add a sense of grandeur and mystique, while the oversized tailpipes and colorful music create a sensory experience that captures attention and sparks curiosity.
The origins of the Sun God date back to Johnathan’s time as a Dartmouth student enrolled in the Master of Liberal Arts and Sciences (MALS) program in 2009. During his college years, he began developing this persona, which has since evolved into a symbol of inspiration and originality. Johnathan’s masquerades in Hanover are marked by his interactions as the Sun God, during which he engages with students and locals, adding a special vibrancy to the town’s atmosphere.
Johnathan’s dual life adds depth to his persona. During the weekdays, he resides in Connecticut, working as a project manager in New York. On weekends, he transforms into the Sun God, bringing his unique brand of performance art to Hanover. This commitment to his alter ego spans nearly two decades and demonstrates a dedication to creative expression and a strong desire to contribute to the cultural tapestry of the Dartmouth community.
The Sun God has become more than just a local curiosity; he embodies the spirit of individuality and creativity that is celebrated within the Dartmouth community. His presence serves as a reminder of the impact that one individual’s passion can have on a community, inspiring others to embrace their unique identities and contribute to the collective culture. t
Top: The Sun God’s chariot emerges from the halls of academia alongside Tuck Drive in a spectacle of grandeur.
Center: Johnathan James Recor as The Sun God is adorned with crimson leaves and mystery in front of the Baker Library
Bottom: The iconic parking spot across from The Hanover Inn—where stories pause, engines rest, and East Wheelock Street hums with the echoes of Dartmouth’s past and present.
Book Picks for Spring
CHECK OUT A FRESH CROP OF BOOKS AT THE NORWICH BOOKSTORE
Nothing green is quite peeking through the snow yet, at least not as I write this, but when I look at the wealth of great books coming out in the next few months, it’s clear to me that spring is on its way. From hotly anticipated novels (from debut authors and from some of our longtime favorites) and fascinating nonfiction that blurs the lines between history, science, and personal reflection to a stunning crop of books for young readers (and the young at heart), it’s a great season to be a reader (but then, I guess I can always say that). Here are a few of the new books all of us at The Norwich Bookstore are looking forward to over the next few months.
Deep Cuts by Holly Brickley
In the early 2000s, two college friends bond over music, but their shared passions lead to divergent paths in this debut novel perfect for fans of High Fidelity.
The Antidote by Karen Russell
In her first novel since Swamplandia!, the brilliantly inventive Karen Russell brings us to the Dust Bowl–era plains of Nebraska, where the fates of a remarkable cast of characters become intertwined with memory, myth, and omission.
The Jackal’s Mistress by Chris Bohjalian
Beloved Vermont novelist Chris Bohjalian is back with an epic historical novel set during the Civil War (and based on a true story), in which the wife of a Confederate soldier who has gone missing shelters a Union Officer who has been wounded in action.
Twist by Colum McCann
Two Irishmen—one a journalist on assignment to write about the undersea communication cables that power modern life, the other an engineer and diver who repairs those cables—must come to grips with the limits of our digitally interconnected world during a remote ocean journey in this new novel from the author of Let the Great World Spin.
Heartwood by Amity Gaige (Available April 1)
An Appalachian Trail hiker goes missing in the depths of the Maine woods, sparking a search that pulls together people from across New England in this gripping wilderness thriller.
The Float Test by Lynn Steger Strong (Available April 8)
Nobody writes a family saga quite like Lynn Steger Strong, the bestselling Mainebased author of Flight. In her latest novel, she brings together four adult siblings, the Kenners, who are facing an uncertain future even as they reckon with a past none of them are being entirely honest about—with each other or themselves.
The Pretender by Jo Harkin (Available April 22)
This funny, ribald historical novel described as “like a Maggie O’Farrell or Hilary Mantel book, only bawdier” takes place during the War of the Roses and follows a peasant boy whose primary concern is a horrible village goat—until the moment he’s told that, in fact, he is the last of the Plantagenet line and must ascend to the throne of England.
Elphie: A Wicked Childhood by Gregory Maguire
You’ve read Wicked (and its sequels). You’ve seen the blockbuster movie. Now, at last, learn the whole story of young Elphie, the singular youngster who will grow up to become Elpheba, the Wicked Witch of the West!
Raising Hare by Chloe Dalton
This profound, moving book—part memoir, part meditation, part natural history— chronicles one woman’s connection to a wild hare she discovers as an abandoned newborn.
Everything Is Tuberculosis: The History and Persistence of Our Deadliest Infection by John Green
Bestselling author John Green, whose books include Looking For Alaska and The Fault in Our Stars, is a funny and insightful chronicler of human nature. He has also long been a passionate public health advocate and here, he turns his eye toward one of the world’s most stubborn diseases, in part through the story of his friendship with a tuberculosis patient.
On Muscle: The Stuff That Moves Us and Why It Matters by Bonnie Tsui (Available April 22)
With her signature blend of science, history, and personal narrative, Bonnie Tsui, the bestselling author of Why We Swim, explores muscle as a physical substance and as a cultural idea.
Shark Girl by Kate Beaton
Beloved author Kate Beaton of Hark!
A Vagrant fame returns with a typically hilarious and yet inspiring book about a young girl who is half human, half shark, a greedy fishing boat captain, and what it takes to stand up to injustice.
Fairy Walk by Gaia Cornwall (Available April 1)
Have you ever gone out walking in the woods in search of magic? You’ll be amazed what you can find! In this whimsical picture book featuring Gaia Cornwall’s signature collage art, a group of kids goes off in search of fairies and find all manner of natural wonders.
Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins
Wait, a new Hunger Games novel? Picking up 24 years after the events of Mockingjay? Yeah, you’re going to want to pick up your copy right now.
Rebellion 1776 by Laurie Halse Anderson (Available April 1)
Laurie Halse Anderson, the acclaimed and bestselling author of Speak and Fever 1793, returns to historical fiction for young readers with this compelling, impeccably researched middle-grade novel about a smallpox epidemic threatening to disrupt the Revolutionary War.
The Cartoonists Club by Raina Telgemeier & Scott McCloud (Available April 1)
The world of comics has a lot of big stars, but Raina Telgemeier and Scott McCloud teaming up on a middlegrade graphic novel is pretty much the comics equivalent of the Beatles and the Rolling Stones doing a split album. In The Cartoonists Club, we meet four friends who unleash the full powers of their creativity when they collaborate. The story is as sweet and funny as you’d expect from the author of Smile, and what’s more, this book is packed with real-life advice for becoming a cartoonist yourself! t
info@theinnsteadgetaway.com
“You are in this space where everyone understands,” says Nathan McAllister.
“You can just be yourself in a way that you can’t in the real world, in the places where people either don’t know or haven’t been through what you’ve been through. That’s an incredible feeling. As a kid, as a middle schooler, and as a high schooler—I considered Kesem the one place where I could actually be myself.”
Campers gather on the archery range between activities.
by wren wahrenberger
Dartmouth Students Take the Lead
A WEEK OF MAGICAL CONNECTION FOR KIDS FACING A PARENT’S CANCER
“I’VE BEEN INVOLVED IN KESEM FOR HALF OF MY LIFE,” says Dartmouth senior Nathan McAllister, a volunteer counselor and codirector at Dartmouth’s Camp Kesem. “I went to camp for the first time in 2014 following my mom’s diagnosis . . . I was 11 years old.” Nathan keeps his voice steady as if he doesn’t want to make anyone else uncomfortable. “The camp experience is unmatched in providing a throughline of support. It is open to anyone affected by a parent’s cancer. Your parent may have died, or your parent might also be in remission, or currently having treatment,” he says. Kesem is designed to support campers through all of those experiences.
“You are in this space where everyone understands,” Nathan continues. “You can just be yourself in a way that you can’t in the real world, in the places where people either don’t know or haven’t been through what you’ve been through. That’s an incredible feeling. As a kid, as a middle schooler, and as a high schooler—I considered Kesem the one place where I could actually be myself.
“Unfortunately, my mom passed away in 2017,” Nathan says. “Kesem existed for me throughout all of that. It was a home base and a second family. Returning to the same energy and familiar experience every year was so grounding throughout all the change I was undergoing.”
CREATING A SAFE SPACE
Camp Kesem originated in 2000 as the project of five Stanford University students with a mission. Kesem means “magic”
photos courtesy of camp kesem
in Hebrew, although the camp now has no religious affiliation. The Stanford students’ goal was to bring “magic” to children whose parents have or have had cancer. They designed a free summer camp for children ages 6 to 18. The program’s goal is to provide a safe space for children to connect with peers who have similar experiences, to help them process their experiences, to have fun, and to meet caring college student leaders who serve as role models. Around 30 campers attended the first Camp Kesem.
Kesem has grown to now include about 130 chapters in 42 states, becoming the largest organization in the country serving children affected by a parent’s cancer. The nonprofit national hub of Kesem in southern California hires coordinators to oversee the chapters in different areas of the country. National also sends a camp advisor to each camp session to work closely with the two other paid employees: a mental health professional and a nurse. The camp counselors are all trained volunteer college students.
Kesem chapters are usually centered around a university or college.
Nathan explains that it’s an interested student’s responsibility to contact the national Kesem organization in southern California to get a chapter started at their college. A group of Dartmouth students started their chapter in 2016, holding their first camp in 2017.
Nationally, Kesem does not own any campsites, so sites and dates may change from year to year. Each yearly camp session is held on a leased, established campsite located within two or three hours from the college campuses. Campers can go to the campsite that is most convenient for them.
HELPING KIDS PROCESS, CONNECT, AND THRIVE
Dartmouth, the only Kesem chapter in New Hampshire, is holding their five-day camp this year from June 22 to 27 at a favorite site they have used five times before—Camp William Lawrence in Center Tuftonboro, New Hampshire. The campsite’s staff provides things like food preparation and supervision for site-specific activities, such as archery, the ropes course, or swimming. The rest of the camp activities are run by Dartmouth students who are passionate about the organization’s mission.
To keep experiences similar for kids who may end up at a different camp location from the previous year, Kesem has national programing traditions, events that they have worked with professionals to put together. One such tradition is a nightly Cabin Chat, allowing campers to reflect on their day and share what they feel comfortable sharing. Another key tradition is Empowerment Day, held on the fourth day of camp. It is a dedicated time for kids to talk more broadly about what they’ve been through with their parents’ cancer. Empowerment circle can last three hours and is preceded by activities designed to “get kids mentally in the right headspace for sharing,” says Maya Raghunathan, also a senior at Dartmouth, who has volunteered for Kesem since her freshman year.
“We are super intentional with creating a healthy space for kids to
share what they feel comfortable sharing,” Nathan says. “No one is ever forced to speak.” Nathan points out that listening to fellow campers can be beneficial as well. When he was a repeat camper in Davis, California, another student from his school attended for the first time. “I didn’t know he had also lost his mom to cancer,” Nathan says. The school acquaintance remained quiet—even during Cabin Chats.
“Ultimately, Empowerment happened, and we were sitting in a circle on the basketball court as the sun was setting,” Nathan says. “Everyone was going around and sharing, and he again passed. I shared my story and started crying—I was really emotional that year,” Nathan says. After Empowerment, Nathan’s school friend walked straight up to him and said, “Everything you said is exactly how I’m feeling, but I couldn’t say it. Thank you so much.”
“It was the biggest display of any kind of emotion that I had seen from him,” says Nathan, “and a powerful reminder that it’s not necessarily even the talking about it
Opposite, from top: Black-light dance party. Nightly closing circle.
Left and below: Camper unit makes friendship bracelets. More fun at the black-light dance party.
that helps—it’s existing in this space where other people have experienced the same thing, and you are understood.”
Maya recounts a similar story that has stuck with her about the power of Kesem. She was a new counselor with a 13-yearold girl in her cabin who didn’t seem to want to be there, and who didn’t share in Cabin Chats or during Empowerment. However, during the Cabin Chat after Empowerment she finally spoke up about her experience. She said, “I’m sure you all know that my mom died of cancer this past year. I find it so hard to be at school these days. The people that I have been such close friends with, I find myself being frustrated in their presence, and I have to understand that it’s not their fault, that they haven’t been through what I’ve been through. It’s not their fault that their biggest problems seem so small to me, and that’s been hard for me, knowing that in my head, but still feeling like I feel. They complain about things that I would give anything to have.”
Maya says, “It was a beautiful
moment—all the other girls in the cabin understood. At the end of camp, the girl cried when she left. She said, ‘I really can’t wait for next year, this has been the best week ever.’”
“We hear that all the time,” says Nathan. “They say: ‘I don’t want to leave; this is my favorite week of the year.’’’
DON’T FORGET THE FUN!
After the heavier space of Empowerment circles, the counselors provide “warm and fuzzy activities” to take campers into a lighter mood. Maya describes their Compliment Circles where they write supporting words and compliments on paper plates and give them to each other.
“Then we end the day with our blacklight dance party, which everyone just loves,” Maya says. “There are plenty of other fun events,” Nathan says, “which is the main focus of camp.” Some favorite traditions include Messy Games, which involve paint throwing, and Water Games. “Last year a big hit was a game of Capture the Flag,” Maya adds.
“Some of these traditions change chapter by chapter, but we always do a talent show,” says Nathan. Camp Kesem also has a songbook, with their own versions of popular camp songs. “Baby Shark” and “Fred the Moose” are favorites.
A SPECIAL GROUP OF PEOPLE
Even though much of the days are structured, Maya says the counselors excel at coming up with activities that work in the moment. “Honestly, we have such an amazing group of counselors,” she says, “many of whom have worked at other camps.” She describes how counselors helped a younger group of boys who were struggling with transition times. “They came up with this funny way to get the kids to move faster by setting ‘world records’ for the fastest toothbrush to bed record, the quickest getting ready in the morning, and the highest jump on the basketball court.”
Nathan describes the Kesem counselors in general as “wonderful, sensitive, but also super high energy, and so emotionally intelligent.” The club tends to receive plenty of applications for counselors. “We try to take as many as we
can,” says Maya. “This is something that a lot of people want to be a part of, which is really exciting for us. I heard of Kesem before college,” Maya explains, “because my godsister was the director of Kesem at Northwestern. She said to me, ‘Maya, when you go to college, there is one thing you have to join.’”
At Dartmouth, after Maya was accepted as a counselor, she went through trainings in the spring and became a counselor the summer after her freshmen year. “We always say that when you go to camp, you are immediately hooked. You see all the kids—you see how mature and articulate and fun they are—you just want to get more involved.”
Maya joined the coordinator board and managed volunteers and counselor recruitment. In her junior year, she was Operations Coordinator, planning camp schedules and activities and coordinating with the campsite.
“Now I’m the codirector, and it’s been undoubtedly my favorite thing that I’ve done at college,” she says, joy lighting up her face. She and Nathan are both looking forward to seeing how the Dartmouth Kesem program grows in
Camper unit at tetherball.
the future and are looking forward to having more campers as their fundraising increases.
TO GIVE OR RECEIVE SUPPORT
Nathan describes their fundraising effort as “massive.” This year has been their most successful year, with the chapter raising more than $50,000 for the 2025 camp session. A Zoom campaign on Giving Tuesday, a booth at Dartmouth football games, and a Pie a Counselor event on the Green were some of their most profitable fundraisers. “Once people understand the mission of our club, it’s very easy to get them to listen,” says Nathan. “People generally want to help.”
“It costs $1,200 to send a kid to camp for a week,” says Maya. “We could theoretically take 45 campers this summer. Our outreach team is working on letting families know that Kesem is an option.”
She says that Kesem flyers are now available at Norris Cotton Cancer Center.
Not only is camp free for all campers but the chapter will further fundraise to provide supplies that an individual camper might need, such as a sleeping bag or water shoes, according to Nathan.
Experience
The Pull of The Current.
At the Woodstock Inn & Resort, creating true connection is at the heart of everything we do. Make your own connection to nature when you experience it with our Orvis® Endorsed Fly Fishing Program.
Camp applications open each year to the public in January at kesem.org and are accepted up until just a few weeks before camp starts—this year in June.
In addition to the camp week, the Dartmouth chapter runs two Friends and Families days a year. Campers, families, and friends of the chapter, such as people from DHMC who have helped out, gather at the DOC house at Occom Pond and spend the afternoon together playing games and renewing friendships.
Before he leaves, Nathan tries to sum up how important Kesem has been for him. “My view of Kesem—as a kid who was in a position to receive that support—is I can’t imagine not having it. . . . Kesem is the stopgap while we try to figure out how to get rid of cancer completely.”
To register your child or to contribute to Camp Kesem, visit kesem.org or email dartmouth@kesem.org. t
by Kelly Sennott |
and counting
LOCAL SUPPORT ALLOWS ADVANCE TRANSIT TO GO THE DISTANCE
Advance Transit has been connecting the Upper Valley for 40 years now, and if current ridership is any indication, it’s not slowing down anytime soon. What started as a program of the Upper Valley Senior Citizens Council has grown into a free multistate operation, with more than 14 million passenger trips to date. Recently, AT has added even more to its offerings, including evening and weekend services and a new route. It’s not at all unusual to find buses packed with only standing room available.
photos courtesy of advance transit
Steve Leavitt, who has been driving for AT for 40 years, thinks the bus is more popular than it ever was. “I never thought the Upper Valley would be big enough to support something like this,” Steve says. “And it just keeps getting bigger and bigger.”
All the success begs the question: How does a transportation system grow and thrive in such a small rural community? AT Executive Director
Adams Carroll says it’s a combination of things, but mostly it’s this: The people here love it.
DEMAND FROM THE START
Adams meets me for an interview at the King Arthur Cafe, down the street from the AT operations center, which is currently undergoing renovations. The company had grown too large for its building, with people doubled and tripled up in offices, and so, he tells me, it was time to expand.
This need to expand has been a regular theme for AT since it began in 1981 as a program of the Upper Valley Senior Citizens Council. The company was officially incorporated as a nonprofit in 1984, and Helene Chapman served as the first executive director until 1987. Van Chesnut, who ran the company for 35 years until his retirement in 2022, is a major credit for its growth. It was under Van that AT established the community partnerships and funding model it still benefits from today, and it was under him that fare-free service began in 2002.
Adams has been picking up where Van left off. In 2022, he helped AT introduce a couple electric vehicles to the fleet, and about a year and a half ago, he and the AT team were finally able to secure funding and move forward long-planned efforts to establish evening and Saturday services.
Above: AT Executive Director Adams Carroll, at front, leads a guided bus ride with residents of Kendal at Hanover.
Below and opposite: Guided bus ride between Bugbee Senior Center and King Arthur Café and Bakery, hosted in partnership with AARP, Bugbee Senior Center, Tri-Valley Transit, and Vital Communities.
• Increases access to jobs and housing
• Connects people to community resources
• Expands mobility for people with disabilities
• Helps older riders participate fully in their communities
• Reduces traffic congestion and manages parking demand
• Provides a sustainable mode of transportation is committed to offering a crucial service that :
Our buses take commuters to work, students to school, patients to doctors’ appointments, families to the grocery store, and friends to parks and restaurants. Our buses don’t just link people to places; they also connect them with each other.
565,860+
Fixed-route rides in 2023
6,460+
Paratransit rides in 2023
BENEFITS OF FARE-FREE PUBLIC TRANSIT
• Economic driver that provides transportation to jobs and retailers
• Environmental impact from lower carbon emissions
• Household savings from reduced cost of vehicle maintenance
• Increased access that helps people with physical and financial challenges
• Social driver of health, helping people stay connected with each other
MEET THE DRIVERS
STEVE LEAVITT
The beginning: “When I first started working 40 years ago, we were collecting fares. It was anywhere from 50 cents to $1.25, depending on where you were going to go. Our fleet was about 10 to 12. Now we’re somewhere in the neighborhood of 35.”
On driver training: “We spend literally weeks to months familiarizing people with the routes and putting them through training so they can successfully go out and do their job.”
Camaraderie: “The culture at AT right now is the best I’ve ever seen. . . . I feel camaraderie with each and every individual I work with.”
The rewards: “I get to meet and help people. I’ve made many friendships over the years. I get people to their doctor’s appointments, anything like that, where otherwise they wouldn’t have the ability to because they don’t have a vehicle.”
KEVIN LEGACE
Letter from the governor: “I picked up an elderly woman and dropped her off at the stop closest to Walgreens. An hour later on my return trip, I found her at the same stop and a little upset. She informed me she missed the previous bus, and that her bus to Bradford was leaving soon from the Dartmouth Green, and she was going to be stranded. I told her that I knew her bus also went to the VA as its last stop before heading back to the Bradford Park & Ride, and I would help her get there. Once we got to the Kilton Library, I walked the woman to the orange line and made sure she got on the correct bus. A few weeks later, the letter from Governor Scott came in. This is really not out of the ordinary for us. We try to accommodate those as we can. It just stands out as a highlight.”
What keeps him motivated: “What I like about driving with AT is that I get to contribute to the community in a way that helps everyone.”
Maybe it’s due to the more services available, or maybe it’s due to more housing and apartment complexes along the routes, but whatever the reason, ridership continues to grow, with 697,149 rides in 2024, up from 565,868 in 2023.
Adams says local backing is what has enabled AT to keep up with demand. Upper Valley towns provide municipal support, but most funding comes from the private sector, including Dartmouth, Dartmouth Hitchcock, property managers, businesses, foundations, and individuals. “We are a 501(c)(3). What that allows us to do is bring together a lot of different groups,” Adams says. “Because we have all of these different groups at our back, we’re really competitive with federal grant funding.”
MAKING IT EASY
Half the riders use the bus because it’s their only option. The other half choose the bus because it’s a favorable option—it’s free, good for the environment, and, if you live near a stop, it’s convenient. “When you have the option to make transit an easy choice, people will take it,” Adams says. “You can spend 20 minutes on 120 with your hands gripping the steering wheel, wishing somebody would do something about the traffic, or you can be chauffeured to work.”
Making it easy is something the AT team has been working hard at, having recently put out new brochures, schedules, and maps that Adams thinks are more digestible. You can
Left: Guests at AT’s 40th anniversary celebration (June 2024) wait for a bus ride through the bus wash.
Bottom, far left: Riders take advantage of the Saturday service to the Norwich Farmers’ Market.
Center and bottom: AT staff cut and distribute cake to guests at the 40th anniversary celebration. AT artifacts at the history exhibition 40 Forward: A History of Advance Transit, displayed at the Kilton Library.
Below: Guests at AT’s 40th anniversary celebration take a guided tour of AT’s garage.
get real-time bus whereabouts on the website, by phone, and via app.
In addition, AT now has a YouTube channel for new riders feeling trepidation about that first trip that covers things like how to transfer buses, how to use the bike rack, and how to navigate. Several showcase destinations accessible via AT, from bookstores and cultural institutions to family-friendly stops. “It can be overwhelming to just see a bus schedule and figure out how to get from Point A to B, if you’re not in the habit of doing that. We find that it’s all about getting people to try that first ride,” Adams says.
REWARDS
Running AT is not easy work; bus driving in particular is a challenging occupation. You’re operating heavy machinery in the public right-of-way, and you never know what people on the road are going to do. Conditions range from summer days to feet of snow. But everyone I talk to who works for AT tells me the work is satisfying. They like helping the community: Their work minimizes car congestion and creates cleaner air to breathe. For some of their riders, it’s their only way to get to the places they need to go.
“The drivers have relationships with the passengers they carry. They know what’s going on in their lives and feel a sense of connection to the work that they do, and that’s meaningful,” Adams says. “They’re able to help people get to work or to school or to a first date with somebody—those important moments in people’s lives that, without access to transportation, might not be happening.” t
RIDE ADVANCE TRANSIT
Where: Hanover, Lebanon, Canaan, Enfield, Hartford, and Norwich (802) 295-1824, advancetransit.com
YouTube: youtube.com/@advancetransit
App: Transit, Google Maps, and Apple Maps
Spring is in the Air Shop, Dine & Support Local!
Putnam’s vine/yard
SHOP DRINK LEARN. Located in a historic Vermont railyard, the Putnam’s vine/yard secret garden is the perfect place to catch up with friends or find a quiet spot to relax with a great book and glass of wine. We are family friendly with an assortment of wooden toys, and we serve nonalcoholic beverages including specialty coffee and imported artisanal teas. Check out the Event Calendar on our website for upcoming Wine School & Vine School Classes, as well as Pop-Ups from local food purveyors and artists. Stop by every weekend between 10am and 4pm for brunch!
188 South Main Street, Unit 110 White River Junction, VT (802) 899-0405 www.putnamsvineyard.com Tue–Sat 8am–10pm, Sun 8am–9pm
Twisted Scissors
Professional, affordable services offering the latest styles and cuts in the center of Hanover. A 19-year career in the cosmetology/ barbering industry and a familiar face to many Hanover residents. Offering services for men, women, and children, with services expanding to full-service barber including straight razor shaves and beard care. A local entrepreneur creating a clean, inviting environment where the whole family will enjoy professional lighthearted services over a lifetime.
Come see us! Relax to music of your choice during your service and enjoy a bit of fun and laughter while you transform your look.
53 South Main Street Hanover, NH (603) 277-9842
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Dartmouth
Osher at Dartmouth is a volunteer, noncredit continuing-education program for adults. We offer a wide variety of courses and events throughout the year, with opportunities to participate both in person and online. Don’t miss our 2025 Spring Term courses. The catalog is available on our website.
Visit osher.dartmouth.edu for more information.
1 Court Street, Suite 380 Lebanon, NH (603) 646-0154 osher.dartmouth.edu
Mon–Thu 8:30am–4:30pm, Fri 8:30am–1pm
Danielle Bencze Owner/licensed esthetician
Glowen Day Spa
Step into a realm of pure tranquility and let your worries fade away at Glowen Day Spa. Experience a personalized journey toward rejuvenation and glowing skin through the power of Celluma and microcurrent treatments. Enhance your eyes’ allure effortlessly with our lash lift and tint, while personalized skin peels and hydrodermabrasion unveil your skin’s true potential, leaving it radiant and youthful. Beyond skin-deep treatments, we offer the transformative practice of reiki healing, where your body and soul are nourished and replenished.
We utilize high-quality products designed to give you the ultimate luxurious spa experience thoughtfully priced to ensure luxury is accessible to all. Everyone deserves a pampered, personalized experience. Book your rejuvenating experience today and let Danielle pamper you from head to toe and embrace the glow that lies within.
18 On the Common Lyme, NH (603) 212-8216 www.glowendayspa.com
Matt Brown Fine Art
The MBFA gallery features art, crafts, and books by residents (past and present) of Lyme, NH and Thetford, VT: paintings, prints, poetry, and pottery, photographs and floor cloths, cards and clocks, jewelry, woodenware, ceramics, and syrups. Current shows include Kimono Patterns: Color Woodblock Prints of U. Kunisada through April 26; Mountains through May 24; and It’sMostlyaboutBlackandWhite through May 24.
Visit our gallery website for more info.
1 Main Street, On the Common Lyme, NH (603) 795-4855 www.mbrownfa.com
Fri 10am–5pm & Sat 10am–3pm or by chance or appointment
Johnson Audiology
Better hearing is directly linked to better relationships, more self-confidence, and even brain health. Hearing well is about being an active, connected part of your world. Sometimes, the answer is as simple as a hearing aid. Other times, it’s less obvious. That’s why we start the conversation by talking about you. We want to understand what’s going on in your life. And as doctors of audiology, we listen to you from that professional perspective to give you a more connected life through better hearing. Want to know more? Give us a call. We’re ready to listen.
2 Dorrance Place Hanover, NH (603) 643-4327
www.JohnsonAudiologyhearing.com
TheBoardGame, woodblock print by Matt Brown, 6” x 5.”
Honey Field Farm & Greenhouses
Eat organic this season with Honey Field Farm!
Join our Free Choice CSA, a unique debit-style CSA that lets you pick the produce and garden starts that work best for you. Spend your credit at our farm stand, at the Norwich Farmers’ Market, and online. Enjoy certified organic produce, annual and perennial flowers, organic veggie starts, fresh bouquets, and more!
Plan for a stress-free winter with Local Meal Kits. Our Local Meal Kits take the guesswork out of CSAs by helping you plan simple, fresh meals for your family. Featuring organic produce grown on the farm and local ingredients from Upper Valley food-makers, this culinary adventure is sure to keep your winter cooking hassle-free and delicious! Omnivore, Vegetarian, and Salad Share options available to fit your family’s needs. Signups open until May 1.
Not ready for a full meal plan? Try our Free-Choice CSA or our stunning Cut Flower CSAs.
55 Butternut Road Norwich, VT (802) 649-1500
www.honeyfieldfarmvt.com
The Gilded Edge
Visit Us at Our New Location
An award-winning custom picture framing shop offering options for every budget, from ready-made frames and the new “Frugal Framing” line to full custom, hand-finished frames that are works of art themselves. We have received our 15th consecutive “Best of the Best” picture framers in the Upper Valley!
69 Hanover Street Lebanon, NH (603) 643-2884
www.gildededgeframing.com
100% By appointment only. Appointments available. Wed–Fri 10am–6pm, Sat 10am–5pm
Walt & Ernie’s Barbershop
Walt & Ernie’s is your neighborhood barbershop, located just off Main Street in the heart of Hanover, New Hampshire. Proudly serving the Dartmouth and Upper Valley community since 1938, our friendly, professional team delivers quality haircuts and beard trims in an authentic four-chair barbershop experience. Rich in Dartmouth College and Hanover history, Walt & Ernie’s offers quality haircuts with friendly service. The hairstyles may have changed, but the true barbershop experience has stayed the same! Walk-ins and appointments are welcome.
5 Old Nugget Alley, Suite 4 Hanover, NH
(603) 359-8064
www.waltanderniesbarbershop.com
Mon, Wed & Thu 9am–5pm Tue & Fri 7:30am–5pm
Half-Step Beer & Wine
Come on down to Half-Step Beer & Wine in Norwich! We’re your source for thoughtfully selected craft beer, wine, hard cider, and nonalcoholic options. We believe that buying a bottle of wine or four-pack of beer should be an approachable experience. That’s why our motto is “practicality over pretension.” We put a lot of thought, time, and tasting when choosing our products, so you can guarantee that whatever beer, wine, or cider you choose will taste great! We look forward to helping you find your next favorite beer, wine, or cider!
289 Main Street Norwich, VT (802) 649-1970
3 Lebanon Street (Second Floor) Hanover, NH (603) 277-9659
thefourthplacehanover.com Wed–Fri 2–11pm, Sat & Sun 11am–11pm
Hanover Parks & Recreation
FREE Community Nurse Program
The Fourth Place
The Fourth Place is a free community space for everyone who loves games, comics, and geek culture— with totally free tables, games to play, and special events every day!
Over 50 totally free public events per month include least two board game nights and two Magic: The Gathering events per week, weekly free RPG adventures, plus three monthly book clubs, Pokémon, Scrabble, Star Wars: Unlimited, wargames, painting and crafting, youth programs, and so much more!
Event Calendar: 4th.me/events
Youth Programs: 4th.me/youth
Pro GM RPG Campaigns: tavernsandtowers.com
Did you know that Hanover Community Nurses work with residents, their families, health professionals, and caregivers to provide access to health care to meet physical, emotional, and social needs? These free services help Hanover residents live at home as safely and independently as possible.
What Services Can Our Friendly Community Nurses Provide?
• Home visits to assess current health care needs
• Provide health education, resource information, and referrals
• Serve as an advocate for medical needs
• Develop and work toward personal health and life goals
• Develop and communicate care plans with family members, if desired
• Help to schedule medical appointments and to obtain medical equipment Contact Doris or Nina if you have questions about these services, they are happy to talk! For all HPR’s events, programs, and activities visit www.Hanoverrec.com.
48 Hanover Street Hanover, NH (603) 643-5315 www.hanoverrec.com
“It’s
a country garden, relaxed and exuberant. It’s about the pleasure of working in it and sharing it with others.”
As luck would have it, 30 years ago when we moved into our house in Norwich, Vermont, we found that we had inherited a garden, or rather the remnants of a garden. There had once been a perennial garden at the edge of the front yard, and although most of the plants had been dug and given away, a few stray daylilies remained— along with the suggestion that a garden should once again grace the yard.
I was just starting on my path as a gardener, and reworking this bed was one of the first tasks in making the place our own. Inspired by the gardens of the Cornish Colony and giving a nod to the setting of our 1830s’ classical revival cape, I set about creating a garden of old-fashioned, hardy perennials and shrubs. This story is about the design ideas behind the border, its plants, and how we maintain it to provide a long season of interest.
MAXIMIZE THE BLOOMS
Working in the flower garden at the Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park taught me that New England gardens can be full of color and life from April into October. I set that as my challenge with this smaller but visually prominent garden. I also knew that it had to be manageable in terms of time dedicated to its care.
The 60-foot-long garden is at the far end of the front lawn and is backed by a stone retaining wall. A half-dozen shrubs and hardy roses give it year-round structure. The flowering season begins in late April and early May with a few dozen clumps of early and
The garden builds to a crescendo in late summer with flowering varieties of beebalm, phlox, helenium, helianthus, and the fruit and seedheads of viburnum, Carolina lupine, and teasel.
story and photography by Bill Noble
The flower garden at the Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park shows that New England gardens can be full of color from April into October. It was designed with carefully composed seasonal combinations of peonies and bearded iris, astilbe and daylilies, phlox, and late-season asters, helenium, and monkshood. Bearded iris (below) is desired for its June flowers and persistent strapping foliage.
Long-lived bearded iris, daylilies, and Sedum Autumn Joy hold the edge while the gardener makes room for more transient plants such as mulleins, feverfew, and mallows.
late-blooming daffodils strategically spaced between the lush emerging foliage of the perennials. Dozens of Allium Purple Sensation interspersed with the spring green of the perennials provide a late-May wave of color. Mid-June features flowering shrubs and the old-fashioned stalwart perennials bearded and Siberian iris, peonies, and hardy geraniums. The long days of late June and early July favor shrub roses, delphinium, Carolina lupine, and mulleins. As July progresses, phlox, campanula, daylilies, and mallows flourish, leading into the dog days of August with hydrangeas, phlox, helenium, and sunflowers. Monkshoods, later blooming phlox, ornamental grasses, and a few annuals keep drawing the eye to the garden into September and October.
MAKE THOUGHTFUL PLANT CHOICES
Any garden evolves over time. I sometimes say this garden began with leftovers from gardening jobs. There is some truth to that, but it also began with plants that others gifted to me, many of them long-lived perennials, many of them from Cornish Colony gardens.
The garden presented a few design challenges: The stone wall mostly disappears as the plants grow, but from the other side, where it is viewable from the road, the stone wall is prominent and sets off the planting as if on a stage. This calls for two approaches to the composition; from the roadside one mostly sees flowering shrubs and large stands of tall perennials viewable from a distance, while from the lawn side, the view is much more intimate.
In putting a garden together, I first think about how to combine plants to best show off their distinctive qualities of foliage, flower color, and shape. I consider how the shape, size, and relative fineness or coarseness of foliage will play with its neighbors. I think about conditions of sunlight, shade, and how plants will respond. I weigh growth habits of a plant: Does it form a clump, does it spread by runners, does it want to lean? How do I manage that?
Something I learned in the Cornish gardens is that a clearly defined front edge with lower growing groundcover perennials, broken occasionally by more upright plants, helps create a rhythm and makes it more legible for the eye. Some of the best edging materials in this case are the low-growing hardy
Above: Repetition of forms, such as the upright foliage of iris and daylilies, keep the eye moving, while taller flowering stalks of verbascum, delphinium, and Carolina lupine continue the theme.
Left: A variety of daffodils spotted among the perennials provides early-season color.
Late June sees the first of the taller blooming perennials such as Carolina lupine and delphinium, a classic combination. Delphinium needs sweet soil and plenty of room to thrive. The delphinium is repeated farther down the border and the yellow mullein picks up the Carolina lupine.
Near right: After the daffodils have finished, center stage goes to peonies, with P. Sarah Bernhardt being among the best. Center: Hydrangea Blue Bird with a clematis growing through it continues the cooler blue shades after the delphiniums have faded. Far right: Phlox, persicaria, monkshood, and helenium mingle together in the September garden.
geraniums, lambs ears, and Sedum Autumn Joy, along with taller peonies, daylilies, mullein, and phlox. Repetition of color and form is one of the keys to making the garden tie together. There are often at least two, or sometimes three, plants of the same or similar variety spaced along the length of the garden to lead the eye down its length and back. Silver-foliaged shrubs and perennials are invaluable for the lightness and contrast they provide.
CONSIDER COLOR
Combining plants for flower color is another matter. There is a larger flower garden in the back where long ago I decided on a more pastel color range of silver, green, pink, blue, and purple. It works there but can feel constraining. In the front border, the hotter colors of orange, yellow, magenta, and some red are allowed to scream their heads off. They are cooled down with silver foliage, the blues of the delphinium, and the pale white, fading pink flowers of the panicle hydrangeas.
The border receives afternoon and evening shade and that helps to blend colors. Many color combinations are hit or miss for me, which is fine, but silver, blue, and purple go a long way in helping to tie a garden together. Sometimes when considering introducing a new plant or new color combination, I will pick a flowering stem off the plant I’m considering and hold it next to its neighbors and see how it vibrates (or not).
NO GARDEN IS STATIC
I rarely succeed in getting a planting layout to be entirely satisfactory at first pass. A lesson it took me a while to learn is that certain plants are heliotropic, in that their flowers face the sun. It was maddening that the original daylilies all faced away from the viewer. I learned to do mostly without them and instead concentrated on flowers that are showy from all sides.
Key Plants by Succession of Bloom
Narcissus, early, mid-season, and late-blooming daffodils
Allium Purple Sensation
Artemesia Valerie Finnis
Geranium renardii
Bearded iris and Siberian iris
Peonies
Viburnum Onondaga
Campanula lactiflora Prichard’s Variety
Rosa rugosa varieties
Delphinium Volkerfrieden
Thermopsis Carolina lupine
Verbascum chaixii
Veronica spicata
Hemerocallis – daylily
Mallows
Hollyhock
Hydrangea serrata Blue Bird
Clematis varieties
Phlox paniculata – garden phlox in variety
Monarda – beebalm
Sedum Autumn Joy
Silphium perfoliatum –compass plant
Heliopsis Lemon Queen
Calamagrostis Karl Foerster
Hydrangea paniculata Pinky Winky and an old, unnamed variety
Eupatorium purpureum –Joe Pye weed
Helenium autumnale –sneezeweed
Aconitum carmichaelli –monkshood
The more intimate view of the garden seen from the front lawn shows how composing with foliage can make the garden presentable even when it is not in full flower.
Below center: A large PG hydrangea shows to passersby on the road.
Right: Campanula Prichard’s Variety is a hardy, long-blooming new addition.
Bill Noble has gardened for 33 years in Norwich, Vermont. Photo by Roger Foley.
I make notes throughout the season about which plants to favor, which to remove, and which combinations pack a punch and have some staying power. I’ll often take a photo of the area as a memory aid, and I place plant labels keyed to my notes where the moves will occur. I rarely plant a newly purchased perennial directly into the border; instead I anticipate what plants I may want to add and grow them in a small holding bed in the vegetable garden so they bulk up and transplant easily into the established border. April and September are when I lift and move plants; they can usually settle in with a minimum of watering. No garden is static, or permanent. Some plants grow tall and shade out neighbors, other plants can’t stand too much competition over time. Tastes change, new plants come along. The gardener is always striving for their own personal Eden.
MAINTAINING THE BORDER
While I make no claims this border is low maintenance, over the years it has become easier to maintain as I observe which plants have a long season of bloom and are good neighbors, not too aggressive or prone to disease.
Susan Howard and I maintain this garden. We have a rough schedule of the necessary tasks and their timing. Late winter is for pruning roses and shrubs. In early spring before the bulbs and perennials emerge, we do a light raking to aerate the soil after the weight of winter snow. This is also a good time to divide any perennials that will benefit from that, although I don’t do all that much dividing.
With more aggressive perennials, I slice off their outer portions with a spade to keep them in bounds. Seedling phlox are pulled as necessary, along with the freely seeding Allium Purple Sensation. Once perennials emerge, we apply a modest amount of organic fertilizer (ProGro) and in the fall we add a three-to-four-inch layer of chopped leaves after plants have been cut back. These practices are sufficient for building soil health here over time.
As plants begin to grow tall, we install support for the three or four varieties that need it. We use a nongalvanized fencing material cut into different lengths and we encircle individual plants with it. Delphinium and peonies need support to keep their flowers upright during thunderstorms. Joe Pye weed and sunflowers can use support to keep them from falling on their neighbors. A strong tomato stake can help a shrub or large perennial to stay upright. A bamboo cane or two can prop flowering stalks prone to flop from excessive rain.
We groom the garden as needed, usually once every two weeks. The daffodils are deadheaded, as are the peonies and roses. The mulleins and stachys are deadheaded as the season progresses. Keeping the edge tidy by string trimming and some hand pulling keeps the whole composition looking neat. After rainstorms, I use two five-foot-long bamboo canes to shake the waterlogged perennials so they will stand back up.
Our well has never been robust, and I limit watering of the ornamental gardens; I save water for the vegetable garden and newly planted shrubs. If we had sufficient water, during periods of drought I would insert a hose with a rose nozzle on it at a low setting and let the water ooze around the rootzone of stressed plants, and move it along as needed.
Deer do not present a dire problem to this border. They are not interested in the shrubs: Viburnum Onondaga, PG hydrangeas, and roses. A well-timed application of a deer repellent (at the first sign of grazing) usually deters them for the season. Woodchucks love phlox, but somehow we get past that.
As the heat of the summer takes its toll and plants become stressed, we clean up damaged foliage; delphiniums, salvias, and a few others will push new growth after being cut back. As fall comes, we begin cutting back perennials; some we chop in short sections and let them drop in place, others we haul to a compost pile. Some perennials such as beebalm and asters don’t want to be cut back, so we leave their stems standing over the winter, which makes for wildlife benefits as well as a hopeful sight for the gardener, with their stems standing up out of the snow.
There are many ways of approaching gardening in the Upper Valley. Our climate is still conducive to perennial gardens, but they are not the easiest type of garden to create or maintain, and today’s gardeners are much more focused on the ecological benefits of plants. But I am confident that this garden not only provides delight for ourselves and people who pass by, but sufficient nourishment for the moths, butterflies, and birds that routinely visit it. t
Bill Noble is a garden designer and author living in Norwich. His book Spirit of Place: The Making of a New England Garden is available for sale at The Norwich Bookstore and online. His website is billnoblegardens.com; check for 2026 open days.
From left: Mariela Cubillet, Yuniesky Miyar, Maylena C. Cubillet, Ernesto M. Cubillet.
LITTLE HAVANA
A TASTE OF CUBA HERE IN HANOVER
You might not expect to find an authentic, family-run Cuban restaurant in New Hampshire, but Little Havana opened its doors last December. How it came to land at 15 Lebanon Street (formerly Duende) is its own story. But an even better story is the food.
by
Mike Morin | photography by Kevin Harkins, Harkins Photography
The Upper Valley has an unexpected new dining jewel. In just a few months, Little Havana restaurant has quickly become a Hanover hot spot, transporting diners 1,500 miles to old world Cuba, with its food, music, and a warm welcome. Owners include Maylena Chaviano Cubillet, Yuniesky Miyar, Mariela Cubillet, and Ernesto M. Cubillet.
AUTHENTIC HOME COOKING
Little Havana has managed to succeed in a short time with a menu selection that stays true to Cuban culture. Proud cooking traditions have remained pure. Mariella Cubillet, Maylena’s mother and restaurant chef, knows only one way to cook Cuban: the way she did for her family back home. One customer said, “I feel when I’m tasting this food, I am savoring your mom’s care. Your mom’s soul is in this food.” You can’t create better branding than that.
“We want our customers to feel like they’re coming to a Havana house, that they’re going now into a friend’s family kitchen. That’s the feeling. And we hope that they can feel that there is a lot of care with everything that comes, even if it’s hard to explain everything that goes behind what you are eating,” Maylena says of her mother’s meals. “It’s not a Michelin Star restaurant. We want the feeling of home cooking.” In the modest kitchen, Mariella knows what works. After all, in a past life she was a chemical engineer. Aside from mother and daughter, the other two Little Havana owners include her brother Ernesto Medina Cubillet and family friend Yuniesky Miyar.
Opposite: Classic drinks include a daiquiri, a Cuba Libre, and a mojito. Rioja (Spanish wine) is always a popular choice.
Above: Entrance with family/ group table area.
Bottom, from left: Empanada with dipping sauce, Ropa Vieja, Tostones Rellenos (mango/avocado, beef, and tuna), and Yuca Frita with dipping sauce.
Not only is there space for food service, but the room is adorned with Greek columns and a stage for dancing, Maylena’s first love, that she began at age four.
Clockwise from far left: An image purchased at brother Ernesto’s wedding. High-top barrell section. Mariela Cubillet, Yuniesky Miyar, Maylena C. Cubillet, and Ernesto M. Cubillet are ready to serve their customers. A diner enjoys a meal. Spanish wine collection and gins.
THE DREAM EXPANDS
The new restaurant continues to evolve, initially beginning with an intimate space downstairs. The outdoor stone patio will also serve as a dining spot for warmer weather. Upstairs, the second floor will bring more Cuban celebrations. Not only is there space for food service, but the room is adorned with Greek columns and a stage for dancing, Maylena’s first love, that she began at age four. Original plans began with a coffee shop upstairs. Then, Maylena’s dream expanded. A lot.
“My plan was never to buy the restaurant. The goal was to come here, but I remember arriving at our house and I told my family, ‘Oh my gosh, I think I found the family business for us’ without really imagining that it was going to be the restaurant. I always thought it was going to be this place, but life works in the way that it works and sometimes what is presented to you is even better than what you thought it was going to be.”
Before there is dancing, there are customers to feed. Even though Chef Mariella has no formal restaurant experience, she knows how to feed a crowd. The only restaurant-like cooking experience that she has is basically cooking for her children. And she adds, “Well, now it’s just that I have more children to cook for.”
COMMUNITY SUPPORT
In Little Havana’s first few months, customers were largely curious locals. Maylena gratefully reports that from
“All our menu names are in Spanish. We didn’t want a big, overwhelming, several-page menu.” She explains that Little Havana is working in a small kitchen space, which holds just one fridge.
the start they were always full and haven’t felt a slow day. She was fearful firsttimers may not return, which doesn’t appear to be the case. Looks like Mom’s meals are a hit, Maylena explains.
“We have one family [who] came the first week, the second week, the third week. They have been coming every week since we opened, and they’re not the only ones. So, we are seeing more and more repeaters, and it really makes us happy to see them coming.”
In some ways, the charm is in the smallness and honesty of a family business. The food is reliably true and tasty. The four owners selected the menu items by committee. “We wanted to have a one-page menu, even if we like something else so much,” says Maylena. “All our menu names are in Spanish. We didn’t want a big, overwhelming, several-page menu.” She explains that Little Havana is working in a small kitchen space, which holds just one fridge.
“We need to work with what we have and that’s the reality. It is a beautiful restaurant, and I love the kitchen there, but it is small. So, we need to work with that. So far, we couldn’t be happier, honestly. It has been great, and I can see the genuine support from the community.” t
Little Havana
15 Lebanon Street Hanover, NH (838) 383-1000
For the menu, Google Little Havana. Under the address and phone number on the right side of the page, click on canva.com.
Maylena says the wonderful staff is now an extension of the family: Yuniesky, Maylena, Ernesto, Ruth, Daniel, Mariela, Joana, Diana, and Yessy.
STAYING TRUE TO THE PAST WHILE EMBRACING THE FUTURE
The front of The Wentworth from the center of Jackson. Photo by Lisa Ballard.
story by Lisa Ballard
Sometimes it’s nice to get away for a weekend without a fuss. Just get in the car, drive an hour or two, and then relax in a restful place. Add good food and some outdoor activities into the mix and I’m in, which is how I ended up at The Wentworth in Jackson, New Hampshire, last July.
Since the 1980s, I’ve been to Jackson many times to ski in the winter and hike in the summer. The Wentworth has anchored the town since it was built in 1869, but I hadn’t given it much thought after staying there one winter night in a small room that harkened back to 1950 even though it was the early 2000s. It was not a restful experience. A fire alarm shortly after midnight sent everyone into the subzero cold in pajamas. At the time, The Wentworth seemed like many other inns the White Mountains from a bygone era—adequate, friendly, but not bucket-list lodging.
Then I heard that The Wentworth had changed hands. The new owners had invested several million dollars into the property and hired Henry Sirois as the new general manager to oversee its renovation. Henry’s resume included stints with Fairmont Hotels & Resorts in Québec, Zanzibar, and South Africa, and more recently as the general manager of Terramor Outdoor Resort, a luxury glamp-ground in Bar Harbor. Things were changing at The Wentworth, and I yearned for a getaway. I decided to give it another try.
New First Impression
The Wentworth is considered one of the historic grand resort hotels in the White Mountains, similar to the Mount Washington Hotel in Bretton Woods and The Balsams in Colebrook. However, instead of one enormous, castle-like structure, it was designed as a campus of luxury cottages around a main hall. As I pulled into the parking lot, the place definitely looked perkier than two decades ago. For starters, instead of tired hedges framing the main hall’s lengthy porches, gorgeous flowers flowed from a myriad of hanging baskets and boxes, adding color and vibrancy. The rocking chairs on the porch, a throwback to the heyday of the grand hotels, tempted me to sit for a while and sip a cocktail, but there was a lot to see, starting with the oversized vintage photos on the exterior of the building.
photos by Lisa Ballard & Courtesy of The Wentworth Hotel
the upper three floors.
Opposite bottom: The main lobby tempts guests to relax in its comfy couches and chairs.
This page, from top: The Main Hall at night adorned with beautiful flowers. Photo by Lisa Ballard. The porch of the Main Hall during the day, where guests can relax and watch the world go by. One of a number of updated guest rooms.
Opposite top: The rejuvenated Main Hall, where guests checkin, gather, and dine. Photo by Lisa Ballard. Guest rooms are on
Top: The new and greatly enlarged bar in the Main Hall.
Center, from left: A comfortable lounge. The dining room in the Main Hall, which is open to guests and the public.
Bottom, from left: Jackson Falls. Photo by Lisa Ballard. One of many tempting desserts. Breakfast!
General Manager Henry Sirois. Photo courtesy of The Wentworth.
The photos related the history of The Wentworth, highlighting the post–Civil War era through the 1950s, when people from the cities summered there. At the turn of the 20th century, Wentworth Hall was known for its casino, billiard parlors, and ballroom where guests danced to live music every Wednesday and Saturday evening. After perusing the many placards, I circled back to the main entrance to check in.
The lobby was decorated in a classic mountain mix of wood and leather with late 19th century and early 20th century paintings of the White Mountains, skiers, hikers, and golfers adorning the walls. There were many elegant touches, such as the marble-trimmed fireplace and polished hardwood floors. I could have easily dropped into one of the comfortable couches with a good book, but I was anxious to get into my room and clean up before my 7pm dinner reservation in the dining room.
“The pantry is on the right in the hallway near your room,” said the check-in clerk as he handed me my room key. “There are no coffeemakers in the rooms, but you can make coffee and other hot drinks at the pantry.”
By Lisa
KEY MOMENTS IN THE HISTORY OF THE WENTWORTH
1869: Joshua Trickey builds The Wentworth, originally called the Thorn Mountain House, as a wedding gift to his daughter Georgia and her fiancé General Marshall Clark Wentworth.
1880: The Wentworths expand the hotel into a campus with a new idea borrowed from the British, to have cottages for privacy around a central hall.
1883: Wentworth Hall is completed, boasting running stream water and telegraph services among its many accoutrements.
1915: After General Wentworth’s death, Nathan and Estelle Amster buy The Wentworth and turn it into an exclusive resort for wealthy Jews. To visit, you had to be recommended by other patrons.
1950: Harry Schiener and E.M. Loew (the movie theater tycoon) purchase the property. The casino has two orchestras and features entertainers like Harry Belafonte and Zero Mostel.
1971: After two decades of decline due to changing vacation patterns, The Wentworth closes and is boarded up.
1982: A developer purchases the property, tears down the unstable buildings, including the casino, and builds townhouses around the golf course.
1988: Fritz Koeppel and his wife acquire The Wentworth and run it as a country inn for the next three decades.
2021: Boston-based Atlantic Equity Partners buys The Wentworth and begins a $4 million update to the 8.5-acre property.
2025: The Wentworth is nominated for the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards for the second consecutive year!
Dancing in the ballroom during the mid 1900s.
Historic photos of the The Wentworth Hotel, cottages, and staff. Date unknown.
Historic postcard of The Wentworth.
Musicians during the early 1900s pose for a portrait before entertaining guests.
A guest booklet from the 1920s described The Wentworth as “situated in an amphitheater, rimmed by the noblest mountain peaks of the region.” Certainly, the setting is a draw, but the real charm is the way this historic hotel has stayed true to its past while embracing the future.
Pantry? I ascended the grand staircase from the lobby to find my room. Sure enough, halfway down the hallway was the pantry, though it was hardly a closet with a coffeemaker. The pantry was more like a one-sided galley without a range. It was well-stocked with beverages, snacks, pastries, and warm homemade cookies, all available at a guest’s whim. I couldn’t resist a cookie, then let myself into my room. My room was nothing like I remembered. It was a luxurious, modern suite with a sitting area by a fireplace and a spacious main bedroom. A pack basket—the predecessor of the backpack—and a fishing net hung on the wall. Two Audubon guidebooks, one for trees and the other for birds, and Shrouded Memories, a compilation of true stories from the White Mountains, were artfully staged on the desk, with a hiking guidebook on the bed. It was obvious that the updated Wentworth was meant to be an elegant basecamp where guests were encouraged to have outdoor adventures then come back to rejuvenate.
I wandered into the sizeable bathroom and immediately noticed more elements from the old days, including marble floors and gold fixtures. Then I spotted another door beyond the sinks. A closet perhaps? In fact, it led to a private covered deck with a hot tub on it. I sunk into its whirling heat, happy to bask in
such an unexpected treat. This was not the same place I had visited once before.
Food and Other Discoveries
Dinner also proved a delight, starting with a colossal shrimp cocktail, then a poke-style salmon dish, and ending with a heavenly flourless chocolate cake, a scoop of homemade ice cream, and fresh berries. “Some items on the menu might be foods from the post–Civil War period,” explained Henry Sirois as he greeted guests the next morning at breakfast. “The Wentworth embraces its own legacy, as well as the outdoor recreation legacy of coming to Jackson. . . . The refresh started in 2020. Some people say, ‘I can’t believe they’ve cut down those hedges.’ They were rotting, you know.”
According to Henry, 60 percent of The Wentworth’s customers are new since 2020, when the current owners took over and began updating the property. “Our ‘intent to recommend,’ which is a key statistic, is 93 percent,” he said, sitting down at my table for a cup of coffee. “When you’re Fairmont or Ritz Carlton, you might hit 85 percent, and everyone rejoices. Guests love this place! The golf course turns into one of the largest crosscountry skiing destinations in the country, the Jackson Ski Touring Center. The tennis court is one of the few remaining clay courts in the country. We’ve got pickleball. The pool is popular, too, more than I thought it would be, but families with kids love it.”
Before the pool, guests walked a quartermile up the Wildcat River to swim in its natural pools. That’s still an option. After breakfast, I made the short trek to the river. A few people sat here and there on the smooth ledges, reading, napping, or soaking their feet. During spring runoff, the water undoubtedly raged there, but by midsummer, it was a lazy series of cascades with a mountain view.
From the river, I wandered back toward the hotel where I ran into Henry Sirois again. Not one to hide in his office, Henry makes a point to talk to guests, which some people consider another throwback
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to the old days, but Henry believes it’s the modern way to run a resort.
“When I worked at the front desk at the Omni Biltmore in Providence, the GM would walk by, but we didn’t talk to him. He was like a god,” recalls Henry, who believes guests are more discerning now than ever before. “We’re here to take care of customers. If your WIFI isn’t working, or you don’t have a hot shower, or the heat or air conditioning isn’t working, people are less forgiving because those are things they expect. Guests don’t want to be nickel and dimed either. And with social media, Google, and TripAdvisor, everyone writes their reviews and says what’s on their mind. It’s all public. We didn’t have that 20 years ago.”
Henry is one of those warm, outgoing fellows who would be your friend if you lived in Jackson. He has only been at the helm of The Wentworth for two years, but it’s his home. He truly cares about his employees and guests.
“Our culinary teams are from different parts of the world who come here as J1 students on a program of training and working,” he explains. “It’s a cultural exchange from places like the Philippines, Colombia, Ecuador, and Jamaica. It’s a melting pot. They’re coming here, thousands of miles away from their families, and look to us to be their family here. We provide housing, but it’s much more than that.”
A guest booklet from the 1920s described The Wentworth as “situated in an amphitheater, rimmed by the noblest mountain peaks of the region.” Certainly, the setting is a draw, but the real charm is the way this historic hotel has stayed true to its past while embracing the future. Next time I need a weekend away, you can guess where I’ll be. t
1 Carter Notch Road Jackson, NH (603) 383-9700 thewentworth.com
by katherine p. cox
WHETHER IT’S FITNESS, WELLNESS, OR BEAUTY,
THE TRENDS IN 2025 all point in the same direction: holistic, personalized, and sustainable. “Trends are now redefining how we look at our minds, our bodies, and our aesthetics,” says Dr. Andre Berger, cosmetic surgeon and founder of the Rejuvalife Vitality Institute in Beverly Hills. “These industries have shifted toward a more holistic approach. There seems to be a collective desire of people for longevity, well-being, and self-care.”
The idea of holistic wellness is taking hold. “Today, wellness is not just about diet and exercise. It’s about a lot of other factors, including integrating mental, emotional, and spiritual health into daily life. More people are focusing on prevention and preventive health rather than reactive solutions. They’re turning to treatments like sound healing, guided meditation, and energy balance, for example.”
The key trends in holistic wellness are biohacking, wellness tourism, and strength training, he says. Biohacking, small changes in lifestyle to improve health—such as intermittent fasting; red-light therapy for treating a variety of skin conditions; cryotherapy, often used to relieve muscle pain; and stress management—is being used to optimize health at a cellular level.
Wellness, Fitness, and Beauty Trends for 2025
PRIORITIZE HEALTH AND WELL-BEING—INSIDE AND OUT
FULLY IMMERSIVE HEALTH EXPERIENCES
The travel industry and resorts are getting into the wellness field in a big way, incorporating personalized experiences for tourists in their offerings. It’s not just spas with massages and relaxation retreats; many offer fully immersive health experiences.
“Wellness travel is the idea of prioritizing health while on vacation,” Dr. Berger says. “It’s evolved well beyond spas and retreats and moved into fully immersive health experiences. What’s trending in wellness travel are things like medical wellness resorts that offer personalized health evaluations and treatment based on things like genetic testing and biomarker tracking. It’s a whole-new paradigm. You now have transformational getaways that could include silent retreats, digital detox programs, recovery retreats that focus on recharging from the stresses of modern life, immersive art programs, nature-based healing trips for mental well-being, even menopause retreats.”
There’s more of a focus on skin barrier repair and a shift toward more gentle ingredients such as ceramides, peptides, and niacinamide, shying away from harsh exfoliation. Hydrating serums and masks are replacing heavy creams to give skin a more dewy, natural glow.
Work-cation wellness allows people to blend work with wellness by choosing places to go that offer relaxation and productivity in one package. The key trend is that travel is no longer just about indulgence, it’s also about rejuvenation. The rise in social wellness or community-centric wellness is based on the growing understanding of the importance of community and social connections in both mental and physical health. This group wellness approach could include attending classes at the gym, joining a running or walking group, or taking yoga classes, which offer camaraderie and accountability. “Social connection is a new form of self-care. People are craving meaningful relationships as part of their well-being.”
THE KEY TO LONGEVITY
One of the most important aspects of fitness in 2025 is strength training, and it has taken center stage. “It’s becoming thought of as the key to longevity. It’s recognized because of its primary role in preventing muscle loss, improving bone density, and boosting metabolism. It’s evolving because now we’re seeing hybrid workouts, which combine traditional weightlifting with body-weight exercises and more integration of functional movements,” Dr. Berger says. “Women are embracing weightlifting too, breaking past stereotypes. Women are now incorporating it into their routines for longevity and empowerment. It isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about maintaining an
active, pain-free life. It’s one of the core pillars of antiaging.”
Dr. Berger adds, “Another trend you’ll see is wearable resistance gear—devices that will enhance the movement of the body by adding a little bit of light resistance for improved strength and endurance.”
SKIN MINIMALISM
When it comes to trends in the beauty industry, Dr. Berger says less is more. The rise of what he calls skin minimalism is a result of consumers rejecting complicated, multiple-step skin routines. “They want a minimalist approach to prioritize essential, high-quality products. We’re seeing this as a trend in skin care practice. You see more multipurpose products; hybrid skin care such as tinted SPF moisturizers and all-in-one serums.” There’s more of a focus on skin barrier repair and a shift toward more gentle ingredients such as ceramides, peptides, and niacinamide, he says, shying away from harsh exfoliation. Hydrating serums and masks are replacing heavy creams to give skin a more dewy, natural glow. “The bottom line is that simplicity and effectiveness are taking more of a center stage here and reducing the need for excessive use of products. It’s an interesting trend in the marketplace.”
Inclusive beauty is also trending, with companies expanding their makeup lines to accommodate more diverse skin tones, hair types, and aesthetics. “More brands are now offering more inclusive foundation and concealer options for various
skin tones than they did before. And there are gender-neutral beauty lines to appeal to all gender identities. True beauty is about representation, and the beauty industry is finally recognizing and celebrating diversity.”
THE FUTURE OF SKIN CARE
Also making inroads in the market are red-light therapy devices. “Red-light therapy is part of the future of skin care. We’re discovering that is has broad applications and has become more and more popular. Indeed, it’s revolutionizing skin care because it stimulates collagen production, reduces inflammation, and accelerates cell repair. It’s used for wound healing and to treat acne, scarring, and rosacea with promising results. A lot of studies show red-light therapy can stimulate hair follicles and promote regrowth in people who have thinning hair.” It’s increasingly being used at home with medical-grade LED devices that are on the market as well as in dermatologists’ offices. “The science backs it and it’s gaining traction because it’s got some impressive clinically proven benefits,” Dr. Berger says. The throughline with all these trends is that they are not passing fads. “What we’re seeing is the intersection of wellness, fitness, and beauty, and that’s what’s shaping the future because it’s more holistic, more inclusive, and more science driven. I think if people embrace some of these trends, it helps them develop a lifestyle that prioritizes inner health and outer well-being. It’s becoming popular because it’s promoting what people want. It’s a wellness journey.” t
For more from Dr. Berger, see his book The Beverly Hills Anti-Aging Prescription.
THE HOOD MUSEUM OF ART | @ DARTMOUTH
COLLEGE
SPRING EVENTS
The Hood Museum of Art is free and open to all. Public programs are free unless otherwise noted. Hours: Wednesday, 11am–5pm; Thursday and Friday, 11am–8pm; Saturday, 1–5pm. For information, visit hoodmuseum. dartmouth.edu or call (603) 646-2808.
Join us for lectures with scholars and discussions with artists. Contribute to important conversations on current issues and take a closer look at works in the collection. We can’t wait to see you in the galleries!
Visit Our Spring Exhibitions
Ongoing
Beyond the Bouquet: Arranging Flowers in American Art
Inspired by flowers, North American artists working across time, cultural traditions, and artistic styles have embraced floral beauty in the natural world.
On view through April 6, 2025
A Grief of Almost: Enrique Martínez Celaya
Enrique Martínez Celaya is an artist, author, and former physicist whose work has been exhibited and collected by major institutions worldwide.
On view through May 18, 2025
Weaving as Method: Intertwining Postcolonial Narratives in Contemporary Southeast Asian Art Showcasing the work of three contemporary Southeast Asian artists
who employ weaving as a medium through which to navigate the region’s complex history and produce artworks that reinterpret the past from a postcolonial perspective.
On view through June 29, 2025
Attitude of Coexistence: Non-Humans in East Asian Art
In East Asian art, nonhuman subjects such as deities, mythological beings, natural phenomena, animals, and everyday objects have long been represented with agency, coexisting alongside their human counterparts.
Cara Romero: Panûpünüwügai (Living Light) installed at the Hood Museum of Art, Dartmouth, January 18–August 10, 2025. Courtesy of the Hood Museum of Art, Dartmouth.
Photo by Rob Strong.
On view through August 10, 2025
Cara Romero: Panûpünüwügai (Living Light)
Spanning the past decade of her work, this exhibition presents a thematic examination of Chemehuevi photographer Cara Romero’s complex and layered images, which celebrate the multiplicity, beauty, and resilience of Native American and Indigenous experiences.
Museum visitors discuss the exhibition Beyond the Bouquet: Arranging Flowers in American Art before heading to the studio for artmaking. Photo by Lars Blackmore.
April 5
Storytime in the Galleries: Beyond the Bouquet
Introduce your little ones to the museum with stories and play in the galleries. Explore art together and engage in hands-on activities inspired by Beyond the Bouquet: Arranging Flowers in American Art, which highlights how North American artists have used flowers to create joyful and meaningful art. For children ages 4–5 and their adult companions. Space is limited; register for free online.
11–11:45am
April 5
Maker Drop-in: Beyond the Bouquet
This free drop-in program for all ages invites you to try new mediums or tools for a self-guided artmaking activity. Inspired by Beyond the Bouquet: Arranging Flowers in American Art. All materials provided and no experience necessary.
1–4pm
May 1
Panel Discussion: Cara Romero: Panûpünüwügai (Living Light)
Featuring contributors from the forthcoming book copublished by the museum and Radius Books as well as artist Cara Romero, this symposium will emphasize the importance of Romero’s interdisciplinary artistic practice, the role of generosity within critical dialogue, and the concept of ancestral futures. This event is free and open to all. No registration required. Capacity is limited. Overflow provided. Reception to follow in Russo Atrium.
3–6pm
May 3
Community Day: Living Light
For all ages! Join us for this free drop-in program to explore the exhibition Cara Romero: Panûpünüwügai (Living Light). See amazing photos by Chemehuevi artist Cara Romero that celebrate the beauty and resilience of Native American experiences. Enjoy spotlight tours led by the artist herself and curator Jami Powell, take part in hands-on art activities, and
enter a free raffle for a chance to win surprise goodies. No registration required.
1–4pm
May 7
A Space for Dialogue Gallery Talk: Elegantly Violent: Exploring Masculinity and Gender Expectations within Women’s Sports
The Hood Museum’s Mellon Special Project Intern Josephine (Josie) Harrison ’25 will discuss their student-curated exhibition that invites viewers to analyze the gendered history of sport, its impact on female athletes, and the opinions of the spectator.
4–4:45pm
May 15
Artist Talk: Choe U-Ram: Art in the Era of Technology
Throughout his artistic career, Korean contemporary artist Choe U-Ram has sought to establish a meaningful connection between machinery and art, imbuing his kinetic sculptures with history, narrative, and even personality. A discussion will follow between Choe and Solomon G. Diamond, Associate Professor of Engineering and Co-Director of the Design Initiative at Dartmouth (DIAD).
5–6:30pm
May 21
Exhibition Tour: Always Already: Abstraction in the United States Abstraction in North America predates the founding of the United States by thousands of years. Picking up this story in the 19th century, this exhibition celebrates diverse approaches to color, geometry, and composition across media. This tour is led by the exhibition’s three cocurators, John Stomberg, Jami Powell, and Amelia Kahl. Meet in the Russo Atrium five minutes prior to the start time.
12:30–1:30pm
SPRING EVENTS
HOPKINS CENTER FOR THE ARTS @ DARTMOUTH COLLEGE
hop.dartmouth.edu
For information, tickets, or pricing information, call (603) 646-2422 or visit hop.dartmouth.edu. The Hop Box Office is open Tuesday through Friday, 10am–5pm.
March 29
HopStop Family Workshop: Hip-Hop Poetry
RWB Community Center, 11am
April 7, 28
Coast Jazz Orchestra: Coast Jazz Underground Sawtooth Kitchen, 8pm
April 8
Chanticleer Rollins Chapel, 8pm
April 16
Christian McBride & Ursa Major Hanover Inn, 7:30pm
April 19
HopStop Family Film: The Lorax
Loew Auditorium, 11am
April 22
Ruckus
Our Savior Lutheran, 7:30pm
April 26
Met Opera in HD: Le Nozze di Figaro
Loew Auditorium, 1pm
April 8, Chanticleer
April 22, Ruckus
April 29
Tenores de Aterue Church of Christ Dartmouth, 7:30pm
May 3
HopStop Family Workshop: Barn Dance
RWB Community Center, 11am Claremont Savings Bank CC, 3pm
May 6
Handel Society & Glee Club Rollins Chapel, 8pm
May 11
Dartmouth College Wind Ensemble Rollins Chapel, 2pm
May 13
Dartmouth Symphony Orchestra Rollins Chapel, 8pm
May 16–17
Dartmouth Dance Ensemble Irving Institute, 5:30pm
May 17
Met Opera in HD: Salome Loew Auditorium, 1pm
May 20
Hop Pianist-in-Residence Sally Pinkas Rollins Chapel, 8pm
May 22
Dartmouth College Gospel Choir Rollins Chapel, 8pm
May 24
Coast Jazz Orchestra Hanover Inn, 4 & 8pm
May 31
Met Opera in HD: Il Barbiere de Siviglia Loew Auditorium, 1pm
KITCHEN AND BATH DESIGN CENTER
– Natural Stone, Solid Surface, Wood Cabinetry, Tile, Closets
May 31, Met Opera in HD: Il Barbiere de Siviglia
Air Works: Examine the properties of air and discover the science behind it.
HAPPENINGS | SPRING 2025
Montshire Museum of Science
One Montshire Road, Norwich, VT (802) 649-2200, montshire.org
Exhibit: Timber Tumble
It’s an auditory experience, it’s an interactive playscape, and it’s a meditative sculpture park all in one. This outdoor exhibition was created using natural and found materials sourced entirely from the Montshire’s 110-acre property. Timber Tumble features hand-made and rough-hewn switchbacks, spirals, raceways, and ball runs that are designed to engage all senses and encourage calm.
Exhibit: Wonder Woods
Wonder Woods is specially designed to ignite the curiosity and support the development of the museum’s youngest visitors—children ages 5 and under. Informed by the latest research on early childhood development, this permanent, 600-square-foot, multilevel learning space is designed to foster an early love and interest in STEM learning (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) as it aims to help children become confident lifelong learners.
Exhibit: Bubbles: Science in Soap
Delight in experimenting with surface tension, concocting new ways to create a bubble, crafting a foam sculpture, and injecting a bubble with mist.
Exhibit: Solve It! Puzzles, Math & Problem-Solving
Energize your brain and spark your imagination as you quest to solve hands-on puzzles and games.
Exhibit: Discovering the Natural World
Featuring real tools of scientific research, Discovering the Natural World makes learning about living plants and animals an interactive process that will surprise and delight.
Exhibit: Air Works
Air Works, featuring a dazzling array of interactive exhibits, helps to flex engineering muscles, strengthen the understanding of core scientific concepts, and spark the imaginations of all ages.
Exhibit: Life in Local Waters
See fish, frogs, and turtles native to the New England region. Each aquarium is representative of a different freshwater habitat. From toads to turtles, crayfish to trout, view native species close up.
March 28
Montshire After Dark: Game On! 6:30pm
April 1
Growing Dazzling Dahlias with Emily Cleaveland 1pm
April 12, May 17
Montshh . . . Montshire Sensory Hour 9am
April 19
Earth Day Festival 2025 10:30am
April 20
Earth Day Festival 2025 – Part II 10:30am
April 22
Conservation in Your Backyard: How to Build Better Habitats for Pollinators with Dana Williams, PhD 4pm
May 2
Fiddlehead Fling Gala 2025 6pm
May 6
We Are the ARK: Returning Our Gardens to Their True Nature Through Acts of Restorative Kindness with Mary Reynolds (Via Zoom) 1pm
The Fourth Place 3 Lebanon Street (Second Floor) Hanover, NH thefourthplacehanover.com
Tuesdays
Member Hours
4:30–11pm
Wednesdays New Comic Book Day 2–5pm
Wednesdays Star Wars: Unlimited 4:30–9pm
Thursdays Magic: Commander Night 4–10pm
Thursdays Board Game Night 6–10pm
Fridays Friday Night Magic 4–11pm
Saturdays Free Multiplayer on Consoles 6–11pm
MARCH | APRIL |
Saturdays Pathfinder Society 6pm
Sundays Kids & Family Games 12–5pm
Sundays Learn & Play: One Piece Card Game 3–6pm
March 28, April 25, May 23 Friday Night Magic: Modern 3:30–11pm
March 28, April 25 Manga Book Club 7–9pm
March 21, April 18, May 16 Friday Night Magic: Pauper 3:30–11pm
April 4, May 4
The 4th: Community Appreciation Day 10–10:30am
April 2, May 7 Upper Valley Young Professionals Game Night 6–10pm
Hikes for Every Month of the
Year!
Download full directions for your own self-guided hike around Hanover— where to go, what you’ll see, plus a glimpse into the backstory. Access each hike on your phone (if cell service allows) or print the PDF version to take with you. Visit Hanover Conservancy’s website, hanoverconservancy.org/hikeof-the-month, for more information.
March
Corey Road and the AT 2 miles round-trip
Storied Stones of the South Side 1.75 miles
Trescott Trails: Knapp Road and Ascutney View 2.6 miles round-trip
April
Mink Brook and Tanzi Tract 1.5 miles
May Hayes Farm Park and Audrey McCollum Trail 1.1 miles round-trip
Waterfalls of Slade Brook 1 mile round-trip
Wildflowers and Waterfalls 2.5 miles
April 4, May 2
Friday Night Magic: Standard 4–11pm
April 4–6, May 2–4
RPG Weekend
April 12, May 10
Crafting, Painting & Minis 3–8pm
April 13, May 11
Magic: Free Modern Tournament 5–9pm
April 9, May 14
Wargames Wednesday: Featuring Battletech 6–10pm
April 11, May 9
Friday Night Magic: Draft 7–11pm
April 19, May 17
Blood on the Clocktower 6–11pm
April 20, May 18
Dice Goblin Festival & Sale 11am–10pm
April 20, May 18
Upper Valley Scrabble Club 4–8pm
April 16, May 21
Pride Game Night 6–10pm
April 27, May 25
Learn & Play Pokemon
2–6pm
April 27, May 25
Upper Valley Sci-Fi & Fantasy Club (Book Club Day)
3–5pm
May 28
Star Wars Game Night 6–10pm
Howe Library 13 South Street Hanover, NH (603) 643-4120 www.howelibrary.org
March, April, May, Mondays Legos at the Library Children’s Program Room, 3:45pm
March, April, May, Mondays Chess Club 4 Kids Mayer Room, 5pm
March, April, May, Tuesdays StoryCraft Children’s Program Room, 10:30am
March, April, May, Wednesdays First Time Storytime! Children’s Program Room, 10:30am
March, April, May, Wednesdays Chess Club Mayer Room, 6pm
March, April, May, Thursdays Storytime Stay and Play Mayer Room, 10:30am
March, April, May, Thursdays Drop-In Tech Help New Books Area Table, 11am
March, April, May, Fridays Bach Study Group Mayer Room, 10am
March 26
Elf Dogs and Other Animals: A Talk with M.T. Anderson Mayer Room, 5pm
April 1
Spring Writing Workshops: Using Improv Techniques to Foster Creativity Aldrich Room, 5:30pm
Legos at the Library
happenings
April 2
Read to a Dog Children’s Program Room, 3pm
April 3
Horror Stories: A Book Group Aldrich Room, 6:30pm
April 5, 19, May 3, 17, 31
Adult Dungeons and Dragons Murray Room, 10am & 1pm
April 5, 19, May 3, 17
Upper Valley Traditional Music Jam Mayer Room, 3pm
April 6, May 4
Shakespeare Unrehearsed! 6:30pm
April 7, 21, May 5, 19
The Howe Writing Group Aldrich Room, 5:30pm
April 8, May 13
Books and Lunch on Tuesdays Murray Room, 12pm
April 13, May 11
Calligraphy Practice Meet-Up Rotary Room, 1pm
April 17, May 15
Science Fiction Book Group Aldrich Room, 6pm
April 24
College Town Conversations: Ancient Egypt and the Secrets of Sacred Baboons Mayer Room, 6:30pm
April 26
The Poop Museum Children’s Program Room, 3pm
May 9
Music in the Library: Slattery & Stewart Main Floor New Books Area, 3pm
May 9
Tween Drop-In Books and Boba Mayer Room, 4pm
May 18
Poetry as Presence: Spring 7pm
Other Noteworthy Events
Online Exhibit: MadforMid-CenturyModern Norwich Historical Society norwichhistory.org
Online Exhibit: Norwich’s Vandalized Bible— Mending the Spaces Between Norwich Historical Society norwichhistory.org
Online Exhibit: Norwich Women Crafting the Future Norwich Historical Society norwichhistory.org
Online Exhibit: Poets and the Past Norwich Historical Society norwichhistory.org
Exhibit: A Few of Our Favorite Things: Treasures from the Collections
The treasures in this exhibit tell the stories of people, places, and moments spanning over 150 years.
Norwich Historical Society norwichhistory.org
March 27
Lisa Rogak – Propaganda Girls
The Norwich Bookstore, 7pm norwichbookstore.com
March 28–30
Fiber Arts Weekend
Enfield Shaker Museum shakermuseum.org
April 3
Jasmin Bihler – Wisdom of a Thousand Full Moons
The Norwich Bookstore, 7pm norwichbookstore.com
April 5
Artisanal Chocolate Workshop Enfield Shaker Museum, 2pm shakermuseum.org
April 8
Ted Levin & Jeanette Fournier –The Promise of Sunrise
The Norwich Bookstore, 7pm norwichbookstore.com
April 8
March 27
April 9
Corbin’s Animal Garden with Mary Kroenenwetter Enfield Shaker Museum, 6pm shakermuseum.org
April 12
Hands-on Pruning Workshop with Henry Homeyer Enfield Shaker Museum, 1–3pm shakermuseum.org
April 17
Kerstin Lange – Phantom Border The Norwich Bookstore, 7pm norwichbookstore.com
April 18
Flower Bar and Arranging Workshop Enfield Shaker Museum, 6–8pm shakermuseum.org
April 18
April Ossmann – We The Norwich Bookstore, 7pm norwichbookstore.com
April 19
Herb Gardening Workshop Series Part 3 Enfield Shaker Museum, 9am–12am shakermuseum.org
April 25–27
Save the Date: 2025 Shaker Forum Enfield Shaker Museum, 11:45am shakermuseum.org
April 30
L. Annette Binder – Child of Earth and Starry Heaven
The Norwich Bookstore, 7pm norwichbookstore.com
Enfield Shaker Museum
L. Annette Binder, April 30
April 18
May 3
Native Plant Walk with Alice Shori Enfield Shaker Museum, 1–4pm shakermuseum.org
May 11
Mother’s Day Brunch
Enfield Shaker Museum, seatings at 10:45am & 12:30pm shakermuseum.org
May 13
Sarina Bowen with Sarah Stewart Taylor –Dying to Meet You
The Norwich Bookstore, 7pm norwichbookstore.com
May 14
Opening Day for the Museum
Enfield Shaker Museum, 10am–5pm shakermuseum.org
May 17
Herb Gardening Workshop Series Part 4 Enfield Shaker Museum, 9am shakermuseum.org
May 17
Cake Decorating Presentation
Enfield Shaker Museum, 2–4pm shakermuseum.org
May 31
Basket Weaving Workshop with Alice Ogden
Enfield Shaker Museum, 9am–4pm shakermuseum.org
May 31
Growing Roses & Perennials with Henry Homeyer
Enfield Shaker Museum, 1–3pm shakermuseum.org t
Mother's Day Brunch, May 11 May 13
3 Phase Landscaping 87
ADVERTISERS INDEX | SPRING 2025
AVA Gallery and Art Center 90
Advance Transit 76
America’s Mattress Back cover
Andy Clouse Realtor 5
Anichini 35
B.F. Southgate & Co. 91
Baker Orthodontics 18
Bar Harbor Bank & Trust 19
Belletetes 53
Bethel Mills 44
Big Green Real Estate 75
Black House Real Estate 13
Blue Waters Fireplace & Chimney 27
CB Lifestyles 10
Carpet Mill 6
Carson Wealth/Fisher Financial 51
Cedar Circle Farm 76
Cota & Cota 102
Crossroads Academy 93
Crown Point Cabinetry 11
Crown Point Select 69
DRM 86
Dartmouth Authentic Store 3
Dartmouth Computer Store 75
Designer Gold 23
Donald J. Neely, DMD, MSD –
Hanover Orthodontics 37
Doyle and Loughman Wealth Management Group 1
Dutillle’s Jewelry Design Studio 37
Estate Wildlife Control 101
Foremost Builders 32
Frank Webb Home 31
Friends of Norris Cotton Cancer Center/The Prouty 86
GR Porter & Sons 52
Gilberte Interiors 12
Glowen Day Spa 55
Half-Step Beer & Wine 57
Hanover Eyecare 98
Hanover Inn 101
Hanover Parks & Recreation 57
Hanover Road Dental Health 95
Hanover Terrace 102
Hill Opticians & Gallagher Eye Care 84
Hillside Builders 75
Honey Field Farm & Greenhouses 56
Hood Museum of Art 38
Indigo 100
JMH Wealth Management 39
Jeff Wilmot Painting & Wallpapering 99
Johnson Audiology 55
Kendal at Hanover 99
Lake Morey Resort 7
Landshapes 84
LaValley Building Supply 88
Law Office of Margaret Jacobs 45
LindeMac Real Estate Inside back cover
Little Havana 18
Loch Lyme Lodge 88
Lyme Road Dental 2
MB Pro Landscape Design, LLC 77
Martha E. Diebold Real Estate Inside front cover
Matt Brown Fine Art 55
Maven 77
Mudge Greeley Architects 39
NT Ferro Estate & Custom Jewelers 51 & 85
Nathan Weschler 85
Newport Golf Club 68
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Dartmouth 54
Park Architecture 68
Peraza Dermatology 4
Pure Solutions 91
Putnam’s vine/yard 54
Real Broker, LLC 29
River Road Veterinary Clinic 100
Rousseau & Ross 32
Samyn-D’Elia Architects 15
Shaker Hill Granite 95
Simple Energy 87
Snyder Donegan Real Estate Group 8
Sunapee Shade & Blind 52
Sweetland Farm 45
Systems Plus Computers 27
The Fourth Place 57
The Gilded Edge 56
The Innstead Mountain Getaway 39
The Lyme Inn 93
The Tea House 9
Twisted Scissors 54
Valley Floors 28
Verani Realty 21
Vermont Spirits 17
WISE 38
Walt & Ernie’s Barber Shop 56
White River Family Eyecare 98
Williamson Group 33
Woodstock Inn & Resort 45
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by mike morin
A Conversation with Brian Doyle, AAMS®
Executive Managing Partner, Senior Wealth Manager, Doyle and Loughman Wealth Management Group
How do you work with your clients on retirement and legacy planning?
At Doyle and Loughman Wealth Management Group we work with multiple family generations, often at the same time. We think in terms of planning for retirement, growing and preserving wealth, and transitioning to the next generation. We tailor the work we do for each client’s specific situation and needs. When we work with clients for 15 or 20 years, questions come up. How are we going to transition to retirement? How are we going to transfer these assets to our children and grandchildren? What are we going to do with our family business? We’re here to help navigate each situation, whether it’s straightforward or with a complex array of circumstances.
HowwillAIhelpinthefutureofwealthbuilding?
The growth we are seeing with the application of new technologies across industries in terms of productivity and efficiency is significant and permanent. I believe companies that are embracing automation and technology improvements are generally more likely to grow faster and become more productive and more profitable. When we think about investing and building wealth, we think about how increased productivity has a greater potential to accelerate wealth accumulation over time.
How do you work with clients on their wealth-building plans?
Long-term studies show that investor behavior is the number-one detractor of returns. Between our information-gathering process and our ongoing connection points over time, we build deep relationships with our clients. There is no substitute for education and arming ourselves and our clients with all the potential high-probability outcomes of each decision. Compounding over time in the correct title with tax efficiency seems like it should be straightforward. However, we see a lot of situations, particularly with new clients, when there may be a more efficient option. Sometimes those decisions are made many years prior, and we must work at unwinding them. Avoiding decisions that could be harmful is often more important than any other component of wealth building.
You’vewonsomenationalsailingchampionshipsoverthepastcouple yearsandaworldsailingchampionshipin2003.Howdoyoursailing backgroundandcoachingskillstranslateintohelpingyouasanadvisor?
I’ve been able to coach and race in the sport that I enjoy for as long as I can remember. I was a full-time coach at Dartmouth College and worked as the US Olympic Developmental Coach for Sailing nationally for several years. Skills from coaching and competing translate to financial advising in terms of education, communication, organization, and motivation. You can’t just wake up one day and win a world championship. It takes careful planning, good decision making in real time, and dedication. I still get to compete, sometimes even with my children, which has been a great family connector. t
Investment products and services are offered through Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC (WFAFN), Member SIPC. Doyle and Loughman Wealth Management Group is a separate entity from WFAFN.
Brian and team, including son Courtland, compete at the Casella 2022 Sonar World championships on Lake Sunapee, New Hampshire.
PHOTO BY
