Lynn Luczkowski and I recently sat down to talk about her new role as a member of the Quechee Lakes Landowners’ Association (QLLA) Board of Trustees on a beautiful Quechee morning. She mentioned how one of our long-time members asked her, “How are things going with your new responsibilities?” Her answer, “Things are great, but I thought living here year-round and being an actively involved member gave me a decent perspective of the operations. Now I’m beginning to really understand what is involved in making QLLA’s operation tick.”

Lynn shared how the new Trustees recently had a “behind the scenes tour, via a whirlwind golf car ride” of the Quechee campus.… Read More

Jane Meunier-Powell and Pat Dwyer

Volunteers are the magic here, says Sara Kobylenski, the outgoing executive director of the Upper Valley Haven, Hartford, Vermont’s multifaceted community safety net. More than a food shelf, more than a shelter, the Haven provides these emergency services and many more to those in need. Some other programs include financial and life skill training for adults, and after-school and summer programs for kids. “The folks in the community who come in and make this place work are the best,” continues Sara. Two prize volunteers are Quechee residents’ Pat Dwyer and Jane Meunier-Powell.

Pat Dwyer

Pat has volunteered with the Haven for seven years and counting.… Read More

In 1972, Jeffrey Kahn moved from Pennsylvania to Vermont with 30 friends and formed a commune in Sharon. After leaving and moving to Woodstock, he tried carpentry and an herbal toothpaste business, but nothing felt right until he had the idea to open what is now one of the best-known stores in Woodstock. Unicorn, located on Main Street, opened in December 1978 and has been splendidly eclectic from the start. This year, Unicorn is celebrating its 40-year anniversary, and Jeffrey is thrilled.

Jeffrey had one main focus when he opened the store: everything from the “sublime to the ridiculous” must be included.… Read More

Despite the influx of businesses and organizations devoted to the arts, the prevalence of good restaurants, and the interesting happenings occurring in the town, White River Junction, Vermont, was first a major railroad center for Northern New England. After the Civil War, when the growing dependence on railroads spurred a rail boom around the nation, White River Junction emerged as an important rail hub. Several rail lines, and rail companies found the town a critical junction for their services. Many of these rail lines extended hundreds of miles in all directions from White River Junction making it a connector to the major cities in the region.… Read More