A Look Back: How the Connecticut River transformed from a polluted waterway to a scenic one

By STEVE TAYLOR

Sixty years ago, Hollywood great Katharine Hepburn called the Connecticut River “the world’s most beautifully landscaped cesspool.” She had an estate at the river’s mouth in Old Saybrook, Conn., and in 1965 narrated a documentary film that told of centuries of pollution of the stream and advocated for action to clean it up.

Upper Valley DJs follow own passions while bringing life to the party

By MARION UMPLEBY

On a Saturday night in early April, the worn wooden floors of Babes Bar in Bethel were packed with patrons who had turned up for the venue’s popular “Queer Dance Party.”

Green Up Day celebrates 55 years in Vermont

By IZZY WAGNER

Vermonters are planning to celebrate the 55th anniversary of Green Up Day on Saturday by participating in trash cleanup events throughout the state. But this year comes with a twist. 

Upper Valley nonprofit organization plant sales 2025

Annual Arbor Day Tree Sale in White River Junction: Saturday, May 3, 10 a.m. to noon. Hartford Town Hall, 171 Bridge St. Includes trees (birch, black cherry, sycamore, tamarack, silver maple, red oaks, yellowwood, sugar maples, crabapple, burr and oak), shrubs (dogwood, elderberry and lilacs), and perennials. Hosted by the Hartford Tree board. 802-295-9353.

Art Notes: New space gives New London arts center first physical home

By ALEX HANSON

At the heart of the 20-year history of the New London-based Center for the Arts is a paradox: Until recently, it was less an arts center with a fixed address than a set of programs meant to build community around the arts.

Fairlee Drive-in won’t open for season this summer

By MARION UMPLEBY

FAIRLEE — The Fairlee Drive-in’s towering film screen will remain blank this summer as owner Peter Trapp recovers from an illness.

Amphibians’ migration routines are getting more difficult. These brigades are trying to help.

By MARA HOPLAMAZIAN

It’s a dark and stormy late-March night. There’s a thick layer of fog over Keene, New Hampshire. Dozens of people walk slowly down a road that curls around the Woodland Cemetery, back and forth, flashlights in hand, eyes trained on the pavement.

Out & About: Fairlee church to host walk for peace on World Labyrinth Day

By LIZ SAUCHELLI

FAIRLEE — An Upper Valley congregation is inviting the public to join a worldwide meditation for peace Saturday, May 3.

Vermont beekeepers work to produce future generations of disease-resistant bee colonies

By IZZY WAGNER

Honey bee colonies worldwide suffered massive losses last year, but University of Vermont researchers and international partners developed a new testing method that may lead to more disease-resistant colonies in the future, including in Vermont.

Art Notes: Two Upper Valley events to feature video game soundtracks

By MARION UMPLEBY

Video game soundtracks, by their nature, exist in the background. Their job is to give texture to the action and to lull players into the world of the game, without posing a distraction. 

Sandra Oh to speak at Dartmouth graduation

HANOVER — Golden Globe Award-winning actor Sandra Oh will deliver the commencement address at Dartmouth College’s 2025 graduation ceremony on June 15. Oh will also receive an honorary doctorate of the arts at the ceremony.

Parts of White Mountain National Forest included in move aimed at increasing timber harvest

By MARA HOPLAMAZIAN

Much of the White Mountain National Forest was included in a move from the federal government earlier this month aimed at increasing timber production and, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, reducing wildfire risk.

Roman Catholics mourn Pope Francis

By NICOLE WINFIELD

VATICAN CITY — He was a pope who understood the power of a simple touch: caressing the deformed head of a man in St. Peter’s Square, washing the feet of a Muslim prisoner, sinking to his hands and knees to implore South Sudan’s rival leaders to make peace.

Upper Valley Earth Day events 2025

All events free unless otherwise noted. Submit additions to the list via the Valley News’ online Calendar system, CitySpark, which can be found at calendar.vnews.com or email calendar@vnews.com.

A timeline of events in the rebuilding of Lebanon’s Baptist church

This timeline of the construction of the new First Baptist Church of Lebanon is taken from accounts in the Valley News and recent interviews with church leaders.

A Life: Kelly Kangas ‘just always had that spirit’

By EMMA ROTH-WELLS

BRIDGEWATER — Despite her challenges, Kelly Kangas always wanted to live an ordinary life.

Out & About: Teen center finds a new home in Bradford, Vt.

By LIZ SAUCHELLI

BRADFORD, Vt. — Alivia Patch’s favorite thing about the Bradford Teen Center, known as The Hub, is that she can be around people her own age in a fun and supportive place. “I get to hang out with my friends and cook,” Alivia, 13, said.

First Baptist Church in Lebanon celebrates first service in new building eight years after arson

By ALEX HANSON

LEBANON — Dennis Merrihew started coming to First Baptist Church when he was around 11 years old. That’s the better part of a lifetime ago for the 74-year-old Lebanon resident.

Art Notes: JAM exhibit combines cartoons and journalism

By MARION UMPLEBY

WHITE RIVER JUNCTION — As a broadcast news outlet and a community hub for burgeoning artists and filmmakers, JAM (Junction Arts & Media) traverses the space between the factual and the fanciful.