For those who are unable to walk or bike Lebanon’s rail trails, a ride in a trishaw is a wonderful way to experience the trails.Might you be interested in volunteering as a pilot for the Cycling Without Age program?
Three new pilot orientations will be offered this spring. To get on the waitlist for the orientations, sign up atwww.fnrt.org/cwa
Our 5th pilot orientation was held Wednesday, October 5th from 4:30-6pm at Eldridge Lot in Lebanon (between Jim Wechsler Field and Canillas Community Garden.) To learn more about the program and try out the trishaw! Sign up here to be notified of future orientation events.
It was good to see so many people gathered in the tunnel for the unveiling of the new art work.
“Ironwood Tree“
“Pollinators” – depicting some of the life along the Mascoma River Greenway.
These are the first two pieces of the tunnel vision – more art is being planned for the tunnel and the MRG!
(Did you wonder about the inclusion of a fish on the Pollinator piece? Here is research from the University of Florida: “Scientists have discovered that fish indirectly help spread pollen among flowers near the water. That’s because they eat dragonfly larva, which live in freshwater ponds and other water bodies. Adult dragonflies are major predators of bees, butterflies and other insect pollinators. The result is a simple but unexpected cascade: The more fish, the fewer dragonflies, the more bees and butterflies, the more plant pollination, reproduction and seeds.” So it would seem that fish are actually partners in pollination, thought they themselves do not pollinate . . .and it is the dragonflies in the art work that we might question.) More
Lebanon has a vision for those blank walls of the downtown tunnel; two new public art installations will be revealed as part of Lebanon’s Winter Celebration on Saturday, December 4, 2021 at 4:15 pm in the tunnel.
Join the Lebanon Arts and Culture Commission, Lebanon Recreation Arts & Parks, and featured artists
“Pollinators” – AVA team: Allison Zito, Amber Geneva, Debra Jayne, Tyler Morrison, and Michael Kraatz
Now that the tunnel is open, access from the MRG to the Northern Rail Trail is facilitated!
In celebration of the Northern Rail Trail’s 25th Anniversary in 2021, Friends of the Northern Rail Trail (FNRT) invites the whole community to participate in a challenge to walk, run, or bike 25 miles (cumulative) on the Northern Rail Trail this summer!
Students in the Lebanon and Mascoma Valley School systems will receive their cards through the schools in early June. Others may pick up a card at Omer and Bob’s bicycle shop in downtown Lebanon or at the grand opening of the Lebanon Mall Tunnel on July 8th.
To participate, simply register online at bit.ly/fnrt-25. Once you have completed 25 miles, return your card to Omer and Bob’s to be entered in our raffle on August 26th. Prizes include gift certificates that support businesses located along our trail!
For questions, or to help support the Northern Rail Trail celebration, contact Amy Chan at amyjoywright@hotmail.com.
Sponsors include Friends of the Northern Rail Trail, Hypertherm HOPE Foundation, and Rotary Club of Lebanon NH, USA.
Akwaaba means Welcome; it is a twi word, spoken by the Akan tribe of Ghana. All were welcome as the Akwaaba Ensemble brought their good energy to the MRG. chanting and drumming their way though the tunnel. leading a parade of local drummers, dancers, and enthusiasts, the echoes resounding off the tunnel walls.
It was great to see so many joining in on the fun!
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You can tell from the two children on the left in the photo above, that the sound was impressive! The group paraded to the tunnel’s end and then turned and headed back to Colburn Park for more high energy music and dance!
Lots of enthusiastic riders and walkers have been discovering the renewed link to downtown Lebanon and the Northern Rail Trail through the MRG tunnel. Saturday, August 14, 2021 will bring even more energy to this space as Lebanon Opera House and Nexus Music and Arts Festival invites you to participate in a FREE drumming workshop with the Akwaaba Ensemble in Colburn Park at 3 pm (a limited number of drums will be provided or bring your own) before they lead a processional through the revitalized rail trail tunnel and back into the park for a high-energy showcase of their West African drumming and dance. Sounds energizing . . . and imagine the acoustics of this percussive parade through the tunnel!
The forecast for tomorrow afternoon, July 8, is RAIN! The Grand Opening of the tunnel is being rescheduled for the following Thursday, July 15, 2021. Event are likely to start at the eastern end of the tunnel (behind Village Pizza.) There is a possibility that the tunnel will be open for use this weekend – stay tuned!
Looking north from the MRG bridge over the Mascoma River
Free Fall MRG Walk – Friday, October 25th 10am to 11am, Mascoma River Greenway; For all ages. Stretch those legs this Fall and enjoy foliage along the MRG. Bring a water bottle, chat with other community members and make some friends! Meet at the Leb Rec Office in River Valley Community College. Register online at LebanonNH.com/Register. Volunteer Day on the Greenway – Saturday, October 26th 9am to 12pm, Mascoma River Greenway; Interested in volunteering on the Mascoma River Greenway? Contact Krissy at flythe@lebanonnh.gov for more information.