Grounded in Granite

President and CEO Lisa Dennison shares the story of her 32-year journey leading the state's largest animal welfare organization and transforming it from a humble shelter in Stratham, N.H., into a comprehensive nonprofit that has rescued hundreds of thousands of animals during her time.

During their conversation, Dennison highlights her legacy, the evolution of animal care, and the community's vital role in supporting the organization's mission. She recalls several stories of animal rescues as well, including over 800 mice, hundreds of cats, and unique animals like an emu.

Dennison also reflects on the challenges the shelter has faced; the importance of community, volunteers, donors, and board members in sustaining operations; and the role of humane education in fostering future compassionate generations.

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For more information about the New Hampshire S.P.C.A., visit www.nhspca.org.

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BONUS EPISODE: In this special edition of Grounded in Granite, host Jason Schreiber travels to Dover, N.H., to catch up with 109-year-old Dick Durette, a supercentenarian who resides at Langdon Place of Dover and is believed to be New Hampshire's oldest resident and the oldest living graduate of the University of New Hampshire.

From the livingroom of his apartment, Dick reflects on his remarkable journey through history, from the Great Depression to the digital age, which he has embraced through daily use of the Internet. He's used Instacart for online grocery shopping and shares his thoughts on A.I. and what he thinks it means for the future.

Through his lifelong curiosity for learning and remaining engaged with technology, he's living proof that it’s never too late to adapt and grow.

During their conversation, Dick also explains what he believes has influenced his incredible longevity and whether he's had any regrets.

EPISODE CHAPTERS:00:00 - Introduction to Dick Durette's remarkable life02:54 - The secrets of longevity 05:43 - Journey through time: Dick's early years 12:54 - Reflections on historical events16:24 - Technology, its evolution, and personal hobbies21:51 - The challenges of living to 109 and being alone26:34 - Life lessons and regrets28:34 - Staying active online 33:12 - Struggles that come with age at 10939:34 - Important phone call interruption and final thoughts ★ Follow Grounded in Granite for more stories that celebrate the people and places that make New Hampshire home and check out Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X for behind-the-scenes photos and more.

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On this episode of Grounded in Granite, host Jason Schreiber travels to Manchester, N.H., to hear Amy Cloutier's inspiring story of overcoming addiction, transforming pain into purpose, and building community-based recovery programs in New Hampshire.

During the conversation, Amy shares her deeply personal journey from being addicted to heroin while homeless on the streets of Manchester to founding Revive Recovery Resource Center and Sacred Moon Healing Center, emphasizing trauma-informed care, accessible services, and the power of self-healing.

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**If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, you’re not alone — help is available. In the U.S., call or text 988 or chat via the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

RESOURCES:

Revive Resource Recovery Center: https://www.reviverecovery.org/

Sacred Moon Healing Center: https://www.sacredmoonhealingcenters.com/

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In this episode of Grounded in Granite, host Jason Schreiber takes us behind the scenes of New Hampshire's maple season with a visit to Ken St. Pierre's sugar house in Wolfeboro, N.H. Discover the fascinating process of maple sugaring through the eyes of St. Pierre, a small-scale maple syrup producer and conservation officer with New Hampshire Fish and Game. Their conversation inside the sugar house offers a detailed look into the seasonal challenges, passion, and community efforts behind producing pure maple syrup and other popular maple products, along with tips for supporting local producers.Main Topics:- The traditional and modern methods of maple sugaring- The seasonal cycle and environmental factors influencing sap flow- Small-scale vs. large-scale maple syrup operations- The variety of products made from maple syrup beyond pancakes- The importance of supporting local and authentic maple productsKey Insights:- Ken's operation taps into about 700 trees across five locations, producing around 195 gallons of syrup annually.- Maple sugaring season typically runs from early February to early April, depending on fluctuating weather conditions.- The labor-intensive process involves checking trees for leaks, boiling sap, and managing equipment.- Supporting local syrup ensures better taste, authenticity, and sustainability.- Ken's experimental whiskey barrel-aged syrup adds a unique flavor profile to his product line.- Visiting multiple sugar shacks during Maple Weekend enriches understanding of regional differences and techniques.- Support for local producers helps preserve traditional methods and enhances the local economy.To learn more about Big Lake Maple, visit https://www.biglakemaple.com/★ Follow Grounded in Granite for more stories that celebrate the people and places that make New Hampshire home and check out Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X for behind-the-scenes photos and more.#podcast #NHpodcast #NewHampshireLife

In this episode, host Jason Schreiber stops by the firehouse in Gilmanton Iron Works, N.H. and sits down with Firefighter/Paramedic Matt Greene, better known as New Hampshire's "Fiddling Firefighter."

Matt shares how he uses his love for fiddle playing to stay grounded amid the chaos of emergency response. The episode explores the powerful intersection of music, mental health, and firefighting.

During their chat inside the apparatus bay, Matt explains how music can help one cope with stress and he shares his journey as a firefighter while offering practical insights on balancing a demanding career with personal passions.

Matt also uses writing as a constructive outlet to support his overall mental well-being. You can find his short stories and other musings at https://thatmattgreene.com/

★ Follow Grounded in Granite for more stories that celebrate the people and places that make New Hampshire home and check out Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X for behind-the-scenes photos and more.#podcast #NHpodcast

"Please give us room and go slow."

Those are the words of Jim Eckert, a seasoned plow driver for the New Hampshire Department of Transportation who shares his story of what life is REALLY like behind the wheel of the plow truck on this episode of Grounded in Granite.

During the conversation with host Jason Schreiber at the DOT's highway shed in New Hampton, N.H., Eckert, provides insight into the challenges and rewards of winter road maintenance during a particularly tough season, offering a look at the behind-the-scenes efforts, safety tips, and personal stories from the front lines of snow plowing in the Granite State.

★ Follow Grounded in Granite on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart, or Amazon Music and subscribe to the Grounded in Granite YouTube channel for more stories that celebrate the people and places that make New Hampshire home. You can also on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X for behind-the-scenes photos and more.

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In this episode of Grounded in Granite, we visit a hidden gem for families: The Creative Duckling, a children's art and activity studio in the heart of Pembroke, N.H., where owner Anita Wolcott showcases her extraordinary collection of 2,266 rubber ducks.

Anita shares the quirky story behind this unique collection, which grows by the hundreds every year; her journey in creating a delightful space for kids to engage in messy, creative play; and the various activities offered at the studio. 

For more information on The Creative Duckling, visit https://thecreativeduckling.com/

★ Follow Grounded in Granite for more stories that celebrate the people and places that make New Hampshire home. You can also check out Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X for behind-the-scenes photos and more.

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In this episode of Grounded in Granite, we sit down for a chat with long-time New Hampshire farmer John Hutton inside the horse barn at Coppal House Farm in Lee, N.H.

Farmer John, as he is known to most, shares the story of year-round life on this popular farm, from the horse-drawn sleigh rides during the winter to the Sunflower Festival and professionally designed corn mazes that draw thousands of visitors during the warmer months.

Farmer John also shares the challenges of farming, such as weather and staffing at Coppal House Farm, the growing threats to livestock posed by bears, and emphasizes the importance of education, community engagement, and the passion required to run a successful farm.

★ Follow Grounded in Granite for more stories that celebrate the people and places that make New Hampshire home and follow on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X for behind-the-scenes photos and more.

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On this episode of Grounded in Granite, we travel to Brapsard's Powder Coating in Franklin, N.H., where owner Jason Brassard shares the powerful story behind his unique method of memorializing loved ones by incorporating their ashes into powder coating.

For many, Brassard is providing a meaningful path to healing for those who are grieving. Through heartfelt anecdotes and reflections on grief, he details the emotional significance of this ash-mixing process, the technical aspects of powder coating, the personal stories that have shaped his approach, and his desire to give back.

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In this episode of Grounded in Granite, we head to Van Otis Chocolates in Manchester, N.H., to check out the sweet scene just in time for Valentine's Day. Melissa Balon, who manages the marketing for this iconic chocolate shop renowned for its Swiss fudge, shares insight into the busy holiday season, how Valentine's Day ranks, the production process, and the success story behind this downtown shop, where handcrafted chocolates and candies have been produced for generations of customers since it was founded by Evangeline Hasiotis in 1935. Balon also discusses the friendly competition within the chocolate industry, the variety of chocolate making classes offered at shop, and hints at future plans for Van Otis, which currently has a second location in Wolfeboro, N.H.★ Follow Grounded in Granite for more stories that celebrate the people and places that make New Hampshire home. You can also check out Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X for behind-the-scenes photos and more. #podcast #NHpodcast