February 2026

LCHIP Awards $47,500 to Preserve McKee Inn, Protecting Affordable Housing for Seniors and People with Disabilities in Lancaster

The New Hampshire Land and Community Heritage Investment Program (LCHIP) has awarded a $47,500 matching grant to AHEAD, Inc. to support critical preservation work at the historic McKee Inn in Lancaster. The grant will fund the replacement of the deteriorated roof on the original building, protecting the structure from water damage and preventing further structural decline.

The McKee Inn has been a fixture of Lancaster’s landscape since 1877, serving over the decades as a private residence, inn, and seminary. Today, the building provides essential affordable housing for seniors and people with disabilities, making it a vital community resource in the North Country.

“This investment ensures that the McKee Inn remains safe, stable, and welcoming for the residents who rely on it,” said Harrison Kanzler, of AHEAD, Inc. “Preserving historic buildings like the McKee Inn isn’t just about protecting the past — it’s about maintaining livable, affordable homes that strengthen our community today and into the future.”

The McKee Inn project is one of 31 land conservation and historic preservation projects statewide funded through LCHIP’s 2025 grant round, totaling more than $3.5 million in matching grants. These investments support the preservation of historic landmarks, conservation of working forests, and protection of New Hampshire’s natural and cultural resources

“Preserving our state’s natural beauty and important historic sites is critical to maintaining our quality of life,” said Governor Kelly Ayotte. “These projects strengthen local economies, preserve our shared history, and ensure that future generations can enjoy the places that make New Hampshire so special.”

Since its creation in 2000, LCHIP has awarded more than $68 million in matching grants, leveraging an additional $3 to $5 for every dollar invested, and helping communities preserve nearly 200 historic landmarks and conserve over 247,000 acres of land statewide

“Every LCHIP project represents a partnership between local citizens, organizations, and the state,” said Paula Bellemore, Executive Director of LCHIP. “These grants demonstrate how strategic public investment yields lasting benefits in community vitality, environmental health, and economic resilience.”

For Lancaster, the McKee Inn grant represents both preservation and protection — ensuring a historic structure continues to serve its community by providing stable, affordable housing for residents most in need.

From left to right; LCHIP Board Member Bridget Freudenberger, AHEAD Facilities Manager Josh Robinson, LCHIP’s executive director Paula Bellemore, LCHIP’s board chair Richard Lewis, Governor Ayotte, and AHEAD Director of Property Management Christine Crespo.

February Financial Tip: Prepare for Tax Season

1. Organize Early

The IRS encourages taxpayers to start preparing now—gather W‑2s, 1099s, bank interest statements, and digital asset records as soon as they arrive. Organized records reduce mistakes and help ensure you don’t miss credits or deductions.

2. Create or Access Your IRS Online Account

An IRS online account lets you securely view prior returns, tax transcripts, notices, payment plans, and more—all invaluable if preparing your own return or meeting with a tax preparer.

3. Double‑Check Eligibility for New Deductions

Recent law changes mean many taxpayers now qualify for new benefits, including:

Deductions for tips and overtime
A boosted standard deduction
A new $6,000 seniors deduction for those 65+
These updates could increase your refund but include complex eligibility requirements.

4. File Electronically and Choose Direct Deposit

Electronic filing paired with direct deposit remains the fastest way to receive your refund—typically within 21 days if no issues arise. Paper filings, especially without direct deposit details, can trigger significant processing delays.

5.Maximize Your Tax Benefits with VITA

For many taxpayers, especially those with moderate incomes or more complex circumstances, VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) programs offer trusted, IRS‑certified help at no cost.

What is VITA?

VITA provides free basic tax preparation and electronic filing for:

Individuals and families earning generally $69,000 or less
People with disabilities
Seniors
Taxpayers with limited English proficiency
Sites are staffed by trained IRS‑certified volunteers committed to preparing accurate returns and helping filers secure the credits they’ve earned—from the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) to education and senior‑specific benefits.

To schedule an appointment with VITA call 211 in NH.

February Home Maintenance Tip: Shovel Safely, Protect yourself and your home

Shoveling may seem like a routine winter chore, but it’s one of the most physically demanding tasks homeowners face. Cold temperatures tighten muscles, slippery surfaces make movement unpredictable, and the weight of wet, heavy snow can put sudden strain on your back, shoulders, and heart.

Tips for safer shoveling

Warm up first. Just like with exercise, stretching and a few minutes of movement help prevent muscle injuries.
Use the right shovel. Lightweight, ergonomic models reduce strain and force you to lift less weight at once.
Push—don’t lift—whenever possible. Sliding snow is far safer than picking it up.
Take frequent breaks. Many snow‑related injuries happen when people overexert themselves.
Listen to your body. Stop immediately if you feel dizzy, short of breath, or experience chest or back pain.

For some, the safest choice may be to hire help or use a snowblower, especially during heavy storms.

Clear Exterior Vents: A Small Task That Prevents Big Problems

Blocked exterior vents are a hidden winter hazard. When snow piles up against your home, it can cover or clog key exhaust points—especially dryer vents, furnace intake/exhaust pipes, and gas appliance vents. When these become obstructed, dangerous situations can develop quickly.

Why vent clearing matters

Carbon monoxide prevention: If furnace or appliance vents are blocked, carbon monoxide can build up inside the home.
Fire safety: A snow‑covered or clogged dryer vent traps heat and lint, increasing fire risk.
System performance: Blocked vents force heating systems to work harder, raising energy use and triggering system shutdowns.

What to check after every snowfall

Locate the furnace intake/exhaust PVC pipes on the outside of your home and clear at least a 3‑foot radius.
Remove ice, packed snow, or drift buildup from dryer vents.
Ensure gas fireplace or water heater vents are unobstructed.
If wind is blowing snow against one side of the house, check that area more frequently.

A simple sweep with a broom or a quick hand‑clear can prevent costly repairs—and keep your home safe.

Community Partner of the Month

Community Partner of the Month- Tri-County Community Action Program

Tri-County Community Action Program (TCCAP) is part of a nationwide network of Community Action Agencies dedicated to reducing poverty, strengthening families, and building thriving communities. Serving Coös, Carroll, and Grafton Counties, TCCAP operates more than 14 programs delivering over 50 services to residents of all ages.

Services include public transportation, Senior Meals and Meals on Wheels, Head Start early childhood education, Fuel and Electric Assistance, housing and homelessness supports, Aging & Disability Resource Center services, free diaper distribution, Community Action Resource Coordinators, USDA food commodities, mobile outreach through TCCAP Connect, Guardianship Services, and more.

For many neighbors, these services make the difference between struggling to survive and having the opportunity to become self-sufficient. TCCAP provides services to more than 25,000 people annually, approximately one in six residents across the Tri-County region.

TCCAP and AHEAD have partnered on housing-focused initiatives for many years, regularly sharing resources and collaborating to address community needs. We value this long-standing partnership and AHEAD’s continued work to strengthen affordable housing opportunities for local families. For more information about TCCAP program and services click here

Arts & Culture Partner of the Month

Arts & Culture Partner of the Month-WREN

Founded as the Women’s Rural Entrepreneurial Network over 30 years ago, WREN was powered by rural women committed to the mission of supporting better lives and livelihoods in New Hampshire’s North Country. Today, WREN is a community organization open to all, providing educational and cultural opportunities in a supportive network. WREN is for everyone!

Our state-of-the-art gallery features a new exhibit every other month. Each show features an opening reception and artist talk. These events are free and open to the public, and gallery admission is always free. The gallery is open seven days a week.

In addition to gallery exhibits, WREN also features fine art and craft in our retail store. Shop seasonally curated fine art from local artists, in addition to locally-made pottery, woodcraft, jewelry, textiles, bath and beauty care, and more. WREN’s retail store features the work of over 130 local artists and makers.

In collaboration with our community partners, we offer free and low-cost activities for people of all ages; from walking groups to creative workshops, movement classes to end-of-life discussions, cooking classes to concerts, WREN is here to support all the members of our vibrant arts community. See our full schedule of events online at wrenworks.org/events. Or follow WREN on Instagram and Facebook at @wrenworksnh