On King's Plain, Woodsville High School graduates its 130th Senior Class

By Bernie Marvin

Outstanding weather greeted graduating Seniors, their families and friends for the 130th Woodsville High School graduation, held at the school last Saturday, June 13, 2026. The Bridge Weekly/Bernie Marvin

Woodsville, NH – The weather held back its pressing humidity for the special day of June 13, 2026, as the proud class of 50 Woodsville High School graduates under the twin batons of Class Marshals Taydin Glynn and Lincoln Williams stepped off for their short walk down the grassed aisle bedecked with high flying American flags, to the front of the gathering of family and friends assembled on the historic King's Plain.

The opening processional of Elgar's Pomp and Circumstance was rousing, as the WHS Band, under the direction of Music Director Will Wright, provided the musical background of a very well-photographed group of handsome graduates as they paraded downfield to their seats facing the audience, their green and white gowns flowing in the gentle breeze that cooled the field.

The National Anthem followed, with opening remarks being offered by Principal Hayden Coon, a welcome by Katherine Houston. Makayla Walker offered the Salutatory Address. Makayla is officially recognized as the Class of 2026 Salutatorian by earning the second-highest academic ranking in the graduating class. She is a scholar-athlete and was recognized for maintaining elite academic standards while competing on the Woodsville Varsity Basketball team.

Ms. Walker, when thinking about what she was going to write about in her salutatory address, said to her mother, “I don't know." After that, she would follow up with a reminder that the speech would not be something she could just come up with; it would take time and meaningful reflection to anchor it all for the big day.

She said she caught herself returning to a specific novel by a novelist she had read, The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, a story about a young shepherd boy named Santiago, leaving behind routine and comfort in pursuit of the treasure he has only dreamed about, a treasure hidden far from what is familiar to him. His journey, he said, was driven by courage and the willingness to embrace the unknown.

"In many ways, his journey parallels ours," she said, describing how she encountered uncertainty and learned to adapt when expectations shifted. She closed her speech, “So to my classmates, sometimes uncertainty is thought of as something that needs an answer, ideally immediately. What we have learned, though, and what we will continue to learn, challenge that idea.

Ms. Walker offered, "At the start of Santiago’s journey, he is told, “When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you achieve it.” On the surface, those words may sound like external forces that always guarantee success. But the universe conspiring is about establishing a clear purpose, developing the eagerness to pursue it, and realizing that the universe will not simply hand out what you ask for. Rather, it will respond to those who are committed enough to pursue their goals. 

“So, to my classmates: sometimes uncertainty is thought of as something that needs an answer, ideally immediately. What we have learned though, and what we will continue to learn, challenge that idea. What I want to leave with all of you is simple. Value change. Embrace challenge. Trust your journey. Know that fear is ever-present, but manageable. And remember that what is meant for you WILL find you if you continue to move with intention and persistence. Thank you.”

Getting to the center of the graduation ceremony, Senior Elijah Vasconcelos stepped to the microphone to offer his high honors speech, his Valedictory Address. He is the Woodsville Valedictorian for the class of 2026. He plans to study aerospace engineering.

He said, "As I stand here today, I am reminded of a book I first read in 5th grade, my first year in New Hampshire." 

“The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein is a children’s book about a tree and a boy. The boy climbs the tree's branches, picks its apples, and rests in its shade. As the boy grows older, he keeps returning to the tree to ask for things. He picks its apples to sell, takes its branches to build a house, and cuts down its trunk to build a boat and sail away. In the end, the tree, reduced to a stump, offers its now old and frail friend a place to sit and rest for a while. And the tree was happy.” 

“I believe we can all relate to the boy. But our trees don't grow leaves and apples." 

"Our trees are the ones who packed our lunches and drove us to school before we could do so ourselves. They are the ones who helped us with our homework until we no longer needed help. They are the ones who showed up to soccer games and concerts without fail sacrificing sleep and time for our benefit, never once asking for recognition." 

Valedictorian Vasconselos said that after today, “as we step into a larger world, we are not losing our families. Instead, we are carrying them with us in our work ethic, our resilience and our integrity. They are with us in the way we won’t quit when college gets hard. They are with us in our choice of a career.”

His speech was dedicated to the class families. “To the families of the class of 2026 – especially my own – this accomplishment is as much yours as it is ours. Thank you for being our trees.”

Others recognized as outstanding students from the class of 2026, Third Honors went to Ryan Walker, and fourth honors went to Grace McLellan. The top CTE Student was Dylan Marshall.

WHS Principal Coon and Assistant Principal Matthew Kelly presented scholarship awards to the Class of 2026, followed by the presentation of diplomas to the Class of 2026 by Haverhill Cooperative School Board Chair Sabrina Brown and Michelle Reagan.

The combined Class of 2026 and the WHS Band played and sang the school song, “On King’s Plain.” Graduate Ryan Walker offered the Farewell Address, tassels on the students’ mortarboards were turned, indicating that they were now graduates, not undergraduates.

They queued up and marched off the field to the congratulations, group photography and some gifts from parents and relatives. It was a happy occasion for all.

Class of 2026 Graduates include:

Leon Manuel Alcala, Samuel Milton Aldrich, Trenton James Alling, Isaiha Anderson, Riley Elizabeth Boutin, Thomas Gabriel Boutin, Jada Rose Brill, Jayde Lynn Brown-Colby, Trey Edward Colangelo, Morgan Elizabeth Crocker x, Kiarrali Minerva Cruz, Marion Jefferson Cummins Jr , Gavin Joseph Michael Davidson x, Josephine Iza Drake, Addison Jane Eck +x, Riley Marshall Emmerton x, Alyssia Maria Fenn x, Mason Lance Furyes, Felix Demetrio Garcia +, Eyrleigh Sedona Hambrick + x,. Katherine Ellen Houston x, Justin Sean Hutchins, Caleb David Ilsley, Kaleb Joseph Johnson, Cowan Peter Kimball x, Korina Lynne L’Heureux, Gavin Frederick Lakin, Dylan James Marshall +^ x, Taylor Ann McFarland, Grace Mae McLellan ^ x, Anthony Michael Mencia, Madison Leighann Monterosso, Savannah Marie Murray, Ethan Jacob Nalette, Wyatt Christopher Perkins, Michael Patrick Plachetzki , Gabriel Fernand Roy x, Jillian Iona Roy x, Kody Nickolas Sherman, Collin Michael Smith, Jaden Robert Ste. Marie, Shubh Ashishkumar Suthar , Ciarra Jasmine Therrien, Cassidy Ann Thompson , Calvin Staszek Tice, Elijah Roy Vasconcelos ^ x, Makayla Lyn Walker ^ x, Ryan Douglas Walker ^ x, Shawn Gavin Walker, Jameson Stephen Willard.

Key to Honors

*National Honor Society Members, ^ Magna Cum Laude, +National Vocational Technical Honor Society Members, +^Magna Cum Laude for RBCTC, x NH State Pin - Graduate met the requirement for an “Academic Diploma with Distinction.”

A panoramic view of Woodsville High School’s 130th graduation held Saturday, June 13, 2026. The weather was gorgeous as were the 50 graduates who marched in to receive awards and diplomas at the impressive ceremony. The Bridge Weekly/Bernie Marvin

Woodsville High School Principal Hayden Coon gave his opening remarks that began the 130th ceremony for the graduating class last Saturday, June 13, 2026. The Bridge Weekly/Bernie Marvin

Queued up and ready to march into their graduation ceremony on Saturday morning, June 13, 2026, is the Class of 2026. Seen left to right are Class Advisor Robert Scianna, Class Marshals Lincoln Williams and Taydin Glynn, with Class Advisor Jodi Maccini. The Bridge Weekly/Bernie Marvin

Woodsville High School graduating Senior Katherine Houston offers her welcome during the graduation ceremony held at the high school last Saturday, June 13, 2026. The Bridge Weekly/Bernie Marvin.

Piermont student water testing performed for traces of manganese

By Bernie Marvin

Piermont Village School students, left to right, Sam Hogan, Isabelle Spooner and Kate Donnelly show Science Teacher Geoff Ashworth how they measured water samples from properties in the Haverhill, Piermont and Warren areas for manganese content. Those results were used by the students as the subject of a New Hampshire Middle school Science Fair exhibit held last month at the New Hampshire Technical Institute. Samples from two locations in Warren revealed there were .3 parts per million of manganese in the water. Residents of those two locations were notified of the findings. The Bridge Weekly/Bernie Marvin.

Piermont, NH – A group of science class students and their teacher from the Piermont Village School recently tested several groundwater and well sites along Route 25C between Piermont and Warren, and along sections of Route 10 and 25 in Haverhill, a large area where mining was once conducted. They were concerned about the presence of manganese in the area's water sources, which could have been released when the mines were abandoned many years ago.

Piermont Science Teacher Dr. Geoffrey Ashworth, who has been at the Piermont Village School for six years, and three students, Kate Donnelly, Isabelle Spooner, and Sam Hogan, were alerted to the possible presence of harmful chemicals in the water being consumed by residents in the three towns, where, between them, lies Ore Hill, the site of a large mining operation many years ago.

The alert was set off several years ago by a social media comment noting that a medical professional in Warren had begun a study of the possible high incidence of cancer among some residents living along Route 25C and 25 from the Piermont area over Ore Hill and into Warren.

Mining on Ore Hill many years ago, the writer indicated, could have been the culprit behind contaminated drinking water caused by poor excavation practices in the area. With that in mind, the three Piermont students spoke with Dr. Ashworth about conducting some research into the possible presence of manganese in the water.

At the same time, plans were being made for the school to have a presence at the New Hampshire Middle School Science Fair at the Technical Institute in Concord on May 21, 2026. They decided that studying the harmful chemical would be a strong topic for their Science Fair project.

Dr. Ashworth told The Bridge Weekly in a recent interview at the school that water from areas where students lived was tested. Scientific research testing equipment was purchased by the school, with other supplies being donated to the experimenters by the New Hampshire Academy of Science at the Crossroads Academy in Lyme.

He said the sample bottles they received were placed with the families, and water testing samples were drawn. He said the group was pleased that there was little manganese present across the entire range of properties tested and that only two homes in Warren were found to have more than a trace amount of manganese, measured at the .3 parts per million limit. The families were notified of the chemical's presence by the school, Dr. Ashworth said.

He noted that he would recommend that the two residences where manganese was found have a full water test conducted by the state to determine whether there are more chemicals in the water beyond a trace of manganese.

Dr. Ashworth said that student Sam Hogan came up with the idea to do the water testing program. The group talked about how they would perform the testing and find the results for each water sample submitted by the residents in the three-town area that was being tested. The information about the water testing program was presented graphically on a large cardboard sheet and displayed in the science fair exhibit.

At each test site, a tap or well water sample was gathered. The group found only two samples from the Route 25 area that measured manganese at 3 parts per million. The testing program remained blind throughout, with the sample bottles being numbered. Dr. Ashworth said the samples were tested for color depth, which corresponded to the manganese percentage in each sample.

That would determine just how much manganese was contained in the water sample. Dr. Ashworth said he and the three students traveled to the May 21 science fair, where there were 60 or more exhibits being judged. He said the judges' comments to the Piermont team were superb; they received high ratings, but unfortunately, they took home no awards.

The students and Dr. Ashworth figured that their experiment, which was presented at the fair, was probably too well done for that particular science fair. They agreed that what they had done in sampling and gathering the information was "reaL science." He said they feel good about what they did and that their science project, presented at the fair, was well done.

He said that next year Kate will move on to the ninth grade, Sam and Isabelle will be eighth graders, and he is looking forward to another great science fair exhibit. He said the students should be proud of what they did. "Real science with real people, and they got real science results," he said.

The state guidelines for manganese are set at 0.3 on the scale, and they found two cases of local water exceeding that level. "That's real science," Dr. Ashcroft said.

A Unique Rivendell Overseas EducationProgram Takes Students To Spain This Year

By Bernie Marvin

While in Spain for their April 2026 trip, students and staff included, left to right Rivendell Academy Principal Patricia Rella with students Lily Murray, Lindsey O'Hearn, Alessio Stefanelli, Wyatt Parker, Evan Woodward, Nolan Bourn, Nathaniel Daisey and Rivendell Counselor Jeffrey Eckert. Courtesy photo

Orford, NH - Worldwide school curriculum travel experiences for French and Spanish classes at Rivendell Academy are more than a tourist-level plane trip to Europe to try out a grande assiette or piatto plano of spicy food or read a museum's descriptive four-color brochure about an art display in Madrid or Paris.

For the participating students at Rivendell, the overseas learning program at this school provides early awareness of other people around the world and how they live. These foreign trips might also inspire Rivendell students to pursue further study of what they have experienced on their travels, and to realize that their early pursuit of excellence might last a lifetime.

The program at Rivendell continues to be a deep-rooted part of the Orford school that has allowed those who have been a part of this travel program to be immersed in the cultural make-up of the population they meet through their own eyes, their experiences with those people, and to be part of a well-managed, safe adventure that develops an intellectual curiosity about what is going on beyond our shores.

The foreign travel program is but one of the many great ways for the kids to study social structures, political profiles, or intellectual curiosities of those they meet while overseas. Rivendell Academy has a superb foreign travel program for French and Spanish students. This very active and popular program has been running for several years, with each language class taking a trip every other year.

Last year, it was the students' turn for the French trip, and this April, during an extended school break, seven students traveled to Spain and spent 11 days immersed in this program, a well-known Rivendell favorite for a long time.

The Spanish class has been an important part of this long-standing international exchange and study program. This year's group included Rivendell Principal Patricia Rella and Counselor Jeff Eckert, who traveled with students Wyatt Parker, Nathanial Daisey, Lily Murray, Lindsey O'Hearn, Evan Woodward, Nolan Bourne, and Allesandro Stefanelli.

Comments from staff and students involved with both last year's French class and this year's Spanish class indicate that the educational trips are as popular as ever and are among the most important parts of the participants' educational and life experiences at Rivendell, they reported.

The school information catalog outlines travel opportunities, noting they are a "robust program of regional, national, and international travel," that includes the long-standing exchange program with a school in France, immersive language and culture-focused trips to Latin America and Spain, and long-distance bicycling trips to nearby places such as Quebec City and Lake Champlain.

According to those who have been on these trips (The Bridge Weekly interviewed some of them over the past two years), the fundraising requirements can be fun but demanding. Preparation for overseas trips is a huge responsibility for individual students and families, who must raise at least $4,000 per family for the travel package.

The foreign travel programs show how well the school manages activities with students and their families. The trips receive rave reviews from the kids, parents, staff, and others who accompany them on these adventurous learning trips.

Although they were serious about their travels around Spain for those 11 days in April, they still had time to talk about what they saw and enjoyed while in the country. Two of the seven students The Bridge Weekly spoke with this year both commented on their seven-hour plane trips, saying they were long but not too difficult, and they would do it again if the opportunity came around.

They said they enjoyed the Spanish food they had, but after a few days, it became repetitive. One student mentioned he liked going back to American food, "something I am used to," he offered. They enjoyed seafood; there was a lot of it, like seafood paella, usually made with clams, shrimp, calamari, and a rich base of tomatoes, herbs, and other meats.

A big assist for the trip was that Principal Rella had lived in Spain for over three years and knew places the group could visit that were educational and safe. She knew about the motels and hotels that were clean, safe, and reasonably priced. With that prior knowledge from having lived there, Principal Rella built an itinerary for the Rivendell group to follow for this year's trip.

She noted that many parts of the trip were immersive, giving students opportunities to live with Spanish residents in the area whom Principal Rella knew and was familiar with. She said she tried to arrange visits to places she knew and to places where Spanish people she knew lived or worked.

Those folks joined them so the Rivendell group could be around real Spanish people, and it wasn't just a tourist thing. "For most of our trip in Spain, we had a Spanish person with us," Ms. Rella said.

Back in 2001, during the September 11 terrorist attacks on America, the overseas trip was intended to have the Rivendell group stay in homes for the duration of the trip. When the terrorists struck, all planes in the air were ordered to land at the nearest airport immediately. The plane carrying the Rivendell class members was over the Atlantic Ocean, heading east to Europe. It turned around and headed back to the United States.

Rivendell Counselor Eckert told The Bridge Weekly that when the students, he, and Principal Rella returned to their school and classrooms, it was always a "tricky thing" to keep track of a group of high school kids while they were in their care. He said they are very active and want to "explore everything."

He said during the trip, the chaperones have to act like parents and make sure no one gets lost. They traveled to cities such as Toledo and Madrid and found the smaller places safer to travel with young people, and as the trip progressed, the kids gained more freedom.

There were nightly phone calls between Spain and America as the travelers kept their parents up to date on their day's activities. No pen pals were resulting from the trip, and post cards were sent to parents and friends.

Counselor Eckert sent a postcard from Spain to his mother-in-law and was informed that it took an entire month to reach its destination, and it was reported that the group came back with some souvenirs. photos and lots of sweets for families.

Principal Rella said that the trip members will submit a report on their program to the school board soon. Eleven days is a long time to be away, but it was enough time for the kids to see the vast differences in how Spanish people live compared to the American kids.

Interesting, too, for the American visitors: in Spain, they noted that no family or school students they met worked any afternoon or summer job. They also don’t begin a work schedule until after their college years are completed, something they will probably be discussing with their parents and the school board.

Rivendell Principal Rella, who had considerable input on the trip and who was also one of two chaperones, said in her statement: "The trip to Spain was intentionally designed as a true cultural and language immersion experience. I wanted students to move beyond tourism and engage authentically with the people, language, customs, and rhythms of daily life in Spain. One of the most valuable aspects of the trip was having a local Spanish guide and community member with us for much of the journey. Their perspective, language support, and help navigating local culture gave our group a deeper and more meaningful experience.

"What impressed me most was how fully the students embraced the opportunity. They were open-minded, flexible, and collaborative. They tried new foods, adapted to the later Spanish schedule, navigated unfamiliar situations with maturity, and consistently supported one another. Watching students step outside of their comfort zones and rise to the challenge was incredibly rewarding. The experience reinforced the value of travel as an educational opportunity that builds independence, cultural understanding, communication skills, and confidence in ways that are difficult to replicate in a classroom. The Rivendell community places high value on international travel, and the resources invested are well worth it!

In his follow-up comments on the trip, where he also served as a chaperone, Rivendell School Counselor Eckert told The Bridge Weekly: 

“Experiential learning is my favorite way to educate students. Yes, we saw beautiful sights and ate incredible food. It sounds like a vacation, and it was in some ways. However, I saw each student grow and change in a way that we cannot replicate in school. When students are on a trip-- whether it is in the mountains on an outing club trip or in Spain-- they are intrinsically motivated. They really want to be there. But the real world does not adapt to their needs. The students have to adapt. They have to deal with a different language, time zone, bed to sleep in, food to eat, and more. The kids rose to the challenge, and I was so impressed with their growth in maturity and independence!”

Rivendell Academy staff and students interviewed for the Bridge Weekly story on their Spanish Class trip included, left to right, students Wyatt Parker and Nathaniel Daisey with Rivendell School Counselor Jeffrey Eckert and Rivendell Principal Patricia Rella. The Bridge Weekly/Bernie Marvin. 

Cottage Hospital “Any Which Way” Event Fields 70 Runners

By Bernie Marvin

They’re off and running the Cottage Hospital Any Which Way Walk and Run 5K race that began at the Woodsville Elementary School and wound its way through Woodsville streets last Sunday morning, May 17, 2026. The Bridge Weekly/Bernie Marvin 

Woodsville, NH - The 6th Annual Cottage Hospital Any Which Way 5K Run and Walk was greeted early last Sunday morning, May 17, 2026, by a warm sun and clear skies, much to the event organizers’ approval after a stretch of drizzly, below seasonal temperatures.

With nearly 70 participants in the 5K event, many other families of walkers lined up at the 802 Timing Company’s start line at 9 AM to hear Jakub Kubkowski’s air horn signal the start of the event, which took runners and walkers through the quiet morning streets of Woodsville.

There were some good times logged this year. Liam Genereaux, age 31, paced his run that brought him over the finish line at just 19:22, followed by Jake Danis, age 16, at 19:24; Matt Cote, age 36, at 20:02; Jason Chester, age 44,  with 20:56, and the top female runner, Christa Ferguson, age 36,  at 21:15.

Other top females included Rylynn Hambrick, age 14, at 22:11; and Rachel Stanton, age 39,  at 24:07. Top male runners included W. Lang, age 9, at 26:00; B Sawyer, age 12, at 28:04 and P Hunter, age 12, at 28:08.

In a course-side interview prior to the race, Cottage Hospital CEO Holly McCormack told The Bridge Weekly that this, the 6th year of the event, saw a very robust sign-up with quality runners from throughout the North Country and beyond.

She said Cottage Hospital, an independent hospital and one of just two in the North Country, has had a good year, with successful job recruiting and popular hospital programs.

She said the race is a fundraiser for Cottage Hospital’s Operating Room renovations, an ongoing project that also promotes local wellness initiatives while providing important funding for several infrastructure programs planned throughout the hospital.

Ms. McCormack said this is the sixth race she has entered during her years as Chief Operating Officer at the hospital. She said that as she looks around the sea of runners and walkers, she recognizes many faithful participants who have also attended every event each year.

The race this year, as it has for many years, kicked off from behind the Woodsville Elementary School, where there has always been ample parking for the event in front or behind the building at the junction of Routes 10 and 302.

The timed event got underway at 9:00 AM sharp for runners, and the family walkers followed that group The route is 3.1 miles long and includes several interior Woodville roads and streets, ending about 20 minutes later at the finish line located at the rear of the Woodsville Elementary School playground.

Several strong local organizations assist in sponsoring this event. Companies and groups such as DJ Kev’s DJ Service, WYKR Radio 101.3 FM, the Cottage Hospital Auxiliary, The Brick Store, Northcountry Healthcare, and many others.

 Running in the recent Cottage Hospital Any Which Way 5K run & Walk were these participants from Little Rivers Health Care; kneeling, left to right are Jackie Gilmour, Rebecca Partington holding Raelynn Partington, Lisa Pearson and Amanda Regis. Standing, left to right are Dr. Stephen Genereaux, Bri Aila, Brandon Partington, Dr. Fay Homan, Tracy Thompson, Liam Genereaux, Rick Evans, Owen Davies (standing behind Tracy and Liam.) The Bridge Weekly/Bernie Marvin 

Left to right are W. Lang and A. Roy as they run the 5K Any Which Way event sponsored by Cottage Hospital last weekend. The Bridge Weekly/Bernie Marvin.

Cottage Hospital CEO Holly McCormack at the finish of her 5K race last weekend in Woodsville. Holly has run every one of the six 5K races the hospital has produced. The Bridge Weekly/Bernie Marvin

Talent and hard work make the WHS Three-Day CRASH effort sadly realistic

By Bernie Marvin

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Woodsville, NH – A three-day project produced last week by many dedicated people from around the area ended up as a life-like experience with a death-like result located adjacent to the Woodsville High School parking lot.

With superb play-acting right from the early morning opening scene, wailing sirens from responding emergency vehicles to an indescribably wild scene of two mangled vehicles, an assortment of emergency vehicles, medical personnel, and rescue responders poured onto the tarmac of Woodsville High School parking lot to go to work and hopefully save a life and reduce suffering of other souls involved in the madness of a seriously bad mock motor vehicle crash. The entire scenario was planned, set up, and executed with the same seriousness as a real crash.

In the mayhem playing out before more than 200 people, who included students, staff, parents, and members of the public, watched and commented on the work being done close to the observers' view. The action going on was described over the school's sound system by long-time medical responder and Emergency Medical Technician Richard Guy.

I can't count on both hands and feet times two the number of years EMT Guy has been at the scene of the Woodsville High School mock crash scenes from the past, but I know my first experience with this type of program was in the early 1980's, and he was there at the locus of the accident set-up for that school project at the old Butson's Supermarket parking lot.

That means that Mr. Guy and others of the Woodsville Fire Department and medical team have been doing this for a long time and have lots of experience with both the actual, fatal crash scenes and the fake crash scenes, like this one, as well.

Injured passengers in varying degrees of moulage (mock accident injury applications) in each crash vehicle were high school students who included Trent Alling, who was deceased as a result of his injuries, along with others who were injured, including Grace McLellan, Katie Houston, and Makayla Walker.

In the second involved vehicle, students suffering immensely realistic moulage injuries included Taylor McFarland, Maddie Monterosso, Jill Roy, and Eyrleigh Hambrick.

Woodsville Fire and Medical units arrived on scene at 8:30 sharp on the first day of the three-day program. The injured were cut loose from the wreckage and transported to Cottage Hospital by ambulance. The deceased student driver was transported from the scene in a Ricker Funeral Home hearse. Ensuring that proper legal requirements were intact, the Medical Examiner, in a role played by Haverhill Recreation Director Sherri Sargent, was on the scene.

Also, on scene for the one-hour action staging was Grafton County Attorney Martha Ann (Marcie) Hornick. She was on board later in production as the prosecutor who led the proceedings against the impaired vehicle operator that the deceased student was in.

With the shrouded body of the Alling student lying in plain view of the 200 observing students, the scene was solemn and remained so until the hearse had cleared the parking lot. But the sadness of that incident would be returned for Part Two, as creators at the school had also scheduled a full funeral for the deceased student at the Dr. John A. Bagonzi Community Building that was held the next day with flowers, music and testimonials, including an officiant Melissa Gould, pall bearers, and a visiting speaker, Derek Curtis of Groton, who had lost a child, Blue Mountain Union High School student "TC" Curtis, as a result of injuries suffered in an auto crash in 2018.

The Community and State partners who are assisting with the Mock Crash include: Haverhill Police Department, Grafton County Sheriff Department, Grafton County Attorney's Office, Ricker Funeral Home, Woodsville Cottage Hospital, Woodsville Emergency Medical Services, Woodsville Fire Department, AAA Northern New England, NH Liquor Commission, NH Department of Transportation Driving Toward Zero, NH Department of Highway Safety, Woodsville High School Band, Haverhill Recreation Department, JTB Towing and Recovery, Hatchland Farm, Copies and More, Private Citizens and WHS Students.

Day Two of the program opened inside the Dr. John A. Bagonzi Community Building, where the high school classes once again assembled to observe and some to participate in the funeral of the student killed in the mock fatal crash that played out before the students who gathered at the school's parking lot early the previous day.

Student and faculty pallbearers included Principal Hayden Coon, Teachers Robert Scianna and Glen Page, also Assistant Principal Matt Kelly, and students Maddox Furyes and Grace McLellan.

The casket, memorial photos, flowers, and signs were placed around the gym as seniors and staff made their entrance and took their seats in designated areas. An intermittent slideshow was held to commemorate the life of deceased student Trent Alling, with appropriate background music provided by Music Director Wright.

Opening the service was Derek Curtis, father of BMU student TC Curtis, who was killed in a vehicle crash in 2018. The students listened intently to his words as a father who had experienced the death of a child.

Student speakers were Grace McLellan, Josie Drake, and Mila Townsand.

Vocalist Mila Townsend sang Amazing Grace, as the vista of flowers and students marked the realistic setting of a memorial service for a student loved by friends and classmates, his short life snuffed out the previous day in a motor vehicle crash. Melissa Gould was an officiant throughout the program, something she does professionally with great feeling and love.

The service was closed with a reading and a poem recitation by Melissa. Pallbearers assembled once again to carry the casket out of the Community Building, and students returned to the Roundhouse with their teachers.

Teachers then facilitated discussions on the mock funeral they had just witnessed.

Day Three of the three-day event began at noon on Friday, May 1, 2026, and included a mock court trial, featuring Grafton County Attorney Marcie Hornick, Defense Attorney Amanda Jacobson, a Lead Assistant County Attorney, and Judge Tara Heater, a Deputy County Attorney.

During the court proceedings, students observed and heard the arraignment and bail hearing for the defendant charged in the staged mock crash scene. Also, they witnessed the trial proceedings, including witness testimony, evidence presentation, closing arguments, and the defendant's sentencing.

An important part of the program included the day's activities on the final day, Friday, May 1, 2026. It included large-group sessions on safe driving, reducing impaired and distracted driving crashes, a lunch period, and the mock trial from noon to 1:30 PM.

Assembled in the parking lot for student visits and discussions were AAA Northern New Hampshire and programs that included distracted-driving glasses, impaired-vision goggles, and a program by the New Hampshire Liquor Commission that included a golf-cart operation activity and impairment glasses.

The New Hampshire Department of Transportation cargo trailer was set up alongside other outdoor stations for student access during student rotations. The program ended at 3 PM.

At the mock crash produced recently at Woodsville High School, Woodsville Fire Department rescue crews work to free injured students trapped in a wrecked vehicle. The Bridge Weekly/Bernie Marvin

Injured Woodsville High School student is loaded into a Woodsville ambulance, after being freed from a crashed vehicle during a school-wide mock accident, funeral, and court trial awareness exercise held at the school over April 29, 30, and May 1, 2026. The Bridge Weekly/Bernie Marvin

During the funeral services staged for a victim of a mock motor vehicle crash at Woodsville High School, pallbearers bring in the coffin of student Trenton James Alling for funeral services at the Dr. John A. Bagonzi Community Building. From left to right, seen are Teacher Bob Scianna, Maddox Furyes, Principal Hayden Coon, Teacher Glen Page, Grace McLellan, and Assistant Principal Matthew Kelly. The Bridge Weekly/Bernie Marvin.

At trial on the third day of the WHS Crash program, defendant Taylor McFarland, a Woodsville High School student, at center, listens as Grafton Country Attorney Marcie Hornick, at right, and defense lawyer Amanda Jacobson, argue the charges leveled against McFarland. The Bridge Weekly/Bernie Marvin

New Model A club forms for Northern NH and NE Kingdom

By Bernie Marvin

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Lisbon, NH – A newly chartered Model A club has been formed for New Hampshire’s North Country and Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom. The club’s membership has been accepted by the Model A Ford Club of America (MAFCA).

The new club held its first meeting earlier in April, which marked the official launch of the club that will be serving the Granite and Green Mountain States’ Model A enthusiasts. The Northern Valley A’s, a 501(c)7 social club was created to bring together owners and admirers of the 1928–1931 Ford Model A. The club plans to host seasonal tours, informal gatherings, technical troubleshooting sessions, and showcase the vehicles at community events in the area.

“We are excited to build a friendly, local community around these cars. Model A owners are invited to join us as we explore back roads, share knowledge, and keep these historic vehicles on the road,” said Club President Eric Zaharee.

Club members are anxiously waiting for the weather to warm as bit and hopefully the final mud will dry, and members can drive their vehicles. The group will be holding monthly meetings through October. Members are planning each month but there are no trips in the schedule, yet.

If you live in the area and own or are restoring a Model A, you are welcome to connect with the club and participate in upcoming activities. For more information or to get involved, contact the Northern Valley A’s at northernvalleyas@gmail.com. Visit us on Facebook facebook.com/NorthernValleyAs.

A long line of Model A vehicles lined up in front of the Mount Washington Hotel during a recent club meeting of the Worcester County Model A Club. The trip was arranged by members of the Northern Valley A’s Club, a new club in the North Country. Courtesy photo

Soil Scientist Joe Homer Talks About Sugar Hill Dirt

By Bernie Marvin

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Sugar Hill, NH – Soil Scientist Joe Homer is well known in these parts of the North Country because of his long-time work with soil. He recently presented his "Let's Talk Dirty" program at the Carolina Crapo Building.

Joe has served as the New Hampshire State Soil Scientist for the USDA–Natural Resources Conservation Service. He retired after more than 33 years of service with that organization and has performed and managed mapping and fieldwork throughout New England, with additional work in New Mexico, Arizona, Texas, Oregon, and Minnesota.

He has also served as a field soil scientist, soil survey project leader, and assistant state soil scientist in New Hampshire. He is the author of the Grafton County and Coos County Soil Survey reports and has conducted hydric soils and wetlands identification and delineation for the USDA in New Hampshire, and has trained other federal and state agency staff, as well as New England consultants.

Joe's speech in Sugar Hill was for the Sugar Hill Improvement Association, and according to those who were there, it was an engaging and informative talk. Joe explored the fascinating world beneath their feet, mainly soil. He spoke on how soil forms and why it plays a crucial role in agriculture, environmental health, and climate resilience. Attendees said they gained a deeper understanding of why healthy soil matters to everyone.

Joe brought his years of experience in soil science and environmental education to the crowd. His approachable style and passion for the subject make complex scientific concepts accessible and enjoyable for audiences of all ages.

The event was open to the public and was underwritten as a part of the Carolina Crapo Education Fund. It was established by Henry Crapo in honor of his wife, Carolina, shortly after the Sugar Hill School burned down in 1948. The Sugar Hill Improvement Association administers the funds for projects identified to better the Town of Sugar Hill.

The Carolina Crapo Trust Fund also provides book awards for students pursuing their education or training, in addition to bringing speakers to the town. There was no fee to hear soil scientist Homer speak.

Soil Scientist Joe Homer presented a program on the benefits of soil’s role in food production, and strong soil conservation. Courtesy photo

Cottage Hospital's Donate Life Week Featured Two Important Events

By Bernie Marvin

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Woodsville, NH – Cottage Hospital has been observing Donate Life programs for the past 10 years, usually by raising a special Donate Life flag out in front of the hospital on Swiftwater Road, then later in the week or month, a different special event would be observed.

This year they raised the Donate Life flag in the usual robustly breezy April noon time program and for their second event, they held a special red maple tree planting across Swiftwater Road on the rolling lawns of the Rowe Building, where a group of Cottage Hospital employees gathered around while CEO Holly McCormack placed the first shovel full of loam onto the tree's root ball, to the cheers of those watching.

This commemorative tree planting honored hospital staff and community members who have given or received gifts of life through the donation program that is so popular throughout the nation.

According to hospital officials "The tree stands as a symbol of hope, strength and the lasting impact of generosity, because, like a red maple tree, strength (and trees) come in all sizes. We all look forward to watching this tree grow alongside our organization, rooted in giving and a reminder of the lived forever connected through a program of donation."

According to Cottage Hospital, New England Donor Services, the federally designated nonprofit organization responsible for coordinating organ and tissue donation across the region, presented donor participation awards to hospitals that go above and beyond in supporting donor awareness and education. Recipients are selected based on their dedication to best practices, collaboration, staff engagement, and meaningful efforts to increase public understanding of organ and tissue donation. This includes initiatives such as educational programs, community outreach events, and awareness campaigns designed to inform and empower individuals to register as donors.

According to Cottage Hospital Community Relations Director Kuba Kubkowski, assisting CEO McCormack with the program and organizing the Donate Life events at the hospital was Quality Director and Donate Life Liaison Kelly Hussey.

It was a busy time at the hospital as they celebrated Donate Life programs. National Donate Life Month and hospital programs reminded the community of the tremendous impact of organ, eye and tissue donations and the power of giving the gift of life.

During the week, Cottage Hospital held its annual Donate Life flag raising, which brought the staff together in a meaningful show of support, they said. As part of the special moment, they also wrote messages of hope, filling each of them with gratitude, remembrance and encouragement for those whose lives have been touched by donations.

They offered that "we are so grateful to our staff who took the time to come out, reflect, and stand together in support of this important cause. Their compassion and commitment help keep hope growing in the community."

One donor can save up to eight lives and enhance the lives of over 75 others. Behind every donation is a story of hope, resilience and strength shown by the community for those waiting on a transplant list, it can mean more time with loved ones and more moments that truly matter.

They said that at Cottage Hospital they recognized Donate Life month to help educate the community and shine a light on the lifesaving impact of donations. They noted it is time to learn, reflect and honor the individual and families whose decisions have made a lasting difference. Together, they recognized the power of giving, and their lives were forever changed because of it, they said.

Cottage Hospital CEO, Holly McCormack, third from left, was assisted by several hospital employees in a special Donate Life tree planting last week to observe the National Donate Life program. The red maple tree was planted on the side lawn located at the hospital's Rowe Building, across Swiftwater Road from the hospital. The Bridge Weekly/Bernie Marvin

Wildcat Microschool takes First Place in Rube Goldberg competition

By Bernie Marvin

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Wildcat Microschool members of the Rube Goldberg competition that came away from their recent competition in Manchester, NH with a First Place. They were also awarded First Place with the Best Costumes Award. They have advanced to the national competition that will be held in New York City. At right is Wildcat teacher Laura Sjolander. The Bridge Weekly/Bernie Marvin.

Haverhill, NH – The Wildcat Microschool youngsters of the kindergarten through 4th Grade came home with the First Place Rube Goldberg Competition Award recently. They also came home with the Rube Goldberg Spirit Award for being Master Contraptionists.

A Rube Goldberg Master Contraptionist, often referred to as a Contraption Master, is an expert who specializes in designing and building Rube Goldberg machines. These are highly complex devices that use a series of interconnected chain reactions to accomplish a simple task in a comically indirect way.

The Rube Goldberg competition for students in New Hampshire is known as the Rube Goldberg Machine Contest. It challenges students from grades K-12 to build complex machines from everyday objects that perform a simple task in the most unusual way possible.

The team traveled to Manchester, NH, on March 28 to compete in the Regional Rube Goldberg Competition. The Rube Goldberg Competition emphasizes the importance of problem-solving through STEM education—Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, especially for young children.

Early exposure to STEM helps students build problem-solving skills, creativity, collaboration skills, persistence, and determination. Through hands-on learning experiences, students discover that failure can sometimes lead to even greater success!

This was an exciting event where students displayed their contraptions-themed "Wildcat Zoo." They dressed as zoo members, presented an educational skit on energy transfers, and ran their hand-built contraption to open a box.

The Wildcat teachers and students learned about the program through a parent whose children participated in the Rube Goldberg Contraption Camp at the Fairbanks Museum in St. Johnsbury, VT.

After learning about the cool opportunity, students started their work. They have developed their knowledge of energy, engineering, electricity, and collaboration as they have worked to solve problems with creative, innovative solutions. Their final contraption consisted of about 15 chain reactions, including erosion, electrical transfer, and air. They have been creating their masterpieces for about three months.

The team will be competing next in New York City, as a result of the award they won in Manchester. This upcoming trip marks an important milestone for many of the students, as it will be their first opportunity to travel out of state for an academic competition. Students have been preparing their designs, testing ideas, and learning how different parts work together to achieve a final goal. Their hard work and dedication will be showcased alongside teams from schools across the region.

The Wildcat Microschool students were very excited to announce that their team took First Place in the regional competition and won the Rube Goldberg Spirit Award (Master Contraptionists)—also the best costumes award and the creative materials award —without marbles or dominoes.

The team will advance to the National Competition in New York City! The team has been fundraising for this event and held their fundraiser on Saturday, April 11, at the Woodsville United Methodist Church. There, they hosted a superb spaghetti dinner and a silent auction. All funds raised will be used to help with travel expenses and experiences for the students in NYC.

Seeing the children involved in their Rube Goldberg project is hard to explain to viewers new to the world of Rube Goldberg contraptions. Chain reactions of energy going every which way, and at the end of the line, a different contraption will open a box.

Parent Jean Alexander discovered the Rube Goldberg program during one of their annual demonstrations at the St. Johnsbury Fairbanks Museum. Gean has been instrumental and immensely helpful with the entire program at Wildcat, says teacher Laura Sjolander, who works closely with the kids on their STEM subjects.

Each participant had a specific job with the Rube Goldberg effort. Some of the children The Bridge Weekly spoke with included Elizabeth, who was an Investigator. She said, "She learned a lot by going to the rube Goldberg contest."

Avery said, "If you messed up. You would find out how to fix it. I fixed some wrong things."

Carson said, "Just be patient, especially with your team." Neal was an Interventionist. If the ball doesn't go down right, I fix it. Kept it running." Ethan was "really excited to be there. It is a worldwide competition and fun."

Some of the Wildcat Microschool Rube Goldberg competition team members are shown working with their winning contraption that won the team a First Place and moved them on to the national competition in New York City. The Bridge Weekly/Bernie Marvin

Little Rivers holds Legislative Town Hall session in Fairlee

By Bernie Marvin

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Attending a recent Vermont Legislative Town Hall at the Fairlee Town Hall were, left to right, Representative Michael Tagliavia, Representative Rebecca Holcomb, Senator John Benson, and Representative Jim Masland. Standing at right is Little Rivers Health Care CEO Andrew Barter who offered opening remarks and also moderated the meeting. Barter said the health care organization, based in Bradford, plans to hold similar forums across their service area. The Bridge Weekly/Bernie Marvin

Fairlee, VT – The Little Rivers Health Care, with offices in Bradford, Wells River, East Corinth, and Newbury, sponsored another Legislative Town Hall meeting at the Fairlee Town Hall on Monday, March 30, 2026.

This is not an unusual effort for the Bradford-based health care center, as it remains a busy site across its four locations, with high growth. For instance, between 2016 and 2021, Little Rivers Health Care experienced a 78 percent increase in patient visits, prompting major expansion efforts.

The recent legislative session in Fairlee was scheduled for a one-hour program and included local Vermont legislators and area residents. Legislators there included Representative Michael Tagliavia, Orange 1 District; Representative Rebecca Holcombe, Windsor-Orange 2 District; Senator John Benson, Orange District, and Representative James Masland, Windsor-Orange District 2.

Offering a welcome and making opening remarks to the attendees was Little Rivers Health Care CEO Andrew Barter at 9 AM. About 20 residents attended the session. Fairlee Select Board member Peter Berger also offered other remarks.
CEO Barter told The Bridge Weekly at the conclusion of the Fairlee Town Hall Legislative Session that he and the staff were "very pleased with the turnout and the level of engagement. The discussion reflected strong community interest in access to care and the future of local health services, which is exactly what we hoped to foster."

The programs:
Little Rivers Health Care has created an active schedule of public programs, including Town Hall sessions and advocacy and formal testimony, according to information available on their website and during the meeting.

The programs address a wide range of subjects, from rural healthcare challenges such as access to care and rising healthcare costs. About an hour was scheduled to hear from legislators who offered a summation of bills and legislation that are now or have been under consideration for action in Vermont.

Those four legislators concentrated their comments on several different subjects that headlined the meeting, including health care access and the workforce, housing and land use, education funding, and the State of Vermont budget and investment priorities.

Little Rivers Health Care is a not-for-profit, community-based, federally qualified health center. They are dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive primary care for individuals and families, regardless of ability to pay, in accordance with specific federal guidelines. Little Rivers Health Care works hard to meet the community's unique health needs, with a special focus on the medically underserved.

According to their online information, their service area includes the Vermont towns of Bradford, Chelsea, Corinth, Fairlee, Groton, Newbury, Norwich, Orange, Ryegate, Strafford, Thetford, Topsham, Tunbridge, Vershire, Washington, West Fairlee, and neighboring towns of border communities in New Hampshire.

Among many community legislative programs, town hall sessions are included, similar to the one held on Monday, March 30, 2026. These events allow community members to hear from and question local legislators on regional issues. Participating legislators often include regional personnel, such as those who were at the front of the room in the Fairlee Town Hall, to speak to visitors.

Discussions held usually center on health care affordability, housing challenges, and the future of community health in rural Vermont. And there is regular participation by Little Rivers Health Care leaders in the Vermont Legislative Day, where they visit the State House to meet with lawmakers, often alongside the Bi-State Primary Care Association, to advocate for the vital role of Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs). 

The staff at Little Rivers Health Care also provides expert testimony to the Vermont Legislature on specific public health initiatives, such as Food as Medicine, where Clinical Quality Director Maureen Boardman and other staff have testified before the Senate Agriculture Committee regarding the Little Rivers Food Farmacy, which uses nutritious food to manage chronic diseases. Also, 3SquaresVT Advocacy, with Little Rivers Health Care, is participating in 3SquaresVT Awareness Day to help legislators understand the impact of food access programs on the local community. 

Little Rivers Health Care also participates in broader state legislative initiatives designed to stabilize and improve rural health: Blueprint for Health, a state program that funds "Self-Management" workshops (such as those for diabetes or chronic pain) and integrates mental health services into primary care.
And also, the Stabilization Program: Little Rivers Health Care has been part of discussions and reporting regarding state-funded sustainability approaches for community providers facing financial pressures.

20 years of growth:
Little Rivers Health Care has a dynamic history and was founded in 2003 by a group of citizens and healthcare leaders who wanted to maintain the medical services needed in the rural areas they now serve.
Little Rivers Health Care included several local practices in its family, one of the first being the Wells River Clinic, which was originally opened in 1951 by Dr. Harry Rowe. As the business expanded from its base office in Bradford, offices in East Corinth and Newbury were added over time.
In 2022, they launched a dynamic major capital campaign, "People you know, the care you trust," which sought $6.2 million for facility expansions. They recently celebrated 20 years of service in the area and completed extensive renovations at the Bradford clinic, with additional dental and health access centers in Wells River, which opened in 2025. As of 2024, the center has provided nearly 45,000 patient visits to over 7000 community members, and Little Rivers Health Care employs over 100 people.
CEO Barter said that Little Rivers Health Care plans to hold similar forums and to rotate locations across their service area to ensure broader community participation."

2D Backcountry Patroller School Held At Pike Glades

By Bernie Marvin

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At the top of Iron Mountain, the class reviews the two types of rescue toboggans the class practiced with that weekend. The top toboggan is a Fiberglass split litter with conventional sled handles attached for control. The tub-like sled is also a split-in-half toboggan known as a “four-handle sled.” These are popular in Europe and in western Unites States. Seen left to right are Sherry Chang, Chuck Boyd, James Achard, Brandon Csongradi, Martin Csongradi, Orest Ohar and Laura Styer. Photo by Cathe Neuberger.

Pike, NH – Members of the National Ski Patrol assembled the first weekend of March 2026 at the Upper Valley Stewardship Center in Pike/East Haverhill, NH, for another weekend of rescue training at this popular Northcountry mountainscape and ski area.

The training course began at 8 AM on Saturday, where the dozen patrollers skied up Iron Mountain, a prominent peak on the backside of about 1800 acres located within the boundaries of the Stewardship Center.

They based their operations on the Warrior's Cabin, a former warming hut about halfway up the mountain, at an elevation of 2200 feet. Tentage for all participants was located there.

The theme this year was "out-of-bounds, lost skier." It was a search-and-rescue-based course. Heading up the training program was Orest Ohar of the New Hampshire Backcountry Ski Patrol, affiliated with the Granite State Backcountry Alliance.

He is one of five founders of the "New Hampshire Backcountry Ski Patrol which operates exclusively for the Granite Backcountry Alliance.

The training began on Friday evening, at the Stewardship Center staff meeting, followed by being ferried up in the mid-mountain cabin to set up base camp. With all the tents set up outside in the 20-degree weather, the staff held another meeting at dinnertime, and it was off to the sack for a busy Saturday and Sunday.

He said the classes still stress patient extraction by carry-in slit toboggans, but the surrounding theme will be preparing for lost skier searches. Saturday, the attendees met for a gear review and safety briefing.

Orest Ohar is one of five founders of the "New Hampshire Backcountry Ski Patrol" (NHBSP), which operates exclusively for the Granite Backcountry Alliance (GBA).  

"We are two separate organizations.  GBA's mission is to develop and maintain human-powered winter recreation ski glades, ensuring they remain accessible to the public.  NHBSP is a "medical backcountry rescue unit" managed by GBA, set up to improve the safety of its members and the public attending GBA events.  We serve year-round, including during community glade cut events during autumn months, as well as in the winter when GBA takes to the slopes on skis and snowboards during fundraisers, races, and ski festivals," ski patroller Ohar said.  

GBA has an ethics education program known as Ski Kind, which is augmented by safety education programs that promote safety, self-reliance, and wilderness rescue.  Both organizations serve GBA members and the public backcountry skiing community.  

He explained the situation: "The difference between ski resort Patrollers and Backcountry Patrollers is that our rescues are often far from roads and access to the EMS system.  The Backcountry Patroller's job is to locate, extricate, and evacuate patients injured deep in the wilderness and bring them out to local EMS waiting at the roadside.  At a ski area, a rescue takes approximately 20 minutes.  In the backcountry, rescuers must be prepared to work overnight to rescue their patients," Mr. Ohar said.

They then skinned up to the summit of Iron Mountain, with educational interludes along the way. There was the first Glade ski for area recon, with students setting up their camp. At 11:30 AM, toboggan laps began with skinning back to the summit.

Dinner was held at 6 PM at the Warrior Cabin. There was an SAR presentation, an SAR night Evolution and Navigation, and a 9 PM campfire and R&R. Sunday broke cold and clear; breakfast was held at the base camp, with a discussion with New Hampshire Fish and Game Officer Christopher McKee on an informant SAR discussion.

Another SAR session was held, then the team broke camp. Loaded their gear to be ferried down the mountain and prepared to ski the return leg to the base. On Sunday at 1 PM sharp, the event concluded at the Stewardship Center, and everyone headed home.

The group is about to strap on an “EMT Rescue Mannequin” onto a SKED SLED. The mannequin is used in place of a live human during technical rope rescue practice. Seen in the photo is Backcountry Instructor Linda Helms. Photo by Cathe Neuberger.

NH Backcountry Ski Patroller Orest Ohar, at left, also affiliated with the Granite Backcountry Alliance, briefs staff and students at a recent Backcountry Patroller School at the Pike Glades in Pike, NH recently. Their course began at the Upper Valley Stewardship Center and included training with the Search and Rescue-based theme of “out-of-bounds, lost skier.” Seen left to right are Orest Ohar, Laura Styer, Rachel Tobler, Sherry Chang, Brandon Csongradi, Linda Biyd, Michael Adamskowski and Martin Csongradi. The Bridge Weekly/Bernie Marvin

NH Legislative Event Held At Cottage Hospital

By Bernie Marvin

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Cottage Hospital CEO and President Holly McCormack, DNP, RN, speaking at right, addresses a gathering of government and municipal officials recently at the Cottage Hospital Legislative Breakfast. The popular event is held annually and offers an opportunity for the hospital to discuss up-to-date programs and figures with legislators.                   The Bridge Weekly/Bernie Marvin

Woodsville, NH - Cottage Hospital President and CEO Holly McCormack, DNP, RN, told a gathering of legislators and officers of the New Hampshire Hospital Association that the renowned health magazine Becker’s Healthcare recently named Cottage Hospital as one of the top 150 places to work in the field of medicine.

In her opening remarks for the legislative breakfast held at the hospital on Monday, March 9, 2026, she offered that she had been employed at the hospital for the past 16 years, with her being at the top post of the hospital that was established back in the early 1900’s for the past five years.

She told her guests at the early morning event that the hospital was a very special and unique place. It was an independent critical access hospital, and it is the largest employer in the community, with approximately 200 employees with benefits and a total of 300, which includes a per diem staff.

She reported that the hospital, although faced with a negative 16 percent operating margin, had to recruit a local permanent workforce in place of a temporary travel workforce that the hospital had been relying on. By investing in local talent, the hospital reduced the travel labor costs by 118 percent and restored the continuity of care for the patients. The changes made a significant difference to the fiscal year bottom line last year.

CEO McCormack cited many instances of government requirements being placed on her hospital. She said each day the hospital is required to provide more and more resources to manage the regulatory requirements, reporting and administrative tasks associated with caring for our patients.

“It takes more than a village to care for rural America,” she said, “but it starts here with the help of each of you at the town, state and federal level.  Your attendance here this morning demonstrates your support.  We will keep fighting for the privilege of caring for our community. We ask for your support in protecting cost-based reimbursement, strengthening workforce, and reducing the administrative barriers that pull caregivers away from patients.  Our vision is simple, a rural healthcare system where everyone, no matter their age, income or zip code- can access high quality care close to home,” she said in closing.

Also speaking at a legislative breakfast were President of the New Hampshire Hospital Association Steve  Ahnen; Vice President of the State Government Relations Board of the New Hampshire Hospital Association Ben Bradley; Special Assistant for Projects and Policies for Senator Jeanne Shaheenís office Chuck Anderson; New Hampshire District 1 Senator David Rochefort; Executive Councilwoman Karen Liot Hill and Haverhill Town Administrator Tom Galinat.

The American Revolution series by Ken Burns featured British Loyalist Col. John Peters of Bradford

By Bernie Marvin

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Colonel John Peters of the Queens Loyal Rangers was featured on the new Ken Burns series on the American Revolution. It was premiered last week with six, two-hour shows on Public Broadcasting System for New Hampshire and Vermont. Courtesy photo.

Bradford - The newest Ken Burns documentary is a six-part, 12-hour series on the American Revolutionary War. This television documentary was released to the public just last week and featured in the third section a Mooretown (now Bradford, Vermont) military man, British Colonel John Peters, and his family.
Colonel Peters hailed from Connecticut and settled in Piermont for several years, then moved across the Connecticut River to the town of Mooretown (later to become Bradford), Vermont. The town was established in May 1770 in New York before it became the State of Vermont. The town was known as Waitstown and Waits River Town before adopting its original name, Mooretown. That’s when Colonel Peters lived there. The name originated with Sir Henry Moore, the Royal Governor of New York.
According to Wikipedia, after the American Revolution, residents of Mooretown stated they no longer wanted the name to remind them of a royal governor, so they petitioned the Vermont legislature to rename the town Bradford in 1788.

The television story revealed that Peters, born in 1770 in Connecticut, was a Yale graduate and first settled in Piermont, then later moved to Mooretown on the banks of the Connecticut River, where he owned a considerable amount of land, a large home, several saw mills and grist mills, and a large farm.
He actually lived in New York at that time (it was not yet apportioned to Vermont) and was appointed Justice of the Peace, Colonel of the local militia, Judge of Probate, County Registrar, Clerk of Court, and Judge of the Court.

Because Colonel Peters was required to travel to the First Continental Congress in Philadelphia in 1774, from time to time, he would be mobbed by the “Liberty Boys” because of his continuing and intense loyalty to the crown prior to the Revolutionary War beginning on April 19, 1775. This, according to Richard M. Ketchum's book “Saratoga, Turning Point of America’s Revolutionary War.”

Colonel Peters knew after these experiences that the American countryside would not be satisfied with anything short of total independence from England. On his way back from Philadelphia to Mooretown, another gang threatened to kill him as “an enemy.”
Peters back in his hometown was hated and abused by his neighbors and even his own father turned against him. Peters got a mission to go to Canada with American militia members, where he acted as a double agent, spying on both sides.

Peters was branded as an outlaw; his wife and eight children had been turned out of their home and sent off in a sleigh with only one bed to Ticonderoga, 140 miles through the woods, the snow, and bad roads. The group arrived “more dead than alive.”
The family group was then sent on their way to Canada; they became lost, were discovered by a passing British ship, and were transported to St. John’s, Canada. By that time, Colonel Peters was reunited with his family and taken to Montréal. He was ready to seek revenge, and that month, he began to recruit men for a regiment approved by British General John Burgoyne, who named his unit the Queen's Loyal Rangers.

Later in the war, Colonel Peters returned to Vermont, this time to join the fight with his Queen’s Loyal Rangers at the Battle of Bennington, where the British were soundly defeated. He left the Revolution and returned to England with his family.

Music Helps

By Bernie Marvin

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Music teacher Roxanna Zampieri with student Timmy Longmoore and their band instruments, acquired as part of a band initiative co-sponsored by Music Helps. Courtesy photo. Courtesy photo.

Newbury, VT - Newbury Elementary School music teacher has recently received a $1,500 grant that will enable her to establish a student band at Newbury Elementary School (NES).
Music Teacher Roxanna Zampieri had earlier applied for and received the grant from a local music education organization, Music Helps. In an interview with The Bridge Weekly, Music Helps board President Eliza Goodell noted that the overall aim of Music Helps is to facilitate the organization and distribution of private lesson scholarships, instrument rentals and loans, and school workshops, masterclasses, and performances, in an effort to increase access to musical education for all.
She said the group also aims to bring affordable, engaging musical performances to rural communities and provide spaces for music students to gain experience performing. The group is involved in everything from fundraising to organizing concerts and coordinating with schoolteachers and administrators.

For the students of NES, Music Helps is enabling access to music education and exploration that otherwise would not have been possible. According to Music Helps Board member Rowe Williams, all other Orange East Superintendency Unit (OESU) schools have music programs, and this boost gives Newbury Elementary School students the same opportunities as other students in the district to play music on an instrument of their choice.

Williams noted that Zampieri, who also teaches band music at Blue Mountain School (BMU), has already ordered instrument rentals for the program and presently has 40 students signed up. They had hoped to march in the early October Groton Fall Foliage Parade but had managed to squeeze in only one practice lesson prior to the parade stepping off.
Zampieri recently reported to The Bridge Weekly for this story that the Music Helps Scholarship program enables Newbury Elementary School students to receive an equitable music education in the OESU.

She said that students are now eligible to begin guitar/strings at Grade 2 at NES, and all other band students start in Grade 3. There are 49 students registered in Grades 2-6. Students receive a free instrument rental, along with a free weekly lesson and a monthly band class.

With this being offered to them when they leave NES for a middle school program within the OESU or in any other school, they will have the option of joining the band. If they did not have the prior education and offerings at NES, they would not have the chance, she said.

She said that music "is something that is a skill for life." Music supports reading through phrasing, note recognition/reading, and vocabulary. t supports math through counting, beat keeping, rhythmic reading, fractions, and more. Studying an instrument also supports proper health through correct posture, breathing, and cleaning, as well as learning how the instrument produces sound, understanding sound vibrations, and recognizing sound levels. This connection to science is a valuable aspect of the experience. If you add marching, it can be cardio and build stamina, she said, adding that `am also excited about what this will bring to the community.
Music Helps has indeed helped to give the gift of music to all NES students enrolled in the program.

She said she has worked with Music Helps in scheduling master classes with musician and teacher Patrick Ross when she was at SAU 23 for Grades 4-12. Patrick also team-taught his piece, "Raise Your Flag," with the students and performed with them in their spring concert.
One of the students, whom she referred to for private lessons and studies with Patrick Ross from Woodsville High School, received a lesson scholarship from Music Helps and is now majoring in music at Plymouth State University. The organization is wonderful, Zampieri said.

"Music Helps," Goodell described "began in 2022 and was brought together over a shared appreciation for music and music education. Everyone who continues to be on the board and who has joined the board has been positively impacted by access to music education and is passionate about increasing accessibility to the arts in our rural communities."
In addition to Goodell and Williams, the Music Helps board is comprised of Susan Goodell, Paul Sachs, David Carlson, and Don Sinclair. All Upper Valley locals, the board knows firsthand the critical support that was needed to foster their own musical education. Now they aim to ensure everyone has that same support.

Goodell also stated that while most of the operating costs are funded through individual donations, the group raises funds through benefit concerts, often in collaboration with local businesses. å are super grateful to have businesses in our area who support our mission, he ” he said.

Music Helps is always seeking interested schools to bring in musicians for performances, masterclasses, and workshops. Eliza added that they are working on a collaboration with both Bradford Elementary and Newbury Elementary now and have worked with Haverhill Middle and Woodsville High School, Oxbow High School, and Newbury Elementary School before.
According to the Music Helps website, private lesson scholarship applications are open for music teachers to apply on behalf of students with financial needs. Other educators may also reach out or submit applications for school collaborations of community programming. Music Helps support is available for any genre of music and any instrument.

For more information and to support their mission, please visit www.musichelps.us.

Multi-instrumentalist Patrick Ross gives a master class to an Oxbow High School guitar class in Bradford, Vermont. This multi-day intensive was supported in part by Music Helps3chool programming initiative. Courtesy photo.

The Rough and Tumble, a folk/Americana duo, performs at a Music Helps sponsored school- wide assembly at the Newbury Elementary School. Courtesy photo.

On the Newbury Common Newbury Elementary School students experiment with their new band instruments as part of the Music Helps band program collaboration. Students are, left to right, Harrison Woodward, Mckenzie Torrey, Charlotte Spooner, Stephen Oliver and Kaydence Boyce. Courtesy photo.

Pike Glades hosts rope rescue, beacon search, and GPS navigation instructor courses

By Bernie Marvin

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An early morning briefing greeted National Ski Patrol Eastern Division instructors at the recent conference at the Pike Glades ski area at their base camp on Route 25 in East Haverhill. Speaking left to right at the front are Instructors and National Ski Patrol members Rick Shandler and Orest Ohar. The Bridge Weekly/Bernie Marvin

Pike, NH – The rugged terrain of Pike Glades, situated in the vast wilderness of Pike and East Haverhill, hosted an intense weekend of mountain rescue technique with continuing education classes led by instructors from the National Ski Patrol Eastern Division, featuring their backcountry rescue programs.
Their “Rescue-Ready, Resource Smart” program of backcountry rescue included Avalanche, Mountain Travel and Rescue, and Nordic Backcountry (AMN). It was an instructor refresher course conducted in the Pike Glades, a collection of northeast-facing glades accessible by ski touring, split-boarding, or snowshoeing in the Pike and East Haverhill areas.
The peak summits here are located above tree line at 2,200 feet, and the base area is situated at 700 feet. The Pike Glades is a proud partner of the Granite Backcountry Alliance and is thankful for their support and facilitation of the glade-building process. Warren Bunnel is the Glade Chief.
The AMN initials stand for “Avalanche, Mountaineering, and Nordic Back Country. These are three specialized educational disciplines that the 87-year-old National Ski Patrol organization has always taught. However, each of these educational curricula is a fraction of the size of the nationwide emergency medical technicians training and the on-snow rescue toboggan handling education.
Every member of the National Ski Patrol undergoes training in those two central educational departments, but AMN has always been optional. It is the education ski patrollers seek that allows them to be qualified to exit the boundary of a ski resort and conduct rescues deeper into the wilderness.
Saturday’s schedule began with a continental breakfast at 7:00 AM followed by the conference's official start at 8:00 AM. It was an all-outdoor education, and the groups broke into three sections. And by 9 AM, they were walking up into old cattle pastures at the bottom of the Glades to practice skills in the three educational disciplines that they were practicing—those included (1) technical rope rescue for search and rescue personnel and mountaineers. (2) avalanche beacon search and extreme hypothermia medical rescue, and (3) smartphone GPS navigation augmented by a paper map and compass.
Sunday included more training as the instructors developed coaching skills to teach students these essential survival techniques effectively. It was also a time to hike to the top of Iron Mountain to enjoy the views and the extensive glades work done over the past two years.
Orest Ohar of the New Hampshire Backcountry Ski Patrol, which is affiliated with the Granite Backcountry Alliance, told The Bridge Weekly at the conclusion of the weekend’s activities at The Pike Glades that “the program went extremely well.” He said that a total of 76 people, of which 62 were students, broke up into three different stations and rotated through three evolutions for the subjects of Avalanche, Mountaineering, and Nordic Backcountry drill clinics.
He said the avalanche team conducted a beacon search and an extreme hypothermia first aid course, the mountaineering team performed a technical low-angle rope rescue, and the Nordic Backcountry group practiced compass and map navigation using a new electronic navigation system. There was a larger turnout than usual for classes.
Ohar said that “We are teaching our instructors to be less PowerPoint-oriented and more coaching-oriented in the field.” He said it was their first training session, where instructors walked away from the ski lodge or classroom with PowerPoint presentations and sent the students directly into the mountains to do all the fieldwork.
 
Mr. Ohar is one of five founders of the "New Hampshire Backcountry Ski Patrol" (NHBSP), which operates exclusively for the Granite Backcountry Alliance (GBA).  

“We are two separate organizations.  GBA's mission is to develop and maintain human-powered winter recreation ski glades, ensuring they remain accessible to the public.  NHBSP is a "medical backcountry rescue unit" managed by GBA, set up to improve the safety of its members and the public attending GBA events.  We serve year-round, including during community glade cut events during autumn months, as well as in the winter when GBA takes to the slopes on skis and snowboards during fundraisers, races, and ski festivals,” ski patroller Ohar said.  

GBA has an ethics education program known as Ski Kind, which is augmented by safety education programs that promote safety, self-reliance, and wilderness rescue.  Both organizations serve GBA members and the public backcountry skiing community.  

He explained the situation: “The difference between ski resort Patrollers and Backcountry Patrollers is that our rescues are often far from roads and access to the EMS system.  The Backcountry Patroller's job is to locate, extricate, and evacuate patients injured deep in the wilderness and bring them out to local EMS waiting at the roadside.  At a ski area, a rescue takes approximately 20 minutes.  In the backcountry, rescuers must be prepared to work overnight to rescue their patients,” Mr. Ohar said.

Orest Ohar is a 37-year veteran of the National Ski Patrol.  He has worked most of those years at Ski Resorts and as a leader at the Eastern Division of the National Ski Patrol. He has pioneered online education technology and educational courses, with a specialization in professional instructor development.  Mr. Ohar sits on three committees for the Eastern Division NSP:
1. Eastern Division NSP's "Computer Technology Support Group" directs the online learning management system.
2. Eastern Division NSP's "Outdoor Emergency Transportation Steering Committee", where he oversees Instructor Professional Development
3. Eastern Division's AMN Curriculum Committee, where he oversees Instructor Professional Development 
Most of his work for Ski Patrol revolves around training instructors, managing certification examinations, and organizing professional development conferences. 

For New Hampshire Backcountry Ski Patrol, as one of two currently active founders, Mr. Ohar guides the patrollers and their leadership in maintaining the high standards required for wilderness backcountry "readiness."

Two years ago, Pike Glades Chief Warren Bunnell introduced Ohar to this area because he thought it would be good for the patrol to do training events there at the glades. It has proven to be very attractive to the training program.
The weekend session drew attendees from Rochester and central New York, Philadelphia, New Jersey, Eastern New York, Vermont, Massachusetts, and several from New Hampshire.
The National Ski Patrol has 32,000 members nationwide and also maintains an international division that is affiliated with military bases and ski resorts owned by the military in Europe. Almost all of the 32,000 members are assigned to the large and small ski resorts throughout the nation.
Another outstanding participant in this group operating at Pike Glades is Rick Shandler. He is the chairperson of the AMN Curriculum Committee.  The committee manages professional development curricula for the AMN Instructor Corps, which are distributed throughout the Eastern Division of the National Ski Patrol.  This committee designed the Instructor's Conference that was recently held. The instructors teach at their local patrols, resorts, and often at their local regional level.

Rick is a member of the Valley Forge Nordic Ski Patrol, which works for the National Park Service on the winter grounds of Valley Forge. He lives in Havertown, Pennsylvania, outside of Philadelphia. He is also the Safety Officer for most Division Nordic Courses, such as the one run by Orest Ohar at Pike Glades every February.

Rick said, “The Pike Glades just might be my favorite location ever during the 20-plus years I have been running this program,” he said at the end of Saturday’s intense schedule. “The staff and owners here have been more friendly, more accommodating, and more willing to work with us than anywhere I have ever run this program,” Rick said about his experiences in Pike.
He reported that his organization is very aligned with the mission they run at Pike Glades. “We all do the same kind of good work, and they recognize this.”

A group shot of all the instructors and students from the recent National Ski Patrol and Avalanche, Mountaineering and Nordic Backcountry groups that gathered for a two-day session at the Pike Glades area on Route 25 in East Haverhill. The Bridge Weekly/Bernie Marvin

National Ski Patrol instructors and students were busy with their avalanche beacon search training classes held recently at the Pike Glades. The Bridge Weekly/Bernie Marvin

A class gathers at The Pike Glades training area on Iron Mountain in East Haverhill to learn more about the dangers of extreme hypothermia medical rescues both on the slopes and in backcountry skiing. The Bridge Weekly/Bernie Marvin

New England Wire opens new Main Street building

By Bernie Marvin

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As New England Wire Technologies President Tom White cuts the ribbon at right, he is assisted by, from left to right, Kelly MacKay and Wendell Jessman. The Bridge Weekly/Bernie Marvin.

Lisbon, NH – With about 200 employees watching, New England Wire Technologies (NEWT) officials, construction leaders, guests and friends looked on as a large green ribbon was ceremoniously cut in half with a huge pair of scissors wielded by company President Tom White, to mark the official opening of yet another expansion of this popular business that has been growing here along Main Street since coming to Lisbon in early 1899.
The opening and dedication of this 38,000-square-foot addition are but one of many expansions that NEWT has undergone since its founding in Cheraw, South Carolina, by George T. Nichols, Ernest Palmer, and William Price, all of Providence, Rhode Island.

In January 1899, the Lisbon, New Hampshire, Board of Trade offered the company a new plant plus a $20,000 loan if the company would relocate to Lisbon. (Palmer’s family was from Lisbon!) They relocated and, in April 1899, the two-story plant began shipping wire. By the end of the year, it employed 30 people.
By 1902, the company, New England Electrical Works, had over 300 customers and was already established as a specialty wire company. The original building was located on Main Street, 100 yards from where the new addition is situated.

That original building was constructed beside the railroad tracks, which provided easy loading and unloading of finished products leaving the plant and raw materials entering for manufacture. This handsome white structure can still be seen today, directly behind the brick-fronted administration building along Main Street. It is used for office space and storage. A third floor was added to the building in 1915.

NEWT President Tom White led the opening comments of the ceremony, which concluded with the cutting of the green ribbon stretched across the door to the new facility. The building was nicely decorated with the fall harvest, all featuring a theme of colorful mums, pumpkins, and squash. They reflected the Fall-colored spectrum for the opening day of the Autumnal Equinox, in the bright sunshine and 70-degree temperatures that all added to the festive air of the happy occasion for this successful company.
In his remarks, President White extended compliments and thanks to the employees, whose teamwork has enabled NEWT to become the world leader in wire technology. He also thanked the town of Lisbon for all they have done in the past to support the efforts of NEWT over the years it has been in town.
He noted that the company is a leading supplier of high-quality specialty wire products worldwide and that its reputation is well-earned. Medical technology, robotics, alternative energy, military and defense, and communications are just a few of the markets to which they supply specialty wire.
He also thanked architect Jay Barrett and the Trumbull-Nelson Construction Company, who built the addition. President White also thanked the Building Committee members, which included Rick Jesseman, Wendall Jesseman, Robert Meserve, Peter Gaudette, Jay Barrett, Emily Costigan, Dave Rising, Greg Jesseman, Tom White, and Tony Instasi.

Also speaking to the gathering were Chairman Wendell Jessmann and Vice President Robert Meserve.
Continuing with additional comments were the State of New Hampshire’s Division of Economic Development Agent, Benoit Lamontagne; Trumbull-Nelson Project Superintendent, Dave Rising; and Architect, Jay Barrett.

Then, with President White readying the large scissors, he sliced the ribbon in two, signaling the official opening of the newly completed addition that had been groundbreaking in August 2023.
The new building will ensure that NEWT can accommodate their expected ongoing future growth opportunities and better support customers’ needs with new manufacturing space on the riverside of the business.
The company indicated earlier that they were “excited to realize significant capacity expansion of their extrusion department and also to look forward to opening up additional space in other manufacturing areas to permit continued growth and capability enhancements.

In an on-site interview with The Bridge Weekly, Human Resources Manager Meghan Fulford said that the expansion added 38,000 square feet to the current structure. The event brought together the company, the State of New Hampshire, and town officials, and the community, highlighting not only the growth of the company, but the excitement of what the future brings to the North Country of NH. The addition, she also said, allows for the expansion of silicone rubber processes, an on-site machine shop, and specialty braiding capabilities.

New England Wire Technologies is a privately held, employee-owned company with an exciting history that dates back to its incorporation in 1898. Facilities in Lisbon consist of 377,000 square feet of manufacturing, quality/testing, tooling, machine fabrication, and office space.
They have more than 400 employees operating three shifts, five days a week.

Chatting before the ribbon-cutting ceremony to open the new addition to the New England Wire Technologies Building on Monday, September 22, 2025, on Main Street in Lisbon are, from left to right, NH Division of Economic Development Agent Benoit Lamontagne, Robert Meserve, Melissa Poor, Kelly MacKay, and Mike Alberts. The Bridge Weekly/Bernie Marvin

Participating in the ribbon cutting at the New England Wire Technologies addition left to right are Lisbon Select Board members Arthur Boutin and Scott Champagne, New England Wire Technologies personnel Rick Jesseman, Robert Meserve, Mike White, Tom White, Wendell Jesseman, Rick Larson, Mike Alberts, Kelly MacKay (front) Arthur Boutin, Jay Barrett, Emily Costigan, Dave Rising and Peter Gaudette. The Bridge Weekly/Bernie Marvin

A panoramic view of the employees who came out to see the official opening of the new addition to the New England Wire Technologies Main Street plant. The Bridge Weekly/Bernie Marvin.

Woodsville Water is Being Hauled to Wells River

By Bernie Marvin

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Woodsville, NH – Kevin Shelton, Fire District Administrator for Woodsville, reported to the Bridge Weekly this week that his district is providing water for Wells River residents to use.
This program was established recently after the early January 2025 fuel oil spill became a potential threat to the district’s 219 water users. Recent comments from the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources indicated that a January 2025 fuel oil spill in Wells River, Vermont, near the village’s public water supply, has prompted monitoring by local and state officials.
The location of the spill, officials noted, was in the basement of the Evernorth-owned Baldwin Block, a mixed-use building on Route 302 in Wells River. They say approximately 600 gallons of fuel oil were spilled. As of April 2025, the agency reported that “while initial reports in February 2025 indicated no impact on the public water supply, oil was detected in the village test well in April 2025, raising concerns about potential threats to the public water system serving 219 customers.”
The agency noted that the potential risks involved indicate that fuel oil can contaminate groundwater and drinking water sources, potentially posing health risks to consumers. The long-term effects, they said, depend on the extent of contamination and the effectiveness of cleanup efforts. The spill could have long-term environmental consequences.
The Vermont spill program assesses the environmental impact of spills, oversees cleanup efforts, and enforces relevant regulations. Spills of hazardous materials, such as fuel oil, that reach the ground or water should be reported to the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation.
The agency emphasized the importance of the public staying informed about developments related to this bill and being aware of any potential issues or warnings issued by local and state authorities. They advised the public to contact the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation or the Village of Wells River for the latest information on the situation.
Local Wells River District information was issued to the public two weeks ago by Wells River Village Clerk Mary Schilke in an “Urgent notice to all village water system customers request for voluntary water conservation measures” she outlined the situation describing that due to a spill of fuel oil in the vicinity of the villages well, the only water source, “there is a high potential for the well to be contaminated. In response, the village will discontinue using the well, effective Monday, July 21, 2025, and will commence bulk water hauling, utilizing tankers to transport water from the Woodsville Fire District to the village’s storage tank. This operation will be very costly, and for this reason, the village trustees are respectfully requesting that all water customers attempt to limit water usage during this emergency condition.” Her telephone number is 802-757-3401.
Ms. Schilke noted in her release that the contamination is an issue that is expected to impact the ability to use the well for an extended period of time, possibly years. The village, she said, is proceeding with actions to provide a longer term but is still working on temporary solutions.
“The village is also proceeding with actions to search for and drill a new well source that could possibly replace the existing well. Both of these options will take time to plan and implement, hence the need for bulk hauling in the immediate term, which may extend through the end of the year.”
Woodsville Fire District Administrator Shelton said that Wells River is receiving water from the Woodsville water system. “We have plenty of daily capacity to assist,” he said recently. The water shuttle trucks are receiving water through a hydrant at the Woodsville Community Field, which has a potable water connection and verified to have a chlorine residual.
He added that the residual must be present to ensure there is no danger from bacteria. It is added at the treatment plant and is monitored at several points in the system to ensure its presence, Shelton said.
He said that, to his knowledge, this is the first time that the Woodsville Fire District has provided emergency water services to Wells River. He said it is a unique situation, and with winter a few months away, the temporary solution will need to be modified.

10th Mountain Division Memorial held in Landaff

By Bernie Marvin

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Landaff, NH – The 10th Mountain Division Memorial service was held last weekend at the Bartlett-Crist Memorial site in Landaff. It was attended by members, families and friends of the World War 11 US Army unit that saw action in Italy and beyond, including the War on Terrorism.
The 10th Mountain Division memorial program began in the early 1990s on a former logging yard in Lancaster, New Hampshire. A single cross was constructed on the land by 10th Mountain Division veteran Warren Bartlett in memory of a 10th Mountain Division friend, Orval McDaniel, who was killed during combat in Italy towards the end of World War II.
In 1997, more crosses were added to include the names of veterans John Burgess, Cal Farnham, and Eugene Rice. The next year Lois Woodward asked if it would be possible to have a ceremony at that site where the 10th Mountain Division veterans would be invited to come and pay tribute to her husband, Ed Crist. Ed had died during the winter months and none of his friends were able to attend the funeral at that time.
The Lancaster memorial site grew over the years with a total of 96 crosses being placed in the garden and private donations continued to assist with the upkeep of the growing site. Eventually that property was sold, and the group was asked by the new owners to remove the memorial from their land in 2016.
Joanne and Lloyd Donnellan of Landaff offered a section of their private property to be the new memorial site, and the Lancaster area was taken down, all of the crosses signs and flagpoles were moved to the new memorial site in Landaff. The Donnellan land was cleared, and the crosses and flagpoles were installed.
It is there that the Bartlett-Crist 10th Mountain Memorial has been established and clearly marked with 10th Mountain Division signage and flags. There are now more than 130 crosses at this memorial to honor the troops and other deceased members who participated in a series of assaults in Italy in 1945 and elsewhere in other combat actions.
Last Saturday, July 12, 2025, guests were welcomed by memorial organizers with Lloyd and Joanne Donnellan. Colors were raised by an honor guard from the members of the 10th Mountain Division reenactment team that had put on their impressive program for guests at the Landaff Memorial.
Also, The Lord’s Prayer was offered. The song, In the Garden was rendered those in attendance that numbered 40 or more members and families of 10th Mountain Division soldiers.
After a service that honored the members and deceased members, the honor guard presented a rifle salute, and Taps were played. To conclude the program, red carnations were placed at more than 124 crosses that were assembled at the pristine memorial site dedicated to the 10th Mountain Division.
Assembled on a part of the property at the entrance of the Memorial site in Landaff, former 10th Mountain Division soldiers who have all been deployed during the War on Terror, assembled a WW2 encampment with authentic M1 Garand military rifles and other equipment including tents, cold weather gear and other field gear such as that used during WW2 combat including a rucksack and snowshoes. In addition to that, they held a question-and-answer period and answered many questions about the equipment.
The group, who brought wide praise from attendees, promised they will be back for the next memorial program in 2026.

Mount Prospect Academy Student Project Results In A Little Free Library in Pike

By Bernie Marvin

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Pike, NH – Three students at the Mount Prospect Academy (MPA) in Pike have constructed and installed a small three-shelf library for the public to take out or add books. Included in the library is an assortment of books, a box of crayons, and a coloring book available for anyone’s reading or coloring enjoyment.

This interesting project, which makes books available to passersby at any time of day or night, was created, constructed, and installed by students Colton P, Greyson S, and Brian L. Mount Prospect Academic Career Life Coach Guy Mitchell told The Bridge Weekly recently that the project is part of a series of community improvement projects being completed by MPA Student Council members. Mitchell said it was a favorite way for the students to give back to a community that has been so supportive of them.

According to the program’s website, part of Mount Prospect’s mission is to provide a caring and safe therapeutic environment where students have the opportunity to grow and acquire the skills necessary to reach their full educational and social potential.

With the school’s mission always in mind, Mitchell works to help Mt. Prospect Academy students succeed in everyday life. He and other staff members work hard to provide the kids with the coping skills and tools necessary for successful future careers through technical training.

Mitchell said the program includes a monthly program of shared values. For instance, for the month the students installed their Little Free Library, the shared value was “Legacy,” represented by the original Pike School founder, John Wolter. The students learned that the definition of that month’s shared value meant “A gift handed down that supports growth in others,” which embodied the true meaning that their Little Free Library program strives to accomplish.

The Little Free Library is a national program whose individual identity at Mount Prospect Academy in Pike is included in a registry of 200,000 other Little Free Libraries around the United States and the world. Their library project helps build library communities, inspires readers, and expands book
access for everyone who has access to one of the available Little Free Libraries. Mitchell said the project was a good one for the students to
be involved with for many reasons. They had the opportunity to plan the event, take trips to the academy’s woodshop in Rumney, and, with various equipment professionals on hand, they got to manufacture the library that was cut from local wood sources.

The Little Free Library was then painted and installed at the site of the former Pike Library on Route 25 in Pike. The activities associated with building
and installing the Little Free Library are a perfect project for the Student Council.

The Student Council undertakes many other activities, Mitchell said, including many projects that involve the school and the community. He noted that recently, the students washed windows at several buildings on the school

campus, worked to improve their paintball course, and promoted a kayaking safety program, all activities in which they are involved to engage in positive projects that benefit the school or community. Mitchell said that all the projects show the kids how to connect the parts of any project they do, which will aid others and assist them.

“There is always something happening here, always something good that provides the students with opportunities to be successful,” he said.

First River House event sees good weather, live music and great food

By Bernie Marvin

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Enjoying a game at the recent River House Community Day program on the Haverhill Common last Saturday, June 28, 2025, are Joni Loewen, standing at right, with children, left to right, Theodore, Spencer and Bridgit. Also joining the family is Phoebe

Haverhill Corner, NH – For their first major event surrounding the establishment of the River House on Haverhill Common, program leaders ensured there were plenty of vendors, live music throughout the day, and that visitors had a good time. All three objectives were accomplished.

According to Missie Anscombe, director of the program, this will involve converting the former home and medical office of Dr. and Mrs. James Brown into a residential house that will accommodate children from foster care families. The project has been in development for the past four years, and it is expected that new residents will move in as early as December 2025.

Anscombe told The Bridge Weekly during the event that the first annual Fund-Raising Community Field Day was an exciting first effort, and she was very pleased with the turnout. Many vendors were displaying a variety of games, foods, and other activities that made the entire show a popular venue to visit on a non-rainy Saturday, and visitors were looking forward to additional programs for the future.

She said the rebuilding project on the home is coming along nicely and that the builders are making progress that will see the designs for the heating and plumbing systems completed. She said the target date of December 25 for a move-in date will be met, “whether we are ready or not.”

She said, as she glanced out across the busy common at the height of the program last Saturday, June 28, 2025, the participants included people from the community, folks from local and area churches, and the ministries, all coming together to support this project. “Many of the people you see today have been with us for the past years and are now part of this event,” she said.

Anscombe said the support from the community has been overwhelming, mentioning that businesses and organizations such as Thomson Fuels, Under Cover Tents, Dante Sargent Builders and The Home Depot have been generous and giving for the efforts to hold the event and rebuild the home that stands at 236 Dartmouth College Highway in Haverhill Corner.

Other businesses and individuals she mentioned included Green Mountain Merchandising, Garnet Hill, Mount Washington Resort, The Bridge Weekly, Farm Way, and Hatchland. She said the outpouring of financial support and other assistance has been gratifying, and she is deeply appreciative of the Haverhill community and the residents and businesses that are helping us rebuild this excellent historic structure completely.

Enjoying a meal on Haverhill Common during last weekend’s River House Community Day. The weather was perfect, and many families attended the event. The Bridge Weekly/Bernie Marvin

Missie Anscombe, director of the program to establish the River House Foster Home on Haverhill Common, speaks with attendees during the recent Community Day held last Saturday, June 28, 2025. The Bridge Weekly/Bernie Marvin

A sweeping view of the North Common in Haverhill Corner during last weekend’s River House Community Day. The Bridge Weekly/Bernie Marvin