Cohase Chamber hosts busy night of events; board names Moore and Robie Farm as best of the year
It all happened under the chandeliered ceiling of Haverhill Corner’s historic Alumni Hall, once an early New Hampshire courthouse and school gymnasium. As in the past, a special meal was served and it was another splendid night of honoring local people, in a room full of friends, business leaders and community officials.
By Bernie Marvin
A full Alumni Hall in Haverhill Corner greeted the superb dinner and program of events last week for the Cohase Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner and Annual Meeting. The Bridge Weekly/Bernie Marvin
Haverhill, NH – A near-capacity crowd came to Alumni Hall last week to celebrate two well-known names in the community, Bradford’s Gary Moore as Citizen of the Year and Piermont’s Robie Farm as Business of the Year.
It all happened under the chandeliered ceiling of Haverhill Corner’s historic Alumni Hall, once an early New Hampshire courthouse and school gymnasium. As in the past, a special meal was served and it was another splendid night of honoring local people, in a room full of friends, business leaders and community officials.
Gary Moore is well known throughout the area and was honored by the chamber for his many contributions to the community, to the field of emergency management and hazardous materials, also to police and fire services, locally and at the state level.
While receiving the tributes, he said “I have received many awards and honors over the years, but none have meant as much to me as this one. This is where I was born and raised and where Linda and I chose to live, moving back in 1973. Being named Citizen of the Year by those from this special region of the Twin States just makes it very special.”
In his comments, Moore mentioned a personal note, one of many he received upon the honors being made public, from Peggy Hewes and Larry Scott saying they were sending congratulations not only to Gary for his being named Citizen of the Year, but to his wife, Linda, “because you are so clearly and inspirationally a team.”
Moore agreed, saying “Nothing I have accomplished could have been possible without the support of my wife of 55 years.”
Moore’s involvement with the community includes a long list of positions held over the years as an educator, state official, member of the military intelligence in Vietnam, and everything from the Chief of the Bradford Fire Department to the Commissioner of the State of Vermont Fish and Game Department.
His background and professional development documents, including professional employment and appointments, more than 75 individual listings were made including his hobbies which are hunting, fishing, hiking, sailing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, canoeing, photography and reading.
The interesting evening included a media panel of local news hounds who were included in a roundtable discussion on the value of having local media in the community who are aware of the territory and publishing stories, photographs and advertisements that mean a lot to local readers.
Those personalities included Darren Sherburne, who represented his mother, Michelle Sherburne, owner of the Journal Opinion. Also, Gary Scruton, owner of The Trendy Time newspaper and this writer, Senior Writer/Photographer for The Bridge Weekly.
Moderating the panel was Joshua Smith, owner of WYKR Radio in Wells River and also owner of The Bridge Weekly newspaper, now based in Wells River.
Publisher-Owner Smith sought to show the direct connection between a strong local media such as there is in this area, strong local businesses and a strong community/nonprofit organization (especially in the digital world where social media can be noisy and polarizing.)
Plaques were presented to Citizen of the Year Gary Moore and to Mark Robie, of the Robie Farm, voted Business of the Year.
Robie Farm is a popular family farm business located in nearby Piermont. As mentioned on their internet web home page “At the Robie Farm, we’re dedicated to producing the highest quality milk, cheese, eggs, beef, pork, and chicken.”
“We work with nature – not against it – carefully considering every environmental impact along the way. The result is food raised with a clear conscience and the exceptional flavor our customers know and love.”
Since 1870, the Robie Farm has taken pride in producing high-quality, nutritious and flavorful meats that reflect our dedication and sustainability, animal welfare, and honest farming. Located along the Connecticut River and Piermont, New Hampshire, our 150-acre family farm has been continuously operated for over seven generations – each committed to maintaining healthy, productive livestock and responsible stewardship of the land.”
According to information available, farm owner Lee Robie and his sons decided to transition from selling milk to a large cooperative to offering bottled raw milk, selling directly to customers at their on-farm store on Route and in Piermont. This change opened the door to new diversifications. Using that raw milk they developed their own Farmstead cheese line and expanded offerings to include a wide variety of meats including beef, pork, poultry and more.
Today, there is a full line of those products and more at their farm store and in their online shop. Accepting a handsome plaque from Chamber officer Joe Mitchell was Mark Robie, one of the sons involved with the success of Robie Farm’s endeavors.
Long time Chamber of Commerce member and officer for many years since the chamber was created 25 years ago, Marvin Harrison was busy during the chamber event coordinating various activities. His popular “Marvin’s Trivia Program” has always been a big hit during previous chamber dinners.
At the conclusion of the ceremonies, Harrison told The Bridge Weekly that “It felt really nice to be able to celebrate two great families in the Moores and the Robies who are such wonderful examples of what community is all about. And the 'local media' panel added further credibility to the importance and effectiveness of the sense of community here in the Cohase region.”
Three newspaper radio writers and advertising personnel presented a program during the Chamber’s Annual Meeting. Seen left to right are Trendy Times Editor and creator Gary Scruton, real estate advertising and sales personality Darren Sherburne, representing the Journal Opinion and Publisher/Owner of the Bridge Weekly and WYKR Radio Joshua Smith, who moderated the program. The Bridge Weekly/Bernie Marvin
Cohase Chamber of Commerce official Joe Mitchell, at right, presented a Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year Award to the Robie Farm, represented by Mark Robie of Piermont. The Bridge Weekly/Bernie Marvin
Cohase Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year Award was bestowed on Bradford resident Gary Moore, at left by Bradford historian Larry Coffin. The Bridge Weekly/Bernie Marvin
Alumni Hall Antique Show For Benefit Of Wentworth-Brown House
For the Antiques Show event, tables and display areas were set up throughout Alumni Hall's floor space, and business was brisk because of the variety of small items that were brought in and displayed for sale. Proceeds from the sale of foods and refreshments, plus vendor display fees, were all given over to the benefit of the nearby Wentworth-Brown House, which is a mammoth Court Street Arts historic renovation project located on the south lawn of the Haverhill Common.
By Bernie Marvin
Retired Reverend Canon David Carlson, at right center, shows friends an interesting item he found while browsing the recent Antiques Show at Alumni Hall in Haverhill Corner. The Bridge Weekly/Bernie Marvin.
Haverhill Corner, NH The second Annual Antique Show held at the Alumni Hall in Haverhill Corner came together as a benefit for the nearby Wentworth-Brown House restoration project.
The 15 dealers from New Hampshire and Vermont, who gathered inside the spacious hall located on Court Street, brought a wide variety of antiques and collectibles, including baskets, books, ceramics, coins, crystal, glass, metal, and tinware, signs, small furniture, vintage linens, and considerably more.
The show, which was open to the public from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, was well attended. There were many new faces and dealers involved, as the event had a large crowd last year, according to Court Street Board Vice President Jeff Mazullo. He said that he had to turn away some vendors due to a lack of floor space to accommodate all who wanted to be part of the Court Street Arts show.
He said events such as the antiques show are helping Court Street Arts "get back into the swing of things," after the Covid time and the board is planning some exciting programs for the future. He said the "great cooperation" shown by other organizations in Haverhill Corner, such as the Haverhill Library Association, the Historical Society, and the participation in the Haverhill History Day, was superb.
For the Antiques Show event, tables and display areas were set up throughout Alumni Hall's floor space, and business was brisk because of the variety of small items that were brought in and displayed for sale. Proceeds from the sale of foods and refreshments, plus vendor display fees, were all given over to the benefit of the nearby Wentworth-Brown House, which is a mammoth Court Street Arts historic renovation project located on the south lawn of the Haverhill Common.
Court Street Arts Board President Pat Buchanan told The Bridge Weekly that the progress on the renovations at Wentworth-Brown included the installation of heat and water, and they hope to begin using the building for other programs soon.
She said the painters are ready to do their work on various rooms, proceeding one step at a time, while, Buchanan said, they decide how each area will be utilized for public programming. She said arrangements are being worked on with a well-known local musical group to feature them at the Wentworth-Brown House, which will be something different for the type of programs to be held at the Wentworth-Brown House.
She said that music practice rooms may be set up, as a generous donor has provided full-size electric keyboards. Buchanan said they are also exploring ways to utilize the beautiful grounds surrounding the Wentworth-Brown House. She said the board has received many wonderful ideas on ways to feature the facility,) including using the yard for concerts.
She said that now that the grant monies available for projects like what they are doing with the Wentworth-Brown House have pretty much dried up, they are looking forward to the annual appeal as an important fund-raising program.
Frank Stiegler, at left, speaks with antique dealers who were displaying at the recent Antiques Show at Alumni Hall in Haverhill Corner. The Bridge Weekly/Bernie Marvin.
Court Street Arts President Pat Buchanan at right and Vice President Jeff Mazullo discuss the recent Antiques Show held at Alumni Hall in Haverhill Corner. The Bridge Weekly/Bernie Marvin
Antiques-laden tables and booths were popular gathering places during the recent Antiques Show at Alumni Hall. The Bridge Weekly/Bernie Marvin.
Uncommon Jam hosts three bands on a fine weather day
She said the crowd appreciated the live music from these three organizations, also hosted by the Cohase Chamber of Commerce. It is one of the largest fundraiser benefits for Court Street Arts, which is part of Haverhill Heritage Inc.
By Bernie Marvin
The musical group Faerie Godbrothers. This spirited group was well received by the crowd. The Bridge Weekly/Bernie Marvin
Newbury, VT – Writers’ rules demand that one should never begin a story describing the weather. So, I will defy that dictum, go out on a limb once again, and write that last Sunday was a fine day, especially after several drab forecasts noted that the afternoon events for the day would be caught by the approaching rain and put a damper on their outdoor fun.
The rain did not fall, and the Uncommon Jam on Newbury Common was a superb event, with an appreciative crowd spending many hours listening and enjoying a total of five hours of quality music by two groups and a single performer.
First up last Sunday, August 24, 2025, was The Faerie Godbrothers, a Montpelier and Burlington, Vermont group who came together in 2028, I am told, to perform impromptu harmonies, emotional vocals, and “otherworldly guitar solos.” They have since refined their sound, incorporating originals and creative covers that blend folk, rock, blues, and country.
The second group on the docket Sunday was The Party Crashers, described in some media as the upper Valley and Central Vermont’s hottest band. This six-piece high-energy dance band has been rocking the New England music scene for 20 years, playing a mix of Motown to Modern Hits.
The third appearance was that of Dave Keller, who, over the past decade, has earned a reputation as a “magnificent soul singer,” “a stellar guitarist,” and a “song-writing genius.”
The host and sponsor, Court Street Arts, brought listeners all this talent and has been doing these Uncommon Jam shows for at least 15 years, according to Board President Past Buchanan. She said it was an excellent way for fans to enjoy friends and music at a comfortable and attractive venue, Newbury Common.
She said the crowd appreciated the live music from these three organizations, also hosted by the Cohase Chamber of Commerce. It is one of the largest fundraiser benefits for Court Street Arts, which is part of Haverhill Heritage Inc.
Ms. Buchanan said the event featured a nice cross-section of music and a variety of foods from three food trucks, including Asian, BBQ, and standard fare. She said there was also a beer service area where guests could sit and enjoy the music with the stage set up nearby.
She said she was happy to speak about her daughter, Rachel, who is taking over the helm of Court Street Arts as the Executive Director. This move will allow Buchanan to rejoin the board as President, a position she once held before serving as Executive Director for many successful years.
She said her daughter Rachel has some creative ideas for the future and will bring new energy and vitality to the area. She said a lot is being planned for the future, including “classical programs and a holiday show, jazz from New York, all pointing to a nice variety coming our way.”
This panoramic view of the Newbury Common shows the immense space available for events, with plenty of room for performers, vendors, and patrons. The Bridge Weekly/Bernie Marvin
Good weather greeted Uncommon Jam concert fans on Newbury Common last Sunday afternoon. Court Street Arts and Haverhill Heritage hosted the event. The Bridge Weekly/Bernie Marvin
President of the Court Street Arts/Haverhill Heritage Board of Directors Pat Buchanan speaks with a patron during last weekend’s Uncommon Jam on the Newbury Common. The five-hour show included three different music groups. The Bridge Weekly/Bernie Marvin