Domenic Castaldi’s Pursuit of Independence

By Trish Griswold

Wells River Savings Bank employees hosted a benefit dinner and raffle in honor of their beloved colleague, Domenic Castaldi. “No matter what he has going on, he treats every customer like they are the only thing in the world that matters,” says Branch Manager Patti Clark. “When he is working with a customer, nothing matters except that person and making sure he is taking care of their needs no matter what they are.” - TBWS/Trish Griswold

Bradford, VT - On Saturday, May 16th, Wells River Savings Bank (WRSB) employees and hundreds of people from the surrounding communities gathered together at the Orange East Senior Center in Bradford to support Domenic “Dom” Castaldi, a remarkable young man whose courage, strength, resilience, and work ethic serve as an inspiration to others.

“Domenic is the most incredible person I have ever met. He is such a strong person. Despite his health challenges, he comes to work every single day and never complains,” remarks WRSB Branch Manager Patti Clark. “I have had the privilege of working with Dom for eight years, and I can honestly say that I have never heard him complain about anything. But, aside from his amazing work ethic, he is genuinely the nicest person you could meet. He has such a wonderful relationship with our customers; everyone loves him.”

Born in Concord, NH, and raised in Belmont, Dom was an active child. He enjoyed school and played a variety of sports, including soccer, basketball, baseball, and track. From an early age, Domenic was an avid fisherman and a “gearhead,” passionate about trucks, cars, and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). At age 11, Dom and his mother, Gretchen (Clough) Moulton, moved back to Gretchen’s hometown of North Haverhill, NH.

During a physical education class at Haverhill Cooperative Middle School (HCMS), Dom’s teacher, Pat Riggie, noticed something peculiar. Despite Dom’s relative strength and athleticism, he was unable to do a push-up. Dom had recently experienced a significant growth spurt, and his body was going through many changes, Gretchen recalls, but Mr. Riggie knew there was something more.

As it turned out, Dom was suffering from scapular winging, a condition in which the scapula (more commonly known as the shoulder blade) sticks out rather than resting flat against the rib cage. Follow-up blood tests were also positive for the enzyme creatine kinase, an indicator of muscular dystrophy, a genetic disorder marked by degeneration of the skeletal muscles.

By his sixteenth birthday, Dom had undergone three surgeries, including scapular fusion on both sides. This is a procedure wherein surgeons fuse the scapula directly to the ribs. The nature of the procedure forced Dom to give up physically demanding activities and refocus his energy. As part of the recovery process, Dom was homebound for months. “I saw Dom struggle to be who he wanted to be when he was in middle school,” Pat recalls. “He had a great attitude, and he tried to persevere, but his body was not cooperating.”

Domenic finished middle school and enrolled at Woodsville High School, where he graduated in 2018. Dom also completed the 21st Century Media and Design program as well as a customized architectural design program at Riverbend Career and Technical Center (RBCTC). He had always dreamed of pursuing a career in the automotive industry but accepted that this would be extremely difficult due to physical constraints. That led to an unexpected but life-altering internship at WRSB. In fact, Dom attended Lakes Region Community College while working part-time at WRSB. He earned an associate’s degree in business management and has been employed as a full-time customer service representative ever since. “I’m very grateful for my job,” Dom says. “I love the people [at WRSB], my co-workers, and the customers. Never in a million years did I see myself as a banker, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.”

In 2022, ten years after his initial diagnosis, Dom says, the State of New Hampshire revoked important health insurance benefits when he began working full-time. His mobility continued to decline, so he sought genetic testing to pinpoint which subtype of muscular dystrophy he has. Dom presented with all of the symptoms of Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy (FSHD), a slow but progressive form of muscular dystrophy that primarily affects the face, shoulder blades, and upper arms; however, a full sequence of genetic testing did not confirm the diagnosis. Even Dom’s parents participated in genetic testing to help find some answers, but “nothing showed up,” Gretchen says. Despite the medical community’s best efforts to garner a diagnosis, Domenic’s medical condition is officially unknown.

“As a mom, you have dreams for your kids,” Gretchen reflects, “but when you have a child in Domenic’s position, it’s no longer about your dreams. It’s about them not being able to fulfill theirs.” Gretchen’s feelings of helplessness are exacerbated by a system that has, without question, failed Domenic. The only way to solidify an FSHD diagnosis is through genetic testing, but without a formal diagnosis, Dom is ineligible for clinical trials that could offer him access to medications, treatments, and therapies that might help reduce, slow, and/or potentially remediate some of his symptoms.

Additionally, the one or two programs that might be available to him without a formal diagnosis, Dom explains, will not accept his application because he “makes too much money.” The only way Dom can access any state or federally funded support(s) is to stop working full-time, despite the fact that he is fully capable and wants to work full-time. His only option is to go part-time or give up work altogether and apply for disability benefits. This isn’t feasible either, Dom says, because he requires personal care and lift assistance at home. If he goes to work part-time, Gretchen would need to reduce her work hours to care for him, which would have a significant financial impact on the entire family, which includes his 14-year-old sister, Lily.

Dom’s greatest challenge right now, however, is mobility. This past winter, Dom gave up driving due to the cold weather, as his progression of decline has accelerated. “I’ve gone downhill pretty fast over the past year,” Dom shares. “The winter was brutal.” The cold snap in December caused persistent muscle stiffness, which made it nearly impossible for Dom to steer his Dodge Ram pickup truck. Since then, his grandparents have been driving him to work in the mornings, and Gretchen or one of his co-workers has been driving him home.

At some point, Dom concedes, the physical and mental toll of New England’s long, harsh winters will likely force him to relocate to a warmer climate, but he is not ready to make that change yet. Lily will start high school next year, and she has a passion for agriculture - particularly her horses, chickens, and beloved pets. “She needs to get what she deserves too. I wouldn’t want to leave her.”

In an effort to help Domenic maintain his independence, Pat, with assistance from Mary Cataldo, the mother of one of Dom’s longtime friends, created a GoFundMe page in Dom’s honor. “I've known Gretchen for a long time and Dom since he was in middle school… I just wanted to help,” Pat states. “People came to my hour of need when I was diagnosed with brain cancer, so I wanted to pay it forward… I had everything taken away from me for a brief time. I couldn't drive. I couldn't coach. I couldn't teach. I couldn't work out. So, I can connect with how Dom is feeling. He loves his truck. He loves to drive. I also understand that he was reluctant about receiving help. I felt the same way when people donated to my cause. I simply told him that this is a way for people to help. Let them help you.”

While Dom is eternally grateful for the kindness and generosity bestowed upon him, accepting assistance from others is difficult. “This isn’t me crying for help. This is help that was offered to me,” Dom says. “It’s very hard to accept all the help because I’m an independent person. It’s also hard because I want to give back, but I feel like I can’t, and that’s hard.”

The money raised through fundraising efforts will be used to purchase a motorized wheelchair that will increase Dom’s mobility both at home and at work. Funds will also be used to purchase and modify a vehicle so that Domenic can drive himself to and from work. The cost is well over $100,000, as the modifications that he requires include joysticks and voice command technology that is only compatible with newer vehicles. Domenic is already taking driving lessons twice a week to learn how to maneuver the joysticks. He has done extensive research and has a keen eye for engineering. “I have a vision of what can be done,” Dom contends. “Anything is possible.”

Author’s Note: It is not too late to join Team Domenic and the fundraising efforts to support his mobility and independence. His GoFundMe page will remain open until July 1st. WRSB has also established a savings account in Dom’s name. Contributions can be made directly to this account at any of their five locations.

“It’s so heartwarming that people see him for who he truly is, not his disability,” Gretchen says. “We’re not sure how to even begin to say ‘thank you.’”

Words cannot begin to express how appreciative Domenic Castaldi (center), his mother, Gretchen (L), and his sister, Lily (R), are for the kindness, compassion, and generosity Dom has received from his Wells River Savings Bank colleagues and customers, family, friends, and community. “I am so lucky to have all of these people by my side,” Dom says. “I don’t know what I would do without them.” - TBWS/Trish Griswold

Kate Hamilton, Dakota Hernandez, DJ Tabor (holding his daughter, Ella), and Domenic Castaldi (L-R) reminisce during Saturday night’s fundraising event. Domenic, Dakota, and DJ graduated from Woodsville High School in 2018 and remain close friends. - TBWS/Trish Griswold

Irene (L) and Ron Fournier purchased raffle tickets for a chance to win an adjustable LED utility light. Other raffle items included: gift baskets, gift cards, power tools, grills, Red Sox tickets, mittens and an air conditioner, all donated by individuals and local businesses. - TBWS/Trish Griswold

Woodsville Water is Being Hauled to Wells River

By Bernie Marvin

---

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.

NES and BMU After School Programs learn about starting up a business

By Bernie Marvin

---

Newbury, VT – When the students of Newbury Elementary School and the Blue Mountain After School Program wanted to learn about starting their businesses, they chose to study how Don and Shelly Drew founded and now operate their popular Three Bears Country Barn on Route 302 in Wells River.
The best way for kids to explore career options when they are older is to learn more about a retail establishment, and for this, they chose the Three Bears Country Barn. That began with a trip to the store, an interview with the Drews that provided the kids with information and answers they had formulated during a session with After School Director Paul Jewett.
Director Jewett said the exercise was an opportunity to open their minds to different ways of looking into and pursuing a career when they were older. The 3 Bears Country Barn was an ideal way to learn more about the Drews and how they work closely with the community to make their store a success.
Director Jewett said the students’ questions were interesting, as they probed just what it would take to start a business similar to what Don and Shelly Drew had done to launch their store.
Director Jewett said, “We had a spirited discussion during a recent afternoon with the children about starting a store! I thought I would pass on some specific questions they would like the Drews to think about before their visit from BMU and NES After School Students.”
1. How did you come up with the idea of running a store?
2. How did you come up with a name for the store?
3. Have you considered expanding the store?
4. How do you determine the prices for the items you sell?
5. How much money do you have to bring in to cover your costs?
6. What steps do you need to take to secure the store?
7. Where does your store's stock come from, and do you store extra stock somewhere?
He said, “As you can see, lots of questions which will lead to a good discussion and understanding of all the things that go into making and successfully carrying out a business! Everyone involved was looking forward to a fun and learning experience,” he said.
Don and Shelly Drew told The Bridge Weekly they are presently operating their fifth season at their store. They offered that it all started after they bought the lot, cleared it, and then built the country barn. They had some assistance but did most of the work themselves. It is a beautiful building, reminiscent of a timber frame structure, and packed with a fantastic array of merchandise found in a typical small Vermont Country store.
They are locals, in that Shelly lived in Woodsville as a youth, and Don lived in Woodsville. Before opening the store, he was the head maintenance director for the Precinct of Mountain Lakes for 18 years.
They said during a tour and interview in the store that After School Program Director Jewett asked them about working with the students on what they did to set up the store, stock it, and maintain it as a country store.
The kids said they were amazed to find such a diverse assortment of foods, cheeses, wood products, books, music programs, and even a café featuring fresh coffee, baked goods, and other types of refreshments.
As the children toured the store, the variety of goods on display made it easy for them to ask Don and Shelly plenty of questions about starting the store.
Director Jewett said that the exercise provided an opportunity to open the students’ minds to different ways of pursuing a career in the future. He said the store was an ideal place for the kids to visit in order to find a well-managed, successful retail store in the area that was open from May through December each year.
Before their visit, the After School group gathered to discuss ways available to plan for a successful venture, similar to Drew’s store. Each After School Program group visited the store and was given time to wander around, examine the items for sale, and ask questions of the Drews who were on hand for the visits.
While in the store, Jewett had allowed each student to make a $5.00 purchase so they could appreciate some of the value of what the store carried and just how important it was for them to make a purchase and to talk about how the merchandise got onto the shelves, where it came from, the price markup and other considerations a store owner must have when carrying the hundreds of items that the Three Bears Country Store has available for the public to consider.
Jewett said that about 30 After School Program students, between the ages of five and 12, participated in the exercise. There have been many other types of life experiences that the students have or will explore. For instance, they investigated their ability to fly and use drones. They spent time with the magician and entertainer, Marko, and will travel to a local medical office to speak with a general practitioner about their educational needs, the process of seeking medical training, and how they plan to operate a medical business.
They have also worked on the required phases of constructing various wood projects, including a small library for Wells River and recreating a historic water box that was installed for cattle over 100 years ago. The after-school classes have successfully rebuilt one to replace the old one.
They will also learn what it takes to be a helicopter pilot, as a relative of the class is the owner of a local helicopter company. The students will learn from a local author and writer about the importance of reading books and writing stories, starting at the age of five or six years.
As the After School Program for BMU and Newbury Elementary School grows, so does enrollment from other towns, Jewett said. He will be including a new group of Bradford students in those programs that will be featured during the next school year and will also start a six-week summer program that will run into August.
The program, he said, is new and will include students from five to 12 years old, who will take field trips every week to something or somewhere different. He said it will provide an opportunity for the students to have new experiences in the area and learn something new over the summer, something kids from BMU, Newbury, and Bradford will enjoy doing.