Big Crowds Greet July 4TH Parades In Woodsville, Orford And Fairlee
The weather was seasonally hot, and the massive crowds that traveled to the communities to see their parades were filled with spirit and best wishes for the country's future.
Bernie Marvin
Woodsville, Orford, NH and Fairlee, VT – For these three patriotic villages that lie along a defining border created by the Connecticut River, the message to the rest of the country and the world on the nation's July 4 250th birthday was, "Happy Birthday, America!"
The weather was seasonally hot, and the massive crowds that traveled to the communities to see their parades were filled with spirit and best wishes for the country's future. Crowds strolled the sidewalks of the three parade-hosting communities, with each of the three towns hosting BBQs. Historic events and a long list of activities continued into the night, culminating in fireworks in Woodsville and Fairlee.
All along both sides of town sidewalks in Orford and Fairlee, visitors flocked an hour or more before the 11 AM parade kickoff at the Rivendell School entrance road and Route 10 area.
As always, the Orford-Fairlee July 4th Parade included a variety of local people in all types of floats, skits, and groups. A special series of floats and military vehicles were dedicated to local veterans who rode proudly as part of the parade, receiving hearty welcomes all along the way.
At the conclusion of the parade that ended in Fairlee on South Main Street beyond Wing's Market, there was a special program on the Fairlee Town Common at the Soldiers Monument and Flagpole.
For that ceremony, there was a Welcome by Bruce Taylor, Master of Ceremonies for the program. The flag was raised by American Legion members, with the National Anthem sung by Veteran Brad Shedd and his son, Blair Shedd.
There was a Historical Society Welcome by Society President Don Weaver, followed by Vermont State Representative Monique Priestley. Pastor Dick Hodge of the Fairlee Community Church offered a prayer. The American Legion Ceremony at the monument included Thetford Post 79 Ron Ward, Fred Adams, Nate Pero, Jim Brigham, and Jim Holbrook—also, Norwich Post 7 members Jim Harlow and DeCosta.
There was also a closing performance with band music by Maple Leaf Seven.
Meanwhile, up the Connecticut River a dozen miles, it was a busy time in Woodsville, as the parade passed along Route 302 from Woodsville into Wells River, where it terminated, and the units returned to Woodsville to retrieve personal vehicles for their trip back home.
As has been the case for many years, planes flying overhead have provided a protective roar of freedom to parade-goers lining the streets below, while a variety of combat aircraft have thrilled the crowds with exciting flyovers for the past 25 or so years.
This year, F-35 fighter aircraft from the Vermont Air National Guard flew overhead in the Orford-Fairlee airspace for a quick pass as they continued to their next community to wow those crowds. It is always a thrill to see America's protective aircraft overhead on her birthday!
It was anticipated that planes from the same or a similar unit would also fly over the Wells River-Woodsville Parade. The parade included the opening honor guards from the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5245 in North Haverhill and the American Legion Ross-Woods Post 20 in Woodsville.
From there until nearly an hour later, the parade featured many floats, sports teams, marchers and, of course, the Shriners and their exciting array of fire vehicles and small motorcycles. Also this year, the North Haverhill VFW Post sponsored a float carrying veterans along the parade route.
Grand Marshal of the Wells River-Woodsville Parade was community leader and former Peace Corps member Richard Roderick. The following two reports on the day's guests of honor were featured in the Wells River-Woodsville July 4 Committee's publication for this year's events.
The Bridge Weekly appreciates the use of their reports in this story. They wrote: "The Woodsville Wells River 4th of July Committee annually selects a Grand Marshal for the parade. This year's honoree is Richard M. Roderick, who lives on Bible Hill in Wells River. Though Richard is not a Newbury native, he will tell you that he has been visiting Newbury since before he was born. His parents had friends in town, and they visited them for the 4th of July holiday week most summers. Richard even attended Vermont Technical College and the University of Vermont. Then, in 1974, he joined the Peace Corps and taught agriculture to students in grades 8-11 in Jamaica. He continues to have contact with some of his students and has returned to his volunteer site over the years. He co-founded the Green Mountain Returned Peace Corps Volunteers group in 1982. Richard's next adventure led to a 28-year career with FmHA/Rural Development in Caledonia County, Vermont; the U.S. Virgin Islands; Grafton County, NH; and Micronesia in the Western Pacific. During that time frame, Richard moved to North Haverhill and then bought his home in Wells River in 1992. But Richard's involvement with the community didn't stop there. He was an 11-year member of the Newbury Planning Commission and the Newbury Historical Society. In 1992, when the Wells River Action Program (WRAP) began, Richard was part of the group and served as President for 3 years. He is also known as one of the driving forces behind Wells River's So Long Summer, Hello Fall Festival and as the editor of the WRAP-UP Newsletter. Richard's newsprint experience also includes a childhood paper route, selling ads for his high school and college yearbooks, and for Trendy Times. Richard is also familiar with 250-year celebrations. He was part of the Newbury/Haverhill team in 2013 and is currently serving on the Newbury US 250 Celebration Planning Committee. Be sure to say thank you to Richard when you see him and give him a big wave when he passes by as the 2026 Grand Marshall of the Woodsville Wells River 4th of July Parade.”
And earning the title of Parade Marshal this year was well-known Haverhill resident and US Air Force veteran Harvey Keyes. “Command Chief Master Sergeant Harvey W. Keyes has been selected as the 2026 Parade Marshal for the Woodsville Wells River 4th of July celebration. Born in Haverhill, NH, Harvey began his military service while still in high school, enlisting in the Vermont Air National Guard before joining the United States Air Force in 1959. What followed was a remarkable 32-year career defined by courage, leadership, and unwavering dedication, from his early days as a B-52 crew chief during the Cuban Missile Crisis to his becoming one of the youngest Strategic Air Command crew chiefs. Chief Keyes quickly distinguished himself through skill and determination. He later served as an inflight refueling specialist aboard a KC-135 aircraft before answering the call to combat rescue missions in Southeast Asia. During the Vietnam War, Harvey flew 101 missions as a crew chief and door gunner aboard HH-3E "Jolly Green" rescue helicopters, participating in seven life-saving rescues. During the Tet Offensive in 1968, his crew rescued three downed Navy pilots under enemy fire—an act of extraordinary heroism that earned him the Distinguished Flying Cross. He would go on to complete a total of 237 combat missions and log more than 5,000 flying hours. Rising to the rank of Chief Master Sergeant, he was selected as Command Chief of the 305th Air Refueling Wing, the largest refueling wing in the free world—and was among a select few chosen to serve beyond 30 years. He retired in 1990 after more than 3 decades of distinguished service. Even in retirement, Chief Keyes continued his lifelong commitment to others—serving 18 years with the Grafton County Sheriff's Department, supporting veterans as a DAV driver for over 50,000 miles, and dedicating countless hours to community organizations including the American Legion, VFW, and the Lions Club. Above all, he is a proud father of three daughters and a man whose life reflects service not only to his country but also to his community and his family. Chief Harvey W. Keyes represents the very best of dedication, sacrifice, and American service."
East Corinth
Photos by Kim Morrison
Peacham
Photos by Antonia Munson
Woodsville & Wells River
Photos courtesy of NEK Photography
NH Legislative Event Held At Cottage Hospital
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.
By Bernie Marvin
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.
Woodsville Water is Being Hauled to Wells River
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.
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.