Historical Society looking at the rehab and future use of Pierson Hall

By Bernie Marvin

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Chatting with two handsome donkeys, in a field adjacent to the Ladd Street School Museum recently, is Elaine Elliott from Haverhill. The donkeys, left to right. are Daisy and Ed. The Bridge Weekly/Bernie Marvin

Haverhill Corner, NH On Saturday, October 18, 2025, as a morning sun began to brighten through the cloud bank that hung over the nearby Connecticut River, donkeys Ed, Daisy, and Flower grazed in a lush field just outside the back door of the historic Ladd Street School.
It was a pretty setting as visitors began to head to the Haverhill Historical Society's 2025 Fall Open House, where, inside the white school building, the society had invited the public to come and enjoy the open house.

Once again, as they had many times in the past, society board members and others welcomed visitors to enjoy refreshments and friendly conversations as they learned about the museum's collection of military, railroad, and town history items.

In a previous report on the Town of Haverhill website, a bit of the Ladd Street School's history is mentioned, along with past work. The report indicates that the Ladd Street School, now standing at the corner of County Road and Dartmouth College Highway, was built in 1849 for School District No. 2 and was one of many Haverhill School Districts located in various sections of the town during the nineteenth century. "Its construction coincided with the demolition of the 1790 meetinghouse of the First Congregational Church, which stood nearby. When the parish purchased the brick meetinghouse on the common in 1829, the church at Ladd Street was gradually abandoned."

During the past 20 years, the Society has made extensive repairs to the foundation, windows, roof, and belfry. With major exterior repairs completed, attention has turned to refurbishing the interior, in the hope that the building -long a vital community symbol - can now also be used for Society and community functions.

The report also indicated that electrical work, painting, and repairs to plaster and the schoolroom's tin ceiling were made possible in large part through The Mildred Page Fund for Public Buildings at Haverhill Corner, administered by the Haverhill Select Board. The Haverhill Historical Society is grateful to the Board--and especially to Mildred Page--for their vision and generosity in helping to restore this precious link with Haverhill's earliest years to much of its former glory.

Haverhill Historical Society President Peter Tice told The Bridge Weekly that the Saturday event was well-attended, and he saw some new names and faces of people who are interested in the Historical Society. "We were also most fortunate to have in attendance lifelong Haverhill resident Gary Elliott, who shared precious information about a military long coat that we have on display that was worn in World War I by Harold Swan of Haverhill."
In a sidebar description of the Swan brothers, Haverhill Historical Society
Board member Russ Brady reported that the Twins, Harold and Herbert Swan, were born in Haverhill. Their family home was the property currently known as 1096 Dartmouth College Highway (the next house North of the Judge McKenna home) on Route 10 in Haverhill.

Brady continued, "Both Harold and Herbert served in World War 1. Harold's uniform is currently on display at Haverhill Historical Society's Ladd Street School Museum. Upon returning from service, Harold resided in Orford, NH. He is buried in the Orford cemetery."
"Herbert returned to Haverhill. He operated a funeral home in Woodsville and also made coffins and furniture. See the link: https://www.rickerfuneral.com/our-history. He owned several properties in town, including the home at the corner of School Street and Route 10 (140 School Street), Haverhill Corner, the former home of Dr. James Brown and his wife, Beverly. Herbert is buried in the Ladd Street Cemetery," Brady wrote.

Tice told The Bridge Weekly, "I think that attracting new people to the Society--whether they want to serve on the Board, volunteer to help with events or routine activities, or simply enjoy the collection and fellowship--should be a high priority."
"I believe that the Society is the people," he continued. "It goes without saying that we are stewards of the collection, the artifacts, and the buildings, but without the people, they're just things; their relationship to the people, to our heritage, to our culture is what gives them life and meaning."
Tice said the Society has two new "almost-official Board members who have been diving into the collection to move forward with the immense job of cataloguing artifacts that was started years ago by the Society and most recently addressed by long-time Board member Maryellen Kirkpatrick. The members are Catherine Bullock and Audra Weber."

He noted they will not only be cataloguing but also coordinating their efforts with other members of the Society to physically reorganize and improve the archiving of the collection that is presently out of routine public view.

"We also were proud to participate in Haverhill History Day, with two large illustrated interpretive posters regarding 19th- and 20th-century fires in Haverhill Corner. We had several Board members present at Pearson Hall to answer (and ask!) questions about Town and Village history, and we were glad to help round out the experiences enjoyed by visitors, Tice said.
He also noted the upcoming work on Pearson Hall. "We have spent much of the Summer engrossed in Pearson Hall, and we are in the process of developing plans for future rehabilitation and usage of the building."

Tice said, "Our immediate and dominant focus has been addressing the roof, which is coming due for replacement, but various members of the Board have put forth several interesting ideas for how the building is to be used and how renovation, maintenance, and operations can be funded," he concluded.

Current Board Members include President Peter Tice; Vice President Russ Brady; Treasurer Micah Weiss, and Secretary Esther Hodges-LeClaire. Other board members include Evelyn Adams, Adam Hodges-LeClaire, Greg Mathieson, and Truman Sloan.

Enjoying an afternoon at the recent Haverhill Historical Society's Open House at the Ladd Street School Museum are, left to right, Phil Szilva, Lady Borton and Truman Sloan, all of Haverhill. The Bridge Weekly/Bernie Marvin

A visitor to the recent Haverhill Historical Society's Ladd Street School Museum Open House looks over historic artifacts on display, including an old Woodsville Opera House lighted sign. The Bridge Weekly/Bernie Marvin

Haverhill Historical Society Board members, left to right, Russ Brady and Greg Mathieson prepare refreshments prior to holding their Open House last weekend at the Ladd Street School Museum. The Bridge Weekly/Bernie Marvin.

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.

Who Ya Gonna Call? Vermont’s 802 Ghostbusters Bring Heart, Humor, and Help to Communities

By Joshua Smith

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The Team at Rail City Fan Fest 2024 posing with their ECTO JK1 (Courtesy Photo)

“I’d seen fan groups all across the country doing parades, Make-A-Wish events, and fundraisers. It looked like so much fun — and I thought, we could do that too.”
— Stasia D., Co-founder, 802 Ghostbusters

A Nostalgic Spark That Became a Movement
If you were walking through a fall festival, trunk-or-treat, or a downtown parade in Vermont and suddenly heard the unmistakable wail of a Ghostbusters siren, chances are you’ve encountered the 802 Ghostbusters.

They’re not actors or a traveling show. They’re Vermonters — parents, makers, neighbors — who’ve turned their love of Ghostbusters into a powerful community-building force.

The group began in 2016, when Stasia and Stef D., along with their family, decided to join the growing ranks of Ghostbusters fan “franchises” springing up across the country. What started as a fun family project soon grew into a statewide group with members stretching throughout almost all 14 counties, each bringing their own talents — from prop building to event planning to interacting with kids and families.

Community First, Cosplay Second
When the 802 Ghostbusters show up, they bring more than just proton packs. Their appearances at touch-a-truck events, trunk-or-treats, and local parades are free for communities — powered by their volunteer energy and the magic of their Ecto JK-1, a Jeep Wrangler transformed into a rolling nostalgia machine.

The Ecto JK-1 was built by member Mathew Haley, lovingly nicknamed “our Egon” for his technical know-how.

“It’s an easy, free way to connect,” Stasia said. “Kids climb in, push the buttons, sound the siren — and adults light up too. You can always tell when a parent has that moment of recognition, like, ‘Okay, it’s time for you to watch Ghostbusters.’ It becomes this pop culture capstone between generations.”

Ghostbusters Give Back
This year, the 802 Ghostbusters joined the Ghostbusters Gives Back Initiative, a national partnership between fan groups, Sony, and the Starlight Children’s Foundation.

The initiative runs June 8, 2025 through June 7, 2026, and every dollar raised by registered franchises is matched by Sony — up to $150,000 nationwide — doubling the impact for hospitalized children and their families.

Funds support entertainment, events, and hospital programs that bring comfort during difficult times.

“We set a fundraising goal along with other franchises across the country,” Stasia said. “On June 8th — Ghostbusters Day — we’ll check in to see how we did.”

June 8th, of course, marks the original release date of the 1984 film. Some dates are sacred.

The Busy Season: “Hauntober”
October is their biggest month. “Almost every weekend, we’ve got something,” Stasia said. “Parades, trunk-or-treats, conventions — we call it Hauntober.”

The Ecto JK-1 is fully decked out all season long as they string together events across the state. Later in the season, the group will appear in Casella’s Lights Parade, followed by a special basket raffle fundraiser at Old Town Café and Comics on November 14th, from 3:00 p.m. to early evening.

The Ecto JK-1 and a giant Stay Puft Marshmallow Man will be on-site, and all proceeds will benefit the Starlight Children’s Foundation.

After November, things quiet down — but their sense of purpose never does.

Vermont Heart in a Proton Pack
In a world where cosplay can sometimes be competitive or celebrity-driven, the 802 Ghostbusters stand out. They’re Vermonters bringing nostalgia, joy, and service to their neighbors.

They show up at the same parades your kids march in, park next to you at the grocery store, and hand out smiles at no cost. Their focus isn’t on fame — it’s on connection.

“Little kids don’t always get the reference, but they know we’ve got cool things to look at,” Stasia said. “Adults love it. It’s a conversation starter — and that’s what makes it special.”

Join the 802 Ghostbusters This Halloween Season!

Follow the siren to an event near you. The 802 Ghostbusters will be appearing at parades, trunk-or-treats, and fundraisers every weekend in October, bringing spooky fun and raising money for the Starlight Children’s Foundation.

Want to help or get involved?

Love Ghostbusters?

Enjoy community events and volunteering?

Want to make kids (and grown-ups) smile?

The 802 Ghostbusters welcome new members from all across Vermont. Whether you’re a prop builder, a people person, or just someone who loves spooky season, there’s a place for you.

Follow them on Facebook at facebook.com/802Ghostbusters for upcoming appearances and info on how to join the team.

This Halloween season, let a little movie magic — and a lot of Vermont heart — remind you that our communities shine brightest when we come together.

The Last Word
Seeing Ghostbusters gear against a Vermont backdrop shouldn’t work — and yet, it absolutely does. Vermonters have always known how to blend work ethic with whimsy, and the 802 Ghostbusters prove that community service can wear a proton pack.

This Hauntober, if you hear that siren echoing through town, don’t just smile — follow it. You might find yourself in the middle of something special… and maybe even holding a proton pack of your own.

Richmond Independence Day Parade 2025 (we placed 3rd. The prize was $75, donated to the Starlight Children’s Foundation)

The franchises are “International”. Here’s a nice map of the North America teams (Courtesy Photo)

A young fan in awe of the larger props from the group (Courtesy Photo)

A Sisterhood of Hope

By Trish Griswold

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According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc., there are “more than 4 million current breast cancer survivors in the United States.” Erin Atkinson (L), owner of Gather Together Cafe, and her sister, Liz Gilbert Shelton, owner of An Affair to Remember: The Party Store and Everything But the Cook, are among them. TBWS Photo/Trish Griswold

WOODSVILLE - “The last words I ever wanted to hear from my daughters was, ‘I have cancer,’” remarks Marilyn Gilbert, mother of Elizabeth “Liz” Gilbert Shelton, owner of An Affair to Remember: The Party Store and Everything But the Cook, and Erin Atkinson, owner of Gather Together Cafe. “I was totally devastated, but once I got over the initial shock, my main concern was that they get the best treatment plan available.”

Through a routine mammogram conducted in 2008, Liz was diagnosed with hormone receptor-positive (HR+) breast cancer, a form of breast cancer linked to hormone levels, such as estrogen, rather than inherited mutations and genetic predisposition. The then 45-year-old wife and working mother of three young adult children underwent surgery and an extensive treatment plan that included radiation twice a day for ten days followed by balloon breast brachytherapy and four rounds of chemotherapy.

“For me, my whole thing was, we need to take care of this. I wasn’t really emotional,” Liz recalls, but her husband, Kevin Shelton, was. “For the people not going through it, it’s the hardest. They’re treading water, not knowing what to do with themselves, and thinking, ‘What do I say? What do I do?’”

Looking back, Liz says that she can only remember crying once, and that was when a representative from Dartmouth Hitchcock’s Cancer Center called to schedule her first appointment. “The first time they said the word ‘cancer.’ That’s when it became real. The biggest thing was that I wanted to know what I did wrong. That was the only question I asked. Did I do something wrong? Did I not take care of myself? When, in fact, it had nothing to do with my lifestyle and my life choices. It was the luck of the draw.”

New research from the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. (NBCF), among others, indicates that “1 in 8 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime.” Given this startling statistic and her increased risk of breast cancer because a first-degree relative (mother, sister, or daughter) had been diagnosed, Liz’s younger sister, Erin, was vigilant about preventative care. A routine mammogram done a few years ago had detected calcification(s) in her left breast. This turned out to be a benign cyst; however, since certain patterns of calcification can sometimes be an early indicator of breast cancer, Erin paid special attention to the changes in her body.

During a routine self-exam in October of last year, Erin felt a 1.2-centimeter lump in her breast that turned out to be hormone-based breast cancer (different from but similar to Liz’s). Erin had a regularly scheduled physical a few days later so she purposely did not mention the lump to her primary care doctor. “I didn’t say anything to her to see if she felt it, and she did not. I said, ‘Did you, by any chance, feel that right there?’ She said, ‘I did not. I missed it.’”

Erin’s doctor scheduled a mammogram for later that week. “If she had not asked for the right side to have a special plate,” Erin says, “they would not have found [the lump] on a regular mammogram either. So, my cautionary tale is to be proactive. You know your body. Make sure you’re doing your self-checks. Thankfully, I caught it so quickly that it was very small.”

Erin underwent surgery, reconstructive surgery, and five weeks of radiation therapy. She is also on an estrogen suppressant that she will likely take for the next five years. “Because I already had time to process before I went to my primary care doctor and had the mammogram and the biopsy, I wasn’t upset. I wasn’t scared. I tend to have a pretty positive attitude toward health care. I felt like, ‘Okay, what is the next step? Let’s get this taken care of.’”

The physicians and other care providers at Cottage Hospital and Dartmouth Hitchcock’s Cancer Center, both Hanover, NH, and St. Johnsbury, VT, “jumped right in,” Erin says. They scheduled her appointments, presented her with comprehensive treatment plan options, and a smorgasbord of reading materials. Erin also sought genetic testing. “Unlike Liz, I wanted to check for my own son's sake because it could be a precursor to him, looking down the line at something like prostate cancer or if I had a granddaughter some day, but it was not genetically driven.”

Due in part to the 16-year gap between their diagnoses, Erin and Liz agree that, while their outcomes have been positive and nothing short of a blessing, they had drastically different experiences, from detection to coping strategies and treatment plans to side effects. Erin’s breast cancer was initially detected through a self-exam, while Liz’s was detected with a routine mammogram. The treatment options and side effects were also different. Liz suffered more intense symptoms, such as vomiting, while Erin’s side effects were minimal. Erin took a literary, methodical approach to processing her diagnosis, finding a sense of peace and camaraderie in talking with others, while Liz preferred a more private approach, relying on her sense of humor, friends, and immediate family.

Despite the disparities in their cancer stories, there is one common thread. The Gilbert sisters’ breast cancer journeys introduced them to a sisterhood founded on hope for survival and an unbreakable bond shared among countless women nationwide. “When you fall down, [our community] will pick you up,” Liz says, retelling the story of one customer who “popped her head in the door” at The Party Store after learning about Liz’s diagnosis and said, “‘I’m 10 years out.’ It’s them letting you know that you’ll be okay.”

Admittedly, the journey can be scary and overwhelming, Liz and Erin explain, but there is hope for survival. According to NBCF, when breast cancer is detected and treated at “its earliest, localized stages, the 5-year relative survival rate is 99%.”

When asked if she had any advice for others, Erin replies, “Don’t jump right into thinking the worst. I have to have chemo. I’m going to lose my hair. Every single person’s cancer story is different, and your diagnosis is what drives your treatment so never, ever put off having a check-up because you’re afraid. As the saying goes, ‘Better the devil you know than the devil you don’t.’”

Author’s Note: October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time dedicated to empowering women by raising awareness and promoting early detection. This article honors all women - past, present, and future - who have battled or will battle breast cancer in their lifetime. For more information about breast cancer research, contact your primary care provider, or go to nationalbreastcancer.org or komen.org.

“I am not defined by my cancer. I am stronger than it.” -Author Unknown

Groton’s 69th Annual Fall Foliage Festival: When the Town Dresses Up for Everyone

By Joshua Smith

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GROTON VT - “It’s important to continue to foster a sense of community and togetherness. It’s a New England tradition of everyone getting together.”
— Aaron Smith, Groton Fire Chief

Every October, just as the maples burst into fiery reds and the hillsides settle into their golden glow, Groton does what it’s done for generations: it dresses up for everyone.

For one day each year, this small town in the southwestern corner of Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom transforms into something both deeply familiar and quietly magical. Streets fill with neighbors, visitors, and returning families. The air carries the mingled scents of baked goods, autumn leaves, and wood smoke. It’s part reunion, part fair, part homecoming.

The 69th Annual Fall Foliage Festival wasn’t just another event on the calendar. It was living proof that some traditions aren’t merely remembered — they’re relived.

A Morning That Tastes Like Home
Long before the parade or the vendors set up, folks were already filing into the basement of the Methodist Church for the annual lumberjack breakfast, a fixture of festival morning for as long as anyone can remember.

The menu is unapologetically hearty: pancakes, sausage, biscuits and gravy, doughnuts, and pie. It’s the kind of breakfast that doesn’t just fill you up — it anchors you. Generations have started their festival day at those tables, catching up over steaming cups of coffee while kids sneak extra doughnuts when they think no one’s watching.

Main Street Comes Alive
By mid-morning, downtown Groton was buzzing. Over 40 vendors filled Main Street, a colorful mix of local craftspeople, bakers, and community groups. Handmade goods sat beside jars of homemade jam. Students from local schools sold baked treats and raffle tickets to raise funds for their class projects.

The Baptist Church bake sale was, as always, a destination of its own. Pies, cookies, and breads lined long tables like trophies of neighborly pride. Many of those recipes haven’t changed in decades — and that’s exactly how folks like them.

It’s the kind of Main Street scene that could’ve taken place fifty years ago or last weekend. Old friends stop mid-street to talk, shop owners lean in their doorways, and the rhythm of conversation rolls like the nearby hills.

Parade Magic on Route 302
At 1:30 p.m., Route 302 shut down for thirty minutes as the parade took over. There’s nothing flashy about Groton’s parade — and that’s precisely why it’s so beloved.

The school band led the way, followed by fire trucks, tractors pulling themed floats, and plenty of kids waving proudly from hay bales. Families lined the sidewalks bundled in sweaters, cider in hand, cheering as neighbors rolled by.

For Groton Fire Chief Aaron Smith, moments like this define the festival.

“It’s important to continue to foster a sense of community and togetherness,” he said. “It’s a New England tradition of everyone getting together.”

Up the Road a Bit
Just up the road a bit, the Upper Valley Grill hosted the annual pumpkin weigh-in. It’s a friendly kind of competition — the kind that makes everyone grin. This year’s bragging rights went to Calvin Lang, who tipped the scales with a 184-pound pumpkin. It wasn’t just a pumpkin; it was a testament to patience, care, and a bit of local pride.

A Supper That Defines a Town
As the sun dipped behind the hills, all roads led to the Groton Community Building, where the world-famous Chicken Pie Supper capped the day.

Three seatings — 4:30, 5:30, and 6:30 — along with take-out at 5, 6, and 7 — meant a steady stream of hungry festival-goers filed through the doors. The smell of chicken, biscuits, and gravy filled the building, wrapping everyone in something both familiar and comforting.

“It’s like coming home,” said Michelle Emerson Kalnins, BMU class advisor. “You get to see all the people you grew up with, you get to see all the buildings you grew up with. All the families come back. It’s a great time here in Groton.”

The Chicken Pie Supper isn’t just a meal. It’s an anchor. People plan their weekends, even their travel, around it. Proceeds from ticket sales support scholarships for local high school seniors, the library, and other community projects. It’s generosity served alongside supper.

Neighbors Supporting Neighbors
Over at the library, programs ran throughout the day, reminding everyone that this festival isn’t only about tradition — it’s about community action.

“It is a wonderful opportunity to support our neighbors,” said Sarah Spira, town librarian. “And gather with our neighbors and support local businesses and organizations and celebrate the passing of the season.”

Her words ring true. Groton’s festival is more than food, music, and parades. It’s a seasonal ritual — a way for the town to check in with itself, to reconnect, to show visitors and former residents what “home” still means.

A Town, Unchanged at Its Core
I grew up here. Walking down Main Street during the Fall Foliage Festival, I see new faces, new storefronts, a few changes here and there. But at its core, Groton hasn’t changed. The same hills rise behind the town. The same church basements hum with chatter. The same floats roll past under autumn skies.

For 69 years, this festival has marked not just the turning of the leaves, but the steady rhythm of a community that shows up for one another. It’s where memory and the present meet.

And long after the last chicken pie is served and the vendors pack up their tables, the feeling of the day lingers — like the warm, golden light on the hillsides that surround this little Vermont town.

The Morning always starts with the Lumberjack Breakfast in the basement of the Groton United Methodist Church.

Amid the bustle outside, Librarian Sarah Spira leads a cozy reading hour for children, sharing stories by local authors and offering a welcome break from the festival excitement.

Bake Sale goodies: United Methodist women L-r) Betty Rainford Brenda Powers Babs Smith Kathy Crum Pastor Pam Smith

After serving the town of Groton in the Highway Department for over thirty -two years, Phillip Palmer recently retired and was participating in the festivities of the annual Fall Foliage Parade from the wheel of Groton’s antique fire department truck. The Bridge Weekly/Shauna Kimball

The unsung heroes of Groton’s Chicken Pie Supper — the “runners” — keep the food moving from the kitchen downstairs to the bustling dining hall upstairs. (L–R) Poppy Shattuck, Madison Frigon, Zhijie Zhong, Bella Cole, Raiden Moulton, and Lucas Welch

Children explore a sea of donated new clothing laid out by the Groton Baptist Church, offered freely to families or by donation.

The parade, lasting about 30 minutes, is one of the highlights of the Groton Fall Foliage Festival, seen here from a second-story church window.

The Groton Community Building is transformed into a bustling dining hall as hundreds gather for the world-famous Chicken Pie Supper, the crown jewel of the Fall Foliage

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.

Loved Ones Honor Lloyd Steeves and Barbara Elliott in Upcoming Alzheimer’s Walk

By Trish Griswold

Barbara Elliott (L), a native of Orange, NJ, called Vermont her home for 43 years before her passing last December. She is seen in this 2022 photo, enjoying a boat ride with her husband, Steve, and their family on Martin’s Pond in Peacham. - Courtesy photo

WOODSVILLE, NH / WELLS RIVER, VT - “I get so sad thinking about what he is missing,” Chrissy Steeves remarks about her husband, Lloyd, who has been a resident at the Grafton County Nursing Home (GCNH) in North Haverhill, NH, since April. “It’s so unfair, and it happens to good people.”

Though Lloyd, affectionately known by his former students and colleagues as Mr. Steeves, began displaying early symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease much sooner, he was not formally diagnosed until 2018. Alzheimer’s Disease, the most common form of dementia, is a neuro-degenerative disease marked not only by memory loss but also by difficulty thinking, concentrating, communicating, and performing daily tasks/functions. The severity, speed, and progression of symptoms, however, varies greatly depending on the individual. “People think they don’t remember things, but it becomes way more than that,” Chrissy explains.

Prior to his diagnosis, Mr. Steeves, who has always lived a healthy lifestyle and has no family history of Alzheimer’s Disease, was a beloved math/computer teacher and coach, devoted family man, and active parishioner/treasurer at the North Haverhill United Methodist Church.

According to Chrissy, Mr. Steeves grew up in Kensington, NH, and graduated from Exeter High School in 1961. He earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Education from Plymouth State University, formerly Plymouth Teachers College, in 1965. That same year, Mr. Steeves started his first job as a primary teacher at Woodsville Elementary School. Seven years later, he began teaching middle-level math at Haverhill Academy but transitioned to Haverhill Cooperative Middle School (HCMS) when it opened in the late 1970s. Mr. Steeves retired from teaching in 2004, following a distinguished 39-year career in education. “People used to ask Lloyd why he didn’t go to 40 years,” Chrissy chuckles, “and he’d always [reply simply], ‘I didn’t want to.’”

Chrissy, who taught Home Economics and English/History alongside her husband at HCMS for many years, describes Lloyd as “a wonderful, caring, compassionate man who put his family’s needs ahead of his own. He loved his family. He loved his church. He loved his school, and he loved his students. He cared so much about every single student, and the kids really, really liked Lloyd. We would see them in Walmart, and they would always come up and say, ‘You were my favorite teacher.’”

Cassie Manning, one of Mr. Steeves former students at HCMS, recalls that he was “very serious about computer skills, especially typing, which I’m grateful for now looking back because I type on a computer every day. I remember whenever he caught me peeking down or looking down, he would put the cardboard box in my hand so I couldn’t see it. Then I started to do better, and he would say, ‘See, I knew you could do it.’ The things he taught us were important, even if we didn’t realize it at the time. In class, he was a great teacher, but outside of class, we would always catch him joking or being silly, and that’s why he was respected in class.”

While Mr. Lloyd was educating middle schoolers in New Hampshire, across the Connecticut River in Wells River, VT, Barbara Elliott was busy teaching elementary school students at Blue Mountain Union School.

“Barbara was one of the kindest, most dedicated teachers I have ever known,” comments Mrs. Elliott’s dear friend and colleague, Nancy Perkins. “She made each of her students feel valued and loved, and they loved her in return. She not only taught academics and good citizenship, she stretched the minds of her students by inviting various community members into her classroom to meet her students and speak with them, sharing their talents and their interests. Her legacy will live on in the hearts and memories of her students.”

Mrs. Elliott was born and raised in New Jersey. She graduated from Manasquan High School in 1963 and worked two full-time jobs, one as a waitress and one as a customer service representative at New Jersey Bell Telephone. She attended college classes in the evenings and on the weekends, earning her Bachelor of Science Degree in Education from Monmouth University in June of 1970. Mrs. Elliott’s teaching career officially began in her home state of New Jersey, where she taught third, fourth, and fifth graders at Lakewood Elementary School for 11 years. During that time, Mrs. Elliott earned her Master’s Degree in School Counseling as well as certification as a reading specialist. In the fall of 1979, Mrs. Elliott met her husband, Steve, on a blind date. They were married in June of 1981, and together, they made their home in Ryegate, VT.

Following a remarkable 40-year career in education, Mrs. Elliott retired from teaching in 2010; however, she continued to serve her community in countless ways, volunteering as a docent at the Vermont State House and the Wells River Welcome Center. Mrs. Elliott was also a devoted member of the Woodsville United Methodist Church where she taught Sunday School for decades. Many people have described her as “an angel on Earth” who greeted everyone, everywhere, with a warm, welcoming smile, a kind word, and nothing but love in her heart.

According to Steve, Mrs. Elliott began showing early symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease in 2020. She passed away on December 14, 2024, following several weeks of end-of-life care. “I was fortunate to have been able to care for Barbara in our home for the length of her illness, but it was a mixed blessing,” Steve reflects. “I would never have been able to do it alone. She spent the last 5 weeks at home in hospice, cared for by Caledonia Home Health and Hospice. They are a very professional organization, and we are grateful.”

Both the Steeves and Elliott Families have registered teams in the 2025 Northeast Kingdom Walk to End Alzheimer’s in St. Johnsbury, VT, on Sunday, September 21st. Registration begins at 9:00 am, followed by a ceremony at 10:00 am. The walk is slated to begin at 10:20 am at the St. Johnsbury Welcome Center located at 51 Depot Square. Former students, colleagues, friends, and community members are invited to join them. More information is available on the Walk to End Alzheimer’s website at https://act.alz.org/site/TR?pg=entry&fr_id=18968. Mr. Steeves’ team name is “NFP for the Fight,” and Mrs. Elliott’s team name is “Team Barbara Elliott.” All proceeds from the walk will benefit the Alzheimer’s Association.

“I see the St. Johnsbury Alzheimer's Walk, not as a chance to do some fundraising,” Steve says, “but rather as an opportunity to honor my wife's memory. I look forward to doing that with my family on the 21st.”
“Please remember the real me when I cannot remember you.” - Julie White

In 2022, Lloyd Steeves (L) and his wife, Chrissy, joined their family for a New Hampshire Fishercats Minor League baseball game at Delta Dental Stadium in Manchester. - Courtesy photo

Retired Groton Fire Chief Wayne Knott Leaves a Legacy of Teaching and Learning

By Trish Griswold

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Longtime Groton Fire Chief Wayne Knott (R) recently retired after a 57-year career in fire service. He has enjoyed sharing his passion for firefighting and emergency services with his son, Henry (L), who currently serves as Captain and Training Officer, and his wife, Dorothy (center), who is a Level 1 firefighter and dispatcher for the department. The Bridge Weekly/Trish Griswold

Groton, VT - Former Groton Volunteer Fire Chief Wayne Knott retired from his post in January, following a distinguished 57-year career in fire service, but his legacy of teaching and learning will burn brightly for many generations to come.

“Chief Knott has been a pillar in the Vermont fire service for many years,” remarks Jamie Eastman, a Flight Nurse-Paramedic at Boston MedFlight who got his start in emergency services as a cadet working under the tutelage of Ret. Chief Knott. “He welcomed me into my first EMS role and opened the door to where I am today. He gave me the opportunity to continue my EMS education.”

Ret. Chief Knott’s influence is far-reaching, and his resume is both extensive and diverse. His career began at age 16 when he joined the cadet auxiliary program at the local fire department in his hometown of Barnstable, MA. As a child, he was “scared” of the 1938 Mack fire truck that bellowed down the roads of Barnstable to fires in his area, but he laid those fears to rest when a group of friends convinced him to become a fire cadet. “We were fortunate that we had some excellent people who took this ragtag bunch of teenagers and showed them the pump, the nozzle, and so forth. We were spoiled,” says Ret. Chief Knott, who admits to enjoying the adrenaline rush. “We had a county drill yard, like from [Groton] to Haverhill, so we’d go over to the drill yard, and we would do things we can’t do now because of EPA guidelines.”

Ret. Chief Knott served with the Barnstable Fire Department until 1974 when he married his wife, Dorothy, and they moved to Woodbury Lake in Calais, VT. He worked as a horse logger but decided to return to college and pursue a career as an arborist. Ret. Chief Knott earned an Associate in Arts Degree in Education from Cape Cod Community College, an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Forestry from Paul Smith’s College, and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Natural Resources from UMass-Amherst. In 1977, the Knott Family moved to Groton, VT, where Ret. Chief Knott became employed at Northeastern Log Homes before eventually starting his own boat and canoe repair business.

In addition to maintaining his full-time job, Ret. Chief Knott devoted himself to building a network of emergency services both locally and throughout the region. He served as a Vermont State Fire Instructor for more than 20 years. He also served on the Board of Directors and the Training Committee for Twin State Mutual Aid and held the post of Vice President and Inspector for Capital Fire Mutual Aid. Ret. Chief Knott was a founding member of the Groton-Ryegate FAST Squad, serving as Head of Services for three years, and a Rural Water Instructor for a private company called Catamount Fire Training for more than 15 years. During his 18 year-career with the Groton Volunteer Fire Department (GVFD), Ret. Chief Knott organized and facilitated a multitude of drills and trainings for the department, including but not limited to: Ice Rescue Team training, Dry Hydrant Program training, DHART Landing Zone training, Flashover training, Firefighter Rehab training, Logger Rescue training, and an Emergency Vehicle Operating Class.

When asked about the accomplishment(s) he is most proud of, Ret. Chief Knott references a bookshelf at the Groton Free Public Library that contains a vast collection of texts and other resources for fire and emergency medical services. The library’s computer system also has a direct link to the National Fire Academy so that “an individual can sit here in Groton and get material from the National Library to help them advance their career…these are resources for the next generation.”

Ret. Chief Knott cites recruitment, retention, and training as the biggest challenges he faced during his tenure. “We’re here to help when people are having a real hard day,” he explains. “We've had some tragedies over the years, but we’ve had some saves too.” In addition to the level of commitment necessary and the emotional toll on first responders, Ret. Chief Knott says the training required for each certification “takes hundreds and hundreds of hours.” He hopes that making education more accessible through the materials offered at the local library will help inspire the next generation to become more involved with emergency services.

According to Ret. Chief Knott’s successor, Chief Aaron Smith, “Wayne's decades of service to the Groton Fire Department has unquestionably been the reason for its continued operational success. For years, Wayne has emphasized outside of the textbook teaching or ‘local training to local realities’ which, beyond a doubt, has saved more than one area family's home. I check with Wayne before clearing off an emergency scene, making sure I have not overlooked something.”

Ret. Chief Knott is undoubtedly a wealth of knowledge and well-respected for his expertise. He has helped train hundreds of up-and-coming young firefighters in the area, and his motto has always been, “When you teach, you learn twice.” If there was a job to be done, he worked alongside his squad members, showing them what to do every step of the way. “Chief Knott is the kind of leader who never asks others to give what he hasn’t already given himself,” Eastman states. “His dedication, his stamina, and his refusal to let his community down are what make him truly extraordinary.”

Ret. Chief Knott is humble and well aware that he could not have been “truly extraordinary” throughout his career without the unconditional love and support of his wife, Dorothy, whose guidance has been instrumental to his success. Dorothy, a Level 1 firefighter and dispatcher, helped Ret. Chief Knott build GVFD “from the ground up.” She has worked quietly behind the scenes, filing paperwork, organizing events, preparing food, etc. “The only way I made it through the universe,” Ret. Chief Knott says, “is that woman right there.”

Together, the Knotts have passed their legacy in emergency services on to countless youngsters, including their son, Henry, a mate with Hornbeck Offshore Services who also serves as Captain and Training Officer for GVFD. “Dad’s time in fire service influenced me in many ways. It taught me that, even on the hottest days, you’re still going to pack up and attack the fire because that’s what needs to be done,” Captain Knott says. “It taught me hard work and preparedness so we are ready to respond when called upon to help people on their hardest days. His time as a first responder above all has introduced me to a group of people who are always ready and willing to drop what they are doing to help their neighbors. I’m grateful to be a part of this community.”

GVFD meetings are held at 7:00 pm every Tuesday at the Groton Fire Station. Anyone interested in learning more about fire service is invited to attend a meeting and/or talk with a member of the department.

Uncommon Jam hosts three bands on a fine weather day

By Bernie Marvin

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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

A solo Atlantic Ocean rowing trip will take a woman 3 to 6 months to complete

By Bernie Marvin

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Atlantic Dash boat rower Renee Blacken of Bethlehem, will be crossing the Atlantic Ocean as a lone rower beginning January, 2026. She expects to be on the water from three to six months. Courtesy Photo

Bethlehem, NH – A woman from Bethlehem, NH, will begin a January 24, 2026, solo rowboat trip on the Atlantic Ocean that could take her between three and six months to complete from port to port.
As part of a program known as the Atlantic Dash, she is expected to be alone on the water in her specially equipped single-occupant boat that will see the trip’s conclusion at Antigua in the Caribbean, where friends and family will be waiting to welcome her back to land.
Renee Blacken, 40, decided in the winter of 2023 that she would do the trip, seeing, she said during a recent interview with The Bridge Weekly, that she had the help and resources, plus the time and mindset to serve others. She figured everything was in order and said, “Now is the time for me to do this.”
Renee came to the Granite State on a bit of a circuitous route. She was born in Ithaca, New York, attended high school in Putney, Vermont, and Bates College in Maine. She has been in New Hampshire for the past 12 years. She has a son, Walter, 13, and she is now hard at work finalizing all the training, arrangements, practice runs, and licensing she will need to make the 3200-mile solo water journey.
She says she is doing the trip to raise awareness of and funding for trauma recovery programs that integrate mind and body healing in northern New Hampshire. She held several events earlier this year to raise funds and awareness for trauma recovery programs. She says she will be rowing the open Atlantic Ocean for trauma survivors.
My conversation with Renee was packed with information about her boat trip, which is scheduled to begin on January 24, 2026. She said she expects to leave from the shoreline of Lanzarote in the Canary Islands and row to Antigua in the Caribbean Sea. She will have no motor, no sail, just her oars.
Her local group is Team FOARtysomething. The trip will raise awareness of the importance of trauma recovery programs in New Hampshire and the region. It will connect individuals to trauma recovery resources and programs in northern New Hampshire. She noted that it will also reduce the burden of cost participation by providing funding for programs that incorporate trauma-sensitive yoga, mindfulness meditation, breathing techniques, and somatic practices to aid in processing trauma and foster posttraumatic growth. She will also be doing the trip to help fund the development and expansion of trauma recovery programs.
When she dips her oars into the ocean at the end of next January, she will be rowing and navigating 3200 miles over water as part of the Atlantic Dash 2026 program. She will be one lady in a rowboat with no support boats, and she will be spending 60 to 90 days on the open ocean.
According to her website and through our recent face-to-face interview, Renee is an endurance athlete, musician, yoga instructor, teacher, farmer, lover of the mountains, ocean adventure, and physical and mental challenger and survivor.
She learned to row while at the Putney School and continued at college in Maine and Trinity College in Ireland, where she rowed with the Dublin University Ladies Boat Club. She has also competed in the Irish National championships and the Women’s Henley Regatta in 2003.
She is an experienced marathon and ultramarathoner, a long-distance backpacker, and a cycler. With her ocean crossing, she will be the first American woman and the first solo female to row in the Atlantic Dash. Only two other American women have ever completed a solo transatlantic row to date, and at fortysomething, she will be the oldest American woman to complete the voyage as a lone rower.
According to the Atlantic Dash personnel and their website, rowing alone in the Atlantic Ocean is not about being first or being the fastest; it is about the spirit of adventure. They note that they are a diverse group with different backgrounds, abilities, ages, and life experiences that come together to achieve the same goal: to row the Atlantic Ocean safely in a tiny rowing boat.
The Atlantic Dash rowers write that they are humans, not super-humans. They say they are breaking the misconception that ocean rowing is an elitist sport. “Our goal is to demonstrate that anyone can accomplish things they may have never thought possible.”
They also protect their playground. “We love the ocean, and we aim to minimize our environmental impact by protecting and taking care of it.”
Renee indicated there are several ways for the public to support her programs. First is the internet’s GoFundMe, where contributions go directly toward Team FOARtysomething rowing-related expenses, such as event entry, transporting the boat to Lanzarote, and transporting the boat from Antigua.
There is also the Amazon Wishlist that will assist her with the purchase of essential items for the row and also to donate to the Outdoor Adventuring For Good which will “ increase the availability and accessibility of trauma recovery programs in northern New Hampshire and the surrounding area for veterans, first responders, active military, survivors of domestic abuse and assault, and other survivors of acute and complex trauma.”
And the far-reaching program will provide free and reduced-cost programs that integrate mind and body healing for individuals dealing with PTSD, anxiety, depression, and chronic pain as a result of traumatic life experiences.
During her Atlantic crossing, she will be maintaining communication with several social media channels and will be reaching out to schools while she rows her boat. She said it is fantastic that she can be in the middle of the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean and speak directly to a sixth-grade class about the ocean and why she is making the trip.
She said there will be no chase boats or other supply vessels with her, and she will be communicating daily with the Atlantic Dash program through satellite technology. She will also be working on weather reports, medical reports, and other essential programs to ensure her survival in case of any issues. The electronics will keep her informed as to what is ahead of her as she makes the crossing.
She said she has been preparing for the past two years and will continue until the moment she boards her boat named “Reset” and casts off for her long journey.
Her website is WWW.outdooradventuringforgood.org.

Renee Blacken of Bethlehem does some pre-trip chart plotting, checking her route during her upcoming Atlantic Ocean crossing as a lone rower. Courtesy photo.

Renee Blacken interviews with The Bridge Weekly about her January trip that will take her on a 3200 mile trip across the Atlantic Ocean alone in her boat. The Bridge Weekly/Bernie Marvin

The Rocking Chairs’ Last Street Dance Curtain Call

By Trish Griswold

Mike Lusby has created The Rocking Chairs’ next album cover, an animated picture collage that depicts the band’s current members. Pictured (clockwise from top left) are: Bobby Caffey, Alex Valliant, Mike Lusby, Jim Lusby, and Ron Barale. - Courtesy photo

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Bath, NH - Last Saturday night, The Rocking Chairs’ soulful classic rock music reverberated for miles as townspeople, young and old, congregated on the Bath Common one final time to sing, dance, and celebrate.


The Rocking Chairs, a local band comprised of close friends and family, has been the heart and soul of the Bath Firefighters’ Benefit Concert/Street Dance for the past 17 years, with the exception of 2020 and 2021 when public venues throughout the state were shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The band, which currently features brothers Mike and Jim Lusby on drums and bass guitar respectively, Ron Barale and Bobby Caffey on guitar and Alex Valliant on lead vocals, makes it their mission each year to share their passion for music with family, friends, and neighbors. Their annual concert is free and doubles as an opportunity to help raise funds to support the town’s 17-member volunteer fire department. “[Chief] Donnie Bowman has said to me many times that, even if we didn’t raise any money or get any donations, the Fire Department loves giving the town something to do together,” Mike explains. “I think that’s perfectly worded because that’s what it’s all about.”


According to Mike, former Fire Chief Willy Minot was receptive when he approached the Fire Department in 2007 with a philanthropic proposal to cultivate community spirit and raise much-needed funds. The Rocking Chairs’ relationship with the Fire Department evolved from there. Monies raised have provided numerous college scholarships for local seniors and helped off-set the cost(s) of big ticket items, such as equipment, so that firefighters have access to the tools they need without over-burdening tax payers. “It was Ron’s idea to do a benefit for some entity, and we’ve been doing [the concert/street dance] ever since.”


From January to August each year, a considerable amount of work happens behind the scenes. Mike handles most of the event planning, from scheduling and advertising to production and sponsorships. He has developed a network of local businesses that donate goods and services, including WMUR meteorologist Kevin Skarupa, who provides up-to-the-minute forecasts starting one week before the event. “He’s our lucky charm,” Mike quips. “We haven’t been rained out in 17 years.”


In order to “pull this off,” Mike says, it requires an incredible amount of support from a myriad of community partners. Strawberry Farm Band opens for The Rocking Chairs, Don Vogt from Audio Farm Productions provides sound and lighting, and the Bath Police Department, with assistance from surrounding departments, provides crowd control and emergency services. “People have really respected it,” Ron comments. “We’ve never had any problems. Nobody ever disrespected it.”


Other sponsors include: WYKR, Amoskeag Beverages, The Little Grille, Jamie Lynn’s Kitchen, Red’s Auto Spa, Heathen Design Co., and Fresh Coat Finishes. In addition to holding a raffle, the Fire Department prepares a barbecue luncheon consisting of burgers, hot dogs, potato chips, and soda. They also “took over a lot of the heavy lifting” several years ago when assembling the stage, risers, etc. became too much for the band members. “We do the benefit for them, but they do a lot of the work.”


Given their popularity and overwhelming success, one might question why The Rocking Chairs would call it quits after nearly two decades of performing for the community they love. “Unfortunatley life changes,” Mike says, citing increasing costs, travel expenses, arthritis, and other health issues as the main reasons. “We will still record and do parties on the grass [at home] during the day when it’s warm, but we’re getting too old for this.”


When asked about the future of the Street Dance, Chief Bowman replies, “It’s tremendous what Mike has done. I don’t think it’s the right thing to do to have someone take Mike’s spot at the Street Dance because it’s Mike. It’s his doing. It’s The Rocking Chairs. It’s their thing. It just doesn’t feel right.”


The Rocking Chairs may have had their last curtain call, but fans can still purchase their music, including originals and covers, on a variety of platforms, such as Amazon Music and iTunes.

Eastern States Cup Enduro #5 at Mountain Lakes was Very Special

By Bernie Marvin

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Pro Women: 4th - Abigail Arbogast, 2nd - Kai Waldman, 1st - Amanda Vansant, 3rd - Michelle Guy, 5th - Reya Voegeli. Andrew Santoro photo

Mountain Lakes, NH rain or shine. The weather was iffy, at best, but the weekend at Mountain Lakes was very special, indeed, with a good turnout and a lot of family fun, as usual. It is what the crowd expected, sun, friendly faces and hard trails.
That was for Saturday, July 26, 2025 . On Sunday's race day, it got a bit wet, but it all presented special challenges and capped of another successful trip to Monteau for a solid day of good fun on a wet mountain that provided a somewhat wet schedule at Monteau.
It's hard to believe the schedule is at the midpoint of the season, but here they all were in the Granite State for Round 5 of Stan's Enduro action. Andrew Santoro tells it best: "We raced Monteau's abandoned ski area last year and had so much fun we decided to return for a second helping of loam and jank."
Santoro reported from trailside that "It's not a bike park, and the flow doesn't come easy here, but when you find a sneaky double or inside line, it's so rewarding. This year, Mother Nature decided to raise the stakes with a dose of moisture to keep things interesting. The already tricky terrain turned slick and unpredictable, forcing riders to dig deep and stay light on the pedals to keep momentum. Those who were able to keep the wheels rolling eventually found the podium through the raindrops," he said.

Jax Schmitz is back on the ebike, second place this weekend and gaining speed on Phil Kmetz. Andrew Santoro photo

40-49 class racer Allan Bishop does his best to keep the tires moving through the slop; he'd end the day in P2 with a couple of stage wins. Andrew Santoro photo

Ben Frithsen is still stoked after returning his chip in the pouring rain. Andrew Santoro photo

One Grandmother’s Birthday Wish for a Cure

By Trish Griswold

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Jenny Nelson loves seeing the big, beautiful smile on Eliza’s face as they play Patty Cake together. In honor of Eliza, Jenny is dedicating her 75th birthday to helping raise funds and awareness about Rett syndrome. - Courtesy photo

Ryegate, VT - On August 10, 2025, Jenny Nelson of Ryegate Corner, VT, will celebrate her 75th birthday. This is, by all accounts, an incredible milestone; however, Jenny has asked not to have a “traditional” birthday celebration. In lieu of cards, flowers and gifts, her only birthday wish is the continued hope that one day she will have the pleasure of hearing her granddaughter’s voice. “It would mean the world to me to see her have a successful trial with the new possibility of finding a cure.”

Jenny’s granddaughter, six-year-old Eliza Pelletier, of West Burke, was born with Rett syndrome (RTT), a rare genetic disorder caused by a mutation on the x chromosome in a gene called MECP2. According to information published by the International Rett Syndrome Foundation, RTT affects one in every 10,000 to 15,000 females (drastically fewer males) and is often misdiagnosed early on as more well-known neurological disorders, such as autism, cerebral palsy, or epilepsy. Though RTT affects everyone differently, it is marked by deficits in body functioning and communication. Symptoms often include seizures, gastrointestinal issues, breathing complications, interrupted sleep, scoliosis, cardiac problems, and uncontrolled hand movements.

In addition to experiencing many of these symptoms, Eliza is unable to speak words for herself. Instead, she uses Eye gaze technology to communicate with her family, friends, teachers, and service providers. Eye gaze technology, used in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices, allows individuals with communication and physical disabilities to communicate by tracking eye movements. It basically replaces mouse or keyboard input with the user's gaze, enabling them to select choices, type messages, and communicate their needs by looking at pictures and icons on the tablet.

“There’s a sweet little girl inside. There’s somebody in there who’d like to have a nice chat with you,” remarks Jenny, who would love nothing more than to hear Eliza call her “Mimi.”

Betsey (Nelson) Pelletier, Eliza’s mother, the youngest of Jenny and Bill’s four children, agrees wholeheartedly. “Our daughter Eliza is truly a gift. Though Rett syndrome affects her ability to speak, we see her understanding in her eyes and feel her love in her smile—it lights up every room. She teaches us every day about resilience, joy, and the power of connection beyond words.”

While there is currently no cure for Rett syndrome, there are limited treatment options to help address some of its symptoms. Eliza takes prescription medication and receives different types of therapy, but there is hope for so much more.

Eliza’s family recently learned that she is eligible for two gene therapy trials currently being conducted in the United States. One of the trial sites is Boston Children's Hospital in Massachusetts. While the methods differ, both trials involve delivering the full copy of MECP2 genetic material, in a one-time injection, to the cells in the brain so that the body will start producing the protein essential for proper brain function. Benefits in the first phases of these clinical trials have been documented across many areas, including gross motor/ambulation, fine motor/hand function, and communication skills. Both trials are now in their second phases.

“We’re incredibly thankful for the progress being made through scientific research,” Betsey says. “It gives us real hope that one day Eliza, and so many others like her, will have the chance to live more independently and fully.”

To increase awareness and help raise funds to support research efforts, Jenny is inviting family, friends, and community members to a special event (rain or shine) from 1:00 - 4:00 pm on Sunday, August 10th, at her home located at 149 South Bayley Hazen Road in Ryegate Corner. “I love a big party. I want my 75th birthday to be very special, and we’ll have fun too!”

Guests can enjoy refreshments, a bounce house, and live music performed by Cousin Freddy and the Sap Buckets, a band featuring well-known local musician Brian Emerson. A slideshow will be set up to provide important information about Rett syndrome with an opportunity for guests to make a financial contribution to benefit Eliza’s fundraising efforts. Eliza, her parents, and her older brother, Braeden, will also be in attendance.

“We’re so grateful to my mom for opening her heart and home to help us raise awareness and support for Eliza. Her love for her family shines through in everything she does, and this fundraiser wouldn’t be possible without her strength, generosity, and unwavering belief in a brighter future for children with Rett syndrome.”

More information about Rett syndrome is available on the International Rett Syndrome Foundation website at http://www.rettsyndrome.org. Anyone interested in making an online donation in honor of Eliza can visit her fundraising page at https://give.rettsyndrome.org/CrushRett4Eliza. "Helping one person might not change the whole world, but it could change the world for one person” (Martín De León).

Six-year-old Eliza Pelletier is all smiles as she enjoys a ride on her adaptive bicycle. - Courtesy photo

The Pelletier Family is hopeful that ongoing clinical trials will make significant progress in the fight to find a cure for Rett syndrome. Pictured (L-R) are Betsey, Eliza, Matt, and Braeden Pelletier. - Courtesy photo

Bradford takes aim at ESPN

By Sara Lornitzo

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Shown (L-R) are Team USA Member Roger Wholie of East Corinth, VT; Michael Morrissette, Coach and Owner
of Running Water Recreation Center in Bradford; and Team USA member Miky Steele, of Windsor, VT.

Bradford, VT - It starts with a bow, an arrow, and a moving target—and once you try it, you’re hooked. Archery Tag is an action-packed sport that mixes the intensity of dodgeball with the skill of archery. It’s safe, fast-moving, and exploding in popularity.
And on Friday, August 1, 2025, two players from Bradford are taking it all the way to ESPN OCHO.
Only eight athletes nationwide were chosen to represent Team USA in the international Archery Tag match against Canada. Two of those members are Roger Wholie, 36, and Miky Steele, 25. The two have been training at Running Water Recreation in Bradford. Coach and manager Michael Morrissette, who just turned 60, has been working hard to get his team to this point, and he will be joining them in Florida. Michael, along with his wife Kelly, own and operate Running Water Recreation in Bradford. Together, they’ve built something rare: a small-town training ground with national impact.
If you’ve never played or even heard of archery tag, don’t worry. Most haven’t. But that’s changing fast. Players use soft foam-tipped arrows and face shields and score points by hitting players on the other team. It’s an arena-style game that’s as much about timing and teamwork as it is about aim. It’s safe for beginners, challenging for competitors, and a lot of fun both competitively and recreationally.
And it’s not just Archery Tag. Running Water Recreation has bouncy houses, mini golf, and more, and can be hired for events if you want them to come to you. They have hosted games at many of the schools in and around the Upper Valley. Whether you’re planning a birthday, looking for a new hobby, or just want to try something different, they’ve got the gear and the space.
The league is open to players from age 8 to 73 years old, but kids as young as 5 and adults well into their 80s have picked up a bow just for the pure joy of it. It’s one of the few sports where everyone, regardless of age or background, can be part of the action.
League registration for Archery Tag opens again in September, but the center is open for those who just want to play. The center offers drop-in games for those rainy summer days, and it’s a fun after school activity. It’s also a great outlet for kids who need something physical but fun - and for parents who want an alternative to screen time.
The game fits right in with ESPN OCHO’s lineup of quirky, alternative, and adrenaline-pumping sports. It’s a rare chance to see something like this in the spotlight…and to see two local players take the field on behalf of the entire country. It’s a reminder of just how much potential there is right here at home. It’s fun, it’s fast, and now…. it’s local.
Don’t miss the international Archery Tag event on ESPN OCHO, Friday, August 1st. Stream it live on ESPN+ and look for coverage across ESPN’s social media. Bradford’s going national. Let’s show the country how we play.

Roger Wholie and Miky Steele are shown as they practice Archery Tag at the Running Waters Recreation in Bradford recently. The two are part of a team that will represent Team USA in an international Archery Tag match against Canada, which will be shown on ESPN.

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

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

By Bernie Marvin

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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.