🌱 2023 Young Entrepreneur Awards + Six Controversial Cannabis Bills

Hi everyone! Today, April 22, is the 53rd anniversary of Earth Day—a day set aside to increase awareness and appreciate our Earth and our natural environment. I'm in your inbox this morning with the most important things happening in Bedford today. In this issue, find out about these stories and more...

• 2023 Young Entrepreneur of the Year Awards at the Manchester Country Club.
• Senate Judiciary Committee hears pros and cons of six cannabis bills.
• Member First Credit Union has a new CEO.

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But first, today's weather:

Low clouds. High: 55 Low: 47.

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Here are the top stories today in Bedford:

1. The Small Business Administration of New Hampshire named Nick Gray of Manchester the New Hampshire 2023 Young Entrepreneur of the Year. Award winners will be honored at the 2023 National Small Business Week celebration at the Manchester Country Club in Bedford on Wednesday, May 3 from 4- 6 p.m. The event is sponsored by the NH Office of the U.S. Small Business Administration and the NH Banker’s Association. (Manchester Ink Link)
2. Six cannabis bills were heard by the Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday. In one bill, the state would sell marijuana at liquor stores and earn a 12.5 percent drug sale tax. Former state legislator Tim Egan testified, “We can either control it or leave it to the black market.” Bedford Police Chief John Bryfonski, representing the Association of Chiefs of Police, argued against legalization, saying "the bill doesn’t provide for a limit on the active ingredient THC (tetrahydrocannabinol)" which he said is dangerous for drivers. Bob Dunn, director of public policy for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Manchester said it was “counter to the common good.” (InDepthNH.org)
3. Members First Credit Union welcomed Courtney Fifield as its new CEO on Monday. Courtney brings more than two decades of banking and finance experience to Members First, which has a branch on Route 101 in Bedford. Find out more here: (Manchester Ink Link)

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Today in Bedford:

• Recycle your electronics AND support your community! (8:00 AM)
• Earth Day - Planters Workshop (6:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Join the Bedford Trail Stewards to help clear trails: "Annual Work Day at Pulpit Rock Conservation Area - Saturday, May 6, 2023, 9AM to 1PM. Meet at the New Boston Road parking lot. Bring gloves, metal rakes, loppers, pickax, hammers, and handsaws as well as plenty of water, sunscreen and bug repellant. No special skills required." For more information, contact Kathleen Ports, Town of Bedford, NH Associate Planner kports@bedfordnh.org.
• Thank you, corporate sponsors: "THANK YOU💚! We are so grateful to these corporate partners who made a considerable impact for our Girl Scouts earlier this year. We appreciate their commitment and dedication to our mission of building girls of courage, character and co..." (Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains via Facebook)
• Have a great Spring Break: "Have a great Spring Break everyone! Staycationing or vacationing, stay healthy and safe and we will see you soon!" (Memorial Elementary School via Facebook)
• Drop-in playtime: "Celebrate bugs, bunnies, gardening, and more at our drop-in playtime! We'll have several stations set up in the Castle for kids and caregivers to engage in self-directed play." (Bedford (NH) Public Library via Facebook)
• Last chance for scholarships: "Hey parents of Seniors: Last chance for our scholarships! Visit our website and or guidance for the forms. Any issues please reach out via dm. Thank you!" (Bedford Bulldogs Athletic Booster Club via Facebook)
• BCTV schedule: "Here is this week's BCTV program and live events schedule. Please visit www.bedfordtv.com for online and on demand viewing. Thank you for Watching! 👀" (Bedford (NH) Community Television via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Polaris Charter School — (Visit website)
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Featured events:

• School Bus Driving Information Session (April 22)
• Which Climate Solutions Work for You, Your Community, and the World? (April 24)
• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Get Delighted Every Week (April 25)
• Taxes in Retirement Seminar at Saint Anselm College (April 25)
• An Evening of Bathroom Design - Nashua Home Design Center Educational Series (May 4)
• Add your event

That's it for today! I'll catch up with you again soon. Have a great weekend!
— Paula Constance

About me: Paula is a contributing writer, author, and media producer. When she's not writing, you can find her hiking or watching fireflies in the sultry moments before sunset. You can also find her on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Bedford Patch newsletter? Contact me at paula.constance.patch@gmail.com