🌱 Dog 'Dock Diving' Fun + Farmer's Market+ Loons Face PFAS In Lakes

Welcome back, Bedford! I'm here in your inbox to tell you everything you need to know that's happening today. Keep reading for the latest.

First, today's weather:

Warmer today, with partial sunshine. High: 92 Low: 71.

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Here are the top 4 stories in Bedford today:

1. Don't forget to stop by the Bedford Farmer's Market Tuesday afternoons! Discover farm-fresh produce and locally produced items every Tuesday from June 14-Oct. 11, from 3-6 p.m. at Bedford Farmer's Market. Look for the tents in the parking lot of Murphy’s Taproom, 323 Rte. 101, Bedford. The Farmer's Market has flowers, maple, conventional produce, fish, jams, wine, fruits, baked goods, eggs, jellies, specialty foods, and more, according to a recent post on their website. (Bedford Farmers Market)
2. The Loon population in New Hampshire has continued "slow growth" with some wins, watchdog groups said, but PFAS “forever chemical” contamination in new Hampshire lakes is having an" increasingly detrimental effect" on water bird populations. Bedford knows firsthand about PFAS "forever"chemicals that have permenetly closed Bedford drinking wells near the Saint Gobain Plastics plant. Toxic PFAS chemicals, which are also used in flame retardants and in firefighting foam, are posing a serious threat to the water birds, said Harry Vogel, a long-time senior biologist and executive director of the Loon Preservation Committee. Volunteers measured PFAS and other contaminants in the 350 lakes in New Hampshire. (Subscription/The Union Leader)
3. Andrea Morgan, of Bedford, entered her dog, Jessie, in a dock diving distance jumping competition. The dog eagerly splashed in the pool after a long jump during the diving dogs' event at American K9 Country in Amherst. Dock diving is the latest dog sports craze, according to American K9 Country in Amherst, which hosted the “diving dogs” competition. American K9 Country General Manager Amber McCune said they started offering dock diving classes about 6 years ago after building an outdoor dock and pool. “People love it. Dogs are addicted to it,” McCune said. (Subscription/The Union Leader)
4. A developer made changes to a controversial proposed Bedford gas station on Route 101. Changes to the plans to build a new gas station at 2 Hardy Road, diagonal to Hannaford supermarket on Route 101, reduce the number of gas station pumps from 16 to 12, but the Town conservation commission opposes the plan. In 2014, Hess Corp. proposed a similar gas station in the location that environmentalists and the Bedford conservation commission opposed. Bedford currently has six regulated gas stations in Bedford's high commercial and performance zones. (Subscription/The Union Leader)

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Today in Bedford:

• Teen & Tween Art Class. (Noon)
• Teen Candy Sushi Workshop. (7 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains: "Troop 58700 of Newport, N.H. wanted to work on their Animal Habitats and Pets badge, so they went on an outing to the Vermont Institute of Natural Sciences (VINS)." (Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains via Facebook)

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Thanks for following along and staying informed. See you all tomorrow for another update!

— Paula Constance

About me: Paula is a freelance writer, author, and award-winning media producer. She is committed to media projects that empower, engage, and help make the world a better place. You can find her on Instagram and Twitter.

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