🌱Hero's Welcome+ Saint-Gobain Controversy +Health Plans + Crafts

Happy Wednesday, Bedford! Here's everything happening in town today.

First, today's weather:

Sunny today with clouds. High: 45. Low: 31.

Rent this space:

Are you a local real estate agent, law firm, or business owner? Keep your business top-of-mind in Bedford by becoming a premium local sponsor for the Daily. Learn more about how it works here.

Here are the top stories in Bedford today:

1. A hero's welcome! Injured Manchester Fire Capt. Steve DesRuisseaux was escorted home after spending almost a month in a Boston hospital. At the New Hampshire border on Interstate 93, New Hampshire State Troopers, Manchester Police, and Londonderry Police escorted DesRuisseaux to his home in Manchester. DesRuisseaux was burned in an unexpected fireflash on Nov. 6 after getting caught on a ladder and being engulfed in flames attempting to rescue several people trapped on the upper floors of a three-story building in Manchester. DesRuisseaux was flown to Massachusetts General Hospital and was treated for burns on over 40 percent of his body. Firefighter Josh Charpentier pushed the ladder to the ground saving Lt. DesRuisseaux's life. (Patch)
2. Officials say an illegal bypass pipe at Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics continues to release "forever" chemicals into the environment. In a news conference with bipartisan local leaders, former state representative and environmental scientist Mindi Messmer said an EPA notice of deficiency last week stated that Saint-Gobain installed an illegal bypass, adding that it was another attempt to make money while continuing to release toxic chemicals in Merrimack. The controversy began six years earlier when PFOA chemicals from the embattled plant contaminated groundwater causing the closing of wells in Merrimack, Bedford, and Litchfield following years of emissions. Experts say that PFAS and PFOA compounds are called “forever" chemicals because they never break down in the environment and can cause irreversible contamination of soil, tap water, and groundwater. PFAS compounds have been linked to certain types of cancer, a weakened immune system, and other serious health problems. Leaders are calling for fines and asking the DES to close the plant to stop contamination. You can read more here: (WMUR)
3. Open enrollment for affordable health plans: Ambetter from N.H. Healthy Families on Executive Drive in Bedford announced open enrollment for affordable health plans from the Health Insurance Marketplace through Jan. 15, 2022. N.H. Healthy Families president & CEO, Clyde White, said that the COVID-19 pandemic has made it even more important for individuals, families, and communities to have access to the health care they need. Ambetter from N.H. Healthy Families offers health plans based on budget and need, "which means more people can find the coverage that works for them," White noted. You can find out more here: (PRNewswire)
4. Are you looking for unique gifts that will help local artisans? The Bedford Craftworkers’ Guild Holiday Fair started on Friday, Nov. 26, and runs through Dec. 22. Find unique gifts online, or enjoy COVID-safe shopping by appointment with curbside pickup at the Oliver Kendall House (behind the Bedford NH Public Library) between 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. daily. (Patch)

Today's Bedford Daily is brought to you by our friends at GoodRx — the best way to save money on your prescriptions. GoodRx helps you locate the lowest prices for medications at local pharmacies, so you're not overpaying. Works for pet medications too! To see how much you can save, go to GoodRx.com.

Today in Bedford:

• The Craftworkers' Guild Annual Holiday Fair. (10 a.m.)
• Light it UP or Frame it! (6:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Bedford N.H. Police Department: "We will be outside Tucker's Restaurant on Saturday, Dec. 4, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. stuffing our cruisers for Toys for Tots!" (Facebook)
• Bedford Cannons Lacrosse: "Registration for the Spring 2022 season is now open!" (Facebook)
• Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains: "Make your voice heard and stand up for what you believe in! We believe in planting 5 million trees by 2026, with support from the Elliott Wildlife Values Project, American Forests, and SciStarter." (Facebook)

From our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Healthy Buffalo — Look good in the Buff and Eat Buffalo meat! It's healthy! (Visit website)
• MJ'S Market, Inc — MJ's Market, A Cannabis Destination, Opening Late September! (Visit Website)
• RD1 Fitness — “A new way to 'fit' fitness into your daily routine.” (Visit website)
• Tiger Warrior Dojo — Commitment to Excellence. (Visit website)
• Add your business here

Events:

• How to Talk to Your Parents About Estate Planning. (December 9)
• New Year's Eve - Interactive NightLife Experience. (December 31)
• Add your event

See you tomorrow morning with another update. If you find these newsletters helpful, consider inviting a few of your friends and neighbors. You can send them this link to subscribe.

— Paula Constance

About me: I am a freelance writer, author, and media producer. I am committed to media projects that empower, engage, and help make the world a better place.

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