🌱 N.H. Olympic Doc + Opt In + Pets, Horses Need Forever Home

Good morning, Bedford! Here's everything you need to know to start Friday off right.

First, today's weather:

Becoming partly cloudy after some morning wind and rain.. High: 58. Low: 17.

Temps falling sharply to near freezing Friday night. Winds WNW at 20 to 30 mph. Chance of rain 70%. Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph

Shoutout to our premier local sponsors:

• Looking to buy or sell a home in or near Bedford? George Pervanas at Coldwell Banker Realty has served Southern New Hampshire for over 20 years with honesty and integrity. Email George at George.Pervanas@nemoves.com or call him directly at 603-620-2249 for all your real estate needs.

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Here are the top stories in Bedford today:

1. A dog, cat, and other deserving animals are waiting for you to find them at a nearby animal shelter. And it's not only dogs and cats that are hoping to find a loving forever home. There are also pigs, guinea pigs, birds, and even horses. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals said over 6 million pets and other animals are taken in each year by animal rescue organizations nationwide, but only about half are adopted each year. If you are looking to adopt a pet, or are able to foster a pet, they are waiting to meet you at Bedford area animal shelters. With help from our friends at Petfinder, Patch has compiled this week's list of animals available for adoption near you. You can read more about this story here: (Bedford Patch)
2. A New Hampshire doctor described his experience at the Olympics helping U.S. athletes compete to win gold in Beijing as "surreal." Dr. Chris Couture, a physician working for University of New Hampshire athletics, is overseeing 10 U.S. athletes competing for a medal in ski jumping combined with teams from Norway. Couture noted that the pandemic presented unique challenges. When you go to the dining hall to eat, he said, the people waiting on you and cleaning the tables are in full biohazard or hazmat suits. "It's really surreal," he said. You can read the full story here: (WMUR)
3. A plan requiring the state to get permission before adding individuals to a vaccine registry list in New Hampshire may be gaining political support. State Rep. Timothy Lang, R-Sanbornton is advocating for an "opt-in database" rather than the current opt-out default. New Hampshire automatically adds vaccine records to the registry unless a parent requests they not be added. The Legislature created the vaccine registry law in 1998 so health officials would have access to data about how many people in the state are vaccinated. Patricia Tilley, director of the Division of Public Health Services, said her agency respects personal privacy and said, "No one is required to participate in the Immunization Information System." You can read the full story here: (Yahoo News)

From our sponsor:

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From my notebook:

• Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains: "Troop 30228 put together a Valentine's Day themed booth at a bookstore in Waterbury, Vermont." (Facebook)
• Bedford N.H. Public Library: "For the third time, the library's reference staff have compiled a Voter's Guide for Bedford Town Elections." (Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

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• Healthy Buffalo — (Visit website)
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Events:

• Social Security Seminar Feb. 22 & Feb. 24. (Feb. 22)
• Learn How To Reduce Your Risk For Heart Disease During American Heart Month. (Feb. 28)
• Gate City Charter School for the Arts March Information Session. (Mar. 9)
• STAINED GLASS CLASSES — March 14-April 22, early spring 2022 session (Mar. 14)
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Job listings:

• Virtual Career Fair — Information & Interview Day. (Details)
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If you love the Bedford Daily, here are all the ways you can get more involved:

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You're caught up for today. I'll be in your inbox tomorrow with a new update!

— 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.