A Few Granite Staters Who Have Inspired Me This Year
This year, I was proud to launch my “Granite Stater of the Month” initiative to recognize New Hampshire citizens who represent the Granite State’s values and all-hands-on-deck spirit.
So far, we have recognized four exceptional Granite Staters. All of them have deeply inspired me this year, and represent the best of our state. I would like to share a bit of each of their stories here.
Our first Granite Stater of the Month from September is Elizabeth Atwood. Elizabeth, who struggled with a substance use disorder herself, is a Capacity Building Specialist with SOS Recovery Community Organization where she helps individuals who are struggling with substance misuse access recovery services and support networks.
Elizabeth’s story is one of strength and courage. Through her own perseverance and determination, Elizabeth regained custody of her son, got a job, and now receives health insurance from her employer. She now uses her experiences with a substance use disorder to inform her work at SOS Recovery Community Organization, where she works tirelessly to help individuals struggling with addiction.
Read more of her story here.
Our October Granite Stater of the Month, Rusty Talbot, is the founder and owner of the North Country Climbing Center. Rusty and his wife have built a small business described as an “inclusive community,” creating an environment welcoming to both experienced climbers and beginners. He has worked diligently to engage with various organizations throughout the community, like the Adaptive Sports Partners of the North Country, which empowers individuals who experience disabilities to learn rock climbing.
In addition to running his business, Rusty also serves his community as a volunteer firefighter at the Sugar Hill Fire Department and as lieutenant in the Pemigewasset Valley Search and Rescue Team. Earlier this year, he participated in the successful search and rescue of a hiker who had been missing in the White Mountain National Forest for days before he was found.
Read more about Rusty here.
In November, I recognized Linda Saunders Paquette of Contoocook as our Granite Stater of the Month.
Linda has been a true leader in the fight against the fentanyl, heroin, and opioid crisis in New Hampshire, which remains our most pressing public health and safety challenge.
Through her decades of service to the people of New Hampshire, including at the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services and starting in 2010 as Executive Director of New Futures — a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization advocating, educating, and collaborating in the fight against substance misuse — Linda has made an enormous difference in the lives of countless people and families affected by this crisis. Read more about her fight against the opioid epidemic here.
Our December Granite Stater reminded us all what the season of giving is truly about, 8-year-old “Mighty” Max Mendez.
As Max began treatment for leukemia last year — procedures, blood draws, and tests at Boston Children’s Hospital — he was often recognized for his courage and grit. The hospital had a supply of toys and after these procedures he would often be rewarded with one of them. Max received so many toys that he started to donate some of them to other kids, and realized that giving toys felt even better than receiving them.
In the face of his own severe health challenges, Max started “Mighty Max’s Mega Toy Drive” to help supply the Jimmy Fund Clinic, the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, and Boston Children’s Hospital’s hematology and oncology floor with presents for brave young patients like himself.
Read more about Mighty Max and his family here.
These are just a few of the Granite Staters who have inspired me this year, and I am thankful for all they, and so many Granite Staters, have done for our state this past year.
If you would like to nominate someone to be a Granite Stater of the Month in 2018, fill out this form on my website.
