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Senator Hassan Recognizes Harry Armstrong of Canaan and John Bayliss of Hanover as December’s Granite Staters of the Month

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan recognized Harold (Harry) Armstrong of Canaan and John Bayliss of Hanover as December’s Granite Staters of the Month. For decades, Harry has led a successful effort to collect used medical equipment and deliver it to those in need in the Upper Valley area and beyond.

Harry helped start the Health Closet, with members of the Canaan Lions Club, more than forty years ago. The group collected used medical equipment, such as manual and electric wheelchairs, walkers, lift chairs, crutches, canes, and bath stools from the area’s visiting nurses, nonprofits, hospitals, and individuals. They would then keep the equipment in storage until they found someone who needed it.

When Harry was hospitalized two years ago and had to have his foot amputated, he worried that Health Closet’s mission would cease to be fulfilled. That’s when Harry’s friend and Lebanon Upper Valley Lions Club member John Bayliss stepped up to help run the initiative. Together, the two men have teamed up to do everything from DIY fix-ups of medical equipment in Harry’s and John’s garages, to lugging large medical machinery in their pickup trucks.

Senator Hassan launched the “Granite Stater of the Month” initiative in 2017 to recognize outstanding New Hampshire citizens who go above and beyond to help their neighbors and make their communities stronger. To nominate a New Hampshire citizen to be a “Granite Stater of the Month,” constituents can complete the nomination form here.

To read Senator Hassan’s statement for the Congressional Record, see below.

I am honored to recognize Harold (Harry) Armstrong of Canaan and John Bayliss of Hanover as December’s Granite Staters of the Month. For decades, Harry has led a successful effort to collect used medical equipment and deliver it to those in need in the Upper Valley area and beyond.

Harry helped start the Health Closet, with members of the Canaan Lions Club, more than forty years ago. The group collected used medical equipment, such as manual and electric wheelchairs, walkers, lift chairs, crutches, canes, and bath stools from the area’s visiting nurses, nonprofits, hospitals, and individuals. They would then keep the equipment in storage until they found someone who needed it.

When Harry was hospitalized two years ago and had to have his foot amputated, he worried that Health Closet’s mission would cease to be fulfilled. That’s when Harry’s friend and Lebanon Upper Valley Lions Club member John Bayliss stepped up to help run the initiative.

Through their work, the duo profoundly touches people’s lives by giving them the medical equipment that they desperately need to go about their lives and continue to be a part of their community. From doing DIY fix-ups of medical equipment in Harry’s and John’s garages, to lugging large medical machinery in their pickup trucks, their dedication to helping others, willingness to take the initiative, and generosity is a shining example of the Granite State spirit. 

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