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Senator Hassan Recognizes Mark Hagopian of Auburn and Jay Anderson of Sandown as November’s Granite Staters of the Month

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan recognized Mark Hagopian of Auburn and Jay Anderson of Sandown as November’s Granite Staters of the Month. The duo raised COVID-19 relief money for Granite Staters by designing and selling their own special IPA, which they named “Brain Fog.”

 

In March 2020, Mark Hagopian was treated for COVID-19 at the Elliot Hospital in Manchester, and after three weeks on a ventilator he recovered, thanks to the hard work of the nurses and medical staff. After his recuperation, Mark wanted to help others, which led him to partner with Elliot Hospital to set up the NH COVID-19 Family Relief Fund. Proceeds go to Granite Staters who continue to feel the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and can help these individuals with health care copays, rehabilitation, groceries, and other costs.

 

When Mark asked his friend Jay Anderson, owner of From the Barrel Brewing Company in Derry, about teaming up, Jay said it was a “no-brainer.” They got to work designing a special IPA called “Brian Fog,” with the proceeds going to the NH COVID-19 Family Relief Fund. The beer was wildly successful – as evidenced by the fact that Mark and Jay sold out of all the cases of “Brain Fog” in that first weekend.

 

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.

 

See below for the statement Senator Hassan will submit to the Congressional Record:

 

M. President. I am proud to recognize Mark Hagopian of Auburn and Jay Anderson of Sandown as November’s Granite Staters of the Month. Mark and Jay partnered together to raise COVID-19 relief money for Granite Staters by designing and selling their own special IPA, which they named “Brain Fog.”

 

In March of 2020, Mark Hagopian was rushed to Elliot Hospital in Manchester and was immediately admitted to the ICU to be treated for COVID-19. After three weeks on a ventilator, Mark miraculously recovered thanks to the hard work of the nurses and medical staff, or “super heroes,” as he calls them.

 

After his recuperation, Mark wanted to help others, which led him to partner with Elliot Hospital to set up the NH COVID-19 Family Relief Fund. Proceeds go to Granite Staters who continue to feel the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and can help these individuals with health care copays, rehabilitation, groceries, and other costs.

 

When Mark asked his friend Jay Anderson, owner of From the Barrel Brewing Company in Derry, about teaming up, Jay said it was a “no-brainer.” They got to work designing a special IPA with the proceeds going to the NH COVID-19 Family Relief Fund. Since Mark had been a regular customer, Jay knew exactly what type of beer Mark would like, and together they named the final product “Brain Fog.”

 

At the launch event for “Brain Fog,” Granite Staters mingled and heard from Mark and Jay about the NH COVID-19 Family Relief Fund. The beer itself was wildly successful – as evidenced by the fact that Mark and Jay sold out of all the cases of “Brain Fog” that first weekend. The duo plans to revive the brew and continue fundraising for the Elliot Hospital in the future.

 

Mark and Jay are shining examples of what it means to be Granite Staters. After undergoing intense medical hardship, Mark turned around and started giving back to his community, and Jay was more than ready to help. Not only did they show impressive innovation and entrepreneurship, but they also brought people together during an especially hard time as our state and country continue to feel the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. I am honored to name them as Granite Staters of the Month, and I look forward to seeing how their future endeavors continue to make our communities stronger.  

 

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