[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 206 (Tuesday, November 30, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Page S8827]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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               TRIBUTE TO MARK HAGOPIAN AND JAY ANDERSON

 Ms. HASSAN. Madam 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 3 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 healthcare 
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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