Around New England

You Know Those Memorial Benches? How Long Are They Good For?

Matthew McDonald

Only 10 years, says the New Hampshire Division of Parks and Recreation's Commemorative Memorial Bench Program — which angers a woman who paid $200 for one in honor of her late parents at a state beach in Rye, New Hampshire. The state didn't notify her when it yanked the bench, and now wants $1,000 to put a new one there.

Around New England

‘Mr. Green’ of Reagan Debate Fame Dies At 81

Matthew McDonald

Jon Breen was a Nashua Telegraph editor moderating a debate between Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush just before the New Hampshire primary in 1980 when he entered the history books, albeit with a mangled version of his name. At one point Reagan wanted to argue that other Republican presidential candidates waiting offstage ought to be allowed to participate in the debate; Breen ordered the sound man to cut off Reagan's microphone, leading Reagan to say, "I am paying for this microphone, Mr. Green," an act of perceived strength that helped propel Reagan to victory.

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