Senator Hassan Recognizes Bob Murphy of Salem as January’s Granite Stater of the Month

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan recognized Bob Murphy of Salem as January's Granite Stater of the Month. Bob sells handmade bracelets and donates the proceeds to Parkinson's disease research.

After participating in a bracelet-making fundraiser last summer, Bob discovered his talent for making creative beading designs. He began selling his bracelets to residents and staff at the facility where he lives and donating the proceeds to the Parkinson's Foundation.

Bob has lived with Parkinson's disease for 20 years and likes to do activities that keep his mind active, including beading bracelets. Although he sometimes drops beads or moves more slowly than he would like to, the beading keeps him focused, and he will sometimes work on bracelets for the entire day -- comparing his crafting operation to a factory. Bob's creative fundraising is why Senator Hassan named him January's Granite Stater of the Month.

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 recognized Bob Murphy of Salem as January's Granite Stater of the Month for his efforts to support Parkinson's disease research.

Last June, Bob was asked to participate in a bracelet-making fundraiser to benefit the Alzheimer's Association. Bob discovered he had a hidden talent for making beading designs and enjoyed the creative outlet that the crafting provided. When he realized other residents and staff at the facility where he lived were interested in buying his bracelets, Bob started selling them in the lobby and donating the proceeds to the Parkinson's Foundation. So far, Bob has donated $1,500.

Bob picked the Parkinson's Foundation because he has lived with Parkinson's disease for 20 years. Bob likes to do activities that keep his mind active, such as doing puzzles, playing cards, reading, and now, making bracelets. Although he sometimes drops beads or moves more slowly than he would like to, the beading keeps him focused, and he will sometimes work on bracelets for the entire day -- comparing his crafting operation to a factory. The hobby has also helped him make new connections with other residents who come by to watch him work and even request bracelet designs.

Bob's creative fundraising is an inspiring example of the Granite State spirit of ingenuity and persistence. His work to contribute to Parkinson's research is why I am honored to name him January's Granite Stater of the Month.

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