WINDHAM, NH — The Southern New Hampshire Chamber of Commerce’s Government Affairs Committee was proud to welcome former U.S. Senator John Sununu for a lively and insightful Coffee & Conversation event bringing together business leaders, community voices, and public policy in one meaningful dialogue.

Held in Windham, the morning event offered attendees a unique opportunity to engage in a candid, no-nonsense discussion on the pressing issues facing our region and beyond from inflation and the economy to leadership and the future of New Hampshire’s communities.

Senator Sununu shared thoughtful perspectives drawn from his time in public office and private industry, sparking valuable conversation among attendees. Chamber members and community participants came ready with questions, and the result was a rich, engaging exchange of ideas that reflected the energy and intelligence of the Southern NH business community.

The Chamber’s Government Affairs Committee remains committed to connecting members with policymakers and providing relevant, timely programming to keep businesses informed and engaged. From events like Coffee & Conversation to the annual Concord Update, the Committee creates platforms for constructive dialogue and deeper understanding of the legislative issues that shape our economy.

To learn more about upcoming events and how to get involved with the Chamber, visit southernnhchamber.com or call 603-893-3177.

Photo caption, from left to right: Julie McAdoo, Exsum Group, LLC; Kerianne Pereira, Lowell Five Bank; Jeff Murphy, SFC Engineering Partnership Inc.; Former U.S. Senator John Sununu; Cindi Woodbury, Executive Director, Southern New Hampshire Chamber of Commerce; Bernard W. Campbell, Campbell’s Scottish Highlands Golf Course; Aaron Shamshoyan, Salem School District.

Submitted by Southern New Hampshire Chamber of Commerce

James J. DePalo

Epsom, NH – James J. DePalo, 78, of Epsom, NH, passed away surrounded by family on Thursday, October 16, 2025; at the Merrimack Community Hospice House.

He was born in Framingham, MA on April 6, 1947, son of the late Dr. Thomas DePalo and Caroline (Aggasiz) DePalo. James grew up in Milford, MA, was educated in the local schools and went on to earn his associate’s degree in business from Fisher Jr. College in Worcester, MA.

He proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps. He fought in Vietnam and was later assigned to presidential guard duty at Camp David under President Nixon. James worked for several years as a sales manager for Auto Zone and later for Quest Service Group performing fixture and display installations at box retail stores. He was an avid motorcyclist and took several tours to Lake George with his kids in his side car. He enjoyed both waterskiing and snow skiing. He was an all-around handyman, and you could always find him tinkering and fixing things. He also enjoyed reading and loved his family.

He is survived by his wife Kathleen (Dudley) DePalo with whom he shared 48 years of marriage, son, Raymond DePalo and daughter, Marybeth DePalo, sister, Connie (DePalo) Hourihan and her husband Richard, grandchildren, Isabella and David McSweeney, many nieces and nephews, as well as his beloved dog, “Sirus.”

Calling hours will be held on Monday, October 27th from 10Am-11:30AM at the Roan Family Funeral Home – Still Oaks Chapel, 1217 Suncook Valley, Epsom. A brief service will be held in the funeral home beginning at 11:30AM. Interment will follow with military honors at 1PM in the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to either the Merrimack Community Hospice House, 210 Naticook Road, Merrimack, NH 03054 or to Tunnels to Towers, 2361 Hylan Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10306. To share a memory or offer a condolence please visit www.roanfamilyfuneral.com

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CONCORD, NH — A driver from Massachusetts was killed after being accused of speeding on Interstate 93 from Concord to Canterbury before crashing and dying, according to New Hampshire State Police.

Just before 1 a.m. Sunday, a trooper attempted to stop a car near Exit 12 on the northbound side of the highway. State police said the driver, later identified as Benjamin Tapia Gately, 20, of Saugus, MA, failed to stop and a chase ensued. During the pursuit, state police accused Gately of driving erratically and speeding up to 120 mph on the Interstate.

“As the Honda approached Exit 18, the driver attempted to take the off-ramp but lost control,” state police said. “The vehicle went off the road, crossed the northbound on-ramp, went down an embankment, and struck a tree.”

Gately was ejected from the car and died despite emergency responders from Canterbury Fire and Rescue attempting to save his life. No other people were in the car.

The crash remains under investigation, state police said.