The Northern New England Blog

Ben Dyer, blood recipient By Jennifer Costa, regional communications director Ben Dyer has always been a guy who works with his hands. He’s chosen professions in construction, on golf courses, in education – and for the last decade, as a raw materials planner for Poland Springs Water. On October 25, 2023, his workday started like any other. And after his shift, Ben headed to a popular restaurant for one of his favorite past times.  “I was a Schemengees playing cornhole. It was a regular league.” A fun way to unwind after work and share a few laughs with friends. It was part of his weekly routine. “Every Wednesday night,” he said.  Unbeknownst to Ben – and all the patrons at Schemengees Bar & Grille – that night would erupt in chaos and terror, changing an entire community forever. As Ben and his friends competitively tossed bean bags, a gunman walked into a bowling alley down the street and opened fire. The shooter then fled the scene and carried out a second attack at Sch...