How to help

Food, housing costs & utilities bills are the big concerns

Karen Moynihan is the Vice President of Philanthropy, Catholic Charities New Hampshire, which provides a variety of services including food distribution through the New Hampshire Food Bank. See cc-nh.org.

What have you noticed about the community’s needs right now and over the last year?

We have more people coming to us looking for assistance than we have in the past — even more so than when the pandemic first hit in 2020 and continued into 2021. So people are struggling, and the primary reason is threefold: the cost of food has increased, utility costs in New Hampshire are some of the highest in the country, and the cost of housing. So people are having a hard time maintaining their monthly budgets when everything around them just keeps going up and up. We have more people coming to us for emergency assistance and really urgent needs. They’re really one paycheck away from disaster.

What items can people give?

There are two programs that can take donated items: We have a veterans program here in Manchester, Liberty House, and they have a pantry that provides food and clothing and gear. A lot of our veteran population in Manchester is homeless. So they need camping gear and warm clothing and things like that. They list on their website what their needs are for the pantry; those could change on any given day. The other program we have is out at the Seacoast, and it’s a transitional housing program for moms and children called New Generation. These moms and children are usually homeless, they don’t have a job, and they’ve experienced trauma of some sort. Many of them have left abusive relationships. They may come in with some addiction challenges. They may come in without a driver’s license or crucial documentation because they had to leave a situation quickly. The program works with these moms for about a year getting them back on their feet. … By the time they leave the program, they have a job, they have child care, and they have an affordable place to stay. Anyway, there is a thrift store on site that takes donations of all kinds, because when those women leave that program, they also need household items. So folks can donate household items or clothing to the thrift store. They need everything from children’s clothing to adult clothing to bedding to kitchen items, things like that. So that’s another wonderful way to donate either gently used or new items.

What can monetary gifts be used for?

Monetary donations allow us the flexibility to quickly deploy resources for the most urgent needs. Oftentimes we can keep people in their homes by helping them get caught up on a utility bill, or helping them with a car repair that they can’t afford because they’re going to be evicted if they don’t pay their rent. There are just so many enormous challenges that people are facing right now, and they are literally on the verge of losing the most important things — housing, food, medications.

Where are volunteers needed most?

We have one program here in Manchester that is in urgent need of volunteers. It’s called Caregivers and this is a program for seniors on low fixed incomes who are just slightly above the poverty level. These seniors no longer drive and they need help to be able to continue to live independently in their homes. There are two things that Caregivers does for this network of seniors: they do deliveries of food to them — every senior gets a delivery of food once a month — and we give them rides to doctor’s appointments or the grocery store, whatever their needs are. These volunteers are sometimes the only connection to the outside world that these seniors have. They often don’t have family or relatives nearby to help them, so this is a critical resource for them.

How can people find the right volunteering opportunity?

Visit the Catholic Charities website click on the “Get involved” button. This section lists various volunteer opportunities. Choose what inspires you the most. You can sign up or learn more about each opportunity directly through the website. If you have any questions or need guidance, you can always call our office and speak with our volunteer coordinator.

How to help

Here are some of New Hampshire homelessness and housing support charities.

  • Cross Roads House 600 Lafayette Road, Portsmouth, 436-2218, crossroadshouse.org
  • Families in Transition 122 Market St., Manchester, 641-9441, fitnh.org
  • Family Promise of Greater Concord 79 Clinton St., Concord, 856-8490, familypromisegcnh.org​​.
  • Family Promise of Southern New Hampshire 3 Crown St., Building B, Nashua, 883-7338, familypromisesnh.org​
  • Friends Program 130 Pembroke Road, Suite 200, Concord, 228-1193
  • Liberty House 221 Orange St., Manchester, 669-0761, libertyhousenh.org
  • New Generation 568 Portsmouth Ave., Greenland, 436-4989, newgennh.org
  • New Horizons Shelter 199 Manchester St., Manchester, 668-1877, newhorizonsnh.org
  • Harbor Care 77 Northeastern Blvd., Nashua, 882-3616, harborcarenh.org​​
  • Marguerite’s Place 87 Palm St., Nashua, 598-1582, margueritesplace.org
  • McKenna House 100 S. Fruit St., Concord, 225-8610
  • My Friend’s Place 368 Washington St., Dover, 749-3017
  • The Way Home 214 Spruce St., Manchester, 627-3491

Featured photo: Liberty House in Manchester, a program of Catholic Charities. Courtesy photo.

Going to the Hill

Small business owners take their issue to D.C.

In response to the Basel III Endgame regulation, which could escalate capital costs for small businesses, Dina Akel, owner of Vieira Luxe, a bridal and special occasion wear shop in Nashua, joined more than 50 entrepreneurs in Washington, D.C., on Nov. 14. Their mission: to articulate to lawmakers and Federal Reserve officials the significant impact this regulation could have on small businesses like hers.

How did the Basel III Endgame regulation discussions in Washington impact your business outlook?

I went to D.C. to advocate for small businesses that will be impacted by this proposal. It’s concerning that it will be even more difficult to access capital than it already is. It was my first time in D.C. ever, so I was super nervous, but I knew how important it was to be there. After the discussion we had with our senators and representatives, I felt my story was heard, and I was confident they were in our corner. I’m confident they’ll do everything they can to advocate for us.

What major challenges did you discuss in Washington regarding the high interest rate environment?

One of the discussions was actually my personal story about recently applying for business funding through grants and loans. I applied to various grants and was unsuccessful, so alternatively I applied to my long-standing banks, and was also unsuccessful. I was feeling a little defeated at that time. I finally asked one of my banks and a representative from SBDC if they had any other funding resources for me. They connected me with a nonprofit lender. The first time around, I got denied. The second time I was approved. When I spoke to them, they told me we could aim for the 5 to 8 percent interest rate mark, which is what I was expecting. Once I got the approval, though, they provided me with a loan in the two-digit mark. That was definitely more than I could afford. However, I was desperate since the business was growing so quickly and I lacked the resources to keep up with it, so I accepted the loan, and honestly, we can’t afford for the situation to get any worse.

What outcomes or responses did you receive from your meetings in Washington?

We received very positive responses from our members of Congress. They were all willing to help and push against this proposal, which was great.

How might the outcomes from Washington affect your future business plans?

I’m a little worried that if this proposal goes through our customers might actually experience more inflated prices. We may not be able to provide the same high-quality products our customers love, and we may not be able to keep up with the demand and, God forbid, shut down in the process. I’m already struggling to keep up with all of it. People need to remember that when you’re a small business owner, in your first few years you are literally everything in the business: the customer representative, the cashier, the accountant, the inventory manager, custodian, website builder, you name it. When that gets to be too much, we have to delegate and hire people to help us. The reality is you need money to make money.

What were your key takeaways from the interactions in Washington?

Small businesses are already considered risky to lend to. If this goes forward, and interest rates also go up, we’ll be seeing a lot of businesses closed down.

What follow-up actions or continued advocacy plans do you have post-Washington visit?

I’m part of the Nashua Chamber of Commerce, the Suffolk University alumni, the National Association for Catering and Events, and a few more groups. I’ll make sure I have an opportunity to speak with them all about this. That way they can speak up and share their stories. They can call members of Congress and let them know why it’s important. We can all come together as a community to advocate for all small businesses.

Featured photo: Dina Akel, right, joined by U.S. Representative Ann McLane Kuster and a group of New Hampshire small business owners outside the U.S. Capitol. Courtesy photo.

Still serving

A veteran helping veterans with at-home care

Mark Nalbandian of Bedford is a Navy veteran and caregiver at 360 SHS, a Bedford-based organization that offers home care and pairs senior caregivers with elderly clients in need. He delves into his journey from serving in the military to providing care for fellow veterans and shares his experiences and insights on how this transition has shaped his personal growth and impacted the broader community’s perspective on veteran care.

How has your experience as a Navy Airman shaped your approach to caregiving?

I spent six years in the Navy and during that time I learned quite a few great life skills, such as communication, consistency and the importance of showing up ready to work every day. I have had the privilege to care for three seniors who are Korean conflict veterans. I am currently caring for one of these clients still. It means the world for me to be able to support fellow veterans as they age in place.

What were some challenges you faced transitioning from military service to a caregiving role?

After my time in the Navy, I spent 25 years in commercial concrete, followed by a building contractor and real estate career. I began working with [360 SHS owner] Judy Loubier about five years ago. I got sick in 2008-2009 with stage 4 head and neck cancer. I faced some harsh treatments and needed constant care while I was recovering. Once I recovered, I saw my dad in the hospital. When he was picked up by an ambulance to bring him to the care facility, I inquired about the profession and what an average day looks like and it inspired me to try something new. Now, communication, companionship and everyday chores are a big part of my job. It’s really meaningful to help keep seniors and veterans safe and prevent falls.

What personal significance does caring for fellow veterans hold for you, and how has it influenced your growth since your military service?

I am in my mid to late 60s and the veteran clients like the commonality of and mutual understanding of being veterans. The related experiences are so meaningful and we can converse for hours. I love it. I worked for a few concepts before discovering 360 SHS, and five years later I know this is the last job that I will ever work. I don’t do it for the money. I do it because it is important and I pride myself on being able to support my fellow veterans.

How has your work at 360 SHS impacted the community’s understanding of veteran care?

360 SHS was doing a great job of caring for veterans before I was brought on five years ago. However, I can bring a different perspective, being a veteran myself, and have been able to build great relationships with senior veterans throughout the community. 360 SHS understands the importance of matching veteran caregivers with veteran clients as they are able to create meaningful relationships. It feels good to help veterans — and other seniors — age in place without having to get dragged out to a nursing home. I feel better knowing that they get to stay in their home and not have to leave their life behind after bravely serving our country.

What advice would you give to veterans considering a caregiving career post-service?

Do it! It is a lot more meaningful than when I was building bridges in my previous career. I never saw myself doing this job, but I love it and know I will do this until the day I retire. 360 SHS helps hire active reservists, knowing they might have to up and leave. They provide services for veterans who can get paired with 360 SHS through the VA. 360 SHS offers a lot of recognition and appreciation during Veterans Day and outreach to all veteran clients and caregivers.

Featured photo: Mark Nalbandian. Courtesy photo.

In the market?

A real estate attorney discusses homebuying

Matthew W. Neuman, Esq., real estate attorney of Bedford-based Absolute Title, discusses crucial home buying steps, the impact of fluctuating interest rates and his innovative approach to the closing process.

What are the crucial steps a New Hampshire homebuyer should follow before diving into the market?

It’s vital any buyer thinking of … using mortgage financing first reach out to a mortgage lender to verify their mortgage eligibility. With rates higher than the historic lows from a couple of years ago, it’s vital they identify their budget and focus on a realistic purchase price point. … Once you establish that price, they need to seek out a Realtor who will help guide them to only properties in their price range.

How are fluctuating interest rates impacting the average New Hampshire homebuyer?

Interest rates have fluctuated from all-time lows a couple years ago to where they are currently, hovering around 8 percent. These current rates are being characterized as very high when in reality they’re almost exactly equal to the historic average rate since 1971 of 7.75 percent, but as rates increase the consumer’s buying power decreases and prices them out of houses they may have been able to afford two years ago. Unfortunately most consumers are holding onto the memory of the historic rates. … It will be another 12 to 24 months before we see much relief in the area of interest rates, so people need to reset their expectations.

What are some common corners buyers are cutting in the current market, and what potential pitfalls should they be wary of?

If a buyer waives their right to perform a home inspection prior to closing, they run the risk of missing significant structural and mechanical defects in the property that could be addressed and negotiated with the seller. Buying “as is” is just that, and any issues go right along with it and more than likely will have no recourse against the seller. Buyers who waive their rights of due diligence for easements, restriction, covenants, etc., will miss the opportunity to verify there are no restrictions on the property that could potentially impair their intended use of the property, such as ‘no livestock’ for people looking to have chickens.

You’ve been credited with creating proprietary software to aid in the closing process. Can you explain how this technology helps the average buyer?

Historically, buyers were limited to one of two ways to bring their funds to closing: either a wire transfer sent from their bank, or bringing a bank certified check to closing. Both of those options are inconvenient, often costly and highly susceptible to fraud. In 2018 we released AbsolutePay, our proprietary and patented payment platform that allows buyers, sellers, Realtors and lenders to transfer the funds required for a closing from their account to ours easily, safely, securely and for free. They can initiate it in a few minutes from their desktop, laptop, tablet or phone.

How does fraud intersect with real estate, and what are some simple steps buyers can take to protect themselves?

Fraud has become quite rampant in the real estate world. The reliance on email as the preferred form of communication has opened the door for fraudsters to interject themselves into a conversation between the parties of a transaction and then steer the parties to make a fatal mistake, such as providing fraudulent wire instructions, which can then result in the loss of these funds. Wire instructions should never be provided through ‘unsecure’ email and should always be verified over the phone. Picking up the phone and having conversations will help to minimize the risk of fraud. Another fraud situation that has recently grown in popularity is the sale of ‘vacant’ land by someone purporting to be the owner but in reality is a fraudster. They will reach out to a Realtor, usually through email, explaining they live out of state or are on vacation and would like to list their property for sale but they don’t want their neighbors to know they’re selling so they instruct the Realtor to not place a ‘for sale’ sign at the property. Once the property goes under agreement, all correspondence with the seller occurs through email, and if not caught in time, the transaction is completed, resulting in funds being wired to the fraudsters. These situations can be avoided by choosing to work with experienced Realtors and title professionals.

Featured photo: Matthew W. Neuman. Courtesy photo.

Leafy fun

Warner Fall Foliage Festival celebrates community

The Warner Fall Foliage Festival returns Friday, Oct. 6, through Sunday, Oct. 8, after a two-year hiatus, welcoming attendees to celebrate community and culture in its 76th year.

Originating in 1947, the festival started as a community fundraising event.

“It has since evolved to feature amusement rides, craftspeople, music and food,” organizer Ray Martin said.

The theme for this year’s grand parade is “Favorite Songs, Past and Present,” with festivities including the 5K road race on Saturday, Kids’ Fun Run on Sunday morning and an ice cream eating contest at the Velvet Moose on Sunday afternoon. Live performances are schedule from various artists such as New Nile Orchestra, The DoBros and East Bay Jazz Ensemble.

Another highlight, Martin said, is the extensive array of crafts, with more than 90 crafters showcasing their wares. “The quality of the vendors is one of the biggest reasons people come each year,” he said.

Discover wooden home decor, pen and ink creations, artisan jewelry, landscape art, wildlife photography, pottery and more by local and regional crafters. There will also be homemade and homegrown goods, including fudge, organic vegetables and dried flowers.

The festival also hosts other events including an all-you-can-ride midway, the oxen and woodmen’s competitions, the library book and bake sale and a lobster dinner and chicken barbecue.

It wouldn’t be the Foliage Festival without the foliage, and Martin said the signs are promising for an abundant display that weekend. “There’s some good foliage starting to come in, so we are optimistic,” he said. The foliage “complements the festival and gives people more to experience at the event,” Martin said, but isn’t “the main draw.” Rather, the festival’s focus is community engagement and supporting local organizations and initiatives.

“All funds collected during the festival go directly into the community,” Martin said, supporting entities such as Mainstreet Stage, Pillsbury Free Library and Riverside Park; community enhancements and the procurement of new school equipment; and local culture, music, art, sports, town and school projects.

Warner Fall Foliage Festival
When
: Friday, Oct. 6, through Sunday, Oct. 8
Where: Warner, on Main Street and various locations throughout town
Cost: Free admission
More info: Visit wfff.org.

Schedule:

Friday, Oct. 6
6 to 9 p.m. – Midway rides (all-you-can ride bracelet is $20)

Saturday, Oct. 7
9:30 a.m. – 5K road race (registration starts at 8 p.m. at Legion Hall)
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Crafts and farmers market in town center
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Library book and bake sale at Pillsbury Library
9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. – Oxen competition at upper school parking lot
10 a.m. – Midway and rides open
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. – The MainStreet Warner Lodge, just behind the town monument, will be open to the public. See the inside as restoration begins, and learn about the plans for this future community space and performance hall.
11:45 a.m. – Lobster dinner and chicken barbecue opens at school playground
1 p.m. – Children’s parade (assemble at post office at 12:45 p.m.)
2 to 3 p.m. – KCPA, Kearsarge Mountain Road Intersection
4 to 8 p.m. – Midway rides (all-you-can-ride bracelets are $25)

Sunday, Oct. 8
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Crafts and farmers market at town center
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Library book and bake sale at Pillsbury Library
9 a.m. – Kids’ 1-mile fun run (register online)
10 a.m. – Midway and rides open
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. – The MainStreet Warner Lodge will be open to the public
11 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Woodmen’s competition at upper school parking lot
11:45 a.m. – Lobster dinner and chicken barbecue opens at school playground
Noon – Ice cream eating contest at The Velvet Moose
1 p.m. – Grand parade on Main Street
2 to 6 p.m. – Midway rides (all-you-can ride bracelet is $25)
4 p.m. – Raffle drawing at information booth

Featured image: Courtesy photo.

Between the lines

Demetri Martin and his multimedia comedy show

Blending music and drawings with his signature one-liners and deadpan delivery, Demetri Martin takes the stage at the Capitol Center for the Arts (44 S. Main St., Concord, 225-1111, ccanh.com) on Saturday, Sept. 16. The comedian called in to talk about his current tour, called “The Joke Machine,” why he likes writing on typewriters, and what’s next on his growing list of creative pursuits.

What can audiences expect from your upcoming show?
I’m still mostly telling jokes, but trying to tell them in slightly different ways, with a little music and visual stuff. … There are drawings in the show, but with sort of a different twist on it. … There are a couple personal stories; I’ve been dabbling more in that but touring with jokes is still the most enjoyable, because with jokes it’s easier to switch things up from show to show and try new stuff.

When did you start drawing? How did that make its way into your comedy?
I liked drawing a lot when I was a kid. I remember, in grade school, I was considered one of the better kids at drawing. Then I just stopped until I started doing stand-up in my mid-20s. I carried a notebook around for writing jokes, and I found myself drawing again. Around 1999, I started trying out drawings on stage, at shows around New York City at what were called ‘alternative rooms’ where comics were trying more experimental stuff. … I’ve gotten better at drawing as an adult, and if I really try I can draw in what I think is a pretty respectable style. I don’t know how much that helps for jokes, though. You play music in your shows, though it’s not exactly ‘musical comedy.’

What does music contribute to your act?
As much as I wish I could write songs and sing, it’s not something I’ve figured out how to do. … I can play a couple instruments well enough — and it’s the same with drawing — where it’s not technically impressive, but it can serve a purpose in the flow of the show. I’m still just telling jokes or a story, but [music] can add a texture or shift the mood.

How do you turn a collection of one-liners into a cohesive set?
When I’m getting ready to do a new tour, I’ll do short sets around L.A., where I live, to see what works. … I have found that certain jokes don’t seem to work as well at the beginning of the show; I have to get the audience into a flow with me first. … On a good day, there’s a rhythm, and it’s sort of hypnotic, but when the crowd isn’t digging it, you can never really get it going. If I have set pieces that have endings, it helps. Like, the music and drawings have been very helpful for me in pacing out a show.

How do you craft a joke?
There’s the original way, where an idea arrives pretty nicely structured and seems like a joke. Other times — like leading up to a tour or when I’m on a deadline — it’s very intentional. I’ll write a page of jokes each morning, no matter how bad they are. I use old typewriters a lot because there’s no email or anything to distract me. I can physically see a piece of paper going through the typewriter, and when I get to the end of it, I say, ‘Cool. Got it,’ and then put it in a binder and let them pile up.

If a joke doesn’t land, how do you navigate that on stage?
If you’re telling a longer story, you can move past the parts where you thought people would laugh [but didn’t], and maybe they can’t even tell it was supposed to be a punchline. But when you’re a comic that tells jokes that are clearly jokes, there’s no hiding. … The older I’ve gotten, the more I’ve learned to embrace whatever’s happening in real time and be a little less afraid. I’ve bombed so many times, but I’ve had lots of good shows, too, so no big deal.

What’s next for you?
I’ll finally have a new standup special out this fall on Netflix. My plan is for it to be the first in a trilogy — three standard specials that also go together as a larger story. The show I’m touring with now will be part 2. … Then, in the spring, I’m hoping to do my first art show. That’ll be in L.A. It’ll be fine art — paintings — but they’ll all be jokes, like, each canvas is a one-liner without words.

Featured photo: Demetri Martin presents “The Joke Machine.” Courtesy image. Art by Demetri Martin.

Tough apple year

Concord grower discusses this year’s harvest

Diane Souther of Apple Hill Farm in Concord provides insight into a frost’s devastating impact on their apple harvest this year.

Can you describe what exactly happened this year with the harvest and how that affected you?

On the night of May 19, we were bracing for the predicted cold spell. We have measures in place to safeguard our crops, like our wind machine and [techniques such as] irrigating the strawberries. Around 11 p.m., Chuck went out to monitor the temperatures. It’s common for the coldest part of these frosty nights to be around 5 or 6 in the morning, but this time, temperatures dropped significantly earlier, starting around 11:30 p.m. and remaining low until the next morning. … [The apples] were past the sensitive blossom stage and had already started forming on the trees, some even bigger than pea size, so we thought they’d be alright. But as the day warmed, the apples just started dropping. They had been frozen solid. There was about three weeks when we just didn’t talk about it. We were hoping that some would just stay on the tree and still survive, but they weren’t. The very few apples that did survive had visible frost rings, a scar-like mark around them. The blueberries, the raspberries, the corn — they all pulled through. But it was just too cold for the apples.

What have you heard from other farms around the state?

The cold spell affected a stretch right down the Merrimack Valley. But the impact varied based on factors like elevation. Seacoast growers, for example, were a bit shielded due to the tempering effect of the ocean. For us, the cold seemed to roll right off Mount Washington and sweep down the river valley, and the orchards in its path felt it the most. However, farms like Carter Hill, which is slightly higher in elevation than ours, experienced slightly warmer conditions — maybe by a degree or two. Even so, they too had challenges to address as the season progressed. What’s the plan moving forward?
Where do we go from here? Luckily, we’ve been in the apple business for a number of years, and we have lots of good friends. … We’ve made calls to them, and they’ve got apples that they’re sharing with us. We’re able to purchase apples from them so we’ll have apples in the farmstand. And we’re trying to keep positive; our vegetable crops are doing great. We grow more than one thing here at Apple Hill: Our corn is coming in, tomatoes are coming in, cucumbers, beans, all of that stuff.

Have you ever had to do that before? Source products from other farms?

Not to this extent, no. We’ve always supplemented a bit. We go back and forth: if we had a good year and had lots of Honeycrisps, some of these farms that we’re purchasing from this year are ones we used to sell apples to. This year, we’re buying apples from them. It’s a great support system, the fellowship of the farmers here in New Hampshire, and even extending to New England. They’re a fantastic group of people. When one is struggling, the others will step up and assist as much as they can. With the “pick your own” option affected [Apple Hill will not offer pick-your-own apples, according to its website] this year, do you have alternative experiences for visitors at the farm?
Absolutely. We have a few hiking trails. We feature pollination plots, which are fascinating to wander through as different flowers bloom and attract various pollinators as the season shifts. We’re anticipating the arrival of fall raspberries, though I can’t provide an exact date. It depends on having about 10 days of sunlight. Our grapes are another attraction; while the initial batch was affected by the frost, the second blooming — often referred to as a secondary set of fruits — managed to thrive.

How have your customers responded to the situation?

It took us a while to address it … but we announced it on our website. The overwhelming support from our customers has truly uplifted our spirits. Many expressed their sympathy as if we’d lost a family member when they heard about our apple loss. They’ve been supporting us by buying our other products. The community has been great.

Diane and Chuck Souther of Apple Hill Farm. Courtesy photo.

Remote care

Telemonitoring patients at home

Granite VNA, New Hampshire’s leading home health care provider, has launched a telemonitoring program for patients with chronic illnesses. Leveraging advanced tech tools, the program aims to empower patients to proactively monitor their vital signs. Suzanne Olszak, RN, who has more than 30 years of experience in home health care and manages the program, discussed its impact, benefits and future.

Can you provide an overview of your program and its significance in the context of home health care?

We operate a telemonitoring program at Granite VNA, having launched it almost a year ago in October. With my 30 years in home care and a decade in telemonitoring with other agencies, this new program encompasses 50 telemonitoring units. … We provide these patients with a tablet, scale, blood pressure cuff and pulse oximeter for home use. They’re trained to daily monitor and record their weight, blood pressure and oxygen levels. The tablets, equipped with Bluetooth, transmit this data directly to our telemonitoring nurse’s computer. This allows for immediate tracking, enabling us to detect any detrimental trends. … Typically, we monitor patients for approximately 60 days. … If any alarming trends emerge, we communicate with both the patient and their health care providers to proactively intervene and adjust their care plan, to prevent potential hospitalizations.

Who is this program specifically designed to serve and support?

Our focus is on high-risk patients with chronic diseases such as congestive heart failure (CHF), COPD, and high blood pressure, particularly those with medication changes or frequent rehospitalizations. … We solely cater to patients from Granite VNA who have been recommended for skilled nursing or physical therapy. This telemonitoring service complements the assistance provided by their home care nurses and therapists.

What is the primary purpose and intended outcome of this program for high-risk patients?

Our goal is twofold: reduce hospitalizations and empower patients to be more engaged and informed about their health. … The objective is to instill in these high-risk patients — CHF, hypertension, COPD patients — the significance of daily vitals monitoring. We educate them about diet and the critical aspects of their specific condition. Ultimately, we want patients to become autonomous in managing their health, particularly in identifying when they need medical attention. … Our hope is that with this knowledge and monitoring, patients can become more proactive and independent in managing their conditions.

How are the patients adapting to using this technology?

Many patients initially feel nervous about using the new technology, primarily because the majority of our users are elderly. However, they adapt surprisingly well. We provide hands-on guidance, having them practice while we’re present in their homes. The process is relatively simple for most — stepping on a scale or using a pulse oximeter. The biggest challenge tends to be the blood pressure cuff, as it requires positioning the arm correctly and tightening the loop, but we’ve designed it to be as user-friendly as possible.

Does this program help in freeing up time for the nurses?

Absolutely, it does. Instead of requiring multiple weekly visits for nurses to see a patient, the frequency can be reduced to once a week or even every other week. This is possible because a nurse constantly monitors the vitals, and this data is transferred to the patient’s matrix care chart, which is their home care record. … Additionally, patients appreciate this setup since they don’t have to always wait for a nurse to visit, yet they’re reassured that someone is monitoring their vitals throughout the program duration.

Do you plan to extend the program to other medical conditions or broaden its reach in any way?

The decision is primarily made on a case-by-case basis. If a nurse reaches out to me about a patient with a complex situation whom they believe would benefit from this technology, I’m fully on board with setting it up in their home.

Featured photo: UNH system libraries are located in Manchester, Durham, Keene and Plymouth. Courtesy graphic.

Welcome to the libraries

University libraries lend to all state residents

University libraries have traditionally been reserved for students and faculty. However, the University of New Hampshire (UNH) has expanded access to its resources, now allowing the broader community to utilize its collections. We spoke with Tara Lynn Fulton, Dean of the UNH Library, to delve into the reasons behind this decision, the response from the community and the implications for academic libraries in the future. New Hampshire residents (18 years old and older) can obtain library cards from USNH campuses with valid identification and proof of residency. Visit library.unh.edu.

Why did you decide to start offering free borrowing to New Hampshire residents?

First, to offer some broader context: We have public libraries in communities across the state. … If someone requires more in-depth research that their local library can’t fulfill, these libraries offer interlibrary loans. We’ve always participated in this, lending materials. Each of our libraries also traditionally had a small regional group that could obtain library cards. This isn’t a new initiative; most people have relied on their public libraries. But for individuals like writers or high school students involved in advanced research, it’s been a beneficial service. Our primary mission is to serve the campus: our students and faculty. Historically, this meant physical collections like print books, DVDs, and other materials. As the digital era has progressed, more of our collections have transitioned to e-books and digital media. During the Covid era, with a shift to remote learning, our faculty leaned heavily into these electronic resources, and the need for physical materials lessened. This made me wonder: Why not open up our resources more widely? I brought this up with other library directors from the University System of New Hampshire, and they were all on board. Hence, the initiative evolved.

Have you seen an uptick in borrowers?

Several people got cards as soon as the news spread. It’s not a vast number, but for those who wanted it, it’s been valuable. I’ve seen a few people walking around in the library. One individual mentioned how they appreciated the chance to check out materials and were also grateful to know they’re welcome in our building. This offering has reinforced to the community that our facilities are open and available for their use.

What distinguishes your library’s materials from those in a typical town library?

Our library’s core focus is to serve the university by providing materials that support higher education. While town libraries offer a general assortment of classic literature and popular reads, our collection delves deeper, especially into areas like English literature and American literature. The depth varies based on campus programs; for instance, the Durham campus emphasizes science, so we have a substantial array of historical physics materials. We have extensive collections, including non-circulating special ones, such as an in-depth history of New Hampshire, invaluable for researchers or authors seeking historical accuracy. Campuses like Keene and Plymouth, historically centered on teacher education, provide resources beneficial for educators, such as specialized teaching methods for specific grades.

Is there a plan to digitize the special collections, extending their accessibility?

We’re taking progressive steps to digitize, ensuring we adhere to copyright constraints. A notable accomplishment from the past year is digitizing New Hampshire’s town reports in their entirety, which has been well-received. Most of our digitized collections can be browsed on our website.

Do you think other universities might adopt a similar approach, opening their libraries to local residents?

This might differ from state to state. New Hampshire’s tight-knit nature promotes a strong bond between universities and communities. Our effort seems like a logical progression in this partnership. While I’m unaware of similar endeavors in other states, the global trend moving away from print materials might inspire similar initiatives. We’d be delighted to be trailblazers in this movement.

Featured photo: UNH system libraries are located in Manchester, Durham, Keene and Plymouth. Courtesy graphic.

Art, music, bees

Wildflower Festival celebrates pollinators

The inaugural Wildflower Festival, set for Saturday, Aug. 19, at Keyes Field on Elm Street, Milford, aims to bring together art, music and nature while highlighting the importance of pollinators and urban green spaces. Event organizer Griff Comtois discussed the festival’s origins, mission and planned activities. See Eventbrite for details and tickets.

Tell us about the festival and its activities.

There’s going to be an art market from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The venue is this large wooden and stone amphitheater near a river. There’s a field in front of it. In the field and the parking lot, there will be around 30 art vendors and a food truck. The food truck The Sleazy Vegan will be selling all vegan food. We’ll also have burgers and hot dogs available. During this time, people can come, walk around, see the artists and just hang out. From 6 to 9 p.m., we have a concert. This requires tickets for entry. We’ll have three bands playing, all local to New Hampshire, from the Seacoast area and down to southern New Hampshire. The bands are Sneaky Miles, Watson Park and Five Feet. Also, during the day, the New Hampshire Beekeepers Association will be there. They’ll have an educational booth about pollinators and will bring observation hives.

What inspired this initiative, and what is the mission behind it?

There are two primary sources of inspiration. First, I’ve always been a big fan of the outdoors. Recently, my interest in urban development grew, especially in integrating nature into urban settings. I believe in creating spaces where people can connect with nature, enjoy their surroundings and just relax. … Art and music, to me, are closely linked. They’re ways for people to express themselves and understand the world. Nature ties into this as well, being a part of the world we live in. Many, especially myself, draw inspiration from nature. Second, I love concerts and festivals. A few years ago, our town built a new amphitheater. While some events have taken place there, I hadn’t seen any major festivals. I felt it would be an ideal location for such an event and believed it would be great for our community, bringing everyone together. Over time, this evolved into a mission to enhance the parks where the events take place.

Why dedicate the proceeds to pollinator gardens and pollinator hotels?

Native plants play a vital role in our cities, and supporting pollinators is crucial for producing food and maintaining a vibrant ecosystem. By enhancing the gardens in the park, we not only provide visitors with a beautiful view but also offer an educational opportunity. It’s essential for everyone to understand the significance of pollinators.

After the festival, how can people continue to support the initiative?

Depending on the funds we gather from the festival, we might need to host more fundraisers to reach our targets. Apart from that, I’m likely to need some volunteer help for the garden installations. I’ve been in touch with Petals in the Pines [a local pollinator garden and conservancy]. They provided some advice about the criteria to make a garden officially recognized as pollinator-friendly. I’m planning at least one major garden installation, followed by a few of the pollinator hotels. Depending on the money we have or continue to raise, we’ll determine the scale. We’ve also identified a location that could potentially be turned into a full wildflower meadow.

What insights about the natural world do you hope attendees gain from the festival?

I hope that they get a glimpse into the intricacies of even the smallest elements of nature, like a garden or the plants they pass by daily. … Beyond bees, there are hundreds of pollinating insects playing their role in these mini ecosystems. It’s fascinating to see how much effort goes into sustaining such small entities.

Wildflower Festival
Where: Keyes Field, Elm Street in Milford
When: Saturday, Aug. 19
11 a.m. to 5 p.m. — free Arts Market with more than 20 vendors
6 to 9 p.m. — Ticketed concert with Watson Park, Five Feet and Sneaky Miles; tickets cost $14.98 plus fees for general admission, $5 plus fees for children ages 2 to 10.
Find tickets on EventBrite.com

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