A student in an engineering class at Milford High School & Applied Technology Center is helping the residents of Crestwood Center in Milford get around. According to a press release, senior Daniel Schongar has spent about a year building a mobility scooter that the school will donate to the residential long-term care facility in May. The school purchased parts for the scooter on Craigslist, and Schongar had to rebuild some of its major systems — a project that was made even more difficult because of the pandemic, which forced him to work at home and meet with his teacher only once a week during remote learning. Schonger said in the release that he was able to 3D print many of the accessories that he needed to build at home.
Score: +1
Comment:Everyone’s a winner here — the residents of Crestwood Center and Schonger, who said in the release that this project has helped prepare him for college, where he wants to study engineering and learn how to build robotic arms.
Safe space
New Hampshire has been the safest state during the pandemic, according to a study from WalletHub, which recently released rankings based on data that was available as of April 14. WalletHub, a personal finance website, compared all states and Washington, D.C., in the rates of Covid-19 transmission, positive testing, hospitalizations, deaths and number of eligible people getting vaccinated. Helping it reach the top spot was the Granite State’s vaccination rate, where it ranked No. 1, and its death rate, which was one of the lowest at No. 8. New Hampshire edged out Hawaii and Alaska, which ranked No. 2 and No. 3, respectively.
Score: +1
Comment:New England as a whole fared well in this survey; Vermont, Rhode Island, Maine and Massachusetts ranked 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th, respectively, and Connecticut ranked 18th.
Watch out for wildfires…
It’s Wildfire Awareness Week in New Hampshire (April 18 to April 24), and the state is trying to raise awareness about the dangers of wildfires, which are more common here in the spring as dry grasses, leaves, pine cones and fallen branches can act as fuel. According to a press release, more than 57 percent of the state is still experiencing moderate drought conditions, and the rest of the state is classified as abnormally dry, which raises the risk of wildfires even more. New Hampshire had an average of 119 wildfires that impacted an average of 276 acres each year from 2016 to 2020, the release said.
Score: -1
Comment:Ninety percent of wildfires in New Hampshire are caused by human behavior, according to the release. Common causes are brush fires and campfires, improper disposal of smoking materials, overheated engines and sparks emitted from machinery.
… and rabid wildlife
The Londonderry Police Department warned residents in a press release last week to keep an eye on their pets when they’re outdoors after a dog got in a fight with a raccoon. The raccoon was euthanized and sent for testing because it showed signs of possible rabies, and testing confirmed that it was rabid.
Information from the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services
Covid-19 news
During the state’s weekly public health update on April 15, Gov. Chris Sununu announced that he would not be renewing the statewide mask mandate, citing a more than 95 percent drop in seven-day average daily deaths from Covid-19 from Nov. 1. The mandate, which required everyone over the age of 5 to wear masks in both indoor and outdoor public spaces where social distancing wasn’t possible, was originally issued on Nov. 20 and extended twice before it expired on April 16. Despite the lifting of the statewide mandate, those in several cities and towns remain in effect. Concord’s citywide face covering ordinance, for instance, is still valid through at least June 1, while Nashua’s will remain in place “until further notice,” according to an April 16 press release. Private businesses such as retail stores also reserve the right to continue enforcing masks or face coverings when entering their establishments.
On April 16, Sununu issued Emergency Order No. 90, an order extending Emergency Order No. 52 regarding public health guidance for business operations and advising Granite Staters they are safer at home, through at least May 7. During the press conference, Sununu said that the restrictions outlined in the guidance “will transition from required mandates to universal best practices” beginning May 7. “Whether you’re talking about the restrictions we have in a retail store or a restaurant, or a large venue, all of that stays in place until May 7,” he said.
Also on April 16, Sununu issued Executive Order 2021-6, extending the state of emergency in New Hampshire due to the pandemic for another three weeks through at least May 7.
According to an April 18 report from WMUR, Dr. Anthony Fauci, chief medical advisor to President Joe Biden, said he expects there will be “a resumption in some form” of the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine by Friday. State health officials had announced April 13 that they would pause the use of the vaccine based on a recommendation from the federal government, following six reports nationwide of a blood clot disorder.
School support
Schools, students and families will get a little extra support with two programs launching this summer, both of which are efforts to address the negative effects that the pandemic has had, according to a press release from the New Hampshire Department of Education. The first is ReKINDling Curiosity: Every Kid Goes to Camp, whichwill give children the opportunity to attend approved overnight and day youth recreation camps, with a focus on promoting social, emotional and mental wellness. The program will be run by the state and will pay up to $650 for camp fees at approved recreation facilities for qualifying students. DOE is also offering grants to school districts to create District Learning Pods this fall through a program called Recovering Bright Futures, the release said. The Learning Pods are designed for five to 10 students and follow a trauma-sensitive instructional model, providing students with in-person learning and peer interaction outside of traditional school. DOE will also support the creation of Community Learning Pods, especially for families who do not have a District Learning Pod available to them.
Ethical issues
The Center for Ethics in Society, whose mission is to encourage constructive conversations surrounding ethical questions, is the new name for the Manchester organization formerly known as the Center for Ethics in Business and Governance. The Center, which is located at Saint Anselm College, wanted to expand ethical issues pertaining to business and corporate governance. Its advisory board includes 18 leaders from New Hampshire’s business, nonprofit, and public policy communities and is a partnership between Saint Anselm and the people who live and work in New Hampshire. The Center has been involved in the housing crisis, having assembled a task force to provide recommendations for the state’s housing action plan, and its housing research has impacted advocacy in the field, the release said. It is also hosting a new series called Corporations and the Common Good: How Should Businesses Respond to Social Issues? Upcoming programs include an April 22 Ethics Lab on Ethics and Economics of Health Insurance and an April 27 Honorable Business webinar and panel discussion with Notre Dame professor James Otteson.
Humane treatment
The Governor’s Commission on the Humane Treatment of Animals has been reestablished after Gov. Chris Sununu issued an executive order April 19, charging the commission with preparing a report that includes the number of animal cruelty-related convictions; the number of animal cruelty-related cases; relevant proposed or enacted legislation; and suggested legislation as necessary to ensure the safety and welfare of domestic animals and New Hampshire citizens, according to a press release.
The Warner Historical Society presents “Social History of the Mink Hills,” a virtual talk about the history of the 15,000+ acres of land in Warner that once encompassed 10 independent school districts, 13 burial grounds and several small mills, according to a press release. The presentation is scheduled for Wednesday, April 28, at 7 p.m.; register for the Zoom link at bit.ly/3rerX7O.
The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services recently issued two registration certificates for new therapeutic cannabis dispensary locations, according to press releases. One allowed Prime Alternative Treatment Centers to begin operations in Chichester, and one allowed Temescal Wellness to begin operations in Keene. At the end of 2020 there were 11,161 qualifying patients and 564 designated caregivers participating in the state’s Therapeutic Cannabis Program, according to the release.
Vice President Kamala Harris is expected to visit New Hampshire on Friday, April 23, according to a report from WMUR. The April 19 report said a source has confirmed that Harris will discuss the American Jobs Plan at the IBEW headquarters in Concord.
National Drug Take Back Day is Saturday, April 24, in towns and cities across the state, coordinated by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration to allow people to properly dispose of prescription medication. In Manchester, the event will be held between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. at Elliot at River’s Edge at 175 Queen City Ave. The DEA will accept pills and patches and vaping devices and cartridges but no liquids, needles or sharps, the release said. Check with your town for similar events on that day.
Tales of new restaurants Owners of new eateries talk about what it’s been like to open up in the midst of a pandemic.
Also on the cover, support your local book purveyor during Independent Bookstore Day, p. 12. What the heck is a West Coast IPA?, p. 26. And Lucas Gallo plays Concord Craft Brewing this weekend, p. 30.
Covid-19 updateAs of April 12As of April 19Total cases statewide89,22991,783Total current infections statewide3,3843,329Total deaths statewide1,2571,270New cases3,104 (April 6 to April ...
Ready to rock? Local live music venues have big hopes for the upcoming season. Find out who’s bringing music back to parking lots, which indoor and outdoor venues are hoping to reopen, and what performers you can (tentatively) expect to see.
Also on the cover, check out some free plays created specifically for Zoom, p. 10. Learn how to bring all the birds to the yard, p. 12. And the Riviera Nayarit Mexican Style Seafood and Grill is now open in Nashua, p. 18.
Covid-19 updateAs of April 5As of April 12Total cases statewide86,12589,229Total current infections statewide3,2873,384Total deaths statewide1,2491,257New cases2,785 (March 30 to April ...
Festival showcases plays created for virtual performance Laconia-based theater company Powerhouse Theatre Collaborative is giving a new meaning to virtual ...
Musical Bingo Nation is changing bingo’s sound all across the Seacoast — rather than listening for “B2” or “G6,” players listen for the opening chords to “Never Gonna Give You Up,” “Sweet Caroline” or other songs on their bingo sheet.
On Tuesdays at Tailgate Tavern in Stratham, anyone who wants to play gets a free bingo card when they’re seated. Throughout the night, guests eat and drink while keeping an ear out for the songs listed on their card, which were created by the entertainment company Musical Bingo Nation.
“They [are] usually based upon some sort of theme, like either ’60s, ’70s, hits, or one-hit wonders,” said Stephanie Smith, general manager at Tailgate Tavern.
A host from Musical Bingo Nation plays the tunes throughout the night, and once someone fills a column, row or diagonal they’ll win a prize, ranging from free drinks to Tailgate Tavern gift cards.
“The good thing about it is it’s not like trivia, where you’re locked in and you have to be there at a certain time. You could come in late or just play one round if you want. It’s a lot of fun,” Smith said, though she noted that some people have started to arrive hours in advance to guarantee a seat.
The game is family-friendly at Tailgate Tavern, she said, which is especially welcome in a time where it’s challenging to find out-of-the-house things to do.
“It’s nice to go out into a socially distant environment and be able to bring your kids along with you and play and have a good time and just be a family,” Smith said.
Wally’s Pub in Hampton has been offering Musical Bingo Nation on Tuesdays for a couple of months, and bartender Hannah Beringer said it has already brought bigger crowds to the beachside bar.
“People … come in just to play bingo,” she said. “It’s just a good way to get out and have fun without just sitting at a bar all night long.”
Saddle Up Saloon in Kingston is entering its third month offering Musical Bingo Nation, and owner Bob Page said the new game has “definitely helped,” with the bar seeing about a 25 percent increase in customers on Wednesday nights.
“The music they play is excellent,” Page said.
Smith agrees, saying that staff loves bingo nights too.
“We’re all just in such a great mood, listening to great music. The customers are happy, we’re happy,” she said. “The other day [the host] was playing ‘Sweet Caroline’ and everyone in the restaurant was singing. It makes me happy. It makes everyone happy. … I don’t know too many people that can listen to music nice and loud and stay in a bad mood.” – Sadie Burgess
Where to play music bingo Here are a few spots that are currently offering Musical Bingo Nation.
Wally’s Pub When: Tuesday nights, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Where: 144 Ashworth Ave, Hampton More info: wallysnh.com/calendar
Saddle Up Saloon When: Wednesday nights, 7 to 9 p.m. Where: 92 Route 125, Kingston More info: saddleupsaloonnh.com/Events
Tailgate Tavern When: Tuesday nights, 6 to 8 p.m. Where: 28 Portsmouth Ave, Stratham More info: tailgatetavernnh.com
The Goat When: Monday nights, 7 to 9 p.m. Where: 20 L St., Hampton More info: goatnh.com
Featured photo: Musical Bingo. Photo courtesy of Steph Smith.
Free fishing, hunting and more for military members
The Fallen Outdoors nonprofit is looking for New Hampshire veterans and active duty service members who like hunting, fishing, canoeing, hiking and camping to enjoy the great outdoors with free active excursions. According to a press release, Team New England, which started in 2019, has a big goal this year: to facilitate 14 to 20 fishing trips in lakes, rivers and oceans; 12 to 18 hunting trips; eight canoe trips; five overnight hikes; three snowshoe hikes; and three family barbecues. These excursions are designed to provide veterans and service members with an outlet from life stressors to help prevent veteran suicide, according to the release, and staff are all volunteers who are active or former military service members.
Score: +1
Comment: Anyone who is interested in attending a free outdoor trip can find events on The Fallen Outdoors East Coast community page on Facebook; one upcoming local trip is a day of fishing, leaving from Hampton, on May 20. The trip is limited to 30 veterans; email [email protected] to reserve a spot.
One man’s trash isn’t always another’s treasure
If you’ve got bags of outgrown clothes or gently used household items that you’re planning to donate, Goodwill will be happy to take them — as long as you’re not just dropping off your trash. According to a recent report from WMUR, Goodwill Northern New England has seen an increase in unusable donations, things like a birdhouse with no roof and a ceiling fan with three blades that is supposed to have six. It costs the organization money to get rid of all that trash, the report said, more than $1 million for each of the last two years, which is money that could otherwise go to the workforce programs that Goodwill funds.
Score: -1
Comment:According to the report, Goodwill welcomes clothes, shoes, books and dishes that are in decent condition.
Speech earns local student a national scholarship
A local student was a top finisher in the national Voice of Democracy scholarship program. According to a press release, Central High School junior Matthew Blair was named the third place national winner and the recipient of the $10,000 scholarship award, which is given out by the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Blair was sponsored by the Queen City Memorial VFW Post and entered the oratorical competition.
Score: +1
Comment: “This speech really was inspired by my grandfather, his story and the love for America that he instilled in me,” Blair said in the release. “I am so proud that I could represent Manchester Central High School, the city of Manchester and the state of New Hampshire at this competition.”
First Day of Caring in 2021 a success
Over the course of six hours on April 7, about 20 volunteers packaged 15,000 shelf-stable meals to help stock southern New Hampshire food pantries. The percentage of people who miss a meal in a day has increased by more than 200 percent since the start of the pandemic, according to a press release from the United Way of Greater Nashua, which is why the nonprofit focused on replenishing food supplies for its first Day of Caring event.
Score: +1
Comment: This was the first of five events planned for The United Way of Greater Nashua’s 2021 Days of Caring. The next is the annual Community Baby Shower in July, the release said.
QOL score: 67
Net change: +2
QOL this week: 69
What’s affecting your Quality of Life here in New Hampshire? Let us know at [email protected].
