According to the Back to School Stress Index created by online learning platform Brainly, New Hampshire was the third most stressed out state when it came to going back to school this year, after Montana and Pennsylvania. The study was conducted between Sept. 18 and Sept. 25 and measured stress indicators on Google Trends relative to geographical location, with search queries related to the reopening of schools, Covid-19 prevention, school guidelines and homeschooling requirements.
Score: -1
Comment: To put a more positive spin on it, the number of Granite Staters’ school-related Google searches could just as easily mean that we like to be prepared and are invested in our kids’ health and education.
…and school event success
The first CelebratED MHT! was held Sept. 18 at Veterans Park to celebrate Manchester’s students, families and staff, with more than 30 city departments and local organizations coming together to offer free fun for the community. Free books, food and drinks, entertainment and family activities were part of the fun, but the point of the event was to recognize all the good that’s happening in the Queen City’s schools.
Score: +1
Comment:Organizers are starting to plan for next year’s event. Send an email to outreach@manchesterproud.org if you’re interested in being part of the volunteer team.
A’s for two NH liberal arts colleges
The nonprofit American Council of Trustees and Alumni recently released its annual “What Will They Learn? 2021–22 report,” which gave A’s to two New Hampshire liberal arts colleges: Magdalen College of the Liberal Arts in Warner and Thomas More College of Liberal Arts in Merrimack. According to a press release, 1,110 U.S. colleges and universities were graded on their core curriculum requirements, and only 24 received As. The survey examines course requirements in seven foundational subject areas: Composition, Literature, intermediate-level Foreign Language, U.S. Government or History, Economics, Mathematics and Natural Science. To earn an “A,” a school must require all students to study at least six of these subjects, the release said.
Score: +1
Comment: New Hampshire has some big, and big-name, colleges (Dartmouth, UNH, SNHU), but this report is a good reminder that there are smaller, less well-known academic gems here too.
Hundreds of fires
So far this year in New Hampshire 628 people have received assistance from the American Red Cross of Northern New England in the wake of 278 home fires, according to a press release. There is typically a spike in home fires in the winter months, the release said, so those numbers will likely go up.
Score: -1
Comment:To combat the anticipated increase in fires as the cold weather arrives, the state Department of Safety and the Red Cross are stepping up efforts this Fire Prevention Week (now through Oct. 9) to encourage people to test smoke alarms and make an escape plan.
QOL score: 80
Net change: 0
QOL this week: 80
What’s affecting your Quality of Life here in New Hampshire? Let us know at news@hippopress.com.
Information from the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services
Covid-19 news
During a Sept. 29 press conference, state epidemiologist Dr. Benjamin Chan reported that New Hampshire had averaged between 400 and 500 new positive tests of Covid-19 per day over the previous few weeks, with the total number of infections now exceeding 120,000 since the beginning of the pandemic. “The test-positivity [rate] has been slowly declining the last several weeks,” Chan said. “Hospitalizations have also remained elevated … and, in fact, the majority of deaths that we are identifying and reporting out on a daily and weekly basis continue to be community-associated deaths.” Chan renewed state recommendations to seek vaccination against the virus, citing a recent CDC study highlighting the fact that unvaccinated people are five times more likely to be infected and 10 times more likely to be hospitalized. “People who have been naturally infected do have some protection … against recurrent infection,” he said, “but studies have shown that vaccination after natural infection provides higher levels of protection and likely longer duration of protection and immunity.” As of Oct. 4, there were 3,502 active infections of Covid-19 statewide and 141 current hospitalizations. All 10 counties remain at substantial levels of community transmission.
Vaccine protest
Gov. Chris Sununu postponed the Sept. 29 Executive Council meeting after anti-vaccine mandate protesters disrupted the meeting, which was being held at Saint Anselm College. “I will not put members of the Executive Council or state agencies in harm’s way,” Sununu said in a statement after the postponement. “State Police had to escort state employees to their cars after unacceptable, unruly behavior. This meeting is being postponed until our state employees can go before the Council in a safe and orderly manner. The items on today’s agenda will be brought up at a later date.” That afternoon, at the state’s Covid-19 briefing, Sununu said protestors had threatened state employees, and that the employees who needed to be escorted to their cars were career DHHS employees, WMUR reported. Sununu said the protesters’ claim that approving federal funds for state vaccination efforts would compromise New Hampshire’s sovereignty was “not true,” and that the protesters’ behavior was “incredibly disappointing” and “not what New Hampshire is about.” Republicans Ted Gatsas, Joseph Kenney and David Wheeler exited the room shortly after the protests began. According to WMUR, Executive Councilor Cinde Warmington said protesters were to be expected at the meeting due to the controversial nature of the topic, but were not expected to be a danger to the lives of state employees. “‘Saying to people, ‘I know where you live,’ I think that’s threatening and intimidating,” she said. “I was very surprised by that.”
Women’s march
Rallies were held across New Hampshire on Saturday as part of a nationwide Women’s March organized to protest recent laws restricting and banning abortion, including the ban on nearly all abortions in Texas and the ban on most abortions after 15 weeks in Mississipi, which is to be brought before the U.S. Supreme Court. According to NHPR, speakers at a rally held in Concord addressed issues affecting the Granite State, including a recent state law that will go into effect in January requiring people to get ultrasounds before an abortion and banning abortion after 24 weeks, and the Executive Council’s recent vote to stop funding some reproductive health clinics. Gov. Chris Sununu has stated that he wants to hold another vote for the latter, NHPR reported.
Indigenous Peoples Day
Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum, located at 18 Highlawn Road in Warner, will recognize Indigenous People’s Day with a public panel to celebrate and honor Native American people, histories and cultures, according to a press release. The panel is set for Monday, Oct. 11, from 1 to 3 p.m. Topics of discussion will include the Abenaki Trails Projects, efforts made by Warner and other New Hampshire towns to support local Native voices, and the contemporary goals of local Indigineous People. The event is free. Visit indianmuseum.org.
NH Hospital
The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Administrative Services and New Hampshire Hospital officials will discuss a proposal to build a secure 24-bed forensic hospital next to New Hampshire Hospital in Concord during a virtual public information session on Thursday, Oct. 7, at 6 p.m. on Zoom. According to a press release, the new facility will be the first in the state appropriate for treating acute mental illness in forensic patients, including patients who are civilly committed for treatment, in a safe and secure environment. The session will also cover state leadership for the plan, the progress that has been made and a timeline for the project.
NAMIWalks NH
NAMIWalks NH, the state’s largest mental health awareness and suicide prevention event, will remain a virtual event this year, according to a press release. NAMIWalks NH Your Way – A United Day of Hope is planned for Saturday, Oct. 9, and invites people to participate independently through kayaking, hiking, horseback riding, skateboarding, knitting, playing, drawing, painting or any other activities they enjoy, and to share their activities on social media while raising awareness about mental health and suicide prevention. For more information and to register for the event, visit naminh.org.
The Doorway
The Doorway of Greater Manchester is now available to clients in the city 24 hours a day, seven days a week, replacing the Manchester Safe Station, according to a press release from the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services. Previously, individuals seeking recovery services after hours would have to go to the fire station, but now they can call 2-1-1 for immediate access to services, including screening and stabilization at The Doorway facility on Rogers Street or at an overnight respite facility. The Manchester Fire Department will continue to provide mobile, field-based recovery and substance misuse outreach services as needed, according to the press release.
Memorial Elementary School in Bedford and Grantham Village School in Grantham have been named 2021 National Blue Ribbon Schools. According to a press release, the Blue Ribbon award recognizes schools for their high performance in academics. “These two innovative schools have managed to thrive throughout the pandemic, finding creative ways to not only achieve high academic results, but successfully engage with students and support their overall needs,” New Hampshire Department of Education commissioner Frank Edelblut said in the release.
Girls Inc. NH, based in Manchester and Nashua, has a new school bus thanks to a grant from Fidelity Investments. According to a press release, the bus will be used to transport girls to after-school programming and field trips and replaces a retired bus that needed repairs exceeding its value.
Homeowners searching for a contractor or handyman for home improvement projects can get free help from 411 Contractor Referral Network (411mycontractor.com) of Brookline. According to a press release, the company’s website provides information about companies that have been screened and have agreed to a code of ethics. The screening includes tracking licenses and insurance coverage, records checks and references from at least three local homeowners.
I’m genuinely afraid for the future of my/our country. We seem to have gotten to a point where it feels nearly impossible to talk to one another. There are some smart folks who are comparing the atmosphere in this country to just before the Civil War. Is it possible that, in our lifetime, maybe even within a generation or two, we will start to see the breakup of America? One of the primary areas of our inability to communicate is around the issue of race. This breaks my heart.
It’s not hard to understand how minorities can get upset at inequities, whether real or perceived. But, it’s also not hard to understand how whites can get upset when the term “racist” is often used, seemingly, at the drop of a hat.
I believe that most Americans are not racists and that the vast majority of our fellow citizens buy into the “all men are created equal” notion that our country is built on. That said, I also believe that, pardon the analogy, it’s not all black and white where you’re either a racist or you’re not. In my opinion, there is a lot of gray. In fact, I believe that the majority of us, regardless of our race, fall into that gray area.
While I believe that most would view my personal history as non-racist, only I know what is in my heart. I regularly try to measure my unconscious bias and admit that I have some. While I have never felt proud of being white, I continued to feel proud of my Italian heritage. Is that OK in your eyes? Or, is that somehow problematic? How do you measure your unconscious bias?
Too often, I have heard Democrats refer to Republicans as racists. I’m sure that there are Republicans who are racists, but I believe that most Republicans also fit into that gray area. To lump them together in this highly negative way is not only hurtful but ensures the furthering of our divisions and our inability to talk to one another. This is dangerous! We have to find a way to talk to one another in a manner that will ensure everyone stays at the discussion table. If we can’t, I fear for the future of our democracy.
I believe that the majority of us believe that America is the greatest country in the history of the world. Is it possible that we could blow this?
Fred Bramante is a past chairman and member of the New Hampshire State Board of Education. He speaks and consults on education redesign to regional, state and national organizations.
Dozens of local musicians have been nominated for the New England Music Awards, and the Hippo reached out to them to get their thoughts on their nomina-tions and the importance of the NEMAs, plus where to see them play live or find their nomination-worthy music.
ALSO ON THE COVER, the shoe-themed “Kick-Start!” ex-hibition is on display at Twiggs Gallery, p. 10. It’s all about fall’s most popular fruit at Applefest, p. 18, and all about the brews at Powder Keg Beer Festival, p. 19.
We are working our way through the fall flavors in this column: first a savory sweet potato baked good, then a unique apple side dish. Now, it’s time to add some pumpkin to your menu.
Rather than serving pumpkin in a pie, it’s time to try it in biscotti. Not only does this give you a new way to eat biscotti, but it also makes it an acceptable way to eat cookies for breakfast. While you wouldn’t think about offering chocolate chip cookies for breakfast, biscotti seem to hover on the line as to whether they’re a dessert or breakfast treat.
These biscotti are simple to make and store incredibly well. Although if the people in your house are anything like mine, you won’t have to worry about storing them for long.
Michele Pesula Kuegler has been thinking about food her entire life. Since 2007, the New Hampshire native has been sharing these food thoughts and recipes at her blog, Think Tasty. Visit thinktasty.com to find more of her recipes.
Pumpkin pie biscotti Makes 24
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened 1 cup granulated sugar 1 egg 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon allspice 1/2 cup pumpkin purée 1 cup white chocolate chips 1 teaspoon coconut oil
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Beat butter and sugar in a large bowl for 2 to 3 minutes. Add egg and vanilla extract, beating until smooth. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and allspice. Add flour mixture to wet ingredients and mix well. Add pumpkin to mixture, stirring well to combine. Divide dough in half. Shape each half into a 10″ x 3″ rectangle, using floured hands. Set loaves 2″ apart on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Bake for 30 minutes or until the dough is set. Leaving the oven on, remove the baking tray and place on a cooling rack for 15 minutes. Transfer each loaf to a cutting board, and slice the loaves into diagonal bars, 1/2″ thick. Return biscotti slices to the cookie sheet with the cut sides down. Bake for 10 minutes. Flip slices to other cut side, and bake for 10 minutes more. Remove biscotti from oven, and allow to cool completely on a cooling rack. Combine white chocolate and coconut oil in a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 30 seconds, then stir. Continue heating chocolate in 15-second increments, stirring in between, until chocolate glaze is smooth. Using a spoon, spread a layer of glaze on the tops or sides of biscotti. Refrigerate for 15 minutes to set glaze.
Photo: Pumpkin pie biscotti. Photo by Michele Pesula Kuegler.
The Deerfield Fair kicks off today and runs through Sunday, Oct. 3, at the Deerfield Fairgrounds (34 Stage Road). The fair is open today through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and on Sunday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tickets cost $12 for adults (kids 12 and under get in for free). Today’s schedule includes a super pumpkin/squash weigh-off at 6 p.m. The fair also features daily animal shows and demonstrations, amusement park rides, music and other performances on five stages as well as strolling performers. Find the schedule, directions and a map of the fairgrounds at deerfieldfair.com.
Thursday, Sept. 30
Head to the Currier Museum of Art (150 Ash St. in Manchester; 669-6144, currier.org) today from 5 to 8 p.m. for the weekly Art After Work program, when admission to the museum is free and you can catch a live musical performance (this week it’s Lauren Miller). Today’s exhibition tour will focus on “WPA in NH: Philip Guston and Musa McKim,” a two-piece exhibit that opened on Sept. 16.
Friday, Oct. 1
Described as “two men, twenty characters, satirical comedy ‘guaranteed,’” Greater Tuna opens today at the Hatbox Theatre (Steeplegate Mall, 270 Loudon Road in Concord; hatboxnh.com). Today’s show is at 7:30 p.m.; shows continue through Oct. 10 with shows on Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and on Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $22 for adults.
Saturday, Oct. 2
It’s another big weekend for food fests. Matt Ingersoll looks at the Applefest in Nashua and the Powder Keg Beer Fest in Exeter in the food section (see page 18 in this week’s paper) and in last week’s issue about Oktoberfest listed several celebrations of German food and beer this weekend (go to hippopress.com to find the e-edition; the story starts on page 18 in last week’s paper). And for even more apple fun, head to Apple Harvest Day in downtown Dover today from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The day includes a 5K, live music at two stages, an apple pie contest, two food courts and more, according to dovernh.org/apple-harvest-day.
Saturday, Oct. 230
Do a little shopping at Henniker Handmade & Homegrown, which runs today from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Henniker Community Center Park (57 Main St.). Find artisans, farmers and food makers selling their goods — everything from jewelry and birdhouses to sausage subs and candied apples, according to a press release. The day will also feature live music from Walker Smith, The Complete Unknowns and Beechwood.
Saturday, Oct. 2
Richard Dowling kicks off the Concord Community Concert Association’s season with a performance of “The World’s Greatest Piano Masterpieces” today at 7:30 p.m. at the Concord City Auditorium (2 Prince St. in Concord; 344-4747, ccca-audi.org). Tickets cost $20 at the door or $23 online.
Save the Date! Oct. 7
Some Halloween-themed movies to look forward to: Red River Theatres (11 S. Main St. in Concord; 224-4600, redrivertheatres.org) will host a scary film series Thursdays in October starting on Thursday, Oct. 7, with George Romero’s Night of the Living Dead (1968). Other films include William Castle’s House on Haunted Hill (1959, starring Vincent Price) on Oct. 14; Frenzy (1972), directed by Alfred Hitchcock, on Oct. 21, and John Carpenter’s The Thing on Oct. 28. Films start at 7 p.m.
