Mini golf is a great outdoor pastime for just about anyone: challenging but not impossible, fun for kids and adults, and a pretty low-key way to get outside and get active during the summer without breaking too much of a sweat. Find out what some of southern New Hampshire’s mini golf courses have to offer.
Also on the cover, the Concord Chorale returns to in-person performances, p. 14. Try Italian at Rig A Tony’s or grab some barbecue at Sherman’s Pit Stop, p. 22 & 23. And cool down with a refreshing cocktail, p. 26.
Covid-19 updateAs of June 28As of July 2Total cases statewide99,45599,555Total current infections statewide155181Total deaths statewide1,3711,372New cases126 (June 22 to June ...
One of the New Hampshire Fisher Cats’ star pitching prospects will be heading to Tokyo to play for Team USA. According to a press release, Simeon Woods Richardson, a 20-year-old from Texas, will report to Cary, N.C., for training camp on July 16. Team USA’s first game in Tokyo will be against Israel on Friday, July 30, at 7 p.m. JST (6 a.m. EDT), followed by a game against Korea on Saturday, July 31, before games move into bracket play. Woods Richardson returned to the Fisher Cats on June 9 and held the Portland Sea Dogs (Boston Red Sox) to one run on three hits in five strong innings, according to the release, and he got the win over the Hartford Yard Goats (Colorado Rockies) on June 20, striking out a career-high nine batters in five frames.
Score: +1
Comment:It might just be worth waking up at 6 a.m. to watch Woods Richardson represent the Fisher Cats, and the USA.
Giving brings joy
Throughout May, the Greater Nashua Mental Health Center held events and activities to highlight how mental health treatment can change and save lives, and to help eradicate the stigma surrounding mental health disorders. According to a press release, one of the most heartwarming activities was a project completed by children from the center’s Child, Adolescent and Family Services department. The kids created paper flowers, some with encouraging messages on the leaves, plus handmade cards and artwork for the residents.
Score: +1
Comment:To show their gratitude, the assisted living residents sent gifts back to the children, including wind chimes and other arts and crafts items, the release said.
Help wanted
According to a recent study from LendingTree, New Hampshire ranks No. 2 for states that are most in need of workers. Forty-five percent of businesses in the state say that hiring new employees will be their biggest need in the next six months. Thirty-six percent of businesses in the Granite State said the inability to find workers is affecting their operating capacity.
Score: -1
Comment: Montana and Wisconsin are most in need of new employees, at 52 percent and 48 percent, respectively, while only 17 percent of businesses in Wyoming, which ranked last on the list, anticipate hiring new employees as their biggest need in the next 6 months, the report said.
Honoring the fallen
The New Hampshire Department for Disabled American Veterans is on a mission to raise $12,000 to complete the new Battlefield Crosses Memorial in Manchester’s Veterans Park, which the Granite State chapter hopes can be finished and dedicated on Veterans Day. According to a press release, statues honoring military personnel lost in World War II, the Vietnam War and the post-9/11 War on Terror were dedicated on Memorial Day; placing statues honoring the fallen of World War I and the Korean War will complete the memorial. Anyone who wants to show their appreciation for those who died while fighting for America can send any amount, big or small, to DAV Battlefield Cross Fund Drive, New Hampshire Disabled American Veterans, 212 Coolidge Avenue, Manchester, NH 03102.
Score: +1
Comment: According to the release, a battlefield cross is a combat rifle stuck in the soil topped by a helmet to show honor and respect for a soldier who has died in combat.
QOL score: 78 Net change: +2 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
On June 30, Gov. Chris Sununu announced in a press release that both the State Emergency Operations Center and the Joint Information Center, both in operation since March 2020, would close at 4 p.m. that afternoon. “With minimal community transmission, we no longer find ourselves in an immediate emergency situation,” Sununu said in a statement. According to the release, ongoing pandemic operations will transition to the New Hampshire Department of Health & Human Services.
State health officials announced 35 new positive cases of Covid-19 in New Hampshire on July 2. The state averaged 25 new cases per day over the most recent seven-day period, a 25-percent increase compared to the previous week. Covid vaccinations, meanwhile, were at 55 percent statewide as of July 2.
Voter law
The 2107 voter registration law that created a new process for people to prove they are residents of New Hampshire if they registered to vote within 30 days of an election or on Election Day has been struck down by the New Hampshire Supreme Court. According to a press release, the court agreed with a Superior Court ruling that the new process is confusing, could deter people from registering and voting and “imposes unreasonable burdens on the right to vote.” The decision was a unanimous 4-0 vote. After the ruling, Gov. Chris Sununu issued the following statement: “It’s disappointing that these common-sense reforms were not supported by our Supreme Court, but we have to respect their decision and I encourage the Legislature to take the court’s opinion into account and continue working to make common-sense reforms to ensure the integrity of New Hampshire’s elections.”
Diversity council
On June 29, 10 members of the Governor’s Advisory Council on Diversity and Inclusion sent a collective resignation letter to Gov. Chris Sununu. “On June 25, 2021, you signed into law a provision that aims to censor conversations essential to advancing equity and inclusion in our state, specifically for those within our public education systems, and all state employees. This will directly impact those who are working with some of our state’s most vulnerable populations, including educators, child welfare workers, and law enforcement,” the letter read. The 10 members, who make up more than half of the council, said the new law conflicts with Council’s purpose of finding ways to combat discrimination and advance diversity and inclusion. “Given your willingness to sign this damaging provision and make it law, we are no longer able to serve as your advisors,” the letter read. According to a June 29 report from WMUR, that provision was titled, “Right to Freedom From Discrimination in Public Workplaces and Education” and was authored by Senate Majority Leader Jeb Bradley, R-Wolfeboro. He said in early June the provision focused on “strengthening protections for people of all characteristics — gender identity, sexual orientation, age, sex, creed, color, race, family situation, marital situation, disabilities either mental or physical, national origin or religion,” and that it was crafted carefully to ensure that it would not ban workplace sensitivity training addressing race, sexual orientation or other personal characteristics, nor does it restrict state university system and community college system faculty from teaching or discussing the historical existence of discrimination, the WMUR report said. Bradley said the amendment asserts that “no one is inherently superior or inferior. So we say it’s discrimination if you say, if you instruct, if you teach that someone is inferior or superior,” according to WMUR. But Democrats on the council say the language is discriminatory. According to their resignation letter, they sent letters to Sununu asking him to oppose the provision and requesting a meeting with him to discuss possible alternatives. Once the bill passed with the provision as written by Bradley, the following members resigned: Dr. Dottie Morris, Devon Chaffee, Maria Devlin, Sharon Harris, James Maggiore, Dr. Salman Malik, Dr. James Morse, Pawn Nitichan, Sheriff Eliezer Rivera and Allyson Ryder. “It should not be taken lightly that nearly every member of the Council that is not part of your administration is resigning today,” the letter said.
Insurance fraud
In the past 12 months, the New Hampshire Insurance Department investigated 18 insurance fraud cases and submitted them for criminal prosecution. According to a press release, the fraud cases included false claims related to food poisoning, disability claims, workers’ compensation claims, buying policies “after” the losses and misrepresenting the date and time to get coverage, mysterious disappearance of jewelry, and numerous fake medical records. Deputy Commissioner D.J. Bettencourt said in the release that the main mission of the department is to protect consumers from insurance fraud, which leads to higher premiums. When a person attempts to obtain a benefit they are not entitled to, or when an insurer knowingly denies someone’s legitimate claim, it is considered insurance fraud. The insurance department investigates these cases once the victim files a consumer complaint form, or when an insurance company reports a suspicious claim.
Child advocates wanted
As CASA of New Hampshire prepares for an anticipated increase in the rate of reported abused and neglected children once school is back in session, the organization is offering learning and training opportunities for anyone interested in being a volunteer advocate. According to a press release, these sessions, which are being held throughout the summer, will prepare new volunteers to begin providing support this fall. “Over the past 16 months, CASA staff has been concerned about the impact the pandemic has had on children who’ve experienced abuse and neglect, shielded from the watchful eyes of teachers and other caregivers,” Carolyn Cote, CASA’s communications director, said in the release. “We’ve seen many instances where the stressors that challenge families, including substance misuse, mental health and domestic violence, have been amplified during the past year.” Virtual information sessions are being held twice a month over the summer, on Wednesdays, July 14, July 21 and Aug. 11, at 5:30 p.m. and on Aug. 25 at 12:30 p.m. New volunteer training sessions are all virtual. The summer training session is a combination of day and evening hours, and it runs for six weeks beginning July 14. The first fall training session is daytime only, running twice a week for five weeks beginning Sept. 13. Applications should be submitted two weeks before the first day of training to allow adequate time for the interview and acceptance process. Visit casanh.org to find out more or to apply.
Catholic Medical Center in Manchester has named Alex Walker as the new president and CEO of CMC. According to a press release, Walker will take over the position left by Dr. Joseph Pepe, who retired after 31 years at CMC, starting out as a primary care physician in 1990 and becoming CEO in 2012. Walker was most recently executive vice president and chief operating officer of CMC, the release said.
The Community College System of New Hampshire announced last week that Dr. Mark Rubinstein will be its next chancellor. He is currently president of Granite State College in Concord, according to a press release, and his new job will begin Sept. 1, when current chancellor Dr. Susan Huard retires.
The Nashua International Sculpture Symposium will unveil its 1000 Origami Peace Cranes for Nashua project on Thursday, July 8, at 6:30 p.m. in the atrium at St. Joseph Hospital. The community is welcome to attend and enjoy food, drinks and music, according to the event’s Facebook page, and to view the paper cranes, which were folded by hundreds of local participants of all ages.
Fourth of July fireworks are looking more promising this year. Concord, Manchester and Nashua are all planning fireworks events, and so are several other communities in southern New Hampshire. All events take place on Sunday, July 4, unless otherwise noted. All events are subject to change or cancellation, so check with the town before heading out.
Bristol
Where: Over Newfound Lake
When: July 3 at dusk; rain date July 4
Canterbury
Where: Canterbury Elementary School (15 Baptist Road)
When: Saturday, July 3, at 9 p.m.
Concord
Where: Memorial Field (70 S. Fruit St.)
When: Approximately 9:15 p.m. The Nevers Band will perform starting at 7:45 p.m. Rain date is July 5.
Derry
Where: Suggested viewing along Tsienneto Road, Hood Commons, Folsom Road and Crystal Avenue
When: Dusk (approximately 9 p.m.)
Dover
Where: Set off at Garrison Hill Park, viewable from around the city
When: 9:15 p.m.
Exeter
Where: Swasey Park (316 Water St.)
When: July 10, after 8 p.m.
Hampton
Where: Hampton Beach (Ocean Boulevard)
When: 9:30 p.m.
Hillsboro
Where: Hillsboro fairgrounds (17 Hilldale Lane)
When: July 10, 10 p.m.
Laconia
Where: Weirs Beach and Opechee Park (915 N. Main St.)
When: July 3 at 11:59 p.m. at Weirs and July 4 at 10 p.m. at Opechee
The second annual Independence Day Boat Parade on Lake Winnipesaukee will take place at Weirs Beach from 1 to 4 p.m.
Manchester
Where: Arms Park (10 Arms St.) and Northeast Delta Dental Stadium (1 Line Drive)
When: At 9:30 p.m. on July 3 at Arms Park and after the Fisher Cats game on July 4
Merrimack
Where: Merrimack High School (38 McElwain St.)
When: 9 p.m.
The town is also hosting its annual Fourth of July Parade, which will feature bands, militia units, clowns, community organizations and more. This year the town is celebrating its 275th anniversary, so the theme for the parade is Celebrate Merrimack’s History – Past, Present and Future. The parade begins at the Commons Shopping Plaza (515 Daniel Webster Hwy.), then travels south down Daniel Webster Highway, onto Baboosic Lake Road, then O’Gara Drive, ending in front of Merrimack High School.
Milford
Where: Keyes Memorial Field (45 Elm St.)
When: July 2, dusk
Nashua
Where: Holman Stadium (67 Amherst St.)
When: 9 p.m.
New Boston
Where: Hillsboro fairgrounds (17 Hilldale Lane)
When: 9:15 p.m.
Portsmouth
Where: Leary Field (Parrott Avenue)
When: July 3, 9 p.m.
Raymond
Where: Town Common
When: July 10, 9:30 p.m.
Salem
Where: Tuscan Village (72 Rockingham Park Boulevard)
When: July 3, 9 p.m.
Sunapee
Where: Sunapee Harbor
When: July 3 at dusk
Weare
Where: Town center
When: July 17 at dusk
Windham
Where: Windham High School (64 London Bridge Road)
When: June 30 at 9:30 p.m.; rain date July 1
In lieu of fireworks… There won’t be any fireworks in Amherst this year, but the town is hosting a “reverse parade” at Souhegan High School (412 Boston Post Road) from 9 to 10 a.m. Clowns, cheerleaders, bands and more will be standing on the sides of a looped route, allowing people in cars to drive through the loop and wave.
This story was possible with the generous financial support of Hippo readers. Hippo is very grateful to have the support of its readers. If you haven’t contributed yet, please consider a small contribution. Your contributions allow Hippo to write more stories and gets you access to additional stories and columns.
Stuck at home this summer? Pick up a good book and let it take you away. Local booksellers and librarians share their top picks for books that can transport you, whether it’s to a tropical beach, a foreign land, a courtroom or a zoo.
Also on the cover, find fireworks to celebrate the Fourth, p. 16. Tammaro’s Cucina is coming to Litchfield, p. 23. And there’s a ton of live music happening during this long holiday weekend, p. 33.
Covid-19 updateAs of June 21As of June 28Total cases statewide99,32999,455Total current infections statewide196155Total deaths statewide1,3671,371New cases186 (June 15 to June ...
The 2021 Kids Count Data Book, released last week by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, ranks New Hampshire second in the United States for overall child well-being. According to a press release from New Futures, a nonprofit that aims to improve the health and wellness of New Hampshire residents, the national report uses data from four domains in each state: economic well-being, education, health, and family and community context. According to the report, New Hampshire ranks first in family and community context, third in overall health, fifth in education and sixth in economic well-being.
Score: +1
Comment:According to the release, New Hampshire moved from second to first in family and community context because the number of children living in single-parent families decreased from 30 percent in 2018 to 28 percent in 2019, and the number of children living in high-poverty areas dropped from 2 percent in 2018 to less than 1 percent in 2019.
Safe state for cats and dogs
For the first time, New Hampshire is a no-kill state, according to the annual pet lifesaving data recently released by Best Friends Animal Society, with no dogs or cats killed in state shelters in 2020. It’s the second state in the country (after Delaware) to reach no-kill status, the release said, with an aggregate shelter pet save rate of 92.62 percent, which factors in the approximately 10 percent of pets who enter shelters and have medical or behavioral issues that warrant humane euthansia. Of the 8,573 dogs and cats that entered New Hampshire shelters in 2020, all were saved, according to the release.
Comment: +1
Score: In 2019, only 76.47 percent of the state’s shelters were no-kill, according to the release.
American pride
The Fourth of July should be a big day in the Granite State — according to a new report from the personal-finance website WalletHub, New Hampshire is the fifth most patriotic state in the nation.
Data compiled included number of military enlistees and veterans, volunteer hours and share of adults who voted in the 2020 presidential election. According to the report, New Hampshire ranked first in civics education requirement, fourth in percentage of adults who voted in the presidential election and sixth in Peace Corps volunteers per capita.
Score: +1
Comment: New Hampshire follows Montana, Alaska, Maryland and Vermont in patriotism, according to the report.
Queen City scams
In the past couple of weeks, Manchester police have dealt with two significant scams. On June 17, they handled a report from an elderly woman who had received calls from a man who said her Social Security number had been used in a drug and money laundering crime in Texas and told her to send $25,000 to a UPS dropoff in Tampa so that they could make sure the money was kept safe, according to a press release. The woman sent the money to the address, but a Manchester detective told the store manager to hold on to the package, and it was ultimately returned to her. On June 22, Manchester police sent out an Amber Alert for a missing mother and her 4-year-old son, who were found safe in the city soon after the alert went out. Detectives believe the incident was a phone scam, where someone calls the victim and says a family member is in trouble, then demands money for the individual’s safe return, according to a press release.
Score: -2
Comment:Both of these scams ended as happily as they could have, but the police remind everyone to be wary of any suspicious calls or requests for money.
QOL score: 77 Net change: +1 QOL this week: 78
What’s affecting your Quality of Life here in New Hampshire? Let us know at news@hippopress.com.
