Category: News

Near miss for Pats

The Big Story: So much for hopes of an undefeated season as the Patriots went down in a 23-20 OT loss to surprising Seattle on Sunday. The Pats’ limitations (the wide receivers had three catches for 19 yards) and strengths (defense) were on display for most of the day. Though when they needed stops at the end of regulation and OT Geno Smith drove the Seahawks downfield for the tying and winning FGs.

In a quick turnaround the Jets are up next for the 1-1 Pats tonight on Thursday Night Football.

Sports 101: Aaron Judge has reached the 50 home run mark for a third season. Name the four others in MLB history to do that.

News Item – Looking Bleak for the Red Sox: After losing three of four to the Yanks over the weekend the end is in sight. At 75-75, they trailed three teams for the final wild card spot as the week started, 4.5 games back with 12 to play.

The weekend’s lowlight was Alex Cora doing something even Grady Little wouldn’t do. That is loading the bases by intentionally walking Juan Soto on Friday to bring major league home run leader Aaron Judge to the plate to face a lefty in a one-run game. I know — WHAT??

Predictably Judge deposited one in the left field bleachers for a grand slam to give the Yanks a 5-4 lead and the game.

News Item – Historic Stat Watch Update: That slam by Judge was No. 52, and 53 came on Sunday. That gave him a 10+ lead in the home run race, and with an even wider lead in RBI he’s going to win 2/3 of the triple crown for sure. And the whole TC is possible too, but he needs to make up 10 points in the batting average, at .322, to reach leader Bobby Witt at .332, which is a big gap at this time of year.

Shohei Ohtani started the week needing just two steals and three homers to reach the 50-50 club.

And finally, gulp, at 17-3 with 219 K’s and a 2.35 ERA Chris Sale leads in all three categories for the NL pitching triple crown.

The Numbers:

4.78 – ERAfor Tanner Houck in his nine starts since the All-Star game as he’s lost all four of his decisions.

5 – first downs made by Pats tight end Hunter Henry on all five balls thrown to him in the first quarter Sunday.

… Of the Week Awards

Thumbs Up – Joe Castiglione: The Red Sox radio voice announced on Sunday he’ll hang it up at year’s end after 42 years on the job and 6,500 broadcasts. Congrats on a job well done, young fella.

Clutch Moment of the Week – Francisco Lindor: The Mets shortstop enhanced his MVP candidacy by breaking up Bowdon Francis’ no-hit bid in the ninth inning to spark a comeback rally that gave the rampaging Mets a shocking 6-2 win over Toronto to keep their wild card playoff hopes alive.

A Little History – No-Hitter Break-ups: Incidentally, Francis is the first guy to lose two no-hitters in the ninth inning in the same season since — who else? — Nolan Ryan in 1989. Everyone knows about Ryan’s amazing seven no-no’s, but he narrowly missed 12 more by throwing that many one-hitters.

Random Thoughts:

It was way too early for analyst Jonathan Vilma to say just four plays into Seattle’s second possession, “so far Christian Gonzalez is getting the better of DK Metcalf,” and two plays later Metcalf caught a 56-yard TD pass with CG 15 yards behind him as the ball arrived. And by game’s end it was 10 catches for 129 yards overall.

Nice of the Lakers to honor the late Jerry West this coming year with a uniform patch with his number 44 on it. Though given the irreparable broken relationship between the team and West in recent years when his season tickets were rescinded, it must seem a little hollow to those in the know.

Sports 101 Answer: Babe Ruth, Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa hit 50-plus homers in four seasons while Alex Rodriguez did it three times.

Final Thought – Whiny America Strikes Again:

Now that the Chiefs are football’s best team they’re getting the same whining over their wins that the Brady-Belichick Pats did in theirs during the good old days. I understand the frustration that comes from losing to a team that always pulls it out at the end. But the receiver’s foot was on the end line for the negated Ravens TD that saved KC in Week 1 and it was definitely interference on the fourth-and-forever play that set up the winning FG vs. the Bengals on Sunday.

I don’t know if all the whining in today’s lunatic political climate over imagined biases migrated to sports, or if sports whining sent politics that way. I just know I’m sick of both. As sometimes your guy/team loses because they just didn’t do enough to win.

Email Dave Long at [email protected].

News & Notes 24/09/19

New library

A groundbreaking ceremony was held on Sept. 12 for a $6 million library project that will replace Mont Vernon’s Daland Memorial Library with a larger, modern, accessible structure, according to a press release from the Mont Vernon Library Charitable Foundation.

The new library is expected to be completed in the fall of 2025 and is a “public/private partnership with financial support provided by a bond and capital reserve fund approved by taxpayers, a significant gift from the Sophia G. Daland Trust and a successful capital campaign conducted by MVLCF,” the release said. The current building was built in 1909; the new building will allow for a “significant expansion of the library’s collection” as well as offer “space, technology and accessibility to allow library staff and visiting presenters to offer high-quality programming for area residents,” the release said. For more on the project, see mvlcf.org.

Daland Memorial Library produces the Tiny Town Library Podcast, which offers monthly episodes with town news, community updates, book recommendations and guest interviews, according to the description on Apple Podcasts. The most recent episode includes an interview with “special guest Howard Brown, beloved school bus driver,” according to the library’s website, dalandlibrary.com.

Driving for all

The New Hampshire Department of Education’s Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation has acquired an adaptive driving van to help individuals with disabilities gain access to adaptive driving training, according to a press release. The department acquired its 2021 Chrysler Pacifica wheelchair-accessible van and handicap vehicle from MobilityWorks in Londonderry, the release said.

“The addition of this high-tech adaptive driving van represents a major milestone in our commitment to supporting Granite Staters with disabilities,” said Frank Edelblut, education commissioner, in the press release. “We understand how important it is for teens and young adults living with disabilities to learn how to drive and achieve another step toward independence.”

The department is seeking a qualified Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialist to oversee the vehicle and provide the specialized training, the release said.

Manchester bike tour

The nonprofit Queen City Bicycle Collective hosts the 2024 Tour of Manchester on Sunday, Sept. 22. Join the 30-mile family-friendly ride around the city, from 8 a.m. to noon, or just the 8-mile West Side loop with its views of the city from Rock Rimmon and the Hands Across the Merrimack footbridge, which starts at 10 a.m. There’s also a 22-mile option. Bicyclists receive lunch and a commemorative T-shirt, and proceeds from the ride help QCBC continue its affordable bike repair offerings and its Earn-a-Bike program. Registration is $55 for ages 14 and older, $20 for ages 6-13, free for those under 6 years old. Ages 13 and younger must be accompanied by an adult rider. The tour offers rest stops, bike support, and lunch at the end of the ride, according to the website. Visit qcbike.org to sign up and see some nifty video from previous rides.

Always next year

The New Hampshire Fisher Cats concluded their 2024 season with a loss to the Somerset Patriots on Sunday, Sept. 15, who took the Eastern League Northeast Division second half title, with the Fisher Cats finishing the season in sixth place in the Northeast Division, according to a Fisher Cats release. But season tickets are already on sale for the 2025 season, which kicks off on Friday, April 4, at Delta Dental Stadium with a matchup against the Binghamton Rumble Ponies, the release said. See nhfishercats.com.

Staying warm

The United Way of Greater Nashua is holding a “Button Up Workshop” as part of their monthly “Coffee and Causes” series on Friday, Oct. 4, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Amherst Town Library, 14 Main St. in Amherst, according to press release. Presentations by Andy Duncan, energy trainer, and Tim McDonald, weatherization director from Southern NH Services, will focus on explaining how to improve a house’s energy efficiency, weatherization programs, available rebates on gas and electric appliances and more, the release said. The presentation is followed by a Q&A; register at tinyurl.com/Oct2024-Coffee and email [email protected] for more information.

Healthy lakes

NH Lakes, a statewide nonprofit organization whose mission is to “restore and preserve the health of New Hampshire’s lakes,” is urging homeowners to get their septic systems inspected for Septic Smart Week, which runs through Sept. 20, according to a press release. Problems in septic systems can “lead to nutrients and bacteria seeping into groundwater and finding their way into our lakes, causing potentially toxic cyanobacteria blooms,” the release said. The release said a licensed professional should inspect an entire system once every three years, in addition to regular pumping of septic tanks based on type of system and usage. See nhlakes.org.

Woodworking

The second annual New England Woodworking Competition will be held Saturday, Nov. 2, at University of New Hampshire in Durham, with both amateur and professional woodworkers encouraged to enter, according to a press release from the Guild of NH Woodworkers, which is organizing the event in association with the university and the New Hampshire Furniture Masters. The deadline to enter is Friday, Oct. 18, up to two pieces per woodworker allowed for judging, according to the press release and the rules for entry at gnhw.org. The cost is $60 for the first piece, $30 for the second piece for non-members, with no charge for students (of middle or high school, college or technical school) who enter (students are limited to one entry), the website and release said. Judges will evaluate the entries in 11 categories relative to ability and experience, the release said.

Many of the submissions will be for sale, the press release said. Admission is $22 in advance, $25 at the door, and includes complimentary hors d’oeuvres and an awards program, the release said.

Eclipse art exhibit

The Museum of the White Mountains at Plymouth State University will open a new exhibition, “In the Path of Totality,” about the April 2024 solar eclipse, on Friday, Oct. 4, from 3 to 5 p.m., according to a press release. The exhibition will feature more than 20 art pieces in a variety of media as well as weather data gathered by students and faculty who participated in NASA-funded eclipse research, the release said. The museum is located at 34 Highland St. in Plymouth and is open Tuesdays through Fridays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (closed Mondays, Sundays and university holidays), according to plymouth.edu/mwm. The exhibition is free and open to the public Saturday, Oct. 5, through Friday, Dec. 13, the release said.

BioBlitz!

BioBlitz, the annual dawn-to-dusk biological survey of Odiorne State Park in Rye, will take place Saturday, Sept. 21, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., according to the website and a press release for the Seacoast Science Center. Come for all or part of the day; admission costs $17 for ages 12+, $15 for ages 3 to 11 and senior and military, according to seacoastsciencecenter.org, where you can sign up. Explore the park with the center’s experts as well as guest experts, the release said. “In 2023, we found a total of 426 species, 34 of which were new to our list! That brings the total number of species identified since our first BioBlitz in 2003 to 2,388,” according to the website, where you can find an exploration schedule.

UNH Wildcats women’s basketball team, under first-year head coach Megan Shoniker, has released its 2024-2025 game schedule, with the first home game at Lundholm Gymnasium at UNH Durham versus Worcester State University on Monday, Nov. 4, according to a press release. See unhwildcats.com for the full schedule and to purchase tickets; single game tickets to women’s basketball games at UNH are $12 in advance ($14 on the day) for general admission and $10 in advance ($12 on the day) for youth and seniors. Single game courtside tickets are $17 in advance, $19 on the day. Wildcats men’s basketball will play their first home game on Wednesday, Nov. 6, against UMass Boston.

Franco-American Centre will hold a black-tie-optional Beaujolais Nouveau Gala dinner and dance on Saturday, Nov. 23, from 6 to 10 p.m. to celebrate the release of the 2024 Beaujolais in France. The three-course meal, with optional wine pairing with each course, will be at Oscar Barn Wedding Venue, 191 W. River Road in Hooksett. Tickets cost $115 ($90 without wine) for non-members. See facnh.com.

Tickets are on sale now for the Trans-Siberian Orchestra appearance on Friday, Nov. 29, at the SNHU Arena in downtown Manchester. The shows are at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $59.99 to $119.99, according to snhuarena.com.

NH Roller Derby will hold a Charity & Community Yard Sale on Saturday, Sept. 28, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 57 Joppa Road in Merrimack. According to the group’s Facebook page, there will be a large variety of items for sale including a “cappuccino maker, kids’ toys, stained glass, shoes, beach gear” and more.

This Week 24/09/12

Friday, Sept. 13

Telluride by the Sea film festival at The Music Hall in Portsmouth (themusichall.org) begins tonight with a screening of Conclave, starring Ralph Fiennes and Stanley Tucci, at 7 p.m. Other screenings at the festival include Memoir of a Snail on Saturday, Sept. 14, at 1 p.m.; Nickel Boys on Sept. 14 at 3:30 p.m.; Saturday Night on Sept. 14 at 7:30 p.m.; The Seed of the Sacred Fig on Sunday, Sept. 15, at noon, Will & Harper on Sept. 15 at 4 p.m. and Don’t Let’s Go to the Dogs Tonight on Sept. 15 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased for the entire festival or for individual screenings.

Thursday, Sept. 12

Catch Choir! Choir! Choir! tonight at 7 p.m. at the BNH Stage (16 S. Main St. in Concord; ccanh.com). This fully interactive, participatory show turns the audience into performers. All voices welcome, no experience necessary. This time, Choir! Choir! Choir! presents: “Hallelujah: An Epic Anthems Sing-Along!” Tickets start at $43.74.

Saturday, Sept. 14

The Thank You Project (thankyouproject.org) will hold its annual Water Walk today at 9 a.m. The mission of the Thank You Project is to bring a clean and reliable source of water to communities in rural Nigeria. Participants in this fundraiser will walk a 2-mile loop from Greeley Park in Nashua to the Concord Street Bridge. Visit thankyouproject.org/waterwalk.

Saturday, Sept. 14

Kelley Stelling Contemporary and the New Hampshire Potters’ Guild will hold a ceramics exhibition today from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. to celebrate the inaugural firing of the Guild’s new anagama kiln. The show will feature works by 18 ceramics artists and a silent auction The event will be at Al Jaeger’s property and location of the kiln, 20 Perry Road, Deerfield. This event is free and open to the public.

Saturday, Sept. 14

The Londonderry Historical Society (140 Pillsbury Road, Londonderry, 432-2005, londonderryhistory.org) is sponsoring a Cemetery Walk at the Pleasant View Cemetery (Mammoth Road, Londonderry) today at 2 p.m. The tour will begin and end at the south side of the cemetery, and will take approximately an hour and 15 minutes. Register via email at [email protected].

Sunday, Sept. 15

Less Leg More Heart (lesslegmoreheart.com), which supports amputees, will host a Firetruck Team Pull at the Anheuser-Busch Brewery (221 DW Highway, Merrimack) today, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Teams of up to 12 have two attempts to pull a 40,000- to 60,000-pound fire engine 50 feet. The top three teams will win trophies. Individuals can also pull a 1938 antique fire truck weighing nearly 11,000 pounds. The top three individuals will win trophies. Registration is free for teams with a pledge to raise $250 in fundraising; individual registration is $25. Register at lesslegmoreheart.com/events.

Save the Date! Friday, Sept. 20
Granite State Comicon will take place Saturday, Sept. 21, through Sunday, Sept. 22 (with a sneak preview night on Friday, Sept. 20; tickets for Friday night only cost $20), at SNHU Arena and the Doubletree by Hilton in downtown Manchester. Saturday night there will be a screening of the live-action 1990 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles with a cast Q&A at the Rex Theatre in Manchester (tickets cost $30). Tickets are available for a single day ($30 for Saturday, $25 for Sunday) or for a weekend pass ($45); a VIP ticket ($125) gets entry for all three days plus perks. See granitecon.com.

Featured photo: Oliver at the Palace Theater.

Quality of Life 24/09/12

Public service

As reported by WMUR on Monday, Sept. 9, Gov. Chris Sununu saved a choking victim Sunday, Sept. 8, at the Hampton Beach Lobster Roll Eating Competition. “Contestant Christian Moreno began to signal for help, tapping on his chest and looking to get the stuck piece of lobster out of his windpipe as he began to struggle to breathe,” according to the story. “I started saying, ‘He’s choking, he’s choking,’ … So I just moved forward and immediately started to kind of give him the Heimlich,” Sununu told WMUR. Gov. Sununu reported that the most surreal part of the experience was what happened immediately after he had cleared Moreno’s airway. “He went right back to the contest, which I couldn’t believe. He ate another seven lobster rolls after that,” Sununu said.

QOL score: +1

Comment: According to Hampton Chamber of Commerce representative Colleen Westcott, the contest was won by perennial contestant Chris Thurston of Somersworth.

That’s Dewey Decimal code 690

The Manchester City Library reported in a Sept. 4 blog post, that on Tuesday, Sept. 3, a slow leak in the ceiling of the Carpenter Memorial Library building began trickling water into the building’s mezzanine and into the nonfiction stacks. The volume of water leaking from a broken pipe increased, and as the blog post read, “This leak sent water raining over and into the mezzanine and then down into the nonfiction stacks below it. Quick action from the city’s Facilities division stopped the leak, but not before the water threatened those special collections on the library’s mezzanine as well as the nonfiction collections behind the Circulation Desk.” Library staff gathered and worked to move vulnerable materials to safety. The blog post reported, “It was a very large, heavy and intense job.”

QOL score: -2

Comment: The library will remain open during repairs, but parts of its collection might be temporarily unavailable.

Robotic cat on lend

In other library news, the Nashua Public Library has announced the opening of a new collection called “The Library of Things.” As reported in a Sept. 3 online article by WMUR, Nashua library patrons will now be able to borrow tools or other useful items from the library. The library’s website describes the items available, which include ukuleles, a telescope, a metal detector and a robotic cat companion.

QOL score: +1

Comment: At press time, the robotic cat was checked out and due back by Sept. 24, according to the library’s website.

Fades, braids and school supplies

On Sunday, Sept. 1, Manchester barber shop Get Faded gave free haircuts and school supplies to students. Shop owner Kim Lazoda said in a telephone interview that the event brought together talents from across Manchester’s hair community. “There was about 400 kids that came through the event,” she said. “[Two barbers from] West Side barber shop combined with our barber shop to help us out.” Electric Avenue Tattoos donated school supplies and painted faces, and Liana Locs and Nana Torres of Nana’s Hair Braiding braided hair for students who wanted it. Students ranged in age from very young to 12th grade.

QOL score: +1

Comment: Lazoda is also a certified Sensory Safe stylist for customers on the autism spectrum or with sensory issues.

QOL score last week: 80

Net change: +1

QOL this week: 81

What’s affecting your Quality of Life here in New Hampshire? Let us know at [email protected].

Pats were tigers vs. Bengals

The Big Story – Mayo Era Begins: Well, I didn’t see that coming, especially from the maligned offensive line. The Jerod Mayo era began on an unexpected high note Sunday when his Patriots pretty much stunned everyone with a 16-10 win over the Bengals — on the road, no less — to put early check marks in the boxes of the O-line, GM Eliot Wolf, owner Bob Kraft and Mayo.

And with Seattle flying cross-country for the home opener, being 2-0 seems possible. Which would blow everyone’s pre-season predictions out of the water.

Sports 101: Name the four NFL teams who’ve never played in a Super Bowl.

News Item – Sox on Life Support: They’re not dead yet, but it ain’t looking good, as after stumbling through an awful three wins in 10 games they start the week with three teams ahead of them and four games out.

And while the hitting wasn’t great, the relief pitching was awful as (a) Kenley Jansen and Rich Hill issued three straight bases-loaded eighth-inning walks to turn a 3-1 lead into a 4-3 series-sweeping Mets win last Wednesday and (b)Zack Kelly gave up five runs in the ninth to the woeful White Sox in Sunday’s 7-2 loss.

News Item – 4 Pats Stars: (a) Kyle Dugger for saving TD’s on consecutive plays by first yanking the ball out of Mike Gesicki’s hands at the last second in the end zone, then stripping Tanner Hudson on the 1-foot line that was recovered and returned 17 yards by Marcus Jones; (b) Jonathan Jones for making a great tackle when it looked like Cincy was going to get a key first down on fourth and 2 from the 35 in the third quarter. (c) Keion White — as predicted by your not so humble scribe, Matthew Judon wasn’tmissed because KW filled that void with 2.5 sacks; (d) Rhamondre Stevenson (and the offensive line) for his 120 rushing yards and especially picking up three gigantic first downs on the final drive to run out the clock.

The Numbers:

46 & 46 – homers and stolen bases for Shohei Otani, asafter stealing numbers 44, 45 and 46 in one game alone last week and hitting two more homers, it’s looking likely he’ll become the first to enter the 50-50 club.

111 – losses for the White Sox to keep on pace to have the worst record in baseball history.

… Of the Week Awards

Thumbs Up – NFL Replay: They probably didn’t like it in Maryland, but a second look at the apparent TD that would have tied on the final play of the NFL opener between KC and Baltimore showed the value of the replay, as receiver Isaiah Likely’s toe actually was (barely) on the back line. So no TD.

It also correctly took away the Gesicki non-TD in the Patriots-Bengals game.

Thumbs Down – Injury of the Week: For seeing Washington Spirits rookie Croix Bethune somehow tearing her meniscus throwing out the first pitch at a Washington Nats game to honor her being part of U.S. Women’s Soccer winning gold at the Paris Olympics.

Barf Inducing Moment of the Week: Gonna sound like a get off my lawn grouch, but it was the first sight of the so-called “modernized” throwback uniforms worn by the New York Giants on Sunday. Yuck.

In Case You Missed It – Ceddanne Rafaela: The rookie’s versatility achieved a first in baseball history by playing 68 games at shortstop and 61 in center field. Which should be a big entry on the resume in voting for rookie of the year.

Random Thoughts:

By the way, after pointing out last week Andy Reid has a chance to surpass Bill Belichick in career wins I didn’t say it’s because he’s as good at designing offenses as Coach B is at D.

If you’re interested, it was five tackles and a ½ sack for Judon in his Atlanta debut.

After seeing his QB Will Levis average a microscopic 4.0 yards per attempt on Sunday, I wonder if Calvin Ridley was second guessing picking Tennessee over the Patriots in free agency.

Sports 101 Answer: Jacksonville, Houston, Cleveland and Detroit are the franchises who’ve never made it to the Super Bowl.

Final Thought – Garrett Crochet: Remember when everyone (including me) wanted the Red Sox to get the White Sox lefty at the trade deadline?

Well, Crochet has not gone more than four innings in any of his 11 starts since July 1. And while he’s not hurt, he’s only thrown 19.1 total since the deadline, including lasting just two innings against the Sox on Saturday when he gave up four earned runs.

Throw in his refusal to be dealt to a team unless it gave him an immediate multi-year deal. Meaning he took staying with the worst team in baseball history over going somewhere to win.

So while Craig Breslow didn’t get any help at the deadline, Crochet’s JD (blood and guts) Drew mindset tells us they dodged a bullet by passing on him.

Email Dave Long at [email protected].

News & Notes 24/09/12

Fox Forest field day

According to a press release, the New Hampshire Division of Forests and Lands will host its field day at the Caroline A. Fox Research and Demonstration Forest in Hillsborough on Saturday, Sept. 21, starting at 9 a.m.

In a statement, Inge Seaboyer, a program forester at the Division of Forests and Lands, said that “while we’re surrounded by New Hampshire’s forestland every day, not everyone knows about the complexities of our forests and the myriad of ways they’re used. Fox Forest Field Day is a really fun way for folks to come together and learn more about how our forests work and the work that comes from them.”

Activities and demonstrations at the free event include a tour led by Seaboyer from 9 to 10 a.m. of an active timber harvest taking place on site (sturdy walking shoes are recommended). From 10 to 11 a.m. Urban Forester A.J. Dupere will mill Norway spruce harvested from Fox Forest into boards using a portable sawmill, and from 11 a.m. to noon Diane DeLuca from NH Audubon will discuss pollinator gardens and their effect on forests and other landscapes.

From 1 to 2 p.m. the milling of Norway spruce continues, and throughout the day artist Jim Hallene of Goffstown will be demonstrating woodturning and the Baldwin Center building will be open to the public from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for an exhibit of works by New Hampshire artists.

The event will take place rain or shine. For more information email [email protected] or call 464-3453.

Spiny water flea

According to a New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) press release, the spiny water flea, an invasive microscopic animal, has increased in number across Lake Winnipesaukee this season, based on feedback from anglers who report fouling of fishing lines with dozens of these animals.

The spiny water flea is not harmful to humans but it can be a nuisance to anglers when it accumulates on fishing lines. Boaters and other on-water recreation enthusiasts play an important role in stopping the spread of the flea and similar aquatic invasive species, according to the release.

The NHDES will conduct formal surveys this fall but early indications show that densities of the invasive plankton have increased since its discovery in fall 2023 by state biologists, according to the release.

State biologists warn transient boaters and fishermen to always clean, drain and dry their recreational gear between bodies of water, but especially after being in Lake Winnipesaukee, as well as the two downstream lakes, Lake Opechee and Lake Winnisquam.

All fishing gear, especially fishing line, should be wiped down and left to dry for at least 24 to 48 hours before being used in another water body since these organisms spread by moving with transient boats, fishing gear and other equipment that comes in contact with the infected water, according to the release.

The spiny water flea is a type of zooplankton that is native to Europe and Asia and was introduced to the United States Great Lakes in the 1980s via contaminated cargo ship ballast water, according to the release.

Other Northeast locations of spiny water flea infestation include Lake Champlain in Vermont, as well as Lake George and a few other water bodies in New York.

The tiny animal was likely introduced here by a transient boater who visited a water body with an existing infestation, and then transported live organisms or eggs to Lake Winnipesaukee on recreational gear or in a water-containing structure like a live well or bilge, according to the release.

The spiny water flea has negative impacts on the aquatic food web by shifting plankton communities (microscopic plants and animals), which results in reduced gamefish population, especially trout and salmon, and there are no treatments available to control this species once it is established. The only management option is preventing introduction into uninfected waterbodies.

State biologists will be monitoring spiny water flea populations in September as part of a routine sampling event, according to the release. For more information or to report a potential new infestation, contact Amy Smagula at [email protected] or 271-2248..

Deer archery season

The fall archery deer season starts on Sunday, Sept. 15, and, similar to 2023, deer hunters now have the option of registering their deer online by visiting wildlife.nh.gov/hunting-nh/deer-hunting-new-hampshire/how-register-your-deer.

Physical registration stations remain a choice for those who prefer the experience of in-person registration. To allow for the collection of biological data, online registration will be unavailable on the first two days of muzzleloader season, Saturday, Nov. 2, and Sunday, Nov. 3, and the first three days of firearms season, Wednesday Nov. 13, to Friday, Nov. 15. Hunters must check in their deer in person on these dates.

To accommodate the online registration system and streamline the tracking of deer registrations, hunters are reminded that New Hampshire Fish and Game no longer issues metal deer seals and instead will provide successful hunters with a confirmation number that will serve as their proof of registration, according to a press release.

Online registration provides a modern and convenient way for hunters to register their deer harvest. But for a list of in-person deer registration locations, visit wildlife.nh.gov/hunting-nh/check-stations-registration.

The Grazing Room at Colby Hill Inn in Henniker (33 The Oaks, colbyhillinn.com, 428-3281) will hold an “Into the Woods Wild Game & Foraging Dinner” on Saturday, Sept. 14, at 6 p.m. This is a six-course dinner with a bourbon tasting and a tented dessert station. The cost is $150 per person.

To Share Brewing Co. in Manchester (720 Union St., tosharebrewing.com) will hold its Oktoberfest on Saturday, Sept. 14, beginning at 1 p.m. The day will feature live music, brats topped with kraut, a stein-holding competition and more.

See some Faberge Imperial Easter Eggs on Tuesday, Sept. 17, at 7 p.m. at the Merrimack Historical Society (10 Depot St., Merrimack, 424-5207) as part of the New Hampshire Humanities (nhhumanities.org) selection of fall events.

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