New Hampshire Housing names new executive director
New Hampshire Housing, an organization dedicated to growing affordable housing in the state, welcomed Robert Dapice as its new executive director and CEO last month. Dapice discussed the position and how he plans to lead New Hampshire Housing in addressing New Hampshire’s housing needs.
What is your background in this type of work?
I worked … in construction for seven years. … I got a job for a construction company in Concord and did some work in the housing space. That’s when I really came to appreciate the value of New Hampshire’s communities and villages and main streets. I did some volunteer work … that draws upon volunteers from the design and construction and engineering industries to help communities solve design problems. Through that, I became aware of New Hampshire Housing and applied for a job there. That was seven years ago, and I’ve been working here since then, mostly on multi-family development but also on compliance and development [issues], working with partners and developers who are trying to create new housing initiatives and opportunities for people across the state.
What does your job as executive director entail?
This is a period of transition for New Hampshire Housing. … We’re running an emergency rental assistance program to help [renters] who have been [financially] affected by Covid to be able to stay in their homes. We’re also getting ready to launch a homeowners assistance fund to help [homeowners] with mortgage or utility payments they’ve fallen behind on. A lot of what I’m doing is helping to support the team and making sure they have the resources they need … to run those programs. There’s also a certain amount of external engagement, like working with GOFER, [which is] the Governor’s Office for Emergency Relief and Recovery … and answering questions for legislators when they’re considering legislation that might affect the housing economy.
What are some of New Hampshire’s greatest needs when it comes to housing?
Demographically, [New Hampshire] households have been getting smaller, which has created a need for more smaller types of housing. We have a lot of larger single-family homes, which were developed at a time when it was more common [to see] larger families with more kids, but now, there are a lot of one- and two-person households … and people who are looking to downsize. … When people have trouble moving into homeownership opportunities, they stay in their apartments, which puts pressure on [renters] who are more vulnerable or housing-insecure. We also need more supportive housing for people with significant challenges … like people who are [experiencing] homelessness, substance abuse disorders and mental illness … and housing for the workforce.
How has the pandemic impacted housing in the state?
Covid has affected housing by changing people’s preferences. To some degree, the school closures early in the pandemic, coupled with the ability or need to work from home, has put additional pressure on the homeownership market. Another effect is … homelessness [among] people who have been in unstable [housing] situations, like living with their relatives or couchsurfing with friends; a lot of those arrangements became untenable during the pandemic [due to] fear of infection or people needing more space [at home] to do remote school or work.
What do you hope to accomplish as director, short-term and long-term?
Short-term, to continue running emergency relief programs efficiently and with compassion to help get people through what is still a really difficult time, and … to figure out how we’re going to evolve to reflect the changes in people’s lives and in the housing landscape. … Long-term, we’re working on a range of initiatives to create new housing across the spectrum of communities and housing types … and [the types of] housing that people in the state want and need.
What do you find rewarding about this work?
The work we do [like] helping first-time homebuyers afford new homes [and] creating new opportunities for multi-family rental housing … is essential to meet the [housing] needs of the state, and to help people find a good home when they might not otherwise be able to afford one. That’s incredibly satisfying. … I feel lucky to work here.
Information from the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services.
Covid-19 news
On Jan. 31, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration fully approved the Moderna vaccine against Covid-19 for people ages 18 and older, according to a press release. It becomes the second Covid vaccine to receive full authorization in the U.S. following the approval of the Pfizer vaccine back on Aug. 23 — both had previously only been approved under emergency authorization status. “While hundreds of millions of doses have been administered … we understand that for some individuals, FDA approval of this vaccine may instill additional confidence in making the decision to get vaccinated,” acting FDA commissioner Janet Woodcock said in a statement. The following day, Feb. 1, the FDA announced that a virtual advisory committee meeting will take place to discuss the possibility of emergency use authorization approval of the Pfizer vaccine for use in children ages 6 months to 4 years old. The meeting is scheduled for Feb. 15.
An initial round of 500,000 Covid test kits became available across all 67 New Hampshire Liquor & Wine Outlet stores as of Feb. 4, according to a press release from Gov. Chris Sununu’s office. Kits are sold for $11.29 apiece while supplies last. According to the release, there is no age requirement to purchase a test kit, and anyone can buy as many as they would like. As the state purchases and acquires more test kits, the NHLC plans to restock shelves at each store.
State health officials announced 779 new positive Covid test results on Feb. 7. The state averaged 804 new cases per day over the most recent seven-day period, a 40-percent decrease compared to the previous seven-day average. As of Feb. 7 there were 6,277 active cases, down from more than 10,000 on Jan. 31, and 206 active hospitalizations.
High-speed internet
Residents who can’t afford high-speed internet services may be eligible for discounts through the federal Affordable Connectivity Program, created to help ensure that people who struggle financially can stay connected to family members, friends, health care providers and work. According to a press release, applications are now being acceptedfor the program, and eligible recipients could get a discount of up to $30 per month for high-speed internet services, as well as a one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, desktop computer or tablet purchased through a participating provider. “The pandemic has shown us that access to high-speed internet is not a luxury; it is a necessity,” Todd Fahey, State Director of AARP NH, said in the release. New Hampshire residents who have a household income of less than $25,760 for a single-family household or $43,540 for a couple, or who qualify for the Lifeline program or Medicaid or receive SNAP or WIC benefits, Federal Public Housing Assistance or Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefits may be eligible. This program modifies and extends the temporary Emergency Broadband Benefit program in effect last year as part of Covid-19 relief, the release said.
Housing Commission
Manchester’s Housing Commission nominees have been approved by Mayor Joyce Craig. According to a press release, the creation of a Housing Commission follows recommendations made by the Mayor’s Affordable Housing Task Force last year. “We’ve already begun to make significant progress on the Affordable Housing Taskforce recommendations, moving forward with changes to zoning ordinances, developments on City-owned land, adding additional resources to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, and more,” Craig said in the release. “The inaugural members of Manchester’s Housing Commission are uniquely qualified to continue this work. They bring a range of perspectives and backgrounds from housing advocacy, to development, to housing and homelessness service providers.” The commission will be responsible for following up on the task force’s recommendations, the release said. Founding members of the commission are Jean Noel Mugabo, Zachery Palmer, Peter Capano, Jessica Margeson and Chris Wellington, along with alternate members Joseph Wichert and Kate Marquis.
Community grants
Manchester’s Planning and Community Development Department has launched a new Community Event and Activation Grant program, part of the American Rescue Plan Act recommendations approved by the Board of Mayor and Aldermen in 2021. According to a press release, the grant program provides up to $10,000 to support and increase the number of community-based projects and events to help the Queen City recover from the negative effects of the pandemic. Examples of eligible projects include public art installations, outdoor seating or bike racks and events such as concerts in the park, neighborhood block parties or sporting events, the release said, and applicants can apply for up to $10,000 per grant but are required to provide a 25 percent match for each request. The first round application is due March 31.
Police cameras
Grant funds are now available to local and county law enforcement agencies to purchase body-worn and dashboard cameras. According to a press release, the fund is a key recommendation of the Governor’s Commission on Law Enforcement Accountability, Community and Transparency that encouraged all law enforcement agencies to acquire and use these cameras. Agencies can be reimbursed up to $50,000 for the purchase of body-worn or dashboard cameras, software maintenance for the cameras and maintenance and storage of data related to the cameras, the release said. “The safety of all law enforcement officers across the state is imperative,” New Hampshire Department of Safety Commissioner Robert Quinn said in the release. “These grant funds will help departments put important equipment in place to protect officers who put their lives at risk every day and enhance trust with the public they serve.”
Housing a priority
Stay Work Play’s biggest legislative focus area for the 2022 legislative session is housing affordability. According to a press release, half of the 18 bills that the organization — a nonpartisan advocacy program focused on public policy issues that affect whether young people will choose to live in the Granite State — have taken a position on this year are aimed at making the Granite State a more affordable place to live. Other focus areas include child care, outdoor recreation, and diversity, equity and inclusion. “Given the effect of public policy on the attraction and retention of young Granite Staters, having Stay Work Play’s voice in Concord is important,” Rep. Joe Alexander of Goffstown said in the release. Stay Work Play Executive Director Will Stewart will be involved in direct lobbying at the Statehouse, and the Stay Work Play Advocacy Network, with nearly 70 young people from across the state, will reach out to the legislators who represent them to speak on behalf of Stay Work Play’s policy positions, the release said.
The annual New England Pond Hockey Classic on Lake Winnipesaukee in Meredith was canceled last weekend due to a storm and unsafe ice conditions, according to the event website. More than 500 games were set to be played by more than 275 teams across 26 rinks Feb. 4 through Feb. 6, the website said.
Skaters in kilts took to the ice at White Park in Concord on Feb. 6 as New Hampshire Scot hosted the Great Kilt Skate, according to a report from WMUR. “It looks like there are probably 30 people here skating in tartans right now, and more keep coming through, so we’re happy with that, we’re excited,” NH Scot Executive Director Terry Wiltse told WMUR, noting that it was only one of two Great Kilt Skates in the U.S. this year — the other being in New York City.
On Feb. 4, students from Bow High School met virtually with students from Pedro Gomes High School in Cabo Verde. According to a press release, the meeting was hosted by members of the United States Embassy staff, as well as Gov. Chris Sununu and soldiers from New Hampshire’s National Guard, who traveled to the Republic of Cabo Verde for a signing ceremony to officially establish a State Partnership under the National Guard Bureau’s State Partnership Program. Pedro Gomes High School has agreed to partner with Bow High School as part of the effort to forge a connection between citizens while strengthening military partnerships, the release said.
Let Enter the Haggis kick off the weekend spirit early tonight at 8 p.m. at the Bank of NH Stage (16 S. Main St. in Concord; ccanh.com). Admission costs $18 for general admission, $25 for a reserved balcony seating (plus fees). Listen to songs from the band’s newest album, The Archer’s Parade, at enterthehaggis.com.
Some the other shows on the schedule at the Capitol Center for the Arts and the Bank of NH Stage: Spamilton — An American Parody on Friday, Feb. 4, at 8 p.m. at the Cap Center; Mike Daws and Yasmin Williams at the Bank of NH Stage on Saturday, Feb. 5, at 8 p.m.; The Brothers Brothers at the Bank of NH Stage on Sunday, Feb. 6, at 7 p.m., and, also at the Bank of NH Stage, Andrew North and the Rangers on Thursday, Feb. 10, at 8 p.m.
Thursday, Feb. 3
Liven up your winter evening with a little poetry and music. Rob Azevedo will read from his book of poetry, Don’t Order the Calamari, and musicians Becca Myari and Todd Hearon will perform tonight at 6 p.m. at the Bookery Manchester (844 Elm St. in downtown Manchester; bookerymht.com). Admission is free but go online to register. Angie Sykeny talked to Azevedo when he released his first book of poetry, Turning on the Wasp; find that story in the May 6, 2021, issue of the Hippo (page 14). Click on “view more” under E-Editions to find older issues of the Hippo.
Friday, Feb. 4
Catch up with the University of New Hampshire team sending an experiment to the International Space Station tonight at 7 p.m. as part of the virtual Super Stellar Friday program at the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center (2 Institute Drive in Concord; starhop.com, 271-7827). Team Cooke NoMADS — Novel Methods of Antibiotic Discovery in Space — will explain their experiment and talk about their experiences working with NASA, according to the website, where you can register for this free virtual program.
The center is open for in-person visits, Fridays through Sundays with sessions from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 1:30 to 4 p.m. Admission costs $11.50 for adults, $10.50 for students and seniors, $8.50 for children ages 3 to 12 and free for kids 2 and under. Planetarium tickets are an additional $5 per person. Reserve tickets for a session online in advance.
Friday, Feb. 4
Comedian Jim Colliton brings the laughs to the Rex Theatre (23 Amherst St. in Manchester; 668-5588, palacetheatre.org) tonight at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $25 and can be purchased at the Palace website, where you can find a link to clips from Colliton’s DryBar sets.
Saturday, Feb. 5
Get some fresh produce and fresh baked goods and other must-haves for a yummy weekend at the Contoocook Farmers Market today from 9 a.m. to noon at Maple Street School (194 Maple St. in Contoocook).
Save the date! Galentine’s Day
Grab your besties and your vaccination card for a screening of Bridesmaids (R, 2011) on Sunday, Feb. 13, at 10 a.m. at Red River Theatres (11 S. Main St. in Concord; redrivertheatres.org, 224-4600). Tickets cost $12. The screening is a “snax and vax” screening, which means that the concession stand will be open and attendees are required to show proof of full vaccination.
Intown Concord sent out a notice last Saturday to inform people that almost all of the events at that day’s Winter Festival were canceled because of the snowstorm. “This is really disappointing for everyone involved [but] safety is our number one priority. Intown Concord will be working to reschedule as many elements from today’s festival as we can for the springtime,” Intown wrote in the notice.
Score: -2
Comment:The exceptions were the ice carvers and the ice bar – “the ice carvers are a hardy crew,” the notice read. The carvings were done on the Statehouse lawn, with the plan that they would remain on display for about a week.
Keeping college costs down
For the fourth year in a row, the University System of New Hampshire is freezing in-state tuition for the upcoming academic year. According to a press release, university system schools currently provide more aid to more students than at any other time in their history, and students are paying less on average to attend these public institutions than in-state students paid five years ago. The University of New Hampshire campuses in Durham and Manchester, Plymouth State University and Keene State College continue to offer the Granite Guarantee program, which makes college affordable for more than 1,800 New Hampshire residents by covering the full cost of in-state tuition for all who qualify.
Score: +1
Comment: Ninety-five percent of first-year students attending University System of New Hampshire schools currently receive some form of financial aid, the release said.
Supporting our health care heroes
For the second year, the NH Healthcare Heroes effort is recognizing outstanding professionals in the health care community, naming one hero for each of the state’s seven regions. According to a press release, the winners were nominated by colleagues, family, friends and patients and were chosen by a volunteer committee made up of health care professionals across the state. Locally, winners are Laura “Beth” Nagy, director of rehabilitation services at New Hampshire Hospital in Concord; Matt Bouchie, homeless outreach coordinator at the Mental Health Center of Greater Manchester; and Stacy Dionne, clinical nurse manager at Lamprey Health Care in Raymond.
Score: +1
Comment:Winners are being honored during pinning ceremonies with their employers, and runners-up stories will be shared on social media at facebook.com/healthcareheroesnh, according to the release.
Giving girls a Sporting Chance
Girls Inc. of New Hampshire is collaborating with Harvard Pilgrim Health Care in support of healthy living and access to sports through its Sporting Chance Program, which provides opportunities to young girls to participate in physical activities and develop good habits that will benefit their physical and mental health. According to a press release, both the Nashua and Manchester Girls Inc. centers offer the program, with activities like basketball, yoga, soccer and racquet sports.
Score: +1
Comment: “Sporting Chance provides girls a safe and supportive environment to participate in competitive and recreational activities and sporting events and empowers girls to succeed,” Sharron McCarthy, CEO of Girls Inc. New Hampshire, said in the release.
QOL score: 56
Net change: +1
QOL this week: 57
What’s affecting your Quality of Life here in New Hampshire? Let us know at [email protected].
When it rains it pours and that’s what happened in sports over just a few days last week. Rather than decide which story is biggest of the big, we’ll give all a mention in News Item fashion and come back to each in more detail during quieter weeks after the Super Bowl.
News Item: Brady Retired
While ESPN stood by its reporting last weekend that forever young TomBrady was retiring, his father, TomSr., said he wasn’t. But Brady made his retirement official via Twitter on Tuesday. My bet is the news was leaked early because the decision was made long ago as part of a deal with his wife where he got to play two more years if they moved to a place she liked living in more than New England. But what do I know.
In any event, if it is the end, I can’t say he was the greatest player ever, because how do you tell if a QB is better at his job than greats like JerryRice, JimBrown or LawrenceTaylor were at their respective, very different, jobs? But I do know after throwing for 40 and 43 TD passes in his last two years, he joins Brown, SandyKoufax and BarrySanders as the only guys I know of to retire while still at their peak. And, since he was the best ever at the position most critical to team success, he’s the most valuable football player ever. Something we got to view up close for 20 years. So thanks for the memories. It’s hard to imagine a better fan experience than we got from TB-12.
News Item: Ortiz Walks Through That HoF Door
Since we’re a week behind we won’t rehash the numbers. Instead I’ll say Sox President SamKennedy was right saying that DavidOrtiz is the mostimportant Red Sox player ever. Yes, that means even over TedWilliams. Why? Because he was the straw that stirred the drink as the Sox won their first three World Series in nearly a century, and Ted never even won once. The stats are nice, but winning matters most.
I thought the 78 percent Hall of Fame vote total was a little low (75 percent is needed). It was due to taint from a positive 2003 drug test he disputes, and no votes from nitwit purists who don’t think DH’s who didn’t play the field belong. To them I say, if the defensively indifferent Williams had played now he’d be a DH. It’s been an “official” position for 50 years, so get over it. Besides, when you’re one of just four players to win three rings and hit 500-plus homers, you belong.
So congrats, big fella, for a well-earned honor.
News Item: Bonds and Clemens Controversy Done For Now
With RogerClemens and BarryBonds being denied in their final year on the ballot, there were an awful lot of wins and homers that missed the train to Cooperstown on Wednesday, all due to the PED-era backlash. If you vote no on a steroid guy because you think cheating for higher stats is wrong I respect that. Not to mention you’re backed by one of the five voting criteria that speaks to a player’s overall character. However, my problem with that lies with it doesn’t square with BudSelig cruising in even though he was commissioner when all the cheating went down. If the media and almost every fan knew what was going on, how could coaches, managers, GM’s, owners and the league office not know? Answer: They did know, and looked the other way ’cause chicks dig the long ball. So, while I lean toward the cheaters-should-never-prosper side, I just can’t keep out any pre-2004 testing player if the guy who enabled it all breezed in.
To solve the bloated numbers part, put BillJames’ numerical nonsense to good use for a change to come up with and apply a mathematical factor that normalizes them to pre-PED numbers. Then put up a permanent PED-era exhibit that names names, vote and be done with it.
Enough already.
News Item: The Super Bowl Match-Up
Here are some pre-Super Bowl thoughts on the surprising Cincinnati Bengals and L.A. Rams.
Cincy: (1) Just two seasons ago they were the worst team in the NFL, so being in the SB now is quite a quick turnaround. (2) Hope seeing how the electric Ja’Marr Chase immediately transformed Cincy offensively (with help from JoeBurrow) turns a light bulb on as getting blown out in the second half of the 2006 AFC title did to Coach B. It led to getting RandyMoss because he realized they couldn’t beat PeytonManning and company anymore unless they outscored them. Ditto for MacJones in 2022, because he needs a threat like that to take the next step. (3) How does coming back from 18 down to PatrickMahomes in thunderous Arrowhead Stadium during an AFC title game compare to the Pats’ comeback vs. Atlanta in SB 51?
L.A.: (1) With the game in L.A. the SB will be a home game for one team for a second straight year. (2) Who had SonyMichel going to the SB again before his former team? (3) To skeptics like me, giving up two first-round picks, a third-rounder and your starting QB to get MatthewStafford seemed extravagant. But the draft-choice-averse Rams are showing there’s more than one way to skin a cat as they wouldn’t be in the SB without that trade.
News Item: Andy Reid Does It Again
Going for it and failing with no timeouts and five seconds left in the first half, then losing in an OT you never would have been in if you’d kicked the sure FG instead, is the latest in a long line of game management mistakes by Andy.
The New Hampshire Tech Alliance has named Kyle York, co-founder and CEO of the Manchester-based strategic growth and investment firm York IE, its Entrepreneur of the Year. York discussed his work, the award and his approach to business and entrepreneurship.
What entrepreneurial work have you done in New Hampshire?
My entrepreneurial work began as a young man working at my parents’ store in Manchester called Indian Head Athletics. In college I got my first internship at … WhippleHill [in Bedford]. I later went on to become the head of West Coast sales for WhippleHill. … I became the Chief Revenue Officer of Dyn … [and] helped lead the sale of Dyn to Oracle. For three years I was VP [of] product strategy for Oracle Cloud Infrastructure and general manager of Oracle Dyn. In 2019 I co-founded York IE. … I’ve invested in nearly 100 startups over the past decade, which have created thousands of jobs. … I also own a real estate portfolio [with] more than 100,000 square feet in Manchester … focused on innovators, community organizations and nonprofits.
What are you working on now?
York IE … [is] committed to supporting the startup ecosystem globally. We’ve invested in over 30 scaling companies that have created hundreds of jobs, with hundreds if not thousands more to come in the future. … We work with hundreds of companies … helping them to grow responsibly … [and are] incubating a few additional New Hampshire-based startups as part of our York IE labs efforts.
What is the Entrepreneur of the Year award?
The Entrepreneur of the Year is an award given out by the New Hampshire Tech Alliance. It was first given 33 years ago to … Dean Kamen. Since then, it’s been awarded to some truly outstanding business leaders and visionaries, so it’s a true honor to be included in such esteemed ranks.
How did it feel being named Entrepreneur of the Year?
It felt great. I’ve worked very hard over the years to make an impact, but … so many people have helped me along the way, starting with my wife, Katie, my children, my parents and brothers and everyone I’ve been blessed to work with in all of my various roles.
What is the secret to your success?
My parents preached and … [demonstrated] in their daily actions the importance of an incredible work ethic and commitment to family. Those … characteristics fuel my life to this day. From the beginning of my career, I’ve operated under … two principles: be loyal [and] play the long game. These are … [how] I view everything and [are] the parameters I use to keep myself guided. If I do something that contradicts either of these principles, an internal warning alarm goes off in my gut. If there’s a great outcome but it comes at the expense of my principles, I don’t pursue it; the end doesn’t justify the means.
What is your business philosophy?
We don’t operate with management fees or a traditional fund of any kind. … We work with entrepreneurs in so many different ways because we want to do what’s best for the entrepreneur and what will help their company grow. We never want to make decisions simply because we have capital to deploy. That’s not normal or natural. … I’ve never believed in the win-at-all-cost method. I think, in most markets, there’s room for many winners [because] success is relative to ambition [and] goals. … If there can only be one winner in a market, then the market is too small.
What do you enjoy most about helping startups?
I truly enjoy sharing my knowledge and mentoring entrepreneurs. [There are] so many wonderful people with bright ideas who simply need someone — or a firm, like York IE — they can call when faced with a new problem. I always want to be that phone call, because passion and integrity are contagious, and, honestly, I learn as much from these entrepreneurs as they learn from me. Making an impact and always learning is what fuels me.
Do you have any advice for aspiring entrepreneurs in New Hampshire?
One of the key lessons I like to share is to not be passive. Don’t sit back and let things happen to you. Take charge and ownership of your career. Think of your career as a company … [and] be the CEO. Lead your ‘company’ to success.
