News – Page 113

News & Notes 23/08/31

Peaches in 2024?

Severe winter freezes have decimated New Hampshire’s peach crop this year, prompting growers to innovate. According to a press release from the NH Fruit Growers Association, Alyson’s Orchard in Walpole, which faced a complete peach loss due to the cold snap in February, is now importing peaches from New Jersey to meet customer demand, noting the freshness and cost-effectiveness compared to California imports. While some growers like Alyson’s Orchard are focusing on immediate solutions, others, like Rich Leonard of Miller Farm in Durham, are rehabilitating their farms and preparing for next year’s crop. New Hampshire hosts 114 farms that cultivate peaches, covering approximately 83 acres. Residents can find local orchard offerings at nhfruitgrowers.org/find-an-orchard.

Max on the move

Max the Moose, a life-sized stuffed animal, has relocated to the New Hampshire Department of Education (NHED) offices in Concord for a temporary stay. Originally created by the Stuffed Animal House in 2000 to be showcased at the Eastern States Exposition, Max was meant to give visitors a sense of the real size of a moose. Over the years, he has traveled extensively throughout New Hampshire and even to New York City and Boston as a goodwill ambassador for the state. “Max has served as a fantastic ambassador for New Hampshire for more than 20 years, encouraging people of all ages to learn more about the state,” Sarah L. Stewart, DNCR commissioner, said in the release. “That’s why it’s so fitting that he’ll be spending some time at the Department of Education.” Those interested in seeing Max can arrange a photo-op by contacting the NHED at comms@doe.nh.gov.

Lotto win

In Fiscal Year 2023, the New Hampshire Lottery achieved record sales of $603 million, marking a 12 percent increase from the previous year, according to a press release. This led to a historic contribution of $187 million to New Hampshire public education. Mega Millions and Powerball jackpots played significant roles in this surge, with sports betting via DraftKings also adding considerable momentum, accounting for over $883 million in wagers and contributing $35.6 million to the state’s education fund.

School breakfast

NH Hunger Solutions is collaborating with UNH Extension and the New England Dairy Council for the 2023 School Breakfast Challenge beginning on Sept. 5. Currently, New Hampshire ranks 47th in school breakfast participation among the 50 states. By joining the challenge, schools can help improve this ranking. The school showing the most improvement will receive the Elaine VanDyke School Breakfast Champion Award, with a press conference to announce the victory. Visit nhhungersolutions.org or email rcorr@nhhungersolutions.org to learn how to get your local school involved.

Donations

St. Mary’s Bank has distributed $20,000 among four nonprofit organizations, with each receiving $5,000. According to a press release, the beneficiaries are NHSPCA, CASA of New Hampshire, Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests and New Hampshire Food Bank. The donations stem from the 603 Account initiative launched in September 2022, where St. Mary’s Bank donates $0.0603 to a chosen nonprofit category whenever account holders make a purchase with their debit card. The initiative is set to continue, emphasizing high-impact areas to enhance community welfare and environmental health.

Grant

Canterbury Shaker Village in New Hampshire has been awarded a $210,998 grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) to fund a three-year project for collections inventory and cataloging. According to a press release, this grant will facilitate the Village in inventorying, cataloging and preserving its Shaker-made and Shaker-used objects, estimated to be around 40,000 items. The project will enhance both physical and intellectual control over the collection, benefiting staff and researchers of Shaker history. Canterbury Shaker Village, established in 1792, is among the best-preserved Shaker Villages. The Village is also a part of the NH Heritage Museum Trail, a network connecting New Hampshire’s heritage institutions. Visit shakers.org.

On Wednesday, Aug. 23, the New Hampshire Department of Safety announced it had been informed about an aerial stunt involving a hot air balloon set to occur, weather permitting, that day around 5:30 p.m. over Laconia and Sanbornton. According to a press release, emergency services were briefed about the stunt to prepare for possible calls about the activity. Organizers later confirmed that the stunt had been postponed.

The Glen Lake Swim, “Viva Las Glennie,” was held in Goffstown on Aug. 13, according to a press release. Celebrating the 1960s, the event featured a special performance by Elvis tribute artist Mark Shelton, and swimmers participated in races. Winners included Michael Dowd, Brenna Dowd and Eric Nilsson. The event was livestreamed by Goffstown Television.

Rockingham Choral Society in Exeter will hold open rehearsals on Tuesdays, Sept. 5 and Sept. 12, at Exeter High School for new and returning choral singers. According to a press release, the Society offers membership to individuals age 16 and up and has more than 95 members. A placement audition is required for newcomers but demands no preparation. Dues for high school and college students are waived. Individuals can pre-register via the Society’s website or Facebook page.

This Week 23/08/24

Big Events August 24, 2023 and beyond

Friday, Aug. 25

Chunky’s Cinema Pub (707 Huse Road in Manchester; chunkys.com, 206-3888) will hold a family-friendly game of Theater Candy Bingo tonight at 6:15 p.m. Reserve a seat for $10, which includes one bingo card and a $5 food voucher for eats that night.

Friday, Aug. 25

Or play the R-Rated game show Feud Gone Wild, a Family Feud-style game with opportunities for teams and individuals, tonight at 8 p.m., doors open at 7 p.m., at Bank of New Hampshire Stage (16 S. Main St. in Concord; ccanh.com). Tickets cost $30.75. Need more competition? Check out the listing of area trivia nights on page 38.

Saturday, Aug. 26

It’s an afternoon of blues today from noon to 4 p.m. at the Londonderry town common during the 9th Annual Blues Festival. The festival is free and is slated to feature Rik-Sha Blues Band (noon), Kan-Tu Blues Band (1:15 p.m.) and Dr. Harp’s Blues Revue Band (2:30 p.m.), according to a press release. The day will feature a 50/50 raffle, local vendors, crafters, food and more, with proceeds from the raffle and vendors benefiting the Combat Vets Association, which provides assistance to veterans, veteran care facilities and other veteran organizations and registered charities throughout New England, the release said.

Saturday, Aug. 26

The Four Horsemen, billed as the “ultimate Metallica tribute band,” will perform tonight at the Tupelo Music Hall (10 A St. in Derry; 437-5100, tupelomusichall.com) at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $35. Find more concerts this weekend and beyond in our Concert listings on page 38.

Sunday, Aug. 27

The silent film The Divine Lady (1929) will screen today at Wilton Town Hall Theatre (Main Street in Wilton; 654-3456, find them on Facebook) at 2 p.m. featuring live musical accompaniment by Jeff Rapsis.

Monday, Aug. 28

Catch a screening of the 2009 movie Coraline (PG) featuring behind-the-scenes footage of the making of this stop-motion animated film based on a Neil Gaiman novella tonight at 7 p.m. at AMC Classic Londonderry, Regal Concord, Cinemark Rockingham Park in Salem or Regal Fox Run in Newington. The movies will also screen at the Regals in Concord and Newington and Cinemark in Salem on Tuesday, Aug. 29, at 7 p.m. See fathomevents.com for tickets to those shows. O’neil Cinemas at Brickyard Square in Epping will also screen the movie today at 7 p.m.; see oneilcinemas.com.

Save the date: For Comics!
Granite State Comicon, the celebration of all things comics and pop culture, will take place Friday, Sept. 15, through Sunday, Sept. 17, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Downtown in Manchester. Ticket options include a $110 VIP three-day pass (which includes early entry, a limited-edition print and a goodie bag), a $55 three-day pass, a $40 pass for Saturday and Sunday, and day passes ($10 for Friday, $25 for Saturday, $20 for Sunday). Kids 8 and under get in free with adult admission, according to granitecon.com, where you can purchase tickets and find a schedule of the weekend’s events.

Featured photo: Granite State Comicon

Quality of Life 23/08/24

Fan gear

Looking for something to wear to one of the remaining New Hampshire Fisher Cats home games this season? (They are slated to have begun a six-day run of games against the Binghamton Rumble Ponies on Aug. 22. The regular season of home games then wraps up with six games against the Somerset Patriots Sept. 12 through Sept. 17.) While searching for some game information, QOL came across the Fisher Cats’ “Manchester Chicken Tenders” gear page, part of an annual one-night team re-brand to celebrate Manchester’s status as the birthplace of that most perfect of foods. (This year’s happened in July, but the merch lives on.)

QOL score: +1, like, just for continuing to exist in the world

Comments: QOL will direct any QOL-gift-givers to fishercats.milbstore.com/collections/manchester-chicken-tenders. For game tickets and info, see milb.com/new-hampshire.

NH’s got the teachers…

The U.S. is facing a significant teacher shortage as the demand for educators continues to surge, but according to the “Teacher Shortage in the U.S. 2023” study by Scholaroo, New Hampshire stands out positively. This report underscores the variations in teacher availability across the nation by comparing the number of teachers in public schools per state against student enrollment figures. New Hampshire ranks as the state with the second smallest teacher shortage, boasting a ratio in public schools of 96.65 teachers per 1,000 students.

QOL score: +1

Comment: Vermont ranks first with a ratio in public schools of 97.6 teachers per 1,000 students.

And relatively few disasters!

In a recent report by WalletHub on “States Most Impacted by Natural Disasters,” New Hampshire ranks relatively low in terms of natural disaster impact. The state is ranked 46th for the number of climate disasters causing more than $1 billion in damage since 1980 and 44th for the loss amount per capita from these disasters. The evaluation considered all 50 states based on two key metrics: the number of climate disasters since 1980 causing over $1 billion in damage and the per capita loss amount from these disasters. These metrics were graded on a 100-point scale, with higher scores indicating greater vulnerability.

QOL score: +1

Comment: This suggests that New Hampshire has a relatively lower impact from these high-cost natural disasters compared to other states.

QOL score: 83
Net change: +3
QOL this week: 86

What’s affecting your Quality of Life here in New Hampshire? Let us know at news@hippopress.com.

The week that was

The Big Story: This weekend brings the return of Mookie Betts to Fenway Park for what should be a warm welcome back. There will also be a barrage of “how could they have let him go?” stories, all of which will hit home because he was that good.

Sports 101: With Aaron Rodgers taking a jet to New York, the Packers won’t have a Hall of Famer over center for the first time since Brett Favre took over in 1992. So who shared the QBs before “Fav-RA”?

Thumbs Up – David Krejci: To the retiring Krejci for the great moments he helped provide in his 16 years as a Boston Bruin.

News Item – Missed Opportunity: If the Red Sox are eliminated from wild card contention they can lay the blame on their record against the have-nots. Most notably when they came away from last week’s 10-game stretch with bottom-dwellers KC, Detroit and Washington with just four wins, which followed getting blown out by Toronto at home in three straight losses. That adds to 4-9 in the most crucial and schedule-ly favorable stretch of the season.

Then came a sweep of the last-place Yankees for the oh so consistent Sox.

All of which left them exactly where they were before the salivating 16-game stretch started — 3.5 back of Toronto.

News Item – J.D. Martinez vs. Justin Turner: The Sox and Dodgers essentially traded DH’s last winter when Martinez and Turner signed with each other’s former team as free agents. With L.A. here this weekend let’s compare to see who got the better end of the deal. JD’s numbers are first, JT’s second. At-Bats: 390 – 430 Runs: 49 – 72. Home Runs: 25 – 20. RBI: 78 – 79. Total Bases: 192 – 210. BA: .256 – .288. Contract in Millions: $10.0 for Martinez; $8.3 for Turner. Verdict: With his defensive versatility added to his slight statistical edge and smaller contract, Turner was the better signing. It’s also a big win for the Sox 2023 DH over 2022, when Martinez earned $19.5 m for lesser stats than Turner already had on Aug. 20.

News Item – All-Time Winning Percentage Battle: Dodgers hurler Clayton Kershaw comes into this series having the highest winning percentage in baseball history for guys with 200+ wins. He’s now at .696 (208-91) to clubhouse leader Whitey Ford’s .690 (236-106).

… Of the Week Awards:

Player of the Week: That would be Seattle CFJulio Rodriguez, who raised his batting average from .256 to .278 in just four games thanks to getting 17 hits (in 21 AB’s). That’s a new record for hits over four games, while getting at least four hits in four straight games also ties a record set in 1927 by some guy named Milt Stock.

Question of the Week: In case you missed it, the Dodgers finally retired Fernando Valenzuela’s number two weeks ago. But given the insane furor he caused as a Dodgers rookie and that he last pitched for them in 1990, it’s fair to ask, what in the name of Gil Hodges took them so long?

Random Thoughts:

Let the record show that on his very first play of his 2023 season, penalty-plagued Trent Brown in 2022 was flagged for, yup, a false start.

Who’s this Luis Urías guy? If a guy had hit grand slams in back-to-back Red Sox wins over the Yanks 10 years ago, as he did on Friday and Saturday, they’d be building a statue of him outside Fenway right now.

I’d rather have gotten Dalvin Cook (for the same money, no less). But Ezekiel Elliott is a good pick-up for the Pats. In part because he’s a better receiver than most think he is.

A Little History: The all-time winning percentage leader with 100+ wins is Yankees hurler Spud Chandler. He went 109-43 (.717) after amazingly only making it to the majors for the first time at 29 in 1937. He lasted 10 years until 1947 when an injured arm ended his career.

Sports 101 Answer: Two QB’s to precede Favre in 1991 were ex-Ohio State star and one time Bears first-round pick Mike Tomczak,who had seven starts, and one-time Packers pied piperDon Majkowski, whohad eight.

Final Thought: One last thing about Mookie. He returns while having one of his finest seasons; with his 32 homers already he’ll blow by last year’s career best 35, while also having a chance to do a lead-off hitter rarity: knock in 100 runs from the top of the order. All while flirting with hitting .300 (.296) and being on pace to score 130 runs. And if you want to feel even worse, he’s showing off the kind of versatility the Red Sox sorely could have used during this injury-racked season by playing 57 of his 85 games at shortstop (17) and second base (41). My advice: Don’t think of the what-ifs. Just enjoy and appreciate a reunion with an old friend who did a lot of good while here.

Email Dave Long at dlong@hippopress.com.

Welcome to the libraries

University libraries lend to all state residents

University libraries have traditionally been reserved for students and faculty. However, the University of New Hampshire (UNH) has expanded access to its resources, now allowing the broader community to utilize its collections. We spoke with Tara Lynn Fulton, Dean of the UNH Library, to delve into the reasons behind this decision, the response from the community and the implications for academic libraries in the future. New Hampshire residents (18 years old and older) can obtain library cards from USNH campuses with valid identification and proof of residency. Visit library.unh.edu.

Why did you decide to start offering free borrowing to New Hampshire residents?

First, to offer some broader context: We have public libraries in communities across the state. … If someone requires more in-depth research that their local library can’t fulfill, these libraries offer interlibrary loans. We’ve always participated in this, lending materials. Each of our libraries also traditionally had a small regional group that could obtain library cards. This isn’t a new initiative; most people have relied on their public libraries. But for individuals like writers or high school students involved in advanced research, it’s been a beneficial service. Our primary mission is to serve the campus: our students and faculty. Historically, this meant physical collections like print books, DVDs, and other materials. As the digital era has progressed, more of our collections have transitioned to e-books and digital media. During the Covid era, with a shift to remote learning, our faculty leaned heavily into these electronic resources, and the need for physical materials lessened. This made me wonder: Why not open up our resources more widely? I brought this up with other library directors from the University System of New Hampshire, and they were all on board. Hence, the initiative evolved.

Have you seen an uptick in borrowers?

Several people got cards as soon as the news spread. It’s not a vast number, but for those who wanted it, it’s been valuable. I’ve seen a few people walking around in the library. One individual mentioned how they appreciated the chance to check out materials and were also grateful to know they’re welcome in our building. This offering has reinforced to the community that our facilities are open and available for their use.

What distinguishes your library’s materials from those in a typical town library?

Our library’s core focus is to serve the university by providing materials that support higher education. While town libraries offer a general assortment of classic literature and popular reads, our collection delves deeper, especially into areas like English literature and American literature. The depth varies based on campus programs; for instance, the Durham campus emphasizes science, so we have a substantial array of historical physics materials. We have extensive collections, including non-circulating special ones, such as an in-depth history of New Hampshire, invaluable for researchers or authors seeking historical accuracy. Campuses like Keene and Plymouth, historically centered on teacher education, provide resources beneficial for educators, such as specialized teaching methods for specific grades.

Is there a plan to digitize the special collections, extending their accessibility?

We’re taking progressive steps to digitize, ensuring we adhere to copyright constraints. A notable accomplishment from the past year is digitizing New Hampshire’s town reports in their entirety, which has been well-received. Most of our digitized collections can be browsed on our website.

Do you think other universities might adopt a similar approach, opening their libraries to local residents?

This might differ from state to state. New Hampshire’s tight-knit nature promotes a strong bond between universities and communities. Our effort seems like a logical progression in this partnership. While I’m unaware of similar endeavors in other states, the global trend moving away from print materials might inspire similar initiatives. We’d be delighted to be trailblazers in this movement.

Featured photo: UNH system libraries are located in Manchester, Durham, Keene and Plymouth. Courtesy graphic.

News & Notes 23/08/24

Elder abuse

Attorney General John M. Formella has introduced new resources aimed at addressing elder abuse and financial exploitation in New Hampshire. According to a press release, these resources include the addition of three new roles to the Elder Abuse and Financial Exploitation Unit: a prosecutor, a law enforcement investigator and an investigative paralegal. This Unit, which already had seen a 71 percent surge in referrals over the past five years, is responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes against residents age 60 and above. They also inform the public about the significance of reporting abuse and exploitation. Notably, New Hampshire has the second-oldest population in the U.S., leading to increased vulnerabilities. With the augmented resources, the Unit plans to intensify investigations and prosecutions while also expanding their educational outreach. Their presentations cover topics ranging from protective measures against scams to the legal obligations of financial institutions in preventing financial exploitation.

Walking benefits

A study from the University of New Hampshire reveals that pregnant women living in walkable communities, marked by sidewalks, parks and walking paths, tend to have better health outcomes for themselves and their babies. Published in the Economics and Human Biology journal, the research indicates that such mothers are more active and have fewer complications like premature births, gestational diabetes, and hypertension. In a press release, Karen Conway, professor at UNH’s Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics, emphasizes the connection between walkable communities and the overall health of both mother and child. The research used data from various agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and found notable improvements in health with increased walkability, including a 27 percent reduction in gestational diabetes. Conway also hinted at other benefits, such as increased community interactions, which contribute to better overall health. This research falls under health economics, aiming to influence policies for improved community health.

Breastfeeding support

For World Breastfeeding Month 2023, the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Division of Public Health Services (DPHS) is hosting community events across the state to celebrate and support breastfeeding families. According to a press release, the celebrations began with a walk and gathering on the New Hampshire Statehouse lawn in Concord on Aug. 1. Various local and national entities, including the US Department of Agriculture and the DHHS Women, Infant and Children (WIC) Nutrition Program, supported the event. This year’s theme emphasizes the importance of breastfeeding-friendly environments, especially for working parents. Events continued in cities like Somersworth and Portsmouth, making it a statewide observance. Breastfeeding in public places is protected by New Hampshire state law, and various resources to support families are available at dhhs.nh.gov/programs-services/childcare-parenting-childbirth/breastfeeding-promotion-support.

Telemonitoring

Granite VNA, the leading nonprofit provider of home health care and hospice services in New Hampshire, has launched a telemonitoring program to support individuals with chronic illnesses, such as COPD, CHF and hypertension. According to a press release, this service is aimed at individuals undergoing skilled nursing care or home therapy from the agency. For participation, patients should have internet access and will be trained on using telemonitoring tools like tablets, pulse oximeters, blood pressure cuffs, and scales, all provided at no charge. Suzanne Olszak, RN, with more than three decades in home health care, oversees the telemonitoring initiative. She educates patients on technology use, the significance of daily health monitoring, and dietary and medicinal guidelines. Utilizing Bluetooth, she can view patients’ vital signs, offering immediate feedback and contacting the medical team if required. The program encourages patients to routinely check their vitals and understand their health better. With a daily participation of up to 50 patients, the aim is a 60-day program span, and each participant receives an informational packet. For more on Granite VNA, visit granitevna.org.

Discover what lies beneath Squam Lake during a snorkeling adventure with the Lakes Region Conservation Corps on Saturday, Aug. 26, from 1:30 to 4:30 pm. According to a press release, this experience includes a boat ride, snorkeling and insights into Squam Lakes Association’s conservation initiatives. It’s open to ages 12 and up; children must be accompanied by an adult. Participants can bring snorkeling gear, but equipment is available for borrowing. Registration ends at 1:30 p.m. on Aug. 25. Attendees should meet at SLA headquarters in Holderness. To register, visit squamlakes.org or call 968-7336.

With a $4 million donation from alumnus Anthony DiLorenzo ’87, owner of Key Auto Group, the University of New Hampshire is progressing with its UNH Hockey Renovation Project. According to a press release, this donation will help enhance the Whittemore Center at the newly named Key Auto Group Complex, which also encompasses the Hamel Recreation Center on the Durham campus. The combined state and private funding will upgrade facilities, supporting several UNH teams and improving the student-athlete experience.

Nashua Garden Club will host a “Seed Saving” program on Wednesday, Sept. 6, at 7 p.m. at First Baptist Church (121 Manchester St., Nashua), according to a press release. Led by Donna Lussier, a University of NH Extension Master Gardener, attendees will learn about harvesting techniques and storage preparation. A members-only meeting will follow. For information, email nashuagardenclub@gmail.com.

Category: News