Category: News

This Week 23/10/26

Big Events October 26, 2023 and beyond

Tuesday, Oct. 31

Get ready for trick-or-treat! Whether you’re walking the neighborhood with your candy-seekers or handing out treats to little Jedi, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Barbies, tonight is the big night in Concord (from 5 to 7:30 p.m.), Manchester (6 to 8 p.m.) and Nashua (6 to 8 p.m.). A few area towns hold trick-or-treat Sunday or Monday evening. Find our list of area trick-or-treat times in our roundup of Halloween happenings in the Oct. 19 issue, available at hippopress.com.

Friday, Oct. 27

Get classic thrills with The Lodger, Sabotage and The 39 Steps at the Majestic Theatre (880 Page St. in Manchester; majestictheatre.net, 669-7649) presented as part of Vintage Hitchcock: A Live Radio Play today through Sunday Oct. 29, with showtimes at 7 p.m. on Friday, 2 and 7 p.m. on Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets cost $20 for adults, $15 for 65+ and 17 and under.

Friday, Oct. 27

The Witch of Weston Tower will haunt McIntyre Ski Area (50 Chalet Court, Manchester) from tonight through Sunday, Oct. 29. Activities will run on Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. For a scenic chairlift to Weston Tower, tickets are $22 for adults, $15 for children and seniors, and $5 for children 5 and under. Those who do not wish to ride the chairlift to Weston Tower may purchase a witch ticket, which is a $10 donation per family. For an additional cost there will be food trucks, face painting and pumpkin painting. The proceeds from the event will benefit the Manchester Historical Association. Additionally, on Saturday there will be a touch-a-truck and a trunk-or-treat event that are free to attend. See mcintyreskiarea.com.

Friday, Oct. 27

There will be some zomb-ertunities this weekend. Tonight the downtown trick-or-treat in Rochester will feature a Zombie Walk at 7 p.m.; see rochestermainstreet.org for details. The New Hampshire Pumpkin Festival in Laconia will also feature a zombie walk tonight at 6 p.m.; see the story on page 20 for details. Tomorrow, the 17th Annual Dover Zombie Walk will take place on Saturday, Oct. 28, at 2 p.m. Visit facebook.com/doverzombiewalkd and admission is free.

Saturday, Oct. 28

Halloween runs: The 2nd Annual Halloween Howl Hustle for Housing, a 5K to benefit Fellowship Housing Opportunities, will take place from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Oct. 28, at Masonic Lodge in Concord. Visit runsignup.com/ halloweenhowlhustle5k. The Amherst Orthodontics Trick or Trot 3K will be held at Arms Park in Manchester on Saturday, Oct. 28, at 11 a.m. At 9:30 a.m. there will be a Kids Halloween Festival featuring vendors, magic and animals. Visit millenniumrunning.com/trick-or-trot to register.

Saturday, Oct. 28

It’s a big night for grown-up Halloween parties: Derryfield (625 Mammoth Road, Manchester, 623-2880) will feature cover band Mugsy and D-Comp for the Halloween Monster Bash. Find more nightlife events in the Music This Week in this issue on page 34 and in last week’s issue (Oct. 19) on page 18 (find the e-edition at hippopress.com).

Save the Date! Friday, Nov. 24
The curtain rises on A Christmas Carol at the Palace Theatre (80 Hanover St. in Manchester; palacetheatre.org, 668-5588) on Friday, Nov. 24, with shows Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. through Dec. 23. Tickets cost $28 to $49.

Featured photo: Courtesy photo.

Quality of Life 23/10/26

Increased fatalities for motorcyclists

In 2023, New Hampshire experienced its highest number of motorcycle-related deaths in almost two decades. Since Jan. 1, the state has recorded 39 fatalities: 35 motorcycle operators, three passengers and one moped operator. A breakdown of these figures indicates 31 victims were men and eight were women, with 31 of the deceased being New Hampshire residents. Historical data from the Division of Motor Vehicles’ Fatal Crash Unit shows that on average 22 riders typically die in crashes each year, with the last peak in fatalities occurring in 2005 with 43 deaths. Geographical data reveals Rockingham County had the highest count with 11 deadly crashes, followed by Hillsborough with six, and both Merrimack and Grafton counties with five each.

QOL score: -3

Comment: The New Hampshire Motorcyclists’ Rights Organization has since emphasized the importance of responsible riding practices. Traci Beaurivage, president of the NHMRO, has urged riders to embrace the “RideSMART” philosophy, emphasizing safety, awareness and informed decision-making on the road.

Otherwise … safe in NH

WalletHub recently published its 2023 report on the Safest States in America, which ranked New Hampshire as the third safest state. The ranking was based on 52 key metrics, from assaults per capita to climate disaster losses per capita. In the report, New Hampshire notably ranked third-safest when it came to murders and non-negligent manslaughters per capita, second-safest in assaults per capita, seventh-safest when it comes to loss amounts from climate disasters per capita, 16th-safest in fatal occupational injuries per 100,000 full-time workers and fourth-safest in fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles of travel (despite the above, perhaps).

QOL score: +1

Comment: All six New England states made the top 10, with Vermont securing the top spot.

Job help

Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center (DHMC), a part of Dartmouth Health, was honored for its role in the Project SEARCH program, an internship initiative that helps individuals with intellectual disabilities develop job-related skills, according to a press release. Since 2011, DHMC has hosted the program, recently gaining recognition for achieving a 100 percent job placement rate for its 2021-2022 interns. The acknowledgment came during Project SEARCH’s 16th Annual Conference in Milwaukee. Interns at DHMC undergo intensive training through three 10-week internships within the hospital, alongside classroom learning. These internships foster technical and soft skills, preparing participants for a variety of job positions. Local institutions such as the Hartford, Vermont, school district, and New Hampshire Vocational Rehabilitation collaborate to administer the DHMC Project SEARCH program.

QOL score: +1

Comment: Starting from a single site at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital in 1996, Project SEARCH has expanded to more than 600 locations worldwide.

QOL score: 92
Net change: -1
QOL this week: 91

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

Pats buffalo Bills

The Big Story – Heat on Mac Jones: It’s amazing what actual pass protection does for a quarterback. After being thoroughly pummeled as being most responsible for the Patriots’ 1-5 start, Mac actually got some on Sunday vs. Buffalo.

And guess what? With the O-line playing well for the first time all season the Pats resembled a good team as Bill Belichick got his 300th career win. And with Jones going 25-30 for 272 yards and two TDs with, most importantly, no picks in the 29-25 win, the heat is off Mac for the minute.

But to keep it off, he’ll have to do it again this weekend vs. Miami, who’ll likely be looking for payback after losing 31-17 to Philly last Sunday night on national TV.

Sports 101: Name the one-time Patriot who holds the NFL record for TD passes caught from the most different quarterbacks.

News Item – Sox Struggle Finding New Baseball Boss: The search for a new chief of baseball operations is about to enter its third month for your Boston Red Sox, and the most notable thing about the search is the number of people who have said they’re not interested in the job.

While President Sam Kennedy arrogantly (and delusionally) sniffed at questions during the season-ending press conference about widespread disinterest in Boston, the rumors appear to be true, with the problem being the owner, whose indecision and recent lack of interest have been behind each of his last three GMs’ lasting just four years on the job before getting dumped.

The big question about their search is not who’s it going to be, but will they be able to get the best person for the big job ahead?

News Item – Jose Altuve Bombs Away Again: After hitting two more vs. Texas, the Astros’ 5’6”, 166-pound second baseman is at it again. Altuve hit a monster ninth-inning three-run shot to give the Astros a crucial Game 5 comeback win to put them up 3-2 in the ALCS. It gave him a second most ever 26 homers in just 424 postseason at-bats. That makes him the active leader and puts him in position to maybe catch all-time leader Manny Ramirez’s 29 if Houston got to the World Series with a Game 7 win that happened just after I filed this story.

The Numbers:

0 –interceptions by Jets DB Jordan Whitehead the last five weeks after getting three vs. Buffalo in Week 1.

523 – second-best NFL rushing yards for Indy’s Zach Moss after stepping in at running back due to star Jonathan Taylor’s holdout. But with Taylor now back, that’s a lot of yards going back to the bench

902 – league-leading receiving yards for Miami’s Tyreek Hill after six games, which projects to 2,558 over 17 games and would top Calvin Johnson’s single-season record 1,942 by more than 600 yards.

… Of the Week Awards

Thumbs Up – Eagles on Sunday Night: Loved those 1960s throwback uniforms Philadelphia wore Sunday night vs. Miami. Brought back memories of speedy flanker Tommy McDonald, the last NFL player to not wear a face mask, and the game’s last two-way player, ferocious Chuck Bednarik.

Why Can’t We Get Guys Like That – Nate Eovaldi: In case you ain’t been paying attention Big Nate is tearing it up in the postseason. After winning Sunday’s ALCS Game 6, he’s now 4-0 in October with a 2.42 ERA and 28 K’s in 26 innings.

Random Thoughts:

I know Kyle Schwarber has five homers in 11 postseason games for the Phillies. But with 14 whiffs in 42 at-bats and just six RBI, why in the name of Richie Ashburn is a .196 regular-season hitter batting lead-off?

Is there any offensive or defensive coordinator NBC’s Cris Collinsworth doesn’t make out to be a genius? The latest was Miami DC Vic Fangio, whom he endlessly praised Sunday for concocting defenses that are soooo confusing to QB’s. Well, if he’s so good, how come in 37 years of coaching he’s never been on a team that won a Super Bowl?

Sports 101 Answer: Former first overall pick Irving Fryar, who once got into a caraccident during a game he played in, holds the record for catching TD passes from 19 different QBs during his 17-year career.

Final Thought – Tips For Coach B: Two notes Bill Belichick needs to take from the Buffalo win.

(1) Leave Michael Onwenu at right tackle instead of moving him back to guard because they play much better when he’s on the outside.

(2) After his day on Sunday of four catches for 54 yards and 20 rushing yards, I don’t care if Demario Douglas fumbles five times next week. Leave him in because he has a speed burst none of the other receivers have. And he’s also got the Welker/Edelman-like quickness in tight spaces that is vital (and been MIA) to play in the slot, which is the second most important position in their offensive system.

Email Dave Long at dlong@hippopress.com.

Rising star

A career in nursing & mentoring

Meet Michael Newell, RN, a home care nurse and mentor at Granite VNA, recently named “Young Person of the Year” by Stay Work Play during their 14th Annual Rising Stars Awards.

Tell us about your educational journey that led you to pursue a career in nursing.
I grew up outside of Keene and went to Conval High School. They had an internship program my senior year. I originally applied to all my colleges as pre-med and wanted to become a doctor. Then after doing this internship program at Monadnock Community Hospital and around the town of Peterborough — I worked with audiologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, radiologists, doctors, nurses, everyone — I found out that I actually wanted to become a nurse instead of a doctor, primarily because nurses spend a lot more time with the patients, while doctors are a bit more diagnostic and spend more time looking at the data. … I went to the University of New Hampshire for nursing.

What drew you to home health care early in your nursing career, and why did it appeal to you?
I asked for my senior rotation, or immersion rotation, at UNH to be with a home care agency. They paired me with what used to be called the Concord Regional VNA, which is now the Granite VNA. I really loved it. I like being able to meet patients where they’re at, literally and figuratively, getting to know them in their own homes or home environments. I feel that it’s actually very important, in my humble opinion, for anyone who does nursing to do some home care. In hospitals, you’re mostly looking at the patients for what they came in for — their diagnosis. But once you get out into their homes, their environments, you find that all their stories and backgrounds are different. You always know that in the back of your mind, but it’s different when you actually experience it.

Could you describe your approach to mentoring, and what principles guide your mentoring style?
I’ve always loved mentoring. I was a peer mentor for students who were on an exchange trip from China to the U.S. for a couple of weeks every year for about three years in high school. Then, in college, I was a mentor. I’m really drawn to that. My big thing with mentoring is just showing through example. I let the people I mentor follow me around, so they see everything I do, and at the same time I’m educating and talking them through everything I’m doing. I also do that with all my patients.

What personal benefits or insights have you gained from your mentoring experiences, and how have they contributed to your own career and aspirations?
In nursing, we learn about what’s called “the teach back method” — when you teach a patient, you should ask them to tell you, in their own words, what you just told them, so that they understand. Well, I find that I’m basically doing the teach back method to myself when I’m teaching the people I’m mentoring. I find that I’m understanding the material even better and making connections when I’m educating someone else about concepts.

How has your experience in home care, working with a diverse set of patients in their own environments, impacted your nursing career?
In home care, we see patients for basically everything. I call it the least specialized specialty. It’s been very eye-opening learning not only about all these different medical conditions, but also different situations for patients to have.

Looking ahead, what excites you about the prospect of becoming a nurse educator? Are there any other career aspirations you have in mind?
Eventually I do want to go into education, not necessarily in a university setting, but more like what I’m doing now, being a preceptor, educating nurses who are already nurses on different aspects of nursing. For example, I’m really passionate about incorporating LGBTQ education in nursing and nursing programs. I did my whole senior thesis on that in college. I’m actually going to a conference next weekend put on by Fenway Health Institute in Boston called “Advancing Excellence in Transgender Health” with the whole health care team, and I’m super excited about that and getting to grow my knowledge in that way.

Featured photo: Michael Newell, RN. Courtesy photo.

News & Notes 23/10/26

City Arts Nashua closes

City Arts Nashua, a nonprofit volunteer organization dedicated to the arts, will conclude its operations by the end of the year, according to a press release, marking the end of its 20-year tenure serving the greater Nashua community. Founded in 2004, the group’s core mission was to bolster the quality of life in the region through support and promotion of arts and culture. Over its lifespan, City Arts Nashua initiated collaborations with local artists, community groups and government entities, launching events such as the ArtWalk and the Meri Goyette Art Awards and Luncheon. Other notable projects included the ArtVentures program and the commissioning and restoration of city murals. The organization played a key role in nurturing other local arts entities until they achieved independence, including the Nashua Center for the Arts and the Nashua International Sculpture Symposium. “We have confidence that this wonderful work will continue, and Nashua will always be an amazing community that understands the importance of the arts for connection and community-building,” Lisa Bissonnette, the organization’s board president, said in the release. “Most of the areas we would choose to focus on are already well-established in our community. We could not be happier.”

Ed funds

The Education Freedom Accounts (EFA) program in New Hampshire has seen a growth of about 20 percent in its third year, with more than 4,200 economically disadvantaged students now enrolled, according to a press release. The program allows these students to direct state-funded education grants toward select educational programs of their choice. Currently, the EFA program is providing grants totaling more than $22 million this academic year, averaging $5,255 per student. This cost is significantly less than if these students attended traditional public schools. The program was expanded earlier this year to include families earning up to 350 percent of the federal poverty level.

Longtime service

The Better Business Bureau Serving New Hampshire (BBB) recognized its outgoing board chair Howard Brodsky and executive director Robert Shomphe for their instrumental roles in the organization over the past three decades, according to a press release. The event, marking the 20th anniversary of the BBB Torch Awards, took place on Oct. 19 at the Bedford Village Inn. Brodsky, who separated the New Hampshire chapter from the Greater Boston model, has been pivotal in the chapter’s growth since its inception over 33 years ago. Robert Shomphe, the first CEO of the New Hampshire BBB, has been associated with the organization for 25 years. The 2023 Torch Awards honored Conde Roofing and Construction, The Altos Agency, and Goedecke Flooring and Design Center in their respective business size categories. Six other businesses were acknowledged as finalists. In tribute to Brodsky and Shomphe’s contributions, future Torch Awards will be named the Howard Brodsky Torch Awards, and the annual scholarship program will be the Robert Shomphe Student Ethics Scholarship program.

Hospital award

Susan A. Reeves, Ed.D., RN, CENP, executive vice president of Dartmouth Health’s Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center (DHMC) in Lebanon, received the Leslie A. Smith President’s Award at the annual meeting of the New Hampshire Hospital Association (NHHA) on Oct. 16, according to a press release.

Literary awards

The Biennial NH Literary Awards announced its 2023 winners on Oct. 21, with Laura Knoy, talk show and podcast host, serving as the master of ceremonies. Celebrating more than a quarter century of literary excellence, these awards spotlight works written about or by individuals from New Hampshire, according to a press release. Out of 58 books assessed this year, six emerged victorious across five categories, with the Children’s category witnessing a tie. The winning titles include Moss by Joe Pace (Fiction), Ciao Italia — Plant, Harvest, Cook by Mary Ann Esposito (Non-fiction), A Case for Solace by Liz Ahl (Poetry), Six Thousand Doughnuts by Thomas Tosi (Young Adult/Middle Grade), and both I Am Today by Matt Forrest Esenwine and Squashed by Thomas and Meaghan Tosi (Children’s Picture Book). The New Hampshire Writers’ Project manages these awards, while an independent panel comprising teachers, librarians and readers from New Hampshire oversees the judging.

Director departure

Canterbury Shaker Village’s executive director, Leslie Nolan, has announced her departure from the role in May 2024, after having led the organization for nearly four years, according to a press release. Despite her departure, starting from November, Nolan will remotely assist the Village on special projects, including grant writing and building key relationships for the upcoming Capital Campaign. The Village’s Board Chair and Trustee both acknowledged Nolan’s significant contributions, especially her leadership during challenging times like the pandemic and during intricate restoration initiatives. .

The 24 Hours of Lemons Halloween Hooptiefest is scheduled at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway (NHMS) in Loudon for Saturday, Oct. 28, and Sunday, Oct. 29. According to a press release, the event will feature over 120 teams from the U.S. and Canada competing in a 14-hour endurance race using cars valued at $500 or less. Teams participate in themed costumes, and those facing racing infractions may be sent to a penalty box where they must perform specific tasks to continue. The event benefits the New Hampshire Chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities (SCCNH). Tickets are available online at 24hoursoflemons.com.

Dover Public Library is hosting Indie Author Day on Saturday, Nov. 4, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. According to a press release, the event will feature a panel of local writers discussing their experiences, along with speakers such as Dan Lawton, Greg Bastianelli, Autumn Siders, Jeff Deck and Steve Carter. The program is free for the public, and details can be found at library.dover.nh.gov.

The Nashua Regional College Fair 2023 will take place on Monday, Oct. 30, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Nashua High School South’s Belanger Gymnasium, according to a press release. With about 200 colleges and universities in attendance, prospective students and their families can gather information on academics, courses of study, college life and financing options. This event is a platform for direct engagement with college representatives.

This Week 23/10/19

Big Events October 19, 2023 and beyond

Thursday, Oct. 19
Hear the band Decatur Creek and catch a curator tour at 6 p.m. of the exhibit “Distant Conversations: Ella Walker and Betty Woodman” (which closes Sunday, Oct. 22) tonight at Art After Work at the Currier Museum of Art (150 Ash St. in Manchester; currier.org, 669-6144) from 5 to 8 p.m. when admission is free.

Thursday, Oct. 19
Catch the original stage play by Ellen Cunis and Toby Tarnow (who also directs) The Big White House on Main Street starting today at Amato Center for the Performing Arts’ (56 Mont Vernon St. in Milford, amatocenter.org/riverbend-youth-company). Set in Woburn, Mass., the play tells the story of an Italian family in the early 20th century; see hippopress.com to find the e-edition of the Oct. 12 issue of the Hippo, where our story about the production is on page 18. The show will run through Sunday, Oct. 22, with times at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday through Saturday and 2:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets cost $15, $12 for seniors, students.

Friday, Oct. 20
Give the kids an hour of theater at tonight’s production of Disney’s Finding Nemo Jr. presented by the Community Players of Concord Children’s Theatre Project at the Concord City Auditorium (2 Prince St. in Concord; theaudi.org). Tickets to this shortened musical adaptation cost $15 at communityplayersofconcord.org and at the door. The show is tonight at 7 p.m. and tomorrow, Saturday, Oct. 21, at 2 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 20
Also opening tonight is the Peacock Players’ production of James and the Giant Peach, with performances tonight at 7 p.m.; Saturday, Oct. 21, at 2 & 7 p.m., and Sunday, Oct. 22, at 2 p.m. (as well as those times next weekend) at the Janice B. Street Theatre (14 Court St. in Nashua). Tickets cost $15 to $18 for adults; see peacockplayers.org.

Saturday, Oct. 21
Symphony NH will bring new arrangements of Bollywood favorites to its concert “Symphony Masala,” which will also feature singer Anuradha “Juju” Palakurthi tonight at 7:30 p.m. at the Nashua Center for the Arts (201 Main St. in Nashua; nashuacenterforthearts.com). Tickets cost $25 to $65 (with discounts for seniors and students). See symphonynh.org.

Saturday, Oct. 21
Get dressed up for tonight’s screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show (R, 1975) at 10 p.m. at Red River Theatres (11 S. Main St. in Concord; redrivertheatres.org, 224-4600), one of four screenings Red River will hold this Halloween season (the other Rocky Horrors are Friday, Oct. 20; Friday, Oct. 27, and Saturday, Oct. 28, all at 10 p.m.). The theater will provide the props for this 18+ event. Tickets cost $25. Find more screenings in the Film section, which starts on page 34.

Wednesday, Oct. 25
Catch 1923’s silent film The Hunchback of Notre Dame starring Lon Chaney and presented with live music by Jeff Rapsis tonight at the Rex Theatre (23 Amherst St. in Manchester; palacetheatre.org). Tickets cost $10.

Save the Date! Friday, Oct. 27
See Le Vent du Nord — billed as “hopping Francophone folk” — on Friday, Oct. 27, at 7:30 p.m. at the Dana Center for the Humanities at Saint Anselm College (100 Saint Anselm Drive in Manchester; tickets.anselm.edu). Tickets cost $45.

Featured photo: Courtesy photo.

Quality of Life 23/10/19

Peanut butter & cereal

Merrimack County Savings Bank (The Merrimack) has launched a peanut butter and cereal drive to take place throughout October in partnership with #NHBanksGiveBack, organized by the NH Bankers Association. According to a press release, this initiative aims to combat child hunger by collecting essential items for local food pantries, including peanut butter and cereal, which are often requested to provide nutritious meals for children facing food insecurity. Donations collected during the drive will benefit various pantries in the region, supporting the local community in providing essential food items for those in need. The bank encourages individuals to drop off peanut butter and cereal donations at any of its eight locations in Bow, Concord, Contoocook, Hooksett, Windham and Nashua.

QOL score: +1
Comment: In New Hampshire, 1 in 12 children struggles with food insecurity, the release said.

Mac to give back

Mr. Mac’s Macaroni and Cheese in Manchester has kicked off its 7th annual “Mac Gives Back” fundraising event, according to a press release. Throughout October, Mr. Mac’s will donate $1 for each Take & Bake order of their macaroni and cheese dishes. The initiative aims to support the Boys & Girls Club and MPAL in Manchester. Founded by siblings Patrick Cain and Valerie Anderson, Mr. Mac’s places a strong emphasis on family and community, seeking to contribute to their local community through this initiative.

QOL score: +1
Comment: You can place Take and Bake orders at their Manchester location, over the phone, or online for pick-up at their drive-thru window.

Biking for funds

Lombardo Homes conducted a study on decorating for Halloween and found that New Hampshire ranks third in the nation for its decorative enthusiasm. The study also found that the crow is the state’s favorite Halloween adornment. Conducted in August 2023, the study is based on an analysis of 7,330 Halloween-related Google search terms and purchasing behaviors; data sourced from search volumes per capita over the last year; and a survey in the same month that involved 1,209 Americans discussing their Halloween decoration habits.
QOL score: +1
Comment: This year’s event saw a 16 percent increase in riders compared to the previous year.

Arts brings in the dough

Arts Alive has revealed that the nonprofit arts and culture sector in the Monadnock Region generated $25 million in economic activity in 2022, according to the Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 study conducted by Americans for the Arts. This economic activity included $18.2 million in spending by nonprofit arts organizations and $6.8 million in event-related spending by audiences. It supported 521 jobs, provided $20.6 million in personal income and generated $5.3 million in government revenue.

QOL score: +1
Comment: The study highlights the significant economic and social impacts of the arts and culture industry in the region, with spending by arts and culture audiences benefiting local merchants.

QOL score: 88
Net change: +4
QOL this week: 92

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

Pats go broke in Vegas

The Big Story – Pats Fall to 1-5: The struggles continued for the Patriots on Sunday with a 21-17 loss in Las Vegas made worse by coming at the hands of an alumni club including Josh McDaniels, a now-ticked-off-at-Bill Adam Butler, Jakobi Meyers (who scored their only TD), Jimmy Garoppolo and, after he got hurt, (gulp) Brian Hoyer, who was solid QB-ing off the bench.

With Buffalo and high-flying Miami dead ahead it’s now or never over the next two weeks, where we’ll know if it’ll just be an ongoing struggle for the rest of 2023 or a (surreal) go for Caleb Williams’ tank-a-thon.

Sports 101: Who’s played the most MLB games without ever playing in a postseason game? Hint: He’s a Hall of Famer.

News Item – Bruce Bochy a Difference-Maker: In his first year as manager the Rangers go from 73 wins to 90. Then in the playoffs he/they were bad news for the AL East as they swept 98-win Tampa Bay in the wild card round and then rolled the 101-win Orioles in the ALDS.

News Item – Japanese Important on Red Sox Radar: They’ve gone there before with Daisuke Matsuzaka. That is, going all in to sign a hyped Japanese pitcher for big money. The next one is Yoshinobu Yamamoto, whose career numbers — 70-29 and a 1.82 ERA along with winning three straight Japanese pitching triple crowns — are impressive. With a few exceptions, the numbers have rarely stood up for Japan imports like Dice-K. But, given their desperation for starting pitching and the need to give its highly irritated fan base red meat, it seems certain they’ll be in the hunt for their next big guy.

News Item – Baseball’s Playoffs March On: It’s the battle of Texas between the Astros and Rangers in the ALCS, notable for the fact that this is Houston’s seventh consecutive time in the ALCS. And in the NLCS it’s the second straight year deposed Red Sox GM Dave Dombrowski has his Phillies face off with Atlanta while the Sox are on vacation.

The Numbers:
11 – tackles recorded by my new favorite player, David Long Jr., to lead Miami in Sunday’s 42-21 win over Carolina.

12.1 – yards per carry average by Dolphins rookie runner De’Von Achane, the highest in history by anyone through four games of a season. Overall 460 yards on 36 carries, including 157 on 11 vs. the Giants two Sundays ago before injuring a knee, which will sideline him for a month.

457 – astonishing rushing yards and five TD’s on 27 carries in a ho-hum day at the office for Souhegan HS’s JJ Bright as they ran over Hanover High 41-22 earlier this month.

… Of the Week Awards
Question: With him stuck on 299 for three weeks people are wondering if Bill Belichick will ever get his 300th career regular-season win.

Triplets: In the Celtics’ 112-101 pre-season win over Philly, Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porzingas and Derrick White each played 17 minutes and each scored 11 points.

Double Play: Game 2 of the Philly-Atlanta NLCS ended with an 8-6-5-3 double dip. After a great leaping warning-track catch, Michael Harris wheeled and over threw to second base, but third baseman Austin Riley, backing up second base, got it and whipped it to Matt Olson at first base to nail Bryce Harper, who was way past second base after thinking the ball would drop.

Random Thoughts:
With the arrest of former safety Sergio Brown for the alleged murder of his mother, that’s two guys from the 2011 Patriots arrested for murder, Aaron Hernandez being the other one of course.

The hardest thing to wrap my head around about the demise of the Patriots is how boring they are to watch.

Must say I love seeing the Dodgers lose in the playoffs. Mostly because I hate the fraidy-cat, by the book, robotic way Dave Roberts manages. It’s a big reason they get knocked out early almost every year.

Sports 101 Answer: The great Chicago Cub Ernie Banks holds the record for most games without playing in the postseason at 2,520.

Email Dave Long at dlong@hippopress.com.

A learning environment

NH’s Teacher of the Year talks about her class

Elizabeth Duclos, who teaches third grade at Pembroke Hill School in Pembroke, has been named New Hampshire’s 2024 Teacher of the Year. Chosen from a pool of more than 300 nominees, Duclos now advances to compete for the National Teacher of the Year award.

Explain your teaching philosophy and the kind of classroom environment you aim to create.
Children are often in a space where they don’t feel comfortable taking risks or trying new things due to fear of failure or shame. When this happens, children don’t feel open to doing things. The whole basis of what I do is wrapped around children feeling cared for and safe. That’s something that I’ve heard from many parents over the years as a teacher — that I care for their children, making connections with them, learning who they are, and knowing what they like and don’t like. We spend a lot of time cultivating a community in the classroom that allows children to find connections with each other and with me, and that truly is the backbone of what I do.

How do you ensure your students feel safe to take risks and learn from their mistakes?
We talk a lot in my classroom about productive struggle; things might not feel easy, but it’s OK to try. If we don’t make mistakes, we aren’t going to learn. We focus a lot on what we call “growing;” really, what we’re doing is editing. … We try first, look at it, and then we make an edit. And there’s nothing wrong with not using the same strategy as other people. We talk about how we can grow from each other, and that there’s many ways to solve a problem. We want to find new ways to grow our brains and see things in different ways. That’s how we make progress. They know at this point that if they stumble or struggle, we’re going to go over it all together, and then they’re going to be able to make an edit. That’s really important for children to understand — that we can fix mistakes — and that allows them to feel safe and take risks.

What does a typical day in your classroom look like, and what makes it special for your students?
I try to make our classroom feel light and fun. We give ourselves permission to laugh and sing and dance. Every day we have a morning group time … when we play a game and do a ‘share.’ This sharing could be as simple as ‘What’s your favorite food?’ and it helps students connect with each other. Students are constantly encouraged to work in groups … so they can learn how to share their thoughts and ideas and agree and disagree respectfully.

What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve encountered throughout your career, and how have you dealt with those?
Helping students who struggle to be self-motivated or to find enjoyment with school. I really work to make it a joyful environment, but some students really do struggle, so finding ways to make school joyful for them can be a challenge. There are my own struggles, too, so I’m always seeking out professional development opportunities, working with my colleagues and making sure that I’m growing. It’s an ever-changing process.

How do you plan to leverage your recent award to support educators and students in your state? What core message would you like to convey?
My platform is literacy, and choice in literacy, helping educators build abundant classroom libraries. Children deserve to have access to many different kinds of literature and texts at their fingertips. My whole classroom is full of books, and they’re books that children want to read. I’m hoping to be offering monthly webinars for teachers starting in January on how to make these libraries happen. I also hope just to continue to promote literacy across the state throughout the year.

What advice would you give to other educators?
That you are enough. … We as teachers put a lot of pressure on ourselves to do everything perfectly, but I’ve learned over the years that perfect is not always best. I can try to be perfect and it’s never going to feel like enough. But as long as you’re doing what’s best for students, you’re doing enough. I would also remind them to enjoy it. Teaching does come with challenges, but ultimately it’s a very fun profession. — Angie Sykeny

Featured photo: Elizabeth Duclos. Courtesy photo.

News & Notes 23/10/19

Plan for aging

The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has received federal approval for the State Plan on Aging, according to a press release. Coordinated through the DHHS Bureau of Elderly and Adult Services, this four-year plan aims to establish a comprehensive statewide system of long-term services and supports with a focus on person-centered care. With the aging population expected to grow, the plan aligns with the core foundation programs of the Older Americans Act, aiming to enhance access to community-based supports and services, promote person-centered care, reduce the risk of abuse and neglect, combat loneliness and isolation and advance age-friendly communities. The plan will be effective now through Sept. 30, 2027.

Engagement center

The City of Manchester has announced the opening of the Engagement Center at 39 Beech St. as part of the city’s efforts to address homelessness. According to a press release, the center offers various essential services, including bathrooms, showers, storage, charging stations, peer support, housing navigation, mental health and substance use programs, employment resources and health care, aiming to reduce barriers for adults experiencing homelessness. It will also provide winter emergency warming if needed. The Center is seeking donations of essential items to support individuals experiencing homelessness. They need items like clothing, hygiene products, toiletries and more. Donations can be dropped off at the Center seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Mental health funds

U.S. Sens. Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan, along with Reps. Annie Kuster and Congressman Chris Pappas, have jointly announced nearly $2 million in federal awards to expand access to mental health care for young people in New Hampshire. According to a press release, the funding will support the training of pediatricians in mental health care and the growth of the mental health workforce, particularly in rural communities. The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services will receive $850,000 through a Pediatric Mental Health Care Access Award, while the University System of New Hampshire will receive $1,054,728 through the Behavioral Health Workforce Education and Training program. The officials emphasize the importance of addressing the worsening mental health of young individuals, particularly in the wake of the Covid pandemic, and highlight their commitment to providing essential mental health resources for New Hampshire’s youth.

In addition to addressing mental health care for young people, the delegation has secured federal funding totaling nearly $1 million to enhance maternal health care in the North Country region, according to a press release.

Studio space

WORK Lakes Region, a coworking and event studio at 51 Elm St. in Lakeport, Laconia, is set to open this month. According to a press release, the space offers various membership options, including full- and part-time memberships, private offices for one to three people, hot/flex desks, dedicated desks and multiple meeting and event spaces for groups of three to 100. Members will have access to amenities such as unlimited internet, mail solutions, Google My Business – Official Address allocations and community connection events. The facility will also provide programming for leadership, business and personal development led by business coach and brand strategist Jodie Gallant and her team at JMG Business Strategies. Membership enrollment and space reservations are now open on their website, WORKLakesRegion.com.

Robotics for kids

The New Hampshire Department of Education is awarding grants totaling $713,601 to 77 schools in the state to support robotics programs for students. According to a press release, these grants range from $2,000 to $14,850 per school and are intended to establish new robotics programs or expand existing ones. The funding will cover the purchase of robotics kits, parts, and tools, as well as registration and competition fees, transportation costs, team shirts and coach stipends. Some schools will also use the grants to launch drone programs. These initiatives aim to promote STEM education, encourage student participation in competitive events, and develop life and work-related skills while making learning fun. Supported programs include CoderZ, VEX Robotics, FIRST Robotics, and drone content, fostering interest in STEM careers among students.

Music school head

Bianca Garcia has been named Executive Director of the Manchester Community Music School. According to a press release, Garcia studied at the Curtis Institute of Music and the New England Conservatory and has performed worldwide, collaborating with renowned musicians and premiering new compositions. She has also been deeply involved in music education initiatives, working to establish classical music legacies in various countries. She brings a unique blend of musical expertise and community engagement to her role as Executive Director, aiming to enhance the school’s impact in New Hampshire and beyond, the release said.

The 18th annual CHaD HERO event, held Oct. 15 in Hanover, saw a record-breaking turnout of 3,100 participants, sponsors and donors. According to a press release, this community event raised over $700,000 in funding for essential child and family support services at the Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center (CHaD) and in the Dartmouth Health Children’s system. Over the years, CHaD HERO has raised nearly $10 million for pediatric care and research.

The City of Manchester Fire Department announced the grand opening of Station 9, at 575 Calef Road. According to a press release, this new firehouse features a specially designed decontamination area for gear cleaning before entering the living quarters. The station also incorporates memorabilia from the former Station 9 into its design.

The DRIPBaR, an IV vitamin therapy franchise, has opened its first New Hampshire location, in Portsmouth. According to a press release, it will offer IV vitamin therapy options and services like red light therapy and Halo Salt Therapy. The franchise, which has rapidly expanded across the United States, provides IV treatments under the guidance of medical professionals, the release said.

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