Category: News

New era opens for Pats

The Big Story – Patriots Open Pre-season Camp: As camp opened this week, the optimistic among us are excited over having a new coach for the first time since 2000 in Jerod Mayo and getting to watch another new QB in third overall pick Drake Maye develop.However, sober minds know this will be another long year in Foxboro as the first-time coach and the rookie QB have steep learning curves in front of them. But ready or not, it got started when veterans reported on Tuesday and the first practice was held Wednesday.

Sports 101: Name the seven people to be Manager of the Year in both the AL and NL.

News Item – Schauffele Wins British Open: The lucky number in 2024 for Xander Schauffele is 65. That’s what he shot to rip the Claret Jug away from a crowded Sunday leaderboard to win the British Open at Royal Troon by two strokes. It made him a double majors winner, as he won the PGA Championship in May after carding a final round 65 as well.

News Item – Jarren Duran: Amid his record-breaking season, the speedy Red Sox outfielder added another notch to the belt last week when he earned the Ted Williams Trophy as All-Star Game MVP after his two-run homer in the fifth inning was the decisive blow in the AL’s 5-3 win.

News Item – It Ain’t Just Sale: You can’t blame the Red Sox for moving on from Chris Sale last winter after getting almost no production for the $120 million they spent on him the last four years. Still, with him leading baseball in wins with 13, there’s a little “what might have been” feeling for this surprising team. And that was made worse by seeing James Paxton move to 8-2 after completing L.A.’s three-game sweep of the Sox with Sunday’s 9-6. All of which means a team using openers for the fifth spot in the rotation let two guys leave who already have a combined 21 wins in 2024.

The Numbers:

0 – shots made in 15 attempts for the Wizards’ Alex Sarr while putting up a donut in a Vegas summer league vs. Portland. Not the kind of game you want to see from a guy who was just picked second overall in the NBA draft.

17 – games in 2024 Vegas odds-makers have the Patriots listed as underdogs on their early tote boards. Which, for the mathematically challenged, means they’ll be that for every game they play this year.

19 – WNBA record-breaking assists handed out by Indiana Fever pg Caitlin Clark in a 101-93 loss to the Dallas Wings.

… Of the Week Awards

Thumbs Down – All-Star Uniforms: Can we for once forgo trying to bleed every last nickel out of merchandising in lieu of rewarding the loyalty of fans who’ve been watching for 50 years and love seeing guys in their everyday uniforms at the ASG, ’cause that is classic.

Ridiculous Headline of the Week – Boston Globe: It read “Celtics Hold Bronny James To 2 Points” in their summer league game vs. L.A. Ridiculous because it makes it sound like it was a great feat, which it was not. It was actually more than his summer league average. Second, why is a second-round draft pick who averaged four points per game anywhere near the lead of any story?

A Little History – The Ted Williams Trophy: If you’re wondering: The MVP Award for the AL in the ASG is named for Ted Williams because with four homers, 12 RBI and a .304 average he was a prolific ASG hitter, including winning the 1941 game 7-5 with a three-run bottom-of-the-ninth walk-off homer off Claude Passeau.

Random Thoughts:

I didn’t think it was possible, but I hate the Dodgers’ city edition uniforms more than the Sox’ blue and yellow numbers.

Anyone know why Tiger Woods is still a big headline going to a major championship? Especially after 2024 where he finished dead last at the Masters and missed the cut in the PGA, U.S. Open and British Open.

Sports 101 Answer: The seven named Manager of the Year in both leagues are Bobby Cox (Braves and Blue Jays), Tony LaRussa (Cards and A’s), Jim Leland (Pirates and Tigers), Lou Piniella (Cubs and Mariners), Joe Maddon (Cubs and D-Rays), Buck Showalter (Mets, Rangers and Orioles) and Davey Johnson (Nationals and Orioles)

Final Thought – A Little More History – The All-Star Game: The ASG has had three distinct eras since it started in 1933.

The AL dominated early, winning 12 of the first 16. Then thanks to embracing integration far more fully than the AL, starting in 1950 the NL won 30 of 39 behind great Black stars like Mays, Aaron, Clemente, Banks and the Robinsons (Jackie and Frank). That included winning 19 in 20 years from 1963 to 1982.

Now after winning 10times in 11 years, and 27 of the last 39, the AL is back on top. Overall the AL leads 47-44 with two ties.

Email Dave Long at [email protected].

News & Notes 24/07/25

Tuition freeze

The Community College System of New Hampshire is keeping tuition at the same $215 per credit rate for the 2024-2025 school year, according to a July 18 press release from the organization. The Board of Trustees approved a budget that included the tuition rate, which has stayed the same for in-state tuition since 2018, the release said. The tuition freeze applies to 200 certificate and degree programs at all seven community colleges and affiliated academic centers (including campus, online and hybrid offerings), the release said.

“We want to ensure that high-quality postsecondary education is within reach for all New Hampshire families, whether they are looking for technical training for the trades, preparing for careers in healthcare, or building a strong foundation for pursuing a college degree in virtually any field,” said Mark Rubinstein, Chancellor of the Community College System of New Hampshire, in the release.

NH community colleges serve 24,000 students annually in degree and certificate programs, dual-credit courses for NH high school students, non-credit offerings, and customized training with businesses, and through CCSNH’s workforce program, ApprenticeshipNH, according to the release. In-state tuition is set at $215 per credit for New Hampshire residents, a full-time courseload of 30 credits per year costs $6,450 plus fees, the release said.

See ccsnh.edu for more on the individual colleges and for information for Pell grant eligible students.

Old news

According to a press release, the New Hampshire Division of Historical Resources has announced that the United States Secretary of the Interior has listed the Kensington Town Center Historic District in the National Register of Historic Places for its long history serving as a town center as well as for the architectural significance of its properties.

The Town of Kensington was incorporated in 1761 and was originally part of Hampton. The half-mile-long Kensington Town Center Historic District remains an active town center and includes 27 well-preserved public and private properties that reflect the development of a rural southern New Hampshire town center over the course of nearly 250 years, according to the press release.

Most buildings in the district are wood-framed and were built in the late 18th through late 19th centuries. Their styles reflect the function and tastes of the time and include Georgian, Federal, Greek Revival, Italianate, Queen Anne, Classical Revival and Colonial Revival details, according to the release.

The north end of the district, which has historically been referred to as the Upper Village, has provided civic and religious functions from the time the town was incorporated and features three buildings that are architecturally typical of a New Hampshire village. These are the Union Meetinghouse/Universalist Church (1839-1840), Kensington Town House (1846) and First Congregational Church (1865-66). The Lower Village has a greater mix of historically significant properties that range from residential to religious and commercial to cultural, according to the release.

Almost two dozen Revolutionary War veterans are buried in the public cemeteries, along with veterans of the War of 1812, the Mexican War and the Civil War, according to the release.

Three buildings within the district were previously listed in the National Register of Historic Places: the Union Meeting House/Universalist Church (listed in 2013), Kensington Town House (2013) and Kensington Social Library (2020). A fourth, the First Congregational Church, was listed to the State Register of Historic Places in 2019, according to the release. Visit nhdhr.dncr.nh.gov.

Learn to hunt

According to a press release, New Hampshire residents can sign up now to take Hunter Education classes to be ready for all of the coming fall’s seasons online. There are in-person courses and online offerings. To complete a class, participants will be required to attend a field day, a schedule of which will be provided upon completion of either type of course, according to the release.

Walk-ins are accepted at in-person trainings on a space-available basis, but seats are never guaranteed, so pre-registration is highly recommended, according to the release.

Hunter Education is required in New Hampshire before a new hunter age 16 or older can purchase their first hunting license. Children under 16 are permitted to hunt with a properly licensed adult hunter who is at least 18, according to the release. Participants must be at least 12 years old by the last day of the course to achieve certification in basic Hunter Education and students must be at least 12 years old to take the online course with a field day. New Hampshire’s Hunter Education course provides firearms and archery certification, according to the release.

Hunters who purchased an Apprentice Hunting License last year must take Hunter Education before they can purchase a hunting license, according to the release.

Hunter Education in New Hampshire is funded with Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration by an excise tax on firearms, ammunition and archery equipment, according to the release.

Visit wildlife.nh.gov/hunting-nh/hunter-education or call 271-3214.

Organized by the Merrimack Valley Military Vehicle Collectors Club, this year’s Weare Rally will go from Friday, July 25, to Sunday, July 27, at Center Woods School (14 Center Road). The rally features military vehicle displays, scenic rides, demonstrations, food and more. The cost is $5 per family. See mvmvc.org.

The annual Summer Psychic & Craft Fair returns for a 13th year to Weirs Beach Community Center (25 Lucerne Ave., Laconia) on Saturday, July 27, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Hosted by CAYA Reiki and Healing, the event will include psychic readings, vendors and door prizes. Admission is free. See eventbrite.com for ticket information.

Tickets are on sale for the 2024 Annual Celebration of the Humanities from New Hampshire Humanities on Wednesday, Oct. 16, at 7 p.m. at the Tupelo Music Hall in Derry. The event will feature as keynote speaker Gregory Maguire, author of the novel Wicked. Tickets start at $35; see nhhumanities.org/celebrate.

Registration is open for the Friends of Aine’s annual Kids Try-athlon, which will be held Sunday, Aug. 11, starting at 8 a.m. in Bedford. Kids ages 4 to 15 will participate in three events — swimming, running and biking — in age-based groups. The event features a post-race family festival and registration costs $40. The event is a fundraiser for Friends of Aine Center for Grieving Children & Families, which offers bereavement services for children. See friendsofaine.com.

This Week 24/07/18

Thursday, July 18

The Pierce Manse (14 Horseshoe Pond Lane, Concord) will host a concert on the lawn tonight beginning at 7 p.m. Nevers’ Second Regiment Band will play. The concert will be preceded by an open house and ice cream social from 5:30 to 6 p.m. Bring a chair and a snack.

Thursday, July 18

Learn how to create a wire tree in any style you want on an fist-sized rock you provide during a 21+ two-hour class from 6 to 8 p.m. tonight at Spyglass Brewing Co. (306 Innovative Way, Nashua, 546-2965, spyglassbrewing.com). Each $75 ticket includes a free beer and all the tools and materials needed.

Friday, July 19

The Canvas Roadshow (Bedford Square, 25 S. River Road, Bedford, 913-9217, thecanvasroadshow.com) will host a DIY 3D Woodshop Project workshop tonight at 6:30 p.m. for $25.

Saturday, July 20

The Aviation Museum of New Hampshire’s (27 Navigator Road, Londonderry, 669-4820, aviationmuseumofnh.org) will hold its Classic Car Show today from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (rescheduled due to weather from July 13). Vehicles of all makes and eras are welcome. Trophies will be given out for the People’s Choice Award and the Museum Award. Vehicle registration is $10, or you can come as a spectator for $5 (cash only; kids ages 12 and under are free). See nhahs.org.

Saturday, July 20

The New Hampshire Center for Photography’s first annual photo flea market will take place under the big tent at the Kimball Jenkins School of Art (266 N. Main St, Concord, 225-3932, kimballjenkins.com), 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine. Hang out with fellow New Hampshire photographers and browse a selection of film and digital cameras, lenses, darkroom equipment, printers, studio lighting and assorted other gear. There will be a “free” table with assorted photographic treasures. There will also be photographic prints for sale.

Saturday, July 20

The Barley House Restaurant and Tavern (132 N. Main St, Concord, 228-6363, thebarleyhouse.com) will host a ’90s Night full of ’90s food, dress, drinks and music. DJ Maltese will spin all your favorite hits from the decade that brought us grunge, boy bands and epic dance moves. There will be a Best Dressed contest, a photo booth, and nostalgic cocktails from the ’90s. Tickets are $15 and are available through the Barley House website.

Sunday, July 21

Catch the band Another Tequila Sunrise today at 2 p.m. in Stark Park on River Road in north Manchester. The event is part of the Friends of Stark Park’s summer concert series, which will run Sundays at 2 p.m. through Aug. 25 (with a Manchester Community Summer band concert on Monday, Aug. 19, at 6 p.m.). See starkpark.com.

Save the Date! Saturday, July 27
On Saturday, July 27, Main Street in Nashua will be a walkable feast of art for the first annual Summer Stroll. From kids’ activities to live art-creation battles with Positive Street Art to vendors of bespoke items, downtown Nashua will become an open-invitation party. There will be live music throughout the day, food trucks and more. Between 3 and 8 p.m., Main Street from Pearl Street to Temple Street will be a pedestrian-only public space.

Featured photo: Car Show at Aviation Museum. Courtesy Photo.

Quality of Life 24/07/18

New Chef-in-Residence

The Capitol Center for the Arts (44 S. Main St., Concord, 225-1111, ccanh.com) has announced its newest Culinary Artist-In-Residence: Susan Chung of Sue’s Kimbap House. Chung will work with the Capitol Center, using its two commercial kitchens, and selling her food at the Capitol Center and the Bank of NH concession stands throughout her residency. On its website, the Capitol Center said the residency program “works with newly arrived or marginalized community members who want to start a culinary business. This program allows these new entrepreneurs to build their food business in a low-risk way.” Chef Chung specializes in kimbap, a Korean street food made with seaweed, rice and vegetables, fish or meat.

QOL score: +1

Comment: Chef Chung describes kimbap as “more than a meal — it’s a bundle of joy wrapped in tradition.”

Eggcellent news for (some) loons

Observers of the live Loon Cam hosted by the Loon Preservation Committee (183 Lees Mill Road, Moultonborough, 476-5666, loon.org) reported that one of the eggs in Nest No. 2, somewhere in the Lakes Region, had started to hatch. According to the Committee’s webcam site, several excited viewers saw a “pip,” a small hole caused by a hatching chick, in one of the eggs at 5 p.m. on June 14. “After some debate and close inspection, the Loon Cam Operator confirmed that there was indeed a pip, sparking a wave of excitement among the chatters,” the website reported. The new loon was reported to have fully hatched by July 15. Meanwhile, things went less well at Nest No. 1. “LoonCam 1 Live Broadcast was terminated the morning of July 12 because the loons abandoned the nest after two eggs [were] crushed,” the Loon Cam site reported.

QOL score: +1

Comment: To view footage of the latest hatching, visit the Committee’s YouTube video “Loon Chick Hatching.”

Measles spotted

The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services announced in a press release on July 9 that it had “confirmed a measles infection in an unvaccinated New Hampshire resident.” The infection, the DHHS said, “is likely the result of exposure to an international traveler with measles who visited Hanover in late June.” This case follows a confirmed infection in Vermont that is also linked to the international traveler. “The total number of individuals associated with this measles cluster is three,” the DHHS stated. According to the Centers for Disease Control (cdc.gov), “As of July 11, a total of 167 measles cases were reported by 24 jurisdictions [in the United States].” This includes this incident. The DHHS press release quoted Dr. Benjamin Chan, New Hampshire State Epidemiologist: “Measles is a highly contagious but preventable disease,” he said. “The two-dose measles vaccine provides lifelong protection in most people, and it is the best protection against measles and complications of infection. Anybody who is not vaccinated is strongly encouraged to talk with their healthcare provider about completing the vaccine series.”

QOL score: -2

Comment: Anyone with questions or concerns about this confirmed infection can contact DPHS at 271-4496. To learn more about measles, visit the CDC website.

QOL score: 74

Net change: 0

QOL this week: 74

What’s affecting your Quality of Life here in New Hampshire?

Let us know at [email protected].

News & Notes 24/07/18

Tax website is updated

According to a press release, the New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration (NHDRA) launched an updated version of its website on Tuesday, June 25, that was designed to be easier to use and to optimize access to its Granite Tax Connect portal, which enables taxpayers, tax professionals and other customers to manage their accounts.

The new version features a more user-centered, intuitive approach that begins in a more visually appealing design with an introductory “How Can We Help You Today?” section, and includes a drop-down list of targeted questions to lead customers directly to the section of the site most appropriate to their needs, according to the release.

The website has also been optimized for mobile users and sees as many as 1,400 visits each day, according to the release.

New website features and sections include a top-level link to the “Granite Tax Connect” portal that allows users to file and amend returns, view balances, make payments, view correspondence, register new accounts, update information, submit documents and applications, among other uses; the “Taxpayer Assistance” section with quick links to the site’s most-visited pages; sections on municipal and property taxes, meals and rooms taxes, forms and instructions, and tax laws and rules; and a “Resource Center” that contains Frequently Asked Questions, reports and publications, technical information and declaratory rulings, and power of attorney information. Visit revenue.nh.gov.

Feds give money for transit

According to a press release, Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, a senior member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, and Sen. Maggie Hassan along with Reps. Annie Kuster (NH-02) and Chris Pappas (NH-01) applauded the announcement of $22.6 million in federal funding being awarded to public transit improvement projects in Manchester and Durham.

The Manchester Transit Authority will receive $19.9 million through the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Bus and Bus Facilities Grant Program for the construction of a new transit center, which will replace the city’s outdated facility and enable an expansion of transit services in the region, according to the release.

The University of New Hampshire will receive $2.7 million through the FY24 Low and No Emission Grant Program to replace diesel-powered buses with compressed natural gas buses for its Wildcat Transit service, according to the release.

Medicaid coverage enhanced

Gov. Chris Sununu announced enhancements to Medicaid to expand primary care services and preventive treatments to improve residents’ health, patient experience, and the financial outlook of the program, according to a press release.

Gov. Sununu and the Executive Council approved contracts with three managed care organizations (MCOs) to begin covering preventive treatments in primary care for persons enrolled in Medicaid that go into effect on Sunday, Sept. 1, according to the release.

Hospitals will see Medicaid rate increases totaling $76 million, which more than doubles the base rate for inpatient services with a 120 percent increase to critical access hospitals and 133 percent increase to Prospective Payment System (PPS) Hospitals as well as increasing rates for outpatient services inclusive of enhancing direct payments supporting such services, according to the release.

New patient-first services reimbursable by the New Hampshire Medicaid Program include health risk assessments, preventive screenings, preventive mental health screening and counseling, comprehensive medication reviews, and coverage for care coordination performed in primary care offices, according to the release.

The current inpatient base rate to Critical Access Hospitals of $3,345 increases to $7,351, and the current inpatient base rate to PPS Hospitals of $3,011 increases to $7,001, according to the release.

The rollout of these new services supports the goals in the DHHS Roadmap 2024-2025, according to the release. See governor.nh.gov.

NH Book Festival

A two-day festival of authors and books will take place in downtown Concord on Friday, Oct. 4, and Saturday, Oct. 5, according to a New Hampshire Humanities newsletter. The festival will feature events with author Kate DiCamillo, an event with author Jean Hanff Korelitz that includes discussion of her new book The Sequel, panel discussions, book signings by more than 40 authors, a street festival “with books galore” and more, the newsletter said. See nhbookfestival.org. Tickets for the “Adult Keynote” on Friday, Oct. 4, at 7 p.m. with Jean Hanff Korelitz cost $60 and include a copy of her book; the event takes place at the Capitol Center for the Arts in the Chubb Theatre (ccanh.com). Tickets to the Saturday, Oct. 5, event with DiCamillo — “From Novel to Netflix” looking at her books that have become movies — cost $30, which includes a copy of The Magician’s Elephant. The event is at 5 p.m. and also at the Cap Center, according to the website. The festival is slated to run Oct. 5 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and admission is free, the website said.

There’s a Sip & Stamp: Cardmaking & Wine Tasting event at Wine on Main in Concord (9 N. Main St. in Concord) on Wednesday, July 24, from 6 to 8 p.m. Tickets are $40, which includes all materials, instruction, light snacks, a wine tasting, and liquid glue to take home. Participants may make three cards using stamping techniques from crafter Kathy Clark. Visit wineonmainnh.com.

Colby Hill Inn in Henniker (33 The Oaks, 800-531-0330) hosts its third Annual Lobster Bake and BlueberryFeast, on Sunday, July 21. Seasonal summer foods will be served and original blues music will be played by the Rick Campbell Band. Tickets are $125 per person (plus sales tax and gratuity) including open bar ($15 credit for non-alcohol drinkers). Visit colbyhillinn.com to buy tickets.

“The Music of Abba – Direct From Sweden” will ring out from the Tupelo Music Hall in Derry (10 A St., 437-5100, tupelomusichall.com) on Tuesday, July 23, at 8 p.m. Tickets are $39.

Sox rolling at All-Star break

The Big Story – Sox at the All-Star Break:

The second half of the season gets under way tomorrow. And if you’re a Red Sox fan you like where they are. After being a best-in-baseball 9-3 in July and going 20-8 since June 12 they’re 11 games over .500 at 53-42, 4.5 games behind Baltimore in the AL East and two games up on KC for the last wild card spot. Plus with Triston Casas about to return from a rib cage injury that has kept him sidelined since late April there’s more good news on the way. But close followers know even with the return of Casas, they still need to add a starting pitcher and a right-handed bat by the July 31 trade deadline to fortify their chances to get into the postseason tournament.

There are doubters who believe Sox owner John Henry doesn’t care about the postseason and is more likely to sell off free-agents-to-be Kenley Jansen and Tyler O’Neill. However, with public pressure building for adding, that seems unlikely. So we’ll see.

Sports 101: Name the only college to have players taken first overall in the NBA and NFL drafts in the same year. Also name those players.

News Item – Jaylen Brown Passed Over for Olympic Team: He surprisingly didn’t get the final spot on the Olympic basketball team after Kawhi Leonard dropped out last week. Instead it went to his versatile teammate Derrick White.

Goofballs on Felger & Mazz immediately tried to make it into a brewing feud between Brown and Jayson Tatum because the latter didn’t lobby for JB, which is ridiculous.

But, while Brown is the better player and coming off a stellar performance in the NBA playoffs, you can make a case for White for two reasons. On a team of stars, he’s a better fit as the 12th man because in playing with Tatum and Brown he’s already used to sacrificing for the team. A more likely reason probably lies in Nike’s influence over the selection and their preference to keep politics off this stage. That hurts the outspoken Brown, who’s demonstrated a willingness to take Nike to task for its practice of exploiting overseas workers to benefit its bottom line.

News Item – Trade Deadline Approaching: Of all the mock Red Sox trades I’ve seen, the one involving White Sox lefty Garrett Crochet is the best approach. The proposed cost is high — three of their Top 10 prospects (but not their three best) for a 25-year-old with two more years of contractual control after 2024. Much smarter than a rental for a building team not likely to go deep in the playoffs. And if both sides are happy it gives them a chance to extend Crochet to buy out a few more years of free agency as well.

The Numbers

6 – years in the big house for former Dodgers outfielder Raul Mondesi after being convicted of embezzling $5 million while mayor of the Dominican Republic city of San Cristóbal.

10 – team-leading wins for Sox hurler Brayan Bello, as well as how many strikeouts he had while getting the first 10 outs as he earned No. 9 in a 12-9 win over the A’s last week.

… Of the Week

Thumbs Up – Jalen Brunson: For the diminutive Knicks point guard for passing on roughly $113 million in guaranteed money to give the Knicks salary cap flexibility (for now) to add more players to his up and coming team. And while the $37 million he’ll make annually is nothing to sneeze at, his Tom Brady-like financial sacrifice in the name of helping the team is rare in the me, me, me world of professional sports economics. Bravo, Jalen.

Quote of the Week – Ceddanne Rafaela: When the versatile rookie was asked what his job with the team was he said, “Just help us win.”

Random Thoughts:

Contrary to last Sunday’s ESPN broadcast suggesting that Chaim Bloom had a lot to do with the rampaging Red Sox success, let the record show he has not. All of the young core fueling their surge — Devers, Rafaela, Duran, Casas, Bello, Houck and Winkowski — were drafted by Dave Dombrowski before he was fired in 2019.

Sports 101 Answer: In 2005 the Utah duo of Andrew Bogut and Alex Smith became the first and only guys taken first overall in both the NFL and NBA drafts in the same year.

Final Thought – Jayson Tatum: While I enjoyed the Celtics championship run, sorry to the folks who are saying it sets Tatum’s legacy. What? Earth to those folks. He plays for the Boston Celtics, where luminaries like Russell (11), Sam Jones (10), Havlicek (9), Cousy (6) and Bird (3) won multiple titles. He won one, as short-time contributors like Emmette Bryant and Rick Carlisle and many others have.

If he wants to move up to be an all-time Celtic, he’s got to win at least two more.

Email Dave Long at [email protected].

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