Category: News

Local concerns about KC

The Big Story – NFL Season Opener Dead Ahead: It all gets started tonight in KC when the two-time defending champs take on the Baltimore Ravens in a rematch of last year’s AFC Championship game. Three things about KC are relevant to fans in these parts.

First, with three already and Patrick Mahomes in just his seventh season, KC is halfway to matching the six won by the Patriots in the Brady-Belichick era. Second, depending on how long he plans to coach, with 284 wins and his QB just entering prime years, 66-year-old Andy Reid has a realistic shot to catch Bill Belichick (333) and move past Don Shula (347) for most wins ever. Finally, Mahomes is on pace to roll by every one of Tom Brady’s all-time passing records. Long way to go, but that puts him on a path to eclipse TB-12 as the GOAT. Enjoy.

Sports 101 – For Level-A History Folks: Who was the last QB to wear a number above 19 in the NFL?

News Item – Jarren Duran: It’s been quite a year for the Boston speedster. In addition to being the All-Star Game MVP, last week he became the first player in history to have 40 doubles, 10 triples, 20 homers and 30 stolen bases in the same season.

News Item – Pitching Effort of the Week: Brayan Bello continues to pitch well after finding his groove from that big dip starting in early June. Exhibit A was last week’s two-hit, eight-shutout-inning, nine-strikeout masterpiece in a 3-0 win over Toronto. It moved him to 12-6 and dropped the ERA to 4.66, its lowest point since June 8.

News Item – Patriots 2024 Kick-Off:

News and thoughts ahead of Sunday’s opener vs. the Bengals, when Jacoby Brissett will start at QB.

Notable Roster Moves – Cuts – QB Bailey Zappe and power back Kevin Harris. PUP List – G Cole Strange and WR Kendrick Bourne.

Most Improved on D – Keion White: Think he’s going to be a difference maker.

Most Improved on O – Demario Douglas: Showed flashes last year he could be their next go-to slot receiver.

Biggest Surprise – The D: Since they were better after he went down for the season I don’t think they’ll miss Matthew Judon that much. And while losing Christian Barmore is another story, I think White will pick up the slack and they’ll piece it together.

Worst Part of Team – Offensive Line: Its being so bad is the reason I thought drafting a QB with the third overall pick before fixing it was a big mistake.

The Numbers:

20 – consecutive years in the majors for 44-year-old Rich Hill after returning this week for his third stint with the Red Sox.

85 – most-in-the-majors unearned runs allowed (at press time) by the porous Red Sox defense, 21 ahead of second-worst Miami.

… Of the Week Awards:

Dumbest Rule of the Year – New NFL Onside Kicks: Amid a number of new rules for the on-side kick, including that you can only do it in the fourth quarter and you have to be losing, the dumbest is having to tell the other team you’re going to do it.

Alumni News – Mac Jones Update: If you’re interested, here’s what the exiled Patriots QB did under an offensive head coach and with real receivers to throw to during the exhibition season: 38 for 52, completion average 73.3 percent, 421 yards, 8.1 yards gained per attempt, three TD passes, no picks, long gain 31 yards and a QB rating of 115.3.

What A Stupid I Yam Award – Me: Yaz actually turned 85 on Aug. 22, not 84 as I said. Thanks to eagle-eyed SF Giants fan/reader Dick Lombardi for catching that.

Random Thoughts

My only complaint about trading Judon is the brass should have anticipated he’d whine in the final year of his contract and traded him before the draft so they’d have that third pick now instead of having to wait until 2025.

Sports 101 Answer: JohnHadlwas the last above-19-wearing QB when he wore 21 for four teams starting with San Diego in 1962 through 1978.

Final Thought – Big Patriots Questions and Predictions:

Biggest Question – Jerod Mayo: He’s a first-time HC so expect hiccups, especially as the lifetime defender tries to untangle the offensive malaise of the last two years.

Should They Tank? Sadly with their schedule they don’t have to. But, while I hate trying to lose, that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t play all their young guys to gain as much experience as possible. That includes Drake Maye and if they lose as a result that’s OK.

When Will Maye Take Over? Week 7 vs. the Jets at home on Oct. 27.

2024 Season Prediction – 3-14: It ain’t like the old days when the question was will they win 13 or 14. Instead, it’s for how many losses. And they don’t get their last two until December.

Email Dave Long at [email protected].

News & Notes 24/09/05

Listeriosis

The New Hampshire Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory has identified an uptick in cases of listeriosis this summer compared to recent years and many of these have been in sheep or goats showing neurologic signs, according to their website.

The most likely route of exposure is feed contaminated with the infectious organism, as hay or other feed that has spoiled after getting wet is a common source of infection, according to the website. The bacterium that causes listeriosis, listeria monocytogenes, can be infectious to people as well, so if you suspect listeriosis in your animals, contact a veterinarian. For more detailed information about listeriosis, see cfsph.iastate.edu/FastFacts/pdfs/listeriosis_F.PDF and cfsph.iastate.edu/Factsheets/pdfs/listeriosis.pdf. But if you have questions about listeriosis in humans, contact your health care provider, according to the same website. Visit agriculture.nh.gov

New Craftsmen

The League of New Hampshire Craftsmen Meredith Fine Craft Gallery has announced that their newest juried member is Steve Arcone, who creates striking art of ice in macro images on aluminum.

Arcone’s macro-imaged subjects mix art and science using an abstract process that captures details that are too small to see with the naked eye. Most of Arcone’s ice images are of thin pond crystals during change and decay caused by melt, sublimation and recrystallization. Arcone enhances the photos using digital editing tools to highlight the ice’s details, which are intertwined with twig, leaf or other colorful fall organic debris protruding or resting on the water surface, according to the press release. The images are printed on aluminum and finished off with a protective coating. Most of the images are from a near-shore area of a pond near Arcone’s home that were taken during the fall, early winter and early spring, the release said. Call 279-7920 or visit meredith.nhcrafts.org.

Clean streets

According to an Aug. 18 press release, Mayor Jay Ruais celebrated the city’s new street cleaning team for making a big difference in the downtown area after only one month on the job.

The workers wear distinct royal blue shirts and start their day early, taking care of trash, needles and waste and interacting frequently with the public, providing directions, responding to requests and meeting with local businesses, according to the release.

In a statement about the cleanliness of Manchester’s Central Business District (CBSD), Mayor Ruais said, “In only one month, they picked up 3,150 pounds of trash, 52 needles, and 34 piles of human/animal waste. Additionally, they’ve recorded 57 one-on-one contacts with the public that help make our city even more friendly and responsive. As a result, we’re getting very positive feedback from residents, businesses and visitors.”

Mayor Ruais noted the program is currently in its 90-day startup period with more staffing and equipment on the way and once fully operational the Streetplus Ambassadors will provide a range of services, including litter, debris and graffiti removal, plus power washing, along with sidewalk, pedestrian pathway and tree well cleaning, according to the same release.

Stethoscope presentation

According to a press release, Plymouth State University hosted its sixth annual Stethoscope Ceremony for Nursing Students with funds to purchase stethoscopes donated by local health care organizations and faculty.

Third-year nursing students were presented with engraved Littmann double-sided stethoscopes in a ceremony on Monday, Aug. 26. The ceremony marks the students’ transition to clinical practice, according to the release. Senior nursing students already working in clinical practice present the stethoscopes to the third-year students in a tradition that was started in 2019 by PSU nursing program alumna Lauren LaMontagne to ensure each nursing student enters the field with equitable access to this necessary but expensive equipment.

Tower is clean

The cooling tower located behind the Riverwalk Resort in the downtown area of Lincoln was successfully cleaned and disinfected with no elevated risk of Legionella infection from the tower, according to a press release from the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services on Aug. 21. The DHHS’s Division of Public Health Services and the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Service tested water samples from the tower after it underwent disinfection and the test had negative results for the bacteria, the release said. DHHS has identified seven people who have been confirmed to have Legionnaire’s disease after visiting downtown Lincoln in June and July, the release said. For information about Legionella, see the DHHS Waterborne Disease webpage at dhhs.nh.gov.

The 19th annual Pedaling for Payson event will be held on Saturday, Sept.
7, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Elm Brook Park in Hopkinton
(102 Elm Brook Park Road) with proceeds going to assist individuals
receiving cancer treatment at the Concord Hospital Payson Center for
Cancer Care. To register or make a donation, visit
pedalingforpayson.org or call Concord Hospital Trust at 227-7162.

The Concord Community Music School (23 Wall St., Concord) will hold an open house on Saturday, Sept. 7, from 10 a.m. to noon where guests will be able to meet faculty and staff and tour the facilities. There will be demo classes, jam sessions, information sessions, an instrument “petting zoo,” giveaways and refreshments, according to the website. Visit ccmusicschool.org.

The Mental Health Center of Greater Manchester and Manchester City Library (405 Pine St., Manchester) offer a conversational group for seniors on Mondays at 10:30 a.m at Manchester’s Cashin Senior Activity Center (151 Douglas St.), with the first session on Sept. 9. Virtual attendance is also available. The discussion topic for Sept. 9 is: Who was your favorite teacher and what do you remember about him or her? Call Susan Harmon at 624-6550, ext. 7620, or email [email protected] for details. Pre-registration is encouraged. Visit manchester.lib.nh.us

This Week 24/08/29

Thursday, Aug. 29

Don’t miss this year’s Hopkinton State Fair, a Labor Day weekend tradition happening today through Monday, Sept. 2, at the Fairgrounds (392 Kearsarge Ave., Contoocook). See hsfair.org and check out the Kiddie Pool column on page 18 for more details.

Thursday, Aug. 29

Get an early start on the last (unofficial) weekend of summer with some “Piano Man” at Scenes: A Billy Joel Experience tonight at 7:15 p.m. at LaBelle Winery in Derry. Tickets cost $40; see labellewinery.com.

Friday, Aug. 30

Monstersongs presented by Actorsingers opens today in Nashua. “Monstersongs puts audiences in a synthesized world of graphic novels, rock musicals, live performance and new technology. … Monstersongs flips the switch on the monster narrative, inviting audiences to explore the humanity that binds us all,” according to actorsingers.org. The production runs today and Saturday, Aug. 31, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 1, at 2 p.m. at Janice B. Streeter Theatre (14 Court St., Nashua). Tickets cost $20 for adults, $18 for students (plus online fees).

Friday, Aug. 30

Tribute band Marcus Rezak’s Gumbo Live Phish Experience will perform at the Bank of New Hampshire Stage (16 S. Main St., Concord, 225-1111, ccanh.com) tonight at 9 p.m. Tickets cost $24 in advance, $5 more at the door.

Friday, Aug. 30

Jewel Music Venue (61 Canal St., Manchester, 819-9336, jewelmusicvenue.com) hosts Leathal Weekend 7, a shredding Labor Day weekend event, through Sunday, Sept. 1. Seventeen intense bands will take to the stage over three days, including Kottonmouth Kings, First Jason, Dr. Gigglez, Problemattik, and Lex the Hex Master. This is an 18+ event; ID is required. Single-day passes are $35; weekend passes are $90. Tickets are available through eventbrite.com.

Saturday, Aug. 31

Labor Day weekend is a big weekend for paintball. Paintball companies throughout the region are holding special events this weekend, including AG Paintball (158 Deering Center Road, Weare, 529-3524, agpaintball.com) and OSG Paintball (1053 North Barnstead Road. Center Barnstead, 800-707-7529, osgpaintball.com).

Saturday, Aug. 31

There will be a Taylor & Olivia Dance Party at the BNH Stage (16 S. Main St., Concord, 225-1111, ccanh.com) tonight at 7 p.m. Vampires and Lovers should be ready to spill their guts and shake it off on the dancefloor to Taylivia faves. This is an all-ages event. Tickets are $21.75 and are available at ccanh.com.

Save the Date! Sunday, Sept. 15
Less Leg More Heart (lesslegmoreheart.com), which supports amputees, will host a Firetruck Team Pull at the Anheuser-Busch Brewery (221 DW Highway, Merrimack)h) on Sunday, Sept. 15, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Teams of up to 12 get two attempts to pull a 40,000- to 60,000-pound fire engine 50 feet. The top three teams will win a trophy. Individuals can also pull a 1938 antique fire truck weighing nearly 11,000 pounds. The top three individuals will win a trophy. Registration is currently free for teams with a pledge to raise $250 in fundraising; individual registration is $25. Register at lesslegmoreheart.com/events.

Featured photo: Hopkinton State Fair.

Quality of Life 24/08/29

Love Is Blind recruits

In an Aug. 23 article, New Hampshire Public Radio reported that the producers of Netflix’s Love Is Blind are scouting out New England as a potential location for its reality dating show. NHPR reported that in addition to looking for potential filming locations, producer Donna Driscroll is hoping to cast New England singles in the show, where couples get to know each other through conversation without being able to see or touch each other.

QOL score: +1

Comment: Apply to be on the show at libcasting.com.

Not your typical commute

If all goes according to plan, when you read this Stratham resident Scott Poteet will be closer to the moon than anybody has been since 1972. As reported in an Aug. 20 online story by New Hampshire Public Radio, the SpaceX Polaris Dawn Mission, which was expected to launch Tuesday, Aug. 27, from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, will travel more than 1,000 km past the orbit of the International Space Station, and Poteet is its pilot. “Over the course of their five days in space, the crew plans to complete the first commercial space walk,” NHPR reported, “test SpaceX’s Starlink communication system, and conduct more than 40 experiments to better understand the effects of space travel on astronauts.” Poteet, who grew up in Durham and graduated from the UNH, has trained for this mission for the past two years, along with fellow astronauts SpaceX engineers Anna Menon and Sarah Gillis, and billionaire Jared Issacman, who paid for the Polaris program and has traveled to space on other self-funded missions.

QOL score: +1

Comment: Poteet told NHPR that this mission’s crew spent a lot of time getting “comfortable in uncomfortable scenarios,” by training on simulators, climbing mountains, and even skydiving.

Tank-treaded chair means more park access

As reported by the Concord Monitor (.concordmonitor.com) on Aug. 21, a new mobility chair recently acquired by Bear Brook State Park in Allenstown has made parts of the park newly accessible to some visitors. The motorized chair, with tank-like treads instead of wheels, is designed to clamber over rocks and branches and through sand and mud, and has opened up new areas to many types of park guests, including some the Park staff hadn’t considered. “We expected it would be people with mobility challenges,” Christina Pacuk, Manager of Bear Brook State Park, told the Monitor, “but we’ve also heard from people on oxygen who are not able to traverse the trails normally. They want to go with their family but can’t. Some elderly people say ‘I haven’t been able to get out like I used to and I want to be able to have that experience again.’”

QOL score: +1

Comment: Users report that the main drawback of the new chair is getting so engrossed in exploring that the battery runs low.

QOL score: 75

Net change: +3

QOL this week: 78

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

Let us know at [email protected].

Pats ready to go

The Big Story – Pats Pre-Season Ends: After a 20-10 loss to Washington, the Patriots closed the preseason at 1-2.

Two things jumped out in the game: (1) While they did run for 139 yards, the O-line was awful. It had eight penalties called on it in the first half alone and got Jacoby Brissett hurt on the first series. (2) Yes, the Washington D is as bad, but Drake Maye was solid again in going 13-29 for 126 yards and two TD passes (one called back). He also had a nice 17-yard scamper out of the pocket.

Cut-down Day to 53 players was Tuesday, then comes the biggest question: After another strong outing will Maye be the starting QB in the opener in Cincinnati on Sept. 8?

Sports 101: Last week Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz became the fifth player in baseball history to hit 20 homers and steal 60 bases in the same year. Name the other four who also did it.

News Item – Big 3 Now Big 4: With the Red Sox wild card chances fading after being swept by the D-Backs at Fenway over the weekend to drop five games back, attention may be shifting to AAA Worcester. Their top four prospects have been promoted — Marcelo Mayer, Kevin Teel and Roman Anthony (three homers in his first 11 games) a few weeks ago, followed by the latest call-up, Kristian Campbell. With Campbell and Anthony hitting .421 and .341 respectively they’re creating a lot of excitement and living up to their ranking for being among baseball’s top 65 prospects. Stay tuned to what they all do in the Woo Sox’ last four weeks.

News Item – Danny Jansen and Baseball History: If it comes off, history will have been made before you see this and after my deadline. But since Alex Cora says his new catcher would be in the line-up for Monday night (Aug. 26) when they resume their suspended (due to rain) game with Toronto from June 26 that had him at the plate for the Blue Jays, I’ll confidently say Jansen will have/did become the first person in history to appear in the same game for two different teams when he got behind the plate for Boston Monday night.

The Numbers:

18 – homers hit in the first inning already this year by Yankees slugger Aaron Judge to tie the all-time record set by A-Rod in 2001.

24 – million dollars and change paid at auction for the jersey Babe Ruth wore the day he made his famous called shot at Wrigley Field in the 1932 World Series.

… Of the Week Award

Spectacular Moment of the Week – Shohei Ohtani: That was quite a way for the Dodgers star to enter the 40-40 club earlier than any player (in Game 126), with a walk-off grand slam to beat Tampa 7-3 after stealing his 40th base earlier in the game on Friday.

Alumni News – Triple Crown Ahead: My prediction was that after his never-ending injury troubles in Boston Chris Sale was going to win 15 games with Atlanta. Now that he leads the NL with 14 he’s likely going way past that. But what I didn’t see was him winning the pitching triple crown, which by also leading in ERA at 2.62 and strikeouts with 183 he’s currently on pace to do.

A Little History – Braves Pitching: Even with 369-game-winner Warren Spahn and their Hall of Fame Big 3 from the 1990s, if Sale pulls off the triple C, he’ll be the franchise’s first to do it since John Clarkson in 1889 when they were the Beaneaters in Boston. He went 49-19 with a 2.73 ERA and 284 k’s in 72 starts with 68 complete games over an astonishing 620 innings.

Of course he died at 47, so maybe that took its toll!

Random Thoughts:

Seeing Guerschon Yabusele play so well in the Olympics after being an overweight jump-shooting bust with the C’s made me sick to my stomach. But now he’s the opposite, in shape, physical, crashes the glass and plays hard. So good move by Philly to sign him even if it gets my goat.

Sports 101 Answer: The others in the 20-60 club are Joe Morgan and Ricky Henderson (twice each) and Atlanta’s Ronald Acuna did it last year (27 and 73).

Final Thought – Thumbs Up Red Sox Brass: Remember how the talk shows were all over the Red Sox for not signing free agent lefty Jordan Montgomery lastwinter?

The problem was he was a career fifth starter made out to be Sandy Koufax after two good months with Texas as they won the World Series. Well, if you were squawking, they were right and you were wrong. In 19 starts with Arizona the ERA was 6.44 amid calls to send him to the bullpen.Moral of the story: Never invest big after a rental’s hot pennant race run that goes beyond what the career wrap sheet says someone is.

Email Dave Long at [email protected].

Email Dave Long at [email protected].

News & Notes 24/08/29

Statue unveiling

The Christa McAuliffe State House Memorial Commission announced that the unveiling of the Christa McAuliffe statue will be held on Monday, Sept. 2, at 10 a.m. Members of the public are encouraged to attend.

In a statement, Gov. Chris Sununu said, “The unveiling of this statue — the first woman to be memorialized on Statehouse grounds — will be a historic moment for the State of New Hampshire. We hope the whole community will come out for this event!”

Gov. Sununu signed Executive Order 2023-02, which established the Christa McAuliffe State House Memorial Commission, on Feb. 14, 2023, according to the press release. Benjamin Victor was selected by the committee to design the memorial. At the age of 26 Victor became the youngest artist ever to have a sculpture placed in the National Statuary Hall in the United States Capitol, and he achieved the distinction this year of becoming the only living artist to have four sculptures on display in Statuary Hall, according to the same release.

Updated NHDOT website

The New Hampshire Department of Transportation (NHDOT) announced the launch of an electronic permit system for driveway permits, right of way activities (formerly excavation and encroachment permits), special events (formerly parade permits) and Sponsor a Highway permits through the New Hampshire Permit Portal.

This initiative is part of an overarching statewide e-permitting system development effort to enhance customer service for Granite Staters interacting with state departments and agencies, according to the release.

The New Hampshire Permit Portal will replace paper applications for all applicants and started on Wednesday, Aug. 21, although paper applications will continue to be accepted through Monday, Sept. 16, according to the release.

The portal will allow applicants real-time insight on the status of their applications, improved transparency, and improved communication with the department, according to the release.

One feature of the new website is that you can request a business account, versus an individual account, according to the press release. A business account allows multiple users within the business to be connected, allowing all users the ability to view, access and interact with the account’s applications, and business accounts will also allow for self-management of account users through an account administrator; NHDOT is encouraging businesses to sign up for this function on initial registration.

Visit dot.nh.gov/services/permits.

Data Privacy Unit

Attorney General John M. Formella announced the creation of a new Data Privacy Unit (the “Unit”) to be housed within the Consumer Protection and Antitrust Bureau of the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office, with the Unit primarily responsible with enforcing compliance with RSA 507-H, the “New Hampshire Data Privacy Act.”

In a statement, Attorney General Formella said, “Ensuring accountability, transparency, and consumer choice regarding how companies handle and monetize the personal data of their customers is a priority of my office. For too long companies have earned unfathomable profits by harvesting the personal data of its users without providing a meaningful opportunity for consumers to make informed choices about how their data is or is not used. We thank the Governor and Legislature for providing us with these additional resources and we look forward to putting these new enforcement capabilities to work to protect the personal data of New Hampshire consumers.”

The Unit will be tasked with developing a series of FAQs that will assist consumers and businesses in understanding their rights and responsibilities once the Act becomes effective, according to the press release.

Beginning on Jan. 1, 2025, “the New Hampshire Data Privacy Act will create a substantial new set of consumer rights for Granite Staters whose personal data is controlled and processed by businesses that engage in trade or commerce in New Hampshire,” according to the release.

New Hampshire consumers will have the right to: confirm whether or not a business is controlling or processing their personal data; correct any inaccuracies in their personal data being processed by businesses; demand the deletion of personal data obtained from or about them; obtain a copy of their personal data being controlled or processed by the business in a portable, and readable format; and opt out of the future processing of their personal data for purposes of targeted advertising, the sale of personal data, or profiling, according to the press release.

The New Hampshire Data Privacy Act provides significant penalties for covered businesses that fail to comply with the consumer rights identified above, and the attorney general has the ability to seek civil penalties of up to $10,000 for each violation of the act. The attorney general can also seek criminal penalties if there is sufficient evidence that a business is purposely failing to comply with the requirements of the Act.

Attorney General Formella is currently accepting applications for an Assistant Attorney General position within the Unit and interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter to Chief of Staff Sean Gill at [email protected].

The 2xtreme Monster Trucks Live Show happens at the Hopkinton State Fair on Thursday, Aug. 29, and Friday, Aug. 30, at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Aug. 31, at 11 a.m. It will include two-time Monster Jam world champion Bounty Hunter, queen of monster trucks Scarlet Bandit, and Shark Bite, and will introduce the Roaring Rex Dinosaur Monster Truck. Tickets are $24. Visit hsfair.org/monster-truck.

The New Hampshire Fisher Cats begin a six-game home series at Manchester’s Delta Dental Stadium (1 Line Drive) against the Portland Sea Dogs on Tuesday, Sept. 3, at 6:35 p.m. Visit milb.com/new-hampshire.

Jazz on the Patio at Nashua’s Spyglass Brewing Co. (306 Innovative Way) features Alex Minasian on piano, Marshall Wood on bass and Les Harris Jr. on drums on Sunday, Sept. 1, from 2 to 5 p.m. Minasian has played at many of the country’s most famous jazz rooms and has shared the stage with the likes of Questlove, Clark Terry and Hugh Masekela.

Stay in the loop!

Get FREE weekly briefs on local food, music,

arts, and more across southern New Hampshire!