Category: News

Quality of Life 23/08/24

Fan gear

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

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

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

NH’s got the teachers…

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

QOL score: +1

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

And relatively few disasters!

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

QOL score: +1

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

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

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

The week that was

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

… Of the Week Awards:

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

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

Random Thoughts:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Email Dave Long at dlong@hippopress.com.

Welcome to the libraries

University libraries lend to all state residents

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

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

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

Have you seen an uptick in borrowers?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

News & Notes 23/08/24

Elder abuse

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

Walking benefits

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

Breastfeeding support

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

Telemonitoring

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

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

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

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

This Week 23/08/17

Big Events August 17, 2023 and beyond

Thursday, Aug. 17

Enjoy a little “yes, and” at the Queen City Improv performance today at 7:30 p.m. at the Hatbox Theatre (Steeplegate Mall, 270 Loudon Road in Concord; hatboxnh.com). Tickets cost $22 for adults, $19 for seniors and students. The event is byob or w, according to the website. Find more places to do some serious chuckling in the Comedy This Week listing on page 41.

Saturday, Aug. 19

Arts Alive invites local artists and art enthusiasts to the renovated mill building at 71 Main St. in Harrisville to learn about the history of the town and the building from local history experts and artists in an event that runs from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The cost is $10 per person. See monadnockartsalive.org/artist-field-trips to register.

Saturday, Aug. 19

So good! So good! Catch Cherry Cherry, a Neil Diamond tribute band, today at 8 p.m. at Tupelo Music Hall (10 A St. in Derry; tupelomusichall.com). Tickets cost $35. Find more concerts this weekend and beyond in the Concert listings on page 42.

Saturday, Aug. 19

The Aviation Museum of New Hampshire (27 Navigator Road in Londonderry; aviationmuseumofnh.org, 669-4877) will hold PlaneFest! today from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. outside of the museum. The day will include cake at 1 p.m. to celebrate Orville Wright’s birthday, flight- and airplane-related activities and crafts (geared at elementary and middle school-age kids), an opportunity to meet aviation-related professionals, airplanes on display and more. Admission to the fest is free; admission to the museum costs $10 per person, $5 for ages 6 to 13 and seniors and veterans (free for children 5 and under). Rain date is Saturday, Aug. 26.

Tuesday, Aug. 22

A six-day stretch of games between the New Hampshire Fisher Cats and the Binghamton Rumble Ponies starts today at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium in downtown Manchester with a 7:05 p.m. game. Games on Thursday, Aug. 24, and Saturday, Aug. 26, will feature post-game fireworks. Friday, Aug. 25, will feature a free hat giveaway, and the game on Sunday, Aug. 27, at 1:35 p.m. will feature a pencil pouch giveaway and a Princess Brunch at 10 a.m. for $26. See milb.com/new-hampshire.

Save the date for monsters: Saturday, Aug. 26
Studio 550 Community Art Center (550 Elm St. in Manchester; 550arts.com, 232-5597) will hold its 11th annual Monster Hunt in downtown Manchester on Saturday, Aug. 26, starting at 11 a.m. until the monsters are found — which happens pretty quickly, according to a press release. Studio 550 makes and hides 100 monster medallions in the downtown with each monster finder asked to keep only one monster to spread the monster-finding fun to as many people as possible, the release said. Bring the medallion to Studio 550 to trade in for a red clay monster. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Studio 550 will also host several low-cost hands-on activities, the release said. There will also be a kids-only hunt at DoubleTree Hotel at 10:30 a.m. for kids 5 and under with 25 monsters available and monster stickers for all kids who search, the release said. See 550arts.com/about/monsterhunt. Photo courtesy of Studio 550.

Featured photo: A vintage PT-23 training plane will be on display by the New England Wing of the Commemorative Air Force during this year’s PlaneFest! Courtesy photo.

Quality of Life 23/08/17

Seek replacement scoops

The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has issued a press release warning against consuming any flavor of “Soft Serve On The Go” ice cream cups produced by Real Kosher Ice Cream of Brooklyn, N.Y., following a national listeriosis outbreak linked to these products. Although no related illnesses have been reported in New Hampshire, other states have identified cases. The US FDA, in partnership with the CDC, is investigating these Listeria monocytogenes infections. Real Kosher Ice Cream has cooperated with the FDA by recalling all 8-ounce cup flavors distributed across multiple states and halting production temporarily. Listeria is particularly harmful to young children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems. It can cause symptoms ranging from fever and muscle aches to severe neurological effects but is treatable with antibiotics. The DHHS advises consumers to either discard the product or return it for a refund.

QOL score: -1

Comment: According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Listeria monocytogenes can survive and even grow in colder temperatures.

Explaining with comics

The Preservation Alliance has unveiled a new comic book centered on the Concord, N.H., Gasholder, drawing extensively from the architectural illustrations present in the Historic American Engineering Record (HAER). According to a press release and the Preservation Alliance website, this dual-purpose publication serves as an informative tool and a coloring book. Within its pages, readers can explore the intricate workings of the Gasholder, delve into its historical roots in Concord, and ponder potential future plans for the expansive two-acre gasworks site. Additionally, the comic provides insights like the reason behind the tilted cupola on the Gasholder’s roof. By disseminating this material, the Preservation Alliance seeks to educate the public on the relevance and story of this architectural gem.

QOL score: +1

Comment: The Gasholder recently received international recognition when experts from Europe congregated at the Industrial Gas Museum in Athens, discussing gasholder preservation and reuse.

More scholar athletes

The University of New Hampshire (UNH) showcased academic excellence in sports during 2022-23, according to a number of press releases. The women’s cross-country team reported that 88 percent of its members made the America East Academic Honor Roll, with three achieving a 4.0 GPA. Similarly, the UNH men’s basketball and women’s basketball teams had members achieving high academic distinctions, with Jon Willeman and Aina Roque Sucarrats each recording a perfect 4.0 GPA. The men’s soccer team saw 23 of its members being recognized, with 79 percent of the team earning academic honors. Furthermore, the women’s lacrosse team had 26 members recognized, of which three recorded a 4.0 GPA. Across all America East-sponsored sports, 77 percent of student-athletes achieved Honor Roll recognition, with 2,694 making the Academic Honor Roll in 2022-23, marking the 18th year the student-athletes averaged a GPA of at least 3.0.

QOL score: +1

Comment: The 2023-24 UNH men’s basketball season is set to begin on Nov. 6 with an away game at Syracuse University.

QOL score: 82

Net change: +1

QOL this week: 83

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

The week that was

The Big Story – Reinforcements Arrive: Those poo-pooing the idea that Chaim Bloom didn’t do much at the trade deadline because of what he had returning from injuries didn’t look so smart during two wins over Detroit last weekend. Trevor Story was 7 for 10 with six doubles, Garrett Whitlock got Sunday’s win with two shutout innings, and Chris Sale pitched 4.2 strong innings on Friday. And Tanner Houck should be back this week. All of which will give them their most complete roster of the year, just in time for the stretch run, where they start the week three behind Toronto for the final wild card slot.

Sports 101:Name the six teams to never win a World Series.

News Item – Pats Awful in Pre-season Opener:So much for those glowing reports out of camp. Yes, it was the pre-season opener, so it didn’t mean anything. But the Patriots were awful in Thursday’s 20-9 loss to 3-13-1-a-year-ago Texas. And the two worst things were very familiar: (1) offensive line, which opened few holes for the backs and gave Bailey Zappe no time to throw down field, and (2) the play-calling — with a steady diet of bubble screens, regular screens and few throws downfield, it looked like Matty P never left.

News Item – Eye-Opening Stat: Since I hate the yellow City Connect uniforms the Sox occasionally wear to juice merchandise sales I’m reluctant to repeat what Julian McWilliams just reported in the Boston Globe. But after two weekend wins over Detroit they’re 11-2 wearing yellow and blue in 2023. Overall it’s 26-6 in them, when they somehow have outscored the bad guys 155-91.

The Numbers:

37 – years in jail for the brother of former Patriot Aqib Talib after Yagub Talib pleaded guilty to the murder of a man he shot to death during an argument at a youth football game last August.

… Of the Week Awards:

Why Can’t We Get Guys Like That – Ryan Brasier:After being released by Boston with a 7.29 ERA, 1.53 WHIP and a .286 batting against, Brasier has turned into Mariano Rivera out west. With the Dodgers the ERA is 1.20, WHIP 0.86 and BA against is .149 in 22 games.

Play – Pablo Reyes Grand Slam Walk-Off: If you didn’t imagine doing what Reyes did last week as a kid, you weren’t a baseball fan as a kid. Everyone has pretended to hit a walk-off slam to win a game as Reyes did vs. KC in a 6-2 win. Though for me, it was a little more grandiose — it was to win the World Series.

Random Thoughts:

Is anyone ever on base when Triston Casas hits a home run? Well, OK, there was for Friday’s three-run bomb. But he has 19 homers and just 45 RBI. Haven’t seen an RBI-to-homer ratio that low since Aurelio Rodriguez had 15 homers and 39 RBI for the Tigers in 1971.

Pat Riley said upon his Hall of Fame induction last weekend that Dwayne Wade is the greatest ever Miami Heat player. Hard to argue with that for long-time sustained greatness. But I’d say LeBron James was better than Wade during the four years they played together after LBJ took his talents to South Beach.

Sports 101 Answer: The six teams that have never won a World Series are the Colorado Rockies, Milwaukee Brewers/Seattle Pilots, San Diego Padres, Seattle Mariners, Tampa Bay D-Rays, Texas/Washington Senators.

Final Thought:There’s trouble in River City and it starts at the offensive line, a problem the Patriots brass basically ignored in the off-season. It starts at left tackle, where Trent Brown is coming off his injury-plagued, penalty-strewn awful 2022 performance, one that begged for him being replaced. And right tackle was an even bigger disaster. I bring it up again because in light of the wretched performance of the back-ups used vs. Texas on Thursday it shows depth is a real issue on the O-line. It gives them a slim margin of error when it comes to injuries. And guess what? Along with starting guards Michael Onwenu and Cole Strange, Brown is already hurt and ominously saying he is “hoping” to be back for the opener vs. Philly. Meanwhile the QB’s are running for their lives in practice as their defenders dominate the lineman that are left.

Not a promising beginning to what many have said is a rejuvenated team. Unless the line can protect Mac Jones and open holes for their very thin running back corps there will be many days ahead for the offense like Thursday night. And I’ll add after Damien Harris was foolishly allowed to leave before signing for the veterans minimum with Buffalo, it’s a running game that totally will be upended by a big injury to Rhamondre Stevenson. Both potential disasters are totally on Bill the GM if a solution isn’t found in a hurry. And dithering with USFL cast-offs as he did last week ain’t gonna do that.

Email Dave Long at dlong@hippopress.com.

Art, music, bees

Wildflower Festival celebrates pollinators

The inaugural Wildflower Festival, set for Saturday, Aug. 19, at Keyes Field on Elm Street, Milford, aims to bring together art, music and nature while highlighting the importance of pollinators and urban green spaces. Event organizer Griff Comtois discussed the festival’s origins, mission and planned activities. See Eventbrite for details and tickets.

Tell us about the festival and its activities.

There’s going to be an art market from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The venue is this large wooden and stone amphitheater near a river. There’s a field in front of it. In the field and the parking lot, there will be around 30 art vendors and a food truck. The food truck The Sleazy Vegan will be selling all vegan food. We’ll also have burgers and hot dogs available. During this time, people can come, walk around, see the artists and just hang out. From 6 to 9 p.m., we have a concert. This requires tickets for entry. We’ll have three bands playing, all local to New Hampshire, from the Seacoast area and down to southern New Hampshire. The bands are Sneaky Miles, Watson Park and Five Feet. Also, during the day, the New Hampshire Beekeepers Association will be there. They’ll have an educational booth about pollinators and will bring observation hives.

What inspired this initiative, and what is the mission behind it?

There are two primary sources of inspiration. First, I’ve always been a big fan of the outdoors. Recently, my interest in urban development grew, especially in integrating nature into urban settings. I believe in creating spaces where people can connect with nature, enjoy their surroundings and just relax. … Art and music, to me, are closely linked. They’re ways for people to express themselves and understand the world. Nature ties into this as well, being a part of the world we live in. Many, especially myself, draw inspiration from nature. Second, I love concerts and festivals. A few years ago, our town built a new amphitheater. While some events have taken place there, I hadn’t seen any major festivals. I felt it would be an ideal location for such an event and believed it would be great for our community, bringing everyone together. Over time, this evolved into a mission to enhance the parks where the events take place.

Why dedicate the proceeds to pollinator gardens and pollinator hotels?

Native plants play a vital role in our cities, and supporting pollinators is crucial for producing food and maintaining a vibrant ecosystem. By enhancing the gardens in the park, we not only provide visitors with a beautiful view but also offer an educational opportunity. It’s essential for everyone to understand the significance of pollinators.

After the festival, how can people continue to support the initiative?

Depending on the funds we gather from the festival, we might need to host more fundraisers to reach our targets. Apart from that, I’m likely to need some volunteer help for the garden installations. I’ve been in touch with Petals in the Pines [a local pollinator garden and conservancy]. They provided some advice about the criteria to make a garden officially recognized as pollinator-friendly. I’m planning at least one major garden installation, followed by a few of the pollinator hotels. Depending on the money we have or continue to raise, we’ll determine the scale. We’ve also identified a location that could potentially be turned into a full wildflower meadow.

What insights about the natural world do you hope attendees gain from the festival?

I hope that they get a glimpse into the intricacies of even the smallest elements of nature, like a garden or the plants they pass by daily. … Beyond bees, there are hundreds of pollinating insects playing their role in these mini ecosystems. It’s fascinating to see how much effort goes into sustaining such small entities.

Wildflower Festival
Where: Keyes Field, Elm Street in Milford
When: Saturday, Aug. 19
11 a.m. to 5 p.m. — free Arts Market with more than 20 vendors
6 to 9 p.m. — Ticketed concert with Watson Park, Five Feet and Sneaky Miles; tickets cost $14.98 plus fees for general admission, $5 plus fees for children ages 2 to 10.
Find tickets on EventBrite.com

News & Notes 23/08/17

Funds for schools

The Manchester School District has received a $7.6 million federal grant to enhance its Multi-Tiered System of Support for Behavioral Health and Wellness (MTSS-B) model across all 21 schools, according to a press release. This framework is designed to provide students with social, emotional and behavioral support, thereby promoting wellness and boosting learning engagement. Over five years, the funding will enable the district to not only implement the MTSS-B framework but also set specific goals, such as bolstering student behavioral health, minimizing school violence and disciplinary exclusions and increasing the high school graduation rate. The initiative also aims to reduce stigmas tied to mental health treatment, elevate access to services and cut down on vaping among students. Community partners, including the Mental Health Center of Greater Manchester, will play a role in achieving these goals. The grant, part of Project AWARE, positions Manchester School District among 21 entities nationwide to benefit from this funding opportunity.

Home upgrades

The City of Manchester, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), is offering residents the opportunity to apply for $1.9 million in funds for housing-related health and safety improvements, according to a press release. This is due to Manchester receiving the Healthy Homes Production Grant from HUD, which is aimed at addressing housing needs for low-income families. Manchester plans to utilize these funds to address health and safety issues in approximately 100 housing units over the next 45 months. The interventions range from electrical system upgrades to mold remediation and ADA upgrades for better accessibility. Each of the 100 units can receive up to $11,000, with a mandatory 10 percent match from property owners. The funding is provided as a three-year zero-percent-interest forgivable loan. If property owners comply with conditions for three years post-project, the loan will be forgiven. Additionally, the grant will fund RRP Certification scholarships for 50 individuals, aiming to increase the number of RRP certified professionals in Manchester. To be eligible, property owners must have a residential structure in Manchester that houses individuals 62 years or older, persons with disabilities, or children younger than 6 years old. Income restrictions also apply. Application details are at leadsafemanchester.com.

Helping out

St. Mary’s Bank Charitable Foundation has granted $5,338 to Stepping Stones, Greater Nashua’s sole center for homeless youth under 25. According to a press release, the funds will support two youths for six months, providing essentials like food, clothing, showers and laundry. Stepping Stones, since 2020, has aided over 130 young individuals, offering resources and recently introduced transitional housing. To find out more about Stepping Stones, visit steppingstonesnh.org.

Want a bridge?

The State of New Hampshire’s Department of Transportation is announcing the opportunity for interested parties to submit proposals for the removal and adaptive reuse of the historic General Sullivan Bridge, which connects the Town of Newington and City of Dover, according to a press release. This initiative falls under the 23 USC 144(g) Historic Bridges provision. For your proposal to be considered, ensure it is electronically sent by Aug. 29, to Bureau16@dot.nh.gov with the subject line “Proposal for Adaptive Reuse of General Sullivan Bridge.” Comprehensive details about the bridge, such as location maps, bridge plans, inspection reports and historical covenants, can be found at nh.gov/dot/org/projectdevelopment/bridgedesign.

New doc

Patients in southern New Hampshire can now benefit from the expertise of fellowship-trained breast surgeon Kimberly G. Ellis, M.D., at Dartmouth Hitchcock Clinics Manchester. According to a press release, Ellis specializes in breast surgery and oncoplastic surgery, aiming to reduce cosmetic damage from cancer-related procedures. Notably, Dr. Ellis introduces Magtrace technology to New Hampshire, a non-radioactive liquid tracer used to trace the possible spread of cancer within the lymphatic system, learned during her fellowship at the University of California San Francisco. Ellis highlights that residents now have access to state-of-the-art cancer care without needing to travel to major cities. For appointments, call 695-2840.

Federal grant

The New Hampshire congressional delegation, comprising U.S. Sens. Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan and U.S. Reps. Annie Kuster and Chris Pappas, announced a federal grant of $500,000 from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for the Lakes Region Mental Health Center (LRMHC). According to a press release, this grant aims to enhance mental health and substance use disorder (SUD) outreach services for the homeless. Specifically, it will fund a dedicated staff role at LRMHC to help homeless individuals with mental health and SUD issues find treatment.

The New Hampshire Department of Transportation announced in a press release that, starting Aug. 21, they will close the bridge on Oak Street in Rollinsford for 11 days for maintenance over the CSX railroad. A detour will be available via Broadway, Saint James Street, Chapel Street and Route 4. Local traffic can access Oak Street on either side of the bridge. For real-time updates, visit newengland511.org.

Fifteen interns from MyTurn and Kimball Jenkins Summer Placemaking internship will present “Colors of Change: West High Mural Unveiling” on Thursday, Aug. 17, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Manchester West High School (9 Notre Dame in Manchester). The project’s goal is to have more than 2,000 square feet of mural segments at West, according to a press release. The event will feature live music from a local string trio starring Nicholas So and food for sale by Don Quijotes, the release said. Find Kimball Jenkins on Facebook for more.

The Nashua Region Solid Waste Management District is hosting a Household Hazardous Waste collection on Saturday, Aug. 26, from 8 a.m. to noon at the Pelham Highway Department, 33 Newcomb Field Parkway. Residents of Pelham and 10 other local communities can dispose of specific hazardous household products for a $15 fee per vehicle, covering up to 10 gallons or 20 pounds of waste. Accepted items include oil-based paints, solvents, and various household chemicals. Businesses interested in participating must register in advance. The collection will not accept latex paint, electronics or medications. For a comprehensive list of items and further details, visit www.nashuarpc.org/hhw or call 417-6570.

This Week 23/08/10

Big Events August 10, 2023 and beyond

Thursday, Aug. 10

The 66th Annual New Hampshire Antiques Show begins today and runs today and tomorrow (Friday, Aug. 11) from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday, Aug. 12, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the DoubleTree by Hilton (700 Elm St. in Manchester). Admission costs $15 on Thursday, $10 on Friday or Saturday with free return visits after initial admission and free admission to anyone under 30 with ID, according to nhada.org/new-hampshire-antiques-show. This year’s show will feature 67 exhibitors from around the country with items including folk art, fine porcelain, country and formal furniture, paintings, prints, glassware, metalware, pottery and more, according to a press release.

The event comes at the end of a series of shows and events during NH Antiques Week (antiquesweeknh.com). Today is also the final day of Antiques in Manchester: The Collector’s Fair, which runs today from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Sullivan Arena on the campus of Saint Anselm College (101 St. Anselm Drive in Manchester). Admission costs $15. The show features free parking, a cafe and an on-site shipper, according to the website. The offerings include antiques, Americana and art from 64 dealers, the website said. See the event’s website, antiquesinmanchester.com,.

Thursday, Aug. 10

The Delta Dental/Elliot Corporate 5K Road Race starts today at 6:20 p.m. on a loop that starts at Stark and Elm streets and circles through the northern end of Manchester’s downtown to finish on Elm Street near Veterans Park, according to millenniumrunning.com, which said race-day registration was available at noon at the tent in Veterans Park (723 Elm St. in Manchester).

Saturday, Aug. 12

The Sunflower Bloom Festival hosted by Sun Fox Farm (sunfoxfarm.org) begins today and runs through Sunday, Aug. 20. Parking is available at NHTI (31 College Drive in Concord); bicycle and accessible parking is at 6 Loudon Road in Concord, according to sunfoxfarm.org, where you can purchase tickets for $10. The festival is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekends, when the festival will also feature vendors, food trucks and live music from New Hampshire Music Collective.

Saturday, Aug. 12

Catch the 1980 Dan Aykroyd/Jim Belushi movie The Blues Brotherstonight at 7 p.m. at the Rex Theatre (23 Amherst St. in Manchester; palacetheatre.org) followed by live music. The event is part of the final night of the Manchester International Film Festival and a $29 ticket to this event will get you in to most of the rest of the festival events. See page 17.

Wednesday, Aug. 16

Hey you guys! All three area Chunky’s Cinema Pubs (707 Huse Road, Manchester; 151 Coliseum Ave., Nashua; 150 Bridge St., Pelham, chunkys.com) will screen 1985’s classic The Goonies tonight at 7 p.m. Doors open an hour before showtime and during that time attendees can search for treasure boxes. Admission costs $5.99.

Save the Date! For Poutine!
The New Hampshire PoutineFest will take place on Saturday, Oct. 14, midday, at Anheuser-Busch Biergarten in Merrimack, but clear your schedule this Saturday, Aug. 12, at 10 a.m. when tickets go on sale at nhpoutinefest.com. Tickets cost $54.99 for general admission (with a 12:45 p.m. entry and a T-shirt as well as poutine samples from participating vendors, described as a “healthy scoop”), $74.99 for premiere (11:30 a.m. entry with a T-shirt, winter hat and the samples) and $14.99 for kids (ages 6 to 12, which includes two samples, a cookie and a shirt).

Featured photo: The 66th Annual New Hampshire Antiques Show.

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