Category: News

Quality of Life 23/07/27

Plastic habit

According to a study by personal-finance website WalletHub, New Hampshire ranks 4th among the states with the highest credit card debts. The median credit card balance in New Hampshire is $2,793, and the cost of interest until payoff is $355, with the expected timeframe to pay off the median credit card balance at 14 months and 13 days. The study used data from TransUnion, the Federal Reserve, the U.S. Census Bureau, and WalletHub’s proprietary credit card payoff calculator to determine the cost and time required to repay the median credit card balance in each state. The analysis included credit cards with a balance and excluded store cards. The calculation assumed consumers would pay an average 20.92 percent interest rate, based on the APR paid by existing cardholders.

QOL score: -1

Comment:Interesting considering New Hampshire’s per capita income is on the higher end at $41,241, ranking the 8th highest, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Kids catching up

Recent assessment results in New Hampshire indicate positive academic gains among students, marking a slow upward recovery trend for two consecutive years. According to a press release, preliminary performance scores from the spring 2023 assessment show modest improvements in math and reading across various grade levels, except for 11th-grade SAT scores. Education Commissioner Frank Edelblut expressed delight in the signs of academic progress, which defy national trends. “This newest data from New Hampshire contradicts some nationwide data showing that academic recovery has stalled and reflects the hard work of our school leaders, teachers, students and families, that everyone needs to work together to close learning gaps,” he said in the release. While student performance advanced from 2022 to 2023, student growth percentiles also improved in every grade level and subject area, indicating accelerated learning rates compared to 2019.

QOL score: +1

Comment: The iPlatform system will release individual school and district data for both the NHSAS and SAT results in the fall. Parents had previously been given access to their child’s scores.

Go, team!

The University of New Hampshire swimming and diving team has been awarded CSCAA Scholar All-America honors for the Spring 2023 semester. According to a press release, they achieved a program-best 3.68 team GPA, surpassing their previous record of 3.67 from the previous semester. Additionally, senior captain Madison Linstedt won the America East Women’s Swimming and Diving Scholar Athlete of the Year award, making it the 11th time a Wildcat has received this honor. Several other team members also earned academic accolades.

QOL score: +1

Comment: The University of New Hampshire swimming and diving team also achieved their fourth consecutive America East Championship and secured their 11th overall title in the league’s history during the past seasons, marking the first time in the program’s existence that UNH has won four championships in a row.

QOL score: 80

Net change: +1

QOL this week: 81

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

Pats camp open for business

The Big Story: Amid unending talk about Bill Belichick’s job security, the Patriots got back to work on Wednesday in what is a big year for many, including the coach and his hand-picked QB. They begin camp without much fanfare nationally, where almost everyone is picking them for last in the AFC East. And after trading for Aaron Rodgers, New Yawkas are sensing blood in the water after having it shoved down their throats since Belichick resigned as HC of the NYJ’s over 20 years ago. So buckle up, because it should be interesting, if not as enjoyable as it was in these parts for so long.

Football 101: Name the two men who hold the NFL record for most losses by a head coach at 165.

News Item – 3 Biggest Patriots Question Marks: You would think they’d have addressed the first two in free agency and the draft, but incredibly, by going defense with their three draft picks they didn’t. This leaves the focus on the offense.

The Receivers: They were below average last year and besides a slight upgrade in JuJu Smith-Schuster over the departed Jakobi Meyers the GM didn’t give Mac Jones much new help, though putting all out of their misery by sending mistake-prone Jonnu Smith elsewhere was addition by subtraction.

The O-Line: The big question is, was Trent Brown hurt, out of shape or deep into the back nine? Because he was a procedure penalty or sack give-up waiting to happen. Determining his status is a major key, because the protection for Jones last year was uneven at best and terrible at worst.

Mac Jones: The Pats need to find out if 2022 was just a bad year brought on by a combination of factors, not the least of which was having an inexperienced and completely over his head offensive coordinator in charge of his development, or if he’s just not good enough to build around. I think it was the former, but only time will tell, making this the make-or-break year for Mac.

Numbers:

2 – times the Patriots will wear their Pat the Patriot throwback uniforms in 2023. They’ll do it against old-time AFL day foes Miami in Week 2 and in Week 13 vs. the Chargers.

12 – teams scoring in double digits Tuesday night, which was the first time that has happened since 1994, with the highlight being the Cubs’ 16-13 over Atlanta.

Injured List: Trevor Story – There appeared to be no setbacks in his rehab weekend in AA Portland. He played shortstop three times while going 2-8 with a homer and 3 RBI.

Of the Week Awards:

Who’s Hot: Triston Casas –The batting average of the Sox rookie continued to climb. After an 8 for 17 week he’s hitting .348 in July. That’s taken the average to .247 after being .131 on May 1.

Hippo Jinx – Right after I lauded the recent performance of Sox rookie hurler Brayan Bello, he got lit up by the lowly A’s for six runs in four innings before the column even came out.

In Case You Missed It – The Stolen Base: Thanks to the pitch clock and other new rules, the stolen base is back. After eight years without anyone stealing 50+, at least two players are going to 50, including Braves star Ronald Acuna, who with 45 is on pace to swipe 80 and he could be joined by four more.

Football 101 Answer: The late Dan Reeves (190 wins) and longtime Oilers/Titans coach Jeff Fisher (176 wins) hold the record for most losses by an NFL coach at 165.

Final Thought – Prediction: While an avalanche of media types can’t talk about anything else, count me as one who doesn’t buy that Coach B is on a category 4 hot seat. The detractors are broken into two camps: (1) national media, many of whom are speculating without any real evidence and looking for payback on the cantankerous Coach B, and (2) the local gaggle all hitting on the same follow-the-leader conspiracy theories. Now the latter are closer to things than me, but I’m better at logic and reading people. And the reason I don’t think he’s in real trouble (outside of a two-win season) is the needy owner’s unending desire to sit at the cool kids’ table. Like his forays to hang with 20-something rappers at star-studded parties in the Hamptons each summer. Or showing up at the Academy Awards despite not being in the movie business. So while everyone wants another Super Bowl, with six his dynasty already has two more than anyone else in one run. Thus a bigger prize (besides him getting in the Hall of Fame) is him being able to bask in the glow of the coach he picked becoming the winningest coach in NFL history.

So no matter what, Belichick the coach stays because Bob Kraft doesn’t want to see Coach B pass Don Shula while on the sideline for someone else. Simple as that.

Email Dave Long at dlong@hippopress.com.

Van chef

Local author talks about big flavors in small spaces

Delve into the world of practical cooking with M. Allyson Szabo, New Hampshire author of Cook Small, Live Large!. Szabo talked about how she crafted unique recipes catered to those embracing van life and small living spaces, and how her cookbook offers a diverse range of ideas for cooking in limited kitchen setups. Visit mallysonszabo.com and find the book on Amazon.

What is the idea behind Cook Small, Live Large!, and who are these recipes for?

Cook Small, Live Large! is a compendium of recipes for one or two people. It was originally designed for people who are doing van life, living in their vans or tiny homes, traveling or living on land, that sort of thing. People who are doing van life run into problems that the rest of us don’t. They can be driving through what they call a “food desert,” where there aren’t any big box stores to buy things. So there are a lot of recipes in the book for people who are either new to cooking or stuck in a place like that for a few days, which show how to make relatively healthy food using canned goods from Dollar General and what you can get from the frozen food section at Aldi. … It also works well for people who are backpacking and doing small cooking. … I have a friend whose twins are going to college this year and are living in dorms with small kitchenettes. The recipes in the book are great for them since they’re made for small portions and don’t leave a lot of leftovers.

What inspired you to write this type of cookbook?

I have a friend, Justin Hughes, who is also known as Smokey Da Van, who started doing van life. I had never even heard of it. … He works remotely, and he was living in his van with his cat purposefully, not because they were homeless, but just because that’s what they decided they wanted to do. He’s had so many adventures, but he had no idea how to cook. So I started teaching him through email. After a couple of months, he said, ‘You need to make a book out of this.’

How did you develop these recipes?

I took recipes that I use on a regular basis or that I like, and I miniaturized them. … It was a learning curve for me since I’m used to cooking for a lot of people, so learning to cook small was a challenge at first. Miniaturizing a recipe is not as simple as dividing it into portions. You have to work with ratios and find the right balance for small portions. It involved some trial and error and making the recipes over and over to get it right. The initial learning curve was tough, but once I got there, it became easier.

What cooking utensils and equipment are needed for preparing these recipes?

I recommend a cooking surface like a butane stove, especially for van life, as butane can be used indoors with proper ventilation. There are also setups in vans that allow the use of a [slow cooker]. A Dutch oven is also recommended since it can be used on a camp stove or in a fire. Having a few essential pots and pans allows you to cook anything from the book.

Do you have a favorite recipe?

One of my favorites is the one-pot Thanksgiving dinner that I created for Justin. He was in Arizona, and it was Thanksgiving. I told him to preheat his big cast iron pot and put a turkey leg in one piece of tinfoil, pre-made stuffing in another, and some corn with a pat of butter in a third. We designed this one-pot Thanksgiving dinner that covered all the basics, made for one person, and it turned out beautifully. Working with tin foil is something that you can do a lot, and it makes cooking and cleaning easier in a small space, whether that’s a dorm or a tiny home or when you’re camping.

What do you want readers to take away from the recipes and ideas in Cook Small, Live Large!?

First and foremost, I want people to know that they can eat healthy while cooking small. You don’t have to buy large quantities of ingredients to eat healthily. I encourage people to utilize farmers markets and farm stalls for fresh and inexpensive food. The book is for anybody who wants to cook small, whether they’re doing van life, backpacking or just cooking for one or two people. It offers a variety of recipes and flavors to enjoy.

News & Notes 23/07/27

2024 governor’s race

New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu has decided not to seek re-election in 2024, WMUR reported. In a letter to supporters, he explained that after much consideration and discussions with his family, he believes it is the right time for another Republican to lead the state. Following his announcement, the Republican field is already taking shape for the 2024 race in New Hampshire: former New Hampshire Senate President Chuck Morse immediately tweeted his gubernatorial candidacy announcement, saying, “Year in and year out New Hampshire ranks among the best states to live in. It’s not an accident and it’s not luck either. It’s because we elect conservatives who get results. It’s what I did as Senate President and it’s what I’ll do as Governor.” Morse previously lost the Republican primary for U.S. Senate in 2022. A few days later, former U.S. Senator Kelly Ayotte announced her candidacy for governor, saying, “Today, I’m announcing our campaign to be the next Governor of New Hampshire. … I love New Hampshire. I was born here, raised here, raised my kids here, and I’m going to die here. What we have here is worth fighting for.” On the Democratic side, Executive Councilor Cinde Warmington and Manchester Mayor Joyce Craig have already declared their campaigns.

Historic house

The Sullivan House in Manchester has been added to the U.S. Secretary of the Interior’s National Register of Historic Places due to its remarkable architectural integrity and its significance as a rare example of a “Little House” architectural design. According to a press release, the Little House series was a unique collaboration between the magazine House and Garden and the department store W. and J. Sloane, aiming to offer affordable homes with room for expansion to young couples. The Colonial Revival-style Sullivan House, built in 1932 and 1933, showcases modernist decor elements inside while still retaining its original floor plan and finishes. It remains in the possession of the Sullivan family and stands as one of only six known Little Houses of this style. Listing on the National Register facilitates preservation efforts and provides potential benefits to property owners, such as qualifying for federal tax provisions and grants.

Road work

The New Hampshire Department of Transportation (NHDOT) began full span overhead sign foundation construction on Rockingham Park Boulevard in Salem on July 24 that will continue for seven weeks on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., weather permitting, according to a press release. During this period, daytime lane closures will be in effect. To ensure safety, arrow boards and traffic control devices will be used to guide motorists through the construction zone, and drivers are advised to be cautious and follow all posted signs. Those traveling in the area are encouraged to sign up for real-time construction and traffic updates via text or email from newengland511.org. The construction is part of the $1.1 million Full Span Overhead Traffic Sign replacement project on Rockingham Park Boulevard in Salem, with an expected completion date of Sept. 8, 2023.

Lake preservation

Steve Wingate, a resident of the Lakes Region, has been honored with the 2023 John F. Morten Memorial Award for Exemplary Lake Stewardship by NH LAKES. According to a press release, Wingate has actively served in various local, regional and statewide organizations and projects dedicated to conserving New Hampshire’s lakes, wetlands and forests and educating lake residents about environmental care. The award was presented on July 15 at the Winter Harbor Way Association Meeting. The John F. Morten Memorial Award was established in 2002 to honor individuals who generously contribute their time, talent and resources to protect New Hampshire’s lakes and ponds. NH LAKES is a statewide nonprofit organization focused on preserving and restoring the health of New Hampshire’s lakes.

New hire

HealthForce NH and its backbone entity, Foundation for Healthy Communities, have named Kate Luczko as their new Senior Director, according to a press release. With extensive experience in economic and workforce development, Luczko’s previous role as the founding President & CEO of Stay Work Play New Hampshire focused on young workforce recruitment and retention. In her statewide leadership position, she will collaborate with various stakeholders, including employers, policymakers and underserved populations, to address health care workforce challenges and raise awareness for HealthForce NH strategies.

The State of New Hampshire will conduct an information session on Monday, July 31, to update the public on the progress of constructing a new 24-bed forensic psychiatric hospital. According to a press release, this facility, which is to be built adjacent to New Hampshire Hospital in Concord, aims to provide skilled psychiatric treatment in a secure and therapeutic environment for forensic patients. The session will take place virtually on Zoom at 6 p.m., and attendees can ask questions and share comments. Details can be found at dhhs.nh.gov/about-dhhs/locations-facilities/new-hampshire-hospital/proposed-forensic-hospital-information.

Manchester City Library (405 Pine St.) offers free lunches for children and teens age 18 and under through a pilot project by New Hampshire Hunger Solutions, running until Aug. 17. Meals are available on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from noon to 12:30 p.m., according to a press release. Children must be present, and supplies are limited. Visit nhhungersolutions.org.

The NH Division of Parks and Recreation, along with Hampton Beach State Park lifeguards, will host Water Safety Day at Hampton Beach State Park on Thursday, July 27. According to a press release, the event aims to raise awareness about water safety at New Hampshire State Parks and oceanfront beaches, lakes and rivers. It will feature rescue demonstrations, interactive discussions and an environmental component. The focus will be on water safety around Seacoast beaches, given the 207 ocean rescues already made this season by NH State Beach Patrol Ocean lifeguards. Visit usla.org/page/safety-tips.

This Week 23/07/20

Big Events July 20, 2023 and beyond

Thursday, July 20

Finally, today, we have reached “Barbenheimer” — the potential for a double feature with Greta Gerwig’s very pink movie Barbie (clocking in at an hour and 54 minutes) and Christopher Nolan’s Manhattan Project-era biopic Oppenheimer (three hours). Red River Theatres (11 S. Main St. in Concord; redrivertheatres.org) sent out a press release explaining some of its Barbenheimer opportunities starting with today’s 4 p.m. screening of Barbie and 6 p.m. screening of Oppenheimer. On Friday, July 21, and Saturday, July 22, you can catch Barbie at 4:15 p.m. and Oppenheimer at 6:30 p.m. Or wait until Sunday, July 23, when you can see Oppenheimer at 12:30 p.m. and Barbie 4:15 p.m. See the website (or our film section on page 30) for more screening times.

Thursday, July 20

Catch the first show in two weekends of Shakespeare under the stars at “Shakespeare on the Green” featuring Macbeth tonight through Saturday, July 22, and A Midsummer’s Night Dream Thursday, July 27, through Saturday, July 29, with all shows at 7:30 p.m., according to a press release. The plays, presented by Theatre Kapow (tkapow.com), will take place on Founder’s Green outside the Dana Center (Saint Anselm College, 100 Saint Anselm Drive in Manchester; tickets.anselm.edu). Tickets cost $25 for general seating; ages 12 and under get in free. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, coolers and snacks, according to the website.

Friday, July 21

Elizabeth Gurley Flynn — the “rebel girl” who helped found the American Civil Liberties Union, eventually joined the U.S. Communist Party, died in 1964 (while in the U.S.S.R.) and was the focal point of controversy this year when a historical plaque about her was briefly displayed in Concord — is the subject of a presentation from New Hampshire Humanities this evening at 5 p.m. via Zoom. Lara Vapnek, author of a book about Flynn, will give the presentation. Register via nhhumanities.org (click on “programs”).

Friday, July 21

Kick off the weekend with Jon Pond — a singer-songwriter and musician who is a co-founder of Spare Souls — at the Millyard Brewery (25 E. Otterson St. in Nashua; millyardbrewery.com) tonight from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. (Go to sparesouls.com for a preview of the music). The “funky, high-energy psych rock band” Fiesta Melon will play Millyard Saturday, July 22, from 4 to 6 p.m. Find more live music at area in the Music This Week listings, which start on page 32.

Saturday, July 22

Catch the band Horizon, which plays classic and modern rock covers, at the Event Center at Hampshire Hills (50 Emerson Road in Milford) tonight with doors opening at 7 p.m. and the show starting at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $10 and are available at hampshirehills.com (click on “events”). Find more area concerts on page 36.

Tuesday, July 25

After a run of games in Portland, Maine, the New Hampshire Fisher Cats return to Northeast Delta Dental Stadium for six games versus the Hartford Yard Goats starting tonight at 7:05 p.m. See milb.com/new-hampshire.

Save the Date! Saturday, Aug. 5
The League of NH Craftsmen kicks off its 90th annual Craftsmen’s Fair on Saturday, Aug. 5, at the Mount Sunapee Resort in Newbury. It is open daily, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., through Sunday, Aug. 13. The fair will feature the Art, Craft & Design and Sculpture Garden exhibitions as well as artist demonstrations, live music, workshops, a “Craft Clues” Scavenger Hunt, a “Kids Create” tent, food and more, according to a press release. Tickets cost $18 for general admission, $28 for a two-day pass, $17 for 62+, and kids under 12 get in free. See nhcrafts.org.

Featured photo: Barbie.

Quality of Life 23/07/20

A rain-soaked Sunday

Torrential rain in New Hampshire caused significant damage, including sinkholes, flooded basements and over 120 road closures, NHPR reported. The downpour lasted throughout Sunday, July 16, with flash flood warnings in effect for most of the day. The continuous rain disrupted traffic and made many roads impassable, presenting challenges for authorities. State emergency officials activated support teams to aid communities dealing with flooded and damaged roads while urging residents to stay inside if possible and drivers to seek alternate routes when encountering closures or flooding. WMUR reported that Manchester city officials had opened an emergency operations center, and firefighters conducted a rescue operation in Manchester after a driver became trapped in a flooded car.

QOL score: -2

Comment: One of the biggest disruptions was the postponement of The Crayon 301 NASCAR Cup Series race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon until Monday. Race officials made the decision to ensure the safety of attendees, WMUR reported. Fans who weren’t able to attend the rescheduled event can exchange their tickets for tickets of equal or lesser value to another race within the next calendar year.

More libraries, more books

The University System of New Hampshire (USNH) campus libraries, including those at the University of New Hampshire (UNH) Durham and Manchester campuses, Keene State College (KSC) and Plymouth State University (PSU), now offer free borrowing services to New Hampshire residents. According to a press release, this allows residents to access over 3 million physical and digital items for research, education, and continued learning. Previously, residents had access to library spaces and resources, but free borrowing provides more flexibility. Library cards can be obtained by New Hampshire residents over 18 years old with valid identification and proof of residency. The libraries also provide access to special collections and archives unique to each institution.

QOL score: +1

Comment: The libraries’ special collections provide a number of unique resources for academic exploration and historical research, such as the internationally famous Betty and Barney Hill papers at the Dimond Library at the UNH Durham campus and the Charles and Judith Hildebrandt Collection at the Mason Library at KSC, which supports the only undergraduate program in the U.S. dedicated to Holocaust and Genocide Studies.

Recognition for CMC

Catholic Medical Center (CMC) in Manchester has been recognized by the American Heart Association (AHA) with the Get With The Guidelines – Stroke Gold Plus quality achievement award. According to a press release, this award signifies CMC’s commitment to providing high-quality stroke care based on nationally recognized guidelines, and educating patients, leading to improved patient outcomes and reduced disability. Get With The Guidelines is an in-hospital program that helps hospitals align patient care with evidence-based guidelines, ultimately enhancing stroke treatment and preventing long-term effects.

QOL score: +1

Comment: CMC also received the Target: Stroke Honor Roll award and the Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll award from the AHA for their efforts in reducing treatment time for eligible stroke patients and providing specialized care to those with Type 2 diabetes, according to the release.

QOL score: 80

Net change: 0

QOL this week: 80

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

Sox on a roll

The Big Story: Things are looking up for the Red Sox, who’ve cut five games off the Tampa Bay lead that peaked at 13.5 games in late June.

And with Chris Sale, Garrett Whitlock, Tanner Houck and Corey Kluber spending extended time on the DL they’ve done it with just three healthy starters. The good news is divided into two categories:

Young Guys: While young hurlers like WhitlockandHouckhave had bright moments amid inconsistency, the biggest bright spot is 24-year-old Brayan Bello. Thanks to being 4-1 in his last five starts he’s climbed to 7-5 with a 3.14 ERA and is inching toward being the guy the brass always thought he’d be, a top-of-the-rotation starter.

Right behind him is the maturation of speedster Jarren Duran, who’s now hitting .318 with 28 doubles and 17 steals. And while the RBI’s still lag, Triston Casas has found his stroke. As after his three-homer weekend at Wrigley Field the average is now up to .233 (with 12 homers) from the .131 it was on May 1.

Chaim Was Right And I Was Wrong: Well, I wasn’t wrong per se, but I was skeptical in wondering if Masataka Yoshida could be a Japanese version of Rusney Castillo. He put that to rest with a solid WBC, and after Sunday’s six-RBI party at Wrigley, he’s hitting .317 with 31 extra-base hits and 50 RBI, and it’s been more apparent he’s no Rusney. Ditto for Justin Turner, who’s been solid offensively and versatile defensively.

They start the week at 50-44 and two games behind Houston for the final play-in game slot. With six games ahead vs. the epically struggling A’s and epically under-achieving Mets they can make up more ground this week.

Sports 101: Who leads MLB in complete games pitched in 2023?

News Item – Jaylen Brown’s Contract: Word on the street is JB’s (semi) contract drama will end this week. But in the latest example the world has gone mad, it will make the (arguably) 15th best player in the NBA its highest paid player, as well as pay him an astonishing $70 million in the final season of the five-year deal. Hate to see what ticket prices will be.

News Item – DeAndre Hopkins Loss: Not to let Coach B off the hook, because he still doesn’t seem to get the importance of an A+ wide receiving threat in the 2023 NFL. But as the Hopkins saga dragged on it became obvious either he didn’t want to be here (probably OC Bill O’Brien) or he was only about getting every last nickel. Which means the fit probably wasn’t right.

The Numbers:

6 –bet you’d never have guessed it was Shohei Ohtani with this MLB-leading number of triples.

59 – strikeouts in just 39 innings with the Phillies for still-has-his-fastball Sox alum Craig Kimbrel.

… Of the Week Award: Predictable Occurrence – Hardly surprising Fox Sports is having difficulty finding anyone who wants to work with Skip Bayless after the abrupt departure of Shannon Sharpe on the Undisputed show. Sports Illustrated reports it’s now on hiatus while they’re searching for their next sucker.

Random Thought: Asante Samuel – give it a rest. If he hadn’t Bucknered the pick that would’ve iced the undefeated season maybe I’d listen. But he did, and now just seems bitter and a looney Antonio Brown wannabe.

Sports 101 Answer: Withtwo, baseball’s complete game leader is none other than ex-Sox hurler Nate Eovaldi.

A Little History – Complete Games: While Eovaldi’s two are downright herculean by today’s standard, it’s doubtful he’ll match the 30 complete games Steve Carlton had in his magical 27-10 season of 1972, or the 48 Yankees (then Highlanders) hurler Jack Chesboro had when he won 41 in 1904. Let alone the all-time record 75 Will White had in 1871.

Final Thought: While you have to be encouraged by recent trends, with baseball’s trade deadline fast approaching, if I’m the Red Sox brass, I take a page out of 2015. That would be if the right deal comes along for vets like Adam Duvall I’d do it and compete for the play-in spot with players for the future. So I’d hand Duran the center field job and stick with Casas defensively at first and all the young pitchers to let them learn on the job under pressure to find out what they are, or are not, as they did with Betts, Bradley Jr., Castillo and Blake Swihart. So they’ll be more ready next year.

Email Dave Long at dlong@hippopress.com.

The wellness model

Concord-based doctor discusses her center’s focus

Dr. Cindi Croft is set to open New Dimensions Wellness Center in Concord in early August. She describes the center as emphasizing a comprehensive and transformative approach to wellness. See drcindicroft.com or find the center on Facebook.

What’s your background in and approach to health care?

I’m a family doc, and I went down the osteopathic route because I heard the word ‘structure’ as ‘function.’ At the time, even before my education, it just made intuitive sense to me that that’s how the body would work. … As I started school, I gravitated toward learning different modalities and obtaining different certificates outside of the standard medical curriculum. However, the school system doesn’t really train you to run a business, which held me back initially. In hindsight, I should have started my own practice earlier. … I worked in various hospital settings for a long time while practicing functional integrative medicine. Eventually, I decided to leave and start my own thing.

What motivated you to start your own practice and explore a wellness model?

To me, functional integrative medicine is comprehensive care, looking at each person’s unique biochemistry, diet and genetics. Different health traditions throughout history have their place in my view of medicine. I always felt like health care was becoming less patient-centered, and I struggled with that for many years. … When I started my own practice, I quickly realized two main groups of people sought my services. One group was comprised of individuals who were sick or not feeling well, but their lab work and doctors couldn’t find the cause. They were looking for someone with a different approach. The other group consisted of ultra-healthy athletes who wanted cutting-edge nutrition and injury prevention. Alongside them were families or adults who wanted to stay well and prevent future health issues. I noticed everyone who came to see me wanted a wellness model.

Tell us about your Wellness Center.

The vision for this space is to bring together like-minded professionals to support people seeking wellness. Currently, we have six providers joining the center. … Are you familiar with the DPC (Direct Primary Care) model? It’s an alternative way of delivering health care outside of the traditional system. Many doctors have become frustrated and left the hospital system to find a different approach. The DPC model is similar to a gym membership. You pay an upfront administrative fee and a monthly fee to have a private doctor who you can see whenever you need. The monthly fee varies based on age. … In my vision, the Wellness Center would offer a monthly flat rate, in addition to an administrative fee, and patients would have the autonomy to choose which provider they want to see. Unlike the DPC model, where you pay a fee to see your doctor whether you’re well or sick, my model would allow patients to decide if and when they want to see their doctor based on their individual wellness needs. … This approach avoids the issue of younger individuals feeling like they’re paying for a service they don’t fully utilize. … For example, if the monthly fee is $95, and a person joins the Wellness Center, they can choose to see any provider in the center depending on their needs at that time. If they need to see a primary care doctor, they can see them one month. If they have tightness and want to ensure alignment, they can choose to see the physical therapist another month. … The idea is to offer a range of services people can access as needed.

Will you be partnering with insurance companies?

Currently, insurance companies often don’t cover certain tests or alternative approaches like functional medicine. I want to demonstrate how this model can keep people healthier and reduce the need for costly interventions like surgeries. By forming a partnership with insurance companies, we can work toward a more cohesive health care system that includes wellness services.

How do you envision your wellness model expanding beyond your practice?

I envision it becoming a movement that helps people understand the importance of wellness and how it can positively impact their lives. By making wellness more affordable and accessible, we can address the increasing rates of obesity and chronic diseases in our country. … It’s about shifting the focus from sick care to true health and wellness.

News & Notes 23/07/20

Running for governor

Manchester Mayor Joyce Craig launched her campaign for governor of New Hampshire with an event at the Rex Theatre in Manchester on July 12, according to a press release. Former Gov. John Lynch, also a Democrat, expressed his support for Craig, highlighting her dedication to making a difference in the lives of Granite Staters and her commitment to supporting public education. Craig emphasized her accomplishments as Manchester’s mayor, including the revitalization of the Rex Theatre and efforts to strengthen the community. Also running for the Democratic nomination is Cinde Warmington, Executive Councilor for District 2.

In a June 6 interview with WMUR, Gov. Chris Sununu said he would decide this summer on whether or not to run for a fifth term as governor.

Micro-credentials

The New Hampshire Department of Education (NHED) has partnered with Credentials Unlimited, an organization that offers courses and programs aligned with specific educational standards, to offer micro-credentials focused on the Science of Reading to educators. According to a press release, the goal is to equip teachers with the knowledge and skills to implement evidence-based reading practices in their classrooms and improve student literacy outcomes. The micro-credentials, aligned with the rigorous standards set by the International Dyslexia Association, are provided at no cost to New Hampshire educators. This program is specifically designed for participants enrolled in NHED’s Leaning Into Literacy LETRS professional development program who successfully complete the Pearson Reading Exam. The initiative aims to support educators in enhancing their teaching techniques and making a positive impact on students’ literacy development.

Want to host an exhibit?

New Hampshire Humanities (NHH) has partnered with Vermont Humanities and the Smithsonian’s Museums on Main Street program to bring the traveling exhibit “Crossroads: Change in Rural America” to small towns in New Hampshire and Vermont from August 2024 to August 2025. According to a press release, NHH is currently accepting proposals from New Hampshire-based organizations interested in hosting the exhibit for a six-week period during the tour. They particularly encourage organizations in small, rural towns or the North Country to apply. Host organizations will not only display the exhibit but also develop complementary programming that engages the local community. NHH will provide grants of up to $3,000 and a subject matter expert to support hosts in creating programming related to the exhibit. The deadline for proposals is July 28, and more information can be found at nhhumanities.org/crossroads.

Trail work

Access to the Cardigan Mountain trail and summit will be periodically limited until Aug. 31 due to a fire tower replacement project, according to the NH Division of Forests and Lands. The project involves using a helicopter to transport materials for the new tower, and hikers are advised not to summit on days when the helicopter is in use for safety reasons. Updates on non-summitting days and trail closures will be posted on the websites and Twitter accounts of the Division of Forests and Lands and the NH Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. The project is expected to be completed by October, and another fire tower cab replacement project at Belknap Mountain will begin later this summer.

Funds to fight abuse

The University of New Hampshire’s Crimes against Children Research Center (CCRC) has received a $1.5 million award from the U.S. Department of Justice to study child abuse in youth-serving organizations. According to a press release, the five-year project aims to assess the feasibility of a national system for counting and tracking child abuse cases in schools, churches, sports and camps. The CCRC will collaborate with various stakeholders to determine the scope of the system, its integration with existing systems and the application of criteria from other areas of health and safety. The study will also examine existing reporting systems and legislative frameworks. Interim findings will be published, and pilot testing will be conducted in the final two years of the project.

New principal

The Manchester School District has announced Shawn Baskerville as the new principal of Weston Elementary School, according to a press release. Baskerville, who has served as an assistant principal in the district since 2011, brings extensive experience in special education and has worked at both the elementary and middle school levels. He replaces Liz MacDonald, who retired after 30 years in the district. Baskerville holds a bachelor’s degree in special education and a master’s degree in educational leadership. The position of assistant principal at Highland-Goffe’s Falls Elementary School, Baskerville’s previous school, is now open. Weston Elementary School serves students from pre-kindergarten to Grade 5 and is one of the 13 elementary schools in the Manchester School District.

The McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center in Concord marked the completion of the first phase of its Science Playground, an outdoor area designed to provide an interactive experience for visitors, with a grand opening on Monday, July 17. According to the press release, the event featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony with Gov. Chris Sununu, and attendees had the opportunity to test out the new playground equipment and engage in hands-on STEM-based activities.

The University of New Hampshire (UNH) has partnered with Exail, a French company specializing in maritime autonomy and robotics, to establish a new innovation hub at the Judd Gregg Marine Research Complex in New Castle. According to a press release, the hub will focus on marine autonomous operations and ocean mapping. An unveiling event on Saturday, July 15, included a demonstration of the 25-foot-long uncrewed surface vessel, DriX.

The Nashua Regional Planning Commission will host a Household Hazardous Waste Collection event on Saturday, Aug. 5, in Nashua. According to a press release, the collection will take place at Nashua City Park & Ride at 25 Crown St. and is open to residents of Amherst, Brookline, Hollis, Hudson, Litchfield, Merrimack, Milford, Mont Vernon, Nashua, Pelham and Windham. A user fee of $15 per vehicle will be charged, covering up to 10 gallons or 20 pounds of hazardous waste. Latex paint, electronics and medications will not be accepted. For a complete list of accepted items, visit nashuarpc.org/hhw or call 417-6570.

This Week 23/07/13

Big Events July 13, 2023 and beyond

Thursday, July 13

Hillsborough Summer Festival begins tonight from 6 to 10 p.m. at Grimes Field (29 Preston St., Hillsborough). The festival runs through Sunday, July 16, with live entertainment (tonight’s entertainment is a DJ; see the website for a list of performers), a midway and carnival rides, a fireworks show on Saturday night, a 5K road race on Friday, a hometown parade on Sunday at noon and more, according to the website. The festival is open Friday from 5 to 11 p.m.; Saturday from noon to 11 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Admission is free. See hillsborosummerfest.com.

Friday, July 14

It’s NASCAR Weekend at New Hampshire Motor Speedway (1122 Route 106, Loudon) from today through Sunday, July 16 — weekend happenings include Friday Night Dirt Duels on Friday; a doubleheader on Saturday featuring the Ambetter Health 200 NASCAR Xfinity Series race, followed by the Mohegan Sun 100 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour race, and the Crayon 301 race on Sunday. Tickets vary in price, depending on the race. See nhms.com.

Saturday, July 15

The Aviation Museum of New Hampshire (27 Navigator Road in Londonderry; aviationmuseumofnh.org, 669-4820) takes some time off from wings to celebrate wheels at the Classic Car Show today from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The show will feature a student-built aircraft but also ground-bound vehicles of all eras, according to a press release. The day will also feature food trucks, a raffle and a yard sale, the release said. Admission to the show for spectators costs $5 per adult, children 12 and under are free, and includes admission to the museum (which is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.), the release said.

Saturday, July 15

The American Independence Museum (1 Governors Lane in Exeter; 772-2622, independencemuseum.org) celebrates the arrival of the Declaration of Independence in New Hampshire (on July 16, 1776) with the American Independence Festival today from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free. The day will feature a Traditional Artisan Village with artisans demonstrating shoemaking, coopering, millinery, fiber arts, dancing, tinsmithing, brewing and more, according to a press release. The festival will also feature military exhibits, performances, games, a beer garden, food and more, the release said.

Saturday, July 15

Stop in at WineNot Boutique (25 Main St. in Nashua; winenotboutique.com) for a tasting of “Exotic Wines from South America” from 1 to 5 p.m.

Sunday, July 16

Jake Shimabukuro brings his ukulele to the Nashua Center for the Arts (201 Main St. in Nashua; nashuacenterforthearts.com, 800-657-8774) today at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $29. Find more concerts this weekend and beyond in the listings on page 38.

Save the Date! Friday, July 22
The Palace Theatre’s Spotlight Room (96 Hanover St. in Manchester; palacetheatre.org) will host an Intimate Night of Sinatra with Rich DiMare and Ron Poster on Saturday, July 22, with shows at 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $29.

Featured photo: Classic Car Show.

Stay in the loop!

Get FREE weekly briefs on local food, music,

arts, and more across southern New Hampshire!