Category: News

The week that was

The Big Story – NFL Free Agency Begins: The quest to fill the holes the Patriots have for 2023 began yesterday (Wednesday) at 4 p.m. when the NFL’s new year began. It came a few days after Devin McCourty announced his retirement. Which, looking on the bright side, saved them around $9 million in cap space to leave them with around $32 million to $35 million to spend.

The need to score with that became acute following news that All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey had been traded to Miami and Aaron Rodgers could be/was traded to the Jets already.

The following are things to consider as free agency unfolds.

Ways To Add Cap Space: The biggest no-brainer way would be to cut wideout Nelson Agholor. Losing him would not hurt in any way and it would save $4 million. A little dicier would be moving out left tackle Trent Brown, who was a disappointment in 2022. If they can find a taker in need of offensive line help, a trade would give them $10.5 million more, which would give them $14.1 million to spend all or part of on a younger upgrade to replace Brown.

Biggest Needs: To reiterate what I wrote two weeks ago: (1) A ready-on-Day 1 dynamic receiver that teams must game plan for. Pay what they must in draft capital and cap space to get one for their young QB, as the Dolphins and Eagles did to catapult their questionable young quarterbacks ahead a year ago. (2) Fix the offensive line. Specifically, two tackles. The best case scenario would be one coming from free agency and the other from the draft.

Players to Re-Sign: Most important would be to pay their top CB, Jonathan Jones, because if they don’t they’ll have to draft one and a bird in hand is worth two in the bush.

A Worthy Experiment: From the first Super Bowl team to the last when Julian Edelman was the MVP, slot receiver was the bread and butter of the offense. And while I’m fine with Jakobi Meyers as the third wideout (at the right free agent price) he does not give them much after the catch and lacks the quickness in space that Troy Brown, Wes Welker, Danny Amendola and Edelman gave Tom Brady.

They need a dynamic player in that role, as it’s a weapon on first down to get ahead of the sticks on down and distance, and as a target to get 7 yards or less on third down to keep drives alive.

So I’m all in on moving Marcus Jones from DB to slot receiver. While it’s not a lock he can do it, he would bring two things to the offense, dynamic speed and an ability to run with the ball when he gets his hands on it. And before you say he can’t do it: He played there some in college and historically it’s a position of misfit players who found success there as Edelman was a wishbone QB in college, Amendola and Welker were undrafted free agents and Brown was overlooked because of his size. Plus all were very good punt returners, which requires the most vital skill needed by a slot receiver, quickness to operate in tight spaces — something Jones demonstrated last year.

And trying him there also means you don’t have to use a draft pick or free agent money to fill that hole as well. Not to mention that since Coach B hasn’t hit on a wide receiver of any note since Deion Branch in 2002 it’s doubtful he’ll hit on one in this draft.

Check those boxes with trades and FA’s; it’s then on to the draft for a tackle and depth.

Thumbs Up – Devin McCourty: Thanks for the memories at the retirement after 13 years for as solid, reliable and durable a player as the Pats have had in the SB years. Bravo.

Sports 101: Detroit Mercy senior Antoine Davis fell just three points short of Pete Maravich’s all-time college record of scoring 3,667 points. Who held the career college scoring mark before Maravich?

Sports 101 Answer: With 2,973 points in 88 games (33.8 per game) Oscar Robertson was the all-time college scoring leader before Maravich.

Email Dave Long at dlong@hippopress.com.

The support team

Granite VNA gets a new director of hospice

Meet Kristin Jordan, Granite VNA’s new director of hospice.

What is your background in health care, and what led you to this position?

I’ve been with Granite VNA for a couple months now. I have a background in home health and hospice, and I’ve done both inpatient and outpatient oncology services, here in New England and down in Nashville, Tennessee, for several years. … The beauty of nursing is that there’s certain specialties that speak to different personalities and passions and interests. I really felt a pull toward home health and hospice. … What I loved about this opportunity [at Granite VNA] is that it allows me to focus purely on the hospice program. It’s been a tremendous opportunity to get into what speaks to the empath and nurturer in me.

What do Granite VNA’s hospice services look like?

It’s really focused on creating a personalized plan of care. That includes symptom management so they’re comfortable, through medication or otherwise. It includes spiritual care … which can mean so many different things to different people. We have a nondenominational team of spiritual care individuals who offer their services. We have medical social work. We have volunteers; if someone has a caregiver who works a lot, we have volunteers who offer to go sit with them or read to them. Sometimes, depending on what the needs are, it might involve physical therapy or occupational therapy to help patients still be able to maneuver and do activities of daily living if they’re still able to. We have pet therapy and music therapy, and we’re talking about potentially adding an art therapy program, as well. Finally, we have a bereavement team that will follow up with families to whatever extent the families are interested in after the time of the passing. We don’t just say, ‘Sorry for your loss,’ and move on; we really keep our arms wrapped around those families for as long as they need that added support as they go through their grieving process.

What does your job as director of hospice entail?

My main purpose is lending guidance and support to the team. Every patient’s needs are so unique, so I help the interdisciplinary team navigate that. I’m also making sure I’m checking in regularly with my staff, because health care is a challenging, demanding field, and hospice is, in my mind, that, but far more elevated. It’s really important that my staff take the time to do self-care so that they can give all of themselves to the work that they do every day. In addition to that, it’s very important that I’m working with my fellow leaders in our various community catchment areas to really educate them on the breadth of hospice benefit. Hospice, in general, is still, unfortunately, stigmatized, and far too often, people don’t realize what services we can offer until it’s too late, and I see that as a missed opportunity.

What are some of the biggest challenges you face in your position?

The workforce shortage coupled with the ever-aging population is really challenging in our particular industry, because there’s more and more need and fewer people to do the hard work. We have to get more creative. We really have to enhance and embrace that true interdisciplinary group approach to caring for someone. It’s not just the nurse; it’s the social worker, the spiritual care, the volunteers, and the list goes on.

What do you hope to accomplish moving forward?

I simply want to see just a greater integration into the communities that we serve and build up the staff as much as we possibly can to have a have a stronger presence in the community in various forms, whether it’s having patients on our service or offering in-servicing at seniors centers or being at different community events where we can educate about what we have to offer.

What do you find most rewarding about this work?

What I find most rewarding is also what made me interested in pursuing it to begin with: being trusted to be part of what is probably a devastating and life-altering personal chapter in someone’s life — to face losing someone they love — and to be part of a team that can wrap their arms around such a tragic moment; to allow someone to die with the dignity and the respect that they deserve; and the prospect of having that family look back on what’s happened and be able to see the beauty in that nightmare. There’s no greater honor in what we do for work.

Featured photo: Kristin Jordan. Courtesy photo.

News & Notes 23/03/16

Feedback on schools

For the fourth consecutive year, the New Hampshire Department of Education is inviting parents, educators and community members to share their perspectives and experiences with their respective schools through the 603 Bright Futures Survey. According to a press release, the survey was created to gather actionable feedback surrounding learning models, school climate, family and community engagement and other topics in order to understand the successes and challenges of the recent school year and craft policies and programs to meet the needs of students in the upcoming school year. “Public input and feedback is crucial as we aim to help all students succeed in the classroom and beyond.” Frank Edelblut, education commissioner, said in the release. The survey, which takes 15 minutes or less to complete, is available to take online now through Friday, April 28. Families, visit bit.ly/nhedfamily; school staff, visit bit.ly/nhedstaff; and community members, visit bit.ly/nhedcommunity. The results of the survey will be shared on education.nh.gov once the survey closes.

Mounted patrol

The New Hampshire Horse Council has named Officer Kelly McKenney of the Manchester Police Mounted Patrol as its 2023 New Hampshire Horseperson of the Year. According to a press release, the award recognizes individuals who have contributed to the betterment of New Hampshire’s equine industry. Officer McKenney, a lifelong equestrian, can often be seen patrolling downtown Manchester on her main equine partner, General, or visiting schools, retirement homes and other community venues with Eddy the comfort pony. “Officer McKenney’s efforts as a member of the Manchester Mounted Patrol have greatly enhanced the well-being of city residents,” Christina Keim, New Hampshire Horse Council president, said in the release. “Whether interacting with the public from horseback while on mounted patrol, or bringing Eddy the comfort pony to reach citizens on a more personal level, Officer McKenney is connecting people with horses, for the betterment of all.”

Conservation funding

The New Hampshire Land and Community Heritage Investment Program, in partnership with a variety of conservation funding programs, will host a two-day webinar on conservation funding sources on Thursday, April 6, from 8:30 to 11 a.m., and Friday, April 7, from 8:30 to 10 a.m. According to a press release, presenters will include the Land and Water Conservation Fund, NH DES Drinking Water and Groundwater Trust Fund Source Water Protection, State Conservation Committee, NH Land and Community Heritage Investment Program and USFS Community Forest and Forest Legacy Programs on Thursday, and NH DES Aquatic Resources Mitigation Fund, USDA Agricultural Conservation Easement Program and NH Fish and Game on Friday. The presenters will provide an overview of their respective program’s funding priorities, eligibility requirements, application process and schedule. To register, email kmidolo@lchip.org with the subject line “State Conservation Funding Webinar.”

State of teens

Results from New Hampshire’s 2021 Youth Risk Behavior Survey have been released. According to a press release, the anonymous and voluntary survey is distributed every other year to high school students through a partnership between local schools, the New Hampshire Department of Education and the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services as part of a nationwide effort to learn more about the health-related behaviors that contribute to the leading causes of death and poor health among youth and adults. Positive changes include a decrease in students who reported regularly vaping at 16.2 percent, down from 33.8 percent in 2019; a decrease in students who reported drinking alcohol (21.3 percent, down from 26.8 percent) and binge drinking (11.2 percent, down from 14.4 percent); and a decrease in students who reported having sexual intercourse (29.3 percent, down from 39.8 percent) and being sexually active (21.3 percent, down from 29.7 percent). Concerning changes include an increase in students who reported feeling sad or hopeless at 44 percent, up from 34 percent in 2019; an increase in students who reported having seriously considered suicide at 25 percent, up from 18 percent; an increase in students who reported having been physically forced to have sexual intercourse (8.8 percent, up from 6.7 percent) and having experienced sexual violence (11.4 percent, up from 10.1 percent); an increase in students who reported feeling unsafe at school or while traveling to and from school (at 9.6 percent, up from 6.9 percent); and an increase in students who reported being affected by cyberbullying (at 21.8 percent, up from 20.1 percent). “The survey results are concerning in that girls, especially, reported that their mental wellbeing has been in distress,” Tricia Tilley, Director of the DHHS Division of Public Health Services, said in the release. “The good news is that youth in New Hampshire are making better decisions about their health, including decreases in students using alcohol, tobacco and vaping.” The full results of the survey are at education.nh.gov.

Nominations sought

The New Hampshire Audubon is seeking nominations for its annual Tudor Richards and Goodhue-Elkins awards, according to a press release. The Tudor Richards Award recognizes an individual who exemplifies a love and knowledge of the outdoors and has made contributions to conservation efforts in New Hampshire. The Goodhue-Elkins Award recognizes an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the study of New Hampshire birds. Visit nhaudubon.org/about-us/annual-awards for a nomination form. The deadline for nominations is Saturday, April 15.

Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains will host a Unicorn Party and informational session on Monday, March 20, from 6 to 7 p.m. at Center Woods School in Weare (14 Center Road). Girls in grades K through 3 and their caregivers are invited, according to a press release. Walk-ins are welcome. Sign-ups for Girl Scouts are available year-round at girlscoutsgwm.org.

Safran Optics 1, which designs and produces electro-optic and navigation systems, welcomed U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen at a groundbreaking ceremony for an expansion project at its Bedford plant on Monday, March 13. According to a press release, Sen. Shaheen, a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, toured the facility and spoke about the role of New Hampshire-based companies in the national security industrial base.

United Way of Greater Nashua is accepting donations of new and like-new items for its Community Baby Shower to help low-income families with new babies. According to a press release, more than 60 families are expected to attend the April 12 event to pick items they need. A wish list is available at tinyurl.com/2023bbshwr. Donations can be sent or dropped off at United Way (20 Broad St., Nashua) on weekdays between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., by April 7.

This Week 23/03/09

Big Events March 9, 2023 and beyond

Saturday, March 11

It’s a day of hockey games at SNHU Arena (555 Elm St. in Manchester; snhuarena.com) with NHIAA High School Hockey Championship games at 10 a.m., 12:15 p.m., 2:45 p.m. and 5 p.m. Tickets for each game cost $10 ($8 for ages 6 to 18 and 65+).

Saturday, March 11

Concord eatery Georgia’s Northside and Area 23 (254 N. State St. in Concord; 552-0137, thearea23.com) are holding a Chili Throwdown today at Area 23 from noon until 5 p.m. or when the chili runs out. A $20 ticket gets you access to the chili bar featuring four different chilis, according to an Area 23 Facebook post about the event.

Saturday, March 11

Mike McCarthy headlines Miked Up Comedy at Millyard Brewery (125 E. Otterson in Nashua; millyardbrewery.com, 722-0104) tonight from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Tickets cost $20. Find more laughs this weekend in Comedy This Week on page 34.

Sunday, March 12

Start your Oscar Sunday with a screening of Little Old New York, one of the top-grossing movies of 1923, at the Wilton Town Hall Theatre (40 Main St. in Wilton) today at 2 p.m., according to a press release. This silent film starring Marion Davies will feature live musical accompaniment by Jeff Rapsis. A $10 donation per person is suggested.

Sunday, March 12

The New Hampshire Scottish Music Club will hold its monthly gathering today from 1 to 4:30 p.m. at Concord Community Music School (23 Wall St. in Concord). The group will play a “member tune” and a tune written by a guest at the last month’s meeting and also rehearse for upcoming spring concerts, according to nhscottishmusicclub.org.

Sunday, March 12

As Billy Crystal used to sing, it’s a wonderful night for Oscar. Watch the 95th Academy Awards at home (broadcast starts at 8 p.m. on ABC) or with a crowd at the Red River Theatres (11 S. Main St. in Concord; 224-4600, redrivertheatres.org) Academy Awards Watch Party, which starts at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $50; play Oscar games and watch the ceremony on the big screen. Amy Diaz talks about what she’s rooting for on Sunday night in a story in the Film section, which starts on page 32.

Monday, March 13

Gibson’s Bookstore in Concord is holding a virtual book event with Sen. Bernie Sanders discussing his new book It’s OK To Be Angry At Capitalism today at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $32 and include a hardcover copy of the book. Register at gibsonsbookstore.com.

Monday, March 13

It’s the greenery you don’t want to see return in the spring. The Milford Garden Club is holding a program today called “Poison Ivy — What You Need to Know” at 10:30 a.m. at First Congregational Church Parish House (10 Union St. in Milford), according to a press release. Presenter Helaine Hughes of Poison Ivy Removal Co. based in Greenfield will discuss how to identify poison ivy in all seasons and distinguish it from other plants as well as how to clean clothing, tools and skin, the release said.

Save the Date! St. Patrick’s Day — Friday, March 17
In addition to the traditional Irish eats (see a rundown of area offerings starting on page 25), next Friday will feature loads of Irish tunes. Two shows to consider: The Spain Brothers will play the Rex Theatre (23 Amherst St. in Manchester; palacetheatre.org) from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Tickets cost $29. Or catch the Glengarry Bhoys at 8 p.m. at the Tupelo Music Hall (10 A St. in Derry; tupelomusichall.com). Tickets cost $35.

Featured photo. Marion Davies stars in Little Old New York (1923).

Quality of Life 23/03/09

Doc talks

The Timothy & Abigail B. Walker Lecture Fund has contributed $6,000 to support the Concord Hospital Trust’s popular “What’s Up Doc?” lecture series for another two years. According to a press release, the series features monthly presentations given by Concord Hospital doctors, nurses and medical professionals about disease prevention and risk reduction, medical advances, new technology and new and innovative medical treatments and services.

QOL score: +1

Comment: Upcoming lecture topics include “What is Acute Pain and Why Does it Sometimes Become Chronic?” on March 10, “Skin Cancer” on April 14 and “Podiatry Update” on June 9. All lectures are free to attend and are recorded and posted on YouTube and Facebook. For more information and to register, visit giveto.concordhospital.org/events/whats-up-doc.

Local dentists

Northeast Delta Dental’s Northern New England Dental Loan Repayment Program has distributed $300,000 in awards to its first round of applicants, supporting three dental practices located in Berlin, New Hampshire; Brattleboro, Vermont, and southern Maine. According to a press release, the multi-year awards, created in 2022 to attract and retain dentists to rural and underserved areas and populations across Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont, will assist general dentists and oral surgeons with their loan repayment obligations. Visit bistateprimar1.wpengine.com/nned-loan-repayment.

QOL score: +1

Comment: There has been an acute shortage of dentists across all specialties in northern New England, according to the release, due to a combination of factors, including retirements, state Medicaid program benefit expansions, and difficulties recruiting in rural and underserved areas across the region.

Good roads

A new report analyzing data from the U.S. Department of Transportation and U.S. Census Bureau revealed that New Hampshire has the best roads in the country, while “[spending] some of the lowest capital outlay per mile.” According to a press release from the office of Gov. Chris Sununu, New Hampshire receives the lowest amount of total federal funding for roads and bridges, making the No. 1 ranking “a testament to the Department of Transportation’s management.”

QOL score: +1

Comment: “New Hampshire is blessed with a dedicated team of professionals that works hard to build and maintain our transportation system and I’m honored that we are being recognized for our work,” NH Department of Transportation Commissioner Bill Cass said in the release.

QOL score: 57

Net change: +3

QOL this week: 60

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: I awoke from my annual hockey hibernation last week and was shocked to see that the Bruins were an incredible 40 games over .500. And that at 48-8-6 they broke the all-time mark for reaching 100 points in the regular season faster than any team in history. I don’t totally live in a dark cave, and I’ve heard rumblings all year about them being in first place with the best record in the NHL. But I never bothered to look at the standings because I generally don’t watch or even care about hockey until it’s transformed from a boring (for me) game to the one where you’re constantly on the edge of your seat when the Stanley Cup playoffs arrive.

I also now know why the Boston Globe’s Prince of Darkness Dan Shaughnessy recently wrote about what happened to the supposedly unbeatable 1970-71 Bruins during the days when I did follow the NHL closely. I thought it was his mandatory once-a-year hockey column. Instead, it was a cautionary tale to the current rampaging group, as those earlier rampaging Bs shockingly got run out of the playoffs by the Montreal Canadiens behind a rookie goalie with all of six games of NHL experience. Which came after Ken Dryden joined them directly from Cornell after concluding his senior season. Dryden and company are also relevant for setting the all-time single-season record of 132 points in 1976-77, a record these Bruins are after as well. That got my attention because that Montreal team was in the middle of winning four straight Cups and was great.

So like a bear in the woods after taking care of business following his winter-long snooze I’m all in on the Bs going forward.

Sports 101: Name the six coaches who’ve taken two different franchises to the Super Bowl.

Thumbs Up: To early spring news that exhibition baseball games are being played 36 minutes faster on average than games last spring due to new rules that include a 15-second pitch clock (20 with men on base) to make pitchers come to the plate quicker.

Thumbs Down: To the alarming way the Celtics often play down to the competition, which hit a new low on Friday when they blew a 28-point second-quarter lead before losing 115-105 to the 2-8-since-the-Durant-trade Nets.

Stat Sheet: Love the waxing poetically in a Feb. 27 story on ESPN.com on the “historic surge of 50-point performances.” While there have been some great performances like Damian Lillard’s 71-point game last week it’s no mystery why: the 3-point shot. Those of us who saw Pete Maravich play know that with 13 threes Lillard’s 71 would have been 58 back in the day. Not trying to knock their talent, just to give context to how it historically stacks up with guys from the past.

Homerism vs. Reality Note of the Week: A friend of mine took me to task last week when I said Patrick Mahomes was going to break every one of Tom Brady’s passing records. He then went into yahoo homer mode and said, “He won’t, because he’ll never play as long as Brady did.” I said, if he stays on his current pace he won’t have to.

Injuries are impossible to predict, but after PM’s first six seasons he has 192 TD passes and 24,211 passing yards to Brady’s l23 and 18,028. Which means if the current pace is maintained Mahomes will beat Brady’s 642 TD when he’s 37 and his 89,214 passing yards at 39.

I Disagree: with Shaughnessy applying his gift for seeing the negative side of the story in a recent column urging Jayson Tatum to focus more on basketball. Hee criticized Tatum for missing a game to go to St. Louis for his son’s birthday party. Now I’m as tough on Tatum and the practice of “load management” as anyone. But I’m fine with a young dad using his load management game to fly 1,000 miles to be at his young son’s birthday party.

And Another Thing: Speaking of load management, I wonder if personal perceptions color my opinion. I mean managers give healthy players days off in baseball all the time and no one says a word about that. In fact Cal Ripken Jr. took heat from some quarters for not missing games to rest on the belief it hurt the team when a worn down Cal kept playing. Lou Gehrig got a little of that too while compiling his 2,130-game streak.

The difference is that basketball stars have a more inordinate impact on each game than individual stars do in baseball. But I suspect I hate the concept of load management because it’s another example of the wussification of the pitch-count, five-inning-starters world of sports today.

In other words, get off my lawn.

In Case You Missed It: The Patriots announced last week they’ll cut back-up QB Brian Hoyer.

Random Thoughts: Got to say in my first time hearing him I liked JJ Redick doing color for the Celtics-Nets game on ESPN. Not a lot of extra yacking, and no restating the obvious on replays. Just understated insight.

I ain’t buying Grant Williams getting a DNP vs. Cleveland last Wednesday. I think something is going on beyond Joe Mazzulla’s match-up blather. If it’s a message to stop yacking after every call, bravo. If it is match-ups nonsense, it makes no sense because regardless of size he’s better offensively or defensively than the guys behind him.

Sports 101 Answer: The six coaches to bring two different franchises to the Super Bowl are Don Shula (Baltimore Colts, Dolphins), Bill Parcells (G-Men, Pats), Dan Reeves (Broncos, Falcons), Dick Vermeil (Eagles, Rams), Mike Holmgren (Packers, Seahawks) and Andy Reid (Eagles, Chiefs).

Email Dave Long at dlong@hippopress.com.

History going forward

Canterbury Shaker Village has a new education manager

Canterbury Shaker Village’s new education manager, Kyle Sandler, talked about his vision for educational programs at the Village and what visitors can look forward to when the Village reopens for the season on Saturday, May 13.

What led you to Canterbury Shaker Village?

I studied American history at Roger Williams University in Bristol, Rhode Island. Then I attended graduate school at Dartmouth College. I did my Master of Arts and Liberal Studies and basically specialized in colonial American history and religion. While I was doing my degree there, I started volunteering at Enfield Shaker Museum as a historic preservation volunteer. Things kind of evolved, and I started doing tours while I was finishing up my master’s degree. Then they had an opening for their education coordinator position, and the board recommended me for that position. I was at Enfield Shaker Museum for eight years, getting well-versed in all things Shaker and Shaker history. I did a variety of workshops and classes, and I was in charge of an annual Shaker forum. I also taught an online class for a couple of years that kind of came out of Covid called Shakers 101. I came from Enfield Shaker Museum to Canterbury Shaker Village last October.

What does your job as education manager entail?

First and foremost, it’s to manage interpretation of the Village. I oversee our team of tour guides, and I’m responsible for maintaining and building new interpretive plans and tours that will be offered to the public. I work with our curator of collections and collections manager on a pretty regular basis … on developing new exhibits for the Village for this season and seasons to come. Other aspects of my job are setting up various educational programming, like workshops and classes … and I oversee some of the volunteer activities.

What new experiences are you working to create at the Village?

We’re going to be launching our new smartphone tour app. Basically it’s an outdoor grounds tour of the different buildings. Visitors will access the app on their smartphone, which will bring up information on the buildings and historic images. Eventually it’ll have video and audio content as well. It’s a self-guided way for people to immerse themselves in the Village and provides another option for people who don’t want to do the traditional guided tours that we offer.

What else is planned for the Village’s upcoming season?

Our first exhibit of the year is going to be Canterbury-made Shaker furniture from the collection, most of which is going to date from the late 18th to the mid-19th century, with a couple of later pieces. That’s a starting point for what we’re going to be doing over the next couple of years, which is really a deep dive into the collections here. We have — and this is a really rough estimate — about 100,000 items in the collection. Between 40,000 and 50,000 of those are three-dimensional objects that range from the late 18th century into the early 1990s, when the last Shaker sister, Ethel Hudson, passed away. The collections here are in need of a fresh look, and we’re going to do an updated inventory project. Hopefully, in the coming years, we’re going to start the project of digitizing the collection and making it more widely available. We have storerooms full of these wonderful items — some that haven’t been displayed in decades and some that have never been displayed to the public, because of space limitations.

What do you enjoy about studying and sharing Shaker history?

I’ve spent the last almost 10 years now studying Shaker furniture. That’s been [the focus of] my personal research and my passion — studying and understanding what’s happening, how Shaker furniture varies from throughout the Shaker world. The other thing I’m very interested in is Shaker leadership and internal community politics. The Shaker villages had hundreds of people, so there was a lot of interpersonal dynamics. That’s something I’m really fascinated about, understanding what it was like to be a Shaker here and the challenges of this kind of communal experience.

Featured photo: Kyle Sandler. Courtesy photo.

News & Notes 23/03/09

Clean water funds

U.S. Sens. Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan, alongside Reps. Annie Kuster and Chris Pappas, welcomed $23,186,000 to support clean water infrastructure upgrades in New Hampshire. According to a press release, the funds are allocated through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and distributed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to the State’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF). The upgrades will be made to essential water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure that protects public health and treasured water bodies. $2.1 million has been designated to address contaminants such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, more commonly known as PFAS, a class of industrial chemicals used in Teflon, GoreTex, carpeting, food wrappers, firefighting foam and other products, which take decades to break down and can build up in the body. “Everyone deserves access to clean water,” Sen. Shaheen said in the release. “Investing in modern water infrastructure is essential for preventing pollution and driving economic development in our communities.”

Community Impact awards

Dartmouth Health is accepting nominations now through March 21 for its first annual Community Impact Social Justice Awards. According to a press release, the awards were created by Dartmouth Health’s Black, Indigenous, and People of Color Employee Resource Group to recognize individuals who have demonstrated active engagement in social justice action, empowering marginalized communities and promoting human rights to facilitate ongoing inclusive change. Awards will be given in three categories: to a community member, a youth community member under age 24 and a Dartmouth Health employee. Visit dartmouth-health.org/news/honoring-those-working-toward-deib to access a nomination form. The awards ceremony will take place at the New Hampshire Audubon Society (84 Silk Farm Road, Concord) on Saturday, April 29, at 6 p.m. Search “Community Impact Social Justice Awards” on Eventbrite for tickets to the event.

Student scientists

Students in grades 5 through 8 are invited to compete in the annual 3M Young Scientist Challenge, presented by 3M and Discovery Education. According to a press release, the nationwide competition gives student innovators an opportunity to compete for a variety of prizes, such as an exclusive mentorship with a 3M scientist, a $25,000 grand prize and a chance to earn the title of “America’s Top Young Scientist.” To enter, students should submit a one- to two-minute video explaining an original idea using science to help solve an everyday problem. “This is such a fun and unique way for students to showcase their scientific minds and explore how they can truly make a difference in the world — even at such a young age,” New Hampshire Education Commissioner Frank Edelblut said in the release. The submission deadline is April 27. Visit YoungScientistLab.com.

Student inventors

New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu has issued a proclamation declaring March 18 “New Hampshire Kid Inventor Day.” According to a press release, the first annual celebration coincides with the K-12 Invention Convention Regional Finals at the University of New Hampshire in Durham. The competition recognizes the innovation and achievement of talented young inventors and showcases the ingenious ideas developed this year. “New Hampshire is full of talented and bright young learners, and this honor gives students a perfect opportunity to celebrate their inventive spirit,” Tina White, Director for the Young Inventors’ Program and the Northern New England Regional Invention Convention, said in the release. “We hope that with each annual celebration of New Hampshire Kid Inventor Day, we’ll have more and more students throughout the state experiencing the benefits of Invention Education.”

State Archivist

New Hampshire Secretary of State David Scanlan announced the appointment of Ashley Miller as New Hampshire’s new State Archivist. According to a press release, Miller’s appointment was approved at the Governor and Executive Council meeting on Feb. 8, and she was officially sworn in on Feb. 22 at the Secretary of State’s Office. Miller, a resident of Concord, was previously the Archivist, Reference and Outreach Coordinator for the Concord Public Library. She holds master’s degrees in Archives Management and History from Simmons College and a bachelor’s degree in History from Pennsylvania State University. “Ms. Miller will bring a great deal of knowledge and enthusiasm to the position, especially in digital archiving,” Secretary Scanlan said in the release. “Articulate and engaging, she is well equipped to manage the Archives Division and move it forward with the use of technology.”

Intown Concord, the nonprofit community organization that hosts the annual Market Days street festival in downtown Concord in June, has received a $5,100 Arts for Community Engagement (ACE) project grant. According to a press release, the grant, awarded by the New Hampshire State Council on the Arts, will support local artists who perform at the festival. “This grant will help us compensate local musicians who have been performing for free at Market Days for over a decade,” Jessica Martin, Executive Director of Intown Concord, said in the release.

The Atkinson Historical Society will grant a $1,000 scholarship to a graduating Atkinson high school senior who has been involved in their community through volunteering, civics, local government, scouting and other activities, according to a press release. Eligible students can be graduating from any accredited high school but must be a resident of Atkinson during their senior year. Applications are available at atkinsonhistoricalsociety.org. Email atkinson.nh.history@gmail.com.

Hollis Social Library presents a live performance by musician Jeff Snow at the Lawrence Barn in Hollis (28 Depot Road) on Sunday, March 12, from 2 to 4 p.m. According to a press release, Jeff Snow plays six- and 12-string guitar, autoharp and Celtic bouzouki and bodhran, combining Irish and Scottish music, stories and history in his performances. Registration is required. Visit hollislibrary.org.

This Week 23/03/02

Big Events March 2, 2023 and beyond

Wednesday, March 8

The high-energy a cappella group Ball in the House is performing tonight at the Concord City Auditorium (2 Prince St.) at 7:30 p.m. The Boston-based group has won several championships, including Boston Harmony Sweepstakes, and headlined the 2018 and 2016 China International Chorus Festival in Beijing, according to a press release. This event is free to attend. Visit walkerlecture.org.

Friday, March 3

The characters from Louisa May Alcott’s famous novel come to life inLittle Women, opening today at the Palace Theatre (80 Hanover St., in Manchester) at 7:30 p.m. Follow the life of the four March sisters (Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy) and their mother the girls grow up and find love and happiness in Civil War and post-Civil War New England. The show will run Friday, March 3, through Sunday, March 19. The shows are on Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 2 and 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $25 to $46. Visit palacetheatre.org.

Friday, March 3

The Hatbox Theatre (270 Loudon Road in Concord) will present the playVanities beginning tonight at 7:30 p.m. The play is a comedy-drama that focuses on three Texan women who began as best friends in their high school cheerleading years, went on to be sorority sisters, and eventually became incompatible due to the trials of adulthood, according to the website. The show will run through March 19. Tickets range from $16 to $25. Visit hatboxnh.com.

Friday, March 3

The monthly Super Stellar Friday program today at the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center (2 Institute Drive, Concord) will look at an experiment sent to the International Space Station by Team Cooke of UNH Manchester to study novel methods of antibiotic discovery in space. The experiment looked at what happens to bacteria in soil when sent to space. It was brought back down to earth in January, and the group will let the public know their findings thus far, according to starhop.com. Tickets to the presentation cost $12 for adults, $11 for seniors and students and $9 for kids.

Saturday, March 4

Head to the SNHU Arena (555 Elm St. in Manchester) for a concert by Yung Gravy tonight at 7 p.m.Called a trend-setting rapper, Yung Gravy got his start in 2017 after dropping hit song “Mr. Clean.” Doors to the show open at 5:30 p.m. Ticket prices start at $35. Visit snhuarena.com.

Wednesday, March 8

The Bank of NH Stage (16 S. Main St., Concord) is hosting Pure Prairie League today at 7:30 p.m., doors at 6:30 p.m. Pure Prairie League, a country-rock group on its fifth decade, brought the popularity of the subgenre to the forefront of the music scene, according to ccanh.com, where general-admission tickets cost $53.75 (plus fees) in advance.

Save the Date! Saturday, March 18
Head over to Funspot (579 Endicott St. N. in Weirs Beach) for the Fun for Paws triathlon on Saturday, March 18. Groups will participate in candlepin bowling, minigolf and games (paintball, skee ball, and darts) to benefit Funds4Paws. The group with the highest score will win prizes and awards, as well as the people with the most fundraising. Registration fees start at $200. Check in time is 9 a.m., and the games will begin at 10 a.m. Visit funds4paws.org to register.

Featured photo. A cappella group Ball in the House. Courtesy photo.

Quality of Life 23/03/02

See the student plane!

The first-ever aircraft produced by the student plane-building partnership between the Aviation Museum of NH, Manchester School of Technology and Tango Flight, finished last summer, is on display at the museum (27 Navigator Road in Londonderry; nhahs.org) now through March 26. According to a press release, the working two-seat RV-12iS light sport aircraft was completed in August 2022 after three years of effort by local students, mentor volunteers from the museum and other program supporters, with assistance from Tango Flight, a consulting nonprofit that specializes in student plane-building projects. The plane has already made numerous flights and special appearances locally and around the country.

QOL score: +1

Comment: Students are currently working on a new plane, the release said.

Nominate your nurse

Nominations are open for New Hampshire Healthcare Heroes. According to a press release, the program, sponsored by Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare, the NH Sector Partnerships and Initiative, Southern New Hampshire Area Health Education Center and others, celebrates health care workers in the state. Nominees may include clinical and nonclinical providers, administrators, educators, facilities, custodial and kitchen staff and others who provide direct or indirect care to patients and families receiving health care. A volunteer committee, made up of health care professionals across the state, will review the nominations and select one winner and two runners-up for each of the seven regions in the state. Each Hero will be honored in a pinning ceremony, hosted in partnership with their employer and streamed live on Facebook, and will receive a banner and customized swag bag.

QOL score: +1

Comment: Anyone can nominate a Healthcare Hero by submitting an online nomination form at nhhealthcareheroes.org. Nominations close on April 7.

Almost showtime

The Nashua Center for the Arts and its management partner Spectacle Live will host a series of public information sessions regarding the new arts and entertainment venue set to open this spring. According to a press release, venue staff will be available to provide information and answer questions related to employment opportunities, venue renting and hosting special events, memberships and group sales and corporate sponsorships; and box office representatives will be available to patrons who are interested in purchasing tickets to upcoming shows. Upcoming sessions will take place at Martha’s Exchange Banquet Space (185 Main St. in Nashua) on Tuesday, March 7, from 5 to 8 p.m., and Wednesday, March 8, from 9 a.m. to noon. Visit NashuaCenterfortheArts.com.

QOL score: +1

Comment: The venue, which will be able to accommodate 500 to 1,000 patrons with flexible seating configurations, is expected to open in April and will host nationally touring musicians, live comedy, theater, children’s performances and more.

QOL score: 54

Net change: +3

QOL this week: 57

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

Featured photo: Student-built RV-12 plane on display at the Aviation Museum. Courtesy photo.

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