Category: News

Quality of Life 25/07/17

Home-grown talent

As reported by WMUR in a July 14 online article, 21-year-old Derry native Liam Doyle has been drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the Major League Baseball draft. He is a graduate of Pinkerton Academy. “As a junior at the University of Tennessee,” the WMUR story read, “Doyle was second in the nation in strikeouts with 164 in 95 innings pitched. He had a 10-4 record with a 3.20 ERA, earning SEC [Southeastern Conference] Pitcher of the Year.”

QOL score: +1

Comment: “Charlestown’s Carlton Fisk remains New Hampshire’s highest MLB draft pick,” WMUR reported, “selected fourth overall by the Boston Red Sox in 1967.”

Girl Scouts have our back

Over the past two weeks, press releases from the Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains (girlscoutsgwm.org) have reported community service projects by area Girl Scout and Brownie troops. A June 30 press release announced that Brownie Troop 62987, comprising rising fourth-graders from Windham, consulted with experts, lobbied local government officials, and built and placed first-aid boxes along local hiking trails. A July 2 press release reported that Merrimack Girl Scout Troop 62031 has installed a new trash receptacle at Veterans Memorial Park to reduce pollution along Naticook Lake. Finally, a July 10 press release announced that Girl Scout Troup 62222, also from Merrimack, provided signage on their playground at Mastricola Upper Elementary School to improve communication for deaf and autistic students. “The Girl Scouts have a goal of making their community more inclusive for everyone,” the press release read.

QOL score: +1

Comment: In a telephone interview with the Hippo, spokesperson Ginger Kozlowski pointed out, “All of those projects were thought of by the girls themselves. This is not something that grown-ups do. Girl Scouts decided for themselves how they wanted to take action and they made those projects happen. They really do good in the world.”

Rhymes with “Ick!”

According to a July 7 online article by the Boston Globe, “New England is seeing one of its worst tick seasons in years.” Compared to recent years, the Globe story read, this year is particularly tick-y. “In June, visits to emergency rooms for tick bites reached their highest levels in at least five years in New England and other nearby states, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [cdc.gov]. Last month, 233 out of 100,000 ER visits in the Northeast were for tick bites, nearly double the national average of 118.” According to data on the CDC website, every county in New Hampshire has an “established” population of black-legged ticks.

QOL score: -1

Comment: On its website, Tick-Free New Hampshire (tickfreenh.org) recommends “wearing tick repellent clothing, tucking long pants into socks, wearing long sleeves, using insect repellent, and staying to the center of paths.” The group also advises using insect and tick repellent: “When tested, the highest performing products contained one of these three active ingredients: 15%-30% DEET, oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), or 10-20% picaridin. All three ingredients are safe for adults, including pregnant women, when used as directed.”

Last week’s QOL score: 66

Net change: +1

QOL this week: 67

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

Let us know at news@hippopress.com.

Red Sox on fire

The Big Story – Sox Roll Into All-Star Break: Where are those people now who said they wouldn’t survive trading Rafael Devers? After a period of adjustment they kicked it into high gear without him. After sweeping the Nationals, Rockies and D-Rays, the 53-45 Sox went into the All-Star break on a 10-game winning streak. It left them a leader in the wild card race and just 3.5 out of first place in the AL East. Time will tell if it’s just a delightful hot streak to enjoy or something bigger. But if it’s the latter, with dumping Devers the starting point, what will it be most historically like? (a) John McNamara being fired to ignite 1988’s Morgan Magic?(b) Jason Varitek shoving his mitt in A-Rod’s face to light the fire that turned 2004 into Boston baseball’s greatest season ever? or (c) with Ceddanne Rafaela coming through with heroics almost every night has he morphed into 1967 Yaz right before our eyes? Buckle up and find out.

Sports 101: Who holds the record for most seasons of pitching at least 200 innings?

News Item – Red Sox’ Second Half: They start the second half with nine straight against the three NL division leaders, with games vs. Chicago and Philadelphia on the road, then the Dodgers coming to Fenway.

News Item – Coming and Going: Last Tuesday was an interesting day as the A’s Lawrence Butler led off their 10-1 win over Atlanta in Sacramento with an inside-the-park home run. Then up the road apiece a little later in San Francisco, Patrick Bailey turned a giant 3-1 deficit into a 4-3 SF win over Philly with a three-run inside-the-park walk-off home run. Butler’s was the first time in 82 years (that’s 1943 for the mathematically challenged) an A’s player had led off a game with an inside-the-park homer, while, along with the Cubs’ Pat Moran (1907) and Senators’ Bennie Tate (1926), Bailey became just third catcher to win a game with an inside-the-park homer.

News Item – Rafael Devers SF Update: In his first 18 games with SF Devers is hitting .214 with 5 doubles, 2 homers and 10 RBIs and has struck out 32 times in 84 at-bats.

The Numbers:

.206 – AAA batting average for Kristian Campbell (1 homer, 8 RBI, 80 at-bats) after being sent down to work out issues from a rough six-week stretch with the Red Sox.

350 – career homers reached by Aaron Judge after a two-run shot Saturday. It came in his 1,088th game to surpass Mark McGwire as the fastest to that mark in history.

38 – homers for red hot Seattle catcher Cal Raleigh after two more in a 12-3 win over Detroit to move within one of Barry Bonds’ pre-ASG homer record.

2,000 – career wins for Terry Francona after the Reds beat Cleveland on Sunday.

… Of the Week Awards

Who’s Hot – Aroldis Chapman: The Sox closer has gone 18 games without allowing an earned run while giving up just five hits and striking out 30! That includes Sunday’s overpowering three-up, three-down, three-strikeout effort.

Injured List – Hunter Dobbins: The young Sox hurler is out for the year after tearing his ACL covering first base last week.

Quote – “What a Joke”: So said Phillies shortstop Trea Turner after hearing Milwaukee rookie Jacob Misiorowski was ridiculously named to the NL All-Star team after pitching in only five 2025 games when he’s 4-1 with a 3.83 ERA.

Random Thoughts:

Interesting story to follow in the second half is Clayton Kershaw trying to stay ahead of Whitey Ford’s best ever .690 career winning percentage. CK is back in the lead at .697 after a 4-0 start.

Sports 101 Answer: In doing it 20 times the incredibly durable Don Sutton is the 200+-innings-a-season record holder.

A Little History – Sandy Koufax: Speaking of great Dodgers pitchers, if you’re tired of how dugout micromanagers have taken the game out of pitchers’ hands by yanking them unnecessarily after five innings you might like this. In the last game L.A. played in the Coliseum before moving into Dodger Stadium in 1962, Koufax won a 13-inning complete game on September 20 as he struck out 15 and threw TWO HUNDRED FIVE (205) pitches. For context, Alex Cora used eight Red Sox pitchers multiple times in nine-inning games this year.

Final Thought –Thumbs Up – Alex Cora: Don’t know what’s happened to awaken him from the push-button stat geek manager he’s evolved into in recent years. But twice last week he’s managed with his eyes and instinct instead of automatic pitch count behavior to let Garrett Crochet and Brayan Bello actually pitch cg’s. For Crochet it was a three-hit 9-k, 100-pitch 1-0 win over Tampa Bay, and for Bello it was a 10-2, 107-pitch win over Colorado. Bravo for acting like a real manager to let players win or lose games.

Email Dave Long at dlong@hippopress.com.

News & Notes 25/07/17

Fighting cyanobacteria

NH LAKES, described as “a statewide, publicly-supported nonprofit organization … to restore and preserve the health of New Hampshire’s lakes,” has awarded $400,000 in grants to support lake protection projects to fight cyanobacteria blooms in six communities through summer 2026, according to a press release. “The funding comes from the federal American Rescue Plan Act,” the release said. “Lake Sunapee Protective Association is working with the Town of Sunapee and Little Lake Sunapee Protective Association to fix shoreline erosion, incorporating native plants as possible, near Georges Mills Town Beach and Little Lake Sunapee,” and “Wentworth Watershed Association is tackling stormwater runoff into Lake Wentworth from gravel roads, especially near Red Brook Circle,” the release said. Other projects involve the Acton Wakefield Watersheds Alliance, which is based in Union; Country Pond Lake Association with the town of Newton; the town of Alton and the White Oak Pond Association in Holderness, the release said. See nhlakes.org.

The Franco-American

The Franco-American Centre, which describes itself as “dedicated to celebrating French language, culture and heritage throughout New Hampshire” with an office at Saint Anselm College campus, has named Dr. Katharine Harrington as the 2025 Franco-American of the Year, according to a press release. The award goes to people for promoting French language, culture and heritage in New Hampshire, the release said. In addition to teaching at Plymouth State University since 2010 “where she has served as chair of the Languages and Linguistics department and the Tourism, Environment, and Sustainable Societies academic unit,” Harrington launched “the Bienvenue au New Hampshire initiative that helps business and tourism providers welcome visitors from Québec and the French-speaking world,” the release said. See facnh.com.

Chess prez

The Nashua Chess Club, an organization with a 50-year history, has appointed a new president, Tyler Kiliulis of Wilton, according to a club email. The club meets at the Nashua Public Library, 2 Court St. in Nashua, every Thursday at 6:30 p.m. and welcomes players of all skill levels with boards and pieces provided, the email said.

MAC seeks members

The Manchester Arts Commission is seeking members, according to an item in the July 9 Medo Minute newsletter from Manchester’s Economic Development Office. “The commission is looking for those who want to use their insights and background to help shape and build cultural initiatives and events…,” the newsletter said. Email ArtCommission@ManchesterNH.Gov for information or to apply.

Catch Peabody’s Coal Train, a local acoustic six-piece Americana band, at the Music on the Green Concert Series at the Canterbury Shaker Village in Canterbury on Sunday, July 20, at 4 p.m. Admission is free; donations accepted. See shakers.org.

Work on the Amoskeag Bridge in Manchester is slated to continue for another week and a half, according to a press release from the city’s Department of Public Works. The work requires the southbound closure of River Road and Canal Street between West North Street and Brook Street between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. with posted detours, the release said.

Derry Public Library, 64 E. Broadway in Derry, is holding a craft supply swap event. Donations of clean, gently used craft items will be accepted at the information desk starting Saturday, July 19, with the swap itself on Saturday, July 26, from 1:30 to 3 p.m. See derrypl.org for details and to register for the swap day.

This Week 25/07/10

Thursday, July 10

The Aviation Museum of New Hampshire (27 Navigator Road, Londonderry, 669-4820, aviationmuseumofnh.org) presents “What Are Spacesuits Made Of?” this evening at 7 p.m. as part of its Exploring Aviation series. This presentation will look at what goes into the design of spacesuits, and how safety, durability and comfort are balanced. There will be a full-size replica of a current spacesuit. Admission costs $10 per person.

Friday, July 11

The curtain rises tonight on the three-day run of Joseph & The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat presented by the Majestic Theatre (majestictheatre.net) at the Derry Opera House (29 W. Broadway, Derry) Friday, July 11, through Sunday, July 13. “The magical musical is full of catchy songs in a variety of styles, from a parody of French ballads (“Those Canaan Days”), to country-western (“One More Angel in Heaven”) and calypso (“Benjamin Calypso”), along with the unforgettable classics “Any Dream Will Do” and “Close Every Door.” Appropriate for all audiences and groups,“ according to a press release. Shows are at at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets cost $15 to $22.

Friday, July 11

Teen Actorsingers will perform Teen Anastasia on Friday, July 11, and Saturday, July 12, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, July 13, at 2 p.m. at the Janice B. Streeter Theatre, 14 Court St., Nashua, actorsingers.org. Tickets cost $20 for adults, $18 for seniors and students.

Saturday, July 12

Derry Public Library (64 E. Broadway, Derry, 432-6140, derrypl.org) will host the Derry premiere of local filmmaker Tim Smyth’s Tyrannocircus Rex plus other short films by Smyth this afternoon from 2 to 4 p.m.. Popcorn, drinks and other snacks will be served. Films are unrated and generally appropriate for all ages. This event is free and open to the public.

Saturday, July 12

There will be a Five Senses Tour today, and tomorrow, July 13, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. to benefit Community Caregivers of Greater Derry. Enjoy the sights, sounds, smells, textures and flavors of the privately owned Tiffany Gardens (15 King John Drive, Londonderry). Tickets are $20 and may be purchased on site at the event or online at comcaregivers.org/garden-tour.

Saturday, July 12

Head to LaBelle Winery Derry (14 NH Rte. 111, Derry, 672-9898, labellewinery.com/labelle-winery-derry) today between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. for LaBelle Summerfest. There will be food trucks and booths, a craft market, live music, axe throwing, minigolf and, of course, a great deal of wine. Entrance is free. Tickets are available through eventbrite.com.

Save the Date! Friday, July 18
The 9th annual Fairy and HobbitHouse Festival will take place at Bedrock Gardens (19 High Road, Lee, bedrockgardens.org) from Friday, July 18, through Sunday, July 20, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Compete in the Fairy House and Hobbit House showcase (see the website in advance) or just arrive in costume to enjoy the day, which includes craft activities, story time and more. Tickets cost $49.87 per carload.

Featured photo: Joseph (Jack Downey) and his brothers. Courtesy photo.

Quality of Life 25/07/10

Entertainment is literally his middle name

Chuck E. Cheese has announced an expansion of its arcade offerings in many locations, including Salem (in the Mall at Rockingham Park, 99 Rockingham Park Blvd,) and Nashua (in the Pheasant Lane Mall, 310 DW Highway). In a June 30 announcement on its corporate website, the chain, best known for super-stimulating children’s birthday parties, wrote that it “is stepping into a new era with the launch of Chuck’s Arcade, [an] arcade concept from Chuck E. Cheese [that] combines classic games and the hottest new games alongside iconic animatronic characters.” The new arcades will be marketed toward nostalgic adults, the announcement said.

QOL score: +1 for skeeball aficionados

Comment: According to the announcement, in addition to the two new New Hampshire locations, there are Chuck’s Arcades at “malls across the country … with more locations on the horizon.” Visit chucksarcade.fun.

Is it a bird? Is it a plane?

According to a recent study by Social casino website McLuck,New Hampshire is the state with the second best chance to spot a UFO. A July 3 press release reported that the study “gathered the number of reported UFO sightings from the National UFO Reporting Center between 2020 and 2024 and calculated the number of sightings per 100,000 residents in each state. [It] also calculated the month and time of day that you’re most likely to spot a UFO.” According to the study, New Hampshire has 32.08 UFO sightings per million residents, and August is the best month to spot one. “The best time to spot a UFO in New Hampshire is 9 p.m., with 33 sightings during this time of day between 2020 to 2024,” the announcement read.

QOL score: +1 for helping to keep the NH Fisher Cats’ alter ego “Space Potatoes” relevant (the team thusly named will next play Friday, July 18, at 6:35 p.m.

Comment: The study found that Vermont had more sightings than New Hampshire, with 33 per million residents. “Despite having the fourth-highest overall number of reported sightings, Texas is the worst state for UFO sightings, with 7.01 per 100,000 residents each year.”

QOL score last week: 64

Net change: +2

QOL this week: 66

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

Let us know at news@hippopress.com.

First-half season that was

The Big Story – Gambling Becoming an Issue: Are the chickens coming home to roost for pro sports after buddying up to the legal betting industry? It may be just a blip, but in the last week Cleveland Guardians hurler Luis Ortiz and NBA free agent Malik Beasley came under gambling investigations. They joined umpire Pat Hoberg, fired earlier this year for sharing info with a friend who was betting on baseball, and Jontay Porter, banned for life by the NBA for betting on basketball. All happening in the same time period baseball commissioner Rob Manfred caved to the convicted felon in the White House to remove restrictions preventing the Hall of Fame from voting on Pete Rose for his gambling on baseball. And ditto for the banned since 1920 Shoeless Joe Jackson for his role in 1919’s Black Sox scandal. No charges yet for anyone, but all these cases in a year seems an awful lot.

Sports 101: Name the youngest pitcher to start an All-Star game.

News Item – MLB Update at All-Star Break:

The Blue Jays got hot at just the right time to win six straight during consecutive series sweeps of the Red Sox and Yankees to move into first place in the AL East.

Even though I still can’t get used to their being good, it’s Detroit with the best record in the AL at 55-34, just behind L.A.’s best in the majors 56-33.

Forget the record for just catchers. In hitting homers 34 and 35, Cal Raleigh not only set his own personal best but also tied Ken Griffey Jr.’s Mariners record for most homers by the All-Star break.

With each on pace to hit 50 homers again without the help of PEDs, you can make a case that Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani are the best playing-at-the-same-time duo since Willie Mays and Hank Aaron in the 1960s.

Yankees free agent Max Fried led the majors in wins with 11 against two losses. Detroit’s Tarik Skubal was just behind at 10-2 with a 2.04 ERA to Fried’s 2.27.

News Item – Jurrangelo Cijntje: You think the Ohtani hitter-pitcher story is interesting — how about this Seattle Mariners prospect? And not just for being the rare baseball player who’s from the Netherlands. The 22-year-old is a switch pitcher who held hitters to a .165 average while pitching right-handed and .360 while pitching left-handed. He’ll be strutting his stuff at the All-Star Futures game on Saturday in Atlanta.

The Numbers:

12 – players already have struck out at least 100 times with three more at 99.

… Of the Week Awards

Who’s Hot – Michael Busch: He exploded for three homers on July 4, and the fireworks extended through the whole Cubs line-up as it went for a franchise record eight homers during an 11-3 rout of St. Louis.

Who’s Not – Devers Update: It hasn’t been all roses for Rafael Devers since being traded. He hit .239 (17-85) in his first 19 games out west, which included a streak when he was 1-16 with 13 K’s last week. The power numbers were five doubles, two homers and nine RBI as the Giants went 8-11 during his 19 games with SF.

Random Thoughts:

With Pete Alonso closing in on most homers in New York Mets history it amazes me with 252 that Darryl Strawberry is still their all-time leader 35 years after leaving the team.

Sports 101 Answer: The youngest guy to be the ASG starter wasVida Blue.

A Little History – 1971 All-Star Game: The Oakland lefty was just 21 when he started the 1971 All-Star game, a four-homer game, which included a titanic blast over the roof in Tiger Stadium by A’s teammate Reggie Jackson. Despite giving up three runs in his three innings, Blue got the win when the AL rallied for four in the third, leading to a 6-4 win. It was the AL’s first ASG win in nine years and last until 1983.

Final Thought – Good, Bad and Ugly for the Red Sox at July 4:

At 9-4 with a 2.39 ERA and major league leading 151 strikeouts in 120.1 Garrett Crochet has lived up to the billing, though it would have been nicer if he could have made it to seven innings more than five times in his 19 starts.

Easily the biggest surprise was rookie catcher Carlos Narvaez, who hit .272 with seven homers and 28 RBI in 68 games.

Jarren Duran led baseball with nine triples.

Crochet, Alex Bregman and Aroldis Chapman will represent the Sox in the All-Star game.

The bullpen had a major league leading 11 blown saves to go along with its second-worst 74 errors.

Despite all the nonsense of the first half, the Red Sox were just 2.5 back from a wild card slot on the 4th.

Email Dave Long at dlong@hippopress.com.

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