Category: News

Maye day has new meaning

The Big Story – Education of Drake Maye: They lost another tight one where he again was driving in the final two minutes. But it was undone by an interception after miscommunication between Maye and DeMario Douglas to end it at 27-22. But overall it was a solid effort with career highs all around for the rookie QB as he went 30-40 for 283 yards and a pair of TDs, along with two turnovers. Plus they stayed in contention for a Top 5 draft pick while giving an encouraging effort. Win-win.

Sports 101: Nikola Jokic is trying to become the sixth player to win four or more MVP Awards. Name the five who’ve done it.

News Item – Sox Hot for Soto: Who’s buying that they are? Or that the “JuanSoto Was Impressed With Red Sox Presentation” idea is anything more than a Scott Boras-planted story to ratchet up leverage on the big-spending Yankees, Mets and Dodgers? Likely just the latest Red Sox PR ploy to get fans and the media off their back.

News Item – Alumni News: Not going well for Mac Jones in Jax. In two losses filling in for Trevor Lawrence, including Sunday’s 52-6 pasting by Detroit, he’s gone 31 of 51 for 249 yards with three interceptions and no TD passes as the Jags scored just 13 points.

News Item – Dimwit Analytics Mavens at it Again: No argument on Chris Sale being named NL Comeback Player of the Year, as his spectacular season followed years of injury travails. But exactly where did Garrett Crochet come back from to be the AL winner? He was a relief pitcher who never threw more than 56 innings in his career before going 6-12 this year. Which means he got it on analytics numbers because, I forget, wins by a pitcher don’t matter. What’s more important for those guys are WHIP, BIP and DIP.

The Numbers:

4 – woeful number of the 15 teams in the NBA’s Eastern Conference that had a win-loss record over .500 as the new week began.

9.3 – best-in-the-NFL yards-per-rush average by Patriots rookie Drake Maye.

16.2 – points scored per game averaged so far by Celtic sixth man Payton Pritchard

… Of the Week Awards

Thumbs Down – NBA In-Season Tournament: I know the announcers are forced to talk it up like it’s the greatest thing ever, but who actually gives a flip about the NBA Cup? It’s a European thing that will never make any impact here. You know why? ’cause it’s stupid.

Clutch Play of the Week and Season – Josh Allen: His 26-yard TD scamper on fourth down with less than 3 minutes left in the game not only prevented another Patrick Mahomes miracle finish by icing Buffalo’s 30-21 win; it ended KC’s quest for an undefeated season as well.

Dumbest Thing of the Week: That 65 million people watched 58-year-old Mike Tyson step into the ring for the first time in two decades against someone no one ever heard of. Who won? The better question is, who cares?

RIP – Gerry Faust: Those of a certain age remember he was the coach of powerhouse Moeller High in Cincinnati shockingly hired by Notre Dame to take over their storied football program in 1981. He passed away last week at 89. He was on ND’s radar because he went a remarkable 174-17-2 in 17 seasons at Moeller. The story was different at ND, however, where his tortured five-year run ended after going 30-26-1.

Random Thoughts

Soto’s really good but not worth Ohtani money.

Anyone else noticeIme Udoka has Houston off to a 9-4 start?

Sports 101 Answer: The five who have been MVP four times are Bill Russell, Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Michael Jordan, Wilt Chamberlain and LeBron James.

Final Thought – Garrett Crochet: Yes the 209 strikeouts in 146 innings this summer were impressive. But as the robot used to say on the 1960s TV Show Lost in Space, WARNING! WARNING!, over rumors of Boston’s interest in trading for the White Sox lefty. First, there are durability concerns where he already missed the 2022 season due to Tommy John surgery. Then those 146 were by far the most innings he’s ever thrown, with next high being 56 in 2021. He also didn’t go more than four innings in any of his 14 starts after July 1. So he’s not exactly an inning-eating horse. Then there were rumors he wanted a multi-year extension to OK any deal at the trade deadline. Which means he was OK staying on the worst team in history over going to a contender unless he got paid. That’s a big mark against for me. All of which pushes him way down my priority list behind the best free agent pitchers. They’d be much better off adding someone to their exciting young core, like 23-year-old Japanese import Roki Sasaki, rather than subtracting some from that core to get a guy with red flags like Crochet.

Email Dave Long at [email protected].

News & Notes 24/11/21

Carrot concerns

Grimmway Farms issued a recall of select organic whole carrots and baby carrots that may have been contaminated with E. coli, according to a notice on its website, grimmway.com. The recall, initiated Nov. 16, includes carrots that are no longer on store shelves but may be in consumers’ refrigerators or freezers, the website said. The items from the Bakersfield, California, based company were sold nationwide; whole carrots were for sale Aug. 14 through Oct. 23 and the baby carrots had best-if-used-by dates ranging from Sept. 11 through Nov. 12. Photos of the packaging of the affected items are on the Grimmway website and include Bunny-Luv, 365 Organic, Good & Gather, Nature’s Promise and Trader Joe’s, among others. See the website for product specifics, such as package sizes.

Snow rider

According to a press release, free in-person snowmobile safety education classes are now being scheduled in the Granite State. To operate a snowmobile or off-highway recreational vehicle (OHRV) in New Hampshire any person age 12 or older must either have a valid motor vehicle driver’s license or have successfully completed an approved OHRV/Snowmobile Safety Education class.

Classes are taught by instructors and staff trained by the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department and those interested in attending should register by visiting wildlife.nh.gov/highway-recreational-vehicles-ohrv-and-snowmobiles/ohrv-and-snowmobile-safety-education, according to the press release. OHRV/Snowmobile Safety Education classes can also be taken online, and with recent changes to the state laws all online classes will include a combination of practical OHRV and snowmobile safety and the rules that apply to all trail riders. The cost for the virtual class is $34.95, according to the same release. To register for an online safety class, visit offroad-ed.com/newhampshire.

Even after course completion, all riders under age 14 must be accompanied by a licensed adult over the age of 18 when operating a snowmobile or OHRV, including on property belonging to their parents, grandparents or guardians, according to the release. Operators of all ages are invited to join one of the more than 100 snowmobile and 26 OHRV clubs in New Hampshire, according to the release. For more information visit nhsa.com and for OHRV club information visit nhohva.org. Almost 37,000 wheeled vehicles and snowmobiles have been registered for the 2024-2025 season, according to the release. For information on registering a snowmobile, visit wildlife.nh.gov/highway-recreational-vehicles-ohrv-and-snowmobiles/registering-your-ohrv-or-snowmobile.

Education Freedom Accounts

According to a press release, more than 5,300 students throughout New Hampshire are now enrolled in Education Freedom Accounts during its fourth year of implementation,

The number of Education Freedom Accounts increased from 4,663 during the 2023-2024 academic year to 5,321 at the start of the 2024-2025 academic year, which represents an increase of about 14 percent, or 658 students, according to the same release.

In a statement, Frank Edelblut, education commissioner, said “it is clear that there is a growing demand for more schooling options in the Granite State. The Education Freedom Account program is offering lower-income families assistance to choose whichever school or learning environment best meets the needs of their child. New Hampshire continues to deliver high quality educational pathways to families and the Education Freedom Account program for a fraction of the cost to taxpayers of a traditional education.”

Education Freedom Accounts allow eligible New Hampshire students to direct state-funded per-pupil education grants toward select educational programming of their choice for a variety of learning experiences, and there are currently 5,321 children enrolled in the EFA program that is offering grants totaling nearly $27.7 million this school year, or an average of $5,204 per student, according to the release. Families earning up to 350 percent of the federal poverty level are eligible to participate in the program, and a family of four with an annual income limit of $109,200 may participate, according to the release.

More details are highlighted in the New Hampshire Department of Education’s 2024-2025 EFA Financial and Demographic Fact Sheets and more info can be found on education.nh.gov

Bank drive

According to a press release, the Merrimack County Savings Bank will be holding its annual Mitten Tree Drive until the end of December, collecting cold-weather essentials. New items of clothing, handmade or store-bought, such as mittens, gloves, hats and scarves, can be dropped off at any of the Merrimack’s nine locations, according to the press release.

In a statement, Linda Lorden, President of the Merrimack, said “The Mitten Tree is all about giving back to our neighbors in need. Every donation helps provide warmth and supports local food pantries.” The Merrimack will donate $2 for every item collected and will send donations to the following organizations: Friendly Kitchen (Concord), Twin Rivers Food Pantry (Franklin), Bow Food Pantry, Hopkinton Food Pantry, Hooksett Food Pantry, Nashua Soup Kitchen and Shelter, The Upper Room Food Pantry (Derry), White Birch Center (Henniker). Visit themerrimack.com/locations.

The Loon Center (Lee’s Mills Road, Moultonborough) on Nov. 21 at 7 p.m. will host a presentation by Dana and Bob Fox, “Hornbills — A Unique Old-World Family of Birds.” Hornbills first evolved in Africa over 60 million years ago. The presentation will include photos by Tim Layman.

Henniker Handmade & Homegrown will celebrate Small Business Saturday, Nov. 30, with a pop-up event at the Henniker Community Center, 57 Main St., from 2 to 5 p.m. In addition to locally crafted items, the event will feature live music from Beechwood and the food truck Taco Beyondo.

The Grace Food Pantry Yuletide Treasures Fair takes place Saturday, Nov. 23, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Mercy Hill Church (750 Pine St., Manchester). Admission is free. There will be live music, crafters, a bake sale, a 50/50 cash raffle and a Fleamarket Bazaar section. Free coffee, hot cocoa or hot cider will be available. Shoppers are asked to please bring a canned or boxed item for the pantry.

This Week 24/11/14

Thursday, Nov. 14

Country Music Hall of Famer, five-time Grammy-winner and AMA Lifetime Achievement honoree Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives will perform at the Nashua Center for the Arts (201 Main St., Nashua, 800-657-8774, nashuacenterforthearts.com) at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $50.

Friday, Nov. 15

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus will be at the SNHU Arena (555 Elm St., Manchester, 644-5000, snhuarena.com) tonight at 7 p.m.; tomorrow, Saturday, Nov. 16, at 11 a.m. and 3 and 7 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 17, at noon. This reimagined show is a fast-paced, action-packed production with modernized acts on a scale never seen before, creating real connections between audiences and performers. Tickets start at $19.

Friday, Nov. 15

United Way Care-E-Oke returns to the Nashua Center for the Arts (201 Main St., Nashua, 800- 657-8774, nashuacenterforthearts.com) tonight at 7 p.m. Sing on stage, or donate to support a participant. All proceeds from the event help United Way make grants to local organizations. This is a general admission event. Adult tickets are $27, and youth tickets (14 and under) are $10.

Saturday, Nov. 16

There will be a free New England contra dance with David Millstone & Quindaro at the Citywide Community Center in Concord (14 Canterbury Road, 225-8690, concordnh.gov/1364/Community-Center) from 7 to 10 p.m. Beginners, singles and families are welcome. Visit concordnhcontra.wordpress.com.

Sunday, Nov. 17

The Aaron Tolson Institute of Dance presents Tapped In!at the Dana Center (Saint Anselm College, 100 Saint Anselm Drive, Manchester, anselm.edu) at 4 p.m. This show features the dancers from Speaking In Taps, a training ground for young dancers. It will be a performance of thrilling rhythm, precision and talent. Tickets are $25 each through the Dana Center’s website.

Sunday, Nov. 17

It is Legends Day at the New England Racing Museum (New Hampshire Motor Speedway, 922 Route 106, Loudon, 783-0183, nemsmuseum.com). Headlining will be seven road racers who had major success across the New England region. Sam Posey, Skip Barber, Janet Guthrie, Rob Dyson, Chris Dyson, Jocko Maggiacomo Sr. and Jocko Maggiacomo Jr. will be honored. The event will include an honoree panel discussion, permanent banner unveiling and a buffet lunch. Tickets are $80.

Sunday, Nov. 17

Symphony New Hampshire will present the first in a three-part series of “Illuminated Ensembles” today at 4 p.m. American Standards will be presented at the Bank of New Hampshire Stage (16 S. Main St. in Concord; ccanh.com) and feature Symphony New Hampshire’s Jazz Ensemble. Tickets are $37.

Save the Date! Friday, Nov. 22 –
The Majestic Theatre (880 Page St., Manchester, 669-7469, majestictheatre.net) will open its 2024-2025 season with the comedy Murder’s in the Heiron Friday, Nov. 22 at 7 p.m., with additional showings Saturday, Nov. 23, at 2 and 7 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 24, at 2 p.m. The audience decides who did the crime; the play’s unique ending uses secret ballots gathered at intermission. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for 65+ and 17 and under.

Featured photo: Murder’s in the Heir.

Quality of Life 24/11/14

Good news for coyotes, bad news for outdoor pets

The University of New Hampshire announced in a Nov. 6 press release that, despite human and predator pressures, coyote populations are thriving. “Surprisingly, the study’s findings suggest that human hunting practices may actually contribute to increasing the number of coyotes,” the press release read. It quoted Remington Moll, Assistant Professor of Natural Resources and the Environment and lead author of the study. “Intensive coyote removal can obviously reduce populations in the short term, but removal can also result in younger coyote populations with higher reproduction and immigration rates,” Moll said.

QOL score: +1 for the coyotes, -1 for your cat

Comment: At wildlife.nh.gov, the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department warns, “In suburban areas, coyotes have been known to kill house cats. Keeping your pets and pet food inside at night helps reduce the likelihood that a family pet will become prey. Coyotes are often blamed for events for which domestic dogs, automobiles or other wildlife are responsible. As for your safety, coyotes pose little risk to people.”

Hard times for soft cheese

Savencia Cheese USA has announced a voluntary recall for some of its soft-ripened cheese because of potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, according to a U.S. Food and Drug Administration email and a notice at savenciacheeseusa.com. See pictures of the items, which include Aldi Emporium Selection Brie and Market Basket Brie, and a list of the UPC and best-by dates of the affected items on Savencia’s website.

QOL score: -1

Comment: “Through routine testing, it was identified that processing equipment at the site may have been contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. While finished product testing has not identified contaminated product, we have initiated a voluntary recall to retrieve the potentially affected product,” the website said.

NH is bicycle-friendly

New Hampshire is the ninth best state for cyclists. A Nov. 7 press release read, “The legal team at Philadelphia-based personal injury law firm KaplunMarx analyzed various metrics, including the air quality, cyclist deaths per capita, bike routes per square mile, local government actions supporting cycling, federal funding for cycling projects, and bicycle laws to determine the most cycling-friendly states in the U.S.” The study found that New Hampshire has a higher-than-average density of bike paths (62.8 miles per 1,000 square miles), good air quality, and a low cyclist fatality rate (3.3 per million residents).

QOL score: +1

Comment: The study rated New Hampshire’s overall score as 62.4 points out of 100. The top-rated state was Minnesota, with a score of 84. The lowest scoring state was Alabama, with 39.

Last week’s QOL score: 79

Net change: 0

QOL this week: 79

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

Let us know at [email protected].

Pats hit 10-week mark

The Big Story – Patriots’ 10-Week Update: After Sunday’s 19-3 domination of Chicago they stand 3-7 in Week 10. Here’s a brief update.

The Good – Drake Maye: “I tell the guys all the time he looks like Josh Allen 2.0. I played Josh Allen in Miami his rookie year, and he didn’t look that good. Josh Allen is a phenomenal player. He’s an MVP-type player…. Drake looks better than Josh in his rookie year.” — D-tackle Davon Godchaux as told to the Boston Globe.

The Bad – The Coach We knew there’d be a learning curve for Jerod Mayo. But for much of his first 10 games he hasn’t looked ready for this assignment.

The Ugly – What Maye Has to Work With: With 32 sacks allowed and the QB under pressure 43 percent of the time the O-line has been mostly bad, and outside of Hunter Henry, with flashes from DeMario Douglas, ditto for the receivers.

Bottom Line: A lot of struggles, but they’ve won two of three, so things are looking better.

Sports 101: Name the only person to lead the NBA, ABA and NCAA in scoring for a season.

News Item – Sox Reset Starting: The brass was at the GM meetings last week to get the off-season re-shaping underway. The big rumor says Triston Casas may be trade bait because both he and Rafael Devers should play first base. If that’s the case, I trade Devers instead for two reasons. First, because trading the more established Devers frees up big money for free agency, which along with what they get back in the trade could net them two-three solid pitchers. Second, with as many four top minor prospects close to joining Jarren Duran, Ceddanne Rafaela, Brayan Bello, Tanner Houck and Casas in Boston, that is a deep, young, low-payroll (for now) core that can grow up in the way the Mookie Betts-JBJR-led group started in 2015. Plus the under-control low payroll lets them invest in additional pieces to fortify the team as it evolves.

News Item – Best Sign About The Celtics: That Jayson Tatum is looking to score from the jump — by scoring 14+ in five of their first six games. As opposed to the absolute nonsense Doris Burke spewed on ABC/ESPN all last year about it being good he wasn’t shooting early to get others involved. The only people who thought that was a good idea were those guarding him in the first quarter (phew!).

The Numbers:

1.5 & 13 – dismal sacks and solo tackles for ex-Patriot Matthew Judon with the 6-4 Falcons.

9 – second best in Patriots history sacks for the D vs. Chicago on Sunday.

13 – consecutive strikeouts by soon to be Japanese free agent hurler Roki Sasaki when the now 23-year-old had 19 overall in his 2022 perfect game.

… Of the Week Awards

Thumbs Up – UNH Hoops: For hanging in against two-time defending champion UConn to be down by just five (29-24) in the final minute of the first half. Yes, it was Katie bar the door after that as the Huskies finished it with a that’s more like it 92-53 final. But it was a nice half for the one time Yankee Conference rivals.

Random Thoughts:

Rookie issues? Or did the Bears draft another QB bust? I saw nothing from first overall pick Caleb Williams vs. NE on Sunday to be impressed with.

How is it that Steph Curry goes down after every single shot he takes? Couldn’t be he flops on every single shot he takes? What happened to T’s for flopping, Adam Silver?

With Milwaukee off to a 2-8 start after blowing a big lead to the Celtics on Sunday, wonder if they still think it was Adrian Griffin’s fault last year. You may recall after starting out 30-13 in year one the ex-Celtic got axed and replaced by Doc Rivers, who is 20-27 since then.

Sports 101 Answer: Rick Barry led the NCAA in scoring at the University of Miami, the NBA with the San Francisco Warriors and the ABA with the Oakland Oaks.

Final Thought – Celtics Broadcasters: The trio of Abby Chin, Drew Carter and to a lesser extent Scal could not have sounded like bigger homer yahoos during last week’s game with GS talking about Steve Kerr not playing Jayson Tatum in the Olympics as much as everyone wanted. Earth to those people: He did it for one reason and it wasn’t match-ups. That was the excuse. It was because Tatum didn’t play well. Period. Slump, confidence loss or Kerr is his kryptonite, but do these yahoos know he was 0-10 from behind the line during the Olympics? Or that he averaged just five points per when he did play? Give it a rest. If he’d played better he’d have gotten more time, just like Derrick White and Jrue Holiday did.

Email Dave Long at [email protected].

News & Notes 24/11/14

Health insurance help

The NH Navigator Program offers free health insurance navigation services to New Hampshire residents looking to apply for and enroll in health insurance through the Federal Marketplace, Medicaid or Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), according to a press release from Foundation for Healthy Communities and New Hampshire Hospital Association. NH Navigator is an initiative of the Foundation for Healthy Communities, “ a nonprofit organization that builds healthier communities for all” according to the release. The NH Navigator offers help during the Open Enrollment period, which began Nov. 1 and ends Jan. 15. Access the NH Navigator at acanavigator.com/nh/home. “Navigators offer free assistance to people exploring health coverage options through healthcare.gov, from reviewing available plans to assisting with eligibility and enrollment forms, and post-enrollment services such as using their coverage to get care. Navigators can also assist people in helping enroll in or renew Medicaid CHIP coverage,” the release said. To request an in-person visit for assistance in identifying the right insurance option, consumers can email Adrian Jasion, director at NH Navigator, at [email protected].

NH tourism

The Executive Council unanimously confirmed Michelle Cruz as the new State Tourism Director for the New Hampshire Division of Travel and Tourism Development, according to a press release.

“She will provide strategic direction for the Department and will also be responsible for guiding the development and implementation of the state’s domestic and international marketing and communication strategies, talent/workforce, and business recruitment platforms; oversight of the functions of the DTTD office; as well as working with industry leaders to advance and maximize the New Hampshire brand to a broad set of audiences,” the release said. She will officially begin her new position on Dec. 2. See visitnh.gov.

UNH, NASA & NOAA

NASA awarded the University of New Hampshire $24.3 million to build solar wind sensors to monitor space weather for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), according to a UNH press release from Oct. 29. The sensors will be part of a “high-priority alert system that will monitor space weather and solar wind — caused by explosions on the sun — for potential interruptions to key technology like satellite communications, electric power girls and GPS systems,” the release said.

“UNH will oversee the design, development, fabrication, integration, testing and evaluation of the sensors. The researchers will also support the launch, supply and maintain the instrument ground support equipment and support post-launch mission operations at the NOAA Satellite Operations Facility in Suitland, Maryland. UNH will work with subcontractor Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory where researchers there will focus on the electronics for the instruments. The project is expected to take nine years to complete,” the release said.

Funds for Mothers

The Executive Council voted in favor of $400,000 for a new effort in New Hampshire to provide direct care support to perinatal mothers and parenting women experiencing mental health challenges, according to a press release from Gov. Sununu’s office on Oct. 30.

“The one-time financial support, which makes use of ARPA funds, will assist in establishing a maternal hub in southern New Hampshire to provide a hybrid model of emergency and preventative support services. The hub will collaborate with existing Family Resource Centers and healthcare providers,” the release said. “New Hampshire was recently ranked the No. 1 state in the country for women and children by the United Health Foundation,” the release said. See dhhs.nh.gov.

Coats for Charity

The United Way of Greater Nashua is holding its Winter Coat Drive and collecting gently used winter coats as well as new coats and items like hats, gloves, scarves, and hand warmers to help people experiencing homelessness stay warm, according to a press release.

They also have an Amazon Wish List for other essential items like thermal underwear, duct tape and flashlights. People can drop off coats and donations at the United Way office, 20 Broad St. in Nashua, on weekdays from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information, contact United Way at [email protected] or 882-4011.

Diabetes month

YMCA Nashua (6 Henry Clay Drive in Merrimack) will hold a free seminar Thursday, Nov.14, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on managing blood sugar and preventing Type 2 diabetes, led by experts from St. Joseph Hospital. The seminar will focus on nutrition, physical activity and essential components of diabetes care, according to a press release. Participants will receive resources including a free blood glucose meter, a nutrition handbook and other educational materials, the release said. The workshop is free but registration is required. Visit nmymca.org or email the Director of Healthy Living, Erikur Holt, at [email protected]

Special Olympics New Hampshire Pick Your Prize Raffle (prizes for which include a Peloton, e-bikes, a hot tub and more) will select winners on Thursday, Nov. 21, at 4:30 p.m. in the Expo Center of the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel (700 Elm St. in Manchester). Winners do not need to be present to win and participants can purchase a ticket for $20. Visit sonh.org.

The American Independence Museum (AIM) in Exeter presents its final Beer of History of 2024, featuring beer brewed by UNH Brewing Science Laboratory, on Thursday, Nov. 21, from 6 to 8 p.m. $25 ($20 for AIM members). Visit independencemuseum.org.

The Nash Casino, currently under construction at Pheasant Lane Mall in Nashua and slated to open this winter, will hold career fairs Tuesday, Nov. 19, and Tuesday, Dec. 10, at Courtyard by Marriott, 2200 Southwood Drive in Nashua, according to a press release. See thenashcasino.com/careers.

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