Category: News

Civil Rights focus

U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young has announced the appointment of Matthew Vicinanzo as the first dedicated Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) for Civil Rights in the District of New Hampshire. According to a press release, this move aims to bolster the enforcement and protection of civil and constitutional rights within the state. A New Hampshire native, Vicinanzo brings experience from his previous role at Crowell & Moring LLP, where he specialized in the federal False Claims Act, anti-fraud statutes and complex commercial disputes. Vicinanzo’s commitment to the community and his eagerness to expand the Civil Rights practice were highlighted by Young as key factors in his appointment. This initiative follows the allocation of two new attorney positions by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, aimed at addressing civil rights as well as domestic terrorism and violent crime in New Hampshire, with the latter role being filled in October 2023.

State of the City

The Greater Manchester Chamber was slated to host the 2024 State of the City event with Manchester’s newly elected Mayor Jay Ruais at The Venues at the Factory, presented by Dartmouth Health, on Wednesday, Feb. 14, at 8 a.m. (moved from Feb. 13 due to weather). According to a press release, this breakfast forum was to provide Chamber members with an opportunity to stay informed about local affairs and engage directly with city leadership. Mayor Ruais was scheduled to outline his priorities and goals for the year ahead, engaging in a comprehensive discussion with moderator Scott Spradling on topics such as the city budget, public safety, economic development and homelessness, as well as the future of Manchester’s school district and his vision for the city. The event was scheduled to include networking, welcoming remarks by GMC President & CEO Heather McGrail, sponsor remarks by Dartmouth Health President & CEO Dr. Joanne Conroy and a moderated Q&A session, culminating in a dialogue on Manchester’s path forward.

Outstanding service

Senior Assistant Attorney General K. Allen Brooks, Chief of the New Hampshire Department of Justice’s Environmental Protection Bureau, has been honored with the 2023 Outstanding Service in Public Sector Law Award at the New Hampshire Bar mid-year meeting, according to a press release. Announced by Attorney General John M. Formella, this recognition is awarded to individuals demonstrating exceptional service in government, military, law enforcement, public interest law services or nonprofit organizations. With a tenure at the NHDOJ since 2004 and leading the Environmental Protection Bureau since 2008, Brooks has dedicated his career to protecting New Hampshire’s environment and natural resources. His accomplishments include securing significant settlements in major environmental cases, such as the State v. Exxon groundwater contamination case, leading efforts against Volkswagen for illegal “defeat devices,” and reaching a settlement with St. Gobain for PFAS remediation in drinking water. Brooks was nominated for the award by his colleagues.

Dam ownership

The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services has been granted the authority through HB1429 to transfer ownership of state-owned dams to municipalities or other interested parties, including the provision for making loans from a dam maintenance revolving loan fund. According to a press release, this legislation, aimed at facilitating the transfer of dams and ensuring that their upkeep or removal aligns with local interests, requires a year’s notice before any state-owned dam removal. It establishes criteria for municipalities to acquire ownership, including legislative approval and agreement on long-term debt and maintenance issues. The law sets up a loan program to support the repair and maintenance of these dams, funded by a newly established dam maintenance revolving loan fund, which will be operational once it accrues a balance of at least $2.5 million. The initiative will be effective from July 1, 2024.

Noise pollution

Sen. Denise Ricciardi has successfully led the passage of SB 580-FN, a bill designed to address noise pollution from highways in communities ineligible for federal funding. According to a press release, this bipartisan effort introduces a new funding mechanism, allowing the New Hampshire Department of Transportation to allocate up to $10 million in turnpike toll credits annually to a Noise Barrier Construction Fund. The initiative, supported by Sens. Watters, Gray and Birdsell, aims to facilitate the construction of noise barriers in New Hampshire neighborhoods overlooked by current federal eligibility criteria. The bill, having been amended by the Senate, is now under review by the Senate Finance Committee.

Keith J. Loud, M.D., M.Sc., Dartmouth Health Children’s physician-in-chief, will participate in a panel discussion on America’s gun violence epidemic following the New Hampshire debut of “On the Exhale,” a one-woman show by Martín Zimmerman, at the Bank of New Hampshire Stage in Concord on Sunday, Feb. 18, at 2 p.m. According to a press release, the play aims to illuminate the real-life impacts of gun violence on families. The panel, also featuring state Sen. Debra Altschiller, will explore solutions to mitigate this crisis. The discussion is part of a production by Theatre Kapow, with tickets available at bit.ly/488lPTZ.

New Hampshire Businesses for Social Responsibility (NHBSR) will celebrate its 2024 Business Sustainability Awards on Wednesday, March 13, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Southern New Hampshire University in Hooksett. According to a press release, this event will recognize businesses, students and individuals who have shown exceptional commitment to sustainability across various categories. The awards are based on the NHBSR’s Measure What Matters 101 Survey. NHBSR invites members, partners and sustainability enthusiasts to join the celebration. Visit nhbsr.org/celebrate.

Salem will host a series of Girl Scouts informational events for girls in grades K through 3 and their caregivers. According to a press release, the events will be held at North Salem Elementary School on Thursday, Feb. 15; at Dr. Lewis F. Soule Elementary School on Wednesday, Feb. 21, and at Barron School on Thursday, Feb. 22, each from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. The gatherings will introduce participants to Girl Scouts programs and are open to all interested parties, with walk-ins encouraged. Visit girlscoutsgwm.org.

Poetry competition

Due to its growing popularity, the New Hampshire Poetry Out Loud competition will hold four semi-finals this month, as announced by the New Hampshire State Council on the Arts. The program, which involves around 5,000 students from 39 high schools and school groups, encourages the mastery of public speaking skills and self-confidence through the memorization and recitation of classic and contemporary poetry. Open to all high school students, including those from home school groups, the competition will progress from classroom to school championships, and then to regional semi-finals hosted at Rochester Opera House, Silver Center for the Arts in Plymouth, Tupelo Music Hall in Derry, and New England College in Henniker on specified dates in February. Finalists will compete at the state final in Concord on March 15, with the winner advancing to the national finals in Washington, D.C., to compete for $50,000 in awards. These events are free and open to the public. Visit nh.gov/nharts.

Mail concerns

U.S. Sens. Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan and Reps. Annie Kuster and Chris Pappas expressed their concerns about proposed changes to the Manchester Processing and Distribution Center by the United States Postal Service (USPS). At a press conference in Manchester on Feb. 5, they highlighted the potential negative impact these changes could have on mail service in New Hampshire, especially for rural communities and the elderly. The delegation, having previously sent a letter to Postmaster General DeJoy, urged the USPS to reconsider its plans, warning of significant consequences if the facility’s operations were moved to Boston. They emphasized the importance of timely mail service for New Hampshire residents and businesses, especially for critical deliveries like paychecks and medications. Shaheen and Hassan have been active in supporting USPS reforms to ensure prompt mail delivery across the state and have called for financial relief and operational improvements for the USPS, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic. Additionally, they have addressed issues like security in change of address requests and the timely delivery of ballots during elections. Following a report requested by Sen. Hassan, the USPS hired more than 150 new permanent employees in New Hampshire in 2021 to address staff shortages contributing to postal delays.

Historic properties

The New Hampshire Division of Historical Resources recently added five properties to the New Hampshire State Register of Historic Places. According to a press release, the Fitch-Brown-Patten House in Claremont, built in the 1830s with Greek Revival details and renovated in the 1930s, now serves as a space for the Claremont Historical Society. The Bridgman House in Hanover’s Etna Village, dating back to circa 1820, is notable for its association with the education of the deaf-blind, including Anne Sullivan, Helen Keller’s teacher. The William Peabody House in Milford, constructed around 1740, has historical significance tracing back to the Revolutionary War. The Antrim Grange #98, originally built circa 1791, evolved from a meetinghouse to a town hall and now a Grange hall. Lastly, the Sunset Hill Golf Course and Clubhouse in Sugar Hill, established in 1897, represents one of New Hampshire’s earliest golf courses, with its 1900 clubhouse being a rare example of early golf architecture. These additions aim to celebrate and preserve New Hampshire’s historic resources, and property listing in the State Register does not place restrictions on owners. Visit nhdhr.dncr.nh.gov.

Child care

On Feb. 5, U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen visited Easterseals New Hampshire Child Development Center in Manchester to discuss the challenges of the child care crisis in the state, particularly issues related to access and staffing. According to a press release, this visit follows New Hampshire’s loss of nearly 1,500 child care slots since 2019 due to pandemic-related closures. Sen. Shaheen has been involved in advocating for child care solutions, urging Congress to approve a $16 billion funding request for child care stabilization grants and securing federal funding through the American Rescue Plan. She has supported legislation such as the Child Care Stabilization Act, the Child Care for Working Families Act, and the Childcare Workforce and Facilities Act, and contributed to increased funding for child care initiatives in the fiscal year 2023 government funding bill.

Awardee sought

Granite VNA is inviting nominations for the 25th annual Kay Sidway Award until Feb. 16. According to a press release, this accolade recognizes an individual’s commitment to the well-being of children and families within the 82 communities served by Granite VNA in New Hampshire. Established in 1998 and named after educator Kay Sidway, the award celebrates those who have made significant contributions to improving quality of life, health and education for children and families in central New Hampshire and the Lakes Region. Nominees should exemplify leadership, community health and well-being, meaningful contributions to families and collaboration with local agencies. The recipient will be honored an event on May 1 at the Barn at Bull Meadow in Concord. Nominations can be made through Granite VNA’s website at granitevna.org/passionforcaring.

On Thursday, Feb. 8, from 5 to 7 p.m., the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, at 54 Hanover St., Manchester, will host an exhibition showcasing the works of Jane Kaufmann. According to a press release, this event, celebrating the one-year anniversary of art installations at the Chamber’s Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Boardroom, will feature Kaufmann’s artistic journey over 45 years, highlighting her innovative use of materials like cloth and cardboard. The exhibition, a collaboration with curator Yasamin Safarzadeh and Positive Street Art, is free to the public, and attendees will have the opportunity to purchase Kaufmann’s artwork and enjoy light refreshments.

New Hampshire residents pursuing post-secondary education in medicine, nursing or social work are invited to apply for the Yarnold Scholarship. Funded by a trust established by Rollinsford couple Alice M. Yarnold and Samuel Yarnold, scholarships are awarded to 30 to 40 students each year in amounts ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, according to a press release. Interested students may call Yarnold Scholarship administrative representative Laura Ramsdell at 766-9121 to receive an application.

Frederick’s Pastries in Amherst has been named a winner of The Knot Best of Weddings 2024, an award that honors top local wedding professionals as rated by real couples on The Knot. Frederick’s Pastries, known for collaborating with couples to create custom wedding centerpieces, stood out among thousands of vendors within The Knot’s extensive Vendor Marketplace, which serves as a comprehensive guide for couples looking to book wedding services.