News – Page 46

Quality of Life 23/10/26

Increased fatalities for motorcyclists

In 2023, New Hampshire experienced its highest number of motorcycle-related deaths in almost two decades. Since Jan. 1, the state has recorded 39 fatalities: 35 motorcycle operators, three passengers and one moped operator. A breakdown of these figures indicates 31 victims were men and eight were women, with 31 of the deceased being New Hampshire residents. Historical data from the Division of Motor Vehicles’ Fatal Crash Unit shows that on average 22 riders typically die in crashes each year, with the last peak in fatalities occurring in 2005 with 43 deaths. Geographical data reveals Rockingham County had the highest count with 11 deadly crashes, followed by Hillsborough with six, and both Merrimack and Grafton counties with five each.

QOL score: -3

Comment: The New Hampshire Motorcyclists’ Rights Organization has since emphasized the importance of responsible riding practices. Traci Beaurivage, president of the NHMRO, has urged riders to embrace the “RideSMART” philosophy, emphasizing safety, awareness and informed decision-making on the road.

Otherwise … safe in NH

WalletHub recently published its 2023 report on the Safest States in America, which ranked New Hampshire as the third safest state. The ranking was based on 52 key metrics, from assaults per capita to climate disaster losses per capita. In the report, New Hampshire notably ranked third-safest when it came to murders and non-negligent manslaughters per capita, second-safest in assaults per capita, seventh-safest when it comes to loss amounts from climate disasters per capita, 16th-safest in fatal occupational injuries per 100,000 full-time workers and fourth-safest in fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles of travel (despite the above, perhaps).

QOL score: +1

Comment: All six New England states made the top 10, with Vermont securing the top spot.

Job help

Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center (DHMC), a part of Dartmouth Health, was honored for its role in the Project SEARCH program, an internship initiative that helps individuals with intellectual disabilities develop job-related skills, according to a press release. Since 2011, DHMC has hosted the program, recently gaining recognition for achieving a 100 percent job placement rate for its 2021-2022 interns. The acknowledgment came during Project SEARCH’s 16th Annual Conference in Milwaukee. Interns at DHMC undergo intensive training through three 10-week internships within the hospital, alongside classroom learning. These internships foster technical and soft skills, preparing participants for a variety of job positions. Local institutions such as the Hartford, Vermont, school district, and New Hampshire Vocational Rehabilitation collaborate to administer the DHMC Project SEARCH program.

QOL score: +1

Comment: Starting from a single site at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital in 1996, Project SEARCH has expanded to more than 600 locations worldwide.

QOL score: 92
Net change: -1
QOL this week: 91

What’s affecting your Quality of Life here in New Hampshire?
Let us know at [email protected].

Pats buffalo Bills

The Big Story – Heat on Mac Jones: It’s amazing what actual pass protection does for a quarterback. After being thoroughly pummeled as being most responsible for the Patriots’ 1-5 start, Mac actually got some on Sunday vs. Buffalo.

And guess what? With the O-line playing well for the first time all season the Pats resembled a good team as Bill Belichick got his 300th career win. And with Jones going 25-30 for 272 yards and two TDs with, most importantly, no picks in the 29-25 win, the heat is off Mac for the minute.

But to keep it off, he’ll have to do it again this weekend vs. Miami, who’ll likely be looking for payback after losing 31-17 to Philly last Sunday night on national TV.

Sports 101: Name the one-time Patriot who holds the NFL record for TD passes caught from the most different quarterbacks.

News Item – Sox Struggle Finding New Baseball Boss: The search for a new chief of baseball operations is about to enter its third month for your Boston Red Sox, and the most notable thing about the search is the number of people who have said they’re not interested in the job.

While President Sam Kennedy arrogantly (and delusionally) sniffed at questions during the season-ending press conference about widespread disinterest in Boston, the rumors appear to be true, with the problem being the owner, whose indecision and recent lack of interest have been behind each of his last three GMs’ lasting just four years on the job before getting dumped.

The big question about their search is not who’s it going to be, but will they be able to get the best person for the big job ahead?

News Item – Jose Altuve Bombs Away Again: After hitting two more vs. Texas, the Astros’ 5’6”, 166-pound second baseman is at it again. Altuve hit a monster ninth-inning three-run shot to give the Astros a crucial Game 5 comeback win to put them up 3-2 in the ALCS. It gave him a second most ever 26 homers in just 424 postseason at-bats. That makes him the active leader and puts him in position to maybe catch all-time leader Manny Ramirez’s 29 if Houston got to the World Series with a Game 7 win that happened just after I filed this story.

The Numbers:

0 –interceptions by Jets DB Jordan Whitehead the last five weeks after getting three vs. Buffalo in Week 1.

523 – second-best NFL rushing yards for Indy’s Zach Moss after stepping in at running back due to star Jonathan Taylor’s holdout. But with Taylor now back, that’s a lot of yards going back to the bench

902 – league-leading receiving yards for Miami’s Tyreek Hill after six games, which projects to 2,558 over 17 games and would top Calvin Johnson’s single-season record 1,942 by more than 600 yards.

… Of the Week Awards

Thumbs Up – Eagles on Sunday Night: Loved those 1960s throwback uniforms Philadelphia wore Sunday night vs. Miami. Brought back memories of speedy flanker Tommy McDonald, the last NFL player to not wear a face mask, and the game’s last two-way player, ferocious Chuck Bednarik.

Why Can’t We Get Guys Like That – Nate Eovaldi: In case you ain’t been paying attention Big Nate is tearing it up in the postseason. After winning Sunday’s ALCS Game 6, he’s now 4-0 in October with a 2.42 ERA and 28 K’s in 26 innings.

Random Thoughts:

I know Kyle Schwarber has five homers in 11 postseason games for the Phillies. But with 14 whiffs in 42 at-bats and just six RBI, why in the name of Richie Ashburn is a .196 regular-season hitter batting lead-off?

Is there any offensive or defensive coordinator NBC’s Cris Collinsworth doesn’t make out to be a genius? The latest was Miami DC Vic Fangio, whom he endlessly praised Sunday for concocting defenses that are soooo confusing to QB’s. Well, if he’s so good, how come in 37 years of coaching he’s never been on a team that won a Super Bowl?

Sports 101 Answer: Former first overall pick Irving Fryar, who once got into a caraccident during a game he played in, holds the record for catching TD passes from 19 different QBs during his 17-year career.

Final Thought – Tips For Coach B: Two notes Bill Belichick needs to take from the Buffalo win.

(1) Leave Michael Onwenu at right tackle instead of moving him back to guard because they play much better when he’s on the outside.

(2) After his day on Sunday of four catches for 54 yards and 20 rushing yards, I don’t care if Demario Douglas fumbles five times next week. Leave him in because he has a speed burst none of the other receivers have. And he’s also got the Welker/Edelman-like quickness in tight spaces that is vital (and been MIA) to play in the slot, which is the second most important position in their offensive system.

Email Dave Long at [email protected].

Rising star

A career in nursing & mentoring

Meet Michael Newell, RN, a home care nurse and mentor at Granite VNA, recently named “Young Person of the Year” by Stay Work Play during their 14th Annual Rising Stars Awards.

Tell us about your educational journey that led you to pursue a career in nursing.
I grew up outside of Keene and went to Conval High School. They had an internship program my senior year. I originally applied to all my colleges as pre-med and wanted to become a doctor. Then after doing this internship program at Monadnock Community Hospital and around the town of Peterborough — I worked with audiologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, radiologists, doctors, nurses, everyone — I found out that I actually wanted to become a nurse instead of a doctor, primarily because nurses spend a lot more time with the patients, while doctors are a bit more diagnostic and spend more time looking at the data. … I went to the University of New Hampshire for nursing.

What drew you to home health care early in your nursing career, and why did it appeal to you?
I asked for my senior rotation, or immersion rotation, at UNH to be with a home care agency. They paired me with what used to be called the Concord Regional VNA, which is now the Granite VNA. I really loved it. I like being able to meet patients where they’re at, literally and figuratively, getting to know them in their own homes or home environments. I feel that it’s actually very important, in my humble opinion, for anyone who does nursing to do some home care. In hospitals, you’re mostly looking at the patients for what they came in for — their diagnosis. But once you get out into their homes, their environments, you find that all their stories and backgrounds are different. You always know that in the back of your mind, but it’s different when you actually experience it.

Could you describe your approach to mentoring, and what principles guide your mentoring style?
I’ve always loved mentoring. I was a peer mentor for students who were on an exchange trip from China to the U.S. for a couple of weeks every year for about three years in high school. Then, in college, I was a mentor. I’m really drawn to that. My big thing with mentoring is just showing through example. I let the people I mentor follow me around, so they see everything I do, and at the same time I’m educating and talking them through everything I’m doing. I also do that with all my patients.

What personal benefits or insights have you gained from your mentoring experiences, and how have they contributed to your own career and aspirations?
In nursing, we learn about what’s called “the teach back method” — when you teach a patient, you should ask them to tell you, in their own words, what you just told them, so that they understand. Well, I find that I’m basically doing the teach back method to myself when I’m teaching the people I’m mentoring. I find that I’m understanding the material even better and making connections when I’m educating someone else about concepts.

How has your experience in home care, working with a diverse set of patients in their own environments, impacted your nursing career?
In home care, we see patients for basically everything. I call it the least specialized specialty. It’s been very eye-opening learning not only about all these different medical conditions, but also different situations for patients to have.

Looking ahead, what excites you about the prospect of becoming a nurse educator? Are there any other career aspirations you have in mind?
Eventually I do want to go into education, not necessarily in a university setting, but more like what I’m doing now, being a preceptor, educating nurses who are already nurses on different aspects of nursing. For example, I’m really passionate about incorporating LGBTQ education in nursing and nursing programs. I did my whole senior thesis on that in college. I’m actually going to a conference next weekend put on by Fenway Health Institute in Boston called “Advancing Excellence in Transgender Health” with the whole health care team, and I’m super excited about that and getting to grow my knowledge in that way.

Featured photo: Michael Newell, RN. Courtesy photo.

News & Notes 23/10/26

City Arts Nashua closes

City Arts Nashua, a nonprofit volunteer organization dedicated to the arts, will conclude its operations by the end of the year, according to a press release, marking the end of its 20-year tenure serving the greater Nashua community. Founded in 2004, the group’s core mission was to bolster the quality of life in the region through support and promotion of arts and culture. Over its lifespan, City Arts Nashua initiated collaborations with local artists, community groups and government entities, launching events such as the ArtWalk and the Meri Goyette Art Awards and Luncheon. Other notable projects included the ArtVentures program and the commissioning and restoration of city murals. The organization played a key role in nurturing other local arts entities until they achieved independence, including the Nashua Center for the Arts and the Nashua International Sculpture Symposium. “We have confidence that this wonderful work will continue, and Nashua will always be an amazing community that understands the importance of the arts for connection and community-building,” Lisa Bissonnette, the organization’s board president, said in the release. “Most of the areas we would choose to focus on are already well-established in our community. We could not be happier.”

Ed funds

The Education Freedom Accounts (EFA) program in New Hampshire has seen a growth of about 20 percent in its third year, with more than 4,200 economically disadvantaged students now enrolled, according to a press release. The program allows these students to direct state-funded education grants toward select educational programs of their choice. Currently, the EFA program is providing grants totaling more than $22 million this academic year, averaging $5,255 per student. This cost is significantly less than if these students attended traditional public schools. The program was expanded earlier this year to include families earning up to 350 percent of the federal poverty level.

Longtime service

The Better Business Bureau Serving New Hampshire (BBB) recognized its outgoing board chair Howard Brodsky and executive director Robert Shomphe for their instrumental roles in the organization over the past three decades, according to a press release. The event, marking the 20th anniversary of the BBB Torch Awards, took place on Oct. 19 at the Bedford Village Inn. Brodsky, who separated the New Hampshire chapter from the Greater Boston model, has been pivotal in the chapter’s growth since its inception over 33 years ago. Robert Shomphe, the first CEO of the New Hampshire BBB, has been associated with the organization for 25 years. The 2023 Torch Awards honored Conde Roofing and Construction, The Altos Agency, and Goedecke Flooring and Design Center in their respective business size categories. Six other businesses were acknowledged as finalists. In tribute to Brodsky and Shomphe’s contributions, future Torch Awards will be named the Howard Brodsky Torch Awards, and the annual scholarship program will be the Robert Shomphe Student Ethics Scholarship program.

Hospital award

Susan A. Reeves, Ed.D., RN, CENP, executive vice president of Dartmouth Health’s Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center (DHMC) in Lebanon, received the Leslie A. Smith President’s Award at the annual meeting of the New Hampshire Hospital Association (NHHA) on Oct. 16, according to a press release.

Literary awards

The Biennial NH Literary Awards announced its 2023 winners on Oct. 21, with Laura Knoy, talk show and podcast host, serving as the master of ceremonies. Celebrating more than a quarter century of literary excellence, these awards spotlight works written about or by individuals from New Hampshire, according to a press release. Out of 58 books assessed this year, six emerged victorious across five categories, with the Children’s category witnessing a tie. The winning titles include Moss by Joe Pace (Fiction), Ciao Italia — Plant, Harvest, Cook by Mary Ann Esposito (Non-fiction), A Case for Solace by Liz Ahl (Poetry), Six Thousand Doughnuts by Thomas Tosi (Young Adult/Middle Grade), and both I Am Today by Matt Forrest Esenwine and Squashed by Thomas and Meaghan Tosi (Children’s Picture Book). The New Hampshire Writers’ Project manages these awards, while an independent panel comprising teachers, librarians and readers from New Hampshire oversees the judging.

Director departure

Canterbury Shaker Village’s executive director, Leslie Nolan, has announced her departure from the role in May 2024, after having led the organization for nearly four years, according to a press release. Despite her departure, starting from November, Nolan will remotely assist the Village on special projects, including grant writing and building key relationships for the upcoming Capital Campaign. The Village’s Board Chair and Trustee both acknowledged Nolan’s significant contributions, especially her leadership during challenging times like the pandemic and during intricate restoration initiatives. .

The 24 Hours of Lemons Halloween Hooptiefest is scheduled at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway (NHMS) in Loudon for Saturday, Oct. 28, and Sunday, Oct. 29. According to a press release, the event will feature over 120 teams from the U.S. and Canada competing in a 14-hour endurance race using cars valued at $500 or less. Teams participate in themed costumes, and those facing racing infractions may be sent to a penalty box where they must perform specific tasks to continue. The event benefits the New Hampshire Chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities (SCCNH). Tickets are available online at 24hoursoflemons.com.

Dover Public Library is hosting Indie Author Day on Saturday, Nov. 4, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. According to a press release, the event will feature a panel of local writers discussing their experiences, along with speakers such as Dan Lawton, Greg Bastianelli, Autumn Siders, Jeff Deck and Steve Carter. The program is free for the public, and details can be found at library.dover.nh.gov.

The Nashua Regional College Fair 2023 will take place on Monday, Oct. 30, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Nashua High School South’s Belanger Gymnasium, according to a press release. With about 200 colleges and universities in attendance, prospective students and their families can gather information on academics, courses of study, college life and financing options. This event is a platform for direct engagement with college representatives.

This Week 23/10/19

Big Events October 19, 2023 and beyond

Thursday, Oct. 19
Hear the band Decatur Creek and catch a curator tour at 6 p.m. of the exhibit “Distant Conversations: Ella Walker and Betty Woodman” (which closes Sunday, Oct. 22) tonight at Art After Work at the Currier Museum of Art (150 Ash St. in Manchester; currier.org, 669-6144) from 5 to 8 p.m. when admission is free.

Thursday, Oct. 19
Catch the original stage play by Ellen Cunis and Toby Tarnow (who also directs) The Big White House on Main Street starting today at Amato Center for the Performing Arts’ (56 Mont Vernon St. in Milford, amatocenter.org/riverbend-youth-company). Set in Woburn, Mass., the play tells the story of an Italian family in the early 20th century; see hippopress.com to find the e-edition of the Oct. 12 issue of the Hippo, where our story about the production is on page 18. The show will run through Sunday, Oct. 22, with times at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday through Saturday and 2:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets cost $15, $12 for seniors, students.

Friday, Oct. 20
Give the kids an hour of theater at tonight’s production of Disney’s Finding Nemo Jr. presented by the Community Players of Concord Children’s Theatre Project at the Concord City Auditorium (2 Prince St. in Concord; theaudi.org). Tickets to this shortened musical adaptation cost $15 at communityplayersofconcord.org and at the door. The show is tonight at 7 p.m. and tomorrow, Saturday, Oct. 21, at 2 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 20
Also opening tonight is the Peacock Players’ production of James and the Giant Peach, with performances tonight at 7 p.m.; Saturday, Oct. 21, at 2 & 7 p.m., and Sunday, Oct. 22, at 2 p.m. (as well as those times next weekend) at the Janice B. Street Theatre (14 Court St. in Nashua). Tickets cost $15 to $18 for adults; see peacockplayers.org.

Saturday, Oct. 21
Symphony NH will bring new arrangements of Bollywood favorites to its concert “Symphony Masala,” which will also feature singer Anuradha “Juju” Palakurthi tonight at 7:30 p.m. at the Nashua Center for the Arts (201 Main St. in Nashua; nashuacenterforthearts.com). Tickets cost $25 to $65 (with discounts for seniors and students). See symphonynh.org.

Saturday, Oct. 21
Get dressed up for tonight’s screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show (R, 1975) at 10 p.m. at Red River Theatres (11 S. Main St. in Concord; redrivertheatres.org, 224-4600), one of four screenings Red River will hold this Halloween season (the other Rocky Horrors are Friday, Oct. 20; Friday, Oct. 27, and Saturday, Oct. 28, all at 10 p.m.). The theater will provide the props for this 18+ event. Tickets cost $25. Find more screenings in the Film section, which starts on page 34.

Wednesday, Oct. 25
Catch 1923’s silent film The Hunchback of Notre Dame starring Lon Chaney and presented with live music by Jeff Rapsis tonight at the Rex Theatre (23 Amherst St. in Manchester; palacetheatre.org). Tickets cost $10.

Save the Date! Friday, Oct. 27
See Le Vent du Nord — billed as “hopping Francophone folk” — on Friday, Oct. 27, at 7:30 p.m. at the Dana Center for the Humanities at Saint Anselm College (100 Saint Anselm Drive in Manchester; tickets.anselm.edu). Tickets cost $45.

Featured photo: Courtesy photo.

Quality of Life 23/10/19

Peanut butter & cereal

Merrimack County Savings Bank (The Merrimack) has launched a peanut butter and cereal drive to take place throughout October in partnership with #NHBanksGiveBack, organized by the NH Bankers Association. According to a press release, this initiative aims to combat child hunger by collecting essential items for local food pantries, including peanut butter and cereal, which are often requested to provide nutritious meals for children facing food insecurity. Donations collected during the drive will benefit various pantries in the region, supporting the local community in providing essential food items for those in need. The bank encourages individuals to drop off peanut butter and cereal donations at any of its eight locations in Bow, Concord, Contoocook, Hooksett, Windham and Nashua.

QOL score: +1
Comment: In New Hampshire, 1 in 12 children struggles with food insecurity, the release said.

Mac to give back

Mr. Mac’s Macaroni and Cheese in Manchester has kicked off its 7th annual “Mac Gives Back” fundraising event, according to a press release. Throughout October, Mr. Mac’s will donate $1 for each Take & Bake order of their macaroni and cheese dishes. The initiative aims to support the Boys & Girls Club and MPAL in Manchester. Founded by siblings Patrick Cain and Valerie Anderson, Mr. Mac’s places a strong emphasis on family and community, seeking to contribute to their local community through this initiative.

QOL score: +1
Comment: You can place Take and Bake orders at their Manchester location, over the phone, or online for pick-up at their drive-thru window.

Biking for funds

Lombardo Homes conducted a study on decorating for Halloween and found that New Hampshire ranks third in the nation for its decorative enthusiasm. The study also found that the crow is the state’s favorite Halloween adornment. Conducted in August 2023, the study is based on an analysis of 7,330 Halloween-related Google search terms and purchasing behaviors; data sourced from search volumes per capita over the last year; and a survey in the same month that involved 1,209 Americans discussing their Halloween decoration habits.
QOL score: +1
Comment: This year’s event saw a 16 percent increase in riders compared to the previous year.

Arts brings in the dough

Arts Alive has revealed that the nonprofit arts and culture sector in the Monadnock Region generated $25 million in economic activity in 2022, according to the Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 study conducted by Americans for the Arts. This economic activity included $18.2 million in spending by nonprofit arts organizations and $6.8 million in event-related spending by audiences. It supported 521 jobs, provided $20.6 million in personal income and generated $5.3 million in government revenue.

QOL score: +1
Comment: The study highlights the significant economic and social impacts of the arts and culture industry in the region, with spending by arts and culture audiences benefiting local merchants.

QOL score: 88
Net change: +4
QOL this week: 92

What’s affecting your Quality of Life here in New Hampshire?
Let us know at [email protected].

Category: News