Category: News

C’s make smart deal

The Big Story – Celtics’ Blockbuster:Say one thing about Brad Stevens the GM, he doesn’t sit on his hands and wait for things to happen. Instead, for the third time in his two-year tenure he pulled off a major deal, with last week’s being the biggest of all. A shocker as well, in sending team leader Marcus Smart to Memphis in a three-way deal that brought back 7’3” one-time Knick Kristaps Porzingis, who NYC media positively (incorrectly) slobbered over as the second coming when Phil Jackson drafted him.

Sports 101:Name the last players taken first overall from historic basketball programs UCLA and UNC.

News Item – What’s Not to Like About Porzingis: He comes with durability concerns. But he played 65 games last year and was a healthy scratch in their last five while the Wizards tanked for draft position. But it’s not like Smart plays 82 a year; he’s averaged just 64 per over his nine-year career and Jayson Tatum was the only First Team All-NBA who even hit 70. That he forced his way out of New York because he didn’t like the direction New York was headed and not getting along with Luka in Dallas makes me wonder about the attitude a bit.

News Item – Things to Like About the Deal: (a) it fills their biggest need — finding the eventual replacement for Al Horford; (b) It adds size up front for the three-man defensive rotation, where Grant Williams is too small for that role; (c) it gives them a legit post up inside scoring option to go to when the threes aren’t falling; (d) he contributed eight rebounds and nearly two blocks last year; (e) the restricted (to fourth overall) 2024 first pick belonging to Golden State they got as well.

News Item – A Can’t-Miss Pick: Hard to not drool at French phenomenon Victor Wembanyama’s gifts — 7’4”, mobile, quick, with the handle of a guard. But is it a guarantee of the greatness being predicted for the NBA’s first overall pick by everyone without a second thought? Sorry, I’ve seen other absolute locks, like Ralph Sampson, not live up to the hype. Ditto for others due to injuries (Zion Williamson and Greg Oden), lack of drive (Derrick Coleman), what-was-I thinking-of talent evaluation (Kent Benson, Kwame Brown), or simple lack of heart and toughness (Ben Simmons). Tools are nice, but real greatness comes from hating to lose. So while I’m curious and he’s saying all the right things, Wembanyama’s got to show me what he’s made of before I start drooling.

The Numbers:

14 – million in cap space the Patriots have to spend on a wideout or left tackle if the right one becomes available.

17 – times Mookie Betts has played errorless second base this year for the Dodgers.

55 – lead-off now hit by Toronto’s George Springer to move him into second place behind Rickey Henderson’s all-time best 81.

Random Thoughts:

I know this isn’t a news flash, but Skip Bayless saying trading Marcus Smart will be catastrophic for Boston tells me it’ll be up there with Rick Robey for DJ. For once Charles Barkley is 100 percent right.

If DeAndre Hopkins is holding on hoping another team bids on him, I’m OK with that. But if he’s slowing his choice to get out of pre-season camp, the Pats should let him go elsewhere. Not interested in another Albert Haynesworth.

Not a fan of the Bradley Beal to the Suns deal. Too many chiefs who need/want the ball and not enough scrubs who do the important little things.

Thumbs Up – Brad Stevens: Turns out the guy who lacked imagination beyond chucking up rushed threes as a coach has a great imagination as a GM with a knack for making solid trades.

Thumbs Down – ESPN: F- for its NBA draft coverage and that’s before we get to the “hey everyone look at me” pink zoot suit worn by Steven A. Blowhard. Too many panels with no one of consequence on them saying over and over in 21st-century draft speak, “That guy is really good,” and an endless parade of parents that no one gives a flip about droning on about junior.

Sports 101 Answer: Believe it or not Bill Walton in 1974 was the last first overall NBA pick from tradition-rich UCLA and for UNC their last top pick was Brad Daugherty 10 years later, who went one pick ahead of the Celtics when they took Len Bias in 1984.

Final Thoughts: I hate giving up Marcus Smart. But the team had a redundancy at guard and needed a shake-up, and you have to give up something to get something. So thanks for memories of all the fight you play with, Marcus, and good luck in Memphis. All that’s left now is to hope Draymond Green doesn’t re-sign with Golden State and they crater to make their 2024 first-round pick the C’s own more valuable.

Email Dave Long at [email protected].

Everybody read

NH Humanities picks a Big Read book

New Hampshire Humanities has been awarded a Big Read grant, joining 62 organizations nationwide. In collaboration with various partners, including local libraries and community organizations, NHH will engage readers all over the state in a shared reading experience of The Bear by New Hampshire author Andrew Krivak. Mary Nolin, the program manager, talked about Big Read and shared insights on the grant application, the book selection process and the diverse range of events and activities planned for the community.

What is the Big Read program, and how did New Hampshire get a grant for it?

The Big Read is a program initiated by the National Endowment for the Arts … to foster community engagement through literature. … I personally applied for and managed the grant on behalf of New Hampshire Humanities. Although the entire staff assisted me, I took the lead in writing the application, researching the book, coordinating with our partners and planning associated events.

What motivated New Hampshire Humanities and yourself to get involved in this program?

As the manager of literacy and literature-based initiatives at New Hampshire Humanities, I’ve seen the power literature has to bring people together. Regardless of their backgrounds or political beliefs, when people walk into a book session they all have something in common, which is that book. I love that literature can unite us in that way, especially in a time when we are often divided on many things, so that’s why I applied for the grant.

Tell us about the chosen book, The Bear.

The Bear is a story about the last two people on Earth, a father and a daughter. Though it takes place in the future, it takes us back to a simpler time when people were living in harmony with nature. The father teaches the daughter many things for survival and knowledge that she’s going to need for a future when she’s ultimately on her own. The book has powerful themes about what is the responsibility of older generations to pass on knowledge to younger generations.

Why was this book chosen?

The National Endowment for the Arts provides a list of 15 books that we can choose from. Starting in October of last year, I began narrowing down the options. I read several of the books, and I presented them to our staff and partners. It made the most sense to choose The Bear by Andrew Krivak. The author has a home in Jaffrey, so we were happy to be able to lift up a local New Hampshire author, and the [setting of the] story is based on the area near his home, which is in the shadow of Mount Monadnock. It felt like a book that resonated well with our state. Additionally, we are currently running an initiative called “Becoming New Hampshire,” which explores how stories from the past can help us navigate the present and future. The Bear, which looks at what our future could possibly look like, seemed like a natural fit.

What events and activities are planned for people to engage with the book?

We have partnered with 50 libraries across the state; it was important to us that people in every county have opportunities for participation. The libraries are really the backbone of the project. Each library will host a book discussion and at least one free community program. … New Hampshire Humanities provides copies of the book to these libraries and offers trained facilitators to lead the discussions. … The community events organized by the libraries are diverse, ranging from guided nature walks and photography classes to community painting and hands-on demonstrations with indigenous tools. … We’re kicking off with a public event on Sept. 6 at Great North Aleworks where two actors will perform a scene from the book, and the brewery will unveil its new imperial Black Bear stout. … New Hampshire Humanities is hosting two online lectures on the book’s themes. … We have a poet, Mitch Goldberg, discussing the connection between poets and the night sky in The Bear. We’re also hosting a free planetarium show at the Christa McAuliffe Discovery Center mimicking how the girl in the book experiences the night sky. … On Oct. 14, the author Andrew Krivak will have a public question-and-answer session in Concord.

News & Notes 23/06/29

Northern Pass land

Eversource has completed the transfer of ownership of properties acquired for the Northern Pass transmission project, including parcels sold to private parties and agreements with Bear Rock Adventures and Wagner Forest Management. According to a press release, the transfers signify Eversource’s support of economic development, environmental stewardship and recreational activities in New Hampshire. The properties span 92 parcels in 15 towns and four counties, primarily in Coos County. Eversource emphasized its ongoing collaboration with communities and partners to contribute to the success of the Granite State.

Smoky day

The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services declared an Air Quality Action Day on Sunday, June 25, for certain areas of the state, including high-elevation regions, due to predicted unhealthy levels of fine particle air pollution caused by winds carrying smoke from extensive wildfires in eastern Canada. According to a press release, precautions, such as limiting outdoor exposure, were advised for sensitive individuals, including those with lung diseases, children, older adults and individuals engaged in outdoor activities, in several counties to prevent possible health effects and reduced visibility. Healthy individuals were advised to reduce strenuous outdoor activities. Air quality was expected to improve on Monday as winds shifted and dispersed the smoke away from New Hampshire.

Nashua Center board

Allie Lafond, a resident of New Hampshire since 2014, has joined the board of Nashua Center, an organization that provides specialized care and support to children with severe disabilities while promoting growth in independence. According to a press release, Lafond has experience as an HR Manager in the nonprofit sector and a passion for volunteering with the Girl Scouts. She enjoys hiking, exploring nature, trying new restaurants and creating memories with friends. “Allie’s enthusiasm and dedication are truly inspiring,” Emily Manire, Nashua Center’s Executive Director, said in the release. “Her expertise and unique perspective will undoubtedly enrich our board’s discussions and contribute to the continued growth of Nashua Center.”

Tech awards

The New Hampshire Tech Alliance held its annual TechWomen Connect and Awards at Fidelity Investments’ campus on Thursday, June 22. According to a press release, the event, which is the largest networking event for women in tech in New Hampshire, aimed to provide networking opportunities, professional headshots and connections with local nonprofits focused on STEAM education. More than 120 tech professionals attended, and three women were recognized for their dedication to supporting and advancing women and girls in STEM fields: Kennedy Amorim from Derryfield School, named Tech Student of the Year; Jennifer Cava from the Academy for Science and Design, named Tech Educator of the Year, and Flo Nicolas, named Tech Professional of the Year for her work with Get Tech Smart and the DEI Directive.

Transportation funds

U.S. Sens. Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan and Reps. Annie Kuster and Chris Pappas announced that the New Hampshire Department of Transportation will receive $20 million in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation. According to a press release, the funding will support the General Sullivan Bridge Bicycle and Pedestrian Crossing project in Rockingham and Strafford counties, which will replace the General Sullivan Bridge with a new two-girder superstructure, reopening the multi-use path across Little Bay that connects Newington and Dover. The federal grant, allocated through the Rebuilding America’s Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) program, was made possible by the bipartisan infrastructure law negotiated by Sens. Shaheen and Hassan.

Help for vets

Harbor Care, New Hampshire’s largest nonprofit service provider for veterans, partnered with Bank of America to address homelessness among veterans and promote economic mobility. According to a press release, Bank of America donated $20,000 to support Harbor Care’s Veterans FIRST program and sponsored the Summit to End Veteran Homelessness, which took place on June 28. The collaboration brought together local, state and federal stakeholders to address pressing issues related to veteran homelessness. Harbor Care’s Veterans FIRST program offers housing, health care, substance use treatment and employment services to more than 450 veterans and their families annually. With Bank of America’s support, Harbor Care successfully ended veteran homelessness in greater Nashua in 2017 and continues to work toward replicating that success statewide.

Imagine Casino/Concord Casino has received final planning board approval to construct a 44,000-square-foot Phase I Casino in Concord. According to a press release, the venue will feature 26,000 square feet of charitable gaming space with electronic games, table games and poker rooms and various non-gaming amenities such as dining options and live music space. The site plan includes acknowledgment of a Phase II, consisting of a hotel and a 20,000-square-foot expansion and conference center. Established in 2018, Imagine/Concord Casino holds the exclusive right to offer electronic HHR games, including table games and poker, in the capital region of New Hampshire.

Writer Ernest Thompson will attend a screening of the 1982 film On Golden Pond, for which Thompson won a Best Adapted Screenplay Oscar, at the Park Theatre in Jaffrey on Sunday, July 9, at 4 p.m. The movie was filmed at Squam Lake, N.H. According to a press release, Thompson will talk about the movie and his new novel The Book of Maps. Purchase tickets at theparktheatre.org or by calling 532-8888.

Bruce in the USA, a Bruce Springstreen tribute band, will perform at the 15th Annual Benefit Concert and Silent Auction for the Center for Life Management on Friday, July 14, at 6 p.m. at Tupelo Music Hall in Derry. According to a press release, the event aims to bring people together in support of mental health, and proceeds will provide mental health services for un- and underinsured individuals in the local community. See tupelomusichall.com.

This Week 23/06/22

Big Events June 22, 2023 and beyond

Friday, June 23

Tonight is Cue Zero Theatre Co.’s opening night of Be More Chillat the Derry Opera House (29 West Broadway). The show is a sci-fi coming-of-age story about listening to the voices in your head. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. Additional performances are at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 24, and at 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 25. Tickets cost $15 and can be purchased at cztheatre.com.

Saturday, June 24

Visit The Big Little Garden (11 Brackenwood Drive, Nashua) for the garden conservatory’s Open Days and Plant Sale event today from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The garden will be open for people to take walking tours, and the plant sale will have a variety of local plants for people to choose from. Proceeds from the plant sale will go to Kitty Angels, a no-kill cat rescue, shelter and adoption agency, and to Merrimack Community Hospice House. Tickets cost $10 and can be purchased at thebiglittlegarden.com.

Saturday, June 24

Join in the fun at Nashua’s Pride Festival on Saturday, June 24, at 2 p.m. The main location for the festival will be in the parking lot of the Nashua Public Library (2 Court St.). The festival begins with a parade starting at the Elm Street School (117 Elm St.) and traveling down Main Street. For more information about this event, visit nashuanh.gov.

Saturday, June 24

Celebrate man’s best friend at the Second Annual Good Dogs Fest today from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Northwoods Brewing Co. (1334 First NH Turnpike, Northwood). The festival will have more than 30 artists selling their wares, as well as live music and other entertainment. At 2 p.m., there will be a Pet Gala Costume Walk, and all leashed dogs are invited to participate. Mary’s Dogs, a local rescue and adoption agency, will be on site with dogs looking for a forever home. For more information, visit northwoodsbrewingcompany.com.

Sunday, June 25

Attend the ARTalk at the Currier Museum of Art (150 Ash St., Manchester) today at 2 p.m. The talk will be with photographer Gary Samson, a former Artist Laureate of New Hampshire, and will focus on the exhibition “Seeing is Not Believing: Ambiguity in Photography.” This is the final week for this exhibit. Registration for the program costs $15 and can be done at currier.org.

Tuesday, June 27

The Shana Stack Band is performing at the Angela Robinson Bandstand in Henniker today at 6:30 p.m. The six-piece country band has won several awards, including Country Band of the Year and the Fans Choice Award by the Independent Country Music Association. For more information about this event, visit henniker.org.

Save the Date! Friday, July 14
It’s the first day of NASCAR Weekend at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway (1122 Route 106, Loudon). The weekend will be packed with high-octane entertainment, including the annual “Magic Mile” Crayon 301 on Sunday, July 16, at 2:30 p.m. The ticket gates open at 11 a.m. on all three days. Adult tickets cost $59, kids ages 12 and younger are $10. Visit nhms.com for more information or to purchase tickets.

Quality of Life 23/06/22

We’re No. 1!

New Hampshire has been ranked first in the nation for childhood well-being according to the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s KIDS COUNT Data Book. According to a press release from Gov. Chris Sununu’s office, the state has also maintained its position among the top five states across all key indicators for economic well-being, education, health, and family and community factors. “To be ranked the No. 1 state in America for child well-being should be a major point of pride for all Granite Staters,” Sununu said in the release.

QOL Score: +1

Comment: According to Sununu’s release, the recently passed state budget includes further measures to support families and child care providers, including a $15 million workforce fund, enrollment-based payment to child care providers, and expanded eligibility for the Child Care Scholarship program.

We’re No. 3!

According to a study conducted by Wallethub, Nashua has been ranked as the third best-run city in America, while Manchester secured the 13th spot. Wallethub assessed 149 of the largest cities in the United States based on operating efficiency and effectiveness of local leadership. The study considered 36 key performance indicators grouped into six service categories, including financial stability, education, health, safety, economy, and infrastructure and pollution. Nashua excelled in all metrics, achieving the top position for safety.

QOL Score: +1

Comments: Manchester also showcased its strength in infrastructure and pollution, ranking 22nd for that category.

Math champions

The Math Team at NHTI – Concord’s Community College achieved great success in the 2022-2023 Student Mathematics League season, organized by the American Mathematical Association of Two-Year Colleges (AMATYC), securing first place among New England member schools, first in the Northeast region, and ranking 15th nationwide. According to a press release, the season comprised two rounds of competition, with a maximum team score of 200 points per round and a maximum individual score of 40 points per round. In the first round, the team finished second in the Northeast region, led by top scorer Ryan Coyne with 15 points, alongside competitors Ben Eid, Erin Snook and Farhaan Siddiqui. In the second round, the team achieved an impressive score of 101.5 points, securing first place in the Northeast. High scorers in the second round were Anshul Rastogi and Garima Rastogi, both earning 32.5 points, with Ben Eid, Erin Snook and Ryan Coyne also participating. The outstanding combined performance throughout both rounds earned NHTI’s Math Team the top position on the leaderboard and the esteemed Lois A. Martin trophy. Ryan Coyne additionally received a $100 prize for being the highest-performing NHTI participant in the two competition exams.

QOL Score: +1

Comments: NHTI offers a comprehensive mathematics associate degree program, and for details on the program and the Math Team interested individuals can contact Dan Shagena at [email protected].

QOL score: 77

Net change: +3

QOL this week: 80

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

Sox yank NY around Fenway

The Big Story – Sox Sweep Yanks: Not sure if the Red Sox salvaged their season over the weekend. But sweeping the Yankees to make it five wins in their last six tries against them tamped down local yapping about where they’re headed with the 2023 midway point on the horizon.

However, with the trade deadline five weeks away, the mini-surge actually makes it more confusing for the brass to determine whether they should be buyers or sellers when it arrives, as despite starting the week 37-35, they remain in last place with several bodies to climb over just to make the play-in game.

Sports 101: Who holds the NFL’s record for the highest career yards per catch average?

News Item – Did Pats Strike Out on Rodgers?

Count me as one who doesn’t buy WFAN’S Craig Carton’s claim the Patriots made a run at Aaron Rodgers before he was traded to the Jets.

Why? Three reasons.

(1) Because if Bill Belichick didn’t want to pay a guy who actually delivered in the playoffs almost every year $25 million per in Tom Brady, why would he pay $40 million to a guy who never does?

(2) The WFAN host is on his way to join Fox, so having that alleged scoop gives him juice, and having done a stretch in the pen for (wait for it) a ticket scam fraud to pay off debts from his gambling addiction, the track record shows he’s not above lying for his benefit.

(3) With New Yorkers now thinking they finally have an edge over Bill Belichick and company after mostly being defeated by New England in the 22 years since Coach B left them at the altar moments before becoming HC of the NYJ’s, it’s an attempt at one-upmanship from Jetland.

Nice try, Craig.

News Item – Owner Of Champions: Boston may have owned the first two decades of the 21st century in sports. But it seems Stan Kroenke has the lead for the 2020s as each of the three franchises he owns, L.A. Rams, Colorado Avalanche and Denver Nuggets, has won league championships in the NFL, NHL and now NBA in less than 18 months.

News Item – Morant Gets 25-Game Suspension: While it’s not hard to see why, since he technically did nothing illegal it’s interesting the Players Association hasn’t picked a fight over the suspension ofnitwit Memphis point guard Ja Morant for “reckless and irresponsible behavior” after he was seen brandishing a handgun in a video for a second time since February.

The Numbers

6 – Yankees batters in Sunday’s line-up batting under .235.

15 – years still young’n Erik Spoelstra has been head coach of the Miami Heat to place fourth behind Gregg Popovich (27), Jerry Sloan (23) and Red Auerbach (16) for continuous years coaching the same NBA franchise.

16 – wins against just five losses for Nathan Eovaldi (9-3) and Michael Wacha (7-2) who the too cheap Sox brass let walk for the reasonable new contracts they got from Texas and San Diego respectively.

17.9 – awful three-point shooting percentage by the Nuggets as they still somehow managed to close out Miami 94-85 in Game 5 to win the NBA title four games to one.

Random Thoughts:

If you ain’t been paying attention, after going error-less in April, Rafael Devers has made eight in the six weeks since the calendar hit May 1.

That the A-list receiver-needy Pats let DeAndre Hopkins leave last week’s visit to Foxborough without a contract offer says to me they aren’t sold on him for injury, fit or past relationship issues with OC Bill O’Brien reasons.

Thumbs Up – Wyndham Clark: For the 293rd-ranked-in-2022 golfer’s one-shot win over Rory McIlroy for the U.S. Open crown.

Sports 101 Answer: The NFL career leader in yards per catch at 22.5 yards is ’60s New York Giant Homer Jones, who died last week at 83.

A Little History – Homer Jones: As hard as it is to believe now, when he was doing his thing in the ’60s his Giants were still New England’s favorite NFL team. So Homer’s passing hit some old bucks a little differently than many in these parts.

He’s more memorable than most from the era for being one of the new wave speed merchants to hit the NFL then when his intimidating 9.3 speed led to that 22.5 per average that’s still the league’s best 50 years after he retired.

The second reason is more familiar today, as he invented the spike after a TD, which usually came after an electric long-distance hook-up with Fran Tarkenton that was so familiar in those times.

Final Thought – Prediction: If a season-ending reckoning happens with the Red Sox, Alex Cora will take the fall for the mess. Not those really responsible: Chaim Bloom, lapdog team president Sam Kennedy, doofus Tom Werner and most of all absentee (from reality) owner John Henry, who gave Cora the broken down jalopy he’s driving.

Email Dave Long at [email protected].

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