Category: News

Mindful advocate

NAMI NH names new executive director

The National Alliance on Mental Illness New Hampshire chapter welcomed Susan Stearns as its new executive director last month. Stearns discussed the position and how she plans to lead NAMI NH in addressing the state’s mental health care needs. You can reach the NAMI resource line at 1-800-242-6264.

What is your background in this type of work?

I’ve worked in the nonprofit field all of my adult life in New Hampshire, and I’ve been working in mental health for the last 20-plus years. Truthfully, I have stayed in this line of work, being an advocate for people with mental illness, because I have loved ones in my family with mental illness. Having had the [personal] experience of trying to navigate [mental health] systems and challenges, it’s work that ultimately chose me. I’ve been here at NAMI New Hampshire as an employee for almost nine years — I was the deputy director — but I’ve been a longtime member and supporter of NAMI New Hampshire for about 20 years because of my experience as a family member [of people with mental illness].

What does your job as executive director entail?

It’s leading our organization, but also working with our partners across the mental health system to ensure that individuals and families affected by mental illness and suicide can have access to the support and services they need to get treatment, recover and live full lives in their communities. … NAMI New Hampshire is part of a nationally recognized suicide prevention program, so we offer suicide prevention and intervention training; we offer postvention training for communities after a suicide loss; and we do a lot of work with survivors of suicide loss and survivors of suicide attempts.

What are some of New Hampshire’s greatest needs when it comes to mental health care?

The biggest need that we’re seeing is access to care. New Hampshire has, for probably close to nine years now, had a real problem with people experiencing mental health crises being able to access crisis care in a timely fashion. … We’ve seen some significant strides in recent years toward [addressing] that; on Jan. 1 of this year, New Hampshire launched its rapid response access points and statewide rapid response mobile team. … People [experiencing a mental health crisis] will now have access to a proper response [from mental health professionals] as opposed to having to call 911 and get a response from law enforcement. That’s going to be transformational for our system.

How has the pandemic impacted mental health care in the state?

The need for mental health care has gone up, and we’re seeing and hearing from a lot of folks who are struggling to get initial appointments with providers. That, of course, is very concerning, because what is the long-term impact for folks who are reaching out, needing help, and not able to access that care in a timely way? How does that play out? Do they wind up in a mental health crisis further down the road if they aren’t able to get that earlier intervention? … I also want to point out that our mental health workforce providers are, at the same time, experiencing the same challenges that all of us are going through at this time. They’re helping people through these challenges when they, too, are living through them. The pandemic has really impacted everyone’s mental health.

What do you hope to accomplish as director?

Advocating for individuals and families affected by mental illness and suicide, and advocating for … long-term investments to ensure that we have a robust system … of mental health services. … Ideally, we would have a system [in which] people would be able to access the level of care they need when they need it so they don’t have to board in an emergency department.

What do you find rewarding about this work?

I had the opportunity a week or so ago to … sit in on a meeting with a group of high school students … who have experienced suicide loss in their school communities and have really stepped into a leadership role around creating a safe space for students to be open with their mental health needs, support each other, dispel stigma and bring mental health out into the open. That was one of the most inspiring conversations I’ve gotten to listen to in a while. … We also have speakers … who are folks living with mental illness who are trained to tell their story and offer up hope in that process. It’s always really moving to hear those stories and realize how folks can go through some very dark days, but, with help and by seeking treatment, they can come out on the other side, so to speak, and be able to then share that story of hope with others and help to promote hope and healing. It’s those moments — seeing that transference of hope or people holding onto hope for each other — that is one of the most rewarding things I experience.

Featured photo: Susan Stearns. Courtesy photo.

News & Notes 22/02/17

Covid-19 update As of Feb 7 As of Feb 11
Total cases statewide 284,180 288,191
Total current infections statewide 6,277 5,343
Total deaths statewide 2,260 2,294
New cases 7,324 (Feb. 1 to Feb. 7) 4,011 (Feb. 8 to Feb. 11)
Current infections: Hillsborough County 1,596 1,314
Current infections: Merrimack County 632 547
Current infections: Rockingham County 978 769
Information from the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services.

Covid-19 news

On Feb. 11, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration announced in a press release that its virtual advisory committee meeting discussing possible emergency use authorization approval of the Pfizer vaccine in children ages 6 months to 4 years old has been postponed. The meeting had been scheduled for Feb. 15 but was postponed following new data findings from Pfizer’s ongoing clinical trials, according to the release. A new date has yet to be scheduled as of Feb. 14.

The same day, the FDA greenlit emergency use authorization for a new monoclonal antibody against the omicron variant. According to a press release, the authorization for bebtelovimab is for treatment of mild to moderate Covid in people ages 12 and up. The drug is not authorized for patients who are hospitalized or require oxygen therapy due to Covid.

In New Hampshire, health officials reported 531 new Covid cases on Feb. 11. The state averaged 635 new cases per day over the most recent seven-day period, a decrease of 36 percent compared to the week before. Hospitalizations stood at 174 statewide as of Feb. 11.

Revenues up

Last week Department of Administrative Services Commissioner Charlie Arlinghaus announced New Hampshire’s updated revenue projections for Fiscal Year 2022-2023, with estimates indicating that revenue will be $283.8 million over plan. “Republicans in Concord cut taxes and our economy is seeing record-setting results,” Gov. Chris Sununu said in a statement after the announcement. “By cutting taxes in New Hampshire, businesses have flooded in, revenues are through the roof, and our economy is soaring. This model has proven successful and New Hampshire families are seeing results.”

Superintendent resigns

Dr. John Goldhardt has stepped down as superintendent of the Manchester School District. The Manchester Board of School Committee announced his resignation Feb. 11 and said it was effective that day at 5 p.m. According to a press release, Goldhardt will still be an employee of the district until June 30, though he will not be acting in a superintendent capacity during that time. The decision was “an amicable transitional employment agreement with all parties involved, the release said. “I want to thank Dr. Goldhardt for his service to the City of Manchester,” Mayor Joyce Craig said in the release. “The past few years have been challenging. I understand Dr. Goldhardt’s desire to move closer to his family and wish him the best moving forward.” An interim superintendent was expected to be nominated and voted upon at the regularly scheduled Board of School Committee meeting on Feb. 14, and a special committee will be named to begin the search process for a new superintendent, the release said.

New commission

An order establishing the Governor’s Commission on Cryptocurrencies and Digital Assets was signed by Gov. Chris Sununu last week. According to a press release, the new commission will be responsible for reviewing and investigating the cryptocurrency and digital asset industry, as well as federal and state laws and regulatory rules and laws of international jurisdictions; holding public hearings; making findings and determinations regarding possible modifications and improvements to laws and regulations; and supporting any proposed legislation or regulations. Membership will include the Attorney General, or designee; the Commissioner of the Bank Department, or designee; one state senator recommended by the Senate President; one state representative recommended by the Speaker of the House; one representative of the New Hampshire Bankers Association who is a resident of the state; one representative of the Cooperative Credit Union Association who is a resident of the state; three public members with experience with cryptocurrencies, digital assets and the provision of services to institutions or consumers with respect to digital assets; and three additional members. A report with the commission’s findings, determinations and recommendations will be presented within 180 days, the release said. “New Hampshire is a hub of financial innovation, and this Executive Order will further our commitment to attracting high-quality banking and financial businesses in a safe and responsible manner,” Gov. Chris Sununu said in the release.

2021 drug deaths

Chief Forensic Investigator Kim Fallon of the state’s Office of Chief Medical Examiner released a report last week with the number of drug deaths in 2021. According to the report, there were 416 total deaths, with “fentanyl with or without other drugs” accounting for the greatest number of that total at 197 deaths. One hundred seven deaths are still pending toxicology. “If all the pending toxicology deaths are confirmed and no unsuspected drug deaths are identified, then the number of drug deaths in 2021 will be essentially the same as in 2020,” Fallon said in the release.

Summer enrichment

A free summer enrichment program for all New Hampshire students in kindergarten through 8th grade will be available to help students who have experienced learning loss due to the pandemic. According to a press release, the Prenda Discovery Summer Camp will provide assistance to students in a personalized, small-group setting. There are four two-week segments from July 5 through Aug. 26 that will be led by Prenda Guides in various locations, including homes, libraries, community centers and more. “While the pandemic has resulted in missed learning opportunities for many children, summer learning programs can empower youth and narrow achievement gaps,” said Frank Edelblut, commissioner of education. “This free educational platform will offer project-based and collaborative summer learning that targets creativity in the arts, technology, science and engineering.” For more information, contact support@prenda.com.

Easterseals Camp Sno-Mo located in Gilmanton Iron Works was the recipient of a $161,384 donation after hundreds of snowmobilers gathered in Shelburne for the 50th Annual Ride-In to benefit the camp. According to a press release, local snowmobile clubs raised the money throughout the year through fundraising efforts like spaghetti suppers and bake sales. Camp Sno-Mo is for campers ages 11 to 21 with disabilities and special needs who participate alongside Boy Scouts in activities like water sports, team sports, hiking, archery, a ropes course and crafts, the release said.

On Feb. 11, U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen visited the Commercial Driving School in Concord to talk with trucking industry leaders about the importance of training qualified commercial truck drivers to address supply chain challenges. According to a press release, the state has received a 90-day waiver to adjust state laws to comply with new requirements of the Entry Level Driver Training program. “A robust trucker workforce is key to avoiding any bottlenecks in the supply and delivery of goods, and it’s clear the Commercial Driving School is hard at work training the next generation of truckers,” Shaheen said in the release.

NH Audubon’s Twitcher Reunion Tour Team in Rye took home the “Townie Award” during the Semi-Superbowl of Birding on Feb. 5, according to a press release. The competition involves looking for as many bird species as possible in 12 hours, and the team spent the entire day in Rye, tallying 62 species, including a thick-billed murre, a razorbill and a black guillemot, all relatives of the puffin, as well as a gray catbird and a yellow-rumped warbler, which usually don’t stick around in the winter, the release said.

This Week 22/02/10

Big Events Feb 10, 2022 and beyond

Thursday, Feb. 10

Robert Irvine, celebrity chef and host of Restaurant:Impossible on the Food Network, will sign bottles of his Irvine Dry Gin and Irvine Vodka at the New Hampshire Liquor and Wine Outlet in Bedford (9 Leavy Drive) today from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 10

Catch Stephen Decuire at Stones Social (449 Amherst St. in Nashua; 943-7445, stonessocial.com) tonight at 6 p.m. Find more live music at area bars and restaurants in our Music This Week listing on page 35.

Friday, Feb. 11

The Full Monty, the musical based on the 1997 film, continues its run at the Palace Theatre (80 Hanover St. in Manchester; palacetheatre.org, 668-5588) this weekend with shows tonight at 7:30 p.m.; tomorrow, Feb. 12, at 2 and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 13, at noon. Tickets cost $39 and $46 (plus fees).

Also from the Palace today, Feb. 11, a vaccine clinic will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Palace’s Spotlight Room (96 Hanover St. in Manchester). This walk-in clinic is offering Pfizer, Moderna and J&J vaccines for first, second or booster doses to anyone 5 and older, according to the website.

Friday, Feb. 11

“What even is this?” followed by “this is awesome!” might be your reaction to the trailer for New Worlds: The Cradle of Civilization, a concert film (sort of) featuring the final performance of the European tour of cellist Jan Vogler, violinist Mira Wang, pianist Vanessa Perez and Bill Murray on vocals. Yes, that Bill Murray — who sings, recites poetry and more. The performance was from 2018; the broadcast will be tonight at 7 p.m. at the Bank of NH Stage (16 S. Main St. in Concord; ccanh.com, where you can find a trailer for the film). Tickets cost $18 for reserved seating (plus fees). Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 11

Get some laughs with Drew Dunn and Jim Lauletta at Tupelo Music Hall (10 A St. in Derry; tupelomusichall.com) during tonight’s Tupelo Comedy Night at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $22.

Sunday, Feb. 13

It’s (stakes-free for New England fans) Super Bowl Sunday! The Cincinnati Bengals and the Los Angeles Rams will meet in Los Angeles for Super Bowl LVI with game time at 6:30 p.m. on NBC.

Want to participate in some competition yourself? The Primary Bank Super Sunday 4-Miler, a 4-mile race in Bedford, starts at 9:30 a.m. on Nashua Road. Registration costs $35 through Saturday, $40 on race day (based on availability); registration for youth (under 21) costs $30 through Saturday and $35 on race day, according to millenniumrunning.com.

Monday, Feb. 14

It’s Valentine’s Day! Though advance RSVPs are strongly encouraged, you may still be able to find a spot for you and your sweetie to grab a bite. Find our listing of Valentine’s Day meals (some of which are available earlier in the weekend) in the Feb. 3 issue of the paper on page 22. The e-edition is available at hippopress.com.

Save the date! Thursday, Feb. 24

Alton Brown, Food Network host beloved by “but why and how?” food nerds, comes to the Capitol Center for the Arts’ Chubb Theatre (44 S. Main St. in Concord; ccanh.com) on Thursday, Feb. 24. The show starts at 7 p.m., doors open at 6 p.m. This “Beyond the Eats” tour is billed as a “culinary variety show” on the Cap Center website. Tickets start at $54.50. For Alton Brown merch and more on what he’s been up to, see altonbrown.com.

Featured photo. Alton Brown. Courtesy photo.

Quality of Life 22/02/10

Olympians represent

New Hampshire ranks 12th for the number of athletes who have participated in a Winter Olympics game on behalf of Team USA, according to a recent report from BeenVerified, a public information website. Four New Hampshire-born athletes are in Beijing right now, which did not change the ranking; prior to this year, 47 state-born athletes have participated in the Winter Olympics. Those athletes have earned 19 medals, making them 9th in the country for total medals, and 8th for gold with six medals, the report said. Top cities by birthplace are Easton (six medals); Hanover, Derry and Salem (three medals); and Concord (two medals).

Score: +1

Comment: The top Olympic sport in New Hampshire, according to the report? Alpine skiing.

Students speaking up, sparking change

Central High School has a new dress code, thanks to senior and Manchester School Board student rep Kellan Barbee, who rewrote the outdated code that had been in effect since the ’80s. According to a report from NHPR, the new code — the first policy in the district authored by a student — allows items that were formally prohibited, like spaghetti straps, tube tops, ripped jeans, do-rags, bonnets and hats, while wearing the hood of a hoodie, see-through clothing and attire displaying messages with profanity and hate speech are still prohibited. The update has been a long time coming, with students asking for it for years; Barbee wrote the new code with other students’ input. For example, he told NHPR, the district wanted to keep the hat ban, but after hearing about homeless peers who didn’t have access to hair products and showers, Barbee made it a priority to get rid of it.

Score: +1

Comment: “My goal is not to impose my own views on dress — on students, on staff, on the district. It is to bring student voices to the table,” Barbee told NHPR.

Because you can’t do this in Florida

Special Olympics New Hampshire is gearing up for its two biggest fundraisers, the Penguin Plunge and the Winni Dip, and for the second year, participants are being asked to take a DIY approach in light of Covid. According to a press release, the theme of this year’s events is “Survivor,” and participants will have “Survivor Packs” delivered to their home, school or office, with items packed into a pail that can be used for do-it-yourself plunging. Penguin Plunge Weekend is Feb. 12 and Feb. 13 and includes the Penguin Plunge, the High School Plunge, Prep School Plunge and the new Middle School Plunge. Winni Dip Weekend is March 12 and March 13 and includes the Law Enforcement Dip, The Winni Dip, High School Dip, Middle School Dip and the MEGA Dip. Participants can register online at sonh.org; all fundraising can be done online, and most participants can meet the fundraising minimums in less than 72 hours, according to the release.

Score: +1

Comment: SONH President and CEO Mary Conroy said that they were pleasantly surprised last year by the turnout and participants’ creativity. “We had everything last year from schools utilizing their local fire departments to help students plunge, to individuals plunging on their own in lots of fun and creative ways,” she said in the release.

Late for love

A Google Trends analysis that looked at searches for “last minute Valentine’s Day gift ideas” shows that New Hampshire ranks 10th in the U.S. for gift-buying procrastination. According to a report from wholesale trade printer 4over, waiting until the last minute seems to be a trend on the East Coast, with New Jersey coming in first and Maryland, Rhode Island, New York and Virginia round out the Top 5, while Connecticut and Massachusetts joined New Hampshire in the Top 10.

Score: -1

Comment: Valentine’s Day is Monday, Feb. 14 — just sayin’.

QOL score: 57

Net change: +2

QOL this week: 59

What’s affecting your Quality of Life here in New Hampshire? Let us know at news@hippopress.com.

All-time Super Bowl team

I’ll be adding to my world record on Sunday of having seen every Super Bowl game ever played. While I can’t say I’m looking at this one with a high degree of anticipation, I do like that I’m part of the crowd that has seen them all. Especially as it’s now a dwindling group. Not quite on par with the shrinking number of D-Day survivors, but it does qualify me to start cataloging my historical record. Which today takes the form of naming my All-time Super Bowl team.

We’ll start with the coach.

Coach – Joe Gibbs: A lot of worthy candidates here, including Vince Lombardi for winning the first two, Chuck Noll for going 4-0, 3-0 Bill Walsh and Tom Coughlin for engineering two, ah, Giant upsets. Coach B did win six times, but he also lost three and got outcoached by Coughlin twice. And there’s also the Malcolm Butler mystery. But it’s supposed to be a QB’s league and Gibbs was 3-0 with three different QB’s, who were all mediocre at best, so I’ll go with him.

Special Teams

Kicker – Adam V: Do I need to explain?

Returner – Desmond Howard: Devin Hester opened SB-41 with a TD return, and Jacoby Jones’ 108-yarder is the longest play in SB history, but Howard destroyed the Parcells Pats in SB-31 with 90 punt return yards and 154 on kickoffs, including a back-breaking 99-yard TD that basically ended the game.

Punter – Ryan Allen: My MVP in SB-53 over Julian Edelman when the Rams scored just 3 points vs. NE mainly because he pinned L.A. inside their 10-yard line five times.

Defense

DE – L. C. Greenwood: The all-time sack leader as Pittsburgh put up two dominant defensive efforts in SB-9 and 10.

DE – Charles Haley: Was a D key for five wins with SF and Dallas.

DT – Mean Joe Greene: Pittsburgh’s D was impenetrable in those just-mentioned wins and he was the leader.

DT – Justin Tuck: With two sacks and two QB hits, he murdered the Pats when the G-Men ended hope of an undefeated season in SB -42.

MLB – Ray Lewis: The Baltimore D was steel against NY in 2000 and vs. SF in 2012 so he gets the nod over Jack Lambert and Mike Singletary.

OLB – Chuck Howley: Even though it came for Dallas in the horrid SB-5 between two inept offenses, the only player from a losing team to be MVP has to get this, right?

OLB – Mike Vrabel: He, Tedy Bruschi and Willie McGinest are tied for most sacks (3) by an LB, but Vrabel drilled Kurt Warner’s arm to force the game-changing duck Ty Law pick-sixed for NE’s early 7-0 lead in SB-36.

CB – Ty Law: There’s part A above and part B was being the lynch pin that shutdown the most prolific passing attack in league history that day.

CB – Larry Brown: Was a starter for three Dallas wins in the ’90s when he had a record three picks, including two vs. Pittsburgh when he was MVP in SB-30.

S – Jake Scott: Was another MVP defender for two picks in the mind-numbingly boring SB-7 match-up with Washington that closed out Miami’s undefeated season.

S – Rodney Harrison: All-time leader in tackles with 34 and had a two-pick day vs. Eagles in SB-39.

Offense

T – Joe Jacoby: Was dominant in three SB wins, especially as John Riggins rumbled for 166 and Timmy Smith 204 when the Redskins piled up 276 and 280 rushing yards in wins over Miami and Denver in SB’s 17 and 22

T – Forrest Gregg: The best player Vince Lombardi said he ever coached started when Green Bay won the first two SB’s and as Dallas won SB-6.

G – Russ Grimm: See Jacoby’s entry. He also started in all three games.

G – Larry Allen: The key to the Cowboys’ run of three wins in four years was the running game and he was their best O-lineman.

C – Jeff Bostic: Hard to grade centers but he was part of the Hogs in the three Washington wins.

WR – Jerry Rice: No competition here for the all-time leader in everything.

WR – Deion Branch: Nips Lynn Swann for having 21 catches in SB-38 and 39 when he could have been MVP of the first and was in the second.

TE – Rob Gronkowski: Second behind Rice in total receptions (29), receiving yards (364 tied with Swann) and TD catches (5). No other TE is in the top 10 in any of those categories.

TB – Terrell Davis: He ran for a fourth best 259 yards in two Denver wins with a high of 157 vs. GB in 32.

FB – Franco Harris: All due respect to the plowhorse Riggins, Long Island’s own Matt Snell,the real MVP of the Jets’ earth-shattering upset of Baltimore in SB-3 (not Joe Willie), bruising Larry Csonka and rushing TD leader (5) Emmitt Smith. But it goes to the all-time leading rusher with 354 yards in Pittsburgh’s first four wins.

QB – Joe Montana: Sorry, TB-12 fans. But Joe Cool has the highest QB rating ever at 127.3 to TB’s 97.7, never threw an interception in 122 passes, led the last-minute drive to beat Cincy 20-16 on a pass to John Taylor with 34 seconds left, was a three-time MVP and 4-0 in the big game. He won seven times, has all the records, including the two highest passing yard games (467 and 505), and engineered major comebacks vs. Seattle and vs. Atlanta. But he also lost three times and while he was a five-time MVP, he shouldn’t have been in SB-36, when he threw for only 145 yards while the O scored just one TD, or last year, because when a team blanks Patrick Mahomes the MVP is someone from the D.

On the home front

New Hampshire Housing names new executive director

New Hampshire Housing, an organization dedicated to growing affordable housing in the state, welcomed Robert Dapice as its new executive director and CEO last month. Dapice discussed the position and how he plans to lead New Hampshire Housing in addressing New Hampshire’s housing needs.

What is your background in this type of work?

I worked … in construction for seven years. … I got a job for a construction company in Concord and did some work in the housing space. That’s when I really came to appreciate the value of New Hampshire’s communities and villages and main streets. I did some volunteer work … that draws upon volunteers from the design and construction and engineering industries to help communities solve design problems. Through that, I became aware of New Hampshire Housing and applied for a job there. That was seven years ago, and I’ve been working here since then, mostly on multi-family development but also on compliance and development [issues], working with partners and developers who are trying to create new housing initiatives and opportunities for people across the state.

What does your job as executive director entail?

This is a period of transition for New Hampshire Housing. … We’re running an emergency rental assistance program to help [renters] who have been [financially] affected by Covid to be able to stay in their homes. We’re also getting ready to launch a homeowners assistance fund to help [homeowners] with mortgage or utility payments they’ve fallen behind on. A lot of what I’m doing is helping to support the team and making sure they have the resources they need … to run those programs. There’s also a certain amount of external engagement, like working with GOFER, [which is] the Governor’s Office for Emergency Relief and Recovery … and answering questions for legislators when they’re considering legislation that might affect the housing economy.

What are some of New Hampshire’s greatest needs when it comes to housing?

Demographically, [New Hampshire] households have been getting smaller, which has created a need for more smaller types of housing. We have a lot of larger single-family homes, which were developed at a time when it was more common [to see] larger families with more kids, but now, there are a lot of one- and two-person households … and people who are looking to downsize. … When people have trouble moving into homeownership opportunities, they stay in their apartments, which puts pressure on [renters] who are more vulnerable or housing-insecure. We also need more supportive housing for people with significant challenges … like people who are [experiencing] homelessness, substance abuse disorders and mental illness … and housing for the workforce.

How has the pandemic impacted housing in the state?

Covid has affected housing by changing people’s preferences. To some degree, the school closures early in the pandemic, coupled with the ability or need to work from home, has put additional pressure on the homeownership market. Another effect is … homelessness [among] people who have been in unstable [housing] situations, like living with their relatives or couchsurfing with friends; a lot of those arrangements became untenable during the pandemic [due to] fear of infection or people needing more space [at home] to do remote school or work.

What do you hope to accomplish as director, short-term and long-term?

Short-term, to continue running emergency relief programs efficiently and with compassion to help get people through what is still a really difficult time, and … to figure out how we’re going to evolve to reflect the changes in people’s lives and in the housing landscape. … Long-term, we’re working on a range of initiatives to create new housing across the spectrum of communities and housing types … and [the types of] housing that people in the state want and need.

What do you find rewarding about this work?

The work we do [like] helping first-time homebuyers afford new homes [and] creating new opportunities for multi-family rental housing … is essential to meet the [housing] needs of the state, and to help people find a good home when they might not otherwise be able to afford one. That’s incredibly satisfying. … I feel lucky to work here.

Featured photo: Robert Dapice. Courtesy photo.

News & Notes 22/02/10

Covid-19 update As of Jan 31 As of Feb 7
Total cases statewide 276,856 284,180
Total current infections statewide 10,436 6,277
Total deaths statewide 2,209 2,260
New cases 11,716 (Jan. 25 to Jan. 31) 7,324 (Feb. 1 to Feb. 7)
Current infections: Hillsborough County 2,890 1,596
Current infections: Merrimack County 1,158 632
Current infections: Rockingham County 1,762 978
Information from the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services.

Covid-19 news

On Jan. 31, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration fully approved the Moderna vaccine against Covid-19 for people ages 18 and older, according to a press release. It becomes the second Covid vaccine to receive full authorization in the U.S. following the approval of the Pfizer vaccine back on Aug. 23 — both had previously only been approved under emergency authorization status. “While hundreds of millions of doses have been administered … we understand that for some individuals, FDA approval of this vaccine may instill additional confidence in making the decision to get vaccinated,” acting FDA commissioner Janet Woodcock said in a statement. The following day, Feb. 1, the FDA announced that a virtual advisory committee meeting will take place to discuss the possibility of emergency use authorization approval of the Pfizer vaccine for use in children ages 6 months to 4 years old. The meeting is scheduled for Feb. 15.

An initial round of 500,000 Covid test kits became available across all 67 New Hampshire Liquor & Wine Outlet stores as of Feb. 4, according to a press release from Gov. Chris Sununu’s office. Kits are sold for $11.29 apiece while supplies last. According to the release, there is no age requirement to purchase a test kit, and anyone can buy as many as they would like. As the state purchases and acquires more test kits, the NHLC plans to restock shelves at each store.

State health officials announced 779 new positive Covid test results on Feb. 7. The state averaged 804 new cases per day over the most recent seven-day period, a 40-percent decrease compared to the previous seven-day average. As of Feb. 7 there were 6,277 active cases, down from more than 10,000 on Jan. 31, and 206 active hospitalizations.

High-speed internet

Residents who can’t afford high-speed internet services may be eligible for discounts through the federal Affordable Connectivity Program, created to help ensure that people who struggle financially can stay connected to family members, friends, health care providers and work. According to a press release, applications are now being accepted for the program, and eligible recipients could get a discount of up to $30 per month for high-speed internet services, as well as a one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, desktop computer or tablet purchased through a participating provider. “The pandemic has shown us that access to high-speed internet is not a luxury; it is a necessity,” Todd Fahey, State Director of AARP NH, said in the release. New Hampshire residents who have a household income of less than $25,760 for a single-family household or $43,540 for a couple, or who qualify for the Lifeline program or Medicaid or receive SNAP or WIC benefits, Federal Public Housing Assistance or Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefits may be eligible. This program modifies and extends the temporary Emergency Broadband Benefit program in effect last year as part of Covid-19 relief, the release said.

Housing Commission

Manchester’s Housing Commission nominees have been approved by Mayor Joyce Craig. According to a press release, the creation of a Housing Commission follows recommendations made by the Mayor’s Affordable Housing Task Force last year. “We’ve already begun to make significant progress on the Affordable Housing Taskforce recommendations, moving forward with changes to zoning ordinances, developments on City-owned land, adding additional resources to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, and more,” Craig said in the release. “The inaugural members of Manchester’s Housing Commission are uniquely qualified to continue this work. They bring a range of perspectives and backgrounds from housing advocacy, to development, to housing and homelessness service providers.” The commission will be responsible for following up on the task force’s recommendations, the release said. Founding members of the commission are Jean Noel Mugabo, Zachery Palmer, Peter Capano, Jessica Margeson and Chris Wellington, along with alternate members Joseph Wichert and Kate Marquis.

Community grants

Manchester’s Planning and Community Development Department has launched a new Community Event and Activation Grant program, part of the American Rescue Plan Act recommendations approved by the Board of Mayor and Aldermen in 2021. According to a press release, the grant program provides up to $10,000 to support and increase the number of community-based projects and events to help the Queen City recover from the negative effects of the pandemic. Examples of eligible projects include public art installations, outdoor seating or bike racks and events such as concerts in the park, neighborhood block parties or sporting events, the release said, and applicants can apply for up to $10,000 per grant but are required to provide a 25 percent match for each request. The first round application is due March 31.

Police cameras

Grant funds are now available to local and county law enforcement agencies to purchase body-worn and dashboard cameras. According to a press release, the fund is a key recommendation of the Governor’s Commission on Law Enforcement Accountability, Community and Transparency that encouraged all law enforcement agencies to acquire and use these cameras. Agencies can be reimbursed up to $50,000 for the purchase of body-worn or dashboard cameras, software maintenance for the cameras and maintenance and storage of data related to the cameras, the release said. “The safety of all law enforcement officers across the state is imperative,” New Hampshire Department of Safety Commissioner Robert Quinn said in the release. “These grant funds will help departments put important equipment in place to protect officers who put their lives at risk every day and enhance trust with the public they serve.”

Housing a priority

Stay Work Play’s biggest legislative focus area for the 2022 legislative session is housing affordability. According to a press release, half of the 18 bills that the organization — a nonpartisan advocacy program focused on public policy issues that affect whether young people will choose to live in the Granite State — have taken a position on this year are aimed at making the Granite State a more affordable place to live. Other focus areas include child care, outdoor recreation, and diversity, equity and inclusion. “Given the effect of public policy on the attraction and retention of young Granite Staters, having Stay Work Play’s voice in Concord is important,” Rep. Joe Alexander of Goffstown said in the release. Stay Work Play Executive Director Will Stewart will be involved in direct lobbying at the Statehouse, and the Stay Work Play Advocacy Network, with nearly 70 young people from across the state, will reach out to the legislators who represent them to speak on behalf of Stay Work Play’s policy positions, the release said.

The annual New England Pond Hockey Classic on Lake Winnipesaukee in Meredith was canceled last weekend due to a storm and unsafe ice conditions, according to the event website. More than 500 games were set to be played by more than 275 teams across 26 rinks Feb. 4 through Feb. 6, the website said.

Skaters in kilts took to the ice at White Park in Concord on Feb. 6 as New Hampshire Scot hosted the Great Kilt Skate, according to a report from WMUR. “It looks like there are probably 30 people here skating in tartans right now, and more keep coming through, so we’re happy with that, we’re excited,” NH Scot Executive Director Terry Wiltse told WMUR, noting that it was only one of two Great Kilt Skates in the U.S. this year — the other being in New York City.

On Feb. 4, students from Bow High School met virtually with students from Pedro Gomes High School in Cabo Verde. According to a press release, the meeting was hosted by members of the United States Embassy staff, as well as Gov. Chris Sununu and soldiers from New Hampshire’s National Guard, who traveled to the Republic of Cabo Verde for a signing ceremony to officially establish a State Partnership under the National Guard Bureau’s State Partnership Program. Pedro Gomes High School has agreed to partner with Bow High School as part of the effort to forge a connection between citizens while strengthening military partnerships, the release said.

This Week 22/02/03

Big Events January 27, 2022 and beyond

Thursday, Feb. 3

Let Enter the Haggis kick off the weekend spirit early tonight at 8 p.m. at the Bank of NH Stage (16 S. Main St. in Concord; ccanh.com). Admission costs $18 for general admission, $25 for a reserved balcony seating (plus fees). Listen to songs from the band’s newest album, The Archer’s Parade, at enterthehaggis.com.

Some the other shows on the schedule at the Capitol Center for the Arts and the Bank of NH Stage: Spamilton — An American Parody on Friday, Feb. 4, at 8 p.m. at the Cap Center; Mike Daws and Yasmin Williams at the Bank of NH Stage on Saturday, Feb. 5, at 8 p.m.; The Brothers Brothers at the Bank of NH Stage on Sunday, Feb. 6, at 7 p.m., and, also at the Bank of NH Stage, Andrew North and the Rangers on Thursday, Feb. 10, at 8 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 3

Liven up your winter evening with a little poetry and music. Rob Azevedo will read from his book of poetry, Don’t Order the Calamari, and musicians Becca Myari and Todd Hearon will perform tonight at 6 p.m. at the Bookery Manchester (844 Elm St. in downtown Manchester; bookerymht.com). Admission is free but go online to register. Angie Sykeny talked to Azevedo when he released his first book of poetry, Turning on the Wasp; find that story in the May 6, 2021, issue of the Hippo (page 14). Click on “view more” under E-Editions to find older issues of the Hippo.

Friday, Feb. 4

Catch up with the University of New Hampshire team sending an experiment to the International Space Station tonight at 7 p.m. as part of the virtual Super Stellar Friday program at the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center (2 Institute Drive in Concord; starhop.com, 271-7827). Team Cooke NoMADS — Novel Methods of Antibiotic Discovery in Space — will explain their experiment and talk about their experiences working with NASA, according to the website, where you can register for this free virtual program.

The center is open for in-person visits, Fridays through Sundays with sessions from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 1:30 to 4 p.m. Admission costs $11.50 for adults, $10.50 for students and seniors, $8.50 for children ages 3 to 12 and free for kids 2 and under. Planetarium tickets are an additional $5 per person. Reserve tickets for a session online in advance.

Friday, Feb. 4

Comedian Jim Colliton brings the laughs to the Rex Theatre (23 Amherst St. in Manchester; 668-5588, palacetheatre.org) tonight at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $25 and can be purchased at the Palace website, where you can find a link to clips from Colliton’s DryBar sets.

Saturday, Feb. 5

Get some fresh produce and fresh baked goods and other must-haves for a yummy weekend at the Contoocook Farmers Market today from 9 a.m. to noon at Maple Street School (194 Maple St. in Contoocook).

Save the date! Galentine’s Day

Grab your besties and your vaccination card for a screening of Bridesmaids (R, 2011) on Sunday, Feb. 13, at 10 a.m. at Red River Theatres (11 S. Main St. in Concord; redrivertheatres.org, 224-4600). Tickets cost $12. The screening is a “snax and vax” screening, which means that the concession stand will be open and attendees are required to show proof of full vaccination.

Featured photo. Enter the Haggis. Courtesy photo.

Quality of Life 22/02/03

Winter weather cancels Winter Festival

Intown Concord sent out a notice last Saturday to inform people that almost all of the events at that day’s Winter Festival were canceled because of the snowstorm. “This is really disappointing for everyone involved [but] safety is our number one priority. Intown Concord will be working to reschedule as many elements from today’s festival as we can for the springtime,” Intown wrote in the notice.

Score: -2

Comment: The exceptions were the ice carvers and the ice bar – “the ice carvers are a hardy crew,” the notice read. The carvings were done on the Statehouse lawn, with the plan that they would remain on display for about a week.

Keeping college costs down

For the fourth year in a row, the University System of New Hampshire is freezing in-state tuition for the upcoming academic year. According to a press release, university system schools currently provide more aid to more students than at any other time in their history, and students are paying less on average to attend these public institutions than in-state students paid five years ago. The University of New Hampshire campuses in Durham and Manchester, Plymouth State University and Keene State College continue to offer the Granite Guarantee program, which makes college affordable for more than 1,800 New Hampshire residents by covering the full cost of in-state tuition for all who qualify.

Score: +1

Comment: Ninety-five percent of first-year students attending University System of New Hampshire schools currently receive some form of financial aid, the release said.

Supporting our health care heroes

For the second year, the NH Healthcare Heroes effort is recognizing outstanding professionals in the health care community, naming one hero for each of the state’s seven regions. According to a press release, the winners were nominated by colleagues, family, friends and patients and were chosen by a volunteer committee made up of health care professionals across the state. Locally, winners are Laura “Beth” Nagy, director of rehabilitation services at New Hampshire Hospital in Concord; Matt Bouchie, homeless outreach coordinator at the Mental Health Center of Greater Manchester; and Stacy Dionne, clinical nurse manager at Lamprey Health Care in Raymond.

Score: +1

Comment: Winners are being honored during pinning ceremonies with their employers, and runners-up stories will be shared on social media at facebook.com/healthcareheroesnh, according to the release.

Giving girls a Sporting Chance

Girls Inc. of New Hampshire is collaborating with Harvard Pilgrim Health Care in support of healthy living and access to sports through its Sporting Chance Program, which provides opportunities to young girls to participate in physical activities and develop good habits that will benefit their physical and mental health. According to a press release, both the Nashua and Manchester Girls Inc. centers offer the program, with activities like basketball, yoga, soccer and racquet sports.

Score: +1

Comment: “Sporting Chance provides girls a safe and supportive environment to participate in competitive and recreational activities and sporting events and empowers girls to succeed,” Sharron McCarthy, CEO of Girls Inc. New Hampshire, said in the release.

QOL score: 56

Net change: +1

QOL this week: 57

What’s affecting your Quality of Life here in New Hampshire? Let us know at news@hippopress.com.

That was the week that was

When it rains it pours and that’s what happened in sports over just a few days last week. Rather than decide which story is biggest of the big, we’ll give all a mention in News Item fashion and come back to each in more detail during quieter weeks after the Super Bowl.

News Item: Brady Retired

While ESPN stood by its reporting last weekend that forever young Tom Brady was retiring, his father, Tom Sr., said he wasn’t. But Brady made his retirement official via Twitter on Tuesday. My bet is the news was leaked early because the decision was made long ago as part of a deal with his wife where he got to play two more years if they moved to a place she liked living in more than New England. But what do I know.

In any event, if it is the end, I can’t say he was the greatest player ever, because how do you tell if a QB is better at his job than greats like Jerry Rice, Jim Brown or Lawrence Taylor were at their respective, very different, jobs? But I do know after throwing for 40 and 43 TD passes in his last two years, he joins Brown, Sandy Koufax and Barry Sanders as the only guys I know of to retire while still at their peak. And, since he was the best ever at the position most critical to team success, he’s the most valuable football player ever. Something we got to view up close for 20 years. So thanks for the memories. It’s hard to imagine a better fan experience than we got from TB-12.

News Item: Ortiz Walks Through That HoF Door

Since we’re a week behind we won’t rehash the numbers. Instead I’ll say Sox President Sam Kennedy was right saying that David Ortiz is the most important Red Sox player ever. Yes, that means even over Ted Williams. Why? Because he was the straw that stirred the drink as the Sox won their first three World Series in nearly a century, and Ted never even won once. The stats are nice, but winning matters most.

I thought the 78 percent Hall of Fame vote total was a little low (75 percent is needed). It was due to taint from a positive 2003 drug test he disputes, and no votes from nitwit purists who don’t think DH’s who didn’t play the field belong. To them I say, if the defensively indifferent Williams had played now he’d be a DH. It’s been an “official” position for 50 years, so get over it. Besides, when you’re one of just four players to win three rings and hit 500-plus homers, you belong.

So congrats, big fella, for a well-earned honor.

News Item: Bonds and Clemens Controversy Done For Now

With Roger Clemens and Barry Bonds being denied in their final year on the ballot, there were an awful lot of wins and homers that missed the train to Cooperstown on Wednesday, all due to the PED-era backlash. If you vote no on a steroid guy because you think cheating for higher stats is wrong I respect that. Not to mention you’re backed by one of the five voting criteria that speaks to a player’s overall character. However, my problem with that lies with it doesn’t square with Bud Selig cruising in even though he was commissioner when all the cheating went down. If the media and almost every fan knew what was going on, how could coaches, managers, GM’s, owners and the league office not know? Answer: They did know, and looked the other way ’cause chicks dig the long ball. So, while I lean toward the cheaters-should-never-prosper side, I just can’t keep out any pre-2004 testing player if the guy who enabled it all breezed in.

To solve the bloated numbers part, put Bill James’ numerical nonsense to good use for a change to come up with and apply a mathematical factor that normalizes them to pre-PED numbers. Then put up a permanent PED-era exhibit that names names, vote and be done with it.

Enough already.

News Item: The Super Bowl Match-Up

Here are some pre-Super Bowl thoughts on the surprising Cincinnati Bengals and L.A. Rams.

Cincy: (1) Just two seasons ago they were the worst team in the NFL, so being in the SB now is quite a quick turnaround. (2) Hope seeing how the electric Ja’Marr Chase immediately transformed Cincy offensively (with help from Joe Burrow) turns a light bulb on as getting blown out in the second half of the 2006 AFC title did to Coach B. It led to getting Randy Moss because he realized they couldn’t beat Peyton Manning and company anymore unless they outscored them. Ditto for Mac Jones in 2022, because he needs a threat like that to take the next step. (3) How does coming back from 18 down to Patrick Mahomes in thunderous Arrowhead Stadium during an AFC title game compare to the Pats’ comeback vs. Atlanta in SB 51?

L.A.: (1) With the game in L.A. the SB will be a home game for one team for a second straight year. (2) Who had Sony Michel going to the SB again before his former team? (3) To skeptics like me, giving up two first-round picks, a third-rounder and your starting QB to get Matthew Stafford seemed extravagant. But the draft-choice-averse Rams are showing there’s more than one way to skin a cat as they wouldn’t be in the SB without that trade.

News Item: Andy Reid Does It Again

Going for it and failing with no timeouts and five seconds left in the first half, then losing in an OT you never would have been in if you’d kicked the sure FG instead, is the latest in a long line of game management mistakes by Andy.

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