Category: News

News & Notes 23/06/01

Artifacts found

Archaeologists from Dartmouth College made significant discoveries at Weirs Beach, the Laconia Daily Sun reported, unearthing thousands of artifacts ranging from 19th-century nails and glass to arrowheads dating back as far as 8,000 years. The team conducted the dig following an archaeological radar survey and aimed to relocate areas previously identified in 1976, gaining a better understanding of the region’s past. Though the excavation posed challenges due to soil dredging during parking lot construction, resulting in a mixed layer of artifacts from different time periods, researchers were able to use visual catalog references to identify unique projectile points, including an 8,000-year-old arrowhead.

Treatment center

A ribbon cutting ceremony, attended by Gov. Chris Sununu and Commissioner Lori Weaver, was held for East Acres at Hampstead’s inaugural level 5 psychiatric residential treatment facility on Friday, May 26. The facility is the state’s only youth psychiatric treatment center and represents the highest level of mental health care available.

School funds

New Hampshire schools have been awarded a total of $1.2 million in Beyond School Enrichment Grants, allowing them to implement summer enrichment opportunities and year-round initiatives to support students’ academic and developmental needs outside of traditional school settings. According to a press release, the grants, funded by the state’s ESSER II funding, aim to prioritize recreational activities and enrichment programs before and after school, as well as during the summer months, addressing concerns around students’ mental and behavioral health. The New Hampshire Department of Education awarded grants to 56 schools, with most of the initiatives scheduled for this summer. The programs cover various areas, including equine therapy, summer camps and after-school programs with mentors. Additional funds of $125,490 are still available, and interested schools or districts can apply until the funds are exhausted.

Bike week

The 100th Laconia Motorcycle Week will begin on Saturday, June 10, with the annual Peter Makris Memorial Run, which supports a range of charitable organizations, including the Laconia Fire Department’s Life Saving Fund, Easter Seals “Veterans Count” program, Lakes Regions Emergency Response Team, Building Dreams for Marines, Belknap House for homeless families and the NH Veterans Home and has raised more than $550,000 to date. The event will begin with registration at The NazBar & Grill, opening ceremonies at The NASWA parking lot, a police-escorted ride to New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon, and an after-ride party back at the NazBar & Grill, which will include a lunch prepared by Boston celebrity chef Anthony Ambrose. Visit naswa.com or call 366-4341.

Wind power

Join the New Hampshire Network for Environment, Energy and Climate for a free virtual event, “Clearing the Fog: Understanding Offshore Wind in New England,” on Monday, June 5, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. According to a press release, the event, moderated by Rob Werner, New Hampshire State Director of the League of Conservation Voters, aims to debunk myths and pave the way for a better understanding of offshore wind’s potential. It will feature panelists discussing the benefits and challenges of offshore wind in New Hampshire and the broader New England region: Carol Oldham will explore the business aspects, Melissa Birchard will delve into transmission challenges, Joe O’Brien will provide insights into labor considerations and Stan Labak will address the impacts on marine biodiversity. Register at bit.ly/june5clearingthefog to secure your spot for an audience Q&A session.

Illegal robocalls

Attorney General John M. Formella has filed a lawsuit against Michael D. Lansky LLC, operating as Avid Telecom, along with owner Michael Lansky and vice president Stacey S. Reeves for allegedly initiating and facilitating billions of illegal robocalls, violating federal and state telemarketing laws like the Telephone Consumer Protection Act and Telemarketing Sales Rule, according to a press release from the attorney general’s office. Avid Telecom, a VoIP service provider, allegedly sent or attempted over 24.5 billion calls, including approximately 7.5 billion to numbers on the Do Not Call Registry and around 36.2 million to New Hampshire, the release said. They allegedly aided in routing robocalls across the country and used fake caller IDs, including millions of calls impersonating government agencies and private companies, the release said. The lawsuit is part of the Anti-Robocall Multistate Litigation Task Force, a collaborative effort of 51 attorneys general to combat the influx of illegal robocalls in the United States. “This lawsuit is against one of the worst actors in the telecom industry … [and] represents yet another step in our efforts to hold these companies accountable and end their illegal robocalls,” Attorney General Formella said in the release.

The New Hampshire Department of Transportation (NHDOT) will host a public open house on Thursday, June 1, at the Town of Hooksett Administrative Office Building (35 Main St.) to provide information regarding the US Route 3/NH 28 roadway improvement project from Alice Avenue to NH Route 27/Whitehall Road in Hooksett. The project, according to a press release, aims to enhance pedestrian access and traffic operations along the corridor. Attendees are welcome to drop by anytime between 2 and 4 p.m. or between 6 and 8 p.m. to obtain project information and have their questions addressed by the project team. No formal presentation or agenda is scheduled. Visit nh.gov/dot/projects/hooksett29611.

The American Independence Museum in Exeter is now part of the Blue Star Museums initiative, providing free admission to currently serving U.S. military personnel and their families through Sept. 4, according to a press release. The museum has a collection of 3,000 historic artifacts and develops programs and exhibits that honor inclusive perspectives. Visit independencemuseum.org.

The Nashua Garden Club will host its June program, “Bringing Tropical Plants Outside,” on Wednesday, June 7, at 7 p.m. at the First Baptist Church (121 Manchester St., Nashua). According to a press release, Chris Bell, Wholesale Manager of Weston Nurseries in Middleboro, Mass., will present on orchids and other tropical plants. Attendees can learn about the benefits of relocating house plants outdoors for the summer. Visit nashuangardenclub.org.

This Week 23/05/25

Big Events May 25, 2023 and beyond

Monday, May 29

Several towns celebrate today, Memorial Day, with a parade.

Concord’s Memorial Day runs from 9 to 10 a.m. with the parade starting at Christ the King Church and ending up at City Plaza for a brief ceremony, according to concordnh.gov, where you can find the route.

Windham’s parade steps off at 9:30 a.m. from Center School, according to windhamnh.gov.

Henniker’s parade starts at 10 a.m. and runs from Henniker Community School to Henniker Community Park, according to henniker.org.

Hopkinton’s parade also starts at 10 a.m. and runs along Main Street, starting and ending at Harold Martin School, where there will be a short ceremony and a performance by the Hopkinton Town Band, according to hopkinton-nh.gov.

Litchfield Historical Society starts its parade at 10 a.m. at Litchfield Middle School and ending at the Historical Society building, to be followed by a program featuring Campbell High School Chorus and Band performances and more, according to litchfieldnh.gov.

In Raymond, the parade starts at 10 a.m. at Argo and goes to the New Pine Grove Cemetery and Old Pine Grove Cemetery, according to a post on the town’s Facebook page. The parade is followed by a ceremony from 11 a.m. to noon.

In Pelham, VFW Post 10722 and American Legion Post 100 will host the town’s parade and ceremonies with the parade stepping off at 10:30 a.m. headed to Gibson Cemetery, according to pelhamweb.com, where you can find a full listing of events, which include a town cookout.

The Londonderry American Legion Post 27 will hold a parade and open house with the parade stepping off at 11 a.m. from Robert Lincoln Way, according to Post 27’s Facebook post.

In Hudson, American Legion Post 48 will hold a parade starting at 2 p.m. in front of the Hannaford parking lot to Hudson Common for a memorial ceremony and then to the American Legion, according to a post on the Greater Hudson Chamber of Commerce website (hudsonchamber.com).

Thursday, May 25

Watch the work in progress by the four artists participating in this year’s Nashua International Sculpture Symposium at Picker Artists (3 Pine St. in Nashua), where they are working Mondays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. See nashuasculpturesymposium.org,.

Saturday, May 27

Bow Garden Club’s plant sale runs today from 8 a.m. to noon at the Bow Community Center (2 Knox Road in Bow), according to the group’s Facebook page.

Sunday, May 28

A few early Memorial Day parades today: The Penacook Memorial Day Parade is slotted for 9 to 10 a.m on Village Street, concordnh.gov. In Bedford the parade steps off at 1 p.m. on County Road from Bedford High School to McKelvie Intermediate School. See bedfordnh.myrec.com.

Sunday, May 28

Check out Chad LaMarsh at the Derryfield (625 Mammoth Road in Manchester) playing an acoustic show on the deck from 5 to 8 p.m. Find more live music in the Music This Week listing, which starts on page 48.

Sunday, May 28

Hampton Beach Village District hosts fireworks tonight at 9:30 p.m. at the top of B and C Streets; see hamptonbeach.org.

Monday, May 29

More town celebrations: The Bow Community Men’s Club hosts a ceremony and community picnic at the Bow Gazebo (1 Knox Road in Bow) from 4 to 6 p.m, according to bownh.gov. The Hollis Memorial Day Ceremony at the Common starts at 4:30 p.m. today, according to hollisnh.org.

Quality of Life 23/05/25

Community improvement

The City of Manchester recently completed a community improvement project near 359 Commercial St. that included the construction of an accessible ramp and stair structure, relocation of the Mill Girl Statue, lighting and new brick pavers and concrete flatwork. “The project promotes inclusiveness in our diverse city and provides a renewed place where the community can gather and enjoy improved access between Manchester’s active downtown and the vibrant Millyard,” the City of Manchester, NH Economic Development Facebook page posted.

QOL score: +1

Comment: A ribbon cutting ceremony will be held at the plaza on Wednesday, June 7, at 1:30 p.m.

Military retirement

A recent WalletHub study ranked New Hampshire the sixth best U.S. state for military retirees. The study looked at various factors, such as state tax on military pension, job opportunities for veterans, rates of homelessness and suicide among veterans, state authorization for veterans’ preference in private hiring, the quality of VA hospitals, the number of VA benefits-administration facilities per number of veterans and more. New Hampshire ranked especially high for veterans per capita (10th) and the share of veteran-own businesses (5th).

QOL score: +1

Comment: Connecticut is the only New England state to join New Hampshire in the top 10, coming in at No. 5. Florida was No. 1.

Butterfly sanctuary

On the 50th anniversary of Endangered Species Day, observed on May 19, the New Hampshire Army National Guard, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services celebrated the success of their collaborative efforts to protect the endangered Karner blue butterfly, NHPR reported. The groups have worked for more than two decades to transform a 28-acre field near Concord Municipal Airport into a sanctuary for the butterflies. In addition to restoring the land, they’ve taken measures to cultivate lupine flowers — which the butterflies rely on for sustenance and egg-laying sites — including controlled fires to clear debris and create a dry climate preferred by the lupines. Their efforts have resulted in a flourishing population of more than 35,000 Karner blue butterflies, according to the article.

QOL score: +1

Comment: The sanctuary has also seen the growth of another butterfly species, the Frosted Elfins, which also rely on lupine flowers.

QOL score: 72

Net change: +3

QOL this week: 75

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

The week that was

The Big Story – Celtics Feeling The Heat: In all likelihood by the time you read this the Celtics season will have ended with a big thud. As I write this they trail the Miami Heat 0-3 in the Eastern Conference Finals after what can only be described as a 30-point surrender to a team all the “experts” said the Celtics should run out of the playoffs with relative ease.

The only trepidation I have for writing their obituary now is the perverse way they play better after putting themselves in a position when their backs are against the wall. But after doing that multiple times in the last two postseasons it doesn’t feel like they can do it this time. Especially since no team in history has ever come back to win after trailing 0-3.

We’ll do our autopsy next week.

Sports 101: What do 1950s-’60s NFL stars Paul Hornung, “Jaguar Jon” Arnett, John Brodie, Ron Kramer and Len Dawsonhave in common?

News Item – More Last-Minute NHL Heroics: The Bruins learned the hard way you have to play the Florida Panthers past the final buzzer. That was the case again in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup semifinals, a game that appeared headed to a fifth overtime before Matthew Tkachuk did it again with 12.7 seconds left in the fourth OT to give them a 3-2 win over Carolina.

News Item – Greatest Team Sports Prospect Ever: That’s what NBA info guru Adrian Wojnarowski drooled out about 18-year-old French hoopster Victor Wenbanyama after Houston won the NBA lottery last week. I get it, at 7’5” he’s mobile with skills of a guard while also being a top rim protector. But that’s what the slobbering New York press said about the now on his third team Kristaps Porzingis.And best ever? Sorry, I’m a skeptic with a sense of history who knows monumental all-timers Wilt Chamberlain, Lew Alcindor and LeBron James all lived up to that title, while Greg Oden and Ralph Sampson did not. Said another way: I’m curious, but I’ll believe it when I see it.

And, one more thing. Not sure if this is a bad omen, but when I saw his picture for the first time, I thought it was Sampson.

News Item – Durability Need Not Apply: Who can be surprised that in the age of the detestable “load management” Jayson Tatum was the only all-NBA first-teamer to play even 70 games. The others, Joel Embiid, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Luka Doncic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, ranged from 63 to 68.

Ditto for the second and third teams, where only three were over 70, while Steph Curry, LeBron James and Damian Lillard played 56, 55 and 58 respectively.

Alumni News

Xander Bogaerts: After going hitless in 11 at-bats during their weekend series, he was hitting .257 with 6 homers and 16 RBI. Which isn’t much more productive offensively than Kiké Hernandez and Yu Chang’s combined 6 homers and 24 RBI from shortstop so far in 2023.

Michael Wacha: After Chaim Bloom was too cheap/dumb to give him a two-year deal after going 11-2 last year, he has moved to 5-1 with a 3.58 ERA after 6 shutout innings in the Padres 7-0 win on Sunday. That his cheaper replacement, Corey Kluber, lasted just 2.1 innings in dropping to 2-6 with an unsightly 6.26 ERA was interesting.

The Numbers:

4 – major championships now won by Brooks Koepka after taking the PGA championship Sunday to move him within one of tying Phil Mickelson for most majors won among active players.

205 – home runs the Red Sox are on pace to hit after hitting just 155 last year.

515 – length in feet for the monstrous homer hit by the demoted Bobby Dalbec last week while playing for AAA Worcester.

Random Thoughts:

Jayson Tatum — pink shoes on Friday night. A long way from high black Cons or Pumps.

I’ve heard him recently compared to Vlade Divac, Magic Johnson and Bill Russell (as a rebounder), but position aside, with his feel for the game and ability to influence every aspect of every game with no apparent athleticism, for my money Nikola Jokic is the only player I’ve ever seen that reminds me of Larry Bird.

Sports 101 Answer: Those players were picks 1 through 5 before Jim Brown was taken sixth by Cleveland in the 1957 draft.

Final Thought: There’s a difference between being the most valuable NFL player ever (Tom Brady) and being the best actual football player ever.

In my not so humble opinion the latter was the indestructibleJim Brown,who died last week at 87. The stat rationale is too long, so I’ll just comment on an ESPN poll that had him the GOAT of running backs. The great Barry Sanders was second, but check out the difference between him playing on grass vs. artificial turf. JB just had grass.Trust me, with the highest yards per carry average ever he was the best.

RIP, big fella.

Email Dave Long at [email protected].

Woman directed

Filmmaker takes her movie on the road

New Hampshire filmmaker Laina Barakat is taking her award-winning feature film Light Attaching to a Girl on a New England screening tour. She discussed the inspiration behind the film, her unique filmmaking style and what audiences can look forward to at the screenings.

Tell us about the film.

It’s called Light Attaching to a Girl. It’s just over an hour. It’s a narrative drama set in Iceland and Keene, New Hampshire. It’s about an 18-year-old girl traveling alone for the first time, processing childhood trauma, and experiencing independence in an unknown country. … A lot of people are really excited about the score; we had a really beautiful orchestra that played on it. They did the music for Parasite and Squid Game and a bunch of other really phenomenal, much larger works.

What inspired it?

The film actually stars my sister. She’s a non-actor; she’s never been on camera before, but I knew she had talent. She wanted to go to Iceland, and I convinced her to let me bring a film crew. We filmed the trip in a documentary style and later wrote a narrative to complement it. We blended the two in New Hampshire.

What’s your background in filmmaking?

I’ve been a filmmaker for about 18 years. I started with Either/Or Films, a film company in New Hampshire. I continued producing, and about six years ago I started my own film company called Wayward Ark Productions so that I could start directing. I’ve directed seven short films. I have some feature-length films as a producer under my belt, but this is my first as a writer-director.

The film blends documentary elements with narrative structure. How did you accomplish that?

My shooting style is very under-the-radar, with a very small crew. When it comes to lighting, I like to work with documentary-style filmmakers, so that I don’t have big lighting packages. … With the narrative piece, I used a lot of local actors and non-actors. We used local locations to pick up bits of naturalism and things that are already there, so we get a sense of truth and reality in what we’re making.

What is it like working with non-actors?

I love to work with non-actors. It’s what I do most of the time, actually. When you live in a rural area like this and you don’t have a lot of talented actors around you, I’d rather work with non-actors than poorly trained ones. I get a sense of realism by putting it into the writing. For my sister, there are bits of my own story and other bits of her story in it. For the rest of the actors in the film, I took pieces from their normal lives. It’s not autobiographical at all, but the more of their personal stories that I can put into the narrative, the easier it is for them to seamlessly act.

The film tour also features women-directed short films. Why is it important to you to highlight other female filmmakers?

It’s super important for women in any industry, especially in the film industry, to hype each other and to support each other. … We are a real minority, not only in paid positions but also in awards and representation in film festivals. For me, when I made the film, it was really important that most of my cast and crew were women.

What does it mean for you to be present at the screenings, do Q&A sessions and engage with your audience?

It makes it a more enriching and meaningful experience. For me as a filmmaker, it’s really great to hear interpretations of my work that maybe weren’t my own, but are valid and important. …I love any opportunity to hear how something hits someone else and why.

Tickets cost $15 for general admission and $12 for seniors, students and children. Visit waywardarkproductions.com.

Light Attaching to a Girl screenings
Friday, June 2, 6:30 p.m. at Studio Lab, 11 A St., Derry
Saturday, June 10, 2 p.m. at Wilton Town Hall Theatre, 40 Main St., Wilton
Saturday, June 10, 7 p.m. at Scriven Arts Center, 452 Route 140, Gilmanton
Sunday, June 11, 6:30 p.m. at The Park Theatre, 19 Main St., Jaffrey

Featured photo: Laina Barakat. Courtesy photo.

News & Notes 23/05/25

Banned list

Last week, the Russian government announced the addition of New Hampshire Attorney General John M. Formella to its expanding list of 500 Americans permanently banned from entering the country. Formella issued a statement, saying, “Given the atrocities we are seeing the Kremlin carry out, being blacklisted by Russia is a badge of honor. I am proud to vigorously enforce New Hampshire law and will continue to do so despite attempts like this to try and intimidate America’s public officials. This ‘action’ will have no impact on me, my office, or our work.” Formella wasn’t the only Granite Stater targeted by the ban. Late-night talk show host and New Hampshire native Seth Meyers also found himself on the list, as reported by WMUR. Meyers, sharing the article on Twitter, humorously commented, “Local kid makes good?” According to the article, the ban, which Russian officials attributed to U.S. sanctions, adds to the existing list that already includes the New Hampshire congressional delegation and former senator Kelly Ayotte.

Bill postponed

New Hampshire’s proposed “parental bill of rights,” which would have mandated educators to disclose to parents whether their children are using a different gender identity or name, was not passed, New Hampshire News Connection reported. Those against the bill emphasized the importance of maintaining safe and supportive environments in schools, particularly for transgender youth, while supporters of the bill argued that it aimed to enhance transparency and communication between teachers and parents. The final vote to “indefinitely postpone” the bill prevents its reintroduction in this session. Similar “parental bill of rights’’ measures have been introduced in 24 states this year, according to the article.

Grants

The New Hampshire Preservation Alliance and The 1772 Foundation have awarded grants totaling $125,000 to 16 non-profit organizations in the state. According to a press release, the grants, ranging in amounts from $4,250 to $10,000, are awarded to help the organizations preserve historic buildings and support community landmarks. Recipients include museums, historical societies, and affordable housing organizations. Projects range from roof replacements to foundation repairs. The grants will ensure the preservation of buildings dating from 1774 to 1912. The selection committee considered factors such as resource significance, community visibility and local support. The grants leverage additional funding and emphasize incremental improvements.

One Goffstown

Goffstown Public Library announces the launch of a new public education series, “One Goffstown,” aimed at fostering a more inclusive and accepting community following the distribution of neo-Nazi propaganda in local neighborhoods in March. The program consists of a series of discussions for teens and adults, designed to encourage open communication and unity among residents. Five online sessions will be held on Thursday evenings throughout June, July, and August, the first being on June 8, titled, “What are Hate Crimes and Hate Speech?” Topics to follow will include implicit bias, bullying, being an ally and having difficult conversations. The program will culminate in a special in-person event called the “Human Library” on Sunday, Aug. 13. Registration is required for the online sessions. Visit goffstownlibrary.com/one-goffstown for more information and to register. To show support and unity, participants are also encouraged to share One Goffstown on social media using the hashtag #OneGoffstown.

Mental health series

Dartmouth Health’s year-long monthly webinar series about mental health, “Heads Up: A Year-Long Mental Health Awareness Journey,” concludes with the publication of its latest webinar, titled “Heads Up, A Year-Long Mental Health Awareness Journey: Looking Back and Looking Forward.” According to a press release, panelists in this segment include John Broderick Jr., senior director of external affairs for Dartmouth Health and former Chief Justice of the New Hampshire Supreme Court; Brendan McQuaid, president and publisher of the New Hampshire Union Leader; Howard Altschiller, executive editor of Seacoast Media Group; and William C. Torrey, M.D., chair of the Department of Psychiatry at Dartmouth Health; with Audra Burns, Dartmouth Health’s senior media relations manager, moderating. Together, they reflect on the series’ highlights and share their insights gained throughout the year. The series explored various themes such as youth mental health, the impact of social media on teenagers, mental health stigma in youth sports, the intersection of mental health and the criminal justice system, guidance for parents and caregivers, challenges faced by older adults in isolation and grief, workplace mental health, the correlation between substance use disorder and co-occurring mental illnesses, state and federal mental health policies, and the mental health of veterans and active military personnel. To access the “Heads Up” series and mental health resources, visit dartmouth-health.org/mental-health.

The Putts For Pups Golf Classic will be held at Stonebridge Country Club in Goffstown on Monday, June 26, to benefit Second Chance Ranch Rescue, a nonprofit organization based in New Boston that rehabilitates and finds homes for lost, forgotten and misunderstood dogs. Registration, which includes 18 holes of golf, lunch and the chance to participate in raffles and contests, costs $125 for an individual or $450 for a foursome, according to a press release. Visit secondchanceranchrescue.com.

The Merrimack Rotary Club will host an Electronics Recycling Fundraiser on Saturday, June 3, from 8 a.m. to noon at the Merrimack Town Hall. According to a press release, participants can easily recycle their unused business or household electronics by driving up, paying the recycling fee and dropping off the items without having to leave their cars. Fees range from $5 to $50 depending on the type of electronics. Certain items, such as hazardous waste and unlisted materials, will not be accepted. Funds raised will support scholarships and community projects. Visit merrimackrotary.org.

The Nashua Regional Planning Commission will hold a Household Hazardous Waste Collection on Thursday, June 1, 3 to 7 p.m., at the Nashua City Park & Ride (25 Crown St.) for residents of Amherst, Brookline, Hollis, Hudson, Litchfield, Merrimack, Milford, Mont Vernon, Nashua, Pelham and Windham, according to a press release. Accepted waste includes paints, solvents, polyurethane, antifreeze, gasoline, pesticides, household cleaners, light bulbs and more. There is a fee of $15 per vehicle (cash or check), with extra charges for waste exceeding 10 gallons or 20 pounds. Contact nashuarpc.org/hhw or 417-6570.

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