Health insurance help

The NH Navigator Program offers free health insurance navigation services to New Hampshire residents looking to apply for and enroll in health insurance through the Federal Marketplace, Medicaid or Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), according to a press release from Foundation for Healthy Communities and New Hampshire Hospital Association. NH Navigator is an initiative of the Foundation for Healthy Communities, “ a nonprofit organization that builds healthier communities for all” according to the release. The NH Navigator offers help during the Open Enrollment period, which began Nov. 1 and ends Jan. 15. Access the NH Navigator at acanavigator.com/nh/home. “Navigators offer free assistance to people exploring health coverage options through healthcare.gov, from reviewing available plans to assisting with eligibility and enrollment forms, and post-enrollment services such as using their coverage to get care. Navigators can also assist people in helping enroll in or renew Medicaid CHIP coverage,” the release said. To request an in-person visit for assistance in identifying the right insurance option, consumers can email Adrian Jasion, director at NH Navigator, at [email protected].

NH tourism

The Executive Council unanimously confirmed Michelle Cruz as the new State Tourism Director for the New Hampshire Division of Travel and Tourism Development, according to a press release.

“She will provide strategic direction for the Department and will also be responsible for guiding the development and implementation of the state’s domestic and international marketing and communication strategies, talent/workforce, and business recruitment platforms; oversight of the functions of the DTTD office; as well as working with industry leaders to advance and maximize the New Hampshire brand to a broad set of audiences,” the release said. She will officially begin her new position on Dec. 2. See visitnh.gov.

UNH, NASA & NOAA

NASA awarded the University of New Hampshire $24.3 million to build solar wind sensors to monitor space weather for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), according to a UNH press release from Oct. 29. The sensors will be part of a “high-priority alert system that will monitor space weather and solar wind — caused by explosions on the sun — for potential interruptions to key technology like satellite communications, electric power girls and GPS systems,” the release said.

“UNH will oversee the design, development, fabrication, integration, testing and evaluation of the sensors. The researchers will also support the launch, supply and maintain the instrument ground support equipment and support post-launch mission operations at the NOAA Satellite Operations Facility in Suitland, Maryland. UNH will work with subcontractor Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory where researchers there will focus on the electronics for the instruments. The project is expected to take nine years to complete,” the release said.

Funds for Mothers

The Executive Council voted in favor of $400,000 for a new effort in New Hampshire to provide direct care support to perinatal mothers and parenting women experiencing mental health challenges, according to a press release from Gov. Sununu’s office on Oct. 30.

“The one-time financial support, which makes use of ARPA funds, will assist in establishing a maternal hub in southern New Hampshire to provide a hybrid model of emergency and preventative support services. The hub will collaborate with existing Family Resource Centers and healthcare providers,” the release said. “New Hampshire was recently ranked the No. 1 state in the country for women and children by the United Health Foundation,” the release said. See dhhs.nh.gov.

Coats for Charity

The United Way of Greater Nashua is holding its Winter Coat Drive and collecting gently used winter coats as well as new coats and items like hats, gloves, scarves, and hand warmers to help people experiencing homelessness stay warm, according to a press release.

They also have an Amazon Wish List for other essential items like thermal underwear, duct tape and flashlights. People can drop off coats and donations at the United Way office, 20 Broad St. in Nashua, on weekdays from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information, contact United Way at [email protected] or 882-4011.

Diabetes month

YMCA Nashua (6 Henry Clay Drive in Merrimack) will hold a free seminar Thursday, Nov.14, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on managing blood sugar and preventing Type 2 diabetes, led by experts from St. Joseph Hospital. The seminar will focus on nutrition, physical activity and essential components of diabetes care, according to a press release. Participants will receive resources including a free blood glucose meter, a nutrition handbook and other educational materials, the release said. The workshop is free but registration is required. Visit nmymca.org or email the Director of Healthy Living, Erikur Holt, at [email protected]

Special Olympics New Hampshire Pick Your Prize Raffle (prizes for which include a Peloton, e-bikes, a hot tub and more) will select winners on Thursday, Nov. 21, at 4:30 p.m. in the Expo Center of the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel (700 Elm St. in Manchester). Winners do not need to be present to win and participants can purchase a ticket for $20. Visit sonh.org.

The American Independence Museum (AIM) in Exeter presents its final Beer of History of 2024, featuring beer brewed by UNH Brewing Science Laboratory, on Thursday, Nov. 21, from 6 to 8 p.m. $25 ($20 for AIM members). Visit independencemuseum.org.

The Nash Casino, currently under construction at Pheasant Lane Mall in Nashua and slated to open this winter, will hold career fairs Tuesday, Nov. 19, and Tuesday, Dec. 10, at Courtyard by Marriott, 2200 Southwood Drive in Nashua, according to a press release. See thenashcasino.com/careers.