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This Week 22/07/07

Big Events July 7, 2022 and beyond

Thursday, July 7

Chunky’s Cinema Pub is hosting a 21-and-older screening of Thor: Love and Thunder tonight at 8 p.m. at all three locations (707 Huse Road in Manhcester, 151 Coliseum Ave. in Nashua and 150 Bridge St. in Pelham; chunkys.com). O’neil Cinemas Brickyard Square (24 Calef Highway in Epping; oneilcinemas.com) is also on the list of theaters hosting “Thorsday” evening screenings. The movie opens wide on Friday, July 8.

Friday, July 8

The 47th annual Raymond Town Fair will start up at 5 p.m. this evening at Raymond Commons. Bingo starts at 5 p.m. under the tent, live music starts at 6 p.m. and the firemen’s parade starts at 7 p.m. The fair continues through Saturday, July 10, and will include a silent auction, fireworks and sack races. For more information, contact the organizers at [email protected] or find the event on Facebook.

Saturday, July 9

The Warner Historical Society is hosting playwright Eugenie Carabatsos for a staged reading of her short play Seven Minutes in Heaven at Warner Town Hall (5 E. Main St. inWarner) at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $10. Carabatsos, a professor at Dartmouth, is the first author presenting in this summer’s Tory Hill Authors series. Visit toryhillauthorsseries.com.

Saturday, July 9

The craft beer festival Keep NH Brewing is back (after a two-year hiatus) at Kiwanis Waterfront Park, 15 Loudon Road, Concord (see Matt Ingersoll’s story on page 26 in the June 30 edition of The Hippo; find the e-edition at hippopress.com). The event, which will run from 1 to 5 p.m., features more than 130 brewers from across the Granite State, plus vendors and music. The event is limited to adults age 21 and older. Tickets are $50 in advance, $55 day of, and $65 for VIP. Visit nhbrewers.org

Saturday, July 9

Catch the band Alligator Wine at the Millyard Brewery (25 E. Otterson St. in Nashua) tonight from 6 to 8 p.m. (music on the patio, weather permitting). Find more live music at more area patios (and inside breweries and restaurants), in the Music This Week listing, which starts on page 38.

Tuesday, July 12

As part of the Literary in the Lounge series, Tom Perrotta will read from his new novel, Tracy Flick Can’t Win, at the newly renamed Music Hall Lounge (131 Congress St. in Portsmouth) at 7 p.m. The book follows Tracy, a character from Perrotta’s 1998 novel Election, and how her life has changed since she was in high school. Tickets cost $44 and will include a hardcover signed copy of the book, an author discussion, Q-and-A session and post-show meet-and-greet. See themusichall.org. The space, which was formerly known as “The Loft” is a 116-seat venue and is slated to reopen July 7 with comedy by Pat McGann.

Save the Date! Thursday, August 11
The Manchester International Film Festival will run from Thursday, Aug. 11, through Sunday, Aug. 14, at the Palace Theatre (80 Hanover St.) and the Rex Theatre (23 Hanover St.). The film festival will show movies made by independent filmmakers, directors and performers. Film listings are still being announced but so far they include the short film For Pins, the and horror film An American Werewolf in London, which will have a podcast taping with Southern New Hampshire University film professors after the showing. Call the box office at 668-5588 or purchase tickets online at palacetheatre.org/film.

Featured photo. Thor. Courtesy photo.

Quality of Life 22/07/07

Taking to the skies

The five baby peregrine falcons that hatched in late April and early May at the New Hampshire Audubon’s peregrine nest box atop the Brady Sullivan Tower in Manchester have fledged. According to the Audubon’s daily peregrine falcons log, the male baby named Colum was the first of the bunch to fledge on June 10, followed by female Cinquey and male Blue on June 11, female Colby on June 12 and female Clem on June 13. Peregrine falcon fledglings typically spend four to six weeks learning to hunt from their parents before migrating out of the area, while the peregrine parents tend to stay in the area year-round. As of June 24, all five have been accounted for and have been seen and photographed in the sky running hunting drills.

QOL score: +1

Comment:You can watch the falcons on the Audubon’s 24/7 high-definition livestream of the nest box on YouTube. Visit nhaudubon.org/conservation-2/peregrine-web-cam and click “Link to Camera 1 Live Stream.” QOL is watching papa peregrine on the livestream now, at 8:30 a.m. (Images of the baby peregrines posted on the Audubon’s daily peregrine falcons log on June 22.)

Teachers honored

More than 150 New Hampshire teachers and educators were presented with a Christa McAuliffe commemorative silver dollar coin to recognize the difference they’ve made in the lives of students, as part of an initiative started this fall by the SEE Science Center and Service Credit Union. According to a press release, the teachers were chosen by students, families, colleagues and administrators. The coins were awarded at the teachers’ respective schools during school board meetings and education award ceremonies held by the New Hampshire Department of Education and the NH Excellence in Education Awards.

QOL score: +1

Comment:The U.S. silver dollar exclusively minted in 2021 bears the inscription of Christa McAuliffe’s words, “I touch the future, I teach.”

Welcoming new citizens

This Fourth of July, New Hampshire celebrated its newest U.S. citizens at a citizenship ceremony held at Strawbery Banke in Portsmouth. According to WMUR, 71 people from 31 countries were sworn in during the first large citizenship ceremony held by the U.S. Federal Court for the District of New Hampshire since the pandemic began.

QOL score: +1

Comment: Many of the new citizens said the thing they are looking forward to doing most as a new citizen is voting in the next election, WMUR reported.

Cheers for good weather

Since QOL is always quick to complain about early snow or late snow or some other weather unpleasantness, it seems fair to recognize the good weather when we get it. Such as the weather we had over the long Fourth of July weekend, when the days offered plenty of fun-in-the-sun opportunities and both the evenings of July 3 and July 4 were clear and fireworks-friendly.

QOL score: +1

Comments: Downtown Manchester got fireworks both evenings with the city fireworks show wowing the audience on Sunday night and the “biggest fireworks show in Fisher Cats history” (according to a team press release) on Monday night after the game.

QOL score: 80

Net change: +4

QOL this week: 84

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

First-half Red Sox report

It’s time to chronicle what’s been a totally under-the-radar first half of the baseball season despite having some notable highs and, considering their horrid April, really low lows.

Let’s get to the annual first half Red Sox report.

Holy Cow Moment

Alex Cora went against type to let Nick Pivetta and Michael Wacha pitch actual complete games that each exceeded 100 pitches. Wacha’s was a three-hit shutout of Anaheim in early June. No word yet on whether the final balls were sent to Cooperstown for their Herculean feats.

The High Points

Middle of the Order: I was for signing Kyle Schwarber and trading J.D. Martinez, and with Schwarber having 23 homers and 50 RBI to J.D.’s 8 and 33 that would have been the right thing to do even if he’s hitting .217 in Philly. But with him hitting way over .300 all year, it’s hard to complain about J.D. With Xander Bogaerts and Raffy Devers being even better, it’s a great 3-4-5 middle of the order, occasionally wrecked when Devers bats second. Throw in Alex Verdugo’s 43 RBI and average-challenged Trevor Story’s team-leading 52 and 12 homers on either side of the first three and it’s a potent group.

Young Pitchers: It looks like they’ve found their close in Tanner Houck. He’s made 15 straight relief appearances since May 5, with the last 10 as the closer when they won all 10 and he got one win and eight saves and had an ERA of 1.54.

Personally, I wanted him to be the starter among their two best young pitchers and Garrett Whitlock the late-inning reliever. But Whitlock became a permanent starter in late April where, thanks to some ridiculous early yanks by Cora, he’s only 2-1. But the ERA is 2.05 as a starter and they’re 5-1 in his last six starts before going on the DL in June. Throw in Pivetta and that makes three emerging young guys to build the staff around going forward.

Do I Hear Four: A fourth may be Josh Winckowski. Bloom took a lot of flak when he traded Andrew Benintendi, especially after Franchy Cordero’s Dumpster-fire season. But getting Winckowski from the Mets was supposed to be the prize in the deal. While it’s too early to tell anything, it’s encouraging that in his four starts filling in for Whitlock and Nathan Eovaldi he’s 3-1 with a 3.60 ERA.

Chaim’s Best Trade: With being 19-13, with a spectacular, had-to-have-it extra-inning win over Tampa in the playoffs, since arriving in 2020 after being disappointing in Philly Nick Pivetta represents Chaim Bloom’s best trade/steal so far. This year it’s 8-5 with a 3.23 ERA.

Surprises and Miscalculations

Michael Wacha: Boy, did I get it wrong on him. I was thinking bargain-basement signing all the way. But at 6-1 with a 2.65 first-half ERA he’s exceeded all expectations in returning to the form he showed with the Cardinals at the start of his career.

What’s the Story? Despite a lower than usual average, no regrets on signing Trevor Story. The power numbers are there and his smooth transition to second base has helped the infield defense.

Not According to Plan: Bloom’s biggest miscalculation was thinking that after his solid final two months of 2021 Bobby Dalbec would evolve into a 30-homer guy to replace the power lost by sending Hunter Renfroe to Milwaukee last winter. Thus far it’s just 5 homers and 18 RBI for Bobby, who finally got over the Mendozza Line last week and is now splitting time with Cordero at first base.

A Little History: That walk-off grand slam by Cordero for an 8-4 win over Seattle in May was the first walk-off slam (as best I can remember) since Mo Vaughn also did it to the Mariners in the home opener in 1998.

To the stat geeks who think starters should face the order a third time: Seattle yanked Randy Johnson that day with a 5-2 lead after getting 15 strikeouts in 8 innings. They even scored two more runs before the Sox came up in the ninth. The stellar Mariners bullpen then let the Sox get it to 7-5 before Mo (money) came up to hit the slam for the 9-7 win. It’s a reminder that when you yank a starter who’s got it going on, you do so for the uncertainty of whether whoever comes out of the pen has their good stuff or not.

What’s To Come

Next Three Weeks: Their 16-5 streak in June came against the weaker teams, which has the naysayers saying they’ll come back to earth. But that’s what they said about the Celtics when they started to win all the time in January. So for me, I know you can only play who they tell you to play and I saw good things were happening as they did. Especially with the pitching. Which means they enter a critical stretch of 23 games (including losing the 2 of 3 from Toronto to start it) with the top three teams in the AL East and the White Sox with momentum.

Chris Sale: Who knows what they’ll get from him? Could be a big boost or a nothing burger. So instead of predicting I’ll be like Yogi Berra when his wife asked him where he wanted to be buried and he answered surprise me, as I let it play out.

Rumor Mill: The ones on Bogaerts being traded at the deadline have died out completely. Beyond that, crickets.

Help Wanted — Or Is It Needed: I don’t trust anyone in the bullpen beyond Houck, especially Ryan Brasier and Matt Barnes, so they need to add one, maybe two difference-makers.

Prediction: With bullpen help, the winning continues with a spot in the play-in game looming.

Next week, a look at all of MLB.

Email Dave Long at [email protected].

Choose to refuse

New Hampshire goes plastic-free for July

The Plastics Working Group, one of the specialized action groups in the New Hampshire Environment, Energy and Climate Network, has challenged New Hampshire to take part in the international Plastic Free July initiative this month. Cindy Heath, the original convener of the Plastics Working Group, talked about how people can take the pledge and why it’s so important.

What is Plastic Free July?

Plastic Free July was an international campaign founded in Australia. It is a pledge format where individuals and businesses and organizations can pledge to strive for a plastic-free July. The intention is to raise awareness and help discover alternatives to using plastic in our everyday lives … and we also want to help build momentum for future legislation that supports plastic waste reduction. … You can join us as an individual or as part of an organization, business or community, and you can take one action or more than one.

What are some actions that communities can take to engage with the initiative?

They should start by going to the Plastic Free July website, plasticfreejuly.org, which has many, many pages of resources. A proclamation with their town select board is a possibility, just declaring the importance of plastic waste reduction and the commitment to try to have a plastic-free July. There are opportunities to do things like picnics, library displays … showing what alternatives there are to using plastics in your everyday life. I already know that the communities in Hopkinton and Dover are going to be doing some library displays with education around plastic waste, and we’re going to be hosting a plastic-free picnic in Cornish on July 16, so communities are engaging in different ways.

What are some things that individuals can do to go plastic-free in their day-to-day lives?

Individuals can take the pledge and learn about how to do things like bring a cloth bag to the grocery store instead of using the plastic bags that are provided; refuse to purchase vegetables that are being sold packaged in plastic clamshell containers; refuse to buy beverages in plastic bottles; refuse plastic [utensils] and Styrofoam takeout containers when they go out to eat, or request alternatives. … Before plastic was invented, we all found ways to have a picnic, order takeout food from a restaurant and not use plastic bags.

In what ways are plastics harmful?

The concern that we’re trying to raise awareness about is not only the environmental impacts of plastic production; it’s also the human health and animal health impacts of plastic waste. The Plastic Free July website has a number of facts around the volume of plastics that goes into our oceans and how microplastics end up in our food through the food chain, because marine animals eat plastic thinking it’s food, and then the food chain progresses and it ends up in our food. Plastic particles have even been discovered in human placenta. It’s a human health concern as well as an environmental concern, and we’re just hoping that people will understand the health and environmental impacts of plastic.

What kinds of progress has New Hampshire made with reducing plastics so far?

We’ve had several communities host a screening of a film called Microplastic Madness, which is about fifth-graders in New York who are able to, over a two-year period, help New York City, and then New York State, ban Styrofoam use in schools and in restaurants for takeout. We have community members who are working with local restaurants to try to develop an ocean-friendly designation through Surfrider, which is another organization … working specifically on helping restaurants choose alternatives to plastic and styrofoam takeout [materials]. Then, in the infrastructure realm, there are changes that a number of our communities have initiated, things like recycling systems and doing waste audits at schools. In Bristol, they held a sustainability fair in May to raise awareness about plastic film recycling. In Claremont, they’re working on collecting styrofoam for recycling. In Gilford, they’ve just taken delivery of the first Styrofoam densifier in New Hampshire and will begin accepting Styrofoam for recycling shortly.

How can individuals get their cities and towns to commit to more plastic-free practices?

They can go to our Ten Towns Actions Toolkit website, 10towns.org. On the homepage, there’s a box at the top that says “Join Us and Take Action,” which will lead people to a form to complete. Then, one of our members will get in touch with them to help them get started.

Featured photo: Cindy Heath. Courtesy photo.

News & Notes 22/07/07

Covid-19 update	Last week	This week
Total cases statewide	331,496 (as of June 27)	332,120 (as of June 30)
Total current infections statewide	1,906 (as of June 23)	2,016 (as of June 30)
Total deaths statewide	2,576 (announced June 27)	2,585 (announced June 30)
New cases	1,434 (June 16 to June 22)	1,671 (June 23 to June 29)
Current infections: Hillsborough County	939 (as of June 27)	921 (as of June 30)
Current infections: Merrimack County	316 (as of June 27)	333 (as of June 30)
Current infections: Rockingham County	682 (as of June 27)	658 (as of June 30)

Information from the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services.

Bill signings

Gov. Chris Sununu signed 39 bills into law on July 1, including SB 422, which establishes an adult dental benefit under the state Medicaid program, according to a press release from the governor’s office. Other bills include an act about health care visitation policies (HB 1439), an act related to special education services for kids in chartered public schools (SB 238), an act establishing an office of the advocate for special education (SB 381) and a bill that seeks to protect vulnerable adults from financial exploitation (SB 385), the release said.

Rising fentanyl dangers

Gov. Chris Sununu, State Police Colonel Nathan Noyes, American Medical Response Regional Director Chris Stawasz, Concord Hospital President and CEO Bob Steigmeyer, and Concord Hospital Emergency Department Medical Director Dr. Nicholas Larochelle held a press conference at Concord Hospital on June 30 to raise awareness about the rising dangers of fentanyl being added to other substances, according to WMUR. While fentanyl has been known to be routinely mixed with heroin, Gov. Sununu and law enforcement and health officials warned that there has been a recent trend of fentanyl being mixed with non-opioid drugs, including cocaine, methamphetamine, marijuana and prescription drugs and being put into vape cartridges. “We’re seeing a whole new mix and integration of these very dangerous and deadly drugs being mixed in with more recreational activities, whether it’s vaping, whether it’s marijuana,” Sununu said according to the WMUR.

New prescription opioid strike force

The Justice Department’s Criminal Division announced in a press release the formation of the New England Prescription Opioid Strike Force, a joint effort between law enforcement, the Health Care Fraud Unit in the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section, the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for three federal districts and law enforcement partners in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG), U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and FBI. The new force will focus on combating unlawful prescribing by identifying and investigating health care fraud schemes and drug diversion offenses by physicians, pharmacists and other medical professionals in the New England region and prosecuting those and other individuals involved in the illegal distribution of prescription opioids and other prescription controlled substances. “The formation of NEPO presents a tremendous opportunity for our three Northern New England states to disrupt the illegal prescription and distribution of opioids,”U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young for the District of New Hampshire said in the release.

First probable case of monkeypox

The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services announced in a press release that it has identified what it believes to be the first probable case of monkeypox in the state. The New Hampshire Public Health Laboratories conducted the initial testing of the patient, who is a resident of Rockingham County. DHHS is currently conducting an investigation to determine if any other individuals were exposed and infected. “While this is a concerning development, the risk to the general public is very low,” Dr. Jonathan Ballard, DHHS Chief Medical Officer, said in the release. Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by a virus that is categorized in the same group as the smallpox virus. Symptoms may include fever, headache, exhaustion, muscle aches, sore throat, cough, swollen lymph nodes and a skin rash and may last for two to four weeks. Transmission typically requires close interaction or physical contact. Anyone experiencing symptoms, particularly a new skin rash or skin lesions, should consult their health care provider.

Blue-green algae dangers

Potentially toxic cyanobacteria has been blooming more frequently in New Hampshire, according to a press release from the Lake Winnipesaukee Association. Often referred to as blue-green algae, the waterbody organisms are needed for the health and growth of many native plants, but can produce toxins that are dangerous to humans and animals, particularly affecting the nervous, liver and endocrine systems, if ingested in large quantities. The Lake Winnipesaukee Association, joined by the Moultonborough Conservation Commission and UNH Lakes Lay Monitoring Program, will hold an informational session on Tuesday, July 12, at 3 p.m. at the Moultonborough Public Library. Anyone who sees an algae bloom or water quality issue is asked to report it to the Lake Winnipesaukee Association at 581-6632 or [email protected].

Rock blasting operations will begin on the F.E. Everett Turnpike in Bedford, on the northbound barrel just south of the I-293 interchange, on Thursday, July 7, the New Hampshire Department of Transportation announced. According to a press release, what that means for drivers is rolling road blocks intermittently on weekdays between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. for the next several months.

The 2022 summer concert series at Stark Park in Manchester (650 River Road) kicks off with a performance by Love Dogs on Sunday, July 10, from 2 to 4 p.m. The Boston-based seven-piece band plays music with elements of jump blues, New Orleans R&B and early rock ’n’ roll. See starkpark.com/events for the full schedule.

AARP New Hampshire has announced the recipients of four 2022 Community Challenge grants, one of which is Hillsborough Community Center, which will use the funds to create a new welcoming and relaxing space with a small garden for older adults. The grants are awarded for quick-action projects with long-term impacts that improve quality of life in New Hampshire communities, particularly for adults over the age of 50.

Summer of books — 06/30/22

Going on vacation? Not going on vacation but need some escape? Angie Sykeny asked area librarians and booksellers for their recommendations for books to keep you busy reading this season whatever your summer plans.

Also on the cover: Katelyn Sahagian lays out your Fourth of July options for fireworks and other holiday fun (page 18). Matt Ingersoll explains what’s on tap at the Keep New Hampshire Brewing Festival (page 26). And, speaking of beer, we say a fond farewell to the regular beer columns of Jeff Mucciarone, our longtime go-to beer guy, with some recommendations for what to drink with your celebratory hot dog (page 29) and a look at fishing for “smallies,” smallmouth bass (page 19).

Across the aisle

My flight from San Francisco to Boston was full and, as I learned, many of the passengers were on their ...

News & Notes 22/06/30

Covid-19 update Last weekThis weekTotal cases statewide 330,116 (as of June 20) 331,496 (as of June 27)Total current infections statewide ...

Culture contribution

man, woman, boy, and young girl dressed in formal wear, posing for photo, beach in background

Franco-American Centre names Franco-American of the Year Meet Timothy Beaulieu, the winner of the Franco-American Centre’s 2022 Franco-American of the ...

A catch-up day

Many things have collected dust while we’ve been following the Celtics playoff run. It’s time to dust them off, with ...

Quality of Life 22/06/30

Free women’s hygiene products A free women’s hygiene cabinet, organized by United Way of Greater Nashua and Girls Inc., has ...

This Week 22/06/30

4 band members posing with instruments, dressed in 60s style clothing

Big Events June 30, 2022 and beyond Thursday, June 30 Bedford’s Family Concerts in the Park starts today at 6 ...

Summer of books

Colorful hardcover books flying on white background

Put action, fantasy, science fiction and more on your summer reading list Need some books to take on vacation or ...

Piano to lift spirits

middle aged man wearing suit, sitting in front of piano

Sergei Novikov comes to New Hampshire By Delaney Beaudoin Having been in the United States for only four months, pianist ...

The Art Roundup 22/06/30

The latest from NH’s theater, arts and literary communities • Book Signing: Local author and second-grade teacher, Kari Allen will ...

Fireworks, festivals, parades and naturalization ceremonies

woman in a group of people, all with hands raised to take oath

Events happening in New Hampshire on and around the Fourth of July By Katelyn Sahagian [email protected] Independence Day is a ...

Fishing for smallies

man standing on boat on cloudy day holding up fish he caught

Smallmouth bass provide an angling experience like no other “Make him go where he doesn’t want to go,” fishing guide ...

Time to tackle those early summer chores

sheets of newspaper placed around young outdoor plants in garden bed

Weeding the garden is only the beginning With the advent of summer, it is time to buckle down and get ...

Treasure Hunt 22/06/30

Dear Donna, We have an assortment of these refrigerator leftover saving dishes. I inherited them through my family. We never ...

Kiddie Pool 22/06/30

Family fun for the weekend Shows galore • O’neil Cinemas’ Summer Kids Series starts on Monday, July 4, with a ...

On The Job – Andrew Budrick

Upholstery repairman Andrew Budrick is the owner of Budrick’s Mobile Upholstery Repair, an automobile interior and furniture upholstery repair service ...

The Weekly Dish 22/06/30

News from the local food scene • Get your Greek eats: Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church (68 N. State St., ...

Cheers to beer

Craft brews and good times at annual Keep NH Brewing Festival After a two-year hiatus, the state’s largest collection of ...

Watermelon blueberry feta salad

watermelon cubes, blueberries, and feta cheese in a bowl

Summer is here! With it come hot weather, outdoor gatherings and many barbecues. Whether you are heading to a cookout ...

In the kitchen with Tony Elias

beared man in white shirt and baseball cap

Tony Elias is the owner of The Spot To-Go ([email protected], and on Facebook and Instagram), a food truck specializing in ...

Fourth of July beer

beer can and full beer glass on dark table in front of dark background

All-American craft beer There was always something about cracking a Budweiser on the Fourth of July. Don’t deny it, it ...

Album Reviews 22/06/30

album art for Ghostkeeper, Multidimensional Culture

Ghostkeeper, Multidimensional Culture (Victory Pool Records) One usually doesn’t think of indigenous people as dancing jigs and playing fiddles, but ...

James Patterson, The Stories of My Life, by James Patterson