The Land and Community Heritage Investment Program has awarded more than $4.7 million in matching grants for 40 projects throughout New Hampshire that support historic preservation and land conservation. According to a press release, these grants will bolster outdoor recreation, food-producing farmland and working forests and will help preserve old buildings. For example, several old towns halls have received grants: Salem’s, built in 1738, and Wilmot’s, built in 1906, are the oldest and newest buildings to get grants, while the Mont Vernon Town Hall has received a $25,000 grant to support the restoration of its windows and sashes. Other building projects are at historic churches, like the First Church of Nashua, which got a $60,000 grant to support the restoration of its bell tower, the release said.
Score: +1
Comment:Grant recipients have to raise a minimum of $1 for each dollar provided by LCHIP, the release said, and this year’s awards will be matched by $19 million that the projects’ sponsors will raise on their own.
Winter optimism
More than 3 million visitors are expected to travel to New Hampshire and spend about $1.2 billion this winter season, the state Division of Travel and Tourism Development announced last week. According to a press release, the department will launch its winter ad campaign in January, including in Quebec and Ontario, now that the Canadian border is open to non-essential travel again. The campaign will mainly promote winter sports like skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling and snowshoeing, plus some non-outdoor activities like shopping and dining.
Score: +1
Comment: “We know the outdoor recreation assets in New Hampshire like our ski resorts and winter trail networks are among the largest drivers of our state’s economy,” Taylor Caswell, commissioner of the New Hampshire Department of Business and Economic Affairs, said in the release. “They bring tourists to spend a weekend but also increasingly more new residents seeking to restore their work/life balance.”
Make the most of matching donations
For every dollar raised by the New Hampshire Food Bank by the end of the year, an anonymous private foundation will match the donation, up to $100,000, potentially providing a total of $200,000 in funding. That would equate to about 400,000 meals, according to a press release. This is the seventh year in a row that this foundation has provided matching donations, which, in conjunction with public support, has resulted in more than $4 million raised and 80 million meals given to those in need.
Score: +1
Comment:The pandemic has increased the need for food assistance throughout the country, and in New Hampshire one in nine people face food insecurity, the release said. Donations can be made at nhfoodbank.org.
Unlikely elves
New Hampshire State Prison residents created more than 400 hand-drawn cards and more than 200 hand-drawn coloring books for kids at the Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth this holiday season. According to a press release, Cards for Kids and Coloring Books for Kids originated through the Resident Communication Committee’s Lifer & Long-term Incarceration Subcommittee, which also made a treasure chest so CHaD staff can hand out prizes when they play games with the kids.
Score: +1
Comment: The items were recently delivered to CHaD by a state prison lieutenant.
QOL score last week: 82
Net change: +4
QOL this week: 86
What’s affecting your Quality of Life here in New Hampshire? Let us know at news@hippopress.com.
With Christmas arriving on Saturday it’s time to review who’s been naughty and nice as we hand our annual presents for folks in sports during 2021.
Chip Kelly: A top 10 recruiting class to get him over the hump in Year 4 on the job because the big seat is going to get hotter at UCLA in the year ahead if he doesn’t.
Tiger Woods: A return to good health after the horrific car accident to let him pursue what he wants to in golf, as it would be sad to see one of the greatest careers in golf end in such a terrible way.
Chris Sale: Ditto for you, lefty, as it would be nice to see you regain form and pitch injury-free for the first time since spring of 2018.
Steph Curry: A little perspective. As those water works after you did it show, you and many others in basketball way, way, way over-value the three-point shot. It’s a nice career record you set and I do marvel at your incredible range and accuracy, but give me a break, buddy; in the end it’s just a long shot, not like passing Bill Russell’s record 11 NBA titles.
Ben Simmons: A lump of coal and a DVD of the game where fans in Philly booed Santa Claus on Christmas Day to show him it’s a tough place to play and he shouldn’t be such a crybaby. Of course it would help if he weren’t terrified to shoot in big moments.
Mac Jones: A Super Bowl title in the very near future to stop the yapping of the haters out there who are doing it to fabricate a weakness of yours because starting the career in Brady-like fashion drives those who hate that Coach B pulls rabbits out of his hat more than anyone even crazier than they usually are.
Donald Parham: A swift and complete recovery for the L.A. Chargers tight end after his scary neck/head injury on Thursday Night Football last week.
Brandon Staley: A place to hide out in L.A. after blowing that just-mentioned TNF game for first place in the AFC West, a game his Chargers should have won vs. KC, by going for TD’s over the field goal three times inside the five-yard line on fourth downs when they were stopped twice and fumbled on the other one, when one FG would have prevented it from going into OT, where KC won it. Also a copy of the soon to be best seller It’s OK To Admit You’re Wrong When You Screw Up for him saying after the game he was “comfortable” with those decisions despite the disastrous results. Talk about delusional thinking for the holidays!
Red Sox Nation: Two quality starters, two quality relievers (at least) and a return from whatever world Matt Barnes lived in during the second half of 2021 after being lights out in the first half.
Jackie Bradley Jr: That his return home to Fenway sparks a return to his hitting form of 2018 when he was ALCS MVP and hit a huge homer in the clinching game in the World Series that followed. Why? Because we like JBJR.
Sox owner John Henry: The perspective to know there’s a fine line between not allowing yourself to be strangled/penalized by an overindulgent payroll and rebuilding the farm system and that you are a major market team financially and shouldn’t be cheaping out to save a few bucks.
Chaim Bloom: The good sense to know the $20 million per for just three years Kyle Schwarber is looking for is exactly the kind of short-term deal he should be looking for. It’s a bargain, buddy, so as Kramer would say, Go!
USA Men’s Soccer: A nice showing (for once) in the upcoming World Cup this summer.
Danny Ainge: A good luck wish for the new job in Utah and a ceremony to raise 44 to the rafters, as two titles as a player and one as the GM over 20 years of service to the Celtics warrants that.
MLB and the Players Association: Not that this has a chance of happening. But to have the common sense and wisdom to know that the best deals are the ones when both sides win.
Roger Clemens and Barry Bonds: Election to the Hall of Fame. Because while using ’roids was kinda sorta illegal, with a number of highly suspected users already in it’s murky to prove. Plus with the grand enabler Bud Selig breezing in, what’s good for the goose is good for the gander. Ditto for Mark McGwire and Andy Pettitte.
Urban Meyer: A new job where he’ll go back to being the BMOC on a college campus because after his catastrophic 13-game reign in Jacksonville when the trouble started less than a month into his tenure he’ll never work in the NFL again. Hard to screw something up as badly and quickly as he did this one.
The Patriots Special Teams: A refresher course from the time when the other guys made the big mistakes on special teams, because after seeing three punts blocked punts in their first 14 games, they seem like the good old days now.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: A framed print of Yogi Berra’s quote “It ain’t over till it’s over” to remind him to always play through the buzzer, as everyone in the joint thought OKC and New Orleans were headed to OT after SGA drained a 38-footer to tie it at 110 apiece with 1.8 seconds left.
Devonte Graham: Nothing we can give the Pelican point guard could top what he got when Christmas came early last week when his desperation 70-foot heave after that dagger from Gilgeous-Alexander banked in at the buzzer to give New Orleans a stunning 113-110 win over OKC instead.
To all of us, an end to the Covid nightmare so we can all get back to a normal life sometime in the year ahead.
Alexandra Moore, marketing director at McIntyre Ski Area in Manchester, talked about what to expect during this winter’s ski season and how to stay safe and enjoy your time on the slopes.
What Covid safety measures should people be practicing at the ski area?
Right now, we’re following all of the CDC guidelines. We require people to wear masks while indoors, and all of our employees are masked while indoors. We certainly recommend that people wear masks outdoors, as well. We also just ask that everybody [practice] social distancing … and try to limit their time indoors. We have a ton of outside seating, picnic tables and these beautiful fire pits that people can sit around so that they can really enjoy the outdoors. … Consider using your car as a base lodge. … When you get on the lift chair, go with the crew that you came in with, versus catching a chair with somebody you don’t know. … The biggest thing we ask is that everybody just be aware of what’s going on, and, of course, if you’re not feeling well, stay home.
Aside from Covid protocol, what else should people know about staying safe?
Dressing properly is definitely the big one. I would recommend that people check the elements and dress for the elements; a good coat, snow pants, snow boots, a hat and gloves are really key to enjoying your time outside during winter in New England.
Are you expecting a good season, snow-wise?
Yes. We just listened to weather forecasts that said it’s going to be a good winter for skiing and riding, so we’re anticipating a wonderful year of being outside, enjoying the winter in the ways that New Englanders love the most. … Plus, it’s always a good winter for skiing or riding here, because we have the ability to make our own snow, and our snowmakers are out there diligently working every chance that they can.
Where do you get your forecast info? How accurate is it, usually?
We get it through Manchester City weather forecasting. We are usually pretty spot-on. We were hoping for 8 inches during this last storm, and we got about 4, but weather, as we all know, is unpredictable in many ways.
Do you offer any special programs or lessons?
We have a lot [of learning opportunities] for people who are out [on the slopes] for the first time or want to get into the sport [of skiing]. We offer group lessons, private lessons, and semi-private lessons here … to teach people the love of skiing and riding. We have an incredible … program for the younger [kids]. We have a lot of school programs with local schools. We have a parent-and-me class. We have a women-in-winter class.
What about special events?
Yes, the events that go on here are so cool. Santa was just at the ski area today. We have a Tuesday night race league. We have a neon race coming up [on Jan. 4], and we have the Vertical Challenge coming in February.
Why should people hit the slopes this winter?
Winter in New England is long. This is a great way to enjoy the outdoors with friends and family, and [to do so] safely, because you’re outside, in the open air. It brings generations together; we have people who are over 80 years old who are still enjoying us. It’s something I think everyone should try at least once in their lifetime. … If you don’t want to ski, we have snow tubing, with eight tubing lanes … and we have a wonderful cafe and bar area. There are really no limits; there’s something here for everybody.
Local ski areas
• Crotched Mountain (615 Francestown Road, Bennington, 588-3668, crotchedmtn.com) Opening date TBD. • Gunstock Mountain Resort (719 Cherry Valley Road, Gilford, 293-4341, gunstock.com) Open now for day skiing, with night skiing starting on Dec. 28. • McIntyre Ski Area (50 Chalet Ct., Manchester, 622-6159, mcintyreskiarea.com) Open Thursday, Dec. 23, from noon to 8 p.m., and Friday, Dec. 24, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; day and night skiing offered daily starting on Dec. 26. • Pats Peak Ski Area (686 Flanders Road, Henniker, 428-3245, patspeak.com) Open now for day skiing, with night skiing starting Dec. 26.
Featured photo: Alexandra Moore. Anne Skidmore Photography.
Information from the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services.
Covid-19 news
During the state’s weekly public health update on Dec. 16, state epidemiologist Dr. Benjamin Chan reported that more than 1,100 new infections of Covid-19 continue to be identified each day, while hospitalizations and deaths also remain high. Additional infections with the omicron variant have also been reported in New Hampshire since the first one was detected on Dec. 13. “Based on what we’re seeing in other countries and in other areas of the U.S., we expect that … there will be an increase in [the] proportion of omicron infections,” Chan said.
Following the success of the state’s first “booster blitz” on Dec. 11, when more than 10,000 Covid booster doses were administered, Gov. Chris Sununu announced during the press conference that a second event has been scheduled for Jan. 8. “We’re going to have registration open up shortly after the new year,” Sununu said, adding that there will be up to six additional fixed vaccination sites across the state pending approval by the Executive Council.
Hundreds of thousands of additional at-home rapid Covid tests are also expected to be available to Granite Staters soon via sayyescovidtest.org. “At the end of the day, this is the future of managing the Covid pandemic: home testing, easy access [and] rapid results for you or your child,” Sununu said. “I think it’s going to not just keep the burden off of the hospitals. It’s going to reduce transmission and really help us bend that curve down, knowing that we could be dealing with Covid in the long run for potentially a long time to come.”
On Dec. 20, state health officials announced they have identified the first pediatric death from complications related to Covid-19 in New Hampshire. According to a press release, the death occurred back in September in another state, in a child who was too young to have been vaccinated. The identification was made after Covid-19 was listed as a cause of death on the recently finalized death certificate. According to the release, about 25 to 30 percent of all new infections in New Hampshire are continuing to occur in people under the age of 18.
State assessments
The impact that the pandemic has had on education throughout the country can be seen in students’ assessment scores from the spring of 2021, and New Hampshire’s test results are no different. According to a press release, about 38 percent of students in the state scored proficient or above proficient in math for 2021, compared to 48 percent in 2019, while about 52 percent scored proficient or above proficient in reading for 2021, compared to 56 percent in 2019. Science scores dropped from a statewide average of 39 percent proficient or above proficient in 2019 to 37 percent in 2021. The number of students who participated in the testing this year dropped as well, the release said. About 73,406 New Hampshire students completed the assessment tests for math in 2021, while about 91,050 completed the tests in 2019; for reading, numbers dropped from about 90,785 to 72,880; and in science, which is taken in fewer grades, participation was about 37,720 in 2019 and 28,495 in 2021. “It is clear and understandable that trauma from the pandemic continues to impact schools, students and teachers,” Frank Edelblut, Commissioner of Education, said in the release. “New Hampshire will continue to address learning loss through customized, unique and engaging learning platforms that focus on individual student achievement and success.”
Divisive concepts
The American Federation of Teachers New Hampshire chapter is challenging the constitutionality of a new piece of legislation, often referred to as the “divisive concepts” law, in federal court, WMUR reported. The law, passed by Republican lawmakers and signed by New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu, prohibits school teachers in the state from making any statements insinuating or indicating that people are inferior or superior to others on account of their race, gender, religion and other factors. According to the article, teachers said the policy has caused confusion and difficulty in teaching historical events accurately. The complaints were outlined in a 52-page document filed in the U.S. District Court in Concord. “The law is crafted with language that was designed to make it look benign, but in reality, it puts public school teachers in an impossible position,” National AFT President Randi Weingarten said during a telephone news conference. Sununu, state Senate Majority Leader Jeb Bradley and state Board of Education member Ryan Terrell said the lawsuit mischaracterizes the law with the wording “divisive concept,” which is not included in the written legislation, and does not accurately represent the language and intent of the written legislation. The New Hampshire Department of Justice is expected to file a response, the article said.
Insurance navigation
The Foundation for Healthy Communities announced that it is offering free health insurance navigation services to New Hampshire residents seeking health insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace, Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program. A Health Insurance Navigator, accessible to all state residents, assists health insurance consumers with the process of shopping for, assessing their eligibility for, applying for and enrolling in health insurance coverage for the 2022 plan year during the Open Enrollment period, which is going on now through Jan. 15. The tool was made possible through a grant awarded to the Foundation by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services; grants are awarded each year to organizations that serve as health insurance Navigators in states that offer a Federally-Facilitated Marketplace.
NHDRA
After 36 months of work, the New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration has completed its new Revenue Information Management System. According to a press release, the modernized information system, which replaces a 30-year-old system, has upgraded and consolidated the functionality of its tax administration processes, including automation, integration and electronic filing. The NHDRA has also launched Granite Tax Connect, a tool for New Hampshire taxpayers, operators and practitioners that allows them to easily maneuver and complete tax-related tasks online. Granite Tax Connect will fully replace NHDRA’s current eFile interface starting on Jan. 1. Since NHDRA started using the new system, known as RIMS, the department has processed more than $3 billion in payments and administered three CARES Act Programs, which provided $390 million in Covid-19 relief funds to 12,000 New Hampshire businesses. In Fiscal Year 2021, NHDRA performed electronic filing for more than half of the 420,000 tax returns that it processed.
The New Hampshire Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Turnpikes Safety Patrol celebrated its new sponsorship from Geico by donating more than 500 toys and gifts to Operation Santa Claus. According to a press release, the sponsorship announcement and the donation were made Dec. 15 at the Common Man Roadside Welcome Center in Hooksett.
On Dec. 21, to honor Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day, people from the community gathered at Veterans Park in Manchester in a tribute to the homeless and formerly homeless. According to a press release, Catholic Medical Centers’s Health Care for the Homeless, FIT-NH, Hope for NH Recovery, The Mental Health Center of Greater Manchester and the NH Coalition to End Homelessness led the program, lighting luminaries for the 38 homeless men and women who died in Manchester in 2021.
New Hampshire has a new Historical Highway Marker, located on Route 13 in Brookline near Lake Potanipo, where the former Fresh Pond Ice Co. used to harvest ice. According to a press release, this is the 271st historical marker in New Hampshire, and it reads, in part, “The first ice harvest was shipped to Boston for local distribution in 1892 on Brookline’s newly complete railroad. … The advent of electric refrigeration, coupled with a fire that destroyed the extensive complex of icehouses on March 22, 1935, effectively ended commercial ice harvesting at this location.”
