Multimedia art exhibition gives voices to immigrants
Pieces of New Hampshire immigrants’ stories are being expressed through images and written and spoken words in Kimball Jenkins’ latest exhibition, “Finding Home: Photos, Artwork, Stories & Voices of Immigrants.”
“We are making spaces to intentionally hold a diverse and inclusive [selection of artwork],” said Yasamin Safarzadeh, Kimball Jenkins Programming Coordinator. “[We want] to make spaces for people who have been historically marginalized.”
“Finding Home” is two separate but complementary exhibits. One, located in the Carriage House Gallery, contains Concord photographer Becky Field’s work. She has been capturing the journeys of local immigrants for about a decade — ever since she heard about four immigrant families whose Concord homes were graffitied.
“It made me very mad that we would treat somebody like that. … They encountered anger and hate right here in Concord,” Field said. “We should welcome them and we should recognize how much they add to our community.”
To better understand these immigrants, Field started what she expected to be a temporary project, capturing their images and listening to their stories.
Mahboba Akhtarzadah from Afghanistan, Manchester, NH 2019 archival digital print by Becky Field.
“I thought I would do it for a year and then I’d go back to photographing butterflies,” she said.
Instead she published her first book of photographs and filled it with what she calls “journey stories,” which gave her subjects an outlet to share what life was like in their home countries and why they came to New Hampshire.
“I made sure the words were the words of the immigrants — I’m not the immigrant, and I’m not the one who went through it,” she said. “People came for all kinds of reasons; some came for education, some came for job opportunities and some came because they fell in love with an American.”
After that book was released, Field kept going. She just released her second book on which the Kimball Jenkins exhibition is based, Finding Home: Portraits and Memories of Immigrants. Her exhibit in the Carriage House Gallery includes large framed portraits of immigrants, a story panel with an excerpt from their journey story, and a QR code that will allow viewers to download an mp4 audio file and listen to a sound bite of the immigrant telling their story.
Field is very aware that her perspective is still one of an outsider.
“What I show is the view of a photographer [seeing] immigration and diversity in our communities … and that’s my truth, that’s my story,” she said.
But she wanted another voice in this exhibition, and that’s where the second exhibit comes in. Located in the Victorian Mansion Gallery, it contains the work of fine art painter Jozimar Matimano, who came to New Hampshire from Uganda about six years ago through the refugee resettlement program with the International Institute of New England.
“It’s about what immigrants are trying to contribute, their voices,” Matimano said of his artwork, which comprises mainly portraits. “We have the perspective that we can try to contribute to the society. We appreciate things in America, our new home.”
Field has been working with Matimano for years, in part to help him be the model for his own paintings; he’ll set up scenes in his family’s Manchester apartment, Field will photograph him, and he’ll use those photos as inspiration for his paintings.
“Art is a powerful tool that can spark something in someone’s life and change the course of history,” said Matimano, who is studying fine art at the Institute of Art at New England College.
It’s important to him, he said, that people can look at his art and form their own opinions or connect to it in some way.
“Different people have different ways of looking at things,” he said. “I leave it to the audience to relate it to what’s going on in their lives … and appreciate the beauty. … “It’s not like every [work of] art is political.”
Another part of Matimano’s exhibit includes handcrafted goods that were made by people living at Promise Hub in the refugee camp in Uganda where he used to live.
“They want to put their voices out there, and their craftsmanship, [while] making a little bit of money,” Matimano said. “It’s another way of trying to empower youth [and help them] stay productive and create.”
The purpose of displaying those items isn’t to sell them — those items were gifted to him — but to raise awareness of the Promise Hub and the work they’re doing, he said.
Matimano and Field approached Kimball Jenkins together with the idea for this exhibit.
“We’ve had a wonderful partnership,” Field said of her work with Matimano. “We are both lifting each other up with this double exhibit. … It’s a great privilege on my part to have Jozimar join me.”
“I think the show is really solid,” Safarzadeh said. “I really enjoy these cross-pollinating shows. … A lot of people like to polarize and [these exhibits] meld into each other and uplift each other. … It’s complex and it’s intertwined.”
“Finding Home: Photos, Artwork, Stories & Voices of Immigrants”
Where: Kimball Jenkins, 266 N. Main St., Concord When: Throughout February and March. An opening reception for both exhibits will be held at Kimball Jenkins on Saturday, Feb. 19, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and will feature comments by the artists, music and refreshments. More information: Call 225-3932 or visit kimballjenkins.com. For more on the artists, visit fieldworkphotos.com and jozimarmatimano.com, or find them on Facebook and Instagram.
Featured Photo: Solidarity, 36”x48” Oil on Canvas by Jozimar Matimano.
Animal caregivers weigh in on the best pet for you
By Angie Sykeny and Matt Ingersoll
Cats or dogs — which is the better pet for you? We asked local animal shelters, doggy day care and pet store owners to weigh in on the unique benefits to having either feline or canine companions, and the variety of different qualities present in each. Here’s a look at what they said.
Team Cats
Fascinating
Cats can be fun and entertaining to watch as they all have distinct personalities and their behavior is often unpredictable and full of surprises.
“Contrary to popular belief by non-cat people, cats are not all alike,” Hilscher said. “They are fascinating and very smart. … A cat can get you to do almost anything for them.”
Photo courtesy of The Cat’s Cradle in Deerfield.
Cathy Bailey, CFO and co-founder of Hearts and Tails Animal Alliance in Weare, said cats have a certain mystique that has “appealed to humans on a profound level for millennia.”
“Cats are … incredibly intelligent … and savvy — apparently the sole navigator of their own destiny,” Bailey said. “Possessing an innate beauty, … a cat is a treasure to behold … and to this day, we love to share our hearts and homes with them.”
Selective
Cats can be hard to please and picky about whom they choose to interact with, which makes winning their approval all the more rewarding.
“They are the ones that pick the time they want with their human,” said Jinelle Hobson, Salem Animal Rescue League executive director. “It’s on their terms.”
“I tend to favor cats because I feel like I have to earn their trust and love more so than with dogs,” Salem Animal Rescue League feline coordinator Tiffany Martin added.
Low maintenance
Caring for a cat is significantly less involved than caring for a dog, making them a good fit for people who work outside the home or travel frequently.
“When my husband and I bought our first home, we decided on a pet cat because we would both be away from home working all day,” said Kristen Westhoven, owner and operator of The Cat’s Cradle,a cat boarding business she runs out of her home in Deerfield. “We knew a dog would need more attention than a cat, so when a friend had a kitten up for adoption, we took him.”
In general, a cat can be alone at home for much longer periods of time than a dog could be, Hobson said, since they already have their food, water and litter box readily available to them.
“You can buy timed feeders and provide them with a cat water fountain so they have food and water,” SARL canine manager Katie Corso said. “They even have litter boxes that clean themselves.”
“If I’m running late I don’t have to worry about them as much, since they have food, water and a potty always available for them,” Martin added.
Seacoast Cat Club A New Hampshire-based affiliate of the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA), a worldwide organization that registers more than 40 breeds of cats with individual pedigrees, the Seacoast Cat Club is open to all cat lovers. Most of their work revolves around their annual show in early May — this year’s show is set for Saturday, May 7, and Sunday, May 8, at the Douglas N. Everett Arena in Concord. “The primary reason for having a show is to have CFA judges handle the cats and judge them according to the CFA standards that are written up for each breed,” Seacoast Cat Club secretary Marilyn Conde said in an email. “The cat who fits the standard best is chosen as [the] best. However, there are also secondary placements. … It’s a hobby and a wonderful way to meet others who share a love of cats.” To become a member, annual dues are $15 per person. Find them on Facebook @seacoastcatclub for more details.
Affectionate
Because dogs tend to be more open with how they show their affection, they are often thought of as the more affectionate of the two pets, but cats can be equally affectionate; they’re just a bit more discerning in how and when they show that affection.
“To some, cats may seem aloof and indifferent, but in my experience, they’re gentle and affectionate … [and] oh so cuddly … when they want to be,” Bailey said.
“Contrary to popular belief, cats are loyal beings, albeit on their terms,” added April Guilmet, board of directors and events coordinator at Happy Tails Pet Rescue in Hudson.
Cats’ displays of affection are typically more subtle than those of dogs, but they’re there if you know what you’re looking for.
“When they give you the slow blink to let you know everything is OK, or when they squish up against you … all is right with the world,” said Adi Rule, vice president of Pet Tails Rescue in Northwood, “and their purrs are just magical.”
Testimonials
April Guilmet, board of directors and events coordinator at Happy Tails Pet Rescue
Cat fosterer (and dog owner)
April Guilmet. Courtesy photo.
“I currently have four cats living with me, or rather, they let me live with them. As an avid volunteer, I’ve been known to take my work home with me, and that means all my cats arrived as fosters and decided to stay. Each kitty has a very distinct personality. My rescued coonhound mix, Cannoli, is pretty much attached to me at the hip most days, whereas my cats Squeegie, Mikey, Aspen and Albert opt to seek attention at their convenience, which tends to be when I’m taking a shower or in a WebEx meeting.”
Tiffany Martin, feline coordinator at Salem Animal Rescue League
Cat owner
Tiffany Martin. Courtesy photo.
“My cat Bastet was surrendered to our shelter in July 2014 as a 5-year-old black semi-feral cat named Chaos. … At the shelter Chaos was very scared, and no one could pet her or get very close to her; she would run and hide up high. I knew that she was going to be overlooked at the shelter … so I told her she could come live at my house with my then-8-year-old son and me. If she decided she ever wanted pets, she could have them. We would love her for her. … It took just over a month of sitting or laying on the floor, just talking to her, letting her have her time to feel safe … before she started slowly coming out for pets. Now, she’s turning 13 this July, and she is a belly-rubbing love bug. Nothing compares to earning an animal’s trust and love.”
The money factor Whether you choose to become the parent of a dog or a cat, it’s important to consider the expenses associated with each. According to the ASPCA, the estimated annual costs of owning a cat are around $634, or roughly $53 per month. For dogs, these numbers vary a bit more and are largely dependent on the size of your pooch — the ASPCA estimates the range to be from about $512 per year ($42.66 per month) for smaller breeds like Boston Terriers and Pugs, about $669 per year ($55.75 per month) for medium breeds like German Shepherds and Labrador Retrievers, and about $1,040.31 per year ($86.69 per month) for large dogs like Great Danes and Bullmastiffs. For both dogs and cats, all of the required expenses are taken into account, including food and regular medical care, but optional purchases or unexpected medical costs may also apply. The ASPCA also notes several ways that pet owners can save money, like making their own toys or treats. See aspcapetinsurance.com for more of a breakdown on costs.
Team Dogs
Man’s best friend
Cats are known to be elusive and difficult to read at times, whereas dogs tend to be more expressive and transparent. They’re good at developing special ways of communicating with their humans, and that rapport often grows stronger over time.
“I love the fact that we can learn a language that dogs want to learn,” said Amber McCune, manager and co-owner of American K9 Country, an animal care and event facility specializing in dog boarding and doggy daycare, obedience and agility classes, grooming, canine rehab and other services for dog-owners.
Many cats need their “me” time and can get irritated if their human doesn’t allow them to get some space when they need it, but that is not so much the case with dogs. You don’t have to worry about smothering them; if you have attention to give them, they will never turn it down.
“Dogs let you love on them for days,” said Laurie Gouley, social media director at Sato Heart Rescue in Milford. “Cats let you love on them when they allow it.”
If you want a pet that will always be by your side and accompany you as you go about your daily activities, a dog fits the bill. With a dog, you’ll never have to be alone if you don’t want to be.
“A dog makes a good companion,” Corso said. “I think dogs are well-suited to owners who might work from home or have more time to devote to their pet.”
Active
Photo courtesy of American K-9 Country in Amherst.
If you live an active lifestyle and spend a lot of time outdoors — or if you don’t but would like to start — a dog might be your perfect companion.
“You can train them, take them hiking, camping, swimming, to the dog park and go out to dog-friendly establishments in your community,” Corso said.
“I love being able to take them everywhere,” added Alyssa Mudgett, kennel technician at Darbster Doggy in Chichester.
Having a dog by your side can also be a great way to help you break the ice with new people and make friends.
“Dogs in particular can improve your social life,” Hobson said. “People stop all the time to give attention to dogs.”
Local dog parks
Derry Dog Park Fordway and Transfer Lane, Derry Hours: Sunrise to sunset, year-round Visit: derrynh.org Friend-Lee Pets Dog Park 40 Concord Road, Lee (directly behind the Friendly Pets store) Hours: Same as the Friendly Pets store in Lee (Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.) Visit: friendlypets.com Hooksett Dog Park 101 Merrimack St., Hooksett Hours: 6 a.m. to dusk, year-round Visit: hooksett.org Hudson Dog Park Benson Park, 19 Kimball Hill Road, Hudson Hours: 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Feb. 28; 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. from March 1 through April 30; 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. from May 1 through Aug. 31; and 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. from Sept. 1 through Oct. 31 Visit: hudsonnh.gov Longhill Dog Park Longhill Memorial Park, 42 Longhill Road, Dover Hours: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. through March 31; 7 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. from April 1 through Sept. 30 Visit: dovernh.gov Manchester Dog Park Bass Island Park, Second Street, Manchester Hours: Dawn to dusk, year-round Visit: manchesternh.gov Merrimack Dog Park Wasserman Park, 116 Naticook Road, Merrimack Hours: Sunrise to sunset, year-round Visit: merrimackparksandrec.org Terrill Park Dog Park Terrill Park, Old Turnpike Road, Concord Hours: Sunrise to sunset, year-round Visit: concordnh.gov Yudicky Farm Dog Park 1 Groton Road (Route 111A), Nashua Visit: nashuadog.org
Unconditional love
Dogs live for their human companions, Bailey said, and love nothing more than to make them happy.
“They put their heart and soul into figuring out ways to please people, expecting nothing more in return than some words of love and encouragement,” she said, “and maybe some treats — can’t forget the treats.”
Rule said every reunion with her dog feels like a celebration, even if she’s only been away for a few minutes.
“[I love] their soulful eyes, tappy paws and heart-healing smiles,” she said.
Testimonials
Charles Stanton. Courtesy photo.
Charles Stanton, executive director at New Hampshire Humane Society
Dog owner
“In my family, we have two rescue dogs: a bassett/American bull terrier mix and a shih tzu mix. They are bonded companions for one another and provide lots of daily entertainment for each other and our household. They are both moderately active and enjoy multiple walks per day. Polly, the basset mix, tends to be more of a snuggler and wants to be beside you on the couch, while Sophie is a bit more independent. All of our daily activities are arranged with them in mind.”
Gail Fisher, owner and founder of All Dogs Gym & Inn
Dog owner
“I have had at least one dog (and as many as eight) in my home since I got my first apartment. … Currently I have an 8-and-a-half-year old Chinook (New Hampshire’s state dog) named Larry and an 18-month-old Basset Fauve de Bretagne (French hound) named Brio. Both dogs love the sport of scent work — searching for and finding specific odors. Larry enjoys playing with his younger brother, but Brio has far more energy … and definitely benefits from going to doggy day care. Truth be told, it is Larry and I [who] benefit from Brio expending his energy in day care and coming home tired and relaxed. I can’t imagine life without the love of a dog.”
Alyssa Mudgett. Courtesy photo.
Alyssa Mudgett, kennel technician at Darbster Doggy
Dog owner
“My rescue pup, April, fits my family perfectly. She matches my younger dog’s energy, and they are wonderful together. She’s also going to be my hiking buddy this summer. I’m truly grateful to have brought her into my life. She’s been nothing but great, and you can tell that she’s grateful as well.”
Jill Crane of Paws on Pine
Dog owner
“Beyond the kennel dogs, which feel like our own, we have two dogs. First is Wilson, a 15-year-old chihuahua, who is a foster failure as they call it. He came to us in very bad shape and I couldn’t bear it for him to ever leave and start over. His personality is huge and captivates everyone he meets. Our second dog is Ivy, a mixed breed larger dog that we adopted three years ago. She’s an amazing [combination] of [a] lively player and the calmest, sweetest hugger you’ll ever meet. These two are best friends, a huge part of our kennel life and the best traveling companions ever.”
Everyone Wins
While choosing one over the other ultimately comes down to your own individual lifestyle, there’s no denying that both cats and dogs can make great pets.
“Any furbaby provides unconditional love to its human,” Hobson said. “Whether it’s a cat or a dog, pets in general improve our moods, reduce stress, provide us comfort and sense of relief and, of course, humor.”
Thinking about your own daily activities is the best way to make a decision for you, said Charles Stanton, executive director of the New Hampshire Humane Society.
“The question of pet ownership is more about what is best for the family and for the home,” he said.
Cathy Hilscher, owner of Cats Kingdom in Manchester, agrees.
“I do feel dogs are better fits for family households and small children for sure, overall … but if you are a cat person, you love your cat just as much as a dog person loves their dog,” she said.
Local animal shelters
• Animal Rescue League of New Hampshire (545 Route 101, Bedford, 472-3647, rescueleague.org)
• Animal Rescue Network of New England (PO Box 1053, Pelham, 233-4801, arnne.org)
The Full Monty, the musical based on the 1997 film, concludes its run at the Palace Theatre (80 Hanover St. in Manchester; palacetheatre.org, 668-5588) with shows tonight at 7:30 p.m.; tomorrow, Friday, Feb. 18, at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Feb. 19, at 2 and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Feb. 20, at noon. Tickets cost $39 and $46 (plus fees).
Thursday, Feb. 17
Oscar completists can mark off Drive My Car (NR, 2021), nominated for Best Picture, Best Director, Best International Feature Film and Best Adapted Screenplay, tonight at the Music Hall (28 Chestnut St. in Portsmouth; themusichall.org). The show starts at 7 p.m. and tickets cost $15 for adults.
Saturday, Feb. 19
Unwind with some music this weekend. Area 23 (254 N. State St., Unit H, in Concord; thearea23.com) will feature a bluegrass jam with Ross Arnold at 2 p.m. today. Then at 8 p.m., catch Scalawag. Find more live music in our Music This Week listing, which starts on page 35.
Monday, Feb. 21
If President’s Day (today) is one of your days off, head to the Currier Museum of Art (150 Ash St. in Manchester; currier.org, 669-6144), which isn’t usually open Mondays but is open today from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. , according to the website. The “Looking Together” docent-led close study of one piece of art that day will be of Augustus Saint-Gaudens’ “Standing Lincoln” at 11 a.m. and noon.
Monday, Feb. 21
Or use this day to get outside. Beaver Brook Association (117 Ridge Road in Hollis; beaverbrook.org, 465-7787) is holding a Guided Winter Hike for ages 14 and up today from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Admission costs $20. The hike (or snowshoe walk, depending on the weather) will go through meadows and evergreen forest and near wetlands, according to the website.
Wednesday, Feb. 23
The Flying Ace, a 1926 silent film with an all African American cast, will screen tonight at Red River Theatres (11 S. Main St. in Concord; redrivertheatres.org, 224-4600). Tickets cost $12. The screening will feature live musical accompaniment by Jeff Rapsis.
Jeff will be performing at several other silent film screenings this week. On Thursday, Feb. 17, he will accompany Girl Shy (1924), a Harold Lloyd rom-com, at the Rex Theatre (23 Amherst St. in Manchester; palacetheatre.org) at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $10. On Sunday, Feb. 20, he will accompany When Knighthood Was in Flower (1922), which stars Marion Davies, at 2 p.m. at the Wilton Town Hall Theatre (wiltontownhalltheatre.com). (Suggested donation is $10).
Save the date! Feb. 28 through March 6
The Nashua Garden Club and the Nashua Public Library will hold a Seed Swap Monday, Feb. 28, through Sunday, March 6, at the library (2 Court St. in Nashua; nashualibrary.org) during library hours (Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m, according to the website). Samples donated by seed companies and information on collecting seeds and gardening will be available, according to a press release. People with seeds to swap can bring them packaged in small quantities, labeled with the name and instructions, to the Chandler Memorial Wing of the library before Feb. 28, the press release. A virtual lecture, “The Soil Food Web” by Diane Miessler, will be presented on Thursday, March 3, at 7 p.m.; register at bit.ly/soil2022. See nashuagardenclub.org for more information.
Featured photo. Kathryn Boyd and Laurence Criner star in The Flying Ace (1926).
Tristan Bowen, a fourth-grade teacher at Riddle Brook School in Bedford, has won the 2020 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, representing the country’s top honors for teaching in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and computer science. According to a press release, Bowen has been teaching for 22 years and is one of 102 teachers nationwide to receive the award. She and other award recipients will receive a certificate signed by the president of the United States, a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation and a trip to Washington, D.C., to participate in professional development opportunities.
Score: +1
Comment: “What sets Tristan apart is her forward-thinking and student engagement abilities, especially in the area of STEM education. She encourages creativity, critical thinking and problem solving through interest-based learning for her students,” Principal Molly McCarthy of Riddle Brook School said in the release.
Red Cross needs help
The American Red Cross is looking for volunteers for its Disaster Action Team and for blood donor ambassadors due to an increase in the number of house fires this winter and the ongoing critical need for blood. According to a press release, local Red Cross Disaster Action Team members have responded to at least 83 home fires in New Hampshire, helping 421 people, since July. Now, more volunteers are needed to help families with immediate needs after a fire, as well as to provide emotional support. Most locally, disaster team volunteers are needed in Laconia and Plymouth and on the Seacoast. The Red Cross is also looking for 26 blood donor ambassadors in Hillsborough and Rockingham counties, according to the release. Blood donor ambassadors greet and register donors and offer support throughout the donation process.
Score: -2 for the high number of house fires and the critical blood shortage
Comment:Vaccinations are required for in-person volunteer roles, the release said.
Local Hall of Famers
Sixteen Central High School graduates have been named as inductees into the Manchester High School Central Hall of Fame. According to a press release, the new inductees are usually announced every five years but were postponed last year because of Covid. Some of the biggest names among the inductees are Col. Jason Fettig, director of the President’s Own Marine Band; Rep. Chris Pappas, who represents New Hampshire’s 1st District in Congress; Max Clayton, whose Broadway credits include featured roles in The Music Man and Moulin Rouge; and Kayleigh Cronin, who is currently appearing on the Great White Way in a production of Mrs. Doubtfire, the release said.
Score: +1
Comment: Previous inductees of the school’s Hall of Fame, which was founded in 1996, include Olympic gold medalist Bob Beattie; John Sullivan, former secretary of the Navy; Chip Kelly, former head coach of the San Francisco 49ers and Philadelphia Eagles and current UCLA head coach; and comedian Adam Sandler.
Free small business support
The NH Tech Alliance and NH Small Business Development Center have launched a free Cybersecurity Review program for small- and medium-sized businesses. According to a press release, businesses in New Hampshire with up to 500 employees can participate and receive an online education, a one-on-one consultation with a cybersecurity consultant, and a report with action items based on the consultation.
Score: +1
Comment: The release said 61 percent of all small- and medium-sized businesses have reported at least one cyber attack during the previous year according to the 2021 Data Breach Investigations Report.
QOL score: 59
Net change: +1
QOL this week: 60
What’s affecting your Quality of Life here in New Hampshire? Let us know at [email protected].
I don’t know about you, but I was perplexed by almost every one of the many deals made during last week’s NBA trading deadline period. Were those teams trying to improve? Blow things up? Or just getting worse without even realizing they were? On most, I couldn’t tell which it was.
That was the case on the big deals GM BradStevens made. Neither struck me as “I love that,” or even “I’ll take that.” But I decided to think about them before jumping to conclusions.
After I did, I don’t think they won either trade mentioned below head to head, or even in relation to this season. But oddly they did probably win both for long-term reasons, and that made the risks taken for the remainder of 2021-22 worth it.
Here’s an analysis of the gains and losses of the day.
Celtics trades: In the end they were about exchanging the short-term offensive punch of DennisSchroder and JoshRichardson for the immediate defensive prowess and long-term roster-building benefits of DerrickWhite and DanielTheis.
Dennis Schroder: He gave them needed penetration in the half-court and an ability to score in bunches. I’m not sure if White can do either. But what you couldn’t get around is that he’s one and done in Boston, and by trading him now Stevens opted for the big picture and was right to do so.
Josh Richardson: I hate losing this guy. Especially after he found his groove in mid-January as a high-energy scorer off the bench. He also usually came in for JaylenBrown and JaysonTatum and they didn’t get anyone back who can do that. So that leaves two holes to fill.
DanielTheis: Nobody likes Theis better than me. But getting him back for what Schroeder did for the team seemed like an odd choice. But, if you accept the premise White is an upgrade over Schroeder, there are two reasons to like this deal. First, he’s a tough, gritty, versatile defender who fights his guy on every play. And if Philly lies ahead in the playoffs, between Al Horford, Rob Williamsand Theis they now have 18 fouls per game to throw at JoelEmbiid and they may need all of them. Second, lament Schroeder’s loss all you want, but they got a player of value signed through 2025 for a guy who is gone in June no matter what. That helps long-term depth.
DerrickWhite: In giving up Richardson, RomeoLangford and another first-round pick my first thought was that they overpaid for White. But, since I’ve only seen him play a few times I don’t have a lot to go on.
Based on what I do know, he scores 14 a game, shoots 31 percent on threes, not quite a point guard, but can play it and is a solid, versatile defender. He sounds like MarcusSmart 2.0, and is that really what they needed?
On the bright side, he scores about the same as Schroeder, is a much better defender, learned how to play under GreggPopovich so you know he’s team-oriented and is signed at a reasonable/ tradable $17 million per through 2025, which makes it seem like an upgrade. Stevens said this was a no-brainer. It had better be, because he’s the key new guy.
The bench: By trading seven guys it’s thin in numbers and talent. It also left gaping holes to be filled by proven guys getting expanded roles, unproven guys being asked to do things they haven’t done yet or by getting lucky in the buyout market. The options are these:
GrantWilliams: I’m guessing those Tatum replacement minutes go to Grant. He’s not remotely the same kind of player, but he’s got the size to defend the players Tatum does. Plus while limited offensively he’s somehow gone from an abysmal 25 percent three-point shooter as a rookie to their best distance shooter percentage-wise at 41.3 percent. I’m still not confident any time he lines up to take one, but the numbers are the numbers
Bench scoring: What they’ve clearly done is put the onus for this on two guys who’ve given very little indication they can do it consistently. PaytonPritchard has had his moments, so if he can ever give it up instead of dribbling the offense into submission and stop shooting from the parking lot maybe he can develop the distance shooting consistency he seems capable of. As for AaronNesmith, I trust him about as much as I would a Tesla if I were sitting in the backseat of one of their self-driving cars. First, he’s a three-point shooter who can’t make threes. At least so far. And while he certainly hustles, he does it without any kind of plan. So it’s like watching the bumper cars ride at Canobie Lake as he crashes into anything that moves. But, while it’s probably wishful thinking, with the same size and range as Richardson it would be more beneficial if he can develop into something than if Pritchard does. Though what matters most is for one of them to do it.
Trading first-round picks: Maybe they’re gun-shy after all the blown picks. But I’m not comfortable giving up two in a row. So fix the talent evaluation part with better scouts, and stop giving up picks, because low-salaried, productive young guys are valuable.
Brad Stevens: I hated using a first-round pick to trade KembaWalker. They should have just bought him out and got Horford another way. But getting Richardson for a guy who could barely make a layup (TristanThompson, who’s already been twice more since leaving Boston) was solid. Now these next two moves have strategic long-term value. So I feel better about young Brad than just two weeks ago.
OK, now comes the stretch run for the suddenly red hot C’s, as we get to see in real time the effect of the new additions.
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.
