Tag: 230316

Quality of Life 23/03/16

Spring!

This week’s Hippo highlights events happening as the calendar turns to spring, which officially begins Monday, March 20. Last weekend we all did the “spring forward” of daylight saving time. Brightly colored Peeps and jelly beans fill the candy aisles — so naturally that means in New Hampshire it’s time for a Nor’easter! With big weather bearing down on the state, many towns postponed their town meetings (originally slated for March 14) to March 28. See your town clerk’s office for information. By mid morning on March 14, with big fluffy heavy flakes falling steadily, WMUR was reporting that tens of thousands of New Hampshire customers had lost power so far.

QOL score: -1 (hey, complaining about March weather is a New Hampshire spring activity)

Comments: The kids, meanwhile, may be rejoicing. More snow to play with now and, if this is how your town does this, another day off on March 28.

Yes, coach!

NHTI, Concord’s Community College’s Lynx men’s basketball coach Irvin Harris (pictured above) has been named the Yankee Small College Conference Coach of the Year in his first season as head coach. Yankee Small College Conference is a United States Collegiate Athletic Association Division II conference that includes two- and four-year schools from New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont and New York State. According to a press release, Harris led the Lynx to an 11-3 conference record, with which they are now tied for first. The team also came out on top in highest-scoring offense, with an average of 86.2 points per game; rebounds, with 45.2 per game; and steals, with nearly 12 per game, under Harris’s leadership.

QOL score: +1

Comment: Harris hails from Omaha, Nebraska, according to the release.

Ukuleles for the kids

The Dover Rotary Club presented a $1,000 donation to the Ukulele Kids Club, an initiative of the Southern New Hampshire Ukulele Group, to support its mission of bringing music and instruments to hospitalized children. According to a press release, the Ukulele Kids Club operates in more than 200 hospitals and has donated more than 14,000 instruments in conjunction with music therapy sessions. “I have witnessed first-hand how music therapy soothes patients,” June Pinkham, one of the organizers of the Southern NH Ukulele Group, said in the release. “I’ve seen how it relaxes them and makes them more receptive to treatment. It’s amazing. We are honored to accept this generous donation on behalf of the UKC.”

QOL score: +1

Comment:Southern NH Ukulele Group has raised over $90,000 for the Ukulele Kids Club to date, with a goal of reaching $100,000 in 2023, according to the release.

QOL score: 60

Net change: +1

QOL this week: 61

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

The week that was

The Big Story – NFL Free Agency Begins: The quest to fill the holes the Patriots have for 2023 began yesterday (Wednesday) at 4 p.m. when the NFL’s new year began. It came a few days after Devin McCourty announced his retirement. Which, looking on the bright side, saved them around $9 million in cap space to leave them with around $32 million to $35 million to spend.

The need to score with that became acute following news that All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey had been traded to Miami and Aaron Rodgers could be/was traded to the Jets already.

The following are things to consider as free agency unfolds.

Ways To Add Cap Space: The biggest no-brainer way would be to cut wideout Nelson Agholor. Losing him would not hurt in any way and it would save $4 million. A little dicier would be moving out left tackle Trent Brown, who was a disappointment in 2022. If they can find a taker in need of offensive line help, a trade would give them $10.5 million more, which would give them $14.1 million to spend all or part of on a younger upgrade to replace Brown.

Biggest Needs: To reiterate what I wrote two weeks ago: (1) A ready-on-Day 1 dynamic receiver that teams must game plan for. Pay what they must in draft capital and cap space to get one for their young QB, as the Dolphins and Eagles did to catapult their questionable young quarterbacks ahead a year ago. (2) Fix the offensive line. Specifically, two tackles. The best case scenario would be one coming from free agency and the other from the draft.

Players to Re-Sign: Most important would be to pay their top CB, Jonathan Jones, because if they don’t they’ll have to draft one and a bird in hand is worth two in the bush.

A Worthy Experiment: From the first Super Bowl team to the last when Julian Edelman was the MVP, slot receiver was the bread and butter of the offense. And while I’m fine with Jakobi Meyers as the third wideout (at the right free agent price) he does not give them much after the catch and lacks the quickness in space that Troy Brown, Wes Welker, Danny Amendola and Edelman gave Tom Brady.

They need a dynamic player in that role, as it’s a weapon on first down to get ahead of the sticks on down and distance, and as a target to get 7 yards or less on third down to keep drives alive.

So I’m all in on moving Marcus Jones from DB to slot receiver. While it’s not a lock he can do it, he would bring two things to the offense, dynamic speed and an ability to run with the ball when he gets his hands on it. And before you say he can’t do it: He played there some in college and historically it’s a position of misfit players who found success there as Edelman was a wishbone QB in college, Amendola and Welker were undrafted free agents and Brown was overlooked because of his size. Plus all were very good punt returners, which requires the most vital skill needed by a slot receiver, quickness to operate in tight spaces — something Jones demonstrated last year.

And trying him there also means you don’t have to use a draft pick or free agent money to fill that hole as well. Not to mention that since Coach B hasn’t hit on a wide receiver of any note since Deion Branch in 2002 it’s doubtful he’ll hit on one in this draft.

Check those boxes with trades and FA’s; it’s then on to the draft for a tackle and depth.

Thumbs Up – Devin McCourty: Thanks for the memories at the retirement after 13 years for as solid, reliable and durable a player as the Pats have had in the SB years. Bravo.

Sports 101: Detroit Mercy senior Antoine Davis fell just three points short of Pete Maravich’s all-time college record of scoring 3,667 points. Who held the career college scoring mark before Maravich?

Sports 101 Answer: With 2,973 points in 88 games (33.8 per game) Oscar Robertson was the all-time college scoring leader before Maravich.

Email Dave Long at [email protected].

The support team

Granite VNA gets a new director of hospice

Meet Kristin Jordan, Granite VNA’s new director of hospice.

What is your background in health care, and what led you to this position?

I’ve been with Granite VNA for a couple months now. I have a background in home health and hospice, and I’ve done both inpatient and outpatient oncology services, here in New England and down in Nashville, Tennessee, for several years. … The beauty of nursing is that there’s certain specialties that speak to different personalities and passions and interests. I really felt a pull toward home health and hospice. … What I loved about this opportunity [at Granite VNA] is that it allows me to focus purely on the hospice program. It’s been a tremendous opportunity to get into what speaks to the empath and nurturer in me.

What do Granite VNA’s hospice services look like?

It’s really focused on creating a personalized plan of care. That includes symptom management so they’re comfortable, through medication or otherwise. It includes spiritual care … which can mean so many different things to different people. We have a nondenominational team of spiritual care individuals who offer their services. We have medical social work. We have volunteers; if someone has a caregiver who works a lot, we have volunteers who offer to go sit with them or read to them. Sometimes, depending on what the needs are, it might involve physical therapy or occupational therapy to help patients still be able to maneuver and do activities of daily living if they’re still able to. We have pet therapy and music therapy, and we’re talking about potentially adding an art therapy program, as well. Finally, we have a bereavement team that will follow up with families to whatever extent the families are interested in after the time of the passing. We don’t just say, ‘Sorry for your loss,’ and move on; we really keep our arms wrapped around those families for as long as they need that added support as they go through their grieving process.

What does your job as director of hospice entail?

My main purpose is lending guidance and support to the team. Every patient’s needs are so unique, so I help the interdisciplinary team navigate that. I’m also making sure I’m checking in regularly with my staff, because health care is a challenging, demanding field, and hospice is, in my mind, that, but far more elevated. It’s really important that my staff take the time to do self-care so that they can give all of themselves to the work that they do every day. In addition to that, it’s very important that I’m working with my fellow leaders in our various community catchment areas to really educate them on the breadth of hospice benefit. Hospice, in general, is still, unfortunately, stigmatized, and far too often, people don’t realize what services we can offer until it’s too late, and I see that as a missed opportunity.

What are some of the biggest challenges you face in your position?

The workforce shortage coupled with the ever-aging population is really challenging in our particular industry, because there’s more and more need and fewer people to do the hard work. We have to get more creative. We really have to enhance and embrace that true interdisciplinary group approach to caring for someone. It’s not just the nurse; it’s the social worker, the spiritual care, the volunteers, and the list goes on.

What do you hope to accomplish moving forward?

I simply want to see just a greater integration into the communities that we serve and build up the staff as much as we possibly can to have a have a stronger presence in the community in various forms, whether it’s having patients on our service or offering in-servicing at seniors centers or being at different community events where we can educate about what we have to offer.

What do you find most rewarding about this work?

What I find most rewarding is also what made me interested in pursuing it to begin with: being trusted to be part of what is probably a devastating and life-altering personal chapter in someone’s life — to face losing someone they love — and to be part of a team that can wrap their arms around such a tragic moment; to allow someone to die with the dignity and the respect that they deserve; and the prospect of having that family look back on what’s happened and be able to see the beauty in that nightmare. There’s no greater honor in what we do for work.

Featured photo: Kristin Jordan. Courtesy photo.

News & Notes 23/03/16

Feedback on schools

For the fourth consecutive year, the New Hampshire Department of Education is inviting parents, educators and community members to share their perspectives and experiences with their respective schools through the 603 Bright Futures Survey. According to a press release, the survey was created to gather actionable feedback surrounding learning models, school climate, family and community engagement and other topics in order to understand the successes and challenges of the recent school year and craft policies and programs to meet the needs of students in the upcoming school year. “Public input and feedback is crucial as we aim to help all students succeed in the classroom and beyond.” Frank Edelblut, education commissioner, said in the release. The survey, which takes 15 minutes or less to complete, is available to take online now through Friday, April 28. Families, visit bit.ly/nhedfamily; school staff, visit bit.ly/nhedstaff; and community members, visit bit.ly/nhedcommunity. The results of the survey will be shared on education.nh.gov once the survey closes.

Mounted patrol

The New Hampshire Horse Council has named Officer Kelly McKenney of the Manchester Police Mounted Patrol as its 2023 New Hampshire Horseperson of the Year. According to a press release, the award recognizes individuals who have contributed to the betterment of New Hampshire’s equine industry. Officer McKenney, a lifelong equestrian, can often be seen patrolling downtown Manchester on her main equine partner, General, or visiting schools, retirement homes and other community venues with Eddy the comfort pony. “Officer McKenney’s efforts as a member of the Manchester Mounted Patrol have greatly enhanced the well-being of city residents,” Christina Keim, New Hampshire Horse Council president, said in the release. “Whether interacting with the public from horseback while on mounted patrol, or bringing Eddy the comfort pony to reach citizens on a more personal level, Officer McKenney is connecting people with horses, for the betterment of all.”

Conservation funding

The New Hampshire Land and Community Heritage Investment Program, in partnership with a variety of conservation funding programs, will host a two-day webinar on conservation funding sources on Thursday, April 6, from 8:30 to 11 a.m., and Friday, April 7, from 8:30 to 10 a.m. According to a press release, presenters will include the Land and Water Conservation Fund, NH DES Drinking Water and Groundwater Trust Fund Source Water Protection, State Conservation Committee, NH Land and Community Heritage Investment Program and USFS Community Forest and Forest Legacy Programs on Thursday, and NH DES Aquatic Resources Mitigation Fund, USDA Agricultural Conservation Easement Program and NH Fish and Game on Friday. The presenters will provide an overview of their respective program’s funding priorities, eligibility requirements, application process and schedule. To register, email [email protected] with the subject line “State Conservation Funding Webinar.”

State of teens

Results from New Hampshire’s 2021 Youth Risk Behavior Survey have been released. According to a press release, the anonymous and voluntary survey is distributed every other year to high school students through a partnership between local schools, the New Hampshire Department of Education and the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services as part of a nationwide effort to learn more about the health-related behaviors that contribute to the leading causes of death and poor health among youth and adults. Positive changes include a decrease in students who reported regularly vaping at 16.2 percent, down from 33.8 percent in 2019; a decrease in students who reported drinking alcohol (21.3 percent, down from 26.8 percent) and binge drinking (11.2 percent, down from 14.4 percent); and a decrease in students who reported having sexual intercourse (29.3 percent, down from 39.8 percent) and being sexually active (21.3 percent, down from 29.7 percent). Concerning changes include an increase in students who reported feeling sad or hopeless at 44 percent, up from 34 percent in 2019; an increase in students who reported having seriously considered suicide at 25 percent, up from 18 percent; an increase in students who reported having been physically forced to have sexual intercourse (8.8 percent, up from 6.7 percent) and having experienced sexual violence (11.4 percent, up from 10.1 percent); an increase in students who reported feeling unsafe at school or while traveling to and from school (at 9.6 percent, up from 6.9 percent); and an increase in students who reported being affected by cyberbullying (at 21.8 percent, up from 20.1 percent). “The survey results are concerning in that girls, especially, reported that their mental wellbeing has been in distress,” Tricia Tilley, Director of the DHHS Division of Public Health Services, said in the release. “The good news is that youth in New Hampshire are making better decisions about their health, including decreases in students using alcohol, tobacco and vaping.” The full results of the survey are at education.nh.gov.

Nominations sought

The New Hampshire Audubon is seeking nominations for its annual Tudor Richards and Goodhue-Elkins awards, according to a press release. The Tudor Richards Award recognizes an individual who exemplifies a love and knowledge of the outdoors and has made contributions to conservation efforts in New Hampshire. The Goodhue-Elkins Award recognizes an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the study of New Hampshire birds. Visit nhaudubon.org/about-us/annual-awards for a nomination form. The deadline for nominations is Saturday, April 15.

Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains will host a Unicorn Party and informational session on Monday, March 20, from 6 to 7 p.m. at Center Woods School in Weare (14 Center Road). Girls in grades K through 3 and their caregivers are invited, according to a press release. Walk-ins are welcome. Sign-ups for Girl Scouts are available year-round at girlscoutsgwm.org.

Safran Optics 1, which designs and produces electro-optic and navigation systems, welcomed U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen at a groundbreaking ceremony for an expansion project at its Bedford plant on Monday, March 13. According to a press release, Sen. Shaheen, a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, toured the facility and spoke about the role of New Hampshire-based companies in the national security industrial base.

United Way of Greater Nashua is accepting donations of new and like-new items for its Community Baby Shower to help low-income families with new babies. According to a press release, more than 60 families are expected to attend the April 12 event to pick items they need. A wish list is available at tinyurl.com/2023bbshwr. Donations can be sent or dropped off at United Way (20 Broad St., Nashua) on weekdays between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., by April 7.

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