Artifacts found
Archaeologists from Dartmouth College made significant discoveries at Weirs Beach, the Laconia Daily Sun reported, unearthing thousands of artifacts ranging from 19th-century nails and glass to arrowheads dating back as far as 8,000 years. The team conducted the dig following an archaeological radar survey and aimed to relocate areas previously identified in 1976, gaining a better understanding of the region’s past. Though the excavation posed challenges due to soil dredging during parking lot construction, resulting in a mixed layer of artifacts from different time periods, researchers were able to use visual catalog references to identify unique projectile points, including an 8,000-year-old arrowhead.
Treatment center
A ribbon cutting ceremony, attended by Gov. Chris Sununu and Commissioner Lori Weaver, was held for East Acres at Hampstead’s inaugural level 5 psychiatric residential treatment facility on Friday, May 26. The facility is the state’s only youth psychiatric treatment center and represents the highest level of mental health care available.
School funds
New Hampshire schools have been awarded a total of $1.2 million in Beyond School Enrichment Grants, allowing them to implement summer enrichment opportunities and year-round initiatives to support students’ academic and developmental needs outside of traditional school settings. According to a press release, the grants, funded by the state’s ESSER II funding, aim to prioritize recreational activities and enrichment programs before and after school, as well as during the summer months, addressing concerns around students’ mental and behavioral health. The New Hampshire Department of Education awarded grants to 56 schools, with most of the initiatives scheduled for this summer. The programs cover various areas, including equine therapy, summer camps and after-school programs with mentors. Additional funds of $125,490 are still available, and interested schools or districts can apply until the funds are exhausted.
Bike week
The 100th Laconia Motorcycle Week will begin on Saturday, June 10, with the annual Peter Makris Memorial Run, which supports a range of charitable organizations, including the Laconia Fire Department’s Life Saving Fund, Easter Seals “Veterans Count” program, Lakes Regions Emergency Response Team, Building Dreams for Marines, Belknap House for homeless families and the NH Veterans Home and has raised more than $550,000 to date. The event will begin with registration at The NazBar & Grill, opening ceremonies at The NASWA parking lot, a police-escorted ride to New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon, and an after-ride party back at the NazBar & Grill, which will include a lunch prepared by Boston celebrity chef Anthony Ambrose. Visit naswa.com or call 366-4341.
Wind power
Join the New Hampshire Network for Environment, Energy and Climate for a free virtual event, “Clearing the Fog: Understanding Offshore Wind in New England,” on Monday, June 5, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. According to a press release, the event, moderated by Rob Werner, New Hampshire State Director of the League of Conservation Voters, aims to debunk myths and pave the way for a better understanding of offshore wind’s potential. It will feature panelists discussing the benefits and challenges of offshore wind in New Hampshire and the broader New England region: Carol Oldham will explore the business aspects, Melissa Birchard will delve into transmission challenges, Joe O’Brien will provide insights into labor considerations and Stan Labak will address the impacts on marine biodiversity. Register at bit.ly/june5clearingthefog to secure your spot for an audience Q&A session.
Illegal robocalls
Attorney General John M. Formella has filed a lawsuit against Michael D. Lansky LLC, operating as Avid Telecom, along with owner Michael Lansky and vice president Stacey S. Reeves for allegedly initiating and facilitating billions of illegal robocalls, violating federal and state telemarketing laws like the Telephone Consumer Protection Act and Telemarketing Sales Rule, according to a press release from the attorney general’s office. Avid Telecom, a VoIP service provider, allegedly sent or attempted over 24.5 billion calls, including approximately 7.5 billion to numbers on the Do Not Call Registry and around 36.2 million to New Hampshire, the release said. They allegedly aided in routing robocalls across the country and used fake caller IDs, including millions of calls impersonating government agencies and private companies, the release said. The lawsuit is part of the Anti-Robocall Multistate Litigation Task Force, a collaborative effort of 51 attorneys general to combat the influx of illegal robocalls in the United States. “This lawsuit is against one of the worst actors in the telecom industry … [and] represents yet another step in our efforts to hold these companies accountable and end their illegal robocalls,” Attorney General Formella said in the release.
The New Hampshire Department of Transportation (NHDOT) will host a public open house on Thursday, June 1, at the Town of Hooksett Administrative Office Building (35 Main St.) to provide information regarding the US Route 3/NH 28 roadway improvement project from Alice Avenue to NH Route 27/Whitehall Road in Hooksett. The project, according to a press release, aims to enhance pedestrian access and traffic operations along the corridor. Attendees are welcome to drop by anytime between 2 and 4 p.m. or between 6 and 8 p.m. to obtain project information and have their questions addressed by the project team. No formal presentation or agenda is scheduled. Visit nh.gov/dot/projects/hooksett29611.
The American Independence Museum in Exeter is now part of the Blue Star Museums initiative, providing free admission to currently serving U.S. military personnel and their families through Sept. 4, according to a press release. The museum has a collection of 3,000 historic artifacts and develops programs and exhibits that honor inclusive perspectives. Visit independencemuseum.org.
The Nashua Garden Club will host its June program, “Bringing Tropical Plants Outside,” on Wednesday, June 7, at 7 p.m. at the First Baptist Church (121 Manchester St., Nashua). According to a press release, Chris Bell, Wholesale Manager of Weston Nurseries in Middleboro, Mass., will present on orchids and other tropical plants. Attendees can learn about the benefits of relocating house plants outdoors for the summer. Visit nashuangardenclub.org.
