Tag: 230629

Quality of Life 23/06/29

Mosquito watch

The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services has detected the first batch of mosquitoes testing positive for Jamestown Canyon Virus (JCV) this season, according to a press release from the department. The mosquitos were collected in Keene on June 6, the release said. JCV is a disease transmitted through mosquito bites, and cases have been increasing in North America. Since 2013, New Hampshire has identified 19 cases of JCV. The risk level for mosquito-borne diseases like Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and West Nile Virus (WNV) may increase throughout the summer and fall. Symptoms can range from mild flu-like illness to more severe central nervous system diseases. Those experiencing symptoms are advised to seek medical attention. For further information, residents can contact the DHHS Division of Public Health Services’ Bureau of Infectious Disease Control at 271-4496 or visit dhhs.nh.gov/programs-services/disease-prevention/infectious-disease-control/mosquito-borne-illnesses.

QOL score: -2

Comment: Using insect repellent, wearing protective clothing and minimizing outdoor exposure during peak mosquito activity is crucial to prevention of mosquito bites and JCV exposure, according to the release.

Good effort!

Liberty New Hampshire has been awarded the EEI Emergency Response Award by the Edison Electric Institute (EEI) for their outstanding recovery efforts during Winter Storm Elliott, according to a press release. Despite the storm causing widespread power outages just before Christmas, Liberty’s team members in New Hampshire were able to restore service to all customers in time for the holiday celebrations. “Before any major storm arrives in our service territory, we activate our Incident Command Structure (ICS), which brings together all key players across the business to ensure we are prepared to respond quickly and safely to any system impacts,” Anthony Strabone, senior director of electric operations, said in the release. “We have seen time and time again that our pre-planning work and the regular drills are key ingredients in the formula for resiliency.” They restored power to nearly 9,000 customers, exceeding expectations by completing the restoration almost 24 hours before anticipated.

QOL score: +1

Comment: Additionally, Liberty’s line crews volunteered to assist other utilities in New Hampshire with their own restoration efforts.

Invention Convention mention

A first-grade student from Hooksett was honored at the seventh annual Raytheon Technologies Invention Convention U.S. Nationals, powered by The Henry Ford. According to a press release, Everly S. earned second place in the first-grade category for her invention called “The Calm Down Bunny.” The event celebrated more than 70 award-winning K-12 inventors from across the nation, with more than 80 awards, including cash prizes and patent applications, being handed out. The Invention Convention Worldwide program, aligned with national and state educational standards, teaches students problem-solving, entrepreneurship, and creativity skills.

QOL score: +1

Comment: More than 166,000 K-12 inventors participate each year, with the hope of advancing to the U.S. national competition. The program aims to inspire young inventors and prepare them to become engineers and technologists who tackle future challenges, according to the release.

QOL score: 80

Net change: 0

QOL this week: 80

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

C’s make smart deal

The Big Story – Celtics’ Blockbuster:Say one thing about Brad Stevens the GM, he doesn’t sit on his hands and wait for things to happen. Instead, for the third time in his two-year tenure he pulled off a major deal, with last week’s being the biggest of all. A shocker as well, in sending team leader Marcus Smart to Memphis in a three-way deal that brought back 7’3” one-time Knick Kristaps Porzingis, who NYC media positively (incorrectly) slobbered over as the second coming when Phil Jackson drafted him.

Sports 101:Name the last players taken first overall from historic basketball programs UCLA and UNC.

News Item – What’s Not to Like About Porzingis: He comes with durability concerns. But he played 65 games last year and was a healthy scratch in their last five while the Wizards tanked for draft position. But it’s not like Smart plays 82 a year; he’s averaged just 64 per over his nine-year career and Jayson Tatum was the only First Team All-NBA who even hit 70. That he forced his way out of New York because he didn’t like the direction New York was headed and not getting along with Luka in Dallas makes me wonder about the attitude a bit.

News Item – Things to Like About the Deal: (a) it fills their biggest need — finding the eventual replacement for Al Horford; (b) It adds size up front for the three-man defensive rotation, where Grant Williams is too small for that role; (c) it gives them a legit post up inside scoring option to go to when the threes aren’t falling; (d) he contributed eight rebounds and nearly two blocks last year; (e) the restricted (to fourth overall) 2024 first pick belonging to Golden State they got as well.

News Item – A Can’t-Miss Pick: Hard to not drool at French phenomenon Victor Wembanyama’s gifts — 7’4”, mobile, quick, with the handle of a guard. But is it a guarantee of the greatness being predicted for the NBA’s first overall pick by everyone without a second thought? Sorry, I’ve seen other absolute locks, like Ralph Sampson, not live up to the hype. Ditto for others due to injuries (Zion Williamson and Greg Oden), lack of drive (Derrick Coleman), what-was-I thinking-of talent evaluation (Kent Benson, Kwame Brown), or simple lack of heart and toughness (Ben Simmons). Tools are nice, but real greatness comes from hating to lose. So while I’m curious and he’s saying all the right things, Wembanyama’s got to show me what he’s made of before I start drooling.

The Numbers:

14 – million in cap space the Patriots have to spend on a wideout or left tackle if the right one becomes available.

17 – times Mookie Betts has played errorless second base this year for the Dodgers.

55 – lead-off now hit by Toronto’s George Springer to move him into second place behind Rickey Henderson’s all-time best 81.

Random Thoughts:

I know this isn’t a news flash, but Skip Bayless saying trading Marcus Smart will be catastrophic for Boston tells me it’ll be up there with Rick Robey for DJ. For once Charles Barkley is 100 percent right.

If DeAndre Hopkins is holding on hoping another team bids on him, I’m OK with that. But if he’s slowing his choice to get out of pre-season camp, the Pats should let him go elsewhere. Not interested in another Albert Haynesworth.

Not a fan of the Bradley Beal to the Suns deal. Too many chiefs who need/want the ball and not enough scrubs who do the important little things.

Thumbs Up – Brad Stevens: Turns out the guy who lacked imagination beyond chucking up rushed threes as a coach has a great imagination as a GM with a knack for making solid trades.

Thumbs Down – ESPN: F- for its NBA draft coverage and that’s before we get to the “hey everyone look at me” pink zoot suit worn by Steven A. Blowhard. Too many panels with no one of consequence on them saying over and over in 21st-century draft speak, “That guy is really good,” and an endless parade of parents that no one gives a flip about droning on about junior.

Sports 101 Answer: Believe it or not Bill Walton in 1974 was the last first overall NBA pick from tradition-rich UCLA and for UNC their last top pick was Brad Daugherty 10 years later, who went one pick ahead of the Celtics when they took Len Bias in 1984.

Final Thoughts: I hate giving up Marcus Smart. But the team had a redundancy at guard and needed a shake-up, and you have to give up something to get something. So thanks for memories of all the fight you play with, Marcus, and good luck in Memphis. All that’s left now is to hope Draymond Green doesn’t re-sign with Golden State and they crater to make their 2024 first-round pick the C’s own more valuable.

Email Dave Long at [email protected].

Everybody read

NH Humanities picks a Big Read book

New Hampshire Humanities has been awarded a Big Read grant, joining 62 organizations nationwide. In collaboration with various partners, including local libraries and community organizations, NHH will engage readers all over the state in a shared reading experience of The Bear by New Hampshire author Andrew Krivak. Mary Nolin, the program manager, talked about Big Read and shared insights on the grant application, the book selection process and the diverse range of events and activities planned for the community.

What is the Big Read program, and how did New Hampshire get a grant for it?

The Big Read is a program initiated by the National Endowment for the Arts … to foster community engagement through literature. … I personally applied for and managed the grant on behalf of New Hampshire Humanities. Although the entire staff assisted me, I took the lead in writing the application, researching the book, coordinating with our partners and planning associated events.

What motivated New Hampshire Humanities and yourself to get involved in this program?

As the manager of literacy and literature-based initiatives at New Hampshire Humanities, I’ve seen the power literature has to bring people together. Regardless of their backgrounds or political beliefs, when people walk into a book session they all have something in common, which is that book. I love that literature can unite us in that way, especially in a time when we are often divided on many things, so that’s why I applied for the grant.

Tell us about the chosen book, The Bear.

The Bear is a story about the last two people on Earth, a father and a daughter. Though it takes place in the future, it takes us back to a simpler time when people were living in harmony with nature. The father teaches the daughter many things for survival and knowledge that she’s going to need for a future when she’s ultimately on her own. The book has powerful themes about what is the responsibility of older generations to pass on knowledge to younger generations.

Why was this book chosen?

The National Endowment for the Arts provides a list of 15 books that we can choose from. Starting in October of last year, I began narrowing down the options. I read several of the books, and I presented them to our staff and partners. It made the most sense to choose The Bear by Andrew Krivak. The author has a home in Jaffrey, so we were happy to be able to lift up a local New Hampshire author, and the [setting of the] story is based on the area near his home, which is in the shadow of Mount Monadnock. It felt like a book that resonated well with our state. Additionally, we are currently running an initiative called “Becoming New Hampshire,” which explores how stories from the past can help us navigate the present and future. The Bear, which looks at what our future could possibly look like, seemed like a natural fit.

What events and activities are planned for people to engage with the book?

We have partnered with 50 libraries across the state; it was important to us that people in every county have opportunities for participation. The libraries are really the backbone of the project. Each library will host a book discussion and at least one free community program. … New Hampshire Humanities provides copies of the book to these libraries and offers trained facilitators to lead the discussions. … The community events organized by the libraries are diverse, ranging from guided nature walks and photography classes to community painting and hands-on demonstrations with indigenous tools. … We’re kicking off with a public event on Sept. 6 at Great North Aleworks where two actors will perform a scene from the book, and the brewery will unveil its new imperial Black Bear stout. … New Hampshire Humanities is hosting two online lectures on the book’s themes. … We have a poet, Mitch Goldberg, discussing the connection between poets and the night sky in The Bear. We’re also hosting a free planetarium show at the Christa McAuliffe Discovery Center mimicking how the girl in the book experiences the night sky. … On Oct. 14, the author Andrew Krivak will have a public question-and-answer session in Concord.

News & Notes 23/06/29

Northern Pass land

Eversource has completed the transfer of ownership of properties acquired for the Northern Pass transmission project, including parcels sold to private parties and agreements with Bear Rock Adventures and Wagner Forest Management. According to a press release, the transfers signify Eversource’s support of economic development, environmental stewardship and recreational activities in New Hampshire. The properties span 92 parcels in 15 towns and four counties, primarily in Coos County. Eversource emphasized its ongoing collaboration with communities and partners to contribute to the success of the Granite State.

Smoky day

The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services declared an Air Quality Action Day on Sunday, June 25, for certain areas of the state, including high-elevation regions, due to predicted unhealthy levels of fine particle air pollution caused by winds carrying smoke from extensive wildfires in eastern Canada. According to a press release, precautions, such as limiting outdoor exposure, were advised for sensitive individuals, including those with lung diseases, children, older adults and individuals engaged in outdoor activities, in several counties to prevent possible health effects and reduced visibility. Healthy individuals were advised to reduce strenuous outdoor activities. Air quality was expected to improve on Monday as winds shifted and dispersed the smoke away from New Hampshire.

Nashua Center board

Allie Lafond, a resident of New Hampshire since 2014, has joined the board of Nashua Center, an organization that provides specialized care and support to children with severe disabilities while promoting growth in independence. According to a press release, Lafond has experience as an HR Manager in the nonprofit sector and a passion for volunteering with the Girl Scouts. She enjoys hiking, exploring nature, trying new restaurants and creating memories with friends. “Allie’s enthusiasm and dedication are truly inspiring,” Emily Manire, Nashua Center’s Executive Director, said in the release. “Her expertise and unique perspective will undoubtedly enrich our board’s discussions and contribute to the continued growth of Nashua Center.”

Tech awards

The New Hampshire Tech Alliance held its annual TechWomen Connect and Awards at Fidelity Investments’ campus on Thursday, June 22. According to a press release, the event, which is the largest networking event for women in tech in New Hampshire, aimed to provide networking opportunities, professional headshots and connections with local nonprofits focused on STEAM education. More than 120 tech professionals attended, and three women were recognized for their dedication to supporting and advancing women and girls in STEM fields: Kennedy Amorim from Derryfield School, named Tech Student of the Year; Jennifer Cava from the Academy for Science and Design, named Tech Educator of the Year, and Flo Nicolas, named Tech Professional of the Year for her work with Get Tech Smart and the DEI Directive.

Transportation funds

U.S. Sens. Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan and Reps. Annie Kuster and Chris Pappas announced that the New Hampshire Department of Transportation will receive $20 million in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation. According to a press release, the funding will support the General Sullivan Bridge Bicycle and Pedestrian Crossing project in Rockingham and Strafford counties, which will replace the General Sullivan Bridge with a new two-girder superstructure, reopening the multi-use path across Little Bay that connects Newington and Dover. The federal grant, allocated through the Rebuilding America’s Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) program, was made possible by the bipartisan infrastructure law negotiated by Sens. Shaheen and Hassan.

Help for vets

Harbor Care, New Hampshire’s largest nonprofit service provider for veterans, partnered with Bank of America to address homelessness among veterans and promote economic mobility. According to a press release, Bank of America donated $20,000 to support Harbor Care’s Veterans FIRST program and sponsored the Summit to End Veteran Homelessness, which took place on June 28. The collaboration brought together local, state and federal stakeholders to address pressing issues related to veteran homelessness. Harbor Care’s Veterans FIRST program offers housing, health care, substance use treatment and employment services to more than 450 veterans and their families annually. With Bank of America’s support, Harbor Care successfully ended veteran homelessness in greater Nashua in 2017 and continues to work toward replicating that success statewide.

Imagine Casino/Concord Casino has received final planning board approval to construct a 44,000-square-foot Phase I Casino in Concord. According to a press release, the venue will feature 26,000 square feet of charitable gaming space with electronic games, table games and poker rooms and various non-gaming amenities such as dining options and live music space. The site plan includes acknowledgment of a Phase II, consisting of a hotel and a 20,000-square-foot expansion and conference center. Established in 2018, Imagine/Concord Casino holds the exclusive right to offer electronic HHR games, including table games and poker, in the capital region of New Hampshire.

Writer Ernest Thompson will attend a screening of the 1982 film On Golden Pond, for which Thompson won a Best Adapted Screenplay Oscar, at the Park Theatre in Jaffrey on Sunday, July 9, at 4 p.m. The movie was filmed at Squam Lake, N.H. According to a press release, Thompson will talk about the movie and his new novel The Book of Maps. Purchase tickets at theparktheatre.org or by calling 532-8888.

Bruce in the USA, a Bruce Springstreen tribute band, will perform at the 15th Annual Benefit Concert and Silent Auction for the Center for Life Management on Friday, July 14, at 6 p.m. at Tupelo Music Hall in Derry. According to a press release, the event aims to bring people together in support of mental health, and proceeds will provide mental health services for un- and underinsured individuals in the local community. See tupelomusichall.com.

Stay in the loop!

Get FREE weekly briefs on local food, music,

arts, and more across southern New Hampshire!