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This Week 23/07/20

Big Events July 20, 2023 and beyond

Thursday, July 20

Finally, today, we have reached “Barbenheimer” — the potential for a double feature with Greta Gerwig’s very pink movie Barbie (clocking in at an hour and 54 minutes) and Christopher Nolan’s Manhattan Project-era biopic Oppenheimer (three hours). Red River Theatres (11 S. Main St. in Concord; redrivertheatres.org) sent out a press release explaining some of its Barbenheimer opportunities starting with today’s 4 p.m. screening of Barbie and 6 p.m. screening of Oppenheimer. On Friday, July 21, and Saturday, July 22, you can catch Barbie at 4:15 p.m. and Oppenheimer at 6:30 p.m. Or wait until Sunday, July 23, when you can see Oppenheimer at 12:30 p.m. and Barbie 4:15 p.m. See the website (or our film section on page 30) for more screening times.

Thursday, July 20

Catch the first show in two weekends of Shakespeare under the stars at “Shakespeare on the Green” featuring Macbeth tonight through Saturday, July 22, and A Midsummer’s Night Dream Thursday, July 27, through Saturday, July 29, with all shows at 7:30 p.m., according to a press release. The plays, presented by Theatre Kapow (tkapow.com), will take place on Founder’s Green outside the Dana Center (Saint Anselm College, 100 Saint Anselm Drive in Manchester; tickets.anselm.edu). Tickets cost $25 for general seating; ages 12 and under get in free. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, coolers and snacks, according to the website.

Friday, July 21

Elizabeth Gurley Flynn — the “rebel girl” who helped found the American Civil Liberties Union, eventually joined the U.S. Communist Party, died in 1964 (while in the U.S.S.R.) and was the focal point of controversy this year when a historical plaque about her was briefly displayed in Concord — is the subject of a presentation from New Hampshire Humanities this evening at 5 p.m. via Zoom. Lara Vapnek, author of a book about Flynn, will give the presentation. Register via nhhumanities.org (click on “programs”).

Friday, July 21

Kick off the weekend with Jon Pond — a singer-songwriter and musician who is a co-founder of Spare Souls — at the Millyard Brewery (25 E. Otterson St. in Nashua; millyardbrewery.com) tonight from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. (Go to sparesouls.com for a preview of the music). The “funky, high-energy psych rock band” Fiesta Melon will play Millyard Saturday, July 22, from 4 to 6 p.m. Find more live music at area in the Music This Week listings, which start on page 32.

Saturday, July 22

Catch the band Horizon, which plays classic and modern rock covers, at the Event Center at Hampshire Hills (50 Emerson Road in Milford) tonight with doors opening at 7 p.m. and the show starting at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $10 and are available at hampshirehills.com (click on “events”). Find more area concerts on page 36.

Tuesday, July 25

After a run of games in Portland, Maine, the New Hampshire Fisher Cats return to Northeast Delta Dental Stadium for six games versus the Hartford Yard Goats starting tonight at 7:05 p.m. See milb.com/new-hampshire.

Save the Date! Saturday, Aug. 5
The League of NH Craftsmen kicks off its 90th annual Craftsmen’s Fair on Saturday, Aug. 5, at the Mount Sunapee Resort in Newbury. It is open daily, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., through Sunday, Aug. 13. The fair will feature the Art, Craft & Design and Sculpture Garden exhibitions as well as artist demonstrations, live music, workshops, a “Craft Clues” Scavenger Hunt, a “Kids Create” tent, food and more, according to a press release. Tickets cost $18 for general admission, $28 for a two-day pass, $17 for 62+, and kids under 12 get in free. See nhcrafts.org.

Featured photo: Barbie.

Quality of Life 23/07/20

A rain-soaked Sunday

Torrential rain in New Hampshire caused significant damage, including sinkholes, flooded basements and over 120 road closures, NHPR reported. The downpour lasted throughout Sunday, July 16, with flash flood warnings in effect for most of the day. The continuous rain disrupted traffic and made many roads impassable, presenting challenges for authorities. State emergency officials activated support teams to aid communities dealing with flooded and damaged roads while urging residents to stay inside if possible and drivers to seek alternate routes when encountering closures or flooding. WMUR reported that Manchester city officials had opened an emergency operations center, and firefighters conducted a rescue operation in Manchester after a driver became trapped in a flooded car.

QOL score: -2

Comment: One of the biggest disruptions was the postponement of The Crayon 301 NASCAR Cup Series race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon until Monday. Race officials made the decision to ensure the safety of attendees, WMUR reported. Fans who weren’t able to attend the rescheduled event can exchange their tickets for tickets of equal or lesser value to another race within the next calendar year.

More libraries, more books

The University System of New Hampshire (USNH) campus libraries, including those at the University of New Hampshire (UNH) Durham and Manchester campuses, Keene State College (KSC) and Plymouth State University (PSU), now offer free borrowing services to New Hampshire residents. According to a press release, this allows residents to access over 3 million physical and digital items for research, education, and continued learning. Previously, residents had access to library spaces and resources, but free borrowing provides more flexibility. Library cards can be obtained by New Hampshire residents over 18 years old with valid identification and proof of residency. The libraries also provide access to special collections and archives unique to each institution.

QOL score: +1

Comment: The libraries’ special collections provide a number of unique resources for academic exploration and historical research, such as the internationally famous Betty and Barney Hill papers at the Dimond Library at the UNH Durham campus and the Charles and Judith Hildebrandt Collection at the Mason Library at KSC, which supports the only undergraduate program in the U.S. dedicated to Holocaust and Genocide Studies.

Recognition for CMC

Catholic Medical Center (CMC) in Manchester has been recognized by the American Heart Association (AHA) with the Get With The Guidelines – Stroke Gold Plus quality achievement award. According to a press release, this award signifies CMC’s commitment to providing high-quality stroke care based on nationally recognized guidelines, and educating patients, leading to improved patient outcomes and reduced disability. Get With The Guidelines is an in-hospital program that helps hospitals align patient care with evidence-based guidelines, ultimately enhancing stroke treatment and preventing long-term effects.

QOL score: +1

Comment: CMC also received the Target: Stroke Honor Roll award and the Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll award from the AHA for their efforts in reducing treatment time for eligible stroke patients and providing specialized care to those with Type 2 diabetes, 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].

Sox on a roll

The Big Story: Things are looking up for the Red Sox, who’ve cut five games off the Tampa Bay lead that peaked at 13.5 games in late June.

And with Chris Sale, Garrett Whitlock, Tanner Houck and Corey Kluber spending extended time on the DL they’ve done it with just three healthy starters. The good news is divided into two categories:

Young Guys: While young hurlers like WhitlockandHouckhave had bright moments amid inconsistency, the biggest bright spot is 24-year-old Brayan Bello. Thanks to being 4-1 in his last five starts he’s climbed to 7-5 with a 3.14 ERA and is inching toward being the guy the brass always thought he’d be, a top-of-the-rotation starter.

Right behind him is the maturation of speedster Jarren Duran, who’s now hitting .318 with 28 doubles and 17 steals. And while the RBI’s still lag, Triston Casas has found his stroke. As after his three-homer weekend at Wrigley Field the average is now up to .233 (with 12 homers) from the .131 it was on May 1.

Chaim Was Right And I Was Wrong: Well, I wasn’t wrong per se, but I was skeptical in wondering if Masataka Yoshida could be a Japanese version of Rusney Castillo. He put that to rest with a solid WBC, and after Sunday’s six-RBI party at Wrigley, he’s hitting .317 with 31 extra-base hits and 50 RBI, and it’s been more apparent he’s no Rusney. Ditto for Justin Turner, who’s been solid offensively and versatile defensively.

They start the week at 50-44 and two games behind Houston for the final play-in game slot. With six games ahead vs. the epically struggling A’s and epically under-achieving Mets they can make up more ground this week.

Sports 101: Who leads MLB in complete games pitched in 2023?

News Item – Jaylen Brown’s Contract: Word on the street is JB’s (semi) contract drama will end this week. But in the latest example the world has gone mad, it will make the (arguably) 15th best player in the NBA its highest paid player, as well as pay him an astonishing $70 million in the final season of the five-year deal. Hate to see what ticket prices will be.

News Item – DeAndre Hopkins Loss: Not to let Coach B off the hook, because he still doesn’t seem to get the importance of an A+ wide receiving threat in the 2023 NFL. But as the Hopkins saga dragged on it became obvious either he didn’t want to be here (probably OC Bill O’Brien) or he was only about getting every last nickel. Which means the fit probably wasn’t right.

The Numbers:

6 –bet you’d never have guessed it was Shohei Ohtani with this MLB-leading number of triples.

59 – strikeouts in just 39 innings with the Phillies for still-has-his-fastball Sox alum Craig Kimbrel.

… Of the Week Award: Predictable Occurrence – Hardly surprising Fox Sports is having difficulty finding anyone who wants to work with Skip Bayless after the abrupt departure of Shannon Sharpe on the Undisputed show. Sports Illustrated reports it’s now on hiatus while they’re searching for their next sucker.

Random Thought: Asante Samuel – give it a rest. If he hadn’t Bucknered the pick that would’ve iced the undefeated season maybe I’d listen. But he did, and now just seems bitter and a looney Antonio Brown wannabe.

Sports 101 Answer: Withtwo, baseball’s complete game leader is none other than ex-Sox hurler Nate Eovaldi.

A Little History – Complete Games: While Eovaldi’s two are downright herculean by today’s standard, it’s doubtful he’ll match the 30 complete games Steve Carlton had in his magical 27-10 season of 1972, or the 48 Yankees (then Highlanders) hurler Jack Chesboro had when he won 41 in 1904. Let alone the all-time record 75 Will White had in 1871.

Final Thought: While you have to be encouraged by recent trends, with baseball’s trade deadline fast approaching, if I’m the Red Sox brass, I take a page out of 2015. That would be if the right deal comes along for vets like Adam Duvall I’d do it and compete for the play-in spot with players for the future. So I’d hand Duran the center field job and stick with Casas defensively at first and all the young pitchers to let them learn on the job under pressure to find out what they are, or are not, as they did with Betts, Bradley Jr., Castillo and Blake Swihart. So they’ll be more ready next year.

Email Dave Long at [email protected].

The wellness model

Concord-based doctor discusses her center’s focus

Dr. Cindi Croft is set to open New Dimensions Wellness Center in Concord in early August. She describes the center as emphasizing a comprehensive and transformative approach to wellness. See drcindicroft.com or find the center on Facebook.

What’s your background in and approach to health care?

I’m a family doc, and I went down the osteopathic route because I heard the word ‘structure’ as ‘function.’ At the time, even before my education, it just made intuitive sense to me that that’s how the body would work. … As I started school, I gravitated toward learning different modalities and obtaining different certificates outside of the standard medical curriculum. However, the school system doesn’t really train you to run a business, which held me back initially. In hindsight, I should have started my own practice earlier. … I worked in various hospital settings for a long time while practicing functional integrative medicine. Eventually, I decided to leave and start my own thing.

What motivated you to start your own practice and explore a wellness model?

To me, functional integrative medicine is comprehensive care, looking at each person’s unique biochemistry, diet and genetics. Different health traditions throughout history have their place in my view of medicine. I always felt like health care was becoming less patient-centered, and I struggled with that for many years. … When I started my own practice, I quickly realized two main groups of people sought my services. One group was comprised of individuals who were sick or not feeling well, but their lab work and doctors couldn’t find the cause. They were looking for someone with a different approach. The other group consisted of ultra-healthy athletes who wanted cutting-edge nutrition and injury prevention. Alongside them were families or adults who wanted to stay well and prevent future health issues. I noticed everyone who came to see me wanted a wellness model.

Tell us about your Wellness Center.

The vision for this space is to bring together like-minded professionals to support people seeking wellness. Currently, we have six providers joining the center. … Are you familiar with the DPC (Direct Primary Care) model? It’s an alternative way of delivering health care outside of the traditional system. Many doctors have become frustrated and left the hospital system to find a different approach. The DPC model is similar to a gym membership. You pay an upfront administrative fee and a monthly fee to have a private doctor who you can see whenever you need. The monthly fee varies based on age. … In my vision, the Wellness Center would offer a monthly flat rate, in addition to an administrative fee, and patients would have the autonomy to choose which provider they want to see. Unlike the DPC model, where you pay a fee to see your doctor whether you’re well or sick, my model would allow patients to decide if and when they want to see their doctor based on their individual wellness needs. … This approach avoids the issue of younger individuals feeling like they’re paying for a service they don’t fully utilize. … For example, if the monthly fee is $95, and a person joins the Wellness Center, they can choose to see any provider in the center depending on their needs at that time. If they need to see a primary care doctor, they can see them one month. If they have tightness and want to ensure alignment, they can choose to see the physical therapist another month. … The idea is to offer a range of services people can access as needed.

Will you be partnering with insurance companies?

Currently, insurance companies often don’t cover certain tests or alternative approaches like functional medicine. I want to demonstrate how this model can keep people healthier and reduce the need for costly interventions like surgeries. By forming a partnership with insurance companies, we can work toward a more cohesive health care system that includes wellness services.

How do you envision your wellness model expanding beyond your practice?

I envision it becoming a movement that helps people understand the importance of wellness and how it can positively impact their lives. By making wellness more affordable and accessible, we can address the increasing rates of obesity and chronic diseases in our country. … It’s about shifting the focus from sick care to true health and wellness.

News & Notes 23/07/20

Running for governor

Manchester Mayor Joyce Craig launched her campaign for governor of New Hampshire with an event at the Rex Theatre in Manchester on July 12, according to a press release. Former Gov. John Lynch, also a Democrat, expressed his support for Craig, highlighting her dedication to making a difference in the lives of Granite Staters and her commitment to supporting public education. Craig emphasized her accomplishments as Manchester’s mayor, including the revitalization of the Rex Theatre and efforts to strengthen the community. Also running for the Democratic nomination is Cinde Warmington, Executive Councilor for District 2.

In a June 6 interview with WMUR, Gov. Chris Sununu said he would decide this summer on whether or not to run for a fifth term as governor.

Micro-credentials

The New Hampshire Department of Education (NHED) has partnered with Credentials Unlimited, an organization that offers courses and programs aligned with specific educational standards, to offer micro-credentials focused on the Science of Reading to educators. According to a press release, the goal is to equip teachers with the knowledge and skills to implement evidence-based reading practices in their classrooms and improve student literacy outcomes. The micro-credentials, aligned with the rigorous standards set by the International Dyslexia Association, are provided at no cost to New Hampshire educators. This program is specifically designed for participants enrolled in NHED’s Leaning Into Literacy LETRS professional development program who successfully complete the Pearson Reading Exam. The initiative aims to support educators in enhancing their teaching techniques and making a positive impact on students’ literacy development.

Want to host an exhibit?

New Hampshire Humanities (NHH) has partnered with Vermont Humanities and the Smithsonian’s Museums on Main Street program to bring the traveling exhibit “Crossroads: Change in Rural America” to small towns in New Hampshire and Vermont from August 2024 to August 2025. According to a press release, NHH is currently accepting proposals from New Hampshire-based organizations interested in hosting the exhibit for a six-week period during the tour. They particularly encourage organizations in small, rural towns or the North Country to apply. Host organizations will not only display the exhibit but also develop complementary programming that engages the local community. NHH will provide grants of up to $3,000 and a subject matter expert to support hosts in creating programming related to the exhibit. The deadline for proposals is July 28, and more information can be found at nhhumanities.org/crossroads.

Trail work

Access to the Cardigan Mountain trail and summit will be periodically limited until Aug. 31 due to a fire tower replacement project, according to the NH Division of Forests and Lands. The project involves using a helicopter to transport materials for the new tower, and hikers are advised not to summit on days when the helicopter is in use for safety reasons. Updates on non-summitting days and trail closures will be posted on the websites and Twitter accounts of the Division of Forests and Lands and the NH Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. The project is expected to be completed by October, and another fire tower cab replacement project at Belknap Mountain will begin later this summer.

Funds to fight abuse

The University of New Hampshire’s Crimes against Children Research Center (CCRC) has received a $1.5 million award from the U.S. Department of Justice to study child abuse in youth-serving organizations. According to a press release, the five-year project aims to assess the feasibility of a national system for counting and tracking child abuse cases in schools, churches, sports and camps. The CCRC will collaborate with various stakeholders to determine the scope of the system, its integration with existing systems and the application of criteria from other areas of health and safety. The study will also examine existing reporting systems and legislative frameworks. Interim findings will be published, and pilot testing will be conducted in the final two years of the project.

New principal

The Manchester School District has announced Shawn Baskerville as the new principal of Weston Elementary School, according to a press release. Baskerville, who has served as an assistant principal in the district since 2011, brings extensive experience in special education and has worked at both the elementary and middle school levels. He replaces Liz MacDonald, who retired after 30 years in the district. Baskerville holds a bachelor’s degree in special education and a master’s degree in educational leadership. The position of assistant principal at Highland-Goffe’s Falls Elementary School, Baskerville’s previous school, is now open. Weston Elementary School serves students from pre-kindergarten to Grade 5 and is one of the 13 elementary schools in the Manchester School District.

The McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center in Concord marked the completion of the first phase of its Science Playground, an outdoor area designed to provide an interactive experience for visitors, with a grand opening on Monday, July 17. According to the press release, the event featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony with Gov. Chris Sununu, and attendees had the opportunity to test out the new playground equipment and engage in hands-on STEM-based activities.

The University of New Hampshire (UNH) has partnered with Exail, a French company specializing in maritime autonomy and robotics, to establish a new innovation hub at the Judd Gregg Marine Research Complex in New Castle. According to a press release, the hub will focus on marine autonomous operations and ocean mapping. An unveiling event on Saturday, July 15, included a demonstration of the 25-foot-long uncrewed surface vessel, DriX.

The Nashua Regional Planning Commission will host a Household Hazardous Waste Collection event on Saturday, Aug. 5, in Nashua. According to a press release, the collection will take place at Nashua City Park & Ride at 25 Crown St. and is open to residents of Amherst, Brookline, Hollis, Hudson, Litchfield, Merrimack, Milford, Mont Vernon, Nashua, Pelham and Windham. A user fee of $15 per vehicle will be charged, covering up to 10 gallons or 20 pounds of hazardous waste. Latex paint, electronics and medications will not be accepted. For a complete list of accepted items, visit nashuarpc.org/hhw or call 417-6570.

On surgery & sea sprites

In dark December I found myself hobbling into an urgent care clinic for x-rays. A few clicks by the technician, a glance by an orthopedic PA, and I received my diagnosis: severe osteoarthritis. Never mind that last summer I hiked several 4,000-footers and ran a 5k. Now I am rehabbing after a total hip replacement. Apparently I’m not alone. The Boston Globe ran a piece this spring titled “How the hip replacement became the hot Gen-X surgery.”

Now that my bone-on-bone pain is gone and the incision is healing, what has this slightly older than Gen-Xer learned? First, when I was told my hip replacement was “elective,” what I heard was that it was unnecessary, indulgent even. This descendant of New England Protestants does not put excessive mayonnaise on a sandwich or make-up on her face. Only when I could barely walk did I schedule the surgery. It turns out that “elective” just means that it can be scheduled in advance. Make the appointment. Joint replacement is not a sign of moral weakness.

Second, friendships are vital. Nothing comforted me more than the meals, grocery deliveries, visits, cards, calls, texts and rides my friends provided. What surprised me, though, was the camaraderie of new acquaintances made while waiting for the operation. I joined a water exercise class to keep in shape. As New York Times contributor Bonnie Tsui has observed, “At my community pool, the locker room is a tableau on aging.” At the YMCA I found a community of folks who had already discovered the ease of slipping one’s aching body into the water, abandoning gravity and decorum. Flailing about in chlorine-faded swimsuits, the gang laughed, sang to the music, and exchanged tips such as where to thrift canes, walkers and commodes. My fellow aquacizers’ good humor got me through the hardest months. They helped me find joy and courage.

Third, although any diversion, from game apps to crochet, might keep one occupied, for me it was reading. I laughed, cried, and worked my way through everything from Bonnie Garmus’ comic novel Lessons in Chemistry to Marcus Zusak’s YA treasure The Book Thief, to Jill LePore’s These Truths: A History of the United States. I hope to get back to the mountains, but meanwhile I’m happy and grateful to be where I am.

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