Tag: 230824

The week that was

The Big Story: This weekend brings the return of Mookie Betts to Fenway Park for what should be a warm welcome back. There will also be a barrage of “how could they have let him go?” stories, all of which will hit home because he was that good.

Sports 101: With Aaron Rodgers taking a jet to New York, the Packers won’t have a Hall of Famer over center for the first time since Brett Favre took over in 1992. So who shared the QBs before “Fav-RA”?

Thumbs Up – David Krejci: To the retiring Krejci for the great moments he helped provide in his 16 years as a Boston Bruin.

News Item – Missed Opportunity: If the Red Sox are eliminated from wild card contention they can lay the blame on their record against the have-nots. Most notably when they came away from last week’s 10-game stretch with bottom-dwellers KC, Detroit and Washington with just four wins, which followed getting blown out by Toronto at home in three straight losses. That adds to 4-9 in the most crucial and schedule-ly favorable stretch of the season.

Then came a sweep of the last-place Yankees for the oh so consistent Sox.

All of which left them exactly where they were before the salivating 16-game stretch started — 3.5 back of Toronto.

News Item – J.D. Martinez vs. Justin Turner: The Sox and Dodgers essentially traded DH’s last winter when Martinez and Turner signed with each other’s former team as free agents. With L.A. here this weekend let’s compare to see who got the better end of the deal. JD’s numbers are first, JT’s second. At-Bats: 390 – 430 Runs: 49 – 72. Home Runs: 25 – 20. RBI: 78 – 79. Total Bases: 192 – 210. BA: .256 – .288. Contract in Millions: $10.0 for Martinez; $8.3 for Turner. Verdict: With his defensive versatility added to his slight statistical edge and smaller contract, Turner was the better signing. It’s also a big win for the Sox 2023 DH over 2022, when Martinez earned $19.5 m for lesser stats than Turner already had on Aug. 20.

News Item – All-Time Winning Percentage Battle: Dodgers hurler Clayton Kershaw comes into this series having the highest winning percentage in baseball history for guys with 200+ wins. He’s now at .696 (208-91) to clubhouse leader Whitey Ford’s .690 (236-106).

… Of the Week Awards:

Player of the Week: That would be Seattle CFJulio Rodriguez, who raised his batting average from .256 to .278 in just four games thanks to getting 17 hits (in 21 AB’s). That’s a new record for hits over four games, while getting at least four hits in four straight games also ties a record set in 1927 by some guy named Milt Stock.

Question of the Week: In case you missed it, the Dodgers finally retired Fernando Valenzuela’s number two weeks ago. But given the insane furor he caused as a Dodgers rookie and that he last pitched for them in 1990, it’s fair to ask, what in the name of Gil Hodges took them so long?

Random Thoughts:

Let the record show that on his very first play of his 2023 season, penalty-plagued Trent Brown in 2022 was flagged for, yup, a false start.

Who’s this Luis Urías guy? If a guy had hit grand slams in back-to-back Red Sox wins over the Yanks 10 years ago, as he did on Friday and Saturday, they’d be building a statue of him outside Fenway right now.

I’d rather have gotten Dalvin Cook (for the same money, no less). But Ezekiel Elliott is a good pick-up for the Pats. In part because he’s a better receiver than most think he is.

A Little History: The all-time winning percentage leader with 100+ wins is Yankees hurler Spud Chandler. He went 109-43 (.717) after amazingly only making it to the majors for the first time at 29 in 1937. He lasted 10 years until 1947 when an injured arm ended his career.

Sports 101 Answer: Two QB’s to precede Favre in 1991 were ex-Ohio State star and one time Bears first-round pick Mike Tomczak,who had seven starts, and one-time Packers pied piperDon Majkowski, whohad eight.

Final Thought: One last thing about Mookie. He returns while having one of his finest seasons; with his 32 homers already he’ll blow by last year’s career best 35, while also having a chance to do a lead-off hitter rarity: knock in 100 runs from the top of the order. All while flirting with hitting .300 (.296) and being on pace to score 130 runs. And if you want to feel even worse, he’s showing off the kind of versatility the Red Sox sorely could have used during this injury-racked season by playing 57 of his 85 games at shortstop (17) and second base (41). My advice: Don’t think of the what-ifs. Just enjoy and appreciate a reunion with an old friend who did a lot of good while here.

Email Dave Long at dlong@hippopress.com.

Welcome to the libraries

University libraries lend to all state residents

University libraries have traditionally been reserved for students and faculty. However, the University of New Hampshire (UNH) has expanded access to its resources, now allowing the broader community to utilize its collections. We spoke with Tara Lynn Fulton, Dean of the UNH Library, to delve into the reasons behind this decision, the response from the community and the implications for academic libraries in the future. New Hampshire residents (18 years old and older) can obtain library cards from USNH campuses with valid identification and proof of residency. Visit library.unh.edu.

Why did you decide to start offering free borrowing to New Hampshire residents?

First, to offer some broader context: We have public libraries in communities across the state. … If someone requires more in-depth research that their local library can’t fulfill, these libraries offer interlibrary loans. We’ve always participated in this, lending materials. Each of our libraries also traditionally had a small regional group that could obtain library cards. This isn’t a new initiative; most people have relied on their public libraries. But for individuals like writers or high school students involved in advanced research, it’s been a beneficial service. Our primary mission is to serve the campus: our students and faculty. Historically, this meant physical collections like print books, DVDs, and other materials. As the digital era has progressed, more of our collections have transitioned to e-books and digital media. During the Covid era, with a shift to remote learning, our faculty leaned heavily into these electronic resources, and the need for physical materials lessened. This made me wonder: Why not open up our resources more widely? I brought this up with other library directors from the University System of New Hampshire, and they were all on board. Hence, the initiative evolved.

Have you seen an uptick in borrowers?

Several people got cards as soon as the news spread. It’s not a vast number, but for those who wanted it, it’s been valuable. I’ve seen a few people walking around in the library. One individual mentioned how they appreciated the chance to check out materials and were also grateful to know they’re welcome in our building. This offering has reinforced to the community that our facilities are open and available for their use.

What distinguishes your library’s materials from those in a typical town library?

Our library’s core focus is to serve the university by providing materials that support higher education. While town libraries offer a general assortment of classic literature and popular reads, our collection delves deeper, especially into areas like English literature and American literature. The depth varies based on campus programs; for instance, the Durham campus emphasizes science, so we have a substantial array of historical physics materials. We have extensive collections, including non-circulating special ones, such as an in-depth history of New Hampshire, invaluable for researchers or authors seeking historical accuracy. Campuses like Keene and Plymouth, historically centered on teacher education, provide resources beneficial for educators, such as specialized teaching methods for specific grades.

Is there a plan to digitize the special collections, extending their accessibility?

We’re taking progressive steps to digitize, ensuring we adhere to copyright constraints. A notable accomplishment from the past year is digitizing New Hampshire’s town reports in their entirety, which has been well-received. Most of our digitized collections can be browsed on our website.

Do you think other universities might adopt a similar approach, opening their libraries to local residents?

This might differ from state to state. New Hampshire’s tight-knit nature promotes a strong bond between universities and communities. Our effort seems like a logical progression in this partnership. While I’m unaware of similar endeavors in other states, the global trend moving away from print materials might inspire similar initiatives. We’d be delighted to be trailblazers in this movement.

Featured photo: UNH system libraries are located in Manchester, Durham, Keene and Plymouth. Courtesy graphic.

News & Notes 23/08/24

Elder abuse

Attorney General John M. Formella has introduced new resources aimed at addressing elder abuse and financial exploitation in New Hampshire. According to a press release, these resources include the addition of three new roles to the Elder Abuse and Financial Exploitation Unit: a prosecutor, a law enforcement investigator and an investigative paralegal. This Unit, which already had seen a 71 percent surge in referrals over the past five years, is responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes against residents age 60 and above. They also inform the public about the significance of reporting abuse and exploitation. Notably, New Hampshire has the second-oldest population in the U.S., leading to increased vulnerabilities. With the augmented resources, the Unit plans to intensify investigations and prosecutions while also expanding their educational outreach. Their presentations cover topics ranging from protective measures against scams to the legal obligations of financial institutions in preventing financial exploitation.

Walking benefits

A study from the University of New Hampshire reveals that pregnant women living in walkable communities, marked by sidewalks, parks and walking paths, tend to have better health outcomes for themselves and their babies. Published in the Economics and Human Biology journal, the research indicates that such mothers are more active and have fewer complications like premature births, gestational diabetes, and hypertension. In a press release, Karen Conway, professor at UNH’s Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics, emphasizes the connection between walkable communities and the overall health of both mother and child. The research used data from various agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and found notable improvements in health with increased walkability, including a 27 percent reduction in gestational diabetes. Conway also hinted at other benefits, such as increased community interactions, which contribute to better overall health. This research falls under health economics, aiming to influence policies for improved community health.

Breastfeeding support

For World Breastfeeding Month 2023, the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Division of Public Health Services (DPHS) is hosting community events across the state to celebrate and support breastfeeding families. According to a press release, the celebrations began with a walk and gathering on the New Hampshire Statehouse lawn in Concord on Aug. 1. Various local and national entities, including the US Department of Agriculture and the DHHS Women, Infant and Children (WIC) Nutrition Program, supported the event. This year’s theme emphasizes the importance of breastfeeding-friendly environments, especially for working parents. Events continued in cities like Somersworth and Portsmouth, making it a statewide observance. Breastfeeding in public places is protected by New Hampshire state law, and various resources to support families are available at dhhs.nh.gov/programs-services/childcare-parenting-childbirth/breastfeeding-promotion-support.

Telemonitoring

Granite VNA, the leading nonprofit provider of home health care and hospice services in New Hampshire, has launched a telemonitoring program to support individuals with chronic illnesses, such as COPD, CHF and hypertension. According to a press release, this service is aimed at individuals undergoing skilled nursing care or home therapy from the agency. For participation, patients should have internet access and will be trained on using telemonitoring tools like tablets, pulse oximeters, blood pressure cuffs, and scales, all provided at no charge. Suzanne Olszak, RN, with more than three decades in home health care, oversees the telemonitoring initiative. She educates patients on technology use, the significance of daily health monitoring, and dietary and medicinal guidelines. Utilizing Bluetooth, she can view patients’ vital signs, offering immediate feedback and contacting the medical team if required. The program encourages patients to routinely check their vitals and understand their health better. With a daily participation of up to 50 patients, the aim is a 60-day program span, and each participant receives an informational packet. For more on Granite VNA, visit granitevna.org.

Discover what lies beneath Squam Lake during a snorkeling adventure with the Lakes Region Conservation Corps on Saturday, Aug. 26, from 1:30 to 4:30 pm. According to a press release, this experience includes a boat ride, snorkeling and insights into Squam Lakes Association’s conservation initiatives. It’s open to ages 12 and up; children must be accompanied by an adult. Participants can bring snorkeling gear, but equipment is available for borrowing. Registration ends at 1:30 p.m. on Aug. 25. Attendees should meet at SLA headquarters in Holderness. To register, visit squamlakes.org or call 968-7336.

With a $4 million donation from alumnus Anthony DiLorenzo ’87, owner of Key Auto Group, the University of New Hampshire is progressing with its UNH Hockey Renovation Project. According to a press release, this donation will help enhance the Whittemore Center at the newly named Key Auto Group Complex, which also encompasses the Hamel Recreation Center on the Durham campus. The combined state and private funding will upgrade facilities, supporting several UNH teams and improving the student-athlete experience.

Nashua Garden Club will host a “Seed Saving” program on Wednesday, Sept. 6, at 7 p.m. at First Baptist Church (121 Manchester St., Nashua), according to a press release. Led by Donna Lussier, a University of NH Extension Master Gardener, attendees will learn about harvesting techniques and storage preparation. A members-only meeting will follow. For information, email nashuagardenclub@gmail.com.

Change in Leadership for NH

Gov. Sununu made national headlines recently when he announced he would not seek reelection for a fifth term as governor of New Hampshire. He noted, correctly in my opinion, that public service should never be a career.

This creates an opportunity for new leadership in our great state. It will be an interesting 18 months as the candidates line up to garner our votes. To date, former state Senate President Chuck Morse and former U.S. Sen. Kelly Ayotte have both formally announced their candidacies on the Republican side, with Manchester Mayor Joyce Craig and Executive Councilor Cinde Warmington running on the Democratic side.

There will be ongoing debate, as there has been for the last seven years, as to how effective Sununu has been as our governor. While he is a Republican, he is a moderate Republican. Fiscally conservative, he has supported lower tax rates for businesses, insisted on balanced budgets, and pushed for a first in the nation paid family leave program. He also supported looser gun laws and a voucher-based school choice program. However, he has demonstrated the ability to find the middle ground on issues such as abortion. While he describes himself as pro-choice, he supported a budget bill banning abortions after 24 weeks. Neither side was happy with the compromise. Sununu disagrees with Republican leaders on parental rights. In a decidedly purple state, this middle ground is the key to success.

Sununu has been vocal with his opinions on the upcoming 2024 presidential election and who he does not want to get the Republican nomination. He is doing everything in his power to make sure Trump is not the nominee. Extremism on either side won’t win. Running on a platform of retribution and old grudges is not a method of solving problems at a national level or a state level. Sununu has demonstrated a proven model of success in New Hampshire. Candidates running for governor would do well to study this model in our independent state.

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