Tag: 230921

Help for survivors

On the 29th anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced the allocation of nearly $193 million in grants to support services and justice responses for survivors of domestic and gender-based violence. According to a press release, New Hampshire is set to receive $1,170,616 from this funding. This allocation is in conjunction with VAWA’s STOP (Services, Training, Officers, and Prosecutors) Program, aiming for a unified response from law enforcement, legal professionals, victim services and community resources. U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young emphasized that this funding would bolster New Hampshire’s capacity to provide critical resources for survivors, and she underscored the importance of ongoing collaboration between law enforcement and community stakeholders. The DOJ’s Office on Violence Against Women (OVW), established in 1995, extends financial and technical support to communities, focusing on fostering policies and programs to confront domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. Visit justice.gov/ovw.

Climate advocate

Climate and peace advocates gathered in Concord on Sept. 15 to bring attention to the connections between climate change, militarism and fossil fuel consumption, according to a press release. They asserted the importance of transitioning away from fossil fuels, pointing to recent extreme weather events in New Hampshire and rising global climate-induced migrations. The rally, organized by environmental and peace-focused entities including New Hampshire Peace Action, NH Sierra Club, 350 New Hampshire, NHUCC Peace with Justice Advocates, Granite State Organizing Project and Climate Action NH, was also a precursor to the March to End Fossil Fuels in New York on Sept. 17 and echoed the UN Climate Ambition Summit’s worldwide appeal to reduce fossil fuel reliance.

Trees for Manchester

U.S. Sens. Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan, along with Reps. Annie Kuster and Chris Pappas, have unveiled a $2.5 million federal grant through the U.S. Forest Service’s Urban and Community Forestry Program for Manchester and Lebanon, stemming from the Inflation Reduction Act. The grant prioritizes environmental conservation with a spotlight on tree planting and maintenance to address climate change and intense heat. Manchester, partnering with Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) and The Nature Conservancy in New Hampshire (TNC), will benefit from $2.2 million toward its Urban Forest Equity Planning and Implementation project. This project emphasizes equitable tree planting, particularly in underserved neighborhoods, urban forest resilience, workforce expansion in urban forestry, community participation in forestry decisions, and methods to alleviate severe urban heat. Concurrently, Lebanon’s Green Streets Initiative will be granted $244,275.

PragerU

The New Hampshire State Board of Education’s recent endorsement of PragerU Kids’ “Cash Course Certificate” program in its “Learn Everywhere” initiative has stirred debate across the state. The program, designed to address the state’s financial literacy graduation requirements, is seen by supporters as an innovative way to offer students a flexible learning opportunity outside traditional classroom settings. In a press release, Education Commissioner Frank Edelblut champions the addition, emphasizing its potential in equipping students with essential financial management skills. However, critics, led by House Democratic Leader Matt Wilhelm, who submitted a letter of opposition to the State Board of Education on Sept. 12 regarding the PragerU contract, raise alarms over PragerU’s alleged right-wing political bias and caution that such affiliations could compromise the state’s educational neutrality and standards. This decision aligns New Hampshire with Florida, the only other state currently permitting PragerU’s operations within public education.

Tech conference

The NH Tech Alliance has revealed the agenda for the 2023 Innovation Summit, which is set to take place on Oct. 17 at the Grappone Conference Center in Concord, according to a press release. Attracting more than 200 industry professionals, the event will concentrate on “disruption and leading through change,” delving into topics like AI, startups and New Hampshire’s innovation challenges. Keynote speaker Kedar Gupta, a co-founder of GT Equipment and other enterprises, will share his entrepreneurial journey. Global AI experts including Valentine Goddard will discuss the transformation of businesses through AI. A series of panels will highlight the impact of AI on businesses and the challenges they face. The summit will spotlight startups, with discussions from New Hampshire entrepreneurs addressing the challenges and temptations of innovating within the state. The event will conclude with the annual Startup Showcase, spotlighting five early-stage startups. Tickets for the summit are available for purchase online. Visit nhtechalliance.org/innovation-summit.

Robie’s Country Store in Hooksett celebrated its grand reopening beside the Merrimack River and train tracks. The storied store, now operated by long-lost cousins of the original owner, has been leased to Robie Farm in Piermont, according to the Union Leader. The new management aims to feature their milk, cheese, meats and other local products.

The Beaver Brook Association (117 Ridge Road, Hollis, 465-7787, beaverbrook.org) hosts its annual Fall Festival and Art Show on Saturday, Sept. 23, and Sunday, Sept. 24. The event features photography, prints, paintings and mixed media inspired by New England’s natural settings and wildlife.

The Nashua Regional Planning Commission will hold a household hazardous waste collection on Saturday, Oct. 7, from 8 a.m. to noon at the Nashua City Park & Ride, 25 Crown St., according to a press release. The collection is open to residents of Nashua, Amherst, Brookline, Hollis, Hudson, Litchfield, Merrimack, Milford, Mont Vernon, Pelham and Windham. Businesses must pre-register. There’s a $15 fee per vehicle, covering up to 10 gallons of liquids or 20 pounds of solids. Payments in cash or check are accepted. The collection will not accept latex paint, electronics or medications. Visit nashuarpc.org/hhw.