Fighting cyanobacteria
NH LAKES, described as “a statewide, publicly-supported nonprofit organization … to restore and preserve the health of New Hampshire’s lakes,” has awarded $400,000 in grants to support lake protection projects to fight cyanobacteria blooms in six communities through summer 2026, according to a press release. “The funding comes from the federal American Rescue Plan Act,” the release said. “Lake Sunapee Protective Association is working with the Town of Sunapee and Little Lake Sunapee Protective Association to fix shoreline erosion, incorporating native plants as possible, near Georges Mills Town Beach and Little Lake Sunapee,” and “Wentworth Watershed Association is tackling stormwater runoff into Lake Wentworth from gravel roads, especially near Red Brook Circle,” the release said. Other projects involve the Acton Wakefield Watersheds Alliance, which is based in Union; Country Pond Lake Association with the town of Newton; the town of Alton and the White Oak Pond Association in Holderness, the release said. See nhlakes.org.
The Franco-American
The Franco-American Centre, which describes itself as “dedicated to celebrating French language, culture and heritage throughout New Hampshire” with an office at Saint Anselm College campus, has named Dr. Katharine Harrington as the 2025 Franco-American of the Year, according to a press release. The award goes to people for promoting French language, culture and heritage in New Hampshire, the release said. In addition to teaching at Plymouth State University since 2010 “where she has served as chair of the Languages and Linguistics department and the Tourism, Environment, and Sustainable Societies academic unit,” Harrington launched “the Bienvenue au New Hampshire initiative that helps business and tourism providers welcome visitors from Québec and the French-speaking world,” the release said. See facnh.com.
Chess prez
The Nashua Chess Club, an organization with a 50-year history, has appointed a new president, Tyler Kiliulis of Wilton, according to a club email. The club meets at the Nashua Public Library, 2 Court St. in Nashua, every Thursday at 6:30 p.m. and welcomes players of all skill levels with boards and pieces provided, the email said.
MAC seeks members
The Manchester Arts Commission is seeking members, according to an item in the July 9 Medo Minute newsletter from Manchester’s Economic Development Office. “The commission is looking for those who want to use their insights and background to help shape and build cultural initiatives and events…,” the newsletter said. Email ArtCommission@ManchesterNH.Gov for information or to apply.
Catch Peabody’s Coal Train, a local acoustic six-piece Americana band, at the Music on the Green Concert Series at the Canterbury Shaker Village in Canterbury on Sunday, July 20, at 4 p.m. Admission is free; donations accepted. See shakers.org.
Work on the Amoskeag Bridge in Manchester is slated to continue for another week and a half, according to a press release from the city’s Department of Public Works. The work requires the southbound closure of River Road and Canal Street between West North Street and Brook Street between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. with posted detours, the release said.
Derry Public Library, 64 E. Broadway in Derry, is holding a craft supply swap event. Donations of clean, gently used craft items will be accepted at the information desk starting Saturday, July 19, with the swap itself on Saturday, July 26, from 1:30 to 3 p.m. See derrypl.org for details and to register for the swap day.