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​New Hampshire Road Agency Employees Receive UNH T2 Roads Scholar awards
DURHAM, NH.—  University of New Hampshire Technology Transfer Center (UNH T2) is pleased to recognize the following 2020 Roads Scholar achievements.  

Roads Scholar candidates contribute their knowledge, expertise, and awareness of new technologies and techniques in road management to road agencies across New Hampshire, both through their practical application of their learning, as well as through mentorship and collaboration with public works colleagues.  Their dedication to professional development supports safe, effective roadways for NH residents and visitors.    The Road Scholar Program has six award levels and a side award for 20 safety hours.  In order to progress in a Roads Scholar level, an individual must complete a minimum number of training hours with UNH T2 across content disciplines including safety, environmental, supervisory, and technical topics.  

The following individuals achieved Senior Roads Scholar recognition by completing 75 hours of UNH T2 training:

• David Bennett with the Town of New Durham
• Benjamin Crosby with the Town of Mont Vernon
• Chris Sullivan with NHDOT
• Meghan Theriault with the Town of Gilford

The following individuals achieved the Master Roads Scholar recognition by completing 100 hours of UNH T2 training:

• Rob Coates with the Town of Hampton
• Ron DeDucca with the Town of Moultonborough
• Kenneth Hamilton with the City of Claremont
• William Lowney with the Town of Hampton
• Marc Moore with the City of Concord
• Christopher Theriault with the Town of Moultonborough
• Don Vachon with the Town of New Durham


The following individuals achieved the Master Roads Scholar II recognition by completing 150 hours of UNH T2 training:

• Dawn Tuomala with the Town of Merrimack

The UNH Technology Transfer Center fosters a safe, efficient, and environmentally sound surface transportation system by improving skills and increasing knowledge of the transportation workforce and decision makers. As the site of the state’s Local Technical Assistance Program, it works to enable local counties, cities, and towns to improve their roads and bridges by supplying them with a variety of training programs, an information clearinghouse, new and existing technology updates, personalized technical assistance, and newsletters.

For more information about UNH T2 visit https://t2.unh.edu/ or contact Marilee LaFond at marilee.lafond@unh.edu.

April is Volunteer Appreciation Month
BEDFORD, NH – They lead Girl Scout troops. They coordinate cookie deliveries. They teach girls essential life skills and mentor them as they gain leadership skills. They are the volunteers who make everything possible for Girl Scouts throughout New Hampshire and Vermont, and Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains is marking their enormous contributions during April, Volunteer Appreciation Month. 
The past year has been one of uncertainty and disruption to everyone’s normal routines. That includes Girl Scout activities. Fortunately, many of our volunteers have stepped up and kept their Girl Scouts active in virtual troops, with outdoor activities, on Zoom, and other ways. 
For example:
• Deb Kaitz of Concord, leader of Troop 20507 in Concord, has helped her girls travel prior to the pandemic, do outdoor activities, and be cookie business pros. 
• Denyse Totten of Concord, also a leader of Troop 20507 in Concord, gets her Girl Scouts excited about everything with her positive personality. Her counseling background make her girl-led skills strong.
• Dr. Patricia Edwards of Bow, also a leader of Troop 20507, has a contagious excitement that her Girl Scouts thrive on. She often ties her medical knowledge as a pediatrician to everyday situations, and oversees the badge work and awards for her Girl Scouts. 
• Melissa Starkey of Loudon, also a leader of Troop 20507, is an easygoing leader who has shown her Girl Scouts that being different is OK, and it works to laugh at yourself. She uses her contacts as a successful business owner to enhance her troop activities. 
• Kate Eads Galdieri of Concord, of Troop 20368 in Concord, has a wonderful way with the girls in her troop, and pushes girls to think and decide for themselves. She is a great role model!
• Sarah Kelley of Concord, NH, is an enthusiastic leader of Troop 20368 with a great rapport with her girls. She loves to share her outdoors knowledge with them, and is eager to do things with them.
• Tiffany Bonneau of Dover, made sure the Girl Scouts of Troop 13946 took the lead on becoming cookie entrepreneurs who earned enough money to travel, go to summer camp, and do community service.
• Brand new troop leaders like Rebecca Whittle and Jessica Pinault of Manchester made it possible for girls to have their first Girl Scout troop experience this past year, starting new Daisy Troop 61103.
• Danielle Mojonnier of Greenland showed Girl Scouts in Troop 51301 how to use cookie proceeds to make their school a better place by using that money to build a game pit for gaga ball.
• Karen Werner of Amherst has given a lifetime of service to a multitude of Girl Scouts over the years, organizing troops, assisting leaders, and promoting the Girl Scout Gold Award.
• Kristi Flanders of Strafford, who leaped into Girl Scouting by starting a Daisy troop, taking outdoor skills training, hosting cookie booths, and participating in World Thinking Day events. 
These are but a very few of the nearly 2,000 people who give of their time, talent, and passion to make Girl Scouting possible across New Hampshire and Vermont. We them, hauling supplies to a meeting in the rain, tracking down cookie forms, and finding ways to strengthen friendships even when your troop can’t be together in person. We see them taking the time to build up the girl who isn’t so sure of her abilities. We see them giving girls space to test their ideas and express their feelings about our increasingly complicated world. We see the result – the goals, the confidence, the “we’ve got this” troop energy that only they could inspire. Because of our volunteers, we have Girl Scouts. 
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About Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains: Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains is recognized throughout New Hampshire and Vermont as a leading expert on girls. Our Girl Scout Leadership Experience is a one-of-a-kind leadership development program for girls, with proven results. It is based on time-tested methods and research-backed programming that helps girls take the lead—in their own lives and in the world. Through our exciting and challenging programs, Girl Scouts not only participate but also take the lead in a range of activities—from kayaking, archery, and camping, to coding, robotics, financial literacy training, and beyond! Serving girls throughout New Hampshire and Vermont, girls discover the fun, friendship, and power of girls together. Visit www.girlscoutsgwm.org.

​30th Annual Business Showcase

Hosted by:          Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce 
Date:                     Tuesday, April 13, 2021
Time:                    3-5 p.m.
Location:             Online via Remo
Sponsors:            Presenting Sponsors: Merrimack County Savings Bank; Unitil. Media Sponsors: Concord Monitor; Binnie Media; The Laconia Daily Sun; New Hampshire Business Review.

(Concord, NH) - Greater Concord’s biggest trade show of the year – our 30th Annual Business Showcase – will transport you to a virtual event space where you can simply click on an exhibitor booth to appear at that location and make connections via video chat! Visualize a map on your screen, featuring virtual booths labeled with each exhibitor name. Using a new software called Remo, entering a video chat room is as easy as double clicking on an exhibitor booth. Get to know Greater Concord’s dynamic business community in a friendly, local atmosphere that makes online networking intuitive and fun. We are excited to continue the tradition of this popular event that highlights Greater Concord's diverse business community in a friendly, lively environment that includes door prizes and new for this year: our popular Business DURING Hours monthly virtual networking event. Join us online this Tuesday to connect with future clients and reconnect with Concord!

Members of the media are welcome and encouraged to attend this complimentary event. Info to join online is on the Chamber website. Please contact the Chamber of Commerce at events@concordnhchamber.com or (603) 224-2508 to RSVP or for more information.

​The Colonial Performing Arts Center Accepts Support from NHTrust

NHTrust has purchased $20,000 in tax credits as well as a $5,000 direct contribution in support of The Colonial Performing Arts Center in Keene. These funds will support the renovations of The Colonial Performing Art Center’s historic theatre. 

“We’re very thankful to our community partners, including NHTrust,” said Alec Doyle, Executive Director, The Colonial Performing Arts Center. “This project will be extraordinarily beneficial to our region for a long time to come.  With our new SHOWROOM now complete, the community will have a fantastic multipurpose venue for events while construction continues on our main theatre over the coming year. When both stages are completed, The Colonial will play a significant role in re-energizing our entire community once the health care crisis ends.” 

“NHTrust is pleased to do as much as we can to support The Colonial Performing Arts Center in fulfilling their vision to be the model regional performing arts center, exciting, educating, and challenging audiences of all ages,” noted Paul Provost,  President of NHTrust. “Our clients and community are excited about supporting local artists and performers, and The Colonial Performing Arts Center’s goal to bring the cultural and creative spirit of their community to life serves that important need. NHTrust is committed to delivering enduring community leadership and support through trustworthy corporate citizenship and responsible individual and company actions. We support organizations that help make our communities better places to live for all of us, and The Colonial Performing Arts Center is certainly doing that.”

Local Businesses who wish to support The Colonial Performing Arts Center are encouraged to and can Contact Eric V. Weisenberger, Director of Development, at eric.weisenberger@thecolonial.org or 603.357.1233 x104 to learn more. The tax credits were administered by the New Hampshire Community Development Finance Authority (CDFA). CDFA tax credits allow businesses to fund qualifying economic or community development projects in exchange for a tax credit that can be applied against state business tax payments. Any business with NH operations that contributes to a CDFA tax credit project receives an NH state tax credit worth 75% of their contribution. The credit can be used over a period of five years to reduce the business’ state tax liability (business profits, business enterprise, or insurance premium taxes). The tax credit program allows NH businesses to use their state tax dollars to support local projects that they care about. CDFA reviews many project applications each year, and awards tax credits to those they determine are feasible and will make the biggest impact on economic development in the state. For more information, visit nhcdfa.org.

Named to the New Hampshire State Register of Historic Places in 2004, The Colonial Theatre is the Monadnock Region’s preeminent performing arts venue and a key component in downtown's economic engine Keene and the surrounding area. Annually, more than 50,000 patrons enjoy performances ranging from international touring productions and concerts to niche film screenings to locally produced performances. The Colonial's Student Matinee Series engages more than 8,000 students and their educators from over 70 area schools to experience various programs and workshops. Local arts organizations and other nonprofits use The Colonial’s production resources and rely on the theatre as their performance home and fundraising venue, enhancing the cultural and creative spirit of the Monadnock Region.

About NHTrust
New Hampshire Mutual Bancorp (NHMB) was created through a unique alliance between three mutual community banks and a wealth management firm who maintain separate organizations and management in the New England tradition of neighbors serving neighbors. With New Hampshire roots reaching 150 years, NHTrust combines the financial expertise and local insights of Merrimack County Savings Bank, Meredith Village Savings Bank, Savings Bank of Walpole, and The New Hampshire Trust Company with a legacy of trusted service dating back to the 1860s. Customized financial planning includes investment management solutions, retirement planning, financial planning and trust, estate, and fiduciary services. For more information, please call 603.223.2710 or visit nhtrust.com.

​NH Audubon Announces Yearlong Webinar Series in Partnership with NH Humanities Council March 5, 2021

NH Audubon will be organizing and facilitating a year-long webinar series titled, “Exploring Connections to and Stewardship of the Natural World.” This series is supported by a grant through the NH Humanities Council and aims to provide a public and personal space for an examination of environmental ethics; fostering a deeper understanding of, appreciation for, and care of our natural world. Programs will be free to the public, streamed via Zoom, YouTube, and Facebook Live in the evening hours about twice per month. 
 
Presentations will encourage participants to explore personal connections to wildlife, land use ethics, sustainability, history, and our human interaction with the environment. The series seeks to inspire involvement and engagement in the appreciation and stewardship of our natural world. Pollinator conservation will serve as a series of close focus programs that will allow participants to gain a deeper understanding and knowledge of pollinators and reflect on how this impacts stewardship and land use decisions.  
 
Presenters will include poets, scientists, authors, philosophers, and thought leaders representing a wide range of organizations and perspectives. To stay updated on the scheduled speakers and specific topics as this project progresses, visit us at: 
https://www.nhaudubon.org/education/exploring-connections-series/
 
About New Hampshire Audubon
NH Audubon is a nonprofit statewide membership organization dedicated to the protection of New Hampshire’s natural environment for wildlife and for people. Independent of the National Audubon Society, NH Audubon has offered programs in wildlife conservation, land protection, environmental policy, and environmental education since 1914. Expert educators give programs to children, families, and adults in schools and at four nature centers throughout the state. Staff biologists and volunteers conduct bird conservation efforts such as the Peregrine Falcon restoration. NH Audubon protects thousands of acres of wildlife habitat and is a voice for sound public policy on environmental issues. For information on NH Audubon, including membership, volunteering, programs, sanctuaries, and publications, call 224-9909, or visit www.nhaudubon.org.

​NHTI RECEIVES GIFT FROM KIWANIS CLUB
Paramedic Emergency Medicine Benefits
CONCORD – The Kiwanis Club of Concord continues its decades-long support of the Paramedic Emergency Medicine (PEM) program at NHTI – Concord’s Community College with help in funding a new pediatric simulation mannequin.

PEM Department Chair, Keith Wilding, says, “While no one likes to think about a child being sick or injured, it is one of the many possible situations for which paramedic students must train. The addition of an “Advanced MegaCode Kid” will allow NHTI to improve the realism of our simulated patient interactions which improves the quality of care our graduates can bring to their communities.”

Ken Georgevits, a 40-year member of the Concord Kiwanis, states “The Concord Kiwanis Club has been serving the Greater Concord Community since 1924. Our focus is on supporting the youth of Concord. We have been in partnership with NHTI to provide funding to support programs that specifically target pediatric trauma training for over 30 years This is local training to future providers. The Kiwanis Club is a non-partisan, non-denominational group of men and women building better communities one child at a time.” For more information please visit: www.concordkiwanis.org.

NHTI is grateful for the ceaseless support provided by the Kiwanis Club of Concord to the PEM program. This latest simulation equipment provides advanced life support skills training for our students at the highest level of competency while using the most current technology.

The purchase of this equipment was also made possible through the support of Merrimack County Savings Bank and PEM alumni donors.

To learn more about the Paramedic Emergency Medicine program at NHTI, contact Department Chair, Keith Wilding at kwilding@ccsnh.edu. To learn how to support NHTI, its programs, faculty, staff, and students, contact Director of Alumni and Development, Laura Scott at lascott@ccsnh.edu

NHTI – Concord’s Community College 
NHTI is a dynamic public institution of higher learning that provides accessible, rigorous education for students, businesses, and the community. We create pathways for lifelong learning, career advancement, and civic engagement, offering 90+ academic programs to 4,600+ students annually. NHTI is a member of the Community College System of New Hampshire and since 1969 has been accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education, a nongovernmental, nationally recognized accrediting agency.
Press Contact      Amy Proctor | 603-230-4001 | aproctor@ccsnh.edu 

​NHTI ANNOUNCES OPENING PLANS
Students Returning to Campus in Fall
NHTI – Concord’s Community College is pleased to announce that we will be opening our doors for the Fall 2021 semester with onsite lectures, labs, and clinicals beginning August 30. Many classes will be offered within Hyflex classrooms which will allow students the flexible option of attending either within the classroom or through Zoom. ​

We will also offer both onsite and virtual options for our student services departments. This includes Financial Aid, Admissions, Bursar, Registrar, Advising, Accessibility Services, Learning Commons Library, and Tutoring. Appointments can be made via our online chat box features at www.nhti.edu or by contacting the department as listed on our website. Our residence halls will offer double room occupancy and will have more single room options for students. The college is planning a wide variety of events to welcome back our students.

NHTI will continue to follow the guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control to ensure the safety of students, faculty and staff. Mitigation measures will continue as will the ability to pivot to remote learning and services if deemed necessary to do so.   

Scholarships are available for students affected by COVID. More information available at COVID Relief Tuition Assistance Funding – NHTI or by contacting the Financial Aid Office at nhtifinaid@ccsnh.edu.
  
NHTI – Concord’s Community College 
NHTI is a dynamic public institution of higher learning that provides accessible, rigorous education for students, businesses, and the community. We create pathways for lifelong learning, career advancement, and civic engagement, offering 90+ academic programs to 4,600+ students annually. NHTI is a member of the Community College System of New Hampshire and since 1969 has been accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education, a nongovernmental, nationally recognized accrediting agency.

CONCORD, NH (March 2, 2021) – The Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce will honor Deborah de Peyster with its rare Special Community Service Citation during a virtual awards gala streamed live from Bank of New Hampshire Stage in downtown Concord on Tuesday, March 30 from 4-5:15 p.m. The interactive event kicks off with a virtual cocktail reception for all attendees, and culminates in the Chamber recognizing two commendable citizens from the community for exceptional volunteerism: de Peyster and Linda Lorden, the Chamber’s 2020 Citizen of the Year. 

A thinker, a doer and a visionary.
A so far unacclaimed hero in our area's and nation's fight against the virus. 
No Concord citizen has more supported others and lent a helping hand expecting absolutely no personal honors, recognition or acknowledgement during our Pandemic year of 2020.

Warner Historical Society To Explore The Town’s Native History
 
 Lynn Clark of the Warner Historical Society and Sherry Gould, Warner resident and member of the Nulhegan Band of the Coosuk Abenaki Nation, will speak about the Indigenous history of the Warner area from creation to the present day.  Many people have seen the stone tools used by the area’s Native inhabitants thousands of years ago.  Many may have heard stories about conflict between early settlers and Abenaki inhabitants of this land.  Fewer are aware that Abenaki people lived here and continue to live here in the centuries since.

The N.H. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources will hold a virtual public information session on March 16, 2021 from 6 to 7 p.m. regarding the utility safety upgrade project at Miller State Park.
A link will be provided, for those interested in attending the Virtual Public Information Session, on the Miller State Park project webpage at www.nhstateparks.org/news-events/improving-state-parks/miller-state-park-utility-work. The link to join the information session will be available on the website on March 12. The page also contains the project history and will include the updated plan prior to the public information session.