,

Shaheen & Hassan Announce Christa McAuliffe Commemorative Coin to be Made Available as U.S. Recognizes 35th Anniversary of Challenger Tragedy

(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) issued the following statements after the Christa McAuliffe Commemorative Coin became available for pre-order today, which is the 35th anniversary of the Challenger tragedy. Shaheen led the bipartisan legislation with Senators Mike Enzi (R-WY) and Hassan to create the commemorative coin in honor of Christa McAuliffe, the Concord teacher who died aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger in 1986. Proceeds from this coin will promote American commitment to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education.

“On this difficult day, my thoughts are with Christa McAuliffe’s family and all who knew and loved her, as well as the family and friends of the six others lost aboard the Challenger. In New Hampshire schools and more across the country, it’s imperative that Christa’s story is told and that her legacy endures,” said Shaheen. “That’s why I wrote this legislation. It pays tribute to her life and devotion to education and helps ensure young people understand who Christa was and what she meant to her community and country. It is a fitting tribute to honor Christa’s memory by investing in STEM education, and I’m glad to see these commemorative coins be made available so we can make good on that effort. Her mission will live on in generations of students who will also reach for the stars.”

“Today we join together in remembering the life and legacy of Christa McAuliffe and the six others who lost their lives aboard the Challenger space shuttle,” said Hassan. “Christa’s passion for teaching and her ability to inspire a love of learning in the next generation endures. Her impressive legacy is taught in classrooms throughout New Hampshire and the country, and I am glad to be a part of efforts to honor her life further through this commemorative coin. The proceeds from this coin will help carry on Christa’s work to encourage more young people to get involved in STEM education and find their passion for discovery.”

Shaheen’s bipartisan legislation to create a commemorative coin honoring Christa McAuliffe, the Christa McAuliffe Commemorative Coin Act, was signed into law in 2019. The bill passed the Senate and the House of Representatives with strong bipartisan support, and further reaffirms American commitment to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education and supports it with proceeds from the coin.  Last month, Shaheen released a video message celebrating the coin’s unveiling. Senator Shaheen also entered a statement into the Congressional Record celebrating Christa McAuliffe’s life and service.

As the Vice Chair of the Senate Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee, Senator Shaheen has been a strong advocate for STEM education and scientific research funding priorities. During her time in the Senate, Shaheen has also worked to secure scientific research funding for New Hampshire universities and businesses. In June, Senator Shaheen hosted a virtual roundtable with NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine to highlight contracting opportunities for Granite State small businesses to support NASA’s ongoing space exploration technology research efforts and the Artemis program, which aims to land the next humans on the Moon. Last year, Bridenstine joined Shaheen in visits to the University of New Hampshire’s Space Science Center and Mikrolar, a contractor for NASA. The events came on the heels of UNH’s selection by NASA for a highly-competitive $107.9 million contract award through the Earth Venture program.

,

The USPS Will Issue New 2021 Stamps for Price Change

 

WASHINGTON, DC — The U.S. Postal Service will release three new stamps as part of 2021 price change: Barns, a 36-cent postcard stamp; Brush Rabbit, a 20-cent additional ounce stamp; and Castillo de San Marcos, a $7.95 Priority Mail stamp. The stamps will be available beginning Sunday, Jan. 24. There will be no national first-day-of-issue ceremony for these stamps.

 

The U.S. Postal Service has four new postcard stamps that celebrate the beauty and history of American barns. The artist created digital paintings of four types of iconic barns found in the rural American landscape. With differing qualities of light and color, each piece reflects one of the four seasons: a round barn surrounded by the hazy light and warm colors of fall; a gambrel-roofed barn in summer; a forebay barn in early spring; and a Western barn on a winter’s night. Ashley Walton designed the stamps with original artwork by Kim Johnson. Greg Breeding was the art director.

Along the bottom of each stamp is the word “postcard,” to indicate their usage. These stamps will always be valid for the rate printed on them.

 

The U.S. Postal Service features a brush rabbit (Sylvilagus bachmani) on this additional ounce stamp, available in a pane of 20 or a coil of 100. The brush rabbit is a small brownish cottontail rabbit of the U.S. West Coast and Baja California, Mexico. It lives mostly west of the Sierra Nevada range and south of the Columbia River, which defines the coastal Oregon-Washington border. The adult is about a foot long and generally weighs between 1 and 2 pounds.

The pencil-and-watercolor illustration is from preexisting artwork by designer and illustrator Dugald Stermer (1936-2011). Art director Ethel Kessler designed the stamp.

The words “additional ounce” on this stamp indicate its usage value. This stamp will always be valid for the rate printed on it.

 

The latest Priority Mail stamp, which bears the new price, celebrates the oldest masonry fortification in the United States, the Castillo de San Marcos in St. Augustine, FL.

The stamp art features a digital illustration of the fortress based on a contemporary photograph. With a view toward the northeast corner of the fortress, the artwork captures it in the golden glow of sunrise over Matanzas Bay. Art director Greg Breeding designed the stamp with art created by Chicago-based graphic illustrator Dan Cosgrove.

This stamp provides  a convenient way for customers to pay for Priority Mail Flat Rate shipping with a single stamp. Priority Mail is the Postal Service’s bestselling mail service. Domestic deliveries arrive in 1-3 business days depending on where a package starts and where it’s going. Tracking and insurance are included, and shipping boxes and envelopes are free.

Customers may purchase stamps and other philatelic products through the Postal Store at usps.com/shopstamps, by calling 800-STAMP24 (800-782-6724), by mail through USA Philatelic, or at Post Office locations nationwide.

Information for ordering first-day-of-issue postmarks and covers is at usps.com/shop.

,

Mt. Washington Valley Chamber Of Commerce Brings Family Fun Snow Days To Chamber Members

The Mt. Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce is partnering with local ski and snowshoe members to offer Family Fun Snow Days, sponsored by Chalmers Insurance Group. All Chamber members and their family members are encouraged to plan in advance, download the participation form (see links below) and bring forms with them to enjoy a free day of skiing or snowshoeing and half-priced rentals (while supplies last).

“Family Fun Snow Days is an opportunity to offer a great way to get out on the ski trails and spend some time outside. We are extremely grateful for this partnership with our member ski areas and appreciate the work they are doing during this time to continue offering outdoor adventure,” said Michelle Cruz, Events Manager at Mt Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce and coordinator of the program. “Our first Family Fun Snow Day at Great Glen Trails last weekend was a success, and many chamber members enjoyed the chance to get out on the trails, including my dog, Jack, and I!” finished Michelle.

The Chamber is still organizing additional Family Fun Snow Days for 2021.  Here are two events coming up in January and February.

January 24 & 25, 2021: JACKSON SKI TOURING FOUNDATION – Click here to print, and sign form to receive special offer
Join us at Jackson XC Touring Center on January 24 and 25 from 8:30 am – 4:00 pm. Jackson Ski Touring will offer free access to ski trails for all Mt. Washington Valley Chamber members (employees & family members included). Rentals will be available at 50% off on a first come first served basis.

January 31 & February 1: BRETTON WOODS NORDIC CENTER – Click here to print, and sign form to receive special offer
Join us at Bretton Woods Nordic Center on January 31 and February 1 from 8:30 am – 4:00 pm. Bretton Woods will offer free access to Nordic ski trails for all Mt. Washington Valley Chamber members (employees & family members included). Rentals will be available at 50% off.

All chamber members and their family members are required to download the participation form, obtain their employers’ signature and bring the form with them to the Family Fun Snow Day to participate in the event.

This program is brought to you by the Mt Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce with support from Chalmers Insurance Group.

Look for additional Family Fun Snow Day events to be added to the schedule.  You’ll find complete information, links to participation forms and updated schedules at https://mtwashingtonvalley.org/members/index.cfm.  For questions, please call Michelle at 603-662-4984 or email events@mtwashingtonvalley.org.

Tune in tonight at 5pm to Drive Time: A Community Connection to the Valley where Michelle will be featured and will be talking all about Family Fun Snow Days.

,

The 4th Annual WinterKids Winter Games Kicks Off This Week

Photo courtesy of WinterKids

 

January 14, 2021 – WinterKids kicks off the 4th annual Winter Games this week across the state and in New Hampshire, Vermont, New Jersey, and Canada!  In Maine, kids, teachers, and families in nearly 100 communities are participating in the Games. Teachers and families receive a Playbook, resources, and incentives to complete a 4-week series of fun outdoor physical activity and nutrition challenges. There are over 6,000 kids participating this year.

“We are thrilled to offer a fun, active way to engage all kids in outdoor learning throughout the winter,” says Julie Mulkern, WinterKids Executive Director. “This year, the Winter Games is focused on resilience, inclusion, community and service within the context of celebrating winter through outdoor physical activity, nutrition, and family engagement,” says Mulkern.

WinterKids’ Winter Games allows kids to participate, whether they are receiving in-person education or learning at home. Embracing outdoor learning helps to avoid the pitfalls of online learning and the negative effects of excessive screen time – particularly for those in elementary school. WinterKids provides resources for both teachers and parents to get their kids outside and active. There is also a WinterKids Winter Games Facebook group for resource sharing, and downloadable activities on the organization’s website.

The Winter Games resources are designed to be used in the winter and beyond for outdoor, active learning.

For teachers, parents, and community groups who want to join the fun, please visit www.winterkids.org today to request materials while they last.

WinterKids is the nonprofit organization that helps children develop healthy lifelong habits through education and fun, outdoor winter activity. The organization delivers innovative outdoor programs for families, schools, and communities. WinterKids’ Major Community Sponsor is Hannaford.  WinterKids’ Supporting Sponsors are Agren, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, L.L.Bean, Portland Glass, WEX, and WMTW 8 and The CW. The WinterKids Winter Games are made possible with support from Bingham Program, Hydro Quebec, Backyard Farms, MMG Insurance, University of New England, Johnny’s Select Seeds, Hannaford SnackPals, Playworks, Aroma Joe’s and Subway of Maine. Learn more at WinterKids.org

, ,

Take The Penguin Plunge and Raise Funds for Special Olympics New Hampshire!

Pictures Courtesy of Special Olympics NH – At the 2020 Winter Games

 

Special Olympics New Hampshire is excited to bring you a brand new Penguin Plunge in 2021, aimed to offer everything you love about the Plunge, while encouraging you to participate safely wherever you are.  You’ll still be able to get cold and earn bragging rights, compete for prizes like best costume and top fundraiser, earn incentives for the funds that you raise…and support more than 3,000 Special Olympics New Hampshire athletes across the granite state! SONH’s Mark Ericson joined Roy Prescott on the WMWV Morning Show today and told us all about it. Listen and check out the details below!

Please register and fundraise, and Get Ready to Plunge!

Take the Plunge between February 3rd and February 7th!

You will receive a Plunge Pail that contains everything you need for your DIY Plunge: a party pack, snack pack, and any incentives that you’ve earned.  Once you receive your Plunge Pail, you are set to Plunge however you’d like…

Get creative, this is your year to do it your way!

Take video or photos of your Plunge, add them to your fundraising page and be sure to tag #SONHPlunge on social media.

Important Dates to Remember:

Friday, January 29th: All Plungers must meet the $350 fundraising minimum by this date.

Saturday, January 30th to Tuesday, February 2nd: Your plunge pail will be delivered to you.

Wednesday, February 3rd to Sunday, February 7th: PLUNGE!

For more details go to SONH.ORG

Pictures Courtesy of Special Olympics NH – At the 2020 Winter Games
Pictures Courtesy of Special Olympics NH – At the 2020 Winter Games
,

Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office Receives National Recognition for Simultaneous Accreditation

Photo Courtesy of Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office

 

Under the leadership of Sheriff Kevin J. Joyce, who took office in 2010, the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office became one of four Sheriff’s Office’s nationwide to be awarded the National Sheriff’s Association Triple Crown Award in 2020.

The Triple Crown Award was established by the National Sheriff’s Association to recognize those sheriff’s offices, which achieve simultaneous accreditation from three accrediting bodies, The Commission on the Accreditation of Law Enforcement Agencies, the American Correctional Association’s Commission on Accreditation for Corrections, and the National Commission on Correctional Healthcare.  Currently, there are a total of 3,081 Sheriff’s Offices in the United States.  Only 68 other Sheriffs’ Offices have ever attained this award since the award was established in 1993. The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office is the only agency in Maine to have received this award.  Accreditation is a team effort that involves all agency personnel.

This is a significant accomplishment that the Sheriff’s Office personnel should be commended on for the ongoing pursuit of excellence in public safety.

The Cumberland County Jail was the State of Maine’s first adult detention facility to have achieved accreditation from the American Correctional Association in 2002.  In 2005, the agency became accredited by the National Commission on Correctional Healthcare illustrating their commitment to providing nationally accepted standards of care in health services delivery to the inmates housed in the facility.

In 2015, the agency became accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Law Enforcement Agencies for demonstrating compliance with the best practices related to life, health, and safety procedures for the agency and ensuring law enforcement is prepared to meet basic community service expectations and manage critical events.  The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office is committed to maintaining the pursuit of best practices in law enforcement, corrections, and public service.

For more information please visit cumberlandso.org