10 Troop 164B members earn rank of Eagle Scout: Community news update

Local Troop 164B members honored as Eagle Scouts

PORTSMOUTH — Wednesday, Aug. 3, 10 local Scouts from BSA Troop 164B were honored and presented the Eagle Scout rank at a ceremony with more than 150 in attendance at the Immaculate Conception Parish Center in Portsmouth. The Eagle award is the highest and most coveted rank in Scouting and is the last major step in the advancement program. Each Eagle Scout planned, managed and completed a service project in the community to earn their Eagle Rank.

The BSA Troop 164B Eagle Court of Honor recognized the achievements of the following Scouts: Will Chamberlin, Luc Gagnon, Matt Hager King, Skyler Mikolaities, Max Murdach, Michael O'Neil, Jake Pappas, Daniel Riddle, Gregory Riddle and Noah Viens. Through hard work, perseverance, and dedication, these scouts earned their Eagle Rank over the past three years despite the challenges associated with the pandemic. Essential to their success was how well Troop 164 adapted and continued functioning during the pandemic. Additionally, a Girls’ Troop, led by Scoutmaster Wendy Tauber, was formed in Portsmouth with help from the leaders of the Boys’ Troop. In June, BSA Troop 164G recognized their first Eagle Scouts, Loreley and Natalie Godfrey.

The candidates' parents and scout leaders worked hard to shape these candidates into upstanding citizens through the Scouting BSA program. Their efforts culminated in the presentation of the Eagle Scout rank. Scoutmaster Chip Pappas noted, “The success of these efforts will manifest in how these Eagle Scouts move forward in their lives and help to improve the communities in which they live and the people around them. As we say, once an Eagle Scout, always an Eagle Scout.”

During the ceremony, the Eagle Scouts were also presented a flag flown over the United States Capitol, a letter of commendation from the Adjutant General of the New Hampshire National Guard David Mikolaities, and an award from the Thresher Base Submarine Veterans.

For those interested in learning more about the scouting program in the Seacoast, email troop164nh@gmail.com.

Richard Rothstein and Mehrsa Baradaran to present at Black New England Conference

MANCHESTER — Richard Rothstein and Mehrsa Baradaran are two of the well-known scholars that will present at this year’s Black New England Conference.

Richard Rothstein who wrote "The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America" will be interviewed by former WMUR host Shelley Walcott.

Mehrsa Baradaran, who will deliver the lunchtime address on Friday, Oct. 21, at 12:30 p.m., is author of "The Color of Money: Black Banks and the Racial Wealth Gap."

The Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire will be holding the 16th Annual Black New England Conference on Oct. 21 and 22 at Southern NH University in Manchester. The theme this year, Where the Money Resides: An Exploration of Racialized Access and Historic Exclusion from Wealth will not only highlight the legal framework that supported barriers to wealth for non-whites (racial zoning, redlining, school segregation, and government-sanctioned racism) but will also celebrate the success stories of individuals and institutions that serve as beacons of hope for current generations.

The Black New England Conference is an annual meeting of academics, artists, activists and community members.  It is an opportunity to share history, insights and research on Black experiences locally and globally.

For more information on the conference including scheduling, conference panels, registration and cost please go to https://blackheritagetrailnh.org/black-new-england-conference-2022/, call 603-570-8469, or send an email to info@blackheritagetrailnh.org.

Portsmouth 400 Education Team launches oral history project

PORTSMOUTH – The Portsmouth NH 400th Education team has initiated an effort to document the recent history of Portsmouth through an oral history project as part of the Portsmouth NH 400th Anniversary.

The team has identified prominent and influential Portsmouth personalities who are now being interviewed and video-recorded for archiving. A multi-generational team including PNH400 Education Pillar team leaders Marlon Pinto and Jillian Richmond (both students from Portsmouth High School) and adult volunteers are conducting the interviews. They plan to spend the next several months interviewing and gathering information about participants’ life experiences in Portsmouth, the contributions they have made, discussing the changes they have seen over the years and capturing their visions for the community in the future. The project includes a plan to maintain the library of video recordings available for viewing and for future research purposes.

“Hearing stories from longtime Portsmouth residents is the best way to learn about the history of our small city,” said Education Pillar co-leader Jillian Richmond.

“Already, by talking to some of the prominent members of our community, we have learned so much more about Portsmouth’s historical sites and events.” The first interviews were conducted with Ruth Griffin, Ted Connors and Harold Whitehouse.

Education Pillar co-leader Marlon Pinto, who is also a member of the Portsmouth NH 400th Inc. board, said, “The Oral History Project is one of many that the Portsmouth NH 400th is planning, to celebrate and commemorate the city's 400th anniversary, but I believe this project truly captures what makes Portsmouth an extraordinary city. As one of the oldest cities in the nation, Portsmouth allows us to learn from those who have lived recent history what makes it so unique in the region. Their oral histories can inspire not only the current generation living here but future generations, as well.”

“This is a priceless opportunity to collect the historical knowledge of key individuals and share it with others,” said Oral History Project advisor Bob Lister. “Capturing these personal histories of our recent past and celebrating the City and its heritage with an eye on the future is truly a legacy project that aligns perfectly with the PNH400 goal of making the 400th inclusive of all ages.”

Anyone who would like to be involved in the PNH400 Oral History Project should contact the committee by email at hello@portsmouthnh400.org.

Children’s Museum of NH awarded competitive grant

DOVER – The Children’s Museum of New Hampshire announced that it has received an Institute of Museum and Library Services INSPIRE! grant for small museums. CMNH will launch “Bolstering A Childcare System in Crisis” this fall, a series of educational initiatives designed to help providers and families implement enriching, engaging, and developmentally appropriate play-based learning activities for children from birth to age 5.

“The Children’s Museum of New Hampshire is perfectly positioned to take on this task” shared Education Director, Xanthi Gray “We are known as a leader in the Early Childhood field across the state and have years of experience with play based learning in our space. We’re excited to share this knowledge and these resources with new organizations in our area.”

In partnership with the University of New Hampshire’s Early Childhood Education Center, the museum will offer professional development training for early child care providers; provide hands-on educational opportunities for families and caregivers; and distribute PBL activity kits to 20 early child care providers, four family resource centers, and six library partners across the state. “As a result of this project, providers and caregivers will strengthen their play based learning practices and help New Hampshire’s youngest children grow and thrive during a critical time in their development,” shared CMNH President Jane Bard.

The Children’s Museum of New Hampshire was one of 59 museums nationwide to receive the INSPIRE! IMLS grant for small museums, and only five of those recipients were children’s museums. “It’s a highly competitive grant and we are so honored to have our staff’s innovative programming supported by the nation’s lead organization in supporting museums and libraries,” shared Bard.

To learn more about the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire, visit www.childrens-museum.org.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Local Troop 164B scouts honored with Eagle Scout Rank: Community news update