Proclamation reminds us of the benefits of health-care centers

Sometimes, a proclamation can serve not only as an honor, but also as a reminder.

That was the case this past week when Gov. John Lynch toured the Nashua Area Community Health Center and signed a proclamation making the week of Aug. 10 New Hampshire’s Health Center Week 2008.

The governor’s proclamation urged all citizens to recognize the important contributions that health centers make in improving the quality of life for all people in New Hampshire.

Lynch also praised the Community Health Center doctors, dentists, nurses, pharmacists and other health professionals who have chosen to serve in communities in need, helping to expand the reach of primary care and preventive health services.

Located in the Southern New Hampshire Medical Center, the local health center is part of the Lamprey Health Care system.

The proclamation cited that the state’s Community Health Centers are open to all residents, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay; and that they tailor services to fit the special needs and priorities of their communities and provide services with regards to language and culture.

Ann Peters, executive director/chief executive officer of Lamprey Health Care, and Mariellen Durso, center director, greeted Lynch and led him on a 30-minute tour of the health center.

During the tour, Peters and Durso spoke of the services provided by the health center, and discussed some of the accomplishments and challenges the center confronts.

For more than 30 years, under many different names, the Nashua Area Health Center has helped those in need with health care for pregnancy, family planning, and other health and disease conditions. Since September 2000, Nashua Area Health Center has been part of Lamprey Health Care.

“The Nashua Area Health Center provides a medical home with a primary care provider to the uninsured and medically underserved individuals in the Greater Nashua area, focusing on disease prevention, eliminating barriers to care and coordinating access to a full range of comprehensive services,” Peters said.

Community Health Centers are nonprofit health-care practices that have a mission to provide primary care regardless of their patients’ ability to pay or insurance status.

The centers provide care to people of all ages with services including comprehensive primary and preventive care, 24-hour coverage, obstetrical and gynecological care, dental substance-abuse services, pharmacy, laboratory and other ancillary services. It also provides help such as case management, translation services and transportation.

Parkway foe on air

On the most vocal, persistent and impassioned foes of the proposed Broad Street Parkway will make his case on the airwaves Monday morning.

WSMN Radio 1590 AM talk show “Morning Liftoff With George & Jodi” will feature former BSP committee member and ex-state Rep. David Gleneck.

The show airs at 7:45 a.m.

Gleneck, who lives on Tampa Street, an area that stands to be severely affected if the cross-city roadway is built, said he hasn’t heard a good explanation for the project’s need.

Gleneck is expected to discuss his opinions about the origins of the parkway project, the role of the Nashua Regional Planning Commission and lack of a second citywide referendum.

The board of aldermen appears to be heading to a vote on the project, and after 30 years of delays and debate, observers say the board this time might have the 10 votes needed to proceed with the estimated $37.6 million bond, and thus with the roadway construction.

New officers hit the streets

Nashua police nearly filled out the ranks last week with the hiring of 11 new officers. The 11 recruits were sworn in as patrol officers Tuesday at a police headquarters ceremony.

Police brass have expressed concern for some time that the department has had a shortage of officers, and was down by as many as 16 last year.

This new batch of officers, along with another group that took the oath in March, brings the ranks to 171 officers, a total that encompasses the chief down to patrolmen, said officer Kevin O’Brien. The department is authorized to have 181 officers, but is budgeted for 177 this year, he said.

A few officers are expected to retire by the end of the year, O’Brien said. The next police officer exam is Sept. 6; applications can be downloaded and further information is available at nashuapd.com.

Here’s a look at the newest officers:

Kevin Delaney is from Chelmsford, Mass., and has a criminal justice degree from the University of Massachusetts Lowell.

Alexander Gangi is from Millis, Mass., and has a criminal justice degree from Northeastern University.

Robert Goodwin is from Weymouth, Mass., and has a criminal justice degree from Westfield State College.

Ryan Jones is from Nashua and has a safety studies degree from Keene State College.

Katelin Kilgallon is from Pembroke, Mass., and has a master’s degree in criminal justice from Anna Maria College.

Brian Moores is from Ashland, Mass., and is a Marine veteran.

Ryan Rooney is from Abington, Mass., and has a sociology degree from the University of Massachusetts.

Joseph Rousseau is from Nashua and has a business management degree from Keene State College.

Scott Seroll is from Hingham, Mass., and has a business administration degree from Boston University.

Sean Thomas is from Michigan and has a degree in golf course design from Michigan State University.

Eric Walker is from South Attleboro, Mass., and has a criminal justice degree from Westfield State College.

Get your programs here

The distribution of schedules, student identification cards, bus passes and parking permits for Nashua High School North students will begin Monday.

Students can pick up the information on designated days throughout the week at the school from 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Seniors may pick up information Monday. Juniors are able to get materials Tuesday. Sophomores can go Wednesday and freshmen can go Thursday.

Before receiving the information, students must return the Student Information Data Sheet distributed over the summer. Extra forms will be available.

Students can only pick up the information on their designated days, and those unable to do so will receive the materials on the first day of school. Freshmen begin classes Aug. 26, while the remainder of the school starts Aug. 27.

School counselors will be available to students for walk-in schedule adjustments on their schedule pickup day. E-mails can be sent with requests, as counselors aren’t available by appointment until after the first day of school. More information can be obtained by calling 589-6400.

Students at Nashua High School South received their information this past week. South students can also send e-mails to counselors with requests if they missed their designated day and can make appointments with counselors after the first day of school.