The Buzz Online

In the Spotlight: The bachelor’s programs at Granite State College continue to earn recognition from U.S. News & World Report ranking #64 nationwide for online bachelor’s programs for veterans, #107 for its online bachelor’s programs, and #99 for online graduate business programs (non-MBA). Rankings are based on four categories: engagement, services and technology, faculty credentials and training, and expert opinion.

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Portsmouth Regional Hospital recently welcomed two pediatric hospitalists to its staff. Dan Hale, MD and Tom Fitzgerald, MD joined the women and children service line at Portsmouth Regional Hospital providing pediatric and neonatal care.

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Savings Bank of Walpole in Keene launched Live Local, Buy Local, Bank Local Giveaways a weekly chance to win a $50 Local Perks gift card to spend at different local business such as Ye Goodie Shop, Beeze Tees and Mon Amie Fine Jewelry. Participants can register to win by visiting www.Facebook.com/SavingsBankOfWalpole.

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Merrimack County Savings Bank donated $1,000 to the Friendly Kitchen in Concord, Hooksett Community Food Pantry, Hopkinton Food Pantry, the Nashua Soup Kitchen & Shelter and the Twin Rivers Interfaith Food Pantry in Franklin as a result of its annual Mitten Tree Program, where the bank donates $2 for each item collected. 

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NH Electric Cooperative’s board of directors unanimously approved an 18% reduction to the Co-op Power portion of members’ bills effective February 1. The change will result in an overall bill decrease of over $7 for the average residential member. The market price of electricity has steadily decreased in New England, below what was forecast. 

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Eversource is once again among 380 companies worldwide included in the 2021 Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index (GEI), which recognizes companies committed to advancing women’s equality in the workplace and transparency in gender reporting. This is the third time Eversource has been included in the index.

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Newburyport Bank donated $1,000 to Community Partners of Strafford County to help fund two initiatives. The money will be used for the Community Partners mobile van program and “In Shape,” designed to address the physical health of those with mental illness or developmental disabilities.

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The Nagler Group in Bedford, a BANKW Staffing company, promoted Dawn Jesmer to senior managing director. In her new role, she will oversee the NH/Maine/Vermont region. Ari Lehner was also promoted to managing director of the Portsmouth office. Sal Mazzarella was promoted to managing director of the Sales Search Partners brand.

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WMUR-TV parent Hearst Television has launched “Project CommUNITY: History & Hope,” an effort to give voice to the experiences of Black seniors by uniting them with young Black journalists for in-depth interviews exploring the state of race in America. These stories can be seen weeknights during the 5 p.m. newscast. WMUR will also produce stories to air during news programming and on NH Chronicle. Stories are available online at WMUR.com (NH Black History: Key moments, facts) after their initial broadcast.