The Tip Sheet

Shaheen & Gordon wins landmark case against Mutual Pharmaceutical Company

Federal Circuit Court upholds largest verdict in NH history

DOVER -- The First Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld the largest jury-awarded compensation in New Hampshire history, granting Karen Bartlett $21.6 million for injuries sustained as a result of using the generic painkiller Sulindac.

The decision against drug manufacturer Mutual Pharmaceutical Company, Inc., based in Philadelphia, Penn., was affirmed on May 2, five months after the appeal was argued before the First Circuit Court. The appeals court decision upholds the September 2010 jury verdict in the New Hampshire Federal District Court.

Shaheen & Gordon who, along with Jensen, Ballew & Gonzalez of Fort Worth, Texas, represented Bartlett during both the August to September 2010 trial and the federal appeal, argued Sulindac had a design defect and that Mutual Pharmaceutical was liable for her injuries.

The New Hampshire jury agreed, awarding Bartlett $21.6 million in compensation.

Bartlett was prescribed the drug for shoulder pain, but it caused Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis, or TEN, resulting in burning of 65 percent of her body, permanent near blindness, esophageal burns, lung damage and permanent disfigurement.

Stevens Johnson Syndrome and TEN are both the result of a severe reaction to a medicine or infection. It begins with flu-like symptoms and is followed by a painful rash and blisters. The rash eventually becomes similar to a severe burn and can lead to infection and potentially death.

Attorney Christine Craig, with the assistance of Attorney Tim Beaupre, led Shaheen & Gordon’s team in working on this landmark case and successfully fought Mutual Pharmaceutical’s appeal.

Film Screening at the Currier: People Say I'm Crazy - A Documentary by John Cadigan

Thursday, May 31 at 6:30 pm (Reception at 6 pm)

People Say I’m Crazy is an award-winning film about schizophrenia made by someone with schizophrenia. While highlighting John Cadigan’s career as a visual artist, the film challenges the stereotypes of schizophrenia and brings to light the true effects of this misunderstood illness. Presented at the museum free of charge, and followed by a panel discussion. No reservations required. For more information visit www.mhcgm.org or call Mary Beth LaValley at 603.206.8558. Being shown at The Currier Museum of Art, 150 Ash Street, Manchester, NH 03104 www.currier.org

Premier SnowSport Venue Dedication

Waterville Valley, NH, May 3, 2012… The East Coast’s premier Freestyle and Snowboard aerial jumping site – Phil’s Hill Training Center – will be officially dedicated on Saturday May 19, in Waterville Valley. WVBBTS Snowsports Educational Foundation is presenting the dedication, featuring athlete demonstrations, from 11am to 3pm at Snow’s Mountain off Boulder Path Road, and the general public is welcome. 

This new version of Phil’s Hill replaces a smaller venue originally located at the Resort.  Named in honor of Philip Holmes, a skiing enthusiast who tragically died young, this earlier venue helped many athletes hone their skills, but was dismantled several years ago.

Our new and improved site, built by reshaping the Snow’s Mountain ski hill, is a 220’ earthen ramp covered with high tech Neveplast artificial snow surfacing, and is the first of its kind in New England.  Another name from the Holmes family has been added to the site in “Sandy’s Way,” the path the athletes hike to get to the top of the venue.  Sandy Holmes was a dedicated volunteer and tireless in her support of young snowsports athletes reaching their dreams.  Sandy passed away in early 2011.

The Holmes Family has supported the re-creation of Phil’s Hill in many ways, and their generosity is truly appreciated as a new generation of athletes takes flight on this year-round venue. 

According to Nick Preston, Freestyle Director, “Phil’s Hill sets our athletes and BBTS apart by having a safety-first jumping site available all year.” 

Two jumps, to accommodate varying skill levels, send athletes soaring into the air as they perform complex grabs, flips and rotations before landing on the 12 foot high and 50 x 50 foot highly engineered BagJump airbag. 

According to Snowboard Director and former Olympian, Peter Thorndike, “The BagJump gives kids a confidence to explore and improve their skills in the air because the airbag cushions the landing.” 

CEO Peter Stokloza acknowledges, “We’d like to thank our corporate and individual supporters and are proud to honor Phil and Sandy Holmes with this site - a great example of our motto ‘Pioneering Snowsports and Cultivating Tomorrow’s Leaders.’”

Now, as we move into the warmer weather, Phil’s Hill is being prepped for spring, summer and fall programming.  No snow, no problem as the only year-round training facility in New England announces summer camps, a weekend training program and a full-time training program.  These offerings, in concert with the Burdenko Method workouts under the direction of Athletic Director Tom Barbeau and trampoline training at Freestyle America Training Center under Nick Preston create a complete first-rate training experience.

Please join WVBBTS/ SEF at the Phil’s Hill Training Venue on Saturday, May 19 to see the amazing skills of our student-athletes as they showcase their talents. Athletes will be demonstrating from 2 - 3pm following the formal dedication ceremonies and refreshments from 11am – 2pm.  RSVP to Krista Katz, Director of Advancement, at kkatz@wvbbts.org or (603) 236-4246 x 117 with the names of the individuals in your party or should you have any questions.

Visit our website for more information and to see videos of the site in use at www.wvbbts.org

Waterville Valley Tennis Center Earns World Ranking in tennisresortsonline.com pole.

May 1, 2012, (Waterville Valley, NH) – The Waterville Valley Tennis Center is pleased to announce its’ continued inclusion as a Gold Medal Resort in the annual tennisresortsonline.com rankings of tennis resorts across the globe, achieving a ranking of #13. In addition, we were recognized in the poll as #4 for Best Value for Dollar and #5 for Best Setting.

Cox - "Tennis Resorts Online" 7 Years In A Row

Waterville Valley Tennis Center Owner and USPTA Director Tom Gross, Jr. states, “We are thrilled to once again receive a top 25 ranking as a Gold Medal Resort in the World. Our members and guests appreciate not only our 18 red clay courts surrounded by 4,000-foot mountains, but also the beautiful resort village of Waterville Valley. I can’t wait for them to experience Waterville Valley this summer and this ranking continues our long tradition of providing a first rate tennis center and resort for vacationers.”

Former touring pro Clare Grabher and her husband Kurt of New England Tennis Holidays will once again operate their very high quality, 5-hour-a-day summer tennis camps on those same red-clay tournament courts. States Kurt, "As founders of New England Tennis Holidays, we are very excited about our relationship with Tom Gross, Jr. and the Waterville Valley Resort and Tennis Center. This is our 25th year of tennis in New England and our 3rd season in Waterville Valley, NH.”

Writes Roger Cox, editor of tennisresortsonline.com “What the top resorts all have in common, … is a passion for tennis and a proven ability to cater to the needs of avid players.”

The Waterville Valley Tennis Center (http://www.wvtennis.com/ 603-236-4840) opens in mid-May and continues through Columbus Day Weekend. A variety of clinics, lessons, round robins, kid’s programs, racquet stringing, tournaments and pro shop apparel are available.

White Mountain Athletic Club, Inc. (WMAC), with headquarters in Waterville Valley, NH, owns and operates the White Mountain Athletic Club - a full service athletic club featuring indoor and outdoor 25m swimming pools, cardio and weight rooms, indoor tennis, racquetball, the Coyote Grill Restaurant, saunas, steam rooms & whirlpool spas, aerobics, massage, and more.

WMAC also owns and operates the Waterville Valley Tennis Center (WVTC)- an award-winning 18-clay court outdoor tennis facility named by Tennis Magazine as one of the 50 greatest tennis resorts in the U.S. and also chosen as one of the top five family resorts in the United States. Since 2005, the WVTC has been named a Gold Medal Resort by tennisresortsonline.com, with ranking consistently in the Top 20 in the World and a most recent ranking of #13 in 2012. The 31^st New Hampshire Open, held in Waterville Valley this July 6-8th, is New Hampshire’s most prestigious tennis tournament.

New England Tennis Holidays rated the #1 Tennis Camp in the US and Canada by Roger Cox –tennisresortsonline.com 7 years in a row operates 3 and 5-day adult instructional camps here.

In 2011 the resort garnered Yankee Magazine’s Editors Choice Award for “Best in New England-- Best Family Resort”.

WMAC, Inc. provides modern, four-season recreational opportunities, currently in the form of the WMAC and the WVTC, to property owners, vacationers, and local townspeople in Waterville Valley and the greater Waterville Valley area. WMAC, Inc., an equal opportunity employer, is an advocate in the preservation and well being of Waterville Valley and the White Mountain National Forest.

 

 

 

 

MARATHON? THAT AIN'T NOTHING….

GILFORD, NH (April 16, 2012) – Maddog Fitness Challenge is a fitness obstacle race for mud-loving athletes who want a real challenge. On Saturday, June 2nd, 2012, 1,500 runners will head to Gunstock Mountain Resort to take on 11 challenging obstacles over 3.1 miles of extreme vertical terrain. After victoriously finishing the race, participants celebrate with friends and family during an all day party with live music, festivities, food and post-workout beer (Red Sox Fans welcome).

Fitness obstacle races have become incredibly popular and the Maddog Fitness Challenge brings the excitement to New Hampshire and offers an alternative to the traditional 5k road races.

The Maddog Fitness Challenge is also supporting a worthy cause that gives back to New Hampshire. A portion of every participant’s entry fee will be donated to Womenade of Concord.

For some families, one unexpected medical bill or emergency car repair is a big setback. Even back-to-school shopping can hurt those already close to poverty. For these families, sometimes a few hundred dollars is enough to avert a financial crisis, which is where Womenade of Concord helps 

The Maddog Fitness Challenge will test your all around strength, stamina, and mental toughness. The course is set up on the grueling uphill terrain of Gunstock’s ski slopes, with eleven challenging fitness obstacles sprinkled throughout the course.

The “Maddog Party” area will be the scene of greater celebrations with more food, drinks and post-race activities.

Maddog Fitness Challenge is an event that competitors and spectators will never forget and the combination of the scenic Gunstock Mountain terrain, mud, sweat and beer will make for a day participants and spectators will never forget.

To learn more about the Maddog Fitness Challenge visit www.MaddogFitness Challenge.com, or contact Brian Silfies at (603)-738-5579.

 

Endowment for Health Awarded More than $2.4 Million to Health-Related Projects

 

The Endowment for Health, New Hampshire's largest health foundation announced 2011 total giving of more than $2.4 million to support a variety of healthrelated

projects with a focus on reducing economic, geographic and social cultural barriers

to health, as well as improving the mental health of New Hampshire’s children and

Families.

The Black Fly Triathlon Festival Returning to Waterville Valley in July

Waterville Valley’s Town Square will be a-BUZZ July 6-8, 2012, as the Black Fly Triathlon Festival returns for its fourth year.  The three-day festival includes a Bike Time Trial Friday evening, the International Triathlon and “Little Bugger” Kids Triathlon on Saturday, and a Sprint Triathlon on Sunday.  For those looking for the ultimate tri weekend, there is the “Lord of the Flies” Challenge, competing in all three events.  A new addition this year is the Mini Midge Youth Obstacle Run for pre-school aged children.  It’s a weekend geared toward the entire family.

Give Kids A Smile Provides NH Children Free Dental Care in the North Country

Conway, NH- Give Kids A Smile and dentists across New Hampshire will help kick-off this year’s National Children’s Dental Health month on Friday, February 3, 2012, by offering children from low-income families free dental services, including dental examinations, cleanings, fluoride treatments and sealants.

Give Kids A Smile Provides NH Children Free Dental Care in the Monadnock Region

Keene, NH- Give Kids A Smile and dentists across New Hampshire will help kick-off this year’s National Children’s Dental Health month on Friday, February 3, 2012, by offering children from low-income families free dental services, including dental examinations, cleanings, fluoride treatments and sealants.

Give Kids A Smile Provides NH Children Free Dental Care in Nashua

Nashua, NH- Give Kids A Smile and dentists across New Hampshire will help kick-off this year’s National Children’s Dental Health month on Friday, February 3, 2012, by offering children from low-income families free dental services, including dental examinations, cleanings, fluoride treatments and sealants.