Year: 2024

Property tax relief

According to a press release, New Hampshire homeowners may have the opportunity to receive property tax relief through the New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration’s (NHDRA) Low and Moderate Income Homeowners Property Tax Relief program, which distributed over $900,000 in tax relief to New Hampshire homeowners last year through the Low and Moderate Income Homeowners Property Tax Relief program and has distributed more than $48 million since the program was established in 2002.

Those eligible are single homeowners making up to $37,000 per year and married homeowners making up to $47,000 per year. The maximum homestead value qualifying for an award is $220,000 and the deadline to apply for relief from the state is Sunday, June 30, according to the press release.

In a statement, NHDRA Commissioner Lindsey Stepp said, “The Low and Moderate Income Homeowners Property Tax Relief program is a significant resource for qualified New Hampshire taxpayers statewide and we are working to make sure eligible homeowners are aware of this critical tax relief program.”

Other stipulations include owning a homestead subject to the State Education Property Tax and having resided in that homestead since April 1, 2023, according to the press release.

The NHDRA asks applicants to file claims using the NHDRA’s Granite Tax Connect (GTC) online portal at revenue.nh.gov/gtc. Paper applications are available for download at revenue.nh.gov/forms/low-moderate.htm. Older versions of the form will not be accepted, and applicants will be required to submit their individual income tax returns and final property tax bill for 2023 with the application. For specific tax-related questions residents can call Taxpayer Services at 230-5920 and residents who do not have internet access may request forms by calling NHDRA’s Forms Line at 230-5001 or by sending an email to [email protected], according to the same release.

Leave baby deer alone

According to a press release from New Hampshire Fish and Game, it is important for New Hampshire residents who see young deer by themselves and fear the worst to remember that the doe is usually not too far off and will most likely return to feed her newborn.
The majority of deer fawns are born in May and June. Adult deer are easily detected by predators due to their scent and large size, and for that reason the doe will spend extended periods away from her fawns to disassociate her scent from the fawns to help keep them safe from predators. During the first month of their life, she will only visit the fawn a few times a day to nurse quickly before leaving again, although typically not going too far away, according to the same release.

The best chance a young wild animal has to survive is in its natural environment under the care of its mother, so if you do encounter baby animals out in the wild, leave them there. If you suspect a fawn or other young wildlife has been abandoned or orphaned, contact the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department by emailing [email protected] or calling 271-2461 to initiate a report. Professionals can evaluate the situation.

If you do encounter animals on the trail, do not approach, pet or feed wildlife, and never remove any animal from its habitat, the release said. Only qualified people with special rehabilitator permits issued through the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department may take in and care for injured or orphaned wildlife. Improper care of injured or orphaned wildlife frequently leads to sickness or death and often the animals cannot be returned to the wild, according to the press release. A complete list of licensed wildlife rehabilitators can be found at wildlife.nh.gov/wildlife-and-habitat/rehabilitators.

Summer school

According to a press release, the Community College System of New Hampshire (CCSNH) will be offering two free classes this summer at any of New Hampshire’s seven community colleges with their new “Summer’s on Us” program, which covers tuition and academic fees for students who meet financial eligibility requirements and are registered for fall classes.

In a statement, Charles Lloyd, Vice Chancellor of CCSNH, said that “college is a personal investment of time and resources that can be very rewarding both personally and professionally … [and] through ‘Summer’s on Us’, we are making our own investment in New Hampshire students. Students juggle a lot these days between work, family and other commitments and a program like this helps to make college more affordable and attainable.”

To receive free classes, students must enroll for the fall at any of the seven community colleges for at least nine credits, which is about three classes, or use the two classes to complete an academic degree or certificate program in which they are currently enrolled, according to the same release.

Students will need to complete the 2024-2025 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and demonstrate financial need. Specific requirements of financial need will be determined by the colleges, and students are encouraged to reach out directly to the community college they plan to attend, according to the release.

Summer classes have multiple start dates between mid-May and August. Classes are available on site and online as well as hybrid, according to the release. More information can be found at CCSNH.edu/SummerOnUs.

The Concord Farmers Market held at the New Hampshire Statehouse (107 N. Main St.) on Saturday, May 18, starts at 8:30 a.m. and ends at noon with more than 40 vendors selling an array of fresh and local goods, according to the website. Visit concordfarmersmarket.com.

Manchester City Library (405 Pine St., 624-6550, manchester.lib.nh.us) will hold a book sale on Saturday, May 18, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. An average-sized grocery bag filled with materials will be $10, according to their website. They ask that participants bring their own bag, or they can provide a paper grocery bag if needed. Hardcover books are also available for $1.50 each, and most other materials are $1.

The Merrimack Valley Flute Choir will perform at Nashua Public Library (2 Court St.) on Thursday, May 16, at 7 p.m. The concert is “Fantastic Journey,” featuring original works with instruments that span the range of the flute family, from piccolos to bass flutes, according to the website. Visit nashualibrary.libcal.com/event/10830672.