Author: The Hippo Press

Open senate seat in ’26

Sen. Jeanne Shaheen announced on March 12 that she will not seek reelection in 2026, according to a press release.

Shaheen, who is 78 according to Wikipedia, was the first woman elected governor of New Hampshire, in 1996; she served three terms, the release said. In 2008 she was elected U.S. Senator, the release said.

“There are urgent challenges ahead, both here at home and around the world. And while I’m not seeking reelection, believe me, I am not retiring. I am determined to work every day over the next two years and beyond to continue to try and make a difference for the people of New Hampshire and this country,” Shaheen said, according to the release. See shaheen.senate.gov for her video message and a video highlighting her accomplishments. Married to Dover native Billy Shaheen, Jeanne Shaheen has three daughters and seven grandchildren, the release said.

Ed commissioner

NH Education Commissioner Frank Edelblut will “complete his term in office and will continue in holdover status to support schools through the end of the school year,” according to a press release from Gov. Kelly Ayotte’s office. Edelblut is the longest-serving education commissioner in the country, having served since 2017, the release said. “My office will launch a search for our next Education Commissioner who will build on this momentum and further our goal of improving our standards and academic performance, supporting our incredible teachers, and delivering a best-in-class education for every child in New Hampshire,” Ayotte said, according to the release.

Raw milk alert

The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services sent out a press release on March 14 advising consumers not to drink Brookvale Pine Farm raw milk with “best if used by” dates through March 22 because the milk “may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes bacteria.” The release said that the New Hampshire Department of Agriculture, Markets and Food notified DHHS that a cow at the farm was diagnosed with listeria infection, the release said. The milk was sold in half-gallon containers at the Brookvale Mercantile in Brentwood, the release said. “Brookvale Pines Farm is working closely with DHHS to conduct ongoing milk testing, contact customers who may have purchased raw milk from the farm, and ensure the public’s health and safety,” the release said.

“To report an illness after raw milk consumption, contact DPHS at 603-271-4496. For more information about raw milk, visit the CDC website,” cdc.gov/food-safety/foods/raw-milk.html, the release said.

The Derry Public Library, 64 E. Broadway in Derry, will host a Red Cross blood drive on Saturday, March 29, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. To register call 800-73302767 or go to redcrossblood.org.

“Worlds,” featuring works by artists Julian Kent and Emma Kohlmann, is open now at Outer Space Arts, 35 Pleasant St. in Concord. The paintings will be on view through May 18; the gallery space is open Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. See outerspacearts.xyz.

“Three Vignettes” is open now at the Alva de Mars Megan Chapel Art Center at Saint Anselm College in Manchester. “This exhibition comprises works from the permanent collection, with brief essays/meditations by 17 Saint Anselm College students,” according to a press release. The exhibit is open through May 9 and the gallery is open Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Thursday, 4 to 7 p.m.

The Nashua Public Library, 2 Court St. in Nashua, will hold a “Little Green Thumbs” program on Wednesday, March 26, at 4:30 p.m. for grades K through 5. Kids will learn how to plant basil seeds and take care of the plant, according to a Facebook post. See nashualibrary.org.