Author: The Hippo Press

Emergency housing

The Friends Program, a Concord-based nonprofit organization serving at-risk youth, seniors and families, re-dedicated its newly renovated Emergency Housing Shelter in Concord with a ribbon cutting and tours on Sept. 25, according to a Friends press release. “The renovation increased both the capacity and efficiency of the shelter, which can now house up to nine families at a time,” the release said. The organization helps to support families after they leave the Emergency Housing Program to help them maintain long-term housing, the release said. See friendsprogram.org for more on the programs and for a wish list of items the shelter needs.

Grant for health

The Foundation for Healthy Communities — “a nonprofit organization that builds healthier

communities for all” — has been awarded the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Federally Facilitated Exchange grant, a five-year grant, according to a Foundation press release. In its first year, the grant will provide $1.5 million to “assist consumers across the state with enrollment in the federal marketplace, Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program, the release said. The grant will help expand the NH Navigator program, which offers “free assistance to people exploring health coverage options through HealthCare.gov” as well as those enrolling in or renewing Medicaid and CHIP coverage, the release said.

“We are thrilled with this expanded opportunity to support all people across the state in garnering the access they need to health care services. Quality health insurance is vital to ensure people get the care they need, as well as be protected from unaffordable health care costs without coverage” said Peter Ames, Executive Director of the Foundation for Healthy Communities, said in the release.

“Consumers who have questions about acquiring health insurance can call 1-877-211-NAVI, visit acanavigator.com/nh/home, or email Adrian Jasion at [email protected] to request an in-person visit to identify the right insurance options available to them,” the release said.

Seeking workers

The New Hampshire Auto Dealers Association will host a Career Day at Manchester Community College (1078 Front St. in Manchester) on Thursday, Oct. 3, from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. “There are hundreds of job openings available in the automotive industry in New Hampshire,” according to an association press release. “The event will host manufacturer-specific auto tech programs to include Heavy Diesel, GM ASEP, Toyota, Motorcycle, Audi, Subaru, Chrysler, Ford, Nissan, Honda, Power Sports, Auto Body and Auto Technology,” the release said. For more information, email [email protected] or call 224-2369.

Sustainability projects

Plymouth State University has received $4.67 million in federal grants to support sustainability projects such as solar arrays on building rooftops; insulation, heat and energy efficiency upgrades at the Physical Education Center, and the installation of a Renewable Energy Open Lab, according to a university press release from Sept. 20. The Lab will “provide students with hands-on learning opportunities with the latest in sustainable energy technology,” the release said. The new solar arrays will be on rooftops of buildings such as the Savage Welcome Center & Ice Arena and the Silver Center for the Arts and are expected to generate approximately three times as much energy as existing solar panels on the Physical Education Center, the release said. See plymouth.edu.

NH day

Squam Lakes Natural Science Center (23 Science Center Road in Holderness; nhnature.org) will hold a fall New Hampshire Day on Sunday, Oct. 6, from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (with the last trail admission in the 2:30-to-3:30 entry block), according to a press release. New Hampshire residents pay $5 for trail admissions on that day (rather than the regular $26 for adults), the release said. All NH Day tickets are for a one-hour block and must be purchased in advance at nhnature.org, the release said. An “Up Close to Animals” presentation at the Amphitheater will take place at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., the release said.

New board members

Girls Inc. of New Hampshire has seven new board members on its board of directors, joining eight returning board members including Chair Susan Walsh, according to a press release. Girls Inc. of New Hampshire, which operates centers in Manchester and Nashua, “has provided thousands of girls ages 5 to 18 with life-changing experiences and solutions to the unique challenges faced by girls,” the press release said. The new board members are Lisa Cramb, senior vice president of Montagne Powers; Dan Hickey, vice president sales & marketing at Comcast; Kristen Koch, vice president of public policy at Business & Industry Association of New Hampshire; Jamie Marcial, U.S. business development manager at ServiceNow; Jeff Moynihan, vice president of employee benefits at Clark Insurance; Rebecca Thomas, senior vice president of marketing at Triangle Credit Union, and Valerie Whitman, a president and CEO in the health care industry, the release said. For more on Girls Inc. of New Hampshire, see girlsincnh.org.

The Lakes Region Parade of Homes, a self-guided tour of homes in the Lakes Region, will run Saturday, Oct. 12, and Sunday, Oct. 13, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and feature “new homes, remodeling possibilities and allow builders to present the latest home innovations,” according to a press release from Meredith Village Savings Bank, one of this year’s sponsors. Tickets to this event from Lakes Region Builders & Remodelers Association costs $25. See lakesregionparadeofhomes.com.

Spooky Season is the theme for the Oct. 4 First Friday in downtown Concord from 4 to 8 p.m. Hear live music from The Wandering Souls from 6 to 8 p.m. and watch a dance performance by the Wicked Witches of the Lakes Region at 6:30 p.m. Food trucks will be Wicked Tasty Food Truck on Main Street and Teenie Wienies on Capitol Street, according to intownconcord.org.

The first Science on Tap of the 12th season of the SEE Science Center discussion program will be Tuesday, Oct. 8, at 6 p.m. and focus on “New Hampshire Creatures of the Night” — bats, owls and insects, according to a SEE press release. These free discussions take place at Bo’s Lounge at Stark Brewing Co., 500 Commercial St. in Manchester; doors open at 5 p.m. RSVP at see-sciencecenter.org/science-on-tap.

Tuscan Village in Salem will host the Sam Adams-sponsored Barktoberfest featuring adoptable dogs, music, beer and more on Saturday, Oct. 5, from noon to 3 p.m. The event will support Salem Animal Rescue, Live Free Rescue, Dawgs Fight Bank and Great Dog Rescue New England, according to a press release. The event is dog-friendly. See tuscanvillagesalem.com/events.