Author: The Hippo Press

Quality of Life 26/01/15

In the spirit of Adam Sander

The New Hampshire Department of Transportation has announced the winners of the Second Annual NHDOT“Name a Plow” Contest. “Granite Staters shared their creativity and voted on fun and memorable names for our snowplows this winter season,” the DOT reported on dot.nh.gov. This year’s plow names are Wicked Plowah, Plowabunga, The Blizzard Lizard, Winniplowsaukee, Sled Zeppelin, Happy Plowmore, and Skarupa Snow Scoopah.

QOL score: +1

Comment: According to the NHDOT, more than 600 name suggestions were submitted for this year’s contest and there were more than 1,800 votes.

A snack that is its own toothpick

As reported in a Jan.12 online article by New Hampshire Public Radio, the town of Durham has found an innovative solution to dispose of discarded Christmas trees. This year the town sent its trees to Hickory Nut Farm, a goat farm in Lee. As it turns out, unlike many animals, goats can not only digest evergreen needles and twigs but actively enjoy eating them, the article said.

QOL score: +1

Comment: According to the story, the 11 goats can go through two or three trees a day.

A fife and drumroll, please…

Jan. 5 was the 250th anniversary of New Hampshire’s declaring its independence from Great Britain. The first of the 13 colonies to break away from its home country, New Hampshire declared its independence five months before the colonies as a whole. As reported by the Concord Monitor in a Jan. 7 online article, the occasion was marked by a “dramatic reading of the state constitution at a celebration at the New Hampshire State Archives in Concord.”

QOL score: +1

Comments: According to the Monitor story, the document read at the celebration is “just under 1,000 words long, and established the state legislature and democratic elections for a number of positions. It was replaced in 1784 with a second version that remains in effect today.”

QOL score: 52

Net change: +3

QOL this week: 55

What’s affecting your Quality of Life here in New Hampshire?

Let us know at news@hippopress.com.

News & Notes 26/01/15

MLK Day

In the coming days, local organizations will celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day with special programming. In Manchester, the Currier Museum of Art, 150 Ash St., will be open on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Monday, Jan. 19, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and feature curator-led tours of Black American artists in the Currier collection, art-making for all ages and “a keynote presentation with Jada Hebra, Senior Vice President and Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer, Southern New Hampshire University,” according to an email from the museum. See currier.org.

The NH Martin Luther King Jr. Coalition will hold its 2026 MLK Jr. Community Celebration “Uplifting Resistance through Community” on Monday, Jan. 19, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Memorial High School in Manchester featuring a choir, according to mlknh.org.

“Let Freedom Ring for All” will take place Saturday, Jan. 17, from 12:30 to 3 p.m. at the Portsmouth Senior Activity Center, 125 Cottage St. in Portsmouth, according to a press release. The program will feature local musicians and speakers including “Sharon Jones, Randy Armstrong, Kent Ally, Carol Coronis, the Leftist Marching Band, TJ Wheeler, Hatrack Gallagher, Poor Howard Stith, Kiyoshi Imani, Fran Calo, Bruce Pingree, Bob Moore, Katie Hart & the Voices of Hope, David Holt and others,” the release said.

Art contest

The New Hampshire Children’s System of Care, an organization focused on children’s behavioral health care services, is accepting submissions through April 26 for its Magnify Voices Expressive Art Contest for students in grades 5 to 12, according to a press release. The works can be visual art, writing or other media that “express their experience with mental health,” the release said. Submissions can include short videos of two minutes or less, an essay or poem of 1,000 words or less, or visual art such as sculpture, photography, painting or diorama, the release said. An exhibit of the submissions will be featured at a May 27 event at the Kingswood Art Center in Wolfeboro, the release said. A panel of judges will choose 12 finalists who will receive a $250 cash prize, the release said. See nhcsoc.org/participate.

GM leaves

Tim Bechert has left his role as General Manager of the SNHU Arena in downtown Manchester, according to a Jan. 8 press release. “Bechert, who led the facility since its opening in 2001, is transitioning to focus on community-oriented endeavors,” the release said.

Commish retires

New Hampshire Department of Transportation Commissioner William J. “Bill” Cass will retire at the end of February, according to a Jan. 7 press release from the office of Gov. Kelly Ayotte. Cass has worked for the state for 40 years, the release said. “The Governor’s Office will begin an immediate search for a replacement commissioner,” the release said.

Open captions

Red River Theatres in Concord was slated to kick off its Open Caption Wednesdays with screenings on Wednesday, Jan. 14, according to a press release. Wednesdays will feature open captions — on-screen text of dialogue and relevant no-dialogue sounds — on all screenings where the caption files are available, the release said. See redrivertheatres.org.

The Queen City Rotary’s Comedy Bowl will feature Kyle Crawford, Will Noonan and headliner Mark Riley on Saturday, Jan. 31, at St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Manchester, with doors opening at 5 p.m. for a social hour, a buffet dinner at 6:30 p.m., and 7:15 p.m. opening remarks, according to queencityrotary.org, where you can purchase tickets.

A new DMV branch opened to the public on Jan. 12 in the Raymond Shopping Center at 17 Freetown Road in Raymond, replacing the Epping office on Calef Highway, which closed on Jan. 9, according to press releases from the NH Department of Safety. To make an appointment at a DMV office, see dmv.nh.gov.

Big Flavors without the buzz — 01/08/2026

on the cover

Non-alcoholic drink offerings have gone way beyond soda and tea. Alcohol-free versions of gin, tequila and whiskey offer an opportunity to mix up a standard cocktail without the buzz. And mixologists use blends of ingredients to create complex flavors with sweet, savory and herbaceous elements. Above and on the cover, a Lavender Blueberry mocktail that ran as a special at 815 Cocktails & Provisions in Manchester, where Sian Quinn crafts the eatery’s mocktails. Photo courtesy 815 Cocktails & Provisions.

Also on the cover: Michael Witthaus talks to the Free Range Revue about their murder mystery riff Get A Clue (page 12). Michael also talks to guitarist Johnny A. ahead of Beck-Ola, a show celebrating the music of Jeff Beck on Jan. 9 (page 20). And, voting starts Thursday, Jan. 15, in our annual Hippo’s Best of 2026 readers’ poll. Save the date to head to hippopress.com and vote for the area’s best pizza, best hair stylist, best hiking trail and more.

Read the e-edition

News & Notes 26/01/08
A graphic the shape of the state of New Hampshire, filled in with the New Hampshire flag made up of the crest of New Hampshire on a blue field.
260108Featured ContentNews
Museum news As of December, Aviation Museum of New Hampshire, 27 Navigator Road in Londonderry, has joined SEE Science Center ...
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Quality of Life 26/01/08
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An omen for 2026? As reported by WMUR in a Dec. 28 online article, a fireball in the sky was ...
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Go time for Pats
260108NewsSports
The Big Story – Pats Start Playoff March: After going an unexpected 14-3, the Patriots are back in the playoffs, ...
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This Week 26/01/08
The Wrong Hill to Die On logo, a shield and microphone over an orange background.
260108Featured ContentNewsThis Week
Thursday, Jan. 8 The all-woman 1980s hard rock band Vixen performs tonight at 8 p.m. at the Tupelo Music Hall ...
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Big Flavors without the buzz
A yellow flower-topped breakfast mocktail, colored light brown with large pieces of ice.
260108Cover StoriesFeatured Content
Mocktails and non-alcoholic spirits and wine offer grown-up flavors without the booze By John Fladdjfladd@hippopress.com Until relatively recently, your non-alcoholic ...
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Clued in
Photo courtesy of Free Range Revue.
260108Art & TheaterFeatured Content
Popular game and movie merge with drag at BNH Stage event By Michael Witthausmwitthaus@hippopress.com Get a Clue, an upcoming event ...
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Treasure Hunt 26/01/08
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Kiddie Pool 26/01/08
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Family fun for whenever On ice Disney on Ice presents Frozen & Encanto on Thursday, Jan. 8, and Friday, Jan ...
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The Weekly Dish 26/01/08
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260108Food
• Blind tasting with wine experts: As part of New Hampshire Wine Week (NHWineWeek.com), the State Liquor Commission has launched ...
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Consistently Uncommon
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New coffee scene lifts a traditional cafe By John Fladdjfladd@hippopress.com If your restaurant is already considered a hidden gem, how ...
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A podcast experiment goes for the slam dunk By John Fladdjfladd@hippopress.com Nick Sands, the host of the podcast and YouTube ...
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Virgin Mary, Quite Contrary
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It is said that the three hardest things for a man to say are “I was wrong,” “I need help,” ...
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Album Reviews 26/01/08
Alter Bridge, Alter Bridge (Napalm Records) & Diane Coll, Strangely In Tune (self-released)
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Alter Bridge, Alter Bridge (Napalm Records) One could argue that this Orlando, Florida, band amounts to nothing more exciting than ...
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Johnny A. brings Beck-Ola back to Tupelo By Michael Witthausmwitthaus@hippopress.com Growing up, Johnny A. had two favorite bands, The Beatles ...
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The Music Roundup 26/01/08
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• Take a chance: Few tribute acts reach the level of success of Mania! Performing the music of ABBA, their ...
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Kiddie Pool 26/01/08

Family fun for whenever

On ice

  • Disney on Ice presents Frozen & Encanto on Thursday, Jan. 8, and Friday, Jan. 9, at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Jan. 10, at 10:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. at SNHU Arena, 555 Elm St. in Manchester, according to snhuarena.com, where you can find tickets. “Audiences will see Anna, Elsa, Mirabel, and the Madrigal family live, as well as fan favorites Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald, Goofy, and many more,” according to a press release.
  • Get out on the ice yourself. In Concord, outdoor ice skating at White Park Pond (skate rentals are available at The Merrimack Lodge Saturdays and Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m.), the pond at Beaver Meadow Golf Course and Rollins Park are open, weather permitting, according to the city’s Parks and Rec Department Facebook page, where you can find updates.
  • Outdoor ice skating has also begun for the season at Dorrs Pond in Manchester, according to Manchester’s Parks and Recreation Department Facebook page. The warming hut is open Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and on weekends during hours announced each week, according to the post. “All hours are weather permitting” and skaters must provide their own skates, the post said.

Speaking of Concord

  • SPARC — Sports, Play, Arts & Recreation Club — returns for Concord and Penacook residents Saturdays and Sundays, Jan. 10 through March 29, at the City-Wide Community Center, 14 Canterbury Road in Concord, according to the winter Parks and Recreation Department brochure at concordparksandrec.com. Sessions for families and kids 10+ are 2 to 3:30 p.m and for kids ages 10 to 16 from 3:30 to 5 p.m., according to the flyer about the event, which you can also find on the city’s Facebook page.

Speaking of Bruno (or not)

• See Encanto on the big screen on Sunday, Jan. 11, at 2 p.m. The 2021 animated musical screens in Sing-Along format at BNH Stage, 16 S. Main St. in Concord, according to ccanh.com where you can purchase tickets. Doors open at 1 p.m.

This Week 26/01/08

Thursday, Jan. 8

The all-woman 1980s hard rock band Vixen performs tonight at 8 p.m. at the Tupelo Music Hall (10 A St., Derry, 437-5100, tupelomusichall.com). Tickets are $50 through the Music Hall’s website.

Thursday, Jan. 8

Mania! The ABBA Tribute happens tonight at 7:30 p.m. at the Chubb Theatre (44 S. Main St., Concord, 225-1111, ccanh.com). Tickets start at $35.50 through the Capitol Center’s website.

Thursday, Jan. 8

The Rex Theatre (823 Amherst St., Manchester, 668-5588, palacetheatre.org) hosts a Candlelight Concert: Coldplay and Imagine Dragons tonight at 8:30 p.m. This is a multi-sensory musical experience by candlelight. Tickets start at $55 through the Palace Theatre website.

Friday, Jan. 9

Actorsingers Second Stage performsStephen Sondheim’s Company tonight and tomorrow, Jan. 10, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Jan. 11, at 2 p.m. Companyis a 1970 concept musical known for its compelling plot and exploration of marriage and relationships. Tickets start at $32 through the Center’s website. Image above from Actorsingers’ Facebook page.

Saturday, Jan. 10

The Aaron Tolson Dance Institute’s Winter Intensive takes place today at the Dana Center for the Humanities (Saint Anselm College, 100 Saint Anselm Drive, Manchester, anselm.edu). Expand your dance technique and push your limits in this winter intensive. Classes are of intermediate and advanced level. There will be one-hour classes of contemporary, ballet and tap. Visit tickets.anselm.edu.

Saturday, Jan. 10

Watch the opera I Puritaniat the BNH Stage (16 S. Main St., Concord, 225-1111, ccanh.com) today at 1 p.m. simulcast live in HD from the Metropolitan Opera in New York. General admission tickets are $32 through the Capitol Center’s website.

Saturday, Jan. 10

Second Saturday at the Jewel is New Hampshire’s longest-running goth industrial night. Tonight’s show includes performances by DJs Sawtooth, Sapphire, and DIC3-KO from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. at Jewel Music Venue (61 Canal St., Manchester, 819-9336, jewelmusicvenue.com). Tickets are $10.

Tuesday, Jan. 13

The topic of SEE Science Center’s Science on Tap for January is “Progress in Paleontology.” Learn how new technologies including drones, AI, 3D printing and molecular analysis are accelerating advances in the field. Science on Tap takes place at Stark Brewing Co. (500 N. Commercial St., Manchester, 625-4444, starkbrewingcompany.com). Doors open at 5 p.m.; the discussion begins at 6 p.m. This event is free, but registration is recommended at see-sciencecenter.org/science-on-tap-paleontology.

Save the Date! Tuesday, Jan. 20
Hosted by comedians Nick Sands and Alex LaChance, The Wrong Hill to Die On is a live comedy show where comedians go head-to-head defending the worst opinions imaginable. From “traffic lights are government mind control” to “cats should be allowed to vote,” each performer must argue their absurd stance with conviction while hosts and the audience roast, challenge and cheer them on, according to the event description. The Wrong Hill to Die On will take place at Shaskeen Pub (909 Elm St., Manchester, 625-0246, shaskeenirishpub.com), Tuesday, Jan. 20, at 7 p.m. Tickets are $7.18 through eventbrite.com.

Featured photo: The Wrong Hill To Die On.

Quality of Life 26/01/08

An omen for 2026?

As reported by WMUR in a Dec. 28 online article, a fireball in the sky was reported by witnesses in Portsmouth, Nashua and Londonderry on the evening of Saturday, Dec. 27. “There were several other reports made to the American Meteor Society from New Hampshire communities, including Dover, Bedford, Rindge, Hooksett and Jaffrey,” the story read. “Fireballs are meteors that are unusually bright,” the article said. “It’s unlikely that the fireball reached the ground, as most meteors are destroyed high in the atmosphere.”

QOL score: +1 because cool, probably harmless thing in the sky

Comment: View footage of the fireball at youtube.com/shorts/UOwPvE1V6rg.

New laws

Several new state laws go into effect in January, including the much-discussed end of motor vehicle inspections, which will take effect Jan. 31. A Jan. 5 article at New Hampshire Bulletin (newhampshirebulletin.com) noted several other new laws that start this month, including a ban on ambulance “surprise billing” and a requirement that landlords allow non-electronic payment for rent. In addition, some state fees are increasing; it will now cost $11 instead of $6 to register a tractor, for instance. And as of Jan. 1, the article said, “it will be illegal to dump yard waste into any state body of water, on the ice of such water, or on the banks of the water.” It was already illegal to dump many other non-yard waste items in those places.

QOL score: -1, for having to remember new things

Comment: For a more comprehensive list of new laws going into effect, visit newsfromthestates.com/state/new-hampshire.

More flu cases

“As flu cases skyrocket across the country, New Hampshire health officials say cases are also rapidly rising in the Granite State,” a Dec. 30 online report from WMUR read. “Health experts say they expect flu numbers to keep rising,” the WMUR article warned, “because of holiday gatherings and cold weather forcing people inside.” A map provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC.gov) titled “Flu activity levels by state for the week ending December 27” listed New Hampshire’s activity as “Very High.”

QOL score: -1

Comment: Health officials recommend getting vaccinated against the flu to protect against serious illness, the article said.

QOL score: 53

Net change: -1

QOL this week: 52

What’s affecting your Quality of Life here in New Hampshire?

Let us know at news@hippopress.com.

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